City Council re-convenes with heightened security screening

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 16, 2007 |

In the aftermath of the tragic Bo Ward suicide several weeks ago, the City Council convened for the first time in new but temporary quarters to finish the prior agenda and continue managing the city’s business.

On. Oct 4, after a ruling to table a zone change request, Ronald ‘Bo’ Ward, claiming the decision had ruined him financially, pulled a handgun from his trouser pocket and shot himself before the Council and an audience of about 50 people.

I empathize with those who witnessed this tragedy; early in my career I was in a courtroom — in the days when security and metal detectors weren’t even on the radar — when a gunman began waving a weapon in open court. I hit the floor as police stormed the courtroom and wrestled the gun away, arresting its owner. With years of “police beat” and “court beat” behind me, it sadly no longer surprises me when tragedy strikes. I don’t like it, but it is not a surprise.

So it came to pass that Mayor Johnny Piper, with good cause, permanently closed the former Chambers and sought new quarters. So it came to pass that attendees at Monday’s City Council meeting were screened via metal detectors, but according to reports purses and cell phones were not allowed in chambers.

While I empathize with the need for security, I could not help but find the concept of withholding of purses from chambers a bit over the top in the paranoia department. And a bit discriminatory. «Read the rest of this article»

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MKKL sponsors ‘Happily Never After’ Halloween bash in Hopkinsville

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 16, 2007 |

Tickets are now available for the 1st Annual Happily Never After Halloween Bash to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church Activity Center on S. Main Street in Hopkinsville. the event begins at 8 p.m. and light refreshments including coffee, tea and punch will be provided.

Activities include a costume contest, music for dancing, dance contest, and fun and games for all. A photo booth will offer souvenir photos. Proceeds from this event benefit the Mystic Krewe of the Kingdom of Lamuria Mardi Gras Association.

This is an adult event, and anyone over the age of 18 is welcome, but those who are 18-21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must carry a photo ID. Those helping with the ball will need to attend a special organizational meeting on Sat. Oct 20th at 4pm. at Gaelic Dreams.

Tickets are $12.50 per person in advance, $15.00 at the door. Happily Never After tickets are available by calling 270-886-0010 or can be picked up at at Gaelic Dreams Floral & Imports, 2711 Ft Campbell Blvd, Hopkinsville, KY. Seating is limited to 100 people.

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