08/01/11
    
     ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) - Soggy ground and recent heavy rainfall are
forcing some cemeteries in the Aberdeen area to delay burials.
     South Dakota cemeteries typically delay burials during the
winter months, but this year's delays have lasted long past the
time the ground has thawed.
     Riverside Memorial Park sexton Kathie Allstot says that the facility
is delaying five burials.
     The area had near-record snowfall this winter, and downpours
this spring and summer have added moisture.
     Allstot says trying to do bury in the current conditions would
be like trying "to dig a grave in a bowl of pudding."
     Sunset Memorial Cemetery east of Aberdeen is doing some burials,
but not in all parts of the cemetery.
     Hecla cemetery has had no burials all summer, and two are
currently being delayed.