Drivers traveling First Avenue Southwest in Harmony might be taking a second look as they pass the home of Ron and LeAnn Gregg. The couple has created a unique piece of art in their front yard, a project that emerged after their beloved maple tree had to be cut down once it began losing its branches. It was a sentimental tree, as their sons has climbed through the branches as … [Read more...]
Canton property owner requests city council reconsider billing practices for “housing units”
During the June 8 Canton City Council meeting, property owner Karl Butenhoff came before the council to discuss the city’s current utility billing practices for housing units. Butenhoff purchased the Canton apartments located on Highway 52 earlier this year. He began his discussion with the council by introducing himself and giving a brief background and progress he has made … [Read more...]
Dairyland Power, City of Harmony celebrate opening of service center
It took several years, overcoming a few unexpected challenges and a change in location, but last Thursday, dignitaries from Dairyland Power, the City of Harmony and building contractors celebrated the opening of the Dairyland Service Center in Harmony. The 23,000-square-foot facility is located on 10 acres of land in the northwest edge of Harmony. The majority of the building … [Read more...]
City of Canton prepares for 2022 property inspections
Members of the Canton City Council met on Wednesday, May 11, in regular session where it discussed upcoming property inspections and how best to proceed. Each year the city does a driving tour of town, with a deputy, to review and determine which residences may have ordinance violations that need to be remedied. Clerk Brock Bergey highlighted the numbers of 2021 where 29 … [Read more...]
Canton City to seek conflict resolution services from League of Minnesota Cities
The Canton City Council addressed several sensitive topics at its meeting on April 13, which resulted in a recommendation that the city utilize a conflict resolution service provided by the League of Minnesota Cities. Clerk Brock Bergey explained that the city has been dealing with several issues of concern lately and those have created a discord between city staff and city … [Read more...]
Canton Council receives preliminary results from engineering study
Daren Sikkink and Kevin Graves from the engineering firm of WHKS presented the preliminary results of the engineering study to the Canton City Council during its regular meeting on March 9. The study took a close look at the water and wastewater systems through the city. In the WHKS report, few surprises were unveiled as the city has an aging system with an increasing risk for … [Read more...]
Former Harmony dental office gets new life as Airbnb
Many may remember visiting the small blue house, located on Harmony’s 1st Ave Southeast, to see the local dentist. Regular check-ups may have led to some uncomfortable moments, which may have included filling, drilling or even some pulling! Now, when visitors enter the home, there is nothing BUT comfort to greet them. The former dental office has been converted into a … [Read more...]
No feathers ruffled as City of Canton begins process to allow chickens in town
Canton residents Robert and Christina Schmidt approached the Canton City Council on Wednesday night, January 12, about owning chickens within city limits. Robert Schmidt explained he and his wife have 10 chickens at their Canton residence that they consider to be pets. “We hold them everyday, we play with them. They are part of our family,” he said. Schmidt explained he and … [Read more...]
Canton Council approves 2022 budget, certifies levy with slight increase to cover equipment purchase
The Canton City Council reviewed and adopted the 2022 general fund budget and certified its tax levy, collectable in 2022, during its meeting last Wednesday evening, December 8. The final general fund budget was set at $275,915, This represents a 7% increase from the 2021 budget. Clerk Brock Bergey explained that the increase comes mainly from the need to replace the city’s … [Read more...]
Canton Council approves increase to water, sewer rates
The Canton City Council discussed the need to increase water and sewer rates during its meeting on Wednesday evening, November 10. The topic has been discussed at several past meetings with Clerk Brock Bergey and Utility Committee members, Josh Nordsving and Cindy Shanks, looking at options for meeting the city’s needs while still being sensitive to what the residents can … [Read more...]
Canton City Council reviews needed water rate increase
The Canton City Council once again discussed the need to increase water rates within the city of Canton at its october 13 meeting. Utility Committee members, Josh Nordsving and Cindy Shanks, outlined a proposal to raise rates on an average of $5.64 a month for each residential water user. Since the city is looking at a large utility project in the next couple of years, and the … [Read more...]
Harmony welcomes animal grooming business to Main Street
Who doesn’t love being pampered with a relaxing shampoo, haircut and blowout? After a little “buff and shine,” one can leave the salon feeling like a whole new person! It’s no different for our canine and feline loved ones and they can get a “custom cut, from nose to butt,” at Birch Bark Grooming in Harmony. Emily Ragan, a groomer for 14 years, opened her pet salon in July … [Read more...]
Canton Council reviews budget, learns how population decline will affect city
As the Canton City Council met on September 8, the 2020 census results came up several times during regular business discussions. According to the latest census, Canton has seen a decrease in population by 34 residents over the past decade, going from 346 to 310. Clerk Brock Bergey said this 10.4% decrease is the sharpest decline in population since the 1970 census, when the … [Read more...]
Harmony Council supports EDA’s commercial rehabilitation grant program
Chris Giesen, representing the Harmony Economic Development Authority (EDA), attended the August 10 Harmony City Council meeting to present several matters to the council. The first matter was a commercial building rehabilitation grant for a core area in the city’s downtown business district and the second had to deal with the sale of a lot in the north industrial park. First, … [Read more...]
Canton resident asks council for tax break on “tillable land”
The Canton City Council heard from city resident David Terbeest during its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 11. Terbeest requested the city consider establishing a rural service taxing district that would reduce the tax burden from agriculturally-zoned land within the city limits. Currently, there are approximately 468 acres of agriculturally-zoned land in Canton, making … [Read more...]
