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

June 2001

Cotter Care Crews will celebrate the 4th of July with a potluck lunch at the Spring House at noon. Drinks and grilled hotdogs will be provided. Come join us. (There will be no meeting July l2.)

Hats off to Peggy Dunn for the fresh coat of paint to the interior of the Spring House and to Tom Dunn for the coat rack, window valances, and trophy shelves. Edie Thornburg is responsible for the lovely decorative painting in the bathroom. Another big thank you to Doris Anglin for the sign on the walking trail. The next time you see these good citizens you might say, "Thanks!"

A good time was had by all 32 people who attended our June Salad & Sandwich Supper. We are so very proud of our new members, Diane Abbey, Bill Anglin, Pat Phelan, and can't wait for Shelly and Leon Baker of New Orleans to make Cotter their permanent home. Shelly will offer hair styling in the "Billingsly Building," on the northeast corner of Second and McLean, where the family also will live.

On Sept. 21-22, we will be selling refreshments at the Spring House for Cotter's fall festival, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Our Ham & Bean Dinner will be Oct. 11, so mark you calendar for this all-you-can-eat treat (for only $5 per person).

In July, we plan to have the second caboose in place so we can start on the renovation.

— Lynn Stude

Mayor J.D. Pratt said the city allows fireworks to be shot until 10:00 p.m. from June 25 to July 5.

There will be a parade beginning at Second and Combs streets, going down McLean, and ending at Big Spring Park. Children of all ages are welcome; so far participants range in age from 3 to 82 years.

People who love a parade, never got to be in a parade, or just want to have fun are encouraged to join the merriment. Spectators are also encouraged, especially if they cheer loudly, applaud enthusiastically, and come for fun.

For more information contact Linda McIntosh at 435-2699 or Anne Ramey at 435-6018.

Letter to the Editor

Dusty Smith "outstanding tribute to...community"

My wife and I experienced vehicle problems 6-7-2001 near Cotter on Highway 412. We managed to get to the side of the road and were in the process of removing the alternator from the vehicle. A young man named Dusty Smith stopped — he assisted with the removal and installation as well as carrying us to Mountain Home for parts and getting us started — would not accept any gratuity — wonderful attitude very much an outstanding tribute to your community — I hope that only the best comes to this young man — his community and certainly his family should be very proud..

With Regards,
Tommy Burnham
Blytheville

Mandee Neal of Cotter High School was elected Arkansas FBLA president this spring. There were four other students running, and Mandee won in a run-off election. She was installed in the office April 21 and attended the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., in June with FBLA sponsor Andrea Kray.

Melissa Hurst won first place in introduction to business communication, and Genie Wiggins placed second in introduction to parliamentary procedure.

Kathy Weaver of Cotter, an employee of Baxter County Juvenile Services, was the featured speaker at the June meeting of the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce June 19 at the Spring House. She was accompanied by Sheila Reynolds. Mrs. Weaver discussed the need for county-wide volunteers to provide host homes or be mentors or and tutors. Caring adults are badly needed to spend quality time with kids. If you would like to volunteer, or get more information, contact Kathy Weaver at 425-3840. Mrs. Weaver’s husband Richard works for the city’s Public Works Department.

The current billing cycle for dues for fiscal year July 1, 2001, thru June 30, 2002 is under way. Members are encouraged to pay their dues promptly. A membership drive has begun, and several new commercial members from the real estate community were announced. To join the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce please call Sonny Sharp at 435-6757 or Gil Stammer at 435-2663.

Planning for the fall festival in downtown Cotter Sept 21-22 continues. Early confirmations by exhibitors include Ranger Boats, North Arkansas Woodcarvers, Hill and Hollow quilters, and organizations from Cotter Schools to include the marching band. For more information about the festival contact the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce at 435-6757 or 492-4483.

— Sonny Sharp

The Cotter City Council met on Thursday, June 21, at 6:00 p.m. The council first approved a transfer of $2,000 from the general fund to the water line replacement account and then discussed buying accidental death and dismemberment insurance for city employees and elected officials. The cost of the insurance is $60 annually for each participant, and the council voted to purchase the insurance for all employees and elected officials who want to participate.

Fireworks

Mayor J.D. Pratt reported that the current ordinance in effect (#95-07) allows fireworks to be shot until 10:00 p.m. from June 25 to July 5.

A public hearing will be held just prior to the next City Council meeting on July 19, 2001, to consider a petition to vacate a utility easement on the property at the corner of Harding and Combs, lot 828. There is the possibility of the building being purchased if this unused easement can be vacated.

Wanda Davidson reported that there were three fire department runs for accidents and nine medical runs. John Urban reported that a member of the fire department, a retired fireman from Waterloo, Iowa, rescued a lady stranded on the island at Roundhouse Shoals. The fire department boat was used in the rescue.

—Judi Sharp

The Special Olympics Fishing Derby sponsored by North Central Board of Realtors was held at Big Spring Park.