A summary of the events covered in The Atkins Chronicle in 2001 follows.
Jan. 10 - Atkins teen Dustin Biggs tells his story of how he was rescued after falling through the ice on Lake Atkins.
The Hector School Board extended the contract of Superintendent Tommy Thompson and added four days to the schol calendar.
The Atkins School Board approved the Chemical Screen Test Policy for Atkins Schools presented to the board.
The Atkins City Council formally adopted a 2001 budget that had been worked out in December meetings. The budget called for spending $1,352,405 from the General Fund and $203,084 from the Street Fund.
Jan. 17 - Dwane Luter tells his story of being an Arkansas State Police Officer for 37 years.
Bobby Dann, II, was found dead at his home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Hector City Council heard from Harry Willard, general manager of the Tri County Regional Water Distribution System, that Tri County's board had not yet considered Hector's proposal to allow them to absorb the city's water system.
Jan. 24 - Three area teenagers died and another was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident near Russellville.
Robert Haralson and his wife Karen has been working to get the Arkanssa Legislature to consider creating an Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
Three railroad cars loaded with corn left the tracks in Atkins. The derailment was caused by the soft ground and the rails shifting. The cars did not overturn.
Jan. 31 - After losing two sons in one month, Bob Dann sat down to tell his story about sorting through his feelings of loss and the support he and his family have received from the community.
Tri County Board members took an interest in taking over the Hector water system sa requested by the Hector City Council.
Pottsville City Council vowed during Monday night's city council meeting to cut the water supply off to Angel Lake residents if owner Rene Taylor could not comply with a city ordinance.
Feb. 7 - Save On Foods was purchased by Sexton Foods, and Sav-A-Sum Market was in the process of liquidating its inventory. I-40 Grill was undergoing renovations to become McDonald's.
The People for a Better Atkins stepped up planning for Picklefest 2001.
Dawnyell Fletcher, a walk-on freshman at University of Arkansas from Atkins quickly made a name for herself on the track and dropped her 800 meter time from 2:19 at the beginning of the season to an impressive 2:13.
Chief Charles Martin announced that Patrolman Scott Harper was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Feb. 14 -The Atkins City Council approved the purchase of a new fire truck and heard complaints about sewer and cable television.
The Atkins School Board decided to seek bids on a new bus garage.
Feb. 21 - The Hector City Council voted to pursue the legal requirements to sell the city's water system to the Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District, even if a special election was required.
The Atkins Dollar General Store announced that it reached the $1 million mark in sales for the year 2000.
Feb. 28 - Annette Cothren presented a proposal to the Pottsville Council to open a private physician's practice in Pottsville after she completes four years of medical school and two years of residency, if the city would match funds for education fees.
The Arkansas Press Association honored Ellis Reynolds with its Golden Fifty Awards.
March 7 - The People for a Better Atkins chose Bob Cowen as the Atkins Citizen of the Year.
The Atkins Planning Commission plan meeting to discuss the matter of replacing Carol Russell.
The Pottsville Council agreed to support Mary Annette Cothren in the Community Match Program for prospective Medical Students.
People for a Better Atkins voted to borrow $10,000 to build a stage in the PBA park in downtown Atkins.
March 14 - The Hector School District received word that it was awarded a $500,000 EAST grant for special projects concerning use of space.
Atkins population increased slightly, according to preliminary census reports, but the city will lose county sales tax because other cities had larger increases.
Degan Clow was awarded Eagle Scout.
The Atkins Police Department solved some burglaries and found some illegal drugs.
March 21 - Burl Bruton, 43, of Hector was arrested in connection with a possible extortion attempt involving an Atkins businessman..
The Atkins Police Department recovered two stolen vehicles after receiving information about their possible location.
The Pottsville School Board approved some additional work on the grounds east and south of the high school addition and recognized the students of the month.
Robert Haralson of Atkins was presented with the prestigious World Simmental Federation Golden Book Award.
March 28 - Two suspects were held in the Moreland Grocery Store robbery.
Greg Barborek of Crafton, Tull and Associates of Russellville was selected as the architect for the renovation of the old library building in Russellville.
The Hector City Council officially started the process mandated under state law for selling the city's financially troubled water system to the Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District.
April 4 - Sascha Wlock, of Germany, spent the night in Atkins during his round the world bicycle trip.
Clayton Coffman, a senior at Atkins High School, placed first in the science competition at the State Beta Club Convention at Hot Springs.
A benefit auction was held for Kayla Moore, an 11-year-old cancer patient.
April 11 - Brenda May tells her story about preparing for death and the hospice program.
People for a better Atkins took stock of progress on plans for Picklefest 2001.
Pottsville Volunteer Fireman Brian Richter died in a car accident while traveling to the Pottsville Fire Station.
George Jones, math teacher, coach and principal at both Atkins and Pottsville schools, died.
May 9 - Sidewalks and streets were major items of discussion at the Atkins City Council meeting.
The Atkins School Board voted to give the district's 90 teachers a raise of almost $500 each.
May 16 - Daniel Brashear tells his story of overcoming drug addiction.
Atkins High School graduation was held May 18.
May 23 - The Hector School District waited for a new membrane for the domed school construction after a dome collapsed while concrete was being poured over the inflated membrane and steel reinforcement.
Pope County public libraries cut back hours and laid off part-time workers to deal wiht continuing fund shortages and uncertainties.
The Hector City Council voted to creat a second police position.
May 30 - Pottsville School teachers got a $500 increase in base pay and an addition $600 experience step at the school board meeting.
June 6 - The Atkins Middle School Gifted and Talented Program received a School Site Habitat Grant sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Project WILD.
The Atkins School Board unanimously hired Environmental Safety and Compliance, Inc. to implement the new drug testing policy in grades 7-12.
The Atkins City Council decided to hold off, at least briefly, on two projects while going ahead with two others. The meeting was called to review the budget with an eye to whether it is in line with revenue because tax revenues in general have slowed.
June 13 - The People for a Better Atkins accepted some rules for use of the new stage on Gillispie Community Park.
Alderwoman Anita Jeanneret brought a petition with 88 names and provided details of a proposed ordinance severely restricting the ownership of "vicious" breeds of dogs, including pit bulls and Rottweilers, in the city limits and prohibiting additions of those breeds.
Eric Armour, superintendent of the Mount Holly School District in southern Arkansas, was hired as superintendent of the Hector School District. p>June 20 - Petit Jean College became University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton at a meeting of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees on the campus at Morrilton.
Harry Willard of Tri-County Rural Water Distribution District told the Hector City Council Monday night that he needs official copies of an amended resolution and of the motion the council made in deciding to sell the city's water system to Tri-County.
June 27 -
A proposal to restrict the ownership of certain dog breeds raised the hackles of some residents at the Atkins City Council meeting.
The Pope County Library system received a grant of $1.5 million from the state education department, and also showed a balance of $132,339 in the county library fund.
Loretta Gates received a Community Service Award from KARK, Channel 4.
July 4 -
David Waddell, high school principal at Horatio, was hired as the new high school principal at Hector.
Ernest L. Powers, former P.O.W. and county clerk, died.
Edna Teeter, Pottsville EHer, received a 50-year award at the state EH convention at the Hot Springs convention center.
July 11 -
The Atkins City Council adopted an ordinance setting a curfew for residents under 18.
Two areas residents get their M.D.s while two towns get doctors. With the help of the cities of Pottsville and Atkins, Annette Cothren and John Taylor are attending medical school at UAMS in Little Rock, and in return will open practices in the cities for a minimum of four years.
The Atkins Planning Commission was asked to take action to eliminate a traffic hazard by having some signs moved that block the view of the intersection of Church Street and Eighth Street.
July 18 -
The Atkins School Board downplayed the hiring of a new basketball coach and disagreed about whether to award the milk contract to Hiland or Coleman.
The balloon that was inflated for the dome over the new Hector Secondary School had a ripped seam for the third time, so contractors decided to order a new one before continuing with placing steel bars and concrete on it.
July 25 -
Tim and Debbie Waddle's home was destroyed by a fire. Tim sustained first and second degree burns on his arms, legs and face and was taken to the Arkansas Children's Hospital Burn Center.
The Atkins City Council approved a motion tightening the leash on the city's dog control law.
The Pottsville Planning and Zoning Commission came under fire when Ray Desmarais was allowed to speak. He said the commission failed to follow the city ordinances during its previous meeting.
Aug. 1 -
The Steve Bates family was selected as the 2001 Farm Family of the Year.
Michael "Jake" Knoedl signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Lyon College in Batesville.
Grace Berry, director of the Pope County Library System announced that a grant proposal for $41,000 for the remodeling of the old Russellville Public Library has been submitted to the Arkansas Historical Preservation Society.
Aug. 9 -
Four candidates filed for the position on the Atkins School Board.
Arkansas State Representative Mike Hathorn announced his candidacy for the third district U.S. congressional seat.
Pope County Sheriff Jay Winters was elected President of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association for the 2001-2002 year.
Aug. 15 -
The Atkins Planning Commission expressed concern about delays in getting a sign ordinance ready for approval by the City Council.
Aug. 22 -
Doyle Tackett tells his story of his school career, his military service, and his professional football career.
The Atkins City Council voted to strengthen the city dog control law, but did not go far enough to suit Alderwoman Anita Jeanneret.
The Atkins School Board hear a request by Terry and Barbara Gardner to consider allowing students in special education to be on the honor roll.
Aug. 29 -
The Pottsville School Board approved refinancing its construction bonds in a plan that should save the district $140,000.
The Pottsville City Council praised a group of Pottsville High School Students for detailed plans for improving the city park and took their proposal under consideration for the September meeting.
The Atkins Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Sexton Foods which recently completed its remodeling project and held a grand opening.
Sept. 5 -
Philip Haney announced his candidacy for a position on the Atkins School Board.
Two Atkins residents were seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident south of town.
After 35 years with the U.S. Postal Service, Atkins Postmaster Bob Cown retired.
Sept. 12 -
Area residents flocked to local gas stations Tuesday after rumors circulated that gasoline prices would go up as a result of the terrorist attacks on the country.
Atkins and Russellville residents are being questioned about a shooting on Hopewell Loop, north of Atkins.
Sept. 19 -
The Atkins School Board voted to delay implementation of its drug testing policy, awaiting a Supreme Court decision on such policies.
Harry Willard, General Manager of the Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District, told the Hector City Council that the completion of the long planned process of transfer of ownership of the city's water system to Tri-County was very close.
Sept. 26 -
Phillip Haney was elected to the Atkins School Board against three opponents without a run-off election.
The former Atkins Legion Hut is named the W.J. Matthews Civic Center.
The First Baptist Church in Atkins celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Oct. 3 -
Diane Herion of the Overcup Community was appointed as the new Atkins postmaster.
Several businesses in the area joined together to assist the Pope County 4-H Foundation develop a fund raising project to raise money for the county 4-H foundation.
Atkins middle school students launched a fund-raising project named "Let's Fill the Fence."
Oct. 10 -
The Atkins Planning Commission was told thata sign ordinance was almost ready for consideration.
Paladino-Nash, Inc., was granted a 10-day extension on its contract to install new water lines in downtown Atkins.
The Hector School Board elected officers and discussed a gym-use policy.
Oct. 17 -
Carolyn Joann Shatswell, 50, of Scottsville was found dead near Billy Joe Road in the Caglesville community south of Hector. The Arkansas Medical Examiner's Office ruled she died from a loss of blood due to multiple dog bites.
The Atkins School Board elected officers and greeted Phillip Haney, the newly elected member of the board.
The W.J. Matthews Civic Center opened.
The Atkins City Council opened trash pickup bids, accepted the resignation of an alderman and picked a bank to finance fire truck payments.
Oct. 24 -
Tuesday, October 23, 2001, marked the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Atkins.
The Pottsville City Council opened business by presenting a check to Jeff Pipkin, Director of RedPi (Russellville Economic Development Partnership, Inc.) for yearly membership.
Lu Hardin was the speaker at the Atkins Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Awards honoring Steve Osborn of the Atkins Civic Team, Don Billings of the Atkins Lions, and J.L. Austin of People for a Better Atkins. The Chamber also recognized Jim McGee and the Meals on Wheels program.
Nov. 7 -
The Hector City Council finally succeeded in its attempt to pass a resolution outlining the process for transfering itw water system accounts to the Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District upon the takeover of the utility by the district.
An all-day celebration was held in downtown Atkins to honor local veterans. The event included a parade and ceremony with guest speakers, entertainment and a balloon release and lunch.
Nov. 14 -
The Atkins Planning Commission took steps at its meeting to get a new sign ordinance before the City Council as soon as possible.
The Hector School Board got a building update, heard a report on gym access and turned down a transfer request at its monthly meeting.
Nov. 21 -
The Atkins City Council selected Jimmy McGee to become an alderman.
Larry Gardner plans an art show to sell his work to pay for a liver transplant.
Nov. 28 -
Paul Foshee of Blackwell and Robert "Crash" Carruthers of Morrilton see a record harvest of over 50,000 pounds of pecans this year.
Loretta Gates was notified that she achieved certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Mary Anna Embry filed suit against Atkins Housing Authority for reimbursement of $15,043, the value of property she says was seized from her.
Dec. 5 -
In a show of support and appreciation for our troops, several members of the Atkins High School faculty are corresponding with former students who are currently serving in the armed forces.
Santa Claus was featured in the Atkins Christmas parade held in downtown.
Dec. 12 -
Rhett Martin is awarded the Rhodes Scholarship.
The Hector School Board voted to give teachers a $500 bonus and classified employees $200.
Dec. 19 -
The Pope County Library Board voted to give its employees an additional 2 percent pay increase.
The Atkins School Board heard Bobby Fletcher as head of the committee to study the Classified Personnel Policy say the committee will prioritize issues reviewing a survey taken by those involved.
The Pottsville City Council approved the year 2002 budgets.
A formal date has been set for the transfer of the Hector city water system to the Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District after nearly a year and a half of negotiations.
