CITY SEEKS HEIRS TO PRE-1926 CEMETERY LOTS

The City of Blair is currently undertaking a long-term effort to identify abandoned cemetery lots purchased prior to 1926 which do not have clear title transferring them to living descendants and to reclaim them for resale. This process is intended to ensure legal cemetery ownership is followed, to prevent future misunderstandings regarding burial rights, and to make unused spaces available for future generations. City officials emphasize that the goal is not to deprive anyone of burial spaces they are legally entitled to, but rather to establish legal authorization for families with unused grave spaces to legally own and use those spaces. In many cases, families purchased multiple burial spaces generations ago with the expectation that future family members would continue to reside in the Blair area and eventually use all the spaces. Over the decades, descendants may have relocated, passed away and buried elsewhere, or been unaware that ownership of cemetery deeds does not automatically transfer to another family member upon death. As a result, some burial spaces have remained unused for many years while ownership records no longer reflect current heirs or family contacts. Under Nebraska State Law, cemetery lots may eventually be declared abandoned if no ownership information can be verified. The City is asking anyone who believes they may have an ownership interest in listed burial spaces to contact the City Clerk’s Office. For the full process please visit the dedicated webpage on our website https://www.blairne.gov/.../Cemetery-Burial-Space... . Due to the anticipated volume of inquiries, residents are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office in writing to allow staff adequate time for research. Emails can be sent to cityclerk@blairne.gov