Community | Sedalia Democrat

The ribbon-cutting brought together local business leaders, elected officials and community partners, along with U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, who made an unplanned appearance after hearing about the event.

Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County headquarters celebrated with ribbon-cutting

Community leaders gathered Wednesday, Sept. 30, to celebrate the opening of a new home for Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County, marking another chapter in the community’s decades-long effort … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 10/1/26

Dr. Doug Kiburz was seen Saturday at the Katy Depot riding his big wheel bicycle. The local orthopedic surgeon has been practicing in Sedalia for 41 years.

Kiburz reflects on medicine, community, being a good neighbor

For Dr. Doug Kiburz, 41 years of practicing orthopedic surgery in Sedalia have been about more than caring for patients. They have also been about becoming part of the community he chose to call … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 9/30/26

Liz Kehl, Sedalia Music Academy LLC, resented the program “Back to Basics” during the Sept. 23 Helen G. Steel Music Club meeting.

Sedalia area club notes for Sept. 29

Helen G. Steel Music Club The Helen G. Steel Music Club gathered Sept. 23 at the Heard Memorial Club House for its regular bimonthly meeting. President Stacey Beard welcomed twenty-one members … more

9/28/26

Karen and Steve Ellebracht were guest conductors for the Mizzou Marching Band on Sept. 19 at Farout Field in Columbia.

Sedalia couple guest conducts Mizzou marching band

Sedalia residents Steve and Karen Ellebracht had the chance to step onto the field at Faurot Field on Sept. 19 and experience a University of Missouri football game from a very different perspective … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 9/26/26

Bothwell Regional Health Center's board of trustees members Jo Lynn Turley, Matt Wirt, Dr. Gregory Doak and Jason Joy (right) get a tour of the newly renovated emergency department with Mike Shipp, emergency department director Tuesday.

Bothwell board members to make patient rounds at Mayor's suggestion

The Bothwell Regional Health Center Board of Trustees spent its Tuesday, Sept. 22 meeting discussing a suggestion from Mayor Traves Williams. Williams, though not in attendance, suggested … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 9/24/26

Sacred Heart School received an AED from the Bothwell Foundation’s Wear Red for Women committee. From left, Lauren Thiel-Payne, Connie McLaughlin and Dianne Simon, committee members; Morgan Schmidt, school nurse; Lori Wightman, Bothwell Regional Health Center CEO and Rhonda Ahern, Premier Realty Group Broker/Owner and Wear Red committee co-chairs; and Casey Sumner and Trish Henson, committee members.

PHOTO: Sacred Heart receives AED from Bothwell Foundation’s Wear Red for Women committee

9/24/26

Williams issues proclamation to Osage Chapter of DAR

Traves Williams Mayor of the City of Sedalia signed three proclamations for the Osage Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, proclaiming Sept. 17 to Sept. 23, 2026 as … more

9/24/26

Sedalia area community calendar for Sept. 27-Oct. 3

To have your event or meeting listed, send details to news@sedaliademocrat.com or call 660-826-1000. Sunday, Sept. 27 Noon and 7 p.m.: Alcoholic Anonymous 12x12 Non-smoking group, Sunday … more

9/24/26

Missourians top 100K miles in 100 days

COLUMBIA – Participants in University of Missouri Extension’s 2026 100 Miles, 100 Days challenge logged more than 100,000 miles statewide. The challenge, which ran June 16-Sept. 24, … more

By Curt Wohleber University of Missouri Extension | 9/24/26

Smith-Cotton JROTC Cadet Blaire Cox was recognized during the Sept. 21 Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education meeting as a recipient of the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Outstanding Achievement Award, the highest honor available for JROTC cadets. Presenting the award at right is Board President Diana Nichols. Col. Joey Sullinger, left, an Army JROTC instructor at S-C, said only about 25 JROTC cadets out of 500,000 nationwide receive the honor annually. Cadets are selected based on their academic record, class standing and leadership, among other criteria. Cox is the latest in a long line of S-C JROTC cadets to earn the honor, including Masyn Kruse, Draiven Short, Leia Goodwin, Brittany Bobbitt, Ericka Tackett, Laura Haney, Krysta Ott, Hannah Ott, Caitlyn Craig, Paul Chernookiy, Jordan Bush, Alexandria Stewart, Aurora Raphael, Shelbi Davis and Nikkole Warren.

PHOTO: Cox earns Legion of Valor Bronze Cross

9/24/26

REMAX of Sedalia recently donated $775 to the Alzheimer's Association through its Heart of Sedalia Foundation. Each month, the agents donate a portion of earnings from their transactions to help support various local charities. Pictured from left: Angie Yeager, Misty Inlow, Ryan Wiedeman, Kelly Heimbach, Joy Wenner, Dena Stockstill, Kai Wiedeman, Billie Barnes, Nicci Ragsdale, Dave Wiedeman, and Kyscha Martin. To learn more about the Alzheimer's Association, please visit their website at alz.org/greatermissouri.

PHOTO: REMAX of Sedalia donates to Alzheimer's Association

9/21/26

After her accident, Billie Jean (Bender) Massey gave this photo of her and a friend going to their high school prom to Michael Johnson, who rescued her. Massey suffered a head injury and doesn’t remember meeting Johnson.

Decades after crash, former medic answers survivor’s call

In January 2020, a former Sedalia woman reached out to the Sedalia Democrat searching for an off-duty EMT or medical person who saved her life in 1986 after a horrific vehicle accident near Warsaw. … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney Special to the Democrat | 9/21/26

Winter feeding cost projections

Depending on where you are in Missouri, you may have plenty of available pasture right now, or you might be feeding hay. Such is the plight of the Missouri cattle producer. At any rate, … more

By Gene Schmitz University of Missouri Extension | 9/21/26

Lottery player wins $2 million on scratch off in Warrensburg

A Missouri Lottery player cashed in on a $2 million prize from a scratch-off ticket purchased in Warrensburg. The winning $2,000,000 Bankroll” was sold at Casey’s, 602 East Young Ave., … more

By Star-Journal Staff | 9/21/26

Sedalia area church news for Sept. 18

Broadway Church to host Abundance Quartet Broadway Church will host a live afternoon of inspirational gospel music featuring the Missouri-based Abundance Quartet at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. … more

9/18/26

Sedalia Lions Club accepted a $500 donation from the State Fair Speedway, via Larry McCown. McCown mentioned how proud they are of the Lions Club with their financial support with helping many of Sedalia children through their eyeglasses and shoe programs. Shown is Larry McCown presenting the check to Terri Hunter, President of the Sedalia Lions Club .

PHOTO: Sedalia Lions Club receives donation from State Fair Speedway

9/17/26

The groundbreaking for the new Leeton United Methodist Church building was held Sept. 13. From left, Terry Elwell, Leeton UMC Chair of Trustees; Ellen Lake, Leeton UMC Pastor and Jim Frashe, Leeton UMC Board Chair.

Leeton United Methodist Church breaks ground on new building

LEETON — The story of the Leeton United Methodist Church is receiving a new revival. Almost a year after its historic church was damaged in an arson fire, the church broke ground on a new … more

By Joe Andrews, joe.andrews@warrensburgstarjournal.com | 9/17/26

Sedalia area community calendar for Sept. 20-26

To have your event or meeting listed, send details to news@sedaliademocrat.com or call 660-826-1000. Sunday, Sept. 20 Noon and 7 p.m.: Alcoholic Anonymous 12x12 Non-smoking group, Sunday … more

9/17/26

The Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri / Sedalia received $50,000 from K-MAC Enterprises and the Taco Bell Foundation in support of its “Life & Workforce Readiness” program for 2026-2027.

K-MAC Enterprises donates to Boys & Girls Clubs through Taco Bell Foundation

The Taco Bell Foundation announced it is awarding a record-breaking $32 million in Community Grants to over 700 nonprofit organizations nationwide, representing a 40% increase in … more

9/17/26

The Cole Camp Fair brought people out to watch a parade of antique tractors Friday, Sept. 11. Activities included a tractor show with nearly 40 tractors, including two steam engines on trailers.

Cole Camp Fair brings community, traditions together

For three days each September, Cole Camp becomes a little more crowded, a little noisier and, for many residents, a lot more like home. The Cole Camp Fair has been bringing people together since … more

By Chris Howell chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 9/14/26