WTOV News: Half-staff, upside-down flag at local McDonald’s raises eyebrows

-By Adam Del Rosso and  NEWS9

November 7, 2012- FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. - Much attention is being directed to a flag that was flying at half-mast and upside down outside of a Brooke County restaurant on Wednesday morning.

The flag at the McDonald's on state Route 2 in Follansbee was taken down around 11:30 a.m.

While most would consider it a sign of disrespect, it is also the signal for distress. And now, many people are questioning if the display is a protest of the election results.

A NEWS9 reporter called the restaurant Wednesday morning, and a person who answered the phone said it was the owner's decision. NEWS9 was not able to reach the store owner. However, a person who identified herself as the owner called the NEWS9 newsroom and said the employee was mistaken, and the flag was flown upside down by mistake.

In addition, a post on the Fans of WTOV9 Facebook page stated, "I just want to say: I am a manager at that McDonald's. The flag was to be flown at half-staff as per McDonald's Corporation. As for it being flown upside down--it was a complete and total accident. NO ONE at our store would PURPOSELY fly the flag upside down. Our flag pole is actually broken, and we are unable to move the flag."

FULL STORY & VIDEO HERE: