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

August 2001

     AHPP National Register and Survey Coordinator, Kara Mills Oosterhous, has advised the potential district would begin at the old Methodist church (now Saint James Place) at 233 Combs Street and proceed west along the north side of Combs to Second Street. The boundary would turn south along both sides of Second Street and go two blocks to South Street. The area would include most of the dwellings between Second and Third Streets on South. The potential district would also include some of the buildings on McLean Avenue between First and Second Streets. All buildings within these areas, both historic and non-historic, will need to be documented.
     In the next few weeks property owners will be contacted to ensure their understanding of a designated historic district and clarify any questions or concerns.
Researchers are needed to research and complete Architectural Resource Forms for each building located in the survey area. The AHPP will provide training for this endeavor. 
     If you would like to be a researcher please contact Sonny Sharp, Chairman, Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce, at 435-6757 or 492-4483.

Care Crew receives $7,500 grant for art
     Our noon July 4th potluck at the Spring House was such fun. The Chef did a great job roasting the hotdogs. The food was delicious, but most important was the fellowship. Over forty attended including several new members and guests. Thanks to all who came and to all of the helpers.
     We have received a check of $7,500 for our art grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage which will aid funding on the conductor statue. We are ever so grateful for this grant.
     Our next meeting will be August 9th and on the agenda will be the fall festival.

Saturday Club sells bulbs
     While the Saturday Club of Cotter does not meet during the summer, it is continuing its fund-raising activities by selling bulbs for fall planting. If you would like to purchase bulbs and help the Saturday Club raise money for its projects for the benefit of the Cotter Schools, contact any member of the Saturday Club or club President, Evelyn Denton (430-5334).

Cotter Hair Studio is new downtown business
     Another new business, Cotter Hair Studio, has opened in historic downtown Cotter. Located on the corner of Second and McLean, Shelly Baker is the owner and stylist.
     Shelly and Leon Baker, and their children, Kevin and Kayley, who are renovating the building as a residence as well as a salon, are from Slidell, Louisiana.

City Council denies easement request, 
hears railroad proposal
     Prior to their regular meeting on July 19, 2001, the Cotter City Council conducted a public hearing of a petition filed by property owners of lot 838 in Cotter to abandon a utility easement that crosses the property. Representatives of the seller, the law firm of Johnson, Morgan and Sanders and Countrywood Realty, presented the proposal. Due to the need to be able to get to a water line to make any needed repairs, the request was denied.
     Administrative matters included approval of minutes from the recent special council meeting regarding the license to sell beer at the Sav-U-Mor. Also, funds were transferred from the general fund to the water line replacement account.
     The council approved purchase of a lawnmower. The item is a "demonstrator" but has a full two year factory warranty. The Grasshopper brand mower is deemed to be far more effective for most needs than the current bush hog system. Police hours and policing needs were discussed, especially how to best meet requirements in Big Spring Park. A range of alternatives were mentioned including hiring an additional part-time or full-time officer, requesting additional help from Baxter County or Gassville, and possible closure of the park at 10 pm. Mayor Pratt and several council members expressed support for review of additional costs for another policeman for Cotter during the upcoming budget preparation process for next year.
     The information section of the meeting was primarily devoted to a presentation by representatives of the proposed new scenic railroad. Proposed by-laws were presented to the mayor and council members at the meeting and a number of questions were asked by the council and the public during the presentation. The mayor and council members will review the material, and discuss the proposal further with their constituents. The subject will be an agenda item and will be voted on at the August 16^th city council meeting.

Arts, Antiques and Architecture . . . A Cotter Open House
     Cotter’s second annual fall festival is starting to take shape for its two-day run, September 21 & 22 in historic downtown Cotter.
     A variety of exhibits including arts, crafts, antiques, and collectibles will offer the public a great opportunity for early Christmas shopping. Exhibit areas will include the Spring House, Richmond Antiques, and the old Fielding Grocery at 409 Second.
     Great food and entertainment should offer something for everybody. A downtown parade is scheduled for Saturday morning, led by the Cotter High School Marching Band.
     Presentations about the history of Cotter are scheduled in City Hall both days. Outdoor exhibitors are scheduled to include the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Baxter County Sheriff’s Department, Air Evac (Air Ambulance), and a variety of boat manufacturers including Ranger Boats. Other surprises are being developed.
     Musical entertainment will occur at various places during the festival, with a major event scheduled for Big Spring Park on Friday evening and a concert at Saint James Place on Saturday evening.
     More detailed information will be published in early September and festival schedules will be publicized in local media channels shortly before the event.
     Organizations and individuals who would like to participate in the festival parade, be an exhibitor, have a fund raising booth, or provide entertainment should contact festival Chairperson, Sonny Sharp, at 435-6757, 492-4483, or by e-mail at sonny@thehistorybook.com, as soon as possible.