Time For Talk Schedule

Ward Billings - Principal of the Year

More than 250 people from around the area attended a special reception at the Kennett Middle School cafeteria Thursday afternoon last week to honor the Southeast Region Middle School Principal of the Year, Ward Billings. TALK was there to witness the outpouring of appreciation from many friends, teachers and organizations thanking him for his contribution to the community and schools. Billings has been with the Kennett Public Schools for 27 years as teacher and principal.

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Garden Activities 2009

This year (2009) has been a tough year to produce a good, productive garden. We have watched Rosemary in her vegetable garden through the years. Heat and lack of rain in June created a seriously damaging beginning for plants. Irrigation did not seem to help greatly. Tonight lets put together a montage which will at least make give us a record of this year's activities.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Flapper Dapper Gutter Clutter Dumper

Prompted by a report in this newspaper, TALK journeyed to Hornersville to meet Charles Ross, creator of the Bull Blade Stalk chopper. Charles made the stalk cutter as a more economical replacement for the common Bush-Hog and Flail Thrasher. You will be able to see that the gadget really works. Charles says it requires only 6 horsepower per row to cut stalks with the machine and the cost of making it is minimal. "What I need", he said, "is a farmer tired of pulling an old bush hog or thresher which requires all the power his tractor can provide". There is no doubt that Charles Ross is an innovator. You will agree when he shows us his "Flapper Dapper Gutter Clutter Dumper". You don't want to miss this one. (From TALK'S files 2001)

Thursday, Oct. 29

Waterfowl Festival 2009

TALK is on hand at the American Legion building for a preliminary showing of events of the Water Fowl Festival. Maybe Turkey gobbling champion Ralph Duren will be on hand. He did a masterful job last year. Duren has appeared on several national programs to demonstrate his skills in mimicking various wild animals. Many other prominent figures in Conservation will, no doubt, be present.

Friday, Oct.30

The Bizarre Kinsolving Legend - Wesley Buck

Dr. Kinsolving's life around Hornersville during the first half of the 20th century became an enigma to the residents of south Dunklin County. Rumors flowed recurrently concerning his bizarre activities, some of which were shown to be true. Tonight, historian Wesley Buck of Hornersville reveals his research into the life of one of Southeast Missouri's most interesting characters. Kinsolving was not only a physician but a very prosperous and innovative farmer. In a time when there were no herbicides he successfully introduced geese as a means of cleaning cotton fields of grass. But his attempt to acclimatize Pima cotton to the cool temperatures of Dunklin County by storing seed in an ice house was a complete failure. Yet he effectively lighted his mansion on Little River with acetylene gas made from carbide upon which he dripped water very slowly. You will enjoy Mr. Buck's stories