Landslide damaged historic Wheeling cemetery where many veterans are buried - WV MetroNews
A landslide caused by recent heavy rains damaged Mount Zion Cemetery near Wheeling, where many veterans are buried.
The landslide occurred on Wednesday.
Mt. Zion Cemetery Corporation President Charles Yoke was at the cemetery Thursday morning and said the landslide went through the middle of the plot and damaged about 25 percent of the 19 acres. He fears more damage as rain is expected soon.
"I think there may be more," Yoke told MetroNews. "I was sitting there this morning and I saw little clumps on the ground moving around."
Yoke says 400 veterans are buried in the cemetery, including some from the Civil War.
According to Yock, the landslide only affected the top few inches of soil and the damage appears to have been limited to the headstones, but a closer look when the weather clears could reveal other damage.
"He didn't do anything to the vaults," Yoke said. "I think it collapsed down and slid across the grass and took probably 100 or 150 headstones with it."
Yoke recognized the efforts of Rep. Del. Sean Fluharty, D-Ohio, who planned to seek help from U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin. Manchin visited Wheeling on Thursday.
"When you see the pictures, it's very striking and causes everyone concern," Fluharty said. "But it's good to know that we have a U.S. Senator who will roll up his sleeves and get things done, and I really hope that Senator Manchin and his office will step up and help us."
Manchin issued the following statement to MetroNews:
"I continue to monitor the situation at Mount Zion Cemetery after a large landslide washed away nearly 200 headstones Wednesday morning. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all West Virginians who have relatives or loved ones buried in this cemetery, and I stand ready to help the people of Wheeling in any way I can."
A local gas drilling company also responded to the call for help and offered their assistance. As a volunteer organization that maintains the cemetery, they have a few questions before moving equipment into the disturbed area of the cemetery.
"They have equipment that can get up there and start working, but first we have to go through all the channels to figure out what needs to be done," Yoke said.
Yoke said there is not really a time frame for repairing the damage. Rather, there are two timelines: one to identify funds, one to engage a contractor, and then a schedule submitted by the contractor.
"It could take two months or six months to get started," Yoke said. "It all depends on what kind of people, construction companies and money we can attract to start the work."
Since 2015, the cemetery has been under the management of Mt. Zion Cemetery Corporation.