Prehistoric Remains Uncovered

Archaeologists are unearthing another fascinating glimpse of the island's prehistoric past. A dig currently being carried out near the Balthane industrial estate in Ballasalla has uncovered remains of Neolithic urns dating back 4,000 years together with later Bronze Age burial cists. Another excavation nearby has unearthed more cremation urns.

Both digs are being carried out by teams from Oxford Archaeology. The site is earmarked for an industrial waste recycling plant.

Four urns had been found with what was very likely to be cremated remains inside and were expected to date to the late Neolithic period. The site featured what had been two or three glacial drumlins with evidence of a river flowing between them. Over the years, the field had been leveled and repeatedly plowed. Only the bases of the urns have survived.

Acidic sands and silt are likely to have completely dissolved any bone material, leaving only the teeth. Tests will be carried out on samples back in the laboratory.

Jarred Hearts Found at Cemetery

A cemetery worker discovered two plastic jars containing human hearts half buried in a remote section of the town's massive cemetery. The jars found at Holy Cross Cemetery in October had photos of young couples taped to them, according to police.

After examining the hearts, the county coroner's office ruled out any sort of foul play in the incident. They said the hearts had previously been autopsied, and there was embalming fluid found. That eliminated the possibility of a homicide.

Investigators are looking at some leads from the pictures; they believe the organs may have been stolen from cadavers in a mortuary.

Police said investigators found partially smoked cigars and candles at the scene next to where the bottles were buried, which has led them and experts to believe that this is part of some sort of religious ritual.

SELECTED RELAUNCHES WEB SITE

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“It's often difficult to make decisions when faced with grief and bereavement,” said John J. Horan, president of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. “That's why it is important for us to offer individuals and families a resource that eases the burden, provides valuable information and connects them with caring professionals who can help when that time comes or when doing research in advance of their needs.”

In addition to a search engine that allows users to locate a member by name, city, state or zip code, the site offers helpful articles and research. “We are very excited to get the newly designed Web site launched, and we're committed to keeping it current and relevant to the people we serve,” said Horan.

For more information, visit www.SelectedFuneralHomes.org or call (800) 323-4219.