The past year was “good” in White Hall, Mayor James “Jitters” Morgan said in his annual state-of-the-city address at the Tuesday, Jan. 19, city council meeting.
Morgan boasted of a decline in crime statistics here in 2009, crediting the police department’s “dedication and hard work” as a primary factor in the development. He said the department, which counts more than 30 full- and part-time members, confiscated three automobiles that were found to be involved in illegal drug activities.
Monies from a sale of the vehicles were deposited into a department fund earmarked for a drug education program within the school district. Those monies are separate from a policemen’s association account from which two annual scholarships are presented and additional monies are appropriated toward community betterment.
The past year’s highlight for the 28-member volunteer fire department was the arrival of a city-purchased ladder truck from the U.S. Forestry Service. The truck – in sound, working condition – had an unbelievable price tag of $6 plus delivery.
The department responded to over 70 alarms, including several outside the city in a mutual aid arrangement. Firefighters provided even more community service by distributing and installing free smoke alarms, and also conducting fire safety programs at Gandy, Moody and Taylor Elementary Schools.
Morgan noted that the city received grants totaling over $1.5 million and recently applied for an additional $10,000 award. “All of this money will be used for the new 300,000-gallon water tank on the north end of town,” said Morgan. “This additional water tank was recommended by the Arkansas Health Department and will help in new growth in that area.”
Meanwhile, the city hasn’t had to expend any monies for construction equipment “in many years.” Dump trucks and other vehicles acquired were paid for with grant funds and bought at bargain prices through a state surplus program.
The water and sewer department was especially active, laying over 1.300 feet of six-inch water lines and 1,800 feet of 10-inch lines. Both lines were needed for support of the new water tank.
Morgan said the street department had a busy year as well, providing improvements to White Hall Road and asphalt, bridge and culvert repairs and/or replacements throughout the city. Department employees have been devoting their efforts toward a brush-clearing endeavor at Interstate 30 ramps along Sheridan Road, and also providing annual maintenance to the city museum.
The mayor thanked the chamber of commerce for its “continuing dedication in helping the city” and called the 2009 policemen’s ball, chamber community service awards banquet and leadership class “big successes.”
The past year was “good” in White Hall, Mayor James “Jitters” Morgan said in his annual state-of-the-city address at the Tuesday, Jan. 19, city council meeting.
Morgan boasted of a decline in crime statistics here in 2009, crediting the police department’s “dedication and hard work” as a primary factor in the development. He said the department, which counts more than 30 full- and part-time members, confiscated three automobiles that were found to be involved in illegal drug activities.
Monies from a sale of the vehicles were deposited into a department fund earmarked for a drug education program within the school district. Those monies are separate from a policemen’s association account from which two annual scholarships are presented and additional monies are appropriated toward community betterment.
The past year’s highlight for the 28-member volunteer fire department was the arrival of a city-purchased ladder truck from the U.S. Forestry Service. The truck – in sound, working condition – had an unbelievable price tag of $6 plus delivery.
The department responded to over 70 alarms, including several outside the city in a mutual aid arrangement. Firefighters provided even more community service by distributing and installing free smoke alarms, and also conducting fire safety programs at Gandy, Moody and Taylor Elementary Schools.
Morgan noted that the city received grants totaling over $1.5 million and recently applied for an additional $10,000 award. “All of this money will be used for the new 300,000-gallon water tank on the north end of town,” said Morgan. “This additional water tank was recommended by the Arkansas Health Department and will help in new growth in that area.”
Meanwhile, the city hasn’t had to expend any monies for construction equipment “in many years.” Dump trucks and other vehicles acquired were paid for with grant funds and bought at bargain prices through a state surplus program.
The water and sewer department was especially active, laying over 1.300 feet of six-inch water lines and 1,800 feet of 10-inch lines. Both lines were needed for support of the new water tank.
Morgan said the street department had a busy year as well, providing improvements to White Hall Road and asphalt, bridge and culvert repairs and/or replacements throughout the city. Department employees have been devoting their efforts toward a brush-clearing endeavor at Interstate 30 ramps along Sheridan Road, and also providing annual maintenance to the city museum.
The mayor thanked the chamber of commerce for its “continuing dedication in helping the city” and called the 2009 policemen’s ball, chamber community service awards banquet and leadership class “big successes.”
