There are a lot of things that have changed the world over the centuries. The internet, FaceTime, Google, Amazon, fast food, cars, flight, and many others. What is the greatest change in history? I would argue that Jesus is the greatest change. more

True Bogs more

Rumors are a tough act to follow. Even if you are the source of the story, it is difficult to help others understand the truth. more

The 1882 History of Pettis County sometimes comments on a person’s party affiliation, acknowledging that a person had been a long-time supporter of a particular party. An interesting exception to this pattern is shown in the biography of Jacob Yankee of Flat Creek Township, whose party affiliation is noted as being a Whig, then a member of the Know-Nothing party, then a Republican. more

What were they thinking? more

You’ll be surprised to know that I cannot ignore the extraordinary news about the indictment of a former president. more

Prepping, the practice of readying one’s family and property for disaster, has a long American history. more

I’ve mentioned it many times in my columns: people need other people, and connecting with others is so important. A few Sedalia women seem to agree with those thoughts and have created a group focused on connection, intention and mindfulness – with some fun and activities involved too. more

The Old Testament book of the prophet Ezekiel (37:1-14) includes the story of the valley of dry bones. It was a desolate image for a people who had lost heart and likely felt spiritually dead. more

The Pettis County Court, now called the Pettis County Commission, reorganized the Pettis County Townships in 1872. One of the new townships was located at the southeastern corner of the county. It consisted of 36 square miles and was bordered on the west by Flat Creek Township, on the north by Smithton Township, on the east by Morgan County, and on the south by Benton County. more

We experienced a rather scary situation within the Sedalia School District this week when an anonymous person called to report that there had been a shooting at Smith-Cotton Junior High School. more

As anyone who has read my poetry and stories would know, I have an abiding love for trees, something the poet Joyce Kilmer and I have in common, although he knew how to express his love more eloquently than I ever could. more

The State Fair Community College Foundation is hosting its annual fundraising event this weekend, and I was asked to bring something for the Dessert Dash, when guests at the event get to choose a dessert for their tables from the plethora of sugar-laden goodies. What would I make? more

Have you ever been so tired you don’t even know what you’re doing anymore? So tired that even coffee won’t put a dent in the impenetrable wall of sleepless fog? So tired you’re giddy? more

If you’ve read the Democrat in the last couple of weeks, you’ve noticed plenty of public support for Proposition K.I.D.S. on our opinion pages. While there’s probably not much more to be said, here are my two cents on why you should vote “yes.” more

The Easter season causes us to pause and contemplate our eternal destiny. It presents us with a paradox: How can a God of perfect justice show mercy to those who deserve punishment? The answer to this is found in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” more

Weaning time for fall-born calves is approaching soon. Now is a good time to do some planning and preparation before the big day arrives. more

On April 4, we will once again be asked to utilize one of our greatest freedoms and that is to cast our vote. more

One of my collateral duties aboard my first ship in the Navy was classified material control officer. Monthly, I would strap a .45 automatic on my hip and pick up new material at a closely guarded building. more

Liz Schleicher’s column on Saturday noted that few children’s books today are set on farms or deal with agriculture, and that today’s children are missing a great deal by not being able to read accurate books about farms and farm life. She is correct. more