Final plans for the city of Jamestown's upcoming Lakefest celebration were announced by event chair and Councilwoman Marcelene Taylor at last week's regular monthly meeting of the city's government.

"Everything is going along real well," Taylor said. "All of our volunteers over each event have everything down pat so we're just looking forward to a good time."

She said the event, which was not held last year due to construction work on the judicial center, kicks off on Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. with a community worship service by Michael Carnes on the square followed by music from local groups.

This year the Lakefest stage will be placed in front of the courthouse, officials have said.

Thursday, July 1's schedule of events gets underway with a BBQ cook-off at noon. That event is being put on by the Times Journal and more information on that event can be found in this issue.

"I think that is going to be a lot of fun," Taylor said. "They have some good prizes they're going to give away."

Then late that afternoon the lip sync, look alike and talent contests get underway at 5 p.m.

Friday, July 2 begins with the Lakefest golf scramble at the Links at 1 p.m. while the ever-popular Lakefest pageants begin at 5 p.m.

"Saturday is full," Taylor said. The final day of the four-day event begins at 6 a.m. with Breakfast with the Lions. Then at 7 a.m. the Mike Hill 10K Run begins and at 8 a.m. both the antique car and tractor show begins. Various other events fill the rest of the day with The Chessman, a 60s band, performing at 4:30 p.m.

At 7 p.m., the talent show winners will perform again followed by country music legend Marty Stuart at 8:30 p.m.

A big fireworks show, based at Jamestown Elementary, will send the festivities off at 10 p.m.

Taylor commended City Clerk Tyler McGowan and Deputy Clerk Debbie Conner for their help in helping organize the big event.

For a full schedule of events, see inside this issue.

In other happenings at the meeting:

• The council heard a resolution of authorization that allows the city to apply for the COPS grant. COPS stands for community oriented policing services.

The proposed grant would pay for a police officer's salary for significant period of time. The city formally applied for the grant through the United States Department of Justice.

The resolution gives the mayor and Police Chief Derek Polston the authority to review and sign the necessary documents in order to receive the grant.

• City leaders heard and passed the second reading of the amended budget for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30 as well as the annual budget ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year and then passed that budget, which begins July 1. The ordinance can be seen in full in this issue.

• Councilman Harold "Frog" Miller commended the city's workers for keeping the city's grassy areas maintained during the spring and summer months.