Opinion | Sedalia Democrat

Shopping local isn’t just about the food

When I was young, my best friend’s mother owned a butcher shop. Pluester’s Meat Market, it was called. It sat at the bottom of a steep, forested hill that trailed off into the flat flood … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 5/8/25

The law says...

When I returned from Afghanistan, for a while, I felt like a celebrity. Civic groups and school classes asked me to come and talk about what I learned, what Afghanistan was like, what the … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 5/8/25

Shipping money to our main enemy

The world trade crisis that President Donald Trump ignited has simmered down some after he put a 90-day hold on most tariffs. But he slapped a 145% tariff on China, which retaliated with a 125% … more

By Doug Kneibert, Contributing Columnist | 5/8/25

Her name was Lydia

While in Asia on a second missionary journey, God gave Paul a vision of a MAN saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." Interestingly enough, however, the first European convert to Christianity … more

By Pastor Jon Church Katy Park Baptist Church | 5/8/25

Jimmie Thompson receives visitors, returns to Sedalia

Jimmie Thompson, the cashier whose embezzlement of funds caused the failure of Sedalia’s First National Bank in 1894, fled to Mexico City, where he lived for many years. While he was in … more

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

My memory of the thing

The other night, as I scrolled through the TV channels, I came across an old movie that has always been a favorite of mine, titled “The Thing from Another World,” with James Arness as a … more

By Jack Miller Contributing Columnist | 5/5/25

What I’ve learned in waiting rooms

I have a long relationship with waiting rooms. I’ve attended medical appointments for three kids, two dogs, one cat, and one husband. For nearly a decade, I also waited in rooms with my dad, … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 5/5/25

Reconnecting with Sedalia's icons

Sedalia icons make the world and town we live in a better place. I've always enjoyed talking with and photographing Sedalia's Anna Lee Bail. She has always loved attending the Scott Joplin … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney, faithb@sedaliademocrat.com | 5/5/25

Is slow news good news?

Last week, Pettis County residents were shocked by a Friday morning press release from the City of Sedalia. It read in part: “The City of Sedalia announces that Tom Oldham, Councilman … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 5/1/25

Spring will be a little late this year

Gray, gray, go away. Come again another day – preferably in August when the temperature is close to that of the surface of the sun. If April showers bring May flowers, we ought to … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 5/1/25

Missouri lawmakers should reject fake ‘chaplains’ in schools bill

As the 2025 legislative session of the Missouri General Assembly nears the finish line, one bill moving closer to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk purports to allow public schools to hire spiritual … more

By Brian Kaylor Guest Columnist | 5/1/25

Do you lie?

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22 “If I’m lying, I’m dying.” Jerry Clower This … more

By Sherry Broyles Gues Columnist | 5/1/25

Jimmie Thompson arrested in Mexico

Jimmie Thompson, former cashier of the First National Bank accused of embezzling funds and forcing the closure of the bank, was arrested in Mexico City, where he had fled after leaving Sedalia in May … more

By Rhonda Chalfant, Contributing Columnist | 4/28/25

Ready for warmer weather

Like many people my age, I do not like cold weather, and I have looked forward to the warmer temperatures of April for what has seemed like a never-ending Winter. According to my wife, I … more

By Jack Miller Contributing Columnist | 4/28/25

How to stop an anxiety spiral

A windsock shaped like a hot air balloon with a spiral tail is suspended above our backyard deck. When the wind blows, the balloon spins, and the spiral twirls below it, catching my eye when I walk … more

By Gwen Rockwood Contributing Columnist | 4/28/25

'Tis the season for planting

WINDSOR — The weather has finally warmed enough to begin our annual ritual of planting flowers. My husband, Jeff, has a green thumb and has already planted our banana trees and elephant ear … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney, fbemiss@sedaliademocrat.com | 4/28/25

Childhood mishaps are necessary for growing well-formed adults

“I LOVE this work. It just feels good. I feel like a MAN!” Those were the last words spoken by my eight-year-old son, wielding the weed eater, mere moments before he skinned the bark … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

The best things in life

What a week! Max and I have been on a whirlwind for more days than I can count. That is why I have a paper calendar. It all started with Easter weekend. We went to Little … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

Downtown makes great comeback

Recalling the declining years of downtown Sedalia in the 1970s, I can only marvel at its impressive comeback. That process began in the early ‘70s when businesses joined forces to found … more

By Doug Kneibert, Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

The man who made Latin live

I remember well my first day as a freshman at Smith-Cotton High School in 1966. Following my crumpled schedule of brand new classes, I paused in front of a room in the front hall of the second floor … more

By Debbie Noland Guest Columnist | 4/24/25