Public works director Jon Nordsving was recognized during the March 8 Canton City Council meeting in honor of celebrating his 20th anniversary working for the city. Nordsving presented his report to the council immediately after his recognition, simply saying, “We are geared up and ready to plow snow again.” The meeting opened with a public hearing regarding the zoning map for … [Read more...]
Congregation expands ministry with establishment of new church in Harmony
New and small beginnings can lead to big impacts. That was the message shared at the first Harmony service of the Root River Community Church on Sunday, January 29. The congregation, which had originated in Rushford with a small group in 1995, has now expanded its ministry to Harmony. The church is currently operating from the former Nativity Catholic Church, but purchased … [Read more...]
Canton City Council agenda filled with reports, finance discussions
Department heads provided updates on recent activities for the city of Canton during last Wednesday’s council meeting at the town hall. The mayor, clerk, deputy clerk and public works director brought the councilors up to speed on what has been happening at city hall. Mayor Josh Nordsving told his fellow council members that he and members of the outgoing city council had … [Read more...]
Department heads give annual reports to Preston City Council
The Preston City Council heard several annual reports from its various departments on Monday night, February 6. Ramon Hernandez represented the fire department, Elizabeth Anderson gave the library report, Blaise Sass reported on the police department and Gabby Kinneberg provided updates from the EDA and tourism. Hernandez began the series of reports by explaining that the … [Read more...]
The “magic” of Lanesboro highlighted by annual meeting speakers
The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting, virtually, on Wednesday, January 25, with storyteller Al Batt as its special guest speaker. Board President Joe Goetzke presided over the meeting and shared several personal reflections about the Chamber and his time in Lanesboro. Executive Director Andrzej Zalasinski reviewed the past year, highlighted marketing … [Read more...]
Collaboration is common discussion theme during Preston Chamber annual meeting
“Collaboration” was the theme of the night on Wednesday evening, January 18, during the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Guest panelists agreed with Chamber Board directors and staff that collaborating on individual, community and regional levels not only benefits private businesses, but can strengthen the entire region by creating a travel destination. The … [Read more...]
New year brings new mayor, council members for City of Canton
At the start of last Wednesday night’s Canton City Council meeting, the first meeting of the new year, outgoing mayor Cindy Shanks administered the oath of office to her successor Josh Nordsving as well as new council members Jen Dowling, Kristy Ziegler and Jason Magnuson. Nordsving served on the council before becoming mayor and Ziegler was appointed to fill a council vacancy … [Read more...]
Canton acknowledges endings, new beginnings at city council meeting
The city of Canton acknowledged a few newcomers at last Wednesday’s Canton City Council meeting. It was the first meeting for new city clerk Anne Koliha, who joined the city on November 30. Also new, sitting in the audience, were recently-elected council members who will take office in January, Jason Magnuson and Jennifer Dowling. The December council meeting also marked the … [Read more...]
Moving Canton forward is priority for new city clerk
Anne Koliha is familiar with local government and has great affection for small towns. As the new city clerk in Canton, she feels her abilities, knowledge and experiences will help the community move forward to achieve current goals as well as prepare her to work with the council to set new priorities for the years to come. Joining the Canton team on November 30, Koliha said … [Read more...]
Rushford church inspires “deeper meaning of Christmas” with live Nativity
“Last year, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to take a lovely drive down to Rushford to experience the Nativity at Root River Community Church. We could imagine ourselves coming from other parts of Israel to go to Bethlehem. We heard the news of something quite mysterious and we wanted to see and hear for ourselves,” recalled Julie Miller. She had attended the … [Read more...]
Canton reviews variance request, approves job offer for new clerk
The Canton City Council held a special meeting on November 9, prior to its regular meeting, to consider a variance request from property owners Lindsi Poppe and Michelle Hanson. The variance permit application stated they would like a variance to install a shed to hold ATVs and lawnmower and snow blower. Council Member Josh Nordsving reviewed the application and visited … [Read more...]
Search continues for new Canton city clerk
The Canton City Council discussed ways to publicize its search for a new city clerk at last Wednesday’s meeting. The council also discussed ways in which to make the position more attractive by adding hours and noting benefits that could be offered. After the resignation of its former clerk Brock Bergey, in late August, the city posted a job ad in a local newspaper, but has … [Read more...]
Downtown signage project gets nod from Harmony City Council
Erica Thilges presented a signage project the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce is spearheading to the city council at their October 11 meeting. As a member of the Chamber Board of Directors, Thilges explained that the organization has assessed the need for more signage for downtown. She serves as the manager of New Generations of Harmony, the antique mall located on the … [Read more...]
Canton mayor opens city council meeting with statement thanking former clerk
As Mayor Cindy Shanks opened the September 14 Canton City Council meeting, she took the opportunity to thank former clerk Brock Bergey and give him credit for the role he played in the city recovering from misdeeds by his predecessor. She admitted to being unprepared at the special meeting held in late August where the council had accepted Bergey’s resignation. “Everything … [Read more...]
Canton city clerk resigns, community voices frustration during special council meeting
The Canton City Council met in special session on Thursday evening, August 25, following the resignation of its city clerk, Brock Bergey. In a brief letter, dated August 22, Bergey stated his resignation would be effective September 5, however his last day in the office would be August 24, using accrued leave time and the legal holiday on September 5, for the remainder of his … [Read more...]