IOLA — A prominent 5-foot-by-8-foot nylon American flag that flew along State Highway 49 in the Village of Iola was cut down and stolen over the weekend, prompting a police investigation, security upgrades, and a substantial reward offer from a local attorney.
The theft occurred outside the Pine Crest Office Building at 105 Pinecrest Lane, home to the law firm Omholt & Forsythe, S.C., between 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.
Attorney David L. Forsythe discovered the missing flag when he arrived at his office Saturday morning to check the mail.
"When I came in on Saturday morning, the American flag was gone," Forsythe said. "The 250 flag which flew underneath it was laying on the ground, but all the wrapping and rope was all tied up on the pole. I brought what I had left of it into the office and I could see that it was cut. Someone had to cut that flag down on two parts, below it and above it, and took off."
The thief left behind the smaller America 250th Anniversary flag unharmed on the ground. The flagpole site is situated directly along busy State Highway 49 and is well-illuminated at night by building and flagpole lighting. No other property vandalism was reported.
"It's pretty bold—right on State Highway 49 here with the flagpole being lit and the lights on the building," Forsythe noted. "There was no other vandalism or anything like that. I don't think someone would have had it in their head as a spur of the moment thing."
Disheartened, not angry
Rather than expressing anger, Forsythe emphasized that his primary reaction was disappointment for the broader community.
"I'm not mad or anything, John. I'm just disheartened," Forsythe explained in an interview. "If somebody wanted an American flag that bad and they didn't have any money, if they would have asked me, I probably would have bought one for them and given it to them. Now, that's the kind of person I am."
In a written statement released through his legal assistant, Melissa Diestler, Forsythe highlighted the broader symbolic impact of the crime.
"If whoever did this thinks that taking it took away from me—that's not true," Forsythe said. "They took away from the village. They took away from the county. They took away from the country. They didn't take away from me. It's disheartening."
Police investigation & reward offered
An official police report has been filed, and the theft remains under active investigation by the Village of Iola Police Department. Information regarding the theft has also been shared across local community networks, including the 'Iola Happenings' community page.
Forsythe announced a "no questions asked" policy if the flag is returned promptly. In addition, he is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the apprehension of the person responsible and the recovery of the flag.
Security upgrades and a replacement flag
In 25 years at his Highway 49 location, Forsythe said he has never felt the need to install security cameras.
"I've never kept cameras here at my office. I've never had a problem ever on Highway 49," Forsythe said. "Got a few deer eating flowers out of the flower pot, but that's about it. But now I'll learn from my lesson here and get my cameras to point at the intersection before I put my new flag up."
Forsythe confirmed that a new 5-foot-by-8-foot nylon flag and replacement rigging have already been ordered. The new flag will be raised once internet-connected security cameras are fully operational.
Despite the setback, Forsythe expressed resilience and determination to keep moving forward.
"We have a little bump in the road, I guess, is what we'll call it," Forsythe said. "It's not going to stay in my way. We're going to get up every day and do the best we can. It's that simple."
A community tradition established in June
The stolen flag was originally raised during a community dedication ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2026, ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations and the annual Iola Car Show. Coverage of the dedication event appeared in the June 20 edition of the Waupaca County Post.
HOW TO REPORT INFORMATION OR RETURN THE FLAG
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