LEWISTOWN – The Lewistown Borough Council recently unveiled plans to revive its Military Banner Program, offering residents a renewed opportunity to honor local service members.

Borough Manager Kim Zimmerman presented the initiative during last Wednesday’s council meeting, outlining key changes and improvements for this second iteration.

Zimmerman announced the borough’s decision to manage the program internally this time, departing from the previous approach of using an outside vendor. “We’re doing it in-house now,” he explained, signaling a shift toward greater local control and potentially reduced costs.

The program aims to display banners featuring local military personnel throughout Lewistown. These banners serve as visual tributes to the community’s service members, past and present.

Katelyn Rauch, a borough employee, and Zimmerman spearhead the project. Her role involves coordinating various aspects of the program, from design to production and installation. This internal management allows for more direct oversight and potentially quicker response to community needs.

Zimmerman revealed the borough secured a partnership with the same banner producers who created displays for the local pool. This collaboration builds on an existing relationship, potentially streamlining the production process.

During the meeting, council members viewed an image showcasing the proposed layout. While specific design details weren’t discussed in depth, the sample apparently met with approval from those present.

One of the most significant developments in this second round is the reduced cost. Zimmerman reported the new banners will cost approximately $60 each, a substantial decrease from the previous iteration. “Other companies were charging $150,” he noted, highlighting the financial benefit of the borough’s new approach.

To achieve these cost savings, the borough partnered with the UPS store and Penn State. This collaboration allows Lewistown to leverage local resources and educational institutions, potentially fostering stronger community ties while keeping costs low for participants.

While the program’s return generated enthusiasm, several questions remain unanswered. At the meeting, Council didn’t specify the criteria for inclusion on a banner or detail the application process. It also lacked information about the duration of banner displays or plans for maintenance and replacement.

As the program moves forward, community engagement will play a crucial role. Zimmerman indicated plans to advertise the program once proofs and materials are finalized. This outreach

phase presents an opportunity for the borough to gather input from residents and fine-tune the program’s details.

Several key steps remain before the Borough rolls out the program. Finalizing the design, establishing clear application procedures, and determining the exact number and location of banners are all crucial elements yet to be publicly addressed.

The program’s success will likely depend on clear communication with the community, efficient management of the application and production process, and careful consideration of how the banners integrate into Lewistown’s streetscape.

As Lewistown embarks on this second round of its Military Banner Program, it joins a nationwide movement of communities seeking to honor their service members in visible, meaningful ways. The program’s implementation and reception will offer valuable insights for other small towns considering similar initiatives.