Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - The town won't develop a semi-tractor parking lot or muzzle barking dogs in the near future, although both requests came before the town council Monday.
An open area at the north end of Second Street is being used by semi drivers who live in town. The drivers drop their trailers there and go home.
Local residents are not complaining so much about the parking as they are street damage. The trucks are too wide to make turns and are entering lawns and busting up sidewalks.
The town council is concerned because the streets aren't built to take the trucks' weight either.
Councilman Ron Hall proposed making a new area at the end of Mill Street. He had a quote of about $3,500 to clear the lot and put down a limestone surface, a decision that was denied by councilmen Jerry Kreger and Terry Hill.
"I just don't see spending $3,500 of the taxpayers' money for a truck parking lot," Hill said.
Town attorney Jim Walmer advised the board they would spend more money repairing substandard streets, and if the town was going to provide parking, they had to improve the roads.
Town marshal George Alexander was asked to warn the truckers not to park in town anymore, either with a discussion or by leaving a note on the trailer or tractor.
Russell Sammons approached the board about barking dogs, beginning with a story about a barker he had years ago and got rid of because he didn't want the neighbors disturbed anymore.
"I do not think people should have to listen to these dogs barking," Sammons said. "Most people who have these dogs have no respect for other people. They let 'em out, go in and watch TV and are done with them."
Sammons recommended that if a dog is outside it have a muzzle, and that fines be set at $50 for the first offense and $100 for the second, saying that ought to get the attention of the dog owners.
Sammons was advised the town does have an ordinance for excessive barking and he could call the police.
"A person shouldn't have to call the police. I have, I'm tired of calling the police department," he said.
Kreger said he wasn't going to pass a muzzle ordinance and the other councilmen agreed.
"Well," Sammons said, before leaving, "let's just rename the town of Pierceton Dog Town and be done with it."
"I like the name Barkville better," quipped the town marshal.
In other business, the board:
• Heard a request from Kosciusko Development Inc. director Joy McCarthy-Sessing regarding the organization's annual stipend. She requested $550 be considered during budget time, an increase of $50 from past years.
She said KDI responded to 87 business prospects county-wide with six regarding space available in Pierceton.
• Heard from fire chief Gordon Baker about designating the park a safe site for fireworks.
Local firemen will outline an area where residents can light up fireworks. The program provided by the Indiana Fireworks User Association is designed to reduce risk of injury and fire.
Baker said this is the first year for the program to be held in town. Firefighting equipment also will be on display.
The safe site will be set up July 4 and 5 from dusk until about 10:30 p.m.
• Approved an economic revitalization resolution.
• Advised Ray Werstler of the senior citizens club that a sign would be installed this week identifying the center building.
The senior citizens' open house was held in March 2001.
