 That was the promise Pike Judge Executive Bill Deskins made last week regarding the closure of the Phelps and Marlbone Senior Citizen Centers. This week however, Deskins could promise no such thing. I said I was going to open up two senior citizen centers and they said no, they didn't have no money. Following a meeting Wednesday between some of the members of the Pike Fiscal Court and the Pike Senior Citizens Board, Deskins said his hands are tied since the senior citizen centers are operated and managed by the senior's board. He also said he has no authority at this time to terminate the county's appointee to the board, Diane Thacker, who has been blamed for the centers being closed by the board, nor does he plan to do so. The board told me the good job she was doing, so what am I going to do? Outside of the meeting, a large group of senior citizens from the Phelps Center awaited word of the explanation given by the senior's board to county officials of why the centers were closed, short of saying it was a budgetary measure, they received no explanation other than Deskins saying the board exercised their authority in closing the centers. Those in attendance were not satisfied with that explanation. We just don't understand what's going on. It's all politics to me for some reason, I don't know what to say. They just want an answer, that's all they want. They're taxpayers, they're, you know, law-abiding citizens. Deskins said he wants to help, but can't because the board is an entity unto itself. I want to see the citizens have whatever they need, but the money's short, and I think it may get worse, so I don't know. Tempers flared after the meeting when one person questioned Deskins' honesty to questions regarding an alleged tie between Deskins' wife and Diane Thacker, Deskins physically threatened that man. Deskins said afterwards that he made a mistake. You will not answer eight questions directly. Just like Kim, he asked you yes or no. I don't know. I'll tell you right now, I don't believe you. I got a book in there I follow. What does that have to do with your wife being friends with her? They ain't playing to me, buddy. You know who, you keep who friends who you want to. I know who my friends are, yes. Now you say a whole lot more and I get over and kick your rump. Well, I tell you what, there's not much standing in between us. I don't say I never made a mistake. I don't know anybody that hasn't made one much in a while. The seniors were told that the senior citizens board will meet next Monday, and they should attend that meeting if they want their voices heard. Magistrate Hillman-Dotson, who was present Wednesday, said that is the best course of action for the Phelps seniors at this point. I would imagine that these people would be at that meeting to find out where we're going. Reporting in Pikeville for EKB News, I'm Chris Anderson.