NORTH WEBSTER - Could having flags line the main street through a town draw attention to it?

The Lakeland Kiwanis Club hopes so.

The service organization was given the green light Wednesday from the North Webster Town Council to go ahead with its plans to put North Webster "on the map."

Kiwanian Bill Beuoy told the council that the club hopes to purchase 100 flags and poles to place along Ind. 13 from Crystal Flash Road to Ace Hardware - pretty much the town limits along the state highway.

Permanent "sockets," which the poles can be dropped into, would be placed along the roadway for displaying Old Glory. Beuoy said the club would obtain permission from property owners before a flag is placed.

The purpose of the project is to display pride and patriotism and to gain recognition for the community, perhaps becoming known as "Flag City USA" or "All American Town," according to information provided by the Kiwanis.

Plans are to fly the flags on Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4, VJ Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving. The flags could possibly be displayed during the Mermaid Festival as well. Residents and businesses will be encouraged to display their flags on those days, too.

To get the project started, the Kiwanis hope to raise about $6,000 through solicitation of organizations, businesses and individuals. The group hopes to purchase three-sectioned 15-foot poles and 3- by 5-foot flags. Because of a lack of storage, the group also hopes that businesses will be willing to provide space when the flags are not being used. Kiwanis members will put up and take down the flags and poles.

In other business, the council will consider budgeting money for a park attendant next summer in light of recent vandalism at the lakefront park.

Toilets have been plugged with newspapers and magazine, and sinks were stopped up and left running until they overflowed, flooding the facility.

Town officials noted the vandalism seems to be taking place during the day. It was also noted that a lot of kids have been in the park without adult supervision, which is a violation of park rules.

In the meantime, police patrols will be stepped up in the area as a deterrent to the vandalism.

Also, the council regretfully accepted the resignation of K-9 officer Todd Bough. "We're sorry to see him go, but wish him the best of luck," said council president Myron Clark.

Bough has taken a position with the Noblesville Police Department. His last day at North Webster is June 19.

Four applicants for Bough's replacement will be interviewed prior to next month's meeting. The council hopes to swear in a new officer on July 16.

In other matters, the council:

• Approved a park board request to replace playground equipment at the park. The new unit will cost $5,300 and will be paid for from the park operating fund.

• Authorized Clark to sign the contract for infrastructure work at the senior citizen housing site pending receipt of money or a letter of credit from Indiana Housing Assistance. All grant money was received Wednesday, but the $97,000 in matching funds is not yet available. A preconstruction meeting is set for June 23.

• Offered support to the Church of God for a variance request it will present at the Board of Zoning Appeals' next meeting. The church is undertaking an expansion project.

The next meeting is at 7 p.m. July 16 in the town hall. [[In-content Ad]]