Sacred Heart graduation

The Sacred Heart High School Class of 2013 look on as Valedictorian Miranda Meyer, left, delivers remarks during the school’s commencement ceremony on Sunday in the school’s gym.

PCHS president Rhonda Chalfant

Pettis County Historical Society president Rhonda Chalfant puts the finishing touches on a display highlighting the doctors and dentists that have served the community since its inception. The piece is part of a number of new exhibits now on display at the museum, which launched its new season on March 15.

Sedalia Bazoo

The Daily Bazoo is just one of a host of newspapers that served the Sedalia area through the years.

Fox Theater advertisement

A movie poster from the Fox Theater, part of an exhibit on local entertainment venues, advertises the offerings at the theater from the late 1950s.

1921 Missouri Centennial Exposition and State Fair

Fliers highlight the entertainment from the 1921 Missouri Centennial Exposition and State Fair — an ambitious and ultimately expensive affair that

featured some 5,000 performers and was recognized by a commemorative 50-cent piece produced by the U.S. Mint.

Sedalia medicine exhibit

A sample from the history of Sedalia medicine exhibit heralds the arrival of the city’s first X-ray machine, described here as a “wonderful machine.”

Larry Wilson and Rod Lindemann

Retiring Pettis County Eastern Commissioner Rod Lindemann, right, and Western Commissioner Larry Wilson pose on Monday in commission chambers during their last full week in office. A retirement party for Lindemann and Wilson, as well as Treasurer Jane Kelley and departing Pettis County Assessor Dean Dohrman, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday in the third floor courtroom of the Pettis County Courthouse. 

Sacred Heart care packages

Sacred Heart School students and staff pose for a group shot on Friday before launching into a whirlwind packing project.

Sacred Heart care packages

Fourth-graders, from left to right, Allie Ferguson, Julia Barklage, Megan Winterer and Lucas Martin fill a box with toothbrushes. Allie said she and her family, like many other students, made multiple stops at the store to purchase items for the care packages. 

Sacred Heart care packages

The Christmas tree in Wissman’s room was piled high Friday afternoon with items meant to help ease the deployment of a Marine unit that leaves for Afghanistan in February. Sacred Heart students shopped for the packages, bringing in piles of toothbrushes, DVDs, batteries, snack food and other items.

Sacred Heart care packages

Sacred Heart School fourth-grade teacher Kathy Wissman, second from left, and students Maria Mergen, Grace Gunn and Angie Hill on Friday load up one of five care packages for a Marine unit preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in February. What began as an Advent service project for Wissman’s class grew to incorporate multiple Sacred Heart classrooms. The items will be delivered to Lance Cpl. Adam Royer, whose unit is now training in California.

Candidates Forum

The forum also featured candidates for Pettis County Eastern District, from left to right, independent Gregg Foster, Republican Brent Hampy and Democrat Earl Luebbering, and Western DIstrict candidates Democrat Randy Dillon and Republican Jim Marcum. 

Vicky Hartzler visits Osage Thrift Shop

Dean Dohrman, Pettis County Assessor and Republican candidate for the District 51 State Representative seat, left, looks on as U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler speaks to a small group at Osage Thrift Shop on Monday. Hartzler faces a four-person race in the Nov. 6 general election as she seeks re-election to a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dianne Simon receives Pink Flamingo Award

2012 Pink Flamingo Award winner Dianne Simon, property manager for Thompson Hills Development Corp., smiles after accepting a certificate of recognition from Brett Barth-Fagan, executive director for Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri on Monday.

Healthy U at Smith-Cotton Junior High

During the Monday program, Smith-Cotton Junior High students Miranda Gunn, left, Brandon FIsher, Caleb Larimer, and Kasse Dowler answer a series of health and fitness trvia questions from Healthy U program coordinator Sarah Nail.

Healthy U at Smith-Cotton Junior High

Healthy U student Letty Rodriguez leads a group of Smith-Cotton Junior High students through a set of sit-ups on Monday. Rodriguez and 10 other Healthy U students are entering the final quarter of their year-long community weight loss challenge, with the winner due to be announced during a public event in January.

Healthy U at Smith-Cotton Junior High

Healthy U students Bob Satnan, left, Trish Balance, Amy Schneider and Letty Rodriguez share their health and fitness experiences with physical education students on Monday at Smith-Cotton Junior High School.

Voting machine test

Pettis County Clerk Nick La Strada, right, preps an optical scan voting machine during a public test ahead of the Nov. 6 general election. Pettis County Collector Marsha Boeschen, center, and Pettis COunty Democratic Central Committee Chairman Larry Yunt, left, served as witnesses for the test, held Wednesday morning in the clerk’s office at Pettis County Courthouse. 

Domino's door prizes at Taste of Sedalia

Caroly Lewis, of Slater, right, accepts a door prize of a free Domino’s pizza from Connie Smith, executive director of the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce.

Daisy Dukes and Cowboy Boots serves up fried Oreos

Daisy Dukes and Cowboy Boots bartender Kevin Henderson serves up a fried Oreo to Devon Balke, 7, of Sedalia.

Cooking up fajitas at Taste of Sedalia

Patricia’s co-owner Gary Farr cooks up chicken and steak fajitas as hungry visitors line up for samples at the annual Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce Taste of Sedalia.  The annual showcase of local eateries drew large crowds and some 20 area restaurants and other food and beverage vendors to the Missouri State Fairgrounds on Tuesday.

Carlene Ficken

Carlene Ficken, an American Red Cross volunteer at Bothwell Regional Health Center, poses during a break from her duties at the hospital’s information desk on Monday.

Smith-Cotton Homecoming Barbara Schrader

Barbara Schrader, daughter of the late Geraldine Teufel Schrader, a member of the Class of 1932 and a music teacher in the district from 1938 to 1969, cheers on the Tigers on Friday. Her mother was also recognized as a 2012 Distinguished Alum for her many contributions to the city’s cultural life.

Smith-Cotton Homecoming Ron Ditzfeld

Ron Ditzfeld, Class of 1966 and president of Ditzfeld Transfer, one of two former students recognized as 2012 S-C Distinguished Alumni, waves to the crowd. Ditzfeld was honored for his long-time support of a wide range of community causes.

Smith-Cotton Homecoming candy

A group of area students along Ohio Avenue, decked out in black and gold, get ready to scramble for candy thrown from floats in the parade.

Smith-Cotton Homecoming fire truck

Members of the Smith-Cotton High Tigers football team ride their traditional perch atop a Sedalia Fire Department fire truck on Friday afternoon during the 2012 Homecoming parade in advance of their game against Center on Friday night.

Smith-Cotton Homecoming Parkview Elementary

Students from Parkview Elementary take a cruise down Ohio Avenue while singing the classic “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” during the parade.

Smithton students cast their votes

Smithon third-graders, from left to right, Maggie Meyer, Chase Bybee and Isaiah McReaken cast their votes during the mock election, which saw third- and fourth-grade students vote on sample ballots that included candidates in the Nov. 6 general election.

Nick La Strada at Smithton Elementary

Pettis County Clerk Nick La Strada talks about the importance of voting with third-grade students at Smithton Elementary on Friday ahead of a mock election for third- and fourth-grade classes.

The Tour de Ted "Ride the Wire" bus

A colorful support bus for the Tour de Ted bicycle tour, a ride from Colorado Springs, Colo., to St. Louis, sits idle on Tuesday as some 40 riders enjoyed a picnic lunch and a brief rest before continuing along the Katy Trail to Boonville. The ride, two years in the making, is in honor of Ted Jones, the second managing partner of financial firm Edward Jones, whose big thinking is credited by ride organizers with helping put both his firm and the Katy Trail on the map.

Pamela, Alan and Christopher James

Alan James, 6, center, poses with his mother, Pamela, and brother, Christopher, on Monday at the family’s home in Hughesville. Alan will serve as one of two March of Dimes ambassadors on Saturday during the 2012 Central Missouri March of Dimes Bikers for Babies charity ride, which launches from three locations, including the Missouri State Fairgrounds, at 11 a.m. Money raised through the ride goes to help fund research and provide resources to families with premature children.

Pettis County Clerk's Office holds voter drives

Pettis County Clerk Nick La Strada, far left, and Deputy Clerk Lindsey Moon talk with Smith-Cotton High School students,  from left to right, Kinsey Mahalovich, Morgen Muths, Aaugust Watkins and Rachel Walters, after the four registered to vote during the last of a series of voter drives in Pettis County schools conducted by the clerk’s office this week.

Pettis County Sheriff's Office and Mo. State Highway Patrol officials work from the bomb squad truck

Law enforcement officials from the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol work from a patrol bomb squad truck just before 5 p.m. Wednesday before using a robot to intentionally detonate what was described as a “suspicious device” found in a car just after midday at Lone Pine Trailer Park in the 1300 block of East Boonville Road.

Escapees RV Club Escapade 2012 flag

A detail shot shows this year’s Escapade flag, which includes acorn-shaped lights similar to those in downtown Sedalia.

"Allie Gator"

Molly Pinner said the group “loves to have fun” as she and her husband pointed out “Allie Gator,” the mascot stationed outside the RV of Roger and Barb Maxey, who traveled from Louisiana for the rally.

Bob and Molly Pinner, Escapees RV Club 2012 Escapade directors

Bob and Molly Pinner, Escapees RV Club 2012 Escapade directors, of Virginia, pose in front of their RV on Wednesday as they and other event organizers prepare for the arrival of about 1,300 of their fellow club members for the group’s annual rally, held this year at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

Barbara and Robert Hayden

Barbara Hayden, right, and her husband, Robert, chat with farmer and former state representative Matt Boatright, following Monday’s ceremony.

Barbara Hayden

Barbara Hayden, president and chief financial officer of Sedalia-based Starline Brass speaks to community members during a ceremony in her honor Monday afternoon hosted by Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County. The event marked both Hayden’s receipt Friday of a Governor’s Minority and Small Business Award, and Monday’s announcement that Starline has been approved for a $1.4 million Enhanced Enterprise Zone award, which will allow the company some tax abatement to offset the costs of a planned expansion that is expected to be complete by October.

Dukes & Boots manager goes all out for Twain fire victims

Daisy Dukes and Cowboy Boots owner Dale Malone, left, and General Manager Bill McDowell pose in front of a tractor trailer filled with donated items bound for victims of the July 18 Mark Twain Apartment Fire. The items will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Salvation Army warehouse at 110 N. Missouri Ave.

Slaying dragons with a puppet

Dozens of parents and their children turned out Wednesday afternoon on the lawn of the Sedalia Public Library for a performance of “George and the Dragon” by puppeteer Peter Allen, of Jamesport-based Parasol Puppets. The performance was the kickoff event for the library’s Wednesday programs and its Summer Reading Club. Future Wednesday events will include children’s author June Rae Wood on June 13; musician Bill Gordon on June 20; a discussion on weather with Tony Lup, of University of Missouri-Columbia; Connie Koch will have a snake demonstration on July 11; and representatives from the Missouri River Bird Observatory will host a program on birds on July 18. All programs begin at 2 p.m. at the library.

Scott Joplin festival opens Wednesday

Joplin Tent and Awning owner George Heim, left, puts the finishing touches on the main East Fifth Street tent as Scott Joplin Foundation Board President Nevin Almquist watches on Tuesday. Organizers are preparing for the 2012 Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, which opens today with performances at State Fair Community College, including a 2 p.m. paid kickoff concert in the SFCC Stauffacher Center.

Officials mark EMS Week

“Say Yes to EMS” campaign treasurer John Fritz delivers remarks on Monday during a public ceremony recognizing this week as Emergency Medical Services Week as an AirEvac transport helicopter performs a fly-by. The ceremony, on the Pettis County Courthouse lawn, included a proclamation delivered by Pettis County Presiding Commissioner John Meehan and Sedalia Mayor Elaine Horn. Fritz used the opportunity to recognize all first responders for their commitment to providing life-saving treatment to the sick and injured. Following the ceremony, Fritz singled out APSi owner Doug Briscoe for his service to the community. “There is no doubt Doug Briscoe has received his calling. Doug loves the people of this community and cares deeply about the delivery of quality emergency care. I want the community to share in recognizing Mr. Briscoe and his unselfish commitment to EMS. Job well done,” Fritz said.

Pettis County Public Administrator Charli Ackerman gets surprises times two

State Rep. Stanley Cox presents Pettis County Public Administrator Charli Ackerman with a proclamation in honor of her April recognition as Missouri Public Administrator of the Year during a reception Monday at the Pettis County Courthouse.

Honor Guard members lay wreath after ceremony

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 Honor Guard members Harry Perkins, left, and Walter Von Holten retire the colors after the 24th annual wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday at the grave of 2nd Lt. George Whiteman at Memorial Park Cemetery. Whiteman, a pilot, was killed in service during the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War II.

Big surprise greets La Monte Class of 2012

La Monte High School Class of 2012 valedictorian Kyleigh Sullivan delivers remarks during graduation ceremonies in the school's gym on Saturday.

Governor Nixon visits Green Ridge, salutes school district

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon tours the greenhouse operated by agriculture students in the Green Ridge R-VIII School District, along with agriculture teacher Nathan Hardy, on Wednesday. Nixon stopped in Green Ridge to congratulate the district on its designation as an A+ School, a state program that offers qualified students from designated school districts free two-year tuition and fees to any Missouri community college. Green Ridge is one of 35 districts to earn the distinction this year, and 15 of the 26 members of the 2012 graduation class are qualified for the tuition benefit.

New bus barn gets artworks, courtesy of S-C students

This drawing by Smith-Cotton High School junior Ryan Akin was the top selection for placement in the First Student bus facility, 3507 S. Park Ave.

Satnan: Smith-Cotton art show not just a bunch of pretty pictures

Bob Satnan is the Democrat's editor

Queen City Garden Club hopes to plant a new sign with plant sale

Queen City Garden Club members, from left, Jo Williams, Lori Gerke, Ruth Stratman and Donna Freese pose in front of the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri Blue Star marker on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The club is hosting a plant sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the parking lot of First Christian Church, 200 S. Limit Ave., to raise money to replace a larger Blue Star marker that was stolen last fall from the U.S. Highway 50 roadside park near Dresden.

A sign of the times goes up at Bryant Motors

Bill Bunker, operations manager for Maintenance Source, left, and W&M Welding owner Gary McMullin oversee the hoisting of a new sign on Monday for Bryant Motors. Bryant Motors General Manager Kyle Herrick said the new sign, part of a $100,000 signage package the owners have invested in since buying the dealership in January, will “definitely catch your eye, especially for people driving south on (U.S. Highway) 65.”