PIERCETON - The community watched as the town councilmen completed a project 4-1/2 years in the making. The dedication of the Pierceton Senior Citizen Center took place at 2 p.m. Saturday followed by short speeches and a ribbon-cutting.

Trays of cookies greeted guests along with members of the Senior Citizens Club, a small group that will run the center. The latest public building, which also houses the town's EMS, the police and utility offices and vehicles, began with a crash when, in July 1996, the brick Perry Building settled itself in a heap at the corner of First and Market streets.

The property remained roped off while the out-of-town owners were contacted and town officials, councilmen Jerry Kreger, Terry Hill and Ron Hall, weighed their options. Back taxes were owed and the town representatives weren't anxious to buy the property. However, the owners were eventually ready to sell and a series of state funding options became available.

The new building is expected to be a "definite benefit to the community," as council president Jerry Kreger said during the ceremony. He recognized councilman Terry Hill as instrumental in getting the cleanup, which eventually became a brownfield site because the old building was a former gas station, started on its way to becoming the structure that now greets visitors as they cross the railroad tracks in town.

Mark and Charlie Collier, of Collier Excavating were thanked as well as Bob Murphy of R. P. Murphy and Associates; Rep. Dave Wolkins for his help in securing a $25,000 Build Indiana grant; Larry Berger of Easterday Construction; and the Bibler Charitable Trust.

Kreger introduced Ed Fansler of the Indiana Department of Commerce. Fansler spoke on behalf of Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan and said the DOC enjoys working with communities.

To conclude, Ray Werstler, president of the senior citizen club, thanked Brad Bailey, town superintendent, and Chip Hill, town employee, for their hours of work.

Werstler entertained the 60 people present with his original vision for a swimming pool and jacuzzi at the club's disposal, which was denied. He told the story of his trials as he shopped with four women - his wife Donna, club vice president Shirley Kreger, secretary Donna Orr and treasurer Alice Meeks - to furnish the center.

"They only asked my opinion occasionally," Werstler said to the appreciative crowd. Designed by architect Paul Spite the building has a dining hall, an entertainment room, a full kitchen, offices and restrooms.

Werstler gave the club's meeting times, mentioned REAL Services provides a noon meal there five days a week and invited any senior citizen to participate.

Following the ribbon-cutting more people streamed through the building to tour the structure. [[In-content Ad]]