Store closes

Doors locked in landmark Hiwasse business

Small white signs taped inside the windows were the only warning Hiwasse residents received when they visited the store several days ago.
Small white signs taped inside the windows were the only warning Hiwasse residents received when they visited the store several days ago.

— Residents in the Hiwasse area were shocked several days ago when they discovered the door to a landmark business in that community were locked.

Simple signs on sheets of typing paper announcing the closing were posted on the front door and windows of the establishment. And the gasoline prices on the large outdoor sign had been removed.

The store, which was opened by Mike and Cheryl McMillan in the early 1980s, has seen several owners in recent years. Most recently Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Bunch operated the business.

John and Julie Holloway, who own Tri-State Propane just across Highway 72 from the store, owned the businessfour years, beginning in 2001.

The Bunchs had operated the store for about two years, the Holloways said.

“We miss it,” Julie Holloway said. “We’d go over therefor soft drinks and snacks and sometimes for lunch.”

An antique mowing machine sits on the lawn in front of the gas pumps and equipment is still visible through the front windows.On the front lawn are signs opposing the annexation of Hiwasse.

Also visible is a sign placed there by Sanderson & Associates, a Siloam Springs real estate firm.

News, Pages 1 on 01/11/2012