It's a story of all's well that ends well.
The 100-foot flagpole at the Bandon Rural Fire Department that was destroyed by a lightning strike during a wind and rain storm on Feb. 22 has been replaced. The new flagpole flew the department's large flag on Flag Day, June 14, and a few times after that.
Bandon Fire Chief Lanny Boston, who initially said he would not replace the flagpole with another 100-footer, later changed his mind, partly due to the public's outcry. It didn't hurt that the flagpole was covered by the department's insurance.
A few weeks later, someone took the ball from the top of the flagpole that was on the ground near its base.