Mary Ann Messick, who was recently named the official Baxter County Historian, is scheduled to appear at the Cotter Chamber of Commerce sponsored event, Arts, Antiques and Architecture . . . A Cotter Open House, on September 1 and 2 in Historic Downtown Cotter.

She will speak on the history of Cotter in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Specific times for her presentations will be announced later.

Planning is continuing and other attractions include the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission mobile aquarium, which will be parked in front of City Hall. Personnel from the G & FC will also present two programs in the Council Chamber on The White River and Its History and a topic of growing concern, "minimum flow."

Principal exhibit areas for the festival have been identified as the old Fielding Building, also known as the "poured building," and the old fire house which is next to the post office. These historic structures will provide an outstanding display area for artists, artisans, antiques, collectibles and crafters.

If you or your club or church group would like to be involved in this event and support the Cotter community, please call event Chairman, Sonny Sharp, at 435-6757, or Wanda Fielding, Club and Church Coordinator.

Other matters discussed at the most recent Chamber meeting included membership rolls and dues collection. If you haven't paid your dues or would like to join the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Treasurer Carolyn Gill at 435-2267.

City Burn Pile Closes August 7

Mayor J. D. Pratt has advised the "burn pile," just beyond the ball field in the park, will be closed to the public effective August 7. This has become necessary because of the amount of material being left there, such as tires, that the city can't burn or that simply won't burn.

A sign will be placed on the site advising "Burning or Dumping Is Not Allowed. For More Information Contact City Hall."

Residents are encouraged to fully utilize the city's spring and fall major trash pickups by Arkansas Waste Industries.

HS Students Register On August 7-8; School Starts August 21

High school students who have previously attended Cotter schools will register on August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. according to the following schedule:

All outstanding fines must be paid by the time the student registers.

All new high school students will register on August 8 on a first come, first served schedule. The morning session is 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Anyone coming in after 10 will be required to return for the afternoon session, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., or register on a later date.

All new students must furnish the address of the previous school attended and bring a birth certificate, immunization record and Social Security card.

Teachers will inform students of necessary supplies on the first day of school.

Care Crew to Spearhead Volunteer City Effort

At the July meeting of the Cotter Care Crew, it was decided to try to regain Volunteer City status for Cotter.

Crew President, Lynn Stude, explained that the application process is extensive. Success is based on the number of documented volunteer hours that are applied within the community. Every individual or organization is invited to participate.

Volunteer hours are defined as effort contributed to a cause without compensation. Please provide a brief description of your volunteer work to Lynn at 430-5645 or drop the information off at The History Book, across from City Hall, Wednesday - Saturday between the hours or 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Other major items discussed at the Crew July meeting included construction of the gazebo in Big Spring Park, which should begin soon. This is part of the overall improvement project for the park financed by a major gift to the city from Gwen Tinnon Derouin.

In addition, Lynn reported that the Crew has 501(c)3 status, and contributions are tax deductible.

Cotter City Council to Renegotiate Paving Needs

The Leo Journagan Construction Company of Hollister, Missouri, submitted the only bid for Cotter paving work, and, at the July Cotter City Council meeting, the council decided to reject the bid.

To clarify the further bidding process, the council redefined the current paving needs to the most heavily traveled streets in Cotter, Second Street and the part of McLean in front of City Hall. It is hoped contracts can be awarded and work completed sometime this fall.

Other council action included approval of final payment on the city's fire truck, transfer of $2,000 from general funds to the city's water line replacement account, and rezoning of the Dale Sherman property on Highway 62/412 from R1 (Residential) to C1 (Commercial).

The Major reported the legislative audit for the City of Cotter for 1998 was recently completed and the results were satisfactory. One additional item was addressed involving the city paying $2,400 to a contractor and the work was never completed. After review by prosecutors, it was determined the most appropriate action to recoup will be small claims court. Further action is pending.

In other discussion, it was reported that the Cotter Fire Department has a variety of outdated equipment and needs council permission to donate it to other departments who need the gear. Members of the council agreed that this would be an agenda item for August.

A short executive session was held to address a personnel matter. At the conclusion, Mayor Pratt announced the matter had been successfully resolved.

NAYC Boys' Basketball Camp Held

North Arkansas Youth Center held a boy's basketball camp, July 10-14th for grades 4 and 5.

Pictured left are (left to right): Front Row - Justin Ivens, Matthew Wise, Dustin Schultz, Carson Franks and Lucas Hickman; Second Row - Cody Clark, Michael Terry, Justin Martin, Jordan Crawford and Sam Roth with Coach David Martin.

This newsletter is published monthly and presented as a public service by the City of Cotter. It will focus on organized events and activities. It is edited by Sonny Sharp.

Input on any potential articles is actively solicited.

Please e-mail material to sonny@thehistorybook.com  or drop it by The History Book at 114 McLean, right across from City Hall. You may also use regular mail to Trout Capital News, PO Box 128, Cotter, AR 72626. For further information, call 492-4483 or 435-6757.

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