Generosity, Winter Support, and Holiday Spirit: Highlights from Harrison City Council

alstaiger
Dec 3
3 min read

Harrison City Council met on Tuesday night to approve the City’s 2026 budget, support key infrastructure and public safety projects, and share a full slate of upcoming holiday and community events.

The meeting also included a significant show of generosity from local veterans’ organizations, updates on recreation projects, and reminders about winter resources available to residents.

Veterans Organizations Support Mayor’s Fund and Public Safety

The Harrison VFW presented donations of $1,000 each to the Harrison Police Department and Harrison Fire Department, and $1,500 to the Mayor’s Fund.

The VFW is also seeking nominations throughout the upcoming year for outstanding community members (for example: Teacher of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, etc.). Residents who would like to nominate someone are encouraged to contact the Harrison VFW.

The American Legion reaffirmed its commitment to donate $2,500 each month to the Harrison Mayor’s Community Fund, presenting the latest check during the meeting.

The Legion also announced a $6,000 donation to the Harrison Police Department to help purchase two new radios for recently hired officers. In total, the American Legion has contributed more than $195,000 this year to organizations and initiatives in the Harrison and Southwest Local School District community.

Together with the Harrison VFW’s recent donations to the Police Department, Fire Department and Mayor’s Fund, these gifts reflect an extraordinary level of generosity and ongoing commitment from both veterans’ organizations.

City leaders expressed deep gratitude for the continued generosity of both organizations, noting that their support directly strengthens local families, public safety, and community programs throughout Harrison.

Library Shares Holiday Programs and Blood Drive

Shannon Eck from the Harrison Branch Library shared several upcoming events including a book-themed ornament making program, Santa at the Library, Coral Catshark Program with Newport Aquarium, and upcoming Hoxworth Blood Drive.

For information on all these events, and to register, please visit the Harrison Library website.

Winter Weather, Warming Center, and Street Crews

Mayor Ryan Grubbs thanked the City’s Street Department for their quick and effective response to the recent snow event, noting that crews kept Harrison’s roads in good condition despite fast-falling snow and strong winds.

He also reminded residents that the Community Center will serve as a daytime warming location during normal business hours this winter:

If temperatures drop below 20 degrees, the Community Center can also be opened overnight on an as-needed basis.
Residents needing a warm place to stay overnight in extreme cold may call 513-859-0830, and staff will respond to open the facility.
Restrooms and water are available.

Mayor’s Fund Toy Drive and Holiday Festivities

Mayor Grubbs reminded residents that the Mayor’s Fund Christmas distribution is approaching:

Toy donation deadline: December 15
Distribution: December 20, 9:00 to 11 a.m. at Harrison High School
How to give:
- Drop off new, unwrapped toys at donation sites across the community
- Scan the QR code on Mayor’s Fund boxes to purchase items from the online Amazon wishlist.

Mayor Grubbs also encouraged everyone to attend the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 6:

Parade steps off at 5:00 p.m.
Tree lighting scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Activities will extend across both the 100 and 200 blocks of the downtown district, including free photos with Santa, and a train display at the firehouse.

A new City Christmas tree is being installed downtown in time for the weekend festivities, thanks to coordination between staff, the Street Department, volunteers, and Councilmember Tanner Dole.

Councilmember Dole played a key role in helping arrange and deliver the tree, ensuring it arrived downtown in time for the celebration.

For all the event details please click here.

Willow Park to be Rededicated in Honor of Ray Acra

Councilmember Jerry Wilson reminded residents that Willow Park will be formally rededicated this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in honor of the late Councilmember Ray Acra.

The ceremony will take place near the parking lot inside the park, where a commemorative stone will be unveiled.

Residents are invited to attend and help celebrate and remember Councilmember Acra’s long service and deep roots in the Harrison community.

For more information visit the City of Harrison website

Community Kindness and Support for Veterans

As the meeting wrapped up, Councilmember Jean Wilson shared several reminders:

A sock drive at Shoe Sensation is collecting socks for service members and local veterans. Customers who donate socks receive discounts on purchases and additional coupons.
Local chapter Xi Eta Iota is working with Wreaths Across America and will lay wreaths on veterans’ graves on December 13, supported in part by donations from the American Legion and VFW.
Residents were encouraged to attend the ceremony or volunteer during wreath placement.
Jean also encouraged residents to check on neighbors, friends, and relatives who live alone during the busy and often stressful holiday season. Sometimes, she noted, people need our presence more than presents.

Together with strong partnerships, and local generosity, Harrison’s leaders emphasized that kindness and connection remain at the heart of this community.