City Hall took possession of Memorial Park Cemetery this morning, after a Douglas County judge signed an order dissolving the rights of the much-criticized previous owner.

City crews got right to work, trimming dead trees and cutting grass in the cemetery, where relatives have complained about shoddy maintenance.

“Our main goal is to get it ready for Memorial Day,” said City Manager Mike Wildgen, who hopped on a riding mower to help cut grass.

The cemetery, 1517 E. 15th St., was owned by Houston-based Mike Graham & Associates. Problems at the cemetery first came to light in August when about two dozen people told the Journal-World that the cemetery was mowed infrequently and roads and trees were not properly maintained.

Throughout the summer and fall, complaints also were leveled that graves were being left unmarked for extended periods because the company was not installing tombstones in a timely manner.

Douglas County Judge Robert Fairchild signed the order this week, finding that Mike Graham and Associates “have engaged in unconscionable acts violative of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act,” and dissolving the company’s corporate charter.

“The receiver of the assets, funds and property … is to the treasurer of the city of Lawrence,” Fairchild ordered.