JACKSON APPROVES JAYCEE PLAN FOR HOLIDAY

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Aldermen gave an enthusiastic "thumbs up" Monday, for the Jackson Jaycees to hold its third annual community July Fourth celebration in the city park.

A delegation of Jaycees Monday sought permission to hold the event in the park, and for a donation to help with the fireworks display. The city agreed to give $1,000 to the fireworks fund, the same as last year.

This year's celebration is on a Saturday, and is tentatively scheduled to get under way at 9 a.m. with a parade through the business district to the city park.

Activities tentatively scheduled this year include events for children and adults, mud volleyball, a greased pig contest, horseshoe tournament, car and tractor show, plus other events yet to be announced. There will also be concession stands.

The celebration will end with the fireworks display over the city park lake.

Jaycees said their July Fourth celebration will provide an atmosphere for the entire family. Last year, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the July Fourth event in the park.

In other business, the board approved an ordinance awarding the low bid on Phase Three of the East Jackson water main project to P&R Developers. The project will include completion of the water main out to Interstate 55, and construction of a water main along old Orchard Road, north of East Jackson Boulevard.

Acting City Engineer Rich Bowen said after the water main project is completed, construction will begin on a 300,000 gallon, elevated water tank that will tie into the water system. Work should begin late this year or next spring. The water tower will be located along old Orchard Road, west of I-55.

Bowen also reported work on the West Main Street improvement project will not begin until after Memorial Day holiday. The work will be done in steps, from Hubble Creek east to High Street, in order to reduce inconvenience to motorists and merchants.

The board also:

- approved legislation to amend the city's contract for purchase of electrical power from the city of Jonesboro, Ark.

- approved a contract with B,M & H Electrical Consultants for professional services to develop a plan for the long-range electrical power needs for the city.

- and approved a contract for improvement of Eastview and Anna Streets, between Lappe Street.

Because of the Memorial Day holiday, the board voted to cancel next Monday's work session.