Let's begin this week with fixing an error in this space last week.

Getting all caught up in the unofficially proclaimed "Year of the Woman" I noted several of our area ladies who have taken on leadership positions in, or at, local institutions. One such comment commended Karen Vandiver for being the first female president of the Kennett Rotary Club.

Now, while that fact was correct, Karen was actually president of the group last year. I guess that means Karen blazed the trail for the other women I mentioned last week. Being the modest individual she is, Karen called to point out my error. I felt bad, because I knew better, but just wasn't using all of my gray matter. John McClellan is the current president of the club.

In an effort to atone for my mistake and to hopefully keep a couple of club members out of hot water with the club's sergeant-at-arms, Matt Mobley, I decided to pay the fine that would inevitably be levied.

Enclosing the customary fine of a dollar in an envelope with a note of apology, I sent it to Matt.

My reasoning was that by stepping up and paying the fine, the sergeant-at-arms would recognize the error was mine and not blame Rotarians Vandiver and McClellan. The way I figured things, it was my mistake. and therefore, my fine. I tried to do the honorable thing.

Apparently that wasn't good enough. Imagine my surprise last Thursday to learn Matt had decided to go ahead and fine Karen and John anyway. According to the report that came my way, he fined them just because they "had knowledge" of the error.

Personally, it sounds like Matt has gone a little over the edge. One almost gets the impression that a little power has gone to his head. Perhaps the title should be changed to something like "dictator-at-arms." Apparently Matt makes the rules up as he goes. He's out of control.

I should probably go ahead and pay another fine myself, just for voicing such comments, but then again it wouldn't make a difference to Matt. He'll probably still go ahead and fine someone next week just for leaking the information to me.

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Snow days

Few people enjoy the snow more than youngsters. Youngsters of all ages, that is.

When the flakes began falling last week Lanny Geary recalled a story from bygone days when his daughters, Katelyn and Samantha were younger.

Ed Norton, a contractor who moved to Poplar Bluff several years ago, was the recipient of a good deed by Lanny. One day those many years ago it began to snow. Ed decided that was the perfect time for him to repay Lanny's generosity.

Ed put a snowplow on the front of his tractor and headed over to the Geary manse. He proceeded to start shoveling the snow off the driveway.

Katelyn and Samantha looked outside and saw a fellow all bundled up pushing the snow off their drive. The girls ran to their mother, Lynne.

"Mommy, Mommy, someone's stealing our snow. Go out and stop them," they cried. I don't think she tried too hard.

One thing Karen and Richard Edgington didn't have to worry about last week was someone stealing their snow, particularly son, Jay.

Like the rest of the youngsters in the area, Jay got the afternoon off when school closed.

It was suggested he head on home and shovel the driveway for his mom and dad. That idea didn't seem to fly when it was suggested to young Jay

* * *

Speaking of youngsters

A momentous event took place last week. Justin Lynn got his driver's permit. It won't be long before Justin will be tooling around town in his Chick-Mobile all on his own.

Justin getting his permit comes just after Thomas Stillman got his permit and just before Andy Lack gets his. And when Jay gets his he won't have to wait around all afternoon waiting on his mom to pick him up from school when he gets out early on snow days.

Some dads are going to be paying for their raisin' over the next few years.

* * *

Christmas gift

In the annual Christmas column it was suggested by the local newspaper guy Santa Claus might consider bringing Rodney Gaw some concert tickets. Just in case St. Nick hasn't filled that wish, it's time to let him know Led Zeppelin is closer to its reunion tour.

Last week LZ lead guitarist Jimmy Page proposed the tour, but conceded it probably couldn't take place until sometime around September because of scheduling conflicts involving fellow band member Robert Plant.

That presents a real dilemma for Rodney.

September is the month when his employer schedules an annual management retreat. Regular readers will recall Rodney toils mightily at our local hospital. Some say he works solely to feed his rock-and-roll habit.

Last year Rodney was successful in getting the management trip planned around his concert schedule. Looks like he's going to have to do that again this year and get that work trip set around LZ's reunion tour.

Last year's work trip was to Nashville, and that happened to work out fine with Rodney's concert schedule. Getting that pesky work trip scheduled at the right time and place might be a little more difficult this year, particularly if LZ only plays concert dates in London, England, but those who know Rodney are confident he can get it done.

Bud Hunt is the publisher of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.