Spanky Fest raises $15,000 for Grafton Police Department
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By Steven Spencer
Photo by Grafton City Photographer Dave Sanford
The Grafton Police Department was presented with a check for $15,000 from the First Annual Spanky Fest 2025. The event remembered and honored the law enforcement legacy of former Grafton Police Chief, Eric Spanton, who passed on in December, 2024, and was affectionately known by all as “Spanky.”
The organizers of Spanky Fest presented a $15,000 check to the Grafton Police Department last week at the Grafton City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19.
The first annual Spanky Fest honored and remembered the legacy of former Grafton Police Chief Eric Spanton, who died in December of 2024, and raised an impressive amount of money from the community to help benefit the police department.
Chris Spanton thanked everyone involved and said the support from the community was overwhelming and better than they could have anticipated.
“We are so excited,” she said. “This turnout was so much better than we anticipated. I have to thank probably most of you.”
She said the support from local businesses as well as the entire community was overwhelming, helping to raise $15,000.
“We could not have done what we’ve done with the support of the whole community. It’s overwhelming. The entire project was a little overwhelming but I am so excited. I woke up this morning grinning, knowing that Spanky would be so proud of this,” she added.
Grafton Police Chief Dave Womack thanked the event organizers and family of former Chief Spanton, and said the money will be going to good use in the department.
“We have some equipment we have to purchase,” he said. “This is going to help go a long way.”
Photo by Grafton City Photographer Dave Sanford
The Grafton City Council approved Mayor Mike Morrow’s Proclamation declaring September as National Service Dog Month in Grafton.
The council also approved a proclamation declaring September as National Service Dog Month in Grafton.
The proclamation recognizes service dogs as well as the adults and children with disabilities within the community.
Council also heard from Suzanne Steckel regarding the audit report for the year that ended on April 30, 2025.
Steckel said the city received a clean opinion and noted that a few things, including total revenue was up by about $105,000 from last year at $1.5 million. She also mentioned that total expenditures were at $1.6 million, down about $90,000.
It was also noted that EAV, equalized assessed value, was increased 8% between 2022 and 2023. There was 11% increase between 2023 and 2024 and the city is estimated to collect about $210,000 in property taxes next year.
In other business, City Engineer Scott Weiner told the council that documents and plans for the boat ramp are complete and are out for bid. He also said they are working on applying for a grant for new restrooms at Grove Memorial Park and discussed the possibility of putting in a crosswalk at the west end of town. Council also approved the mayor’s nominations of Chris Petrea, Cyndi Hand, and Anne Hettinger to the Parks Committee.
