Flagpole dedicated in memory of Joe Schaler at the Logan County Fairground

[September 12, 2024]  At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11th, a dedication was held at a recently installed flagpole at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

This flagpole was dedicated in honor of Joe Schaler, founder of the Central Illinois Veterans Commission (CIVC) and a pillar of the Logan County community. Schaler passed away this past May.

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch, Ret. Col. Jim Allen, Marsha Fernandes, Senator Sally Turner, Annie Coers

Several people important to our community were present for the dedication, including Senator Sally Turner, former Judge Tom Funk, Kim Turner, and Mayor Tracy Welch. In total, about a dozen people were present.

The dedication started with a prayer led by CIVC board member Marsha Fernandes. After the prayer, CIVC board member Jim Allen spoke for a bit about Schaler and his legacy, stating that his legacy lives on. In addition to founding the CIVC, which has built (and is in the process of building) many tiny homes for veterans around Logan County, Schaler was also on the board of directors for Regional Housing and Supportive Services (RHSS). RHSS is the organization in charge of developing and operating Hope on 5th.

Senator Turner then presented a flag to Fernandes that was folded and placed in a flag case. This flag was previously flown over the Illinois State Capitol and was presented for CIVC to hang up in their office by the citizens of the 44th district.

RHSS Board Members

If you would like to see this flagpole and the plaque that is at its base, it is located at the south gate entrance to the Logan County Fair Ground, on the south side of the racetrack.

[Matt Boutcher]