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

January 2002

Cotter veteran brought back to city council

     At their Dec. 20, 2001, meeting the Cotter City Council selected former city councilman and mayor, Bill Jennings, to fill the unexpired term of former councilman John Adams for ward 1, position 2. Adams had resigned due to expanding business interests. Jennings, a long time resident, stated "This is an exciting time to be in Cotter, and I am excited to become part of it."

     Upon seating of councilman Jennings, several members of the council and Mayor Pratt expressed sincere appreciation for interest in the position that had been expressed by Keith Simmons, and indicated this type decision is the hardest the council can make.

     In other business the council approved increase of the city's financial support of the North Arkansas Youth Center from $350 to $400 per month. Transfer of $2000 was approved from the general fund to the waterline replacement account. Approval was given Mayor Pratt to sign an agreement (along with the city of Gassville) with the New Holland Credit Corporation for lease purchase of the backhoe that is being used by the sewer line crew.

New Year's wishes from Mayor J.D. Pratt

     As we go into the year 2002, I want to express my appreciation to all the citizens of Cotter for the part they played in making 2001 one of the greatest years in the history of our city. I consider it a privilege to live in Cotter. We are so blessed.

     Now we must look ahead to the new year. The city is in good financial condition. The budget for the year has been prepared and will be adopted at our January 17th, 2002 City Council meeting. We will keep a watchful eye on the state and local economy to be sure that things are happening as we planned. If adjustments are needed, we will make them.

     With the City doing its part, the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce continuing its good work, the Cotter Care Crew continuing to play a very important role in our city, the Saturday Club and all the other civic groups that are doing good things I feel very positive about our future.

Happy New Year to All.
J.D. Pratt, Mayor

Tennie Craig Guild Plans Luncheon

     The Tennie Craig Community Guild will meet Jan 9, 2002 at 12 noon at the White Sands. The event will be a no host luncheon and all ladies are welcome. Officers for 2002 are Agnes Cramlet, President, Wanda Fielding, Vice President, Evelyn Denton, Secretary, and Vivian Fishman, Treasurer. For more information call 435-6476.

Cotter whistled in the New Year

The article from which these excerpts were taken first appeared in the Modesto Bee. It was written by Martin Holmes, who had retired from that paper in 1987. Mr. Holmes graduated from Cotter High School in the early 1940s. The article comes through his old friend, Clyde Collins, and we thank both gentlemen for allowing us to share this Cotter New Year's Eve story.

     It was always colder than Old Billy on New Year's Eve, back in my home town in the Ozarks. Sometimes Christmas was a mild, pretty day, suitable for hunting ducks or squirrels after the gift-giving and feasting subsided.

     But winter always struck for real in the next week and you longed for Florida or California, places we had all read about but few had seen...Little did we know that the war which was just ahead would send us to hotter climes for much longer than we cared to stay...

     ...Nothing can surpass Christmas memories for sentiment, but there was a New Year's tradition in my old home town unlike anything else I have experienced or even heard about. It's as clear to me today as when it happened...

     One thing which set us apart from outsiders was the whistles. The roundhouse sounded a morning, noon and afternoon whistle. Even if you had no watch, you could keep track of time if you were within range of the whistles. In addition, the steam engine whistles sent echoes ricocheting for miles ahead, alerting train crews' families that dad would soon be home. Most engineers had their own trademark signals.

     All the whistles available were orchestrated to sound in the new year. It was a lot more impressive than a tumbling ball on Times Square or Guy Lombardo's orchestra playing its bland rendition of "Auld Lang Syne."

     ...on New Year's Eve the men and boys of the town adjourned to the roundhouse in plenty of time to fire up every boiler and engine in the old barn. Between the actual work and the boilers, the bitter cold was brushed aside. Besides, there was usually enough firewater circulating to ward off the chill.

     Railroad time was official so there was no problem deciding when the big moment arrived. The whistling began and continued until boiler pressures subsided. Even those fuddy-duddies who went to bed early were roused by the din.

     The clear, frosty air carried the sound for many miles. Everyone knew the new year had begun...

Chamber to set agenda for 2002

     The Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce will meet at the Spring House at 7 pm on Jan. 15, 2002. Officers for the coming year will be elected, and the principal agenda for 2002 will be established. Areas to be addressed include rejuvenation of the downtown, membership, fund raising, the new spring festival, the fall festival, scholarships, historic district and more.

     A major goal of the chamber is to increase community involvement in chamber activities to best meet the needs of the Cotter area. The public is cordially invited to attend.

CHS counseling department gets career center grant

     Cotter High School recently received a grant for $15,500 to be used to set up a career center in the school library. The grant money will purchase career software, videos, books and other items to help the students with the process of making a career decision.

Note from the Cotter Care Crew

     A BIG thanks to Tommye Collins & Fern Morris for planning and executing such a fun Christmas Party. They made it into such a festive occasion. The food was delicious, thanks to the Brass Door.

     The program presented by Maryanne Messick, "Famous Sayings by my Nephew Airl" was hilarious, no wonder he is always one step ahead of his students.

     Our gift exchange was fun. I tried my best to work it out to received the gift John Abbey received, but could not. WE all enjoyed the fellowship , thanks again girls.

     I will say I truly missed Geneva Wray & Wanda Davidson. This was the first Christmas party that they have missed that I know of. We wish them well in their new home.

We were sorry that Ann Pratt and Mildred Collins were ill and not able to be with us, but glad they are on the mend. Lets keep them in our prayers.

Have a healthy and happy 2002!
Lynn