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

Another municipal election approaches, and I always hope that “this year will be different.” The late Congressman, historian, and all-around good guy Ike Skelton said that all politics is local, and he meant locals must vote. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen in Sedalia. Though the percentage of Pettis County registered voters who actually vote in national elections is embarrassingly low, that percentage falls to dismal in municipal elections. more

The 50-year golden anniversary of Missouri’s Sunshine Law has led me to reflect on what could be done to restore the vision of Missouri’s original Sunshine Law sponsors. more

My mother’s people have two passions: farming and reading. I inherited the love of both. more

God hates _______. What comes to your mind to fill in that blank? You are probably thinking of a provocative poster at a protest. Or a person or yourself. The weight of this phrase should hit us. The perfect, infinite creator God, with all his power and authority, hates _____. How we fill in that blank is indicative of who we believe God is. more