May 13, 2008 -- Attorney General Steve Six sent an important notice on May 9, 2008, to all Lawrence Memorial Cemetery consumers who have not received their purchased pre-need merchandise.
The notice states that all consumers who purchased, but did not receive their pre-need merchandise must complete a form included with the letter and return it to the Secretary of State's Office before July 3, 2008, to preserve their claim. If a consumer meets this requirement and did not receive a form, they should call (785) 296-1848 and request a copy.
The Attorney General's Office entered into a settlement agreement with Mike Graham & Associates, owners of the cemetery. As part of the final settlement agreement issued by the district court of Douglas County, the City of Lawrence was the permanent receiver of the cemetery and the merchandise trust fund was transferred to the Attorney General's Office to be used to satisfy all outstanding burial contracts.
Consumers will be reimbursed a portion of the purchase price paid. The amount will be determined by the cost of the purchase, the number of claims returned and the amount of money in the merchandise fund.
The City of Lawrence will fully honor all documented, prepaid grave spaces, mausoleum spaces (including niches), and opening and closing costs at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery. However, the City will not provide tents and equipment in the prepaid opening and closing costs under this agreement.
Claim forms must be postmarked no later than July 3, 2008. Refund checks will be mailed out no later than September 26, 2008.
Consumers should contact the Consumer Protection Division at (800) 432-2310 with additional questions.