Suicide in Council Chambers; follows “no” vote on zone change

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 4, 2007 |

Few words can adequately describe the horror that unfolded in City Council chambers tonight as Clarksville businessman Bo Ward, proprietor of Bo’s Barber Shop on Fort Campbell Boulevard, pulled out a handgun and shot himself to death before the council and approximately 50 other people.

The City Council councilors voted down Ward’s request for a zone change on his Madison Street property, a move that Ward felt would sink him financially. Last month the Council voted favorably on the first reading of the requested change, but apparently in further discussion shifted their decision out of Ward’s favor.

According to reports, Ward then pulled out a small silver gun and shot himself in the head as onlookers watched in shock.

In addressing the Council Ward said his business “would go under” without a favorable ruling, implying that his business and finances may have been overburdened. Ward then approached the council members and Mayor Johnny Piper after the vote, saying he “was done” [Leaf Chronicle 10/4/07] and implying that his business would become insolvent. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business, News, Politics | 4 Comments

Suport the USO; support our troops

By Rev. Charles Moreland | October 4, 2007 |

In our St. Louis neighborhood, at the church we attended regularly, we were taught early on that giving is a virtue. Our religion through doctrine suggested that to be in “good standing” that 10% as a tithe be given to charity or to the church. Since high school, I have followed an inflexible stewardship program that only seems to fuel my compassion.

In my 70s now, I still practice this spiritual principle of stewardship I learned as a teenager, which also affords me certain privileges via the IRS. Although our tax laws are in flux for the 2007 tax year, we are still permitted deductions on our annual tax returns for charitable giving. But a hint or two:

“Make sure you collect adequate evidence of your charitable contributions. Under a recent rule change. the IRS no longer considers personal bank registers, diary entries or notes you write to yourself as acceptable documentation, though canceled checks still count.” — Money Advisor, October 2007.

In other words, get a receipt when you give. Or keep your canceled check. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Issues, Opinion | No Comments