On the other hand, the supportive response from state and local officials, as well as neighbors, gave Robert Thelen, and his father Michael Neuberger, a reason to smile as well, even if the suspected underlying motive continues to bother them. WAUKESHA - For a local family, a sign-and-flag-burning incident at their village home certainly provided reason enough for angst, drawn out by their feeling the vandalism was generated by hate and politics.