For the first time in nearly two decades, the gilded ball at the top of the Main Street flagpole has been knocked off its post. And now it is missing.

A truck driver hit the pole late Tuesday afternoon, and one witness reportedly saw the 16-inch-diameter golden ball "fly out toward Trinity Church," according to Keeper of The Flagpole David Lydem, who spoke with The Newtown Bee on October 18. Police searched for the missing item on Wednesday, October 17, and again Thursday morning, but its location remains unknown.

A steeplejack will need to be hired to replace the orb, and an electrician will be called in to repair damage done to the pole's lights, said Mr Lydem, who would love to have to damaged ball returned.

It is hardly the first time a driver has hit the flagpole, but one of the rare occasions where the impact led to such damage.

"This is the first time since 1993 or so that someone hit the flagpole and actually knocked the ball off," said Mr Lydem, who is already making plans to repair the landmark. Renovations to the flagpole are usually funded through the efforts of the retired Newtown Police Department lieutenant, who appointed himself unofficial caretaker of the flagpole in 1983.

"We will have to go after these folks to pay for the repairs," said Mr Lydem. "I haven't had to try to get money from an insurance company since 1993, but that's who we are hoping will cover the costs for this."

Anyone who has information on where the missing flagpole topper is located, or who finds it themselves, can contact Mr Lydem at 203-426-5495 or The Newtown Bee at 203-426-3141. If found, the ball can also be dropped off at The Bee's office at 5 Church Hill Road.