I’ve had the opportunity over the last few weeks to have some honest and profitable conversations with readers and community members regarding the future of the Democrat.

Same schools. Different sport.

(NAPSI)—A delightful way to enjoy wholesome eating can start with your packing your plate with produce, including a dynamite little fruit—the Concord grape. Concord grapes are bold in taste and pack quite a nutritious punch. They can be enjoyed as 100% grape juice or in simple, healthy and flavor-packed recipes.

The Democrat was recently named the winner of the Associated Press Media Editor’s Community Journalism Public Service Initiative and will receive a $1,000 grant for a summer-long project on the impact of meth in the community.

Many people know Pat Ives as the co-owner of Patricia’s Mexican and More Restaurant, but what they don’t know is why she came to Sedalia or why she loves to cook.

(BPT) - It’s no secret that today’s hearing aids are light years ahead of the hearing aids made just a decade ago. In fact, in size, shape, and technological advances, the changes in hearing aids have been nothing short of amazing. For example, new micro-processor technology has allowed hearing aids to be so tiny, they can sit on a fingertip; and at the same time, provide a remarkably natural-sounding hearing experience. So, people who need a little hearing help can get it “invisibly” and comfortably.

(BPT) - There’s nothing like the smell of a home-cooked meal wafting through the kitchen for hours and hours – that is, if you have time to prepare such a meal. Since most of us don’t have that sort of time on a daily basis, many time-pressed cooks are rediscovering pressure cooking: an age-old cooking method that makes mealtime fast and easy.

(BPT) - Winter lingered far too long this year. It was cold, it was blustery, and many of us were left wondering if it would ever end. Now summer is here - and it’s time to get outdoors.

Reish Burnett, of La Monte, participated in the media room press corps at the 85th Missouri FFA Convention.

During the 19th century, evangelical religions such as the Baptists and Methodists increased their memberships in the Midwest. Protracted meetings, in which churches held daily and nightly gatherings, attempted to “revive” religious fervor among the faithful and to add new converts to the church.

I had a flat tire the other day, not that there’s anything unusual about that.

The governor is for it. Health care providers are for it. Seniors are for it. Business groups are for it.

ST. LOUIS — Six weeks of work came down to just two minutes and 15 seconds this week as Smith-Cotton High School’s Team SCREAM competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championships held in St. Louis.

(NAPSI)—Five percent may not sound like a lot of anything, but when it comes to building new homes, it can make a big contribution toward putting Americans to work.

Logan Rieckhoff, of La Monte, participated in the media room press corps at the 85th Missouri FFA Convention.

Stephanie Jackson is looking forward to getting back to working with elementary school children following Tuesday’s announcement that she will be the new principal at Parkview Elementary.

After reading several letters to the editor as well as recent Sedline comments, I was inclined to scour the Bill of Rights to make myself more familiar with the right to smoke in public.

Area teens and young adults looking for a unique summer job may apply now for positions with the State Parks Youth Corps.

(NAPSI)—If you’re like 25 percent of grill owners, you can expect to host five or more barbecues in the next few months, according to the new Weber Grill Watch Survey. So now may be the right time to brush up on the do’s and don’ts of grilling.

(BPT) - It waits for no one, flies by and can’t be bottled, but it’s the one thing everyone would like more of: time. In today’s busy, hectic society it’s harder for families to find time together for fun, yet spending quality time together is key to the emotional health of the family unit and of individual family members.

Parkview Elementary students will be greeted by a new administrator this fall after Wednesday’s announcement that Principal Kelly Sobaski will retire at the end of the current term.

Before the final rehearsal for “The Vagina Monologues” could get started Wednesday, there needed to be a little dance break.

(BPT) - If you’re heading out into the workforce for the first time, there’s plenty of prep work to do. An employer’s first impression of you could very well be your resume.