The North Arkansas Youth Center at 412 Powell will host a lively free throw competition and a lot of fun Nov 2, 2002. Competition will begin at 9 a.m. in age divisions 4th-6th grade, 7th-9th grade and 10th-12th grade. Come on out and try your luck or cheer for your favorite shooter. The Winner of each division will get a prize. Entry fee at the door will be $3.

From 1900-1906 track for the Iron Mountain Line was completed through Cotter with grit and a lot of hard work. The Cotter Care Crew has shown the same determination to complete the Railroad Memorial at Big Spring Park. The railroad cars have recently been painted and look great. The gazebo has been completed. Sidewalks are being poured. Concrete forms have been put in place that will hold the attractive sign at the front of the memorial and the statue of a conductor toward its center. Jerry Stude and Tom Dunn have donated countless hours to this wonderful community project.

All interested parties are invited to the November 14^th meeting of the Cotter Care Crew at 7 p.m. at the Spring House. Dedication of the railroad memorial will be on the agenda as well as plans for the Christmas Party.

Cotter is delighted to welcome nationally renowned outdoor artist and fly fisherman, Duane Hada. The grand opening of Duane Hada’s Rivertown Gallery is scheduled for 10 a.m., Nov. 9, 2002, near the East end of the historic R. M. Ruthven rainbow arch bridge.

Rivertown Gallery is the realization of a lifelong dream of Duane and his wife, Marlene, to showcase the art of fly fishing and the Ozark landscape. Rivertown Gallery will offer extraordinary attractions at a single location. Along with Duane’s original art, the gallery will feature works of world renowned fly fisher, instructor and author Dave Whitlock. Also featured will be signature series flies by internationally known fly tyer, Davy Wotton, beautiful trout carvings by Gary Turner and the pen and ink art of Tanya Watkins.

Mark and Nancy Schuyler, owners of Riverbend Custom Framing, will offer quality framing of prints, photos, needlepoint and flyplates. With over twenty years experience, they bring a unique perspective to the art of framing.

Duane Hada’s Rivertown Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 870-435-ARTS(2787). At other times, call 870-449-4955

Chamber Hosts Candidate’s Night

Candidates for elected office for the City of Cotter presented their views to the public during a political forum at the North Arkansas Youth Center on Oct 17, 2002. All candidates were invited and the following accepted: Mayor, Bill Jennings; Ward 1, Position 1, none; Ward 1, Position 2, Keith Simmons; Ward 2, Position 1, Mo Mosley; Ward 2, Position 2, none; Ward 3, Position 1, S.E. Copeland, Tommy Flippin; Ward 3, Position 2, Wanda Fielding, Bob Nordell.

The evening was moderated by Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce President, Gil Stammer. During the formal program, each candidate gave a brief opening statement and all took questions from the audience. The formal portion concluded with each candidate’s closing statement Refreshments were served and gave individuals a further opportunity to informally visit with candidates.

Questions from the audience addressed a wide range of areas and reflected genuine interest in the future of Cotter. Several centered around the city water system, the age of waterline pipes and the type of joints. Concern was expressed that many may need replacement but no one knows for sure. It was suggested that Cotter’s water lines might be the subject of an engineering study.

Several questions addressed the need for increasing the sales tax base with commercial development in the downtown and also filling the empty Save-U-More building. Several comments addressed the need for care in zoning changes to ensure all nearby residents were informed. Other concerns addressed the safety of buildings in obvious need of renovation and possible need for condemnation proceedings.

Other comments suggested that an active effort be made to sell Cotter to potential investors to ensure growth and development. Citizens were urged to become involved in the City and help make a difference. Everyone was urged to get out and vote on Nov 5^th.

In a 90 minute special session on Oct. 23^rd the City Council upheld a decision by the Mayor to lay off an employee of the Public Works Depart-ment. The regular City Council meeting for October was canceled due to lack of an agenda.

The historic North Arkansas Youth Center invites the kids of Cotter to free hand-building pottery classes on Friday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are not a member, daily admission to the center is $1.00. Yearly memberships are available for $5.00

If you’d like to give an hour of your time giving an art lesson to some great talented kids, talk to Dusty or Jamie during open hours.

The center is open daily for use by the youth of the area, and its pool table, video game room, gym, and computer room are well used. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 to 7:30, Wednesday 3:30 to 6:30, Friday 3:30 to 9:00 and Saturday 12:00 to 9:00. For more information, call 870-435-2850.