Brooke Koldewey is sworn in as a reserve officer for the Pierceton Police Department. InkFreeNews news photos by Liz Shepherd.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Town Council meeting started Monday, Aug. 12, with the swearing-in of two officers with the Pierceton Police Department.

Officer Ryan Piper was sworn in by Town Attorney Tammy Keirn as a full-time police officer. Piper is replacing Matt Owens, who resigned from the police department in June after being suspended.

Brooke Koldewey was also officially sworn in as a new reserve officer for the Pierceton Police Department during the meeting.

“We are excited to have Brooke on board with us and we congratulate Ryan,” said Town Marshal Tim Sammons.

In other business regarding police matters, the town council approved the continuation of renovations at the police department’s headquarters.

“It’s looking really, really nice,” said Sammons.

Pierceton Chamber of Commerce President Alicia Elder delivered a report on the Pierceton Days festival, which was held Aug. 2 and 3.

“We’re estimating that about 2,000 people came into town for the event,” said Elder. “A lot of the community members liked the family-friendly environment and I wanted to come here and publicly thank everyone who made this year’s Pierceton Days possible.”

Elder also presented Dr. Sue Mort, a Pierceton chiropractor, with a plaque announcing her as honorary mayor of the town. Candidates collected votes through a “penny per vote” system, with all proceeds going to the Chamber for planning future events. A new honorary mayor will be chosen every year during Pierceton Days.

A Republican caucus for the 2019 election of the town’s clerk-treasurer will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20. The caucus will be held at the Pierceton Community Building in an effort to narrow the field to one Republican for the fall ballot. Pam Baker, Myra Mast, and Jerry Kreger (incumbent) have all filed for the position.

Pierceton’s Heirloom Tomato Festival and 5K Run/Walk will take place Saturday, Aug. 24.

The town council’s next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9.

Officer Ryan Piper is sworn in as a full-time police officer for the Pierceton Police Department.