Poll: Should LIPA charge for flags on poles?
It was an opportunity for the people of Shelter Island to honor a fallen hero and his comrades by displaying the American flag. Along the way, however, LIPA managed to infuriate local lawmakers by enforcing a little-known fee to hang those flags on utility poles.
As town officials were making plans last month to commemorate a native son -- Army Lt. Joseph Theinert, who was killed June 4, 2010, by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan -- they said they received a call from a Long Island Power Authority representative. He told them of a $5-per-pole annual fee to hang flags along the parade route to be traveled by Theinert's troop members as part of last weekend's ceremonies.

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.