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!2-year-old Drake Davis ties custom jigs at the Mathewson Exhibition Center Friday at the Central Missouri Ag Expo. Matt Davis is impressed with his son's focus on creating a better fishing lure.


Photo by Chris Howell | Democrat

Young Sedalian's passion for fishing leads to jig tying business

The Central Missouri Ag Expo was busy Friday, Feb. 7, with exhibitors showcasing equipment and products on the floor of the Mathewson Exhibition Center.

Police Reports for Feb. 8

Sedalia Police Department
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, speaks to reporters about the first half of the 2024 legislative session Thursday, March 14


Photo by Annelise Hanshaw | Missouri Independent

Dean Plocher’s final weeks as speaker saw push for new hires, loss of ‘liquor pantry’

Jon Patterson still had three weeks before he officially took over as speaker of the Missouri House, but in mid-December he was already busy putting out fires from his soon-to-be predecessor.
Courtesy of Sedalia School District 200 During the Jan. 27 Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education meeting, Smith-Cotton senior Masyn Kruse was recognized as this year’s recipient of the district-level John T. Belcher Scholarship. With Kruse are School Board President Diana Nichols, left, and Sedalia School District Foundation Vice President Matt La Casse. The Foundation provides the $500 local scholarship.


Photo courtesy of Sedalia School District #200

Kruse earns district-level Belcher scholarship

Smith-Cotton senior Masyn Kruse was selected as the recipient of the Sedalia 200 district-level John T. Belcher Scholarship. Kruse will receive $500 and moves on to the regional level of the statewide scholarship program, which is sponsored by the Missouri School Boards Association.

Sedalia Area Farmers' Market schedules 2025 vendor interest, food safety meeting

Current and prospective vendors are invited to the Sedalia Area Farmers’ Market vendor interest and food safety training meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.

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Sedalia Democrat Post-Game Show: Gremlins, Lady Mustangs win Kaysinger Conference Tournament championships

Sacred Heart boys basketball players Max Van Leer and Conner Brown join host Jack Denebeim on the Sedalia Democrat Post-Game Show to share their thoughts on the Gremlins' 38-35 win over Lincoln in …

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Local News

Sequential Intercept Mapping workshop brings resources together to help vulnerable population

More than 75 community leaders, healthcare workers and justice system partners  took part in day one of the Pettis County Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) workshop on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the First United Methodist Church on Thompson Boulevard. 

Police Reports for Feb. 7

Sedalia Police Department
The Silver Swifties recorded this Super Bowl season's cheer Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Primrose Retirement Community. They are hoping for a third-straight Super Bowl win Sunday, Feb. 9. 


Photo by Clris Howell | Democrat

The Primrose Retirement 'Silver Swifties' perform to 'Stayin' Alive' for Super Bowl

The Silver Swifties, a group of geriatric cheerleaders at Primrose Retirement Community of Sedalia, were back in the spotlight Wednesday, Feb. 5, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs to the tune of the Bee Gee’s Stayin’ Alive.

Police Reports for Feb. 6

Sedalia Police Department

Crash Reports for Feb. 6

Russellville woman hurt in Moniteau County rollover
Local Sports

Smith-Cotton boys rout Warrensburg

Smith-Cotton junior Dax Wiskur (10) and senior Malaki Reed celebrate a 65-35 win over Warrensburg on Friday, Feb. 7, at Smith-Cotton High School. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak Smith-Cotton had against Warrensburg.


Photo by Jack Denebeim | Democrat
Smith-Cotton boys basketball set out for one mission Friday, Feb. 7: beat Warrensburg.

Smith-Cotton girls sustain spark to down Warrensburg

During its recent two-game skid, Smith-Cotton girls basketball had trouble sustaining its energy for all four quarters.

In the Community
Education
DRESDEN — 2025 Scott Joplin Artist-in-Residence Adam Swanson entertained Dresden R-XII School District students Monday, Feb. 3, getting their toes tapping, legs jiggling and their fingers playing air piano.
Sacred Heart School honored several people during a 1:15 p.m. Mass in the Saint. Vincent de Paul Parish Sacred Heart Catholic Church Chapel to conclude Catholic Schools Week on Friday, Jan. 31. 
A new book highlighting four K-9 officers and their handlers in Pettis County is being used as an educational tool in various school districts.
Calendar of events
Business

The Prom Dress Store helps dreams come true

Founded by Cassie Wilhelm, The Prom Dress Store, located in Versailles, provides a way for students in need to have an opportunity to attend Prom.


Photo courtesy of Cassie Wilhelm 
For many high school students, prom is a magical evening—a night to dress up, dance, and create lasting memories. However, for some, the financial burden of purchasing a dress can overshadow the excitement.
Misty Todd, MD
Misty Todd, MD, receives physician specialty board certification
Dr. Misty Todd, a board-certified family medicine physician at Bothwell Regional Health Center, has met all requirements for additional board certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics with Surgical Qualification through the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics (BCFMO), an affiliate of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
Bothwell Sleep Center earns reaccreditation by AASM
Bothwell Regional Health Center announces that Bothwell Sleep Center has once again been accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), a recognition of excellence that extends the center’s accreditation for another five years beginning February 2025. This milestone highlights the center’s continued dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for sleep disorders.
Mira, a 10-year-old homeschool student, is the proud owner of "Mira's Masterpieces," a home bakery that offers delicious treats made to order, including muffins, rolls, strudels, cookies and fruit pies.
Young entrepreneur finds sweet success
In the heart of Cole Camp, a young and ambitious entrepreneur is turning her love for baking into a thriving home-based business. Mira, a 10-year-old homeschool student, is the proud owner of "Mira's Masterpieces," a home bakery that offers delicious treats made to order, including muffins, rolls, strudels, cookies and fruit pies. Her bakery is not just about great food—it's also about giving back to the community and pursuing a big dream for the future.
Kevin Noland, known for his selflessness and dedication, died Friday, Jan. 3, in Warsaw.


Photo courtesy of the Noland family
A true neighbor to all - Honoring the life of Kevin Noland
The Heartland community has been deeply affected by the passing of Kevin Noland, a man whose generosity and kindness knew no bounds.
From the Opinion page
Columnists

Don't let the winter blues get to you

I don’t know about you all, but I’m over this winter weather. I’m ready for some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I want to plant some flowers and have my morning coffee on the front porch.

Woke meets its match in Trump

President Donald Trump has declared war on woke in the federal government. One of his first targets was the lie of transgenderism. His executive order opens as follows:

From bad to worse

Apparently, I can’t cross my fingers properly.
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