In 1898 when troops were called after the U.S. declared war on Spain in an attempt to help Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean islands gain freedom from Spanish control, Sedalia’s Second Regiment, a National Guard Unit, volunteered. They were sent to Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis for training, drill, and medical evaluation. more

As some of the people who read my columns might remember my wife and I lived in the country most of our married life and moved into Sedalia less than five years ago. more

The interstate that connects my town to neighboring towns is under construction. It's going from two lanes to a much needed three. But during the road's growing pains, construction workers have erected a concrete barrier that runs along the left-hand side of the road right next to the yellow boundary line. And that short but solid wall? It scares me. more

As early as 1880 the idea of combining American Bison (Buffalo) with a bovine breed (cattle) was in the minds of some early cattle ranchers. With bodies perfectly adapted to the environment, Bison herds as far as the eye could see flourished with absolutely no human care or intervention. more

As I enter my eighth decade, I should expect the sadness that comes with everyone else’s getting older along with me. Until now, the people who have touched my life and have departed this earth have been a generation older – or more – than I. more

As you read this, the warming shelter of Pettis County hosted at St Patrick chapel of St. Vincent de Paul parish is working on securing enough volunteers from the entire Pettis County Community. more

The Spanish presence in Cuba began shortly after Columbus landed in the western hemisphere in 1492. The Spanish government soon sent soldiers to claim the land as colonies of Spain. more

As I drove past Centennial Park on East 16th Street the other day, I suddenly realized it had been at least a year since I had visited my commemorative brick at the park. more

This week, as the election approached, my thoughts were on kindness. With so much "garbage" slinging on both sides, it hardly feels like my America, the one I grew up with. more

If I didn't have to share mental space with an inner 12-year-old, I would've already put on a pair of progressive glasses or bifocals and been done with it. That's what most people my age do. more

As Americans, we don’t have much influence on the U.S. Supreme Court. The president, who we indirectly elect via the Electoral College, decides who to appoint, and then the U.S. Senate votes whether or not to confirm. more

Finally. The election is coming to a close. more

As you walk into your polling place this Tuesday you will likely find a quiet, almost somber atmosphere with elderly volunteers and little booths for secrecy. As we participate in our election on Tuesday, I wanted to write to you about that secrecy. Is your vote truly done in secret? more

The 1882 History of Pettis County describes Sedalia in 1865 as a “village of box houses” with only a handful of buildings that could be considered “substantial.” more

I’m not sure how it happened, but Tom and I raised three kids who love scary movies. It wasn’t genetic. more

Democrats have embraced the “politics of joy” as their election theme. Be nice if they’d tell the voters where they find such joy, for 75% of the American people told Gallup pollsters this month they think the nation’s on the wrong track. more

When I was a kid, my little sister used to watch the Disney movie The Fox and the Hound over and over again when she got sad. I never understood it. If you’re already in a low mood, why would you want to watch the most maudlin animated film of the twentieth century? The Fox and the Hound could make a grown man weep! It’s all about orphans and friendships that can never be. Is intentionally wallowing around in your own sadness going to make you feel better? Isn’t that kind of perverse? more

You may remember Kevin Strickland, the man who was wrongfully convicted of three murders and spent over 40 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. more

It was a dark and stormy night. Well, maybe not stormy—and maybe not quite dark either. Flickering black candles and a small hand-held lantern contributed to the eerie atmosphere of “Tales by Twilight,” a reading of spooky short stories at the Cole Camp branch of Boonslick Regional Library on Oct. 18. more

I have a problem. And if the first step is admitting it, here goes: I'm a snooze abuser. If there's a snooze to use, I'll do it. Again and again. more