New director to visit vet cemetery

Dexter Daily Statesman

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The new director of the state veterans cemetery in Stoddard County will be in the area next week.

Ken Swearengin will visit the future site of the cemetery south of Bloomfield Feb. 20.

According to Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Elder, a public reception will be held from to 2 to 4 p.m. at the Stars and Stripes Museum and Library for people who want to meet Swearengin.

"This is definitely not just for veterans, but it is for anyone who is interested in the new veterans cemetery," Elder said Tuesday.

Swearengin, a retired Air Force master sergeant, was appointed to the post in January.

Elder also said Tuesday that the opening of bids for the construction of the cemetery were delayed from last week and are slated to be opened later this week.

The U.S. Veterans Administration is paying for the project, which is expected to cost between $5.5 and $6 million.