COLUMBIA SPY: Local scout shows patriotism with Eagle Scout project

Ever wonder what to do with your old Stars and Stripes when it's time to get a new flag? Columbia's Shane Kinser has the answer. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Shane has designed and built a used flag deposit box for the collection of used, worn-out flags.

The 14-year-old scout, who is registered with Troop 66, started the process of getting ideas and approvals in January 2015, and all materials were donated by local businesses, including Lancaster Newspapers, South 16th Street Garage, Garage Boyz Powder Coating, Leahy Excavating, Musser's Supply, and Blue Line Graphics. Shane's current leadership position is Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in the combined scouting effort of Troops 35/66.

According to Wikipedia:

"The Eagle Scout Service Project, or more simply the Eagle Scout Project, is the opportunity for a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or qualified Venturer in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of his community. This is the culmination of the Eagle Scout candidate's leadership training, and it requires a significant effort on his part. The project must benefit an organization other than the BSA, but it cannot be performed for an individual or a business or be commercial in nature."

The deposit box was recently installed on the front lawn of the Columbia-Middletown Lodge #1074 on the 400 block of Chestnut Street. A dedication ceremony will be held there on January 24 at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.