Flags Flying

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Eagle Scout project of a young Chester man has resulted in an impressive patriotic display for the City of Chester. Jeffrey Beers, age 18, is a recent graduate of Chester High School and the son of Jim and Vicki Beers. Jeffrey's plan for his project began on Veterans Day, 2009, when he realized the need to display more flags in Chester on patriotic holidays. He finalized his plan, received approval from the local Boy Scout troop, presented the plan at a Chester City Council meeting for approval, and then presented the project at the Lewis and Clark Council Roundtable. The actual work began in January and Jeff had assistance from fellow Scouts, Scout leaders, his family and his friends. The work was underway to continue the project started by Kyle Mathis to provide flags and mounting spaces from Stacey Street to the Courthouse. Several years ago, Kyle completed an Eagle Scout project to provide flags and mounting for the area near Chester City Hall, Hardees, and continuing past the Moose Lodge on Stacey Street.

Jeff and his crew measured and marked every 15 feet on both sides of the street from Stacey Street to the Courthouse and had to request a J.U.L.I.E. call on the entire area as some locations were affected by underground utilities. A total of 161 new flags and poles were purchased. The nylon flags are 3'x 5' attached to 8 foot wooden poles. Jeffrey was responsible for staining all the poles, drilling holes in the poles and fastening all 161 flags to the poles. After the curbside locations were marked, Chester Street Superintendent Randy Eggemeyer supervised and city employee Todd Yankey assisted with the biggest job of drilling the holes for the mounting of the flags.

Jeff visited local organizations, described his project and requested monetary support to purchase the flags. The project was funded through generous donations from Chester Veterans' organizations, local organizations, individuals and businesses. The flags were purchased through Representative Costello's office at government price. Additional donations to cover the cost of the project are still welcome and can be sent to Jeffrey.

The flags are displayed on Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July and Veterans Day. Scout leader Richard Brueggemann is the coordinator for putting out the flags and he is assisted by local Scouts and their families when needed. The local Scout Troops include Troop 305, Troop 347, Troop 316 and Cub Scout Pack 316. Troop 305 is responsible for flags. Throughout this project, Jeff was guided by Scout Master Paul Rahlfs and Advancement Leader Cherie Diercks.

The City of Chester applauds Jeffrey for this impressive patriotic project. The efforts of Jeff, Kyle, the generous volunteers, the generous monetary donors and the dedicated Scout Leaders and Scouts will benefit Chester for many years.