Trout Capital News
Cotter, Arkansas
Good things are happening in Cotter; it's a great time to be here!

Published by the City of Cotter, Arkansas
Trout Capital News Home Page

May 2001

Yard sale earns fall sequel
Forty-six Cotter residents participated in the Chamber of Commerce yard sale in May, Bill Jennings told the City Council. Yard Sale Chairman Janet Latham told him everyone was so pleased with the turnout that the Chamber will sponsor another yard sale September 8. Neither counts against the city limit of two per year.

Council OKs summer lawman

One or more part-time police officers will be hired to work two eight-hour shifts per week during the busy vacation months of June through September. Police Chief Jack Burkhart and Mayor J.D. Pratt will determine who will be hired and the shifts they will work. This will provide additional coverage by the police every day.

The renewal of the service contract on the Powell Street water tank is due at the end of June. The cost of the service contract is $2,900 per year. The water tank was built about 1933 and last renovated in 1996 at a cost of $41,000. The Council decided not to renew the service contract. Instead, a replacement fund will be started to buy a new tank, which would solve some pressure problems. The amount to be put away each month for this fund was not specified, but more discussion will occur at the next Council meeting June 21.

Ronnie Smith, City Works Director, asked the Council to consider buying a new tractor and bush hog to replace the 1970 model Case tractor and bush hog the city now owns. Maintenance to keep the tractor running is taking more time than should be required, and parts are no longer easily available, he said. Two bids had already been obtained. The Council asked Smith to obtain another bid if possible, and then the mayor said he would call a special meeting or poll Council members by phone to authorize the purchase of the new tractor.

— Judi Sharp

‘Please do vote’ Tuesday

There will be a special election Tuesday, June 5, for Cotter voters to determine whether to support the expansion of the Cotter-Gassville wastewater treatment plant with a one-cent sales tax. If approved, the tax will go into effect after a one-cent sales tax for street improvements expires at the end of September.

After three readings, the Council approved a water and sewer rate increase in April. An average customer, who uses 4,000 gallons per month, will see a rate increase of about $18 per month unless the one-cent tax is approved, Mayor J.D. Pratt said, but if the sales tax is approved the increase would be only about five dollars per month for the same usage.

The expansion would double the plant’s current capacity of 250,000 gallons. Cotter’s share of the $2.8 million expansion would be $1.075 million, and Gassville is holding a sales-tax vote for the same purpose on the same day. A new meter has been installed to more accurately divide the charges between the two cities.

"I don’t want to advise anyone how to vote, but please do remember to vote," Pratt urged. The polls will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Snappy Mart rewards students for good grades
Snappy Mart is offering Cotter’s students a reward for good grades. Those who bring in a final report card showing one A or two Bs will get a free regular-size candy bar, store manager Regina Glasscock said.

Tour of Homes moves railroad memorial closer
The Cotter Care Crews Tour of Homes held April 29 attracted 127 visitors and earned $840 for the railroad memorial being constructed in Big Spring Park. We are grateful to Glen & Pansy Dimick, Sue Horn, Marty & Jan Halligan, Carolyn Gill, and John & Mable Adams for opening their homes for this tour. Because of this success, there will be another tour of homes April 29, 2002.

The next meeting of the Crews will be Thursday, June l4, at the Spring House. We will serve a light supper, sandwiches and salad for $3 per person at 6 p.m. The meeting will begin at 7.

We invite you to come and enjoy a light meal and fellowship with the Cotter Care Crews.

— Lynn Stude

Busy summer planned for North Arkansas Youth Center
The North Arkansas Youth Center is gearing up for summer, and new hours are in effect for the season, Director Grant Dearmore said. Basketball leagues, three-on-three tournaments, and a basketball camp are in the works. Scheduling details will be available soon, but those who are interested may call Dearmore at 435-2850.

Preliminary planning is underway for Cotter’s fall festival, "Art, Antiques, and Architecture...A Cotter Open House" September 21 and 22. Activities and events are planned throughout downtown Cotter and Big Spring Park. Exhibits of art, crafts, and antiques will be showcased in and around Cotter’s historic buildings, and also include participation by groups from Cotter Schools and the local community.

The festival will be filled with special features, great food and family entertainment. Special features are being developed, to include a parade through downtown Cotter, an antique and vintage car show, and displays by local industry. Major music events are expected both evenings, to include the pavilion at Big Spring Park on Friday and a concert at Saint James Place on Saturday. Other attractions and schedules will be announced in the near future.

The festival will run noon until 8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Individual artisans, clubs and other organizations who would like to be part of Cotter’s fall festival should contact the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce: Festival Chairman, Sonny Sharp, phone 870-435-6757 or 870-492-4483; P.O. Box 128, Cotter, AR 72626, or send an e-mail to sonny@thehistorybook.com; or Gil Stammer, President, at 870-435-2663. There is no charge to exhibitors.

— Sonny Sharp

Saturday Club to sell bulbs
Members of the Saturday Club of Cotter are planning to sell flower bulbs this summer that will be received in time for fall planting. Catalogs are expected in June, so those who would like to have flowers and contribute to a group dedicated to community support should keep their eyes open!