Everyday People

Have you met the pumpkin man?

Sarah Nail

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COLE CAMP — Everything on Phil Wellington’s farm grows gigantic. Wellington’s garden produced this fall a 377-pound pumpkin, a nearly 13-foot tall corn stalk, 125-pound gourd and more than 8-feet long gourds. Growing giant... Full story

Couple keep traditions alive 'for the fun of it'

Courtney Hudson

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George and Linda McCollum, of Sedalia, live on a century-old farm, have a home filled with antiques and, even though they are both retired, they still fill their days with work. The McCollums use hickory bark and corn shucks to weave chair seats,... Full story

James Graves doesn't let retirement stop him from lending a hand

Tonya Fennell

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James Graves spent 20 years serving his country and now spends his days serving his community. He lives by the words, “always put your best foot forward.” Graves, 77, was raised on a small farm in South Carolina. He woke up early each... Full story

Luann Stovall is reviving the rustic art of the spinning wheel

Sarah Nail

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  SMITHTON — Luann Stovall sees the coats of the farm animals she loves turned into colorful scarves, socks, sweaters, coin purses, mittens and hats. Stovall has 50 animals on her Smithton farm, most of which she sheers and spins the... Full story

Glenn McMullin is a man of many stories

Courtney Hudson

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  Glenn McMullin is a man of many stories, most of which are unbelievable and some of which are true.  His stories come from his life experiences with hunting, logging, friendships and hobbies.  McMullin, 76, of Sedalia, was... Full story

In the market for veggies? Talk to Warren McSwain

By Tonya Fennell

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Shiny green bell peppers bigger than a grown man’s fist, waxy yellow squash and bundles of freshly-picked green beans are just a few of the fresh wares offered by Warren McSwain.Sporting a snow white beard and quick grin, McSwain arrives daily... Full story

Serious hand injury doesn't stop Marsch from kayaking

Sedalian competes in world's longest river race

By Matthew Steingraber

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When Sedalia insurance agent Bob Marsch lost his hand in a table saw accident more than 25 years ago, he decided not to let the injury affect the things he loved in life.In 1983, Marsch tripped while working in his garage, stumbled into a table saw... Full story

Mona Sweet is a doer of good deeds

By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

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Lots of people do good deeds great and small, working behind the scenes to make life better for all.Sedalia resident Mona Sweet is exactly that sort of person. Sweet is the kind of person that others turn to whenever they need a helping hand.Sweet... Full story

Warsaw's Smartt fastest man his age in the world

Sarah Nail

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WARSAW — He is the fastest man his age in the world. Jerry Smartt, 77, has a couple hundred medals that catalogue his 62 years of race competitions. “I’ve always loved running a foot race,” he said. “There’s... Full story

Bearded bike man keeps friendly eye on Katy Trail

By Courtney Hudson

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CLIFTON CITY — Near the Katy Trail head in Clifton City is a yard filled with aluminum cans, metal scraps and old bike parts. Through the overgrown yard, a narrow path leads bicyclists and walkers looking for help or a place to stop to the... Full story

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