Canton Notes

The Ball Ground "Anetsa-/ga-Da" Garden Club is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Anetsa-/ga-Da is "Ball Ground" in the Cherokee language. 

Around one year ago, scientists began cautioning us about a new virus that had the potential to become a serious, life-disrupting pandemic. Face masks and "shelter-in-place" became hot topics. Through all the anxiety and uncertainty, one familiar experience gave us an escape: the arts.

Residents and business owners often wonder how they can become more involved in Holly Springs government.

City of Ball Ground Mayor Rick Roberts and City Council held their first meeting of 2021 on January 14. Though the meeting was in a different format, it was business as usual. This year marks the 25th consecutive year that Mayor Roberts has called a Council meeting to order. He is Ball Ground's longest serving mayor on record.

In my 2020 State of the City, I reported that Canton was strong and making great progress. A few weeks later, we began dealing with a global pandemic. However, our City Council, staff, and police department responded by going above and beyond to move Canton forward. Together, we survived a challenging year while continuing our quest to become the "Coolest Small Town in America!"

When I was considering a run for Canton City Council, I received overwhelming support. But every now and then, I'd run into what amounted to this message: Who do you think you are? You were not born here. Once or twice that message extended to include: Plus, you're a woman — an outspoken woman.

In December, requests for bids went out for the demolition of the former location of Cherokee FOCUS and the Holly Springs Public Works Department, which are located behind Cherokee County Fire Station #8, as well as Building A and the pole barn at 411 Hickory Road. These buildings are scheduled to come down to make way for residential structures in the Town Center and the future Hickory Springs Parkway. The demolition and cleanup should be finished by the end of winter.

Although 2020 brought many unexpected changes, let us not dwell on the past, but look forward to the future. Ball Ground businesses are alive and well. Come spend the day and see for yourself. Enjoy dining and shopping that you won't find in just any small town.

As a historic mill town with great parks, restaurants, shopping, and access to the Etowah River, Canton offers City officials a unique opportunity to continue to develop this area as a destination for residents and visitors to live, work, and play. Canton is experiencing immense population growth, which has led to an increased demand for housing options. This trend is expected to continue, as it has for the past two decades.