Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gurdon Banquet Is Monday Night

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is expected to draw a big crowd Monday, Jan. 9.

This could be because he is the featured speaker at this year's Gurdon Chamber of Commerce Banquet, slated for that night.

Last year, the Chamber made use of local talent to entertain those who attended the banquet, much to the delight of the audience.

However, it isn't every year a Chamber has the chance to get a sitting governor as its main attraction. Tickets are on sale and are going fast. They can be bought at Horizon Bank or First State Bank, along with the Gurdon Chamber and Cabe Land and Timber Co. Tickets are priced at $12.50 each.

In addition to Gov. Huckabee, the teacher and citizen of the year will be named at the banquet.

"The Chamber realizes what a special place Gurdon is, and we feel like the citizens are what make Gurdon such a unique and wonderful place to live," said Chamber President Anita Cabe.

"Our teachers make a tremendous contribution to our children," she continued, "and this award is our way of letting them know how much the community appreciates them."

As governor, Huckabee has put a long list of achievements together.

During the 1997 legislative session, a comprehensive welfare reform measure was passes that will help move Arkansans from welfare checks to pay checks.

He also created ARKids First, a landmark program to provide health insurance for every child in the state. Bills were also passed to increase the rate of childhood immunization, a major tax relief package was passed and the car-tag renewal process was simplified.

"We're excited to have the governor speaking at our banquet," Cabe said. "I think this is an exciting time for the City of Gurdon."