NORWICH – For over a month now, the flagpole in West Park has stood bare and unadorned, ever since the Memorial Day theft of the 10 by 15 foot American flag that once flew there.

Shortly after the flag’s theft, Frontier employee Justin Matteson spoke with Julie Gates, director, Chenango County Department of Buildings and Grounds. When he learned the county had no extra money budgeted for another flag, he reached out to his fellow co-workers at Frontier, asking for donations.

The response, said Matteson, was overwhelming.

“When I decided to take up a collection to purchase a new flag on behalf of the local Frontier employees, I had no idea or expectation that we would surpass the amount needed to purchase this special, heavy-duty flag,” he added.