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

November 2001

Cotter Council Interested In County Animal Control Proposal
     At their meeting on Oct. 18, 2001, the Cotter City Council approved a resolution expressing interest in a proposal being developed by the Baxter County Quorum Court to control stray animals throughout the county. Operation of the program would be on an annual contract basis. Costs for Cotter's portion are thought to be around $1700 per year. Construction of a local holding area for strays and a means to pick them up and put them there until county personnel arrive would also be needed. The plan would not include the city of Mtn. Home, which already has an arrangement with the Humane Society. Much work remains to complete the plan, and the city council resolution simply lets the Quorum Court know Cotter is interested and would like more information pending final approval.
     Other issues included a preliminary discussion brought by representatives of IESI, the trash contractor for the city of Cotter, about the need to consider higher rates for trash pick-up. They were advised that any such action would have to be re-bid and further action on the matter is pending.
     Other actions included transfer of $2000 from the general fund to the water line replacement account, and second reading of an ordinance to vacate a portion of an alley west of second street near the railroad tracks. A resolution addressing changes to the personnel handbook for Cotter city employees was tabled pending clarification of wording.
     A spirited discussion about the appearance of private property within Cotter closed the meeting. Citizen concerns were voiced about the city's active role in mowing private property and billing owners. It was argued that the city was doing the work cheaper than the private sector and city employees time would be better spent on infrastructure matters. Others agreed that enforcing local ordinances to keep property clean was difficult and the city looked great. Mayor J. D. Pratt agreed to take the matter under advisement.

In and Around Cotter Schools
     The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will be selling fruit from Nov. 1-15th. Please support this worthwhile fundraiser. For more information contact the FBLA advisor, Andrea Kray, at 435-6323.
     The choir will hold its annual pie auction and concert on Nov. 12th at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Funds will be used for choir projects during the year. Turn out for a tasty evening of entertainment and fellowship.
     Upcoming basketball games at Cotter during November are scheduled for Nov. 2, 6, 13, and 27.

Cotter Hosts Training for Historic District
     Amy Bennett of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) was greeted by a capacity crowd at the Spring House on Oct. 29, 2001, for her historical research training session. In return, she provided a full day of detailed information surrounding architectural resource forms required to complete Cotter's historic district nomination.
     More manuals and needed supplies are being gathered and further work should begin in the near future. For further information about the project please call Sonny Sharp at 435-6757 or 492-4483.

Hats Off Award

     Cotter Chamber of Commerce President, Gil Stammer announced Ms. Carolyn Gill, 215 Harding Blvd. received the "Hats Off Award" for October. The Chamber sponsored monthly prize is awarded to the Cotter resident judged to have most enhanced the appearance of their property and therefore contributed to the overall appearance of Cotter. Ms. Gill will receive a framed certificate as well as a subscription to "Birds and Blooms" magazine.  

Chamber of Commerce Sets Board of Directors, 
Festival Framework for 2002

     A newcomer and a White River veteran were added to the leadership of the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce for the coming year. Shelly Baker, owner of the Cotter Hair Studio, and Gary Flippin, owner of the Rim Shoals Trout Dock, join Gil Stammer, Bill Jennings, Judy Nazerenko, Iva Duggins and Sonny Sharp. The board will elect officers for next year at the January, 2002, meeting. Festival planning will include a river oriented celebration during the weekend of April 20 & 21, 2002, dubbed "Big Spring Fest" at the park. The third annual fall festival "Arts, Antiques and Architecture...A Cotter Open House" will be held on September 28 & 29, 2002. More information will be provided as plans develop during the coming year. The Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Spring House in Big Spring Park. The public is invited to attend.

Light the Loop Begins Nov. 23

     The annual display of Christmas lights in the communities of Cotter, Flippin, Bull Shoals, Lakeview, Gassville and Midway will be conducted from Nov. 23 till Dec. 29. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded and entry forms can be obtained at Cotter City Hall. For more information call Cotter chairperson, Carolyn Gill at 435-2267.