Carlton VFW flag stolen

The Carlton VFW would like its American flag back.

Carlton VFW manager Cody Solem said the bartender at the veterans organization at 124 Chestnut in Carlton realized something was wrong with the flags on a Sunday morning a few days after a break-in Feb. 5 at the Four Seasons Sports Complex in Carlton.

Solem said when he got to work, he found that someone had stolen the U.S. flag, but left the POW flag behind.

“The rope was cut straight across, and our flag was attached using carabiners and grommets,” Solem said. “If it was just the wind ripping it off, the carabiners and grommets would still be on (the rope).

The 5x7-foot flag would be easy to identify, he said, noting that the brand is pretty unique and a member’s wife stiched all the way around the flag so it wouldn’t fray. Anyone with information is asked to call the VFW at 218-384-3794.

Solem said the VFW is nervous about putting up another flag only to have it stolen again. “It’s one of those strange things. It’s election time, but also coincidental that it happened right after the Four Seasons was broken into.”

At Four Seasons, someone forced their way in and took an unknown amount of cash. Anyone with information is asked to call the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office at 218-384-3236.