Cotter In the News

During June, 2002, Cotter was often featured in local and statewide media.

The June 17 issue of The Baxter Bulletin reported "Special Olympics fishing derby a success" and described the successful fishing experience of 25 Special Olympic athletes on June 15 at the Big Spring.

The same issue also reported "Progress being made on shoring up White River bank" and described the work being done by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission along a 1.4 mile stretch on the Marion County side just north of Cotter's railroad bridge. The work includes a 900-foot log and rock terrace which is very visible from the Hopkins Overlook. and a series of three rock veins to help deflect water flow from the bank to help prevent erosion and create a deeper channel at low water.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on June 23, 2002, included the Cotter project as part of a bigger story entitled "Under Construction: Tailwater takes new shape." The story featured the Cotter project as part of trout tailwater habitat improvements being done in the Bull Shoals and other tailwater trout fisheries in Arkansas' White River system.

Cotter schools also made the news. The June 18^th issue of The Baxter Bulletin reported hiring Donald G. Sharp as the new superintendent replacing retiring Rick Keyes. Sharp comes to Cotter from Quitman, Arkansas, where he was their school superintendent. The June 18^th issue also reported "Kindergarten enrollment up at Cotter." The enrollment for this fall was listed at 53, up about 20 students from the end of 2002.

Commercial development in Cotter's historic downtown was the feature story in the June 20^th issue of The Baxter Bulletin. "Cotter business bridges the past with the present" described the extensive renovation of the large bank/hotel complex originally opened in 1906 at Second and McLean into Rainbow Bridge Treasures. This effort is a major part of a large amount of historic restoration being done in the Cotter area.

Fall Festival Planning Continues

At their June 18 breakfast meeting at the White Sands the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce continued planning for the third annual fall festival on Friday evening September 27 and Saturday September 28, 2002. Media releases have been distributed and publicity in local radio and print media is expected to begin soon after coverage of local July 4^th celebrations.

The celebration will consist of a White River Shore Lunch fish fry and dance at the Pavilion at Big Spring Park on Friday evening. Rim Shoals Trout Dock will host the fish fry and music will be provided by the R.V. Armstrong band. The festival will center around the downtown area throughout the day on Saturday. A downtown parade will highlight Saturday's activities.

The next meeting of the Chamber will be July 16 at 8:00 a.m. at the White Sands.

City Council Approves Repayment Agreement

At their monthly meeting on June 27, 2002, the Cotter City Council approved an agreement drafted by city attorney, Roger Morgan, for repayment to Cotter of $33,000 principal plus interest by David Crownover. The money was provided for medical school expenses by the City of Cotter as part of a community match loan program that would have forgiven repayment if Crownover had practiced medicine in Cotter. Several months ago, he advised the council that circumstances had changed and he would not be able practice medicine in Cotter and offered to repay the tuition assistance. A promissory note will be developed to finalize repayment arrangements.

In other matters the council heard first reading of ordinance 2002-04 that would close State Street between 8^th and 9^th Streets in Cotter. The second of three required readings is scheduled for the next council meeting.

The council rejected a request by Neill J. Brown for reimbursement of expenses for gravel. A request for a variance for a double carport by Margaret Klimala was approved. A request by Anne Ramey to consider a historical marker for Hopkins Overlook was approved. The matter was referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review prior to presentation back to the council for final approval.

The council agreed to amend the Cotter sign ordinance by using the current building permit and fee schedule for off-premise signs.

Carolyn Gill presented Mayor Pratt with a check for $6,000 from the Cotter VFD Auxiliary for the VFD fire truck fund. The money was from the most recent chili supper and auction. Mayor Pratt reiterated praise for the effectiveness of Cotter's fire department and the dedication of its members.

Bill Jennings presented the mayor with a plaque from last week's Municipal League Convention that recognized Cotter as one of fourteen winners within Arkansas of the "Four Star Municipality Award."

Wanda Fielding discussed planning for the new park at the southeast corner of Second and McLean. The city has done preliminary work, and the estimate for completion by a professional is $10,000, which includes a waterfall, fountain, paths and landscaping. Residents are encouraged to review the plan at City Hall and give their opinion.

Mayor Pratt advised that he had recently visited with representatives from Entergy and downtown Cotter will soon be getting additional street lights.

Care Crew Plans July 4^th Potluck

The Spring House is becoming a great place to eat these days thanks to the Cotter Care Crew. The June 13^th meeting was filled with fellowship and good food as a full house enjoyed soup and sandwiches in addition to their regular business meeting. Jerry Stude provided an update on the Anglin-Tinnon railroad memorial in the park. Margaret Beavers advised the Art Guild Art Show would be conducted June 28 & 29, 2002, at the high school cafeteria in Mtn. Home.

The next meeting will by a potluck dinner at 12 noon at the Spring House on July 4, 2002. Hot dogs will be provided, prepared by Jerry Stude. Everyone is encouraged to attend and meet other folks who love Cotter.

Major Investments in History Underway in Cotter

Renovation work in the downtown area includes the Rainbow Arch Bridge ($6.2 million) plus private efforts at 417 Second "Cotter Hair Studio," 506 Second "Firehouse Antiques," Second & McLean "Rainbow Bridge Treasures," 517 Second (Old Masonic Lodge) private residence, 202 South (Old Cotter Lumber Company) private residence plus commercial plans pending, and 221 South (Old Saloon) private.