Bill Graham / The Meridian StarTony Lowman has taken on the responsibility for maintaining his loved ones' graves at Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery on Hwy. 80. State officials are hopeful the sale of the neglected cemetery, as well the sale of Magnolia Cemetery, are on the horizon.

The sale of two neglected Meridian cemeteries could come soon, according to Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.

Hosemann said he learned Tuesday morning that William “Bill” Arlinghaus, owner of Magnolia Cemetery and Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery, had filed paperwork to reinstate his business, Greenscape Michigan, Inc., clearing the path for the properties to be sold. For Arlinghaus to sell the cemeteries, the company had to be reinstated.

Hosemann said a valid purchaser has been located and the contract has been approved by his office, but he didn’t go into details or name the buyer. Now, finalization of the sale depends on Arlinghaus meeting the terms of the contract.

“I think it’s a positive sign,” Hosemann said about the case.

The state of Mississippi first took legal action against Arlinghaus in June, following complaints at Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery, at 9590 Old Highway 80 W, and Magnolia Cemetery, at 2638 23rd Ave about neglect.

Families complained to the Hosemann’s office about footstones they paid for and never received, overgrown grass and graves in need of attention. When the state investigated, it found $33,000 missing in perpetual need trust funds. The state requested an injunction against Arlinghaus for neglect at the two cemeteries and that injunction was granted in August.

As part of that injunction, Arlinghaus had to submit weekly reports about the collections of previously sold cemetery goods and services, internments and entombment sales. The state does not have full control over the budget for the cemeteries, nor does the injunction prevent Arlinghaus from burying the dead, the Secretary of State’s office said in October.

The state said Arlinghaus had complied with the court order in October, but since then Arlinghaus has failed to file the weekly reports, Hosemann said Tuesday, forcing his office to accuse Arlinghaus of contempt of court. That case is scheduled to be heard May 23, Hosemann said.