Disney executives are smart. We know this because they've created a destination called "the happiest place on Earth." Disney’s Magic Kingdom is North America's most visited theme park, drawing more than 16 million people toward Cinderella's Castle each year. more

In the first place, you would want to plant a Crepe Myrtle that will fit the area where you want it. There are dwarfs (3 to 6 feet) and semi-dwarf (7 to 15 feet). more

We just celebrated Memorial Day, a federal holiday honoring and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. For many, Memorial Day is a time to reminisce, hear or tell a story about a relative who has passed and place flowers on the graves. more

The baby chick died while I was in the shower. more

I sit here weeping silently as I watch the commemoration of D-Day – the 80th anniversary of The Longest Day. I think of Charlie Bell, who died a few months before his 100th birthday and who landed on Omaha Beach with 160,000 other U.S. and Allied soldiers. I would have liked it if Charlie could have been in Normandy today, along with his surviving comrades, those heroic veterans of D-Day who remain with us, reminding us of the stakes of that day and of that war. more

As I drive around Sedalia these days, the neighborhoods look nothing like they did when I was young. more

It’s been a month since the Democrat transitioned to a twice-weekly print schedule, and let me just say, it’s been quite the undertaking. more

Economic depressions often come after several years of a good economy, causing companies to overextend themselves, borrowing money to produce more goods than the market can absorb or borrowing money to produce crops that fail. more

On May 17, exactly 33 years after I graduated high school, my baby girl turned her graduation tassel, too. Her service dog, Mac, dressed in a matching cap and gown, trotted along beside her as she crossed the stage to receive her diploma. They both graduated with honors, and Mac received the “seal of biliteracy” on his diploma because he is fluent in understanding both dogs and humans. more

I was waiting for my wife to come out of the crowded Aldi store on Friday at the start of the long Memorial Day Weekend and I could not help but think about the holiday weekends I have enjoyed through the years. more

Abundant trees, a pond, a creek, hilly terrain, and open areas that used to be pasture compose our 47 acres south of Warrensburg. We love living here, but we are struggling with invasive plant species, most notably sericea lespedeza. more

Growing up in the ‘90s, I regularly heard well-meaning phrases like, “Do whatever makes you happy,” “Become whatever you want to be,” or “Follow your heart.” They always seemed to show up on graduation cards, innocently encouraging me in future endeavors. more

Some years ago, a lawyer approached me before his client’s trial. “He wants you off the case,” the lawyer said. “He thinks you don’t like him.” more

From time to time, I hear friends and family complain about being called for jury duty. It seems the summons for jury duty never comes at a convenient time because of personal or work obligations. But serving on a jury is an incredibly important constitutional duty for all of us. To recognize and honor jury service, Missouri was one of a few states in the country to hold a statewide Juror Appreciation Week earlier this month. more

Kansas City Chiefs fans, of which I am one, know that Harrison Butker is one of the top kickers in the NFL. When he tosses grass sprigs into the air to gauge the wind, I’m confident that a field goal is on its way. more

On May 30, 1956, an editorial in the Sedalia Democrat noted that Memorial Day should inspire people to remember its original significance — to remember and honor those who died fighting for their country. more

Cool-season grass hay fields may not be producing the usual yields this year, so summer annual forage crops may be a reasonable alternative for some producers. Summer annuals can be effectively used for grazing or conserved as hay or haylage and can be an important forage source if abused pastures or hay fields are going to be re-seeded to cool-season grasses this fall. more

Yes, that one. more

Perhaps you’ve heard of Wordle. If you haven’t, either read no further, or proceed at your own peril. more

If you have never attended an open mic event, you are missing out on something special. more