Shawnee, Oklahoma, December 22, 2023 – It is a little-known fact that the Fairview Mausoleum is owned and operated by the Fairview Mausoleum Association, which is a privately owned, for-profit entity and the sole proprietor and operator for the Mausoleum located within the City’s Fairview Cemetery.

Through years of neglect by the Association, the Mausoleum has structurally deteriorated to such a degree that it poses a health and safety risk to the public. Furthermore, it also offends the sanctity and tranquility of those interred in the Mausoleum. The City of Shawnee therefore requested, and was granted by the District Court of Pottawatomie County, an order restricting the Fairview Mausoleum Association from selling additional crypts and from carrying-out further burials.

In recognition of the need to protect the community against the health and safety risks, the City of Shawnee has closed the Mausoleum to the public. In addition, the City of Shawnee has initiated legal proceedings against the owner of the Fairview Mausoleum in the District Court of Pottawatomie County. Based on the Mausoleum’s current condition, the City has specifically asked the Court to declare that the Fairview Mausoleum constitutes a public nuisance and must be addressed. The City of Shawnee has also petitioned the Court to be appointed as the commissioner responsible for overseeing the abatement. The City of Shawnee is currently considering various alternatives for the Fairview Mausoleum, which will acquire Court approval.

“The City of Shawnee’s heart goes out to those families whose loved ones are affected,” said Ed Bolt, Mayor of Shawnee. “The City will work closely with community members and the County Court to find a solution.”

The City will provide future updates to the community as additional information becomes available.

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