GRAVETTE — In an effort to avoid being incorporated into the city of Bella Vista, a group of Hiwasse citizens have formed their own organization to oppose the plan.

A corporation, The Hiwasse Community Association, has been legally formed and last Thursday night a seven-member board of directors was elected for the organization.

The election was held at a community meeting at the Hiwasse Baptist Church. About 100 people attended.

Elected to the HCA board were Leon Bertschy, Novella Carlton, Geneva Hamilton, John Paul Holloway, Larry Kelly, Richard Puryear and Larry Weihe.

Kelly, Bill Wiliams andMelissa Marsh have been instrumental in helping the organization, according to Geneva Hamilton. Kelly was an outspoken opponent of the Bella Vista plan at a community meeting held in Hiwasse several weeks ago.

Kelly told the Eagle Observer a group of Hiwasse residents planned to attend a meeting of the Bella Vista City Council Monday night of this week to express their opposition.

The BV Council is attempting to annex land that includes the Hiwasse community and surrounding area, including interchanges on the proposed Bella Vista bypass. They indicate the land is needed for future commercial and subdivision development.

A website has been created: “to leave Hiwasse alone.” It can be accessed at hiwasse.org.

News, Pages 13 on 12/21/2011