Carrollton unveils new flag pole
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By Carmen Ensinger
Submitted photo
It might look like just a pole to some, but to Carrollton fans, it is long overdue. After five years without a flag pole, this 45-foot flag pole was installed last Thursday at the south end of the football field and will fly an eight foot by 12-foot American flag for the playoff game between Carrollton and Shelbyville this Saturday.
When Carrollton plays host to Shelbyville this Saturday in first round playoff action, it is possible there might be as many Carrollton fans there to see the inaugural unveiling of the new Carrollton football field flagpole and flag as there are to see the Carrollton Hawks play football in the post season.
Ironically, it really wasn’t an issue until about a month ago when a post was made on social media about Carrollton not having a flag pole flying the American flag. Carrollton did have an American flag for those to salute during the playing of the National Anthem before the start of the game flying near the crow’s next.
The original flag pole was taken down around five years ago after it was damaged in a storm and it was never replaced – until now.
Suddenly, the flag near the crows next wasn’t adequate. At the last home game, the Carrollton Fire Department brought their ladder truck to the game, extended the ladder and flew the American flag from the top of the extended ladder.
But, come Saturday, there will be no need to do that again. Superintendent Mark Halwachs said the district has raised donations to purchase the flagpole and is still taking donations for the installation, which he estimates will be between $500 and $1,000.
Halwachs said weather was a big factor in getting the pole installed.
“I don’t think people realize what a project this is,” he said. “This is a huge flag pole – 45-footer – this is the cadillac of flag poles and it took a boom truck to bring it in to hoist it up.”
According to Halwachs, the rain made the ground too soft for the heavy truck to get into the back portion of the field. Once it was dry enough, a very, very deep hole had to be dug, filled with sand and cement and then the pole set.
The cost of the pole was $2,750 with another $250 for shipping. All of the money has come from fundraising and donations. It will fly an eight foot by 12-foot American flag.
Halwachs wanted to thank those who have made donations. They include: Jim and Debbie Banghart, CTS Corporation, Carrollton American Legion Post, Assured Partners for Cornerstone, In Memory of Bob and MaryAnn Richey, Eldred American Legion Auxiliary, Jeff and Bernie Faul, Sons of the American Legion Eldred Post, Travis Peters, Carolyn Foiles, Mark Halwachs and royalty checks from stores selling Hawk gear.
