Columns | Sedalia Democrat

There are a lot of careless and reckless drivers in Sedalia (not all of them Sedalians, of course). Hardly a week goes by that I don’t see drivers running stop signs, red lights and exceeding … more

By Doug Kneibert, Contributing Columnist | 5/25/22

Liberty Park landscape redone, part 1

Author’s note: Last week, I received an inquiry about who did the concrete work on the Liberty Park Lagoon and Bridge. The answering machine ate the message, so I couldn’t return the … more

By Rhonda Chalfant, Contributing Columnist | 5/25/22

Baby formula and the New Pro-Life Era

In the past few weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the 1973 Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision will be overturned, ending almost half a century of legal standing for a woman’s … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 5/25/22

Continuing life amidst the chaos

This has been a tumultuous week. I find myself at the end of it sitting in my chair, shaking my head. Unfortunately, we have all gotten used to waking up some random morning to find that some … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 5/25/22

Confusion, heartache after another senseless shooting

Like many of us, I’ve become desensitized to the frequent news alerts on my phone reporting the latest mass shooting or other acts of violence. I’m no longer shocked when I hear of such … more

By Nicole Cooke, ncooke@sedaliademocrat.com | 5/25/22 | 2 comments

Sedalia Chamber tried to solve problems caused by war’s end

The United States entered the Great War, now called World War I, in 1917. While many opposed the U.S. becoming involved in what was considered a foreign war, patriotic fervor marked the time in … more

By Rhonda Chalfant, Contributing Columnist | 5/20/22

Learning through failure sets us up for success

A week and a half ago, I had major back surgery. It has left me alone with my television, as the medication skews my ability to read. I needed a break from the news and documentaries, so I … more

By Stephanie Lefevers, Contributing Columnist | 5/20/22

Congressmen could be setting dangerous precedent

That’s the last time I’ll complain about damp, cool weather in May. I read yesterday that the Jan. 6 committee has issued subpoenas to five members of Congress who appear to … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 5/18/22 | 2 comments

Christianity is most powerful when it is true to itself

Smith-Cotton High School's Baccalaureate Service for the class of 2022 will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at the Heckart Performing Arts Center at SCHS. I am a member of the Pettis County Minister's … more

By Steve Graff, Pastor at Antioch Fellowship | 5/17/22

Disinformation Board very bad idea

Whenever I’m not pecking on my keyboard, I’m pacing back and forth searching for something to write about in my column. On rare occasions a topic, nicely wrapped with a ribbon, is … more

By Doug Kneibert, Contributing Columnist | 5/12/22 | 2 comments

Improving mental health services an immediate need

Mental health is something that we have neglected as a society for many years. I have seen more resources in our community as of late, but it’s not enough. Without insurance that will … more

By Stephanie Lefevers, Contributing Columnist | 5/12/22

The high cost of medical care in 1864

In 1864-65, according to the 1882 History of Pettis County and the Centennial Edition of the Sedalia Democrat published in 1960, 16 physicians practiced in Pettis County. Some had offices in Sedalia, … more

By Rhonda Chalfant, Contributing Columnist | 5/12/22

When you’re at a loss for words

When I first decided to take over Bob Satnan’s column space on this page last year, I figured it was a good idea. For several years since I became the Democrat’s editor, I had a goal of … more

By Nicole Cooke, ncooke@sedaliademocrat.com | 5/12/22

Mornings at sea

It has been many years since I stood on the deck of a ship in the morning, with a cup of hot coffee in my hand, staring out across an ocean, but the memory of doing so is still strong in my mind. … more

By Jack Miller, Guest Columnist | 5/12/22

Dreary and gray will hopefully lead to sun, soon

I’d like to write today about the Supreme Court opinion leak, but I will reserve most of my judgment until I can read the final opinion. I’ll complain, however, about two parts of this … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 5/12/22

Here’s mommy!

“I opened my eyes And looked up at the rain, And it dripped in my head And flowed into my brain, And all that I hear as I lie in my bed Is the slishity-slosh of the … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 5/12/22

Becoming a soul keeper

It is purported that John Wesley would begin his small group meetings with the question, “How is it with your soul?” In today’s times, this seems especially deeper than our usual, … more

By Rev. Chris Traffanstedt, Chaplain Services, Sedalia Complex Tyson Foods | 5/12/22

Brown’s Addition built for railroad workers

Between 1875 and 1883, the Rev. Edwin Brown platted three additions to Sedalia far to the east of the city center, where the original plat and other early subdivisions were located. The additions, … more

By Rhonda Chalfant, Contributing Columnist | 5/7/22

Be wary of ‘Ministry of Truth’

I never thought that I would live to see a “Ministry of Truth” department within the United States Government. In fact, the thought never crossed my mind until I read about it last week. … more

By Stephanie Lefevers, Contributing Columnist | 5/7/22

Opening the door on a new Democrat chapter

I’m officially the ninth and final editor to lead a Democrat newsroom at 700 S. Massachusetts Ave. By the time you read this, we will no longer be operating on Massachusetts Avenue. If … more

By Nicole Cooke, ncooke@sedaliademocrat.com | 4/30/22