Helena-West Helena government officials phones are out

HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. – An east Arkansas city has lost government and emergency phone service. Some say it’s because the phone bill wasn’t paid.

Police, fire and government phone lines are down in Helena-West Helena Monday night.

The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office has been authorized by a judge to take over all emergency communications.

Bobby Jones, a former director for the city, said you can’t contact police or fire without calling 911.

“You seen I called in front of you,” Jones said to a WREG reporter. “I contact the fire department no service. And I think from my understanding the bill is about $50,000 or $60,000.”

The Barton Fire Department has been called in for mutual aid for Helena fire calls at this time.

City officials did not provide details about the phone outage.

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