State changes mind on how to handle Darrington graves in highway right-of-way

Correction: The state Department of Transportation did not tell Darrington it would be required to relocate two 90-year-old graves that are in the right-of-way for Highway 530. The department had asked Darrington to set up a $5,000 administrative fund to be drawn on as the town and state negotiated a resolution. On Wednesday, however, transportation officials decided to sell the land to the town for $1,000 and charge a $500 administrative fee. Darrington Mayor Joyce Jones on Thursday said she misunderstood the situation the town faced. A story and headline that appeared on Page 1 Thursday incorrectly described the town’s dilemma.

DARRINGTON — The thought of being ordered to dig up and move two 90-year-old graves in the town cemetery didn’t sit well with Mayor Joyce Jones.

Neither did the idea that her struggling little town would have to fork over $5,000 to the state Department of Transportation for work the state did to determine that a narrow slice of the cemetery is in the right-of-way of state Highway 530.

Jones was angry.

“We have no money, and I don’t want our cemetery disturbed,” she said.

Last summer volunteers installed a new sign at the cemetery, which sits along the highway at the entrance to Darrington. During that process, the state warned the town that the sign was close to the right-of-way.

Earlier this month an official with the state Department of Transportation told town officials that an informal land survey had been completed and two graves would have to be moved out of the right-of-way.

It was the same reaction the state would’ve had to any property owner encroaching onto the road’s right-of-way, said transportation department spokeswoman Meghan Pembroke.

“We are responsible for that right-of-way,” Pembroke said.

Town administrator Lyla Boyd began contacting Darrington’s lawyer, its insurance company and state officials to inquire about the possibility of swapping state some town-owned property across the highway for the land where the graves are.

The cemetery doesn’t generate any income, and the town has no money to play with, Boyd said.

On Wednesday, when questioned about the issue, state transportation officials backed down.

“It was decided that moving graves is not a good solution,” Pembroke said.

In addition, Transportation Department property officials announced that the state doesn’t need the trade offered by the town.

Darrington now has only to pay the state $1,000 to buy the 8-by-500-foot piece of property at the cemetery and a $500 administrative fee to transfer ownership.

“That’s much more reasonable,” Boyd said. “In principle, we really shouldn’t have to do even that, but … yippee. We’re relieved.”

Jones said she’s just happy no graves will be disturbed.

“Goodness!” she said.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Edmonds Police Chief Loi Dawkins speaks after the city council approved her appointment on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds City Council confirms new police chief

Assistant Chief Loi Dawkins will begin in the role Aug. 1. She has more than 23 years of law enforcement experience, including three years in Edmonds.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

The Edmonds City Council discuss the levy during a city council meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds votes to place levy lid lift on the ballot

By a vote of 5-2, the council decided to put the $14.5 million property tax levy lid lift to voters in November.

A trash hauler from Republic Services. (Provided photo)
Growing Teamsters strike disrupts garbage pickup in Snohomish County

Republic Services said a temporary work stoppage is causing some customers in the county to experience “temporary service delays.”

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

‘Courageous’ teen dives into Silver Lake to rescue 11-year-old

Gauge Bryant, 13, brought the child to the surface. The 11-year-old is in stable but critical condition, authorities said.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.