As a potential new owner of Tigra USA researched the surrounding area for future growth, it was discovered that a cemetery may once have been located near the building. Plans are underway to locate any remains and move them to a more appropriate site.

Notice has gone out about the project in order to locate possible relatives of those interred in the cemetery before county commissioners will give permission for the move. The location is in the county industrial park, much of which has been annexed by West Jefferson, but the Tigra property has not been annexed by the town.

Ashe County Planning Director Zach Edwardson reported recently to the commissioners that research indicates the cemetery may have 18 remains.

“Up to the 1950s, Ashe County ran a