When Gov. Matt Blunt last went out of town, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder joked about the plum positions he would dole out during his temporary promotion.

But now that Blunt is once more away from Jefferson City, and Kinder again acting governor, his actual appointments are far more mundane.

Propane Commission, anyone?

Blunt left for China yesterday, part of a trade delegation that includes Claire McCaskill, Kit Bond, County Executive Charlie Dooley and Mayor Francis Slay.

As part of his proxy duties, Kinder today announced Blunt’s appointments to various boards and commissions. If you’re looking for the grist of everyday state government, this is it.

The highlights, such as they are: Mound City Mayor David Duncan to the Workforce Investment Board and Terry L. Ramsey, who operates the Bushwhacker Museum in Nevada, Mo., to the State Historical Records Advisory Board.

And, yes, Dennis L. Carroll of Independence has been awarded a three-year term on the Missouri Propane Gas Commission.