Town of Townsend reports $12,000 Oconto County grant, $8,000 raised for fireworks and other local fundraising

Treasurer Beth Hartman presented the town's P&L budget performance at the June 9 meeting, reporting that the town has collected over $8,000 for the July Fourth fireworks display and $1,066 for the pickleball court fund from last month’s brat fry. She also said the town received a Recreational Grant from Oconto County for $12,000 to support ballpark and concession stand improvements.

Hartman’s financial report was approved and a motion to pay all bills carried. The board and staff noted multiple upcoming community events tied to fundraising, including FOTF raffle activities and a Lakewood Supervalu round-up that will benefit Friends of Townsend Fire in July.

During public comment, Chairperson Monica Zeller said the town had secured a DNR grant for a new John Deere mower and that the mower would arrive the following week. Zeller also described plans for Fourth of July parking — public parking in a field at Timber Edge and Pickerel Lake Road with signage — and said the Sheriff’s department would assist with traffic and lead the parade. A resident, D. Ishmael, asked whether garbage containers could be placed on the east side of Front Street during the festivities; Zeller said she would discuss that with highway attendants.

Library and nonprofit updates at the meeting noted that Lake Country Library's summer reading program is active, the library's solar panels are paying back quickly, and the library experienced software glitches with a new operating system. Friends of Townsend Fire reported awarding two scholarships to local seniors and continuing raffle sales to support summer activities.

The board’s financial approvals allow staff to proceed with the planned payments and to allocate grant and fundraising proceeds to the identified projects.