Columns | Sedalia Democrat

Few things bring Missourians together like the Missouri State Fair. Every August, families, farmers, and visitors from across our state gather in Sedalia to celebrate the people and traditions … more

By Vivek Malek Guest Columnist | 8/13/26

Touched by an angel

A 2023 AP poll revealed that about 70% of Americans believe in angels, though they don’t always agree on the form angels take. I’m in that group. I believe angels exist, … more

By Deborah Mitchell Contributing Columnist | 8/13/26

Picking up the pieces

My wife, daughter and I recently took an adventure to Savannah, Georgia. Our home state of Missouri has its own exciting opportunities, yet a fresh take in another state has beckoned us eastward. … more

By Dan Brigman Guest Columnist | 8/13/26

Unmet expectations and the Missouri State Fair

For two weeks every August, Sedalia is transformed from a small, rural city to a thriving hub of tourism. Visitors come from across the nation, businesses thrive, and traffic becomes borderline … more

By Dr. Jeremiah Greever Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Sedalia | 8/13/26

Cool off by looking ahead

Whether we like it or not, winter is on its way and will be here rather soon, and I believe that before it arrives, wine dealers will attempt to decrease their stock of the lighter summer wines to … more

8/13/26

Sometimes dads are friends too

Looking through the memories I have written about my family through the years, I realized that people could wonder why I have not written much about my father. There is a good reason for … more

By Jack Miller Contributing Columnist | 8/10/26

When it’s all too much

About a year ago, I wrote down this phrase on an idea list I keep on my phone: “How to get out from under the overwhelm.” Then those words sat there gathering digital dust. I had zero ideas on … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 8/10/26

A summer of bicycle shorts, T-shirts

This summer has felt different for me. It’s my first summer as a retiree, and with the Missouri State Fair coming up this week, I won’t be there covering it every day like I did for more than 13 … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney Contributing Columnist | 8/10/26

The worship God is tired of

A husband once admitted during marriage counseling, “I don’t understand why she’s so upset. I tell her I love her every day. I work hard, provide for the family, and even bring her flowers.” … more

By Dr. Bob Wauchope Maplewood Church - Lead Pastor | 8/6/26

Same old, same old

I remember when Richard Nixon won 49 states, 520 electoral votes, and about 61% of the popular vote in the 1972 election. I remember when Ronald Reagan won 49 states, 525 electoral votes, and … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 8/6/26

Countering the DSA with the truth

My July 24 column dealt with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and its new platform to take over America. If you think I’m exaggerating, take the time to read it. Be sure you … more

By Doug Kneibert Contributing Columnist | 8/6/26

Disappeared through negligence

You may have noticed recent articles about the decline of reading. “The Atlantic” staff writer Rose Horowitch has even posited that the end of reading is here. She mentioned in a … more

By Dan Brigman Guest Columnist | 8/6/26

From coop to crop

I have sad news. I am no longer a chicken farmer. All five of my flock were killed by two ravenous racoons. It was my fault. During one of the recent wind storms a fencing … more

By Sherry Broyles Guest Columnist | 8/6/26

Sedalia insurance agents in 1904

However, it still would have been important for property owners to protect themselves from monetary loss should a building be destroyed. But the 1882 History of Pettis County notes that many … more

By Rhonda Chalfant Contributing Columnist | 8/3/26

Let Cuba breathe

With all the stories about wars, gas prices, food prices and tariffs dominating the news today, it is understandable that some important stories have been pushed aside; one of those stories I believe … more

By Jack Miller Contributing Columnist | 8/3/26

Bacon tomato bliss

We got the first batch of them last weekend, and they were perfect. Red, round and luscious. Lined up in a shallow, plastic crate, they’d been placed on a sheet of old newspaper, and my mouth … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 8/3/26

Remembering Sedalia’s Bill Turner

I was deeply saddened to learn that Bill Turner passed away on Thursday, July 30. Many people in our community knew Bill as a gentle and kind person who always worked to help those in need. I have … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney Contributing Columnist | 8/3/26

Time to vote

Missouri’s primary election is coming up next Tuesday – August 4. At that time, you will get to choose each party’s candidates for state legislature, as well as candidates for local … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 7/30/26

Leadership starts at the ballot box

It’s time. With no-excuse absentee voting underway and the Aug. 4 primary approaching, many of us are ready to cast our ballots. For more than a century, Farm Bureau’s strength has come from … more

By Garrett Hawkins Guest Columnist | 7/30/26

The weird world of Missouri campaign B-roll

It’s one of my favorite times of the election year: B-roll season. Across Missouri, candidates are posting B-roll — the wordless, context-free footage ad-makers layer under narration — so … more

By Jason Hancock Guest Columnist | 7/30/26