Hiwasse meeting informs residents of city services

HIWASSE — About 30 Hiwasse residents attended a meeting Thursday evening to hear explanation of services that willbe available to the newly annexed area which becomes a part of Gravette this weekend.

MayorByron Warren and a representative of the firm which provides trash service to Gravette were present. Warren explained the transition of the fire, police and ambulance service, while the Deffenbaugh representative explained the service his firm provides. For information, contact Deffenbaugh directly at 872-9098 or call Gravette City Hall, 787-5757. Warren said direct contact withthe company will speed and streamline service.

The mayor said Gravette police, fire and ambulance personnel have been driving roads to become more familiar with the area. Two additional patrol officershave been requested by Chief Trent Morrison.

Fire Chief David Smith, who also oversees the ambulance operation, is working toward upgrading the present Basic Life Support to Advanced LifeSupport, with a target date of July 1. The present service will be on duty 24/7 to serve Hiwasse, Sulphur Springs, Maysville and Decatur, as well as Gravette.

Additional fire equipment will be stationed in Hiwasse, and the present mutual-aid system will remain in effect. The community building will continue to function as it has in the past.

Warren was emphatic when he said, “We want to change as little as possible.” He assured Hiwasse residents, “It’s still Hiwasse and we want to take it slow and make it right !”