Longstanding Pierce City business closes after 25 years

Norma and daughter Michelle Bacarisse have closed their store, The Thistle, in Pierce City after 25 years in business at 102 W. Commercial and plan to reopen in December in Coffeyville, Kan.
The Bacarisses were the last pre-tornado business operators in Pierce City still working out of their original location. They purchased the building in June 2000. They plan to reopen using the same name.
Norma’s husband Robert died of a heart attack in 2002. Norma and Michelle carried on in the business in one of the few buildings to survive the May 4, 2003 tornado downtown. Michelle retired from teaching art in Exeter this past spring, opening up new opportunities for them.
Two new businesses will take over the space. A beauty shop will operate in the front and photographer Brooxie Vaughn will open a studio in the rear.