Road paving projects appear to be decided for this year and next in Watson Township.

The Township Board Thursday evening noted that the Allegan County Road Commission plans reconstruction of one mile of 12^th Street close to M-222 at a cost of $220,000. Members also decided to prioritize paving 118^th Avenue and 120^th Avenue in 2022. The township has a fund of about $200,000 to handle the projects next year.

Supervisor Kevin Travis noted the township is rural in character and has about 41 miles of dirt roads.

He also told colleagues that gravel bids came in slightly cheaper than last year, with Roger Smith submitting the winning bid.

In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the Township Board:

• Approved a request from Jacob Quincy of Fat Blossom Farm to have a folk music festival from 2 to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 31. Quincy said four folk bands and six individual performers would be guest performers and he anticipated fewer than 100 people attending.
• Was told by Trustee Jack Wood, the board’s representative on the Planning Commission, that a public forum was held on gravel pit regulations, with about 30 to 40 in attendance. He acknowledged that most residents oppose gravel pits, but there was quality dialogue in the session.
• Learned from Dillon Thomas of the Hopkins Area Fire Department that Chief Tim McKinnon has stepped down and has been replaced by Bob Kerber.