When Gov. Matt Blunt was announced as the speaker for this year's Kennett Chamber of Commerce membership banquet several people were upset. Tradition has held that no candidate on the ballot has ever been invited to speak at the banquet that particular year. Having had the pleasure of serving a term as president of the local chamber there is a very good reason for such a tradition. The chamber is not politically motivated and has friends and members from both political parties. The chamber may truly be one of the last bi-partisan organizations around.

One has to wonder if maybe, just maybe, those responsible for arranging Gov. Blunt's appearance at the annual banquet knew the tradition would be kept in tact?

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More politics

It looks like the federal government is getting close to putting the finishing touches on an economic stimulus bill. The crux of the bill will be some form of rebates to taxpayers, actually more than that, because some individuals who didn't pay taxes will get a check so I guess a rebate isn't quite the correct term.

Anyway, what a large part of the economic stimulus bill proposes to do is put money in the hands of the consumers. There is bipartisan support for that as well.

There is something curious about the thinking of the government here.

To stimulate the economy the government plans to give money back it has previously collected in taxes from the citizenry. Roughly two-thirds of the $150 billion package goes to individuals with business getting the remaining $50 billion or so.

If both parties are in agreement that putting money in the hands of the consumers is good for the economy then why would Congress not cut taxes in the first place? The logic is confusing to say the least.

How about another little twist to the thinking of Congress? Those rebate checks we're going to get and enjoy spending, hopefully, in a few months will be taxable this time next year.

That sort of reinforces the old axiom about the only two things of any certitude in life are death and taxes.

Enough politics for today.

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Year of the Woman

Several milestone events have taken place in the community with the onset of the new year.

Freddie Graham has ascended to the presidency of the aforementioned chamber of commerce. In doing so, Freddie becomes the first female to assume the title of president of the chamber.

At the last meeting of the board Pat Luther was elected as president of Kennett Country Club. In her new role (she was previously vice president), Pat becomes to first woman to take the helm at KCC.

The Kennett Rotary Club also has a woman as its president for the first time in the club's storied history. Karen Vandiver actually assumed leadership of the club in 2007, but since her term runs into 2008 I included her among these notable and worthy announcements.

And in keeping with the theme of Year of the Woman, at least some hope that continues through November 4. Sorry, I said we were done with politics for the day.

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Sports News

"A very interesting game was played on the Hornersville grounds Saturday … Both teams were represented by good, clean players. The schools were loyally supported by spectator friends. Spirit of that kind should not pass unrecognized.

"Representatives for the schools were as follows:

"Hornersville: Dolly Wright, Captain, forward, 1; Wanda Brannum, forward, 5; Bessie Hare, center, Cora Bryant, Gladys Welch, center; Marie Pelts, guard; Elsora Kinsolving, guard, total 6.

"Cardwell: Carrah Leigh Haley, Captain, forward, 11; Nellie Mickey, forward, 6; Ula Shipman, center; Katie Lockard, center; Eva Harris, guard; Linnie Harris, guard; Nicole Yancey, total, 17."

"The above players had never played a match game before. The scores prove that the material for good teams is in the schools, when properly trained.

"Cardwell team was under the direction of John G. Becker, coach and chaperoned by Mrs. Fannie Scott, teachers in Cardwell school.

"Excellent behavior was displayed by the girls and they received many compliments for their splendid conduct. The visiting group was treated very courteously by Hornersville folk and many new friends were made by the trip. This is one of the ways to bring in closer relationships between the schools."

Looks like the south end of the county was home to a basketball powerhouse in the early part of the last century.

A sporty thanks for the DDD's unofficial, but much appreciated historian Vivian Helton. The account of this game was published in the April 7, 1916 edition of the DD.

Bud Hunt is the publisher of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.