My last baby was born more than 17 years ago. I remember because I gagged nearly every day for nine months before she made her entrance into the world. more

On March 18, 1827, the Sedalia Democrat reported what it called a “Fearful Tragedy” that occurred in the rural area between Sedalia and Longwood. A rumor of a murder and the apprehension of its perpetrator had begun to circulate. Democrat reporters hastened to find out what had happened. more

People sometimes ask where I get the ideas for what I write. I tell them that it usually takes something that jogs a memory loose, and sometimes it is something simple that takes me by surprise. One of these “surprise” memories hit me the other day as my wife and I were headed for Aldi to grocery shop. more

In 1985, then-president Ronald Reagan underwent a life-saving surgery to remove a cancerous polyp in his large intestine. The polyp was discovered during a colonoscopy, which was the only screening test at that time that detected and prevented colon cancer. more

By now, subscribers probably are getting used to the idea that the Sedalia Democrat has become a biweekly newspaper. more

Editor's note: This column has been updated to correct the title of the last hymn mentioned in the list of his dad's favorite hymns. more

Max and I were both delighted and apprehensive when we heard that one of our favorite books, “A Gentleman in Moscow,” had been made into a television mini-series. more

This column will be short, perhaps written hastily. I’m so excited to get outside and work today, to play with my kids, heck, even to go to Walmart. more

Each month, I order between 250 to 300 books for the library. Some of them are replacements for books that never made it back to the library, but most of them are new books. And yes, there’s always plenty of James Patterson! more

Let’s begin where we left off. First, let’s look at a few more countries and summer wines. However, I am not sure if there are only summer wines, perhaps spritzers where white wine is diluted and chilled with seltzer water. The major difference is that we tend to sit on a patio, balcony or by the swimming pool sipping wine with only appetizers unless it is mealtime. more

After such a mild winter – if you could even call it winter – it seems like the spring and summer seasons started ages ago. However, summer is finally, officially upon us, with all its heat, humidity, and fun. more

Tomatoes are a staple that everyone seems to look forward to arriving at the Sedalia Area Farmers’ Market. As soon as the first cherry tomatoes arrive with the vendors each year, I start to imagine fresh, flavorful, colorful tomatoes in all my summer dishes, such as salads, BLTs, Bruschetta, homemade pizza, tomato salad and so many more. more

On July 21, 1950, the Sedalia Democrat printed three articles that revealed what was important to Sedalians at the time. These local events related to events far beyond Sedalia. more

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