by Mari Radtke
The American Legions serving three of the communities of South O’Brien joined forces to raise the money needed for a very proud, patriotic project. The fundraising effort goal for this motorized flag project is $6800 for the 12’ x 18’ motorized flag plus the cost of installation. O’Brien County Community Foundation presented the Legions and South O’Brien Activities Director Heath Reichle with a check for $7500 toward that project. Reichle credits Cody Craig, Paullina’s representative to the county foundation with the award.
A baked potato supper to support this project is scheduled for Sunday March 30 at the Paullina Legion. Projects under considertion for use with any funds raised above the cost of the flag and installation are additional flags or scholarship funds.
The project is the large flag to be installed on motorized rollers in the ceiling of the South O’Brien Competition gym, currently known as the West Gym. After the building project, the west gym will remain as the district’s competition gym. The flag will unfurl from its ceiling perch in 10-15 seconds for the playing of the national anthem. At the end of the tribute, the flag will be raised into it storage position in the same 10-15 seconds.
Reichle said, “It is a cool project. I’m thankful to the Legion to help us out and support it.” The installation is expected to be complete sometime this summer.