Does Tylenol “cause” autism? The real story is more complicated than either left or right want to believe. Last week I pointed out what government authorities aren’t saying matters just as much as what they are. But what about the hard data underpinning arguments for and against an autism-Tylenol link? more

As a brand new minister, fresh out of seminary and full of excitement, I was called to lead a wonderful pastoral size congregation (150 average worship attendance) down at the Lake of the Ozarks. Ministry was going great, numbers were going up, and our church was buzzing. I was so happy and proud of what we were doing. more

Late nineteenth century writer and Sedalia booster I. “MacD.” Demuth, credited with writing the History of Sedalia section of the 1882 History of Pettis County, also wrote two editions of a boosterish book called “A Feast of Cold Facts.” more

October 7, 1938, is the date that appears on my driver’s license, and all the other legal documents I have signed over the past years, which means every year I am forced to acknowledge that I have grown another year older. more

Sometimes you just feel like a plump toad sitting in hot gravel. more

I’ve never claimed to know the answer to our burgeoning immigration problem. more

So, Tylenol causes autism right? The President and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said as much in a controversial recent press conference, citing several “clinical and laboratory” studies. more

In the special session that ended Sept. 12, lawmakers approved measures that would block the ballot process that delivered medical marijuana, Medicaid expansion, reproductive care, and paid sick leave more

I’m having trouble with the days becoming shorter, so it’s goodbye sun and hello to fall and winter. more

I was rummaging through an old file cabinet a few days ago, which holds some of my less memorable writing projects, when I uncovered an old memo book that I used while in the Navy. more

Jefferson School at 305 East Chestnut Street, was the smallest of Sedalia’s Elementary Schools. more

Once again, cattle producers are faced with dry soil conditions which have prevented expected fall growth of cool-season grass pastures. Many are now feeding hay, but are hoping for moisture to stimulate some regrowth for grazing. At the risk of sounding like a broken record due to dry fall conditions in the past few years, below are some management reminders to consider when dealing with limited to no fall pasture growth. more

Hold your head up. Not just because you're a fine, upstanding human being. Not just because it makes you look better in photos. Do it because, if you don't stop staring down at your phone so much, you might end up with a case of hump-neck. more

“Inside each of us,” says author Robin Moore, “is a natural-born storyteller waiting to be released.” I believe this, and here’s why. more

I was looking at our church logo the other day wondering if it was time to change it. Had our old logo run it’s course? Well, I haven’t answered that question yet, but it got me to thinking about logos these days. Logos are important in businesses and organizations because they catch your attention and soon you identify the logo with the business. For instance, the golden arches are very familiar; you already know I am talking about McDonalds. Another recognizable logo is the “swoosh;” you already know I am talking about Nike. Companies pay big money to develop a logo. Most logos convey messages as well, such as: victory, happiness, status. But, how about the church, what is our logo? more

By now you’re no doubt aware that there are people in this world who spend their working hours trying to steal your money. more

Another week, another Supreme Court decision from the Shadow Docket, overturning the lower courts’ decisions, making the justice system look bad. This one allows the President to fire a political appointee from an agency without cause – until the case winds its way through the courts. Basically, what should be a slam dunk because of 90 years of precedent isn’t. As if we don’t know what they’re going to do when the case has “wound its way” to the Supremes again. more

Jefferson School was Sedalia’s smallest elementary school. It was located in far eastern Sedalia, at 305 East Chestnut. The administration, faculty, and staff worked diligently to be sure the school was doing all it could to help its students. more

To look at me, you might think there is nothing I wouldn’t eat, but you would be wrong. more

When you hear the word “midwife,” many people immediately think of childbirth, and that’s understandable. However, midwives can see patients in an office setting for many different reasons as well as deliver babies in the hospital. In fact, the word midwife comes from Old English and literally means “with women.” It is a role with deep historical roots and perfectly captures the essence of our work, which is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care alongside women throughout their lives. more