A brand-new flagpole was erected — a project brought to life by the hands, hearts, and shared patriotism of local veterans and community members.

The project began as a simple conversation. Steve Streeter, a member of the Lake City Veterans of Foreign Wars post, brought the idea of a new flagpole to his fellow veterans within the organization. The VFW generously stepped up to fund the entire project.

From there, the grassroots effort truly became a small-town story of neighbors helping neighbors. Lake City resident and veteran Jim Potts, utilizing connections from previous community projects, took charge of sourcing and ordering the flag and pole.

When it came time for the heavy lifting, local veterans Duane Sporleder, Elmer Sporleder, and Bob Beckman rolled up their sleeves. The trio gathered the necessary equipment and supplies to prepare the site, pour the foundation, and physically erect the pole. The spirit of community giving extended beyond town borders when Jared Mohr, of Mohr Concrete in Auburn, caught wind of the project and donated the cement needed to secure the flagpole’s base.

“This building has always been a place where our community gathers, and this new flagpole deepens that connection,” said Duane Sporleder. “Every hand that helped pull this together belongs to someone who loves this country and this town. It was an honor to install it alongside friends and neighbors.”

While Old Glory is now proudly flying, the project isn’t quite finished. Plans are underway to install a solar-powered light fixture at the top of the pole, ensuring the American flag remains illuminated and honored through the night.

In addition to the lighting, a commemorative plaque will eventually be permanently attached to the flagpole. This plaque will serve to recognize and honor a large estate that was generously donated to the building by Marion and Carol Bradley, whose legacy will be formally remembered alongside this enduring symbol of community pride.