Publisher's Notebook

Using an investment into a cemetery as a tax shelter sounds kind of creepy.

But it gets creepier: The Justice Department says the cemetery tax shelter, centering on Northern Virginia, is a sham and has filed an injunction to stop it.

According to a DOJ press release, the department filed in Washington federal court to stop three men from seeking contributions to a cemetery fund involving a proposed cemetery near the Chancellorsville battlefield in Spotsylvania County.

Civil War heritage and all the brave fallen…

A memorial garden near the scene of their sacrifice…

Get five bucks in tax benefits for every dollar you invest…

You see how this could fly.

The feds allege that the trio, which includes a father-son team from the Metro DC area, made millions used illegal tactics and made unfounded promises; however, this is just a civil action seeking an injunction.

The release adds that DOJ has obtained “hundreds” of such injunctions “to stop the promotion of abusive or fraudulent tax schemes.” Who knew?

Apparently there are grass scofflaws in Spotsylvania County that need to be given the business.

Eighteen counties currently have the authority to enact local ordinances requiring residents to keep their grass cut to a length of no longer than 12 inches. (Actually, a foot-tall lawn is pretty long, come to think of it).

The 18? The counties of Arlington, Augusta, Campbell, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Frederick, Hanover, Henrico, Henry, Isle of Wight, James City, Prince William, Roanoke, Rockingham, Stafford, Washington, Wise, and York.

Del. Robert D. Orrock Jr., R-Thornburg, has introduced House Bill 38, which would add Spotsy to the list.

Those grass-cutting ordinances have the potential to have some bite, if the county presses the point. If a resident ignores county officials and fails to get out the Lawn Boy, the county can cut the grass for him then send a bill. And violations also can prompt a $100 fine.

Probably easier to pay the kid next door a few bucks and be done with it.