On Monday, September 12, it was brought to our attention that the newly placed columbarium in the Bardstown City Cemetery had been damaged, most likely by vandalism. A Bardstown resident observed the damage while walking through the cemetery on Saturday, September 10^th and reported it to both the Bardstown Police Department and the Mayor’s Office. Fortunately, the columbarium is a recent addition to the cemetery, and no ashes or remains were interred in it at the time of the vandalism.

In addition to being a morally disgraceful act, according to Kentucky law, the violation of graves amounts to a Class D felony. As such, on Tuesday, September 13, the City Council approved a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the damage. Mayor Dick Heaton also pledged to personally match the reward with an additional $1,000, bringing the current total reward to $2,000.

It is believed the vandalism occurred on Saturday, September 10^th. Anyone who may have information regarding the vandalism is asked to contact the Bardstown Police Department by calling (502) 348-6811.