Fulton Sun

Almost two years after the old Portland Community Center was destroyed by fire, a new Community Center will be dedicated June 9.

Paul Pealer of Portland, who spearheaded the $60,000 fundraising effort to rebuild the center, said the celebration will start at noon with a dedication of the new building and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Alma Schmid, who was involved in the conversion of the previous old Portland Schoolhouse into a Community Center, will cut the ribbon for dedication of the new center.

Her son, Charles Schmid, is president of the Portland Community Club.

Then at 1 p.m. an annual tradition that had been going on since the 1980s will be resumed when the 27th annual Portland Day will be celebrated at the new building. A community potluck carry-in dinner will be at the center.

Speakers at the event will include Charles Schmid along with State Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, and Callaway County Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann.