Pierce City Demolition

Devastation from last month`s tornadoes are still a constant reminder of one four state town`s burden. Meet a few people who no longer have mail delivered to them in Pierce City. But a place that they say will be in their hearts forever. The memories are still fresh in their mind. Of a time when Pierce City was the Saturday night hangout spot. A time when this was definitely the place to be. Today it`s the place to be for one last look at a downtown that use to be the hub of commerce in Pierce City. Demolition is set to begin Monday. And while the equipment has already arrived for the 45-day project, some are just thankful for the time they spent here. 35 structures will be removed from the downtown business district. And although the buildings will be gone, those who used to call Pierce City home say they`ll never forget. Many say what`s left of the town is a pile of ruins that is holding the community back. They say the hope of a new beginning is what keeps them going. The total cost of the demolition is estimated to be more than 352-thousand dollars. The federal emergency management agency will pick up 75-percent of the tab,leaving 10 percent for the state and 15 for Pierce City to pay. Reported By:Ryan Loyd