Columns | Sedalia Democrat

Last week, Pettis County residents were shocked by a Friday morning press release from the City of Sedalia. It read in part: “The City of Sedalia announces that Tom Oldham, Councilman … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 5/1/25

Spring will be a little late this year

Gray, gray, go away. Come again another day – preferably in August when the temperature is close to that of the surface of the sun. If April showers bring May flowers, we ought to … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 5/1/25

Missouri lawmakers should reject fake ‘chaplains’ in schools bill

As the 2025 legislative session of the Missouri General Assembly nears the finish line, one bill moving closer to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk purports to allow public schools to hire spiritual … more

By Brian Kaylor Guest Columnist | 5/1/25

Do you lie?

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22 “If I’m lying, I’m dying.” Jerry Clower This … more

By Sherry Broyles Gues Columnist | 5/1/25

Jimmie Thompson arrested in Mexico

Jimmie Thompson, former cashier of the First National Bank accused of embezzling funds and forcing the closure of the bank, was arrested in Mexico City, where he had fled after leaving Sedalia in May … more

By Rhonda Chalfant, Contributing Columnist | 4/28/25

Ready for warmer weather

Like many people my age, I do not like cold weather, and I have looked forward to the warmer temperatures of April for what has seemed like a never-ending Winter. According to my wife, I … more

By Jack Miller Contributing Columnist | 4/28/25

How to stop an anxiety spiral

A windsock shaped like a hot air balloon with a spiral tail is suspended above our backyard deck. When the wind blows, the balloon spins, and the spiral twirls below it, catching my eye when I walk … more

By Gwen Rockwood Contributing Columnist | 4/28/25

'Tis the season for planting

WINDSOR — The weather has finally warmed enough to begin our annual ritual of planting flowers. My husband, Jeff, has a green thumb and has already planted our banana trees and elephant ear … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney, fbemiss@sedaliademocrat.com | 4/28/25

Childhood mishaps are necessary for growing well-formed adults

“I LOVE this work. It just feels good. I feel like a MAN!” Those were the last words spoken by my eight-year-old son, wielding the weed eater, mere moments before he skinned the bark … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

The best things in life

What a week! Max and I have been on a whirlwind for more days than I can count. That is why I have a paper calendar. It all started with Easter weekend. We went to Little … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

Downtown makes great comeback

Recalling the declining years of downtown Sedalia in the 1970s, I can only marvel at its impressive comeback. That process began in the early ‘70s when businesses joined forces to found … more

By Doug Kneibert, Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

The man who made Latin live

I remember well my first day as a freshman at Smith-Cotton High School in 1966. Following my crumpled schedule of brand new classes, I paused in front of a room in the front hall of the second floor … more

By Debbie Noland Guest Columnist | 4/24/25

Takeaways from those pedestrians’ conversation

Assuming that your normal walking speed is around 3 mph, it would take you about 2.5 hours to tread from Sedalia to Georgetown, an eight-mile distance. Now try to imagine that you and a friend … more

By P.C. Thomas Sedalia Bible Academy | 4/24/25

Native warm season grass yield and quality

Beginning in the spring of 2020, I worked with the Ag Department at State Fair Community College to establish native warm season grass plots. The following species were planted: Switchgrass, … more

By Gene Schmitz University of Missouri Extension | 4/24/25

My time capsule

My time capsule isn’t really a capsule; it is just a big box that holds pictures of my friends and family taken over the years. However, I think of the box as a time capsule because it holds … more

By Jack Miller, Contributing Columnist | 4/21/25

First National Bank - before and after the fall

Sedalia’s First National Bank, which failed in 1894, had a long history in Sedalia. The bank was founded in 1866 by Cyrus Newkirk and A.D. Jaynes in a frame building at 122 S. Ohio Avenue. … more

By Rhonda Chalfant, Contributing Columnist | 4/21/25

Checking on the Class of 2025

In 1995, I got my first job after college from a "help wanted" ad posted in a newspaper's classified ads. (Remember those?) The headline on the ad said they were looking for an "aspiring journalist" … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 4/21/25

The importance of American front porches

I love the American front porch. There's a certain beauty to sitting on it in the late afternoon, listening to the birds sing, and enjoying life. I once lived on a busy street. My house … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney, fbemiss@sedaliademocrat.com | 4/21/25

Practicing a compassionate approach to elderly health care

I am proud to be a new member of the Bothwell Regional Health Center medical team practicing at Bothwell Internal Medicine Specialists with Nurse Practitioners Leah Hermanson and Shawna Sapaugh and … more

By Michael Yuhas, MD Internal Medicine Specialist | 4/21/25

Rejection and resurrection

This weekend, we celebrate Easter. Some will celebrate it with Easter baskets, bunnies, Easter egg hunts, candy, and get-togethers. All of those can be fun. When I was a kid, my parents would make … more

By Bob Wauchope Lead Pastor at Maplewood Church | 4/17/25