Riley promoted to Winfield assistant fire chief

WINFIELD — The Winfield City Council voted to approve the promotion of Will Riley to assistant fire chief after current chief Dewayne Norris announced his upcoming retirement in July.
The decision was made during the Tuesday, June 2, Winfield City Council meeting.
Norris expressed gratitude for the opportunity he was given to serve the community.
“It has been a pleasure to serve with some of the best men in the fire service and help serve and protect the citizens of Winfield,” Norris said. “My time served at Winfield Fire Department will be cherished.”
Riley was also thankful and spoke highly of the department.
“I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve the city and our citizens as the assistant fire chief,” Riley said. “This department has a great group of professional and volunteer firefighters. I am proud to be a part of this organization and excited to play a larger role in the department as our city and fire department continue to grow and advance.”
The council also voted to post a new firefighter position to fill the gap left by Riley once he takes over as assistant chief.
The council also voted on an ordinance setting the new speed limits on Highway 129 to accommodate the increased traffic due to all the new development.
Traveling toward Brilliant, the speed limit lowers from 55 mph to 45 when the road widens to four lanes, then lowers again to 35 mph around the gas stations and the interstate exits, before going back up to 45 then 55 again farther down 129.
The council noticed the first draft of the ordinance they passed neglected one of the lowered limits, so the council voted to rescind it, then passed a clarified ordinance to match the posted speed limit signs.
Under old business, the council also discussed ongoing paving efforts. Mayor Randy Price said the paving project for the streets in the housing authority should be going out for bid soon thanks to a CDBG grant the city obtained to help cover the cost with a 20 percent match from the city.
The council also briefly discussed plans for pickleball court lighting at the park and seeking another CDBG grant to help create access to property in the industrial park for a potential new business before adjourning.