City Dedicates Town Square

HARRISON – A long-awaited moment for the City of Harrison came at 5 p.m. Saturday, as Tracey Connelly, city manager/clerk, presented the dedication remarks for the Harrison Town Square. Connelly said the project was worked on by the Downtown Development Authority for many years, beginning in 2007. The cost of the project was $700,000 with $450,000 coming from seven grants, including USDA, MEDC, MDO, DNR Passport Grant, and Rising Tide Community, along with the help of the local chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Club which raised the funds to purchase the Town Square clock.

She went on to describe the square’s many elements: a band shell with changing rooms/restrooms; splash pad; digital sign; bus shelter; and the classically-styled town clock. Connelly expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the project, noting specifically the crew of the Department of Public Works.

With great personal emotion, Connelly also spoke in tribute to three Harrison icons. First noted was Ann Smith, who was a steadfast proponent of the city and its residents, dedicating much of her time, both professional and personal, to the betterment of the community and its children. The remaining two were well-known and loved community members/supporters Charlotte Mavis and Helen Heintz – also known as the “flower ladies” – who invested much of their time planting and watering around town, ensuring Harrison always looked its best. To honor these three ladies, a bench was dedicated in their honor in the Town Square.

Due to the untimely spring school closures this year, awarding of the city’s Wellhead Protection Banner art contest was done during the Town Square dedication. Present to receive their awards were fifth-grader Ledian Shuman and middle-schoolers Kaydison Sant and Barbara Sapp. The fruits of these students’ efforts can be seen hanging from lamp posts around town.