Metro Clarksville: Maybe it’s time

By David W. Shelton | September 9, 2007 |

The 21st century has seen some wonderful changes in the way business is conducted in Clarksville, including some refreshing progress in settling some old baggage. Specifically, the City Council approved settlements for the lawsuits filed by Kenny Austion and Tony Blakely.

The Clarksville Police Department has long been struggling with the multiple lawsuits that have been filed against them. No one could say “there’s not a problem,” after the City started losing these suits, one by one. Action was needed. Thankfully, action has been taken.

Further, this isn’t the only area where we’ve seen progress in Clarksville. No matter what one’s opinion is regarding the current or previous mayoral administration might be, it’s clear that things are beginning to change. Clarksville is growing up, and we’re starting to see some much-needed progress in several areas in town. To be fair, I don’t think any one mayoral administration can lay claim to most of these projects, since they’re often the result of years of planning: «Read the rest of this article»

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‘Soul Maintenance’ key to quality living

By Rev. Charles Moreland | September 9, 2007 |

I’ll always remember my 16th birthday, and events that happened some 55 years ago. On this auspicious occasion I received my driver’s license and soon after, my first car. I paid cash for the car and the expensive (even then) insurance. I held a job after school and on weekends, so I could afford the car and upkeep. But I digress…

I named this ‘46 Plymouth Coupe ‘The Blue Goose’. And yes, it was blue. My father offered his mechanical skills in the ongoing maintenance, which kept the Blue Goose running in the cold of winter and heat of summer. The Blue Goose faithfully got myself and four friends to school every day; it was a reliable car. And as my father gently reminded me, “a dollar’s worth of maintenance may save you ten dollars (remember, this is 1946) in repairs later.” «Read the rest of this article»

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2007 Democratic Party honors labor with sights on 2008 election

By David W. Shelton | September 9, 2007 |

When Democrats from five Tennessee counties gather at the Charles Hand farm, Ben Johnson is sure to be there with his campaign buttons, lapel pins, and bumper stickers. Johnson, who lives in Lebanon, Tennessee, was quick to point out that he makes his wares “for democrats only,” and will use only Union vendors to print his products.

In fact, the theme of the day was a strong support of Unions throughout the area. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents Trane workers locally, was a major sponsor of today’s event.  The strong Union presence was in honor of the Labor Day event.

According to the Department of Labor, Labor Day was first celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. By 1894, the US Congress had passed its recognition of Labor Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the first Monday of September of every year. «Read the rest of this article»

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