PREBLE COUNTY — Brandon Kelly of Boy Scout Troop 40 from Liberty, Indiana recently completed cemetery restoration for his Eagle Scout project.

The Roberts-Halderman Cemetery in Washington Township in Preble County, was in disrepair with overgrown trees, brush, and broken stones. Kelly is 17 and from the eighth generation of Haldermans buried in the cemetery.

The project began when Kelly contacted Washington Township trustee James Ferriell, who provided support to begin the process. Seventeen volunteers participated in clearing out the brush, as well as cutting down tress and replacing, repairing, and painting the iron fence surrounding the cemetery.

Cindy and Dave Nicols of Connersville, Indiana donated their time to show workers how to professionally clean and repair the gravestones. A new sign was posted at the entrance of the cemetery.

The work took over 257 hrs to complete.

After completing his board of review, Kelly will be awarded the Eagle Scout award which is the highest award in Boy Scouts.