Opinion | Sedalia Democrat

LETTER: Consider the effects of your vote

Dear Editor, Vote "no" on Amendment 5. While eliminating the state income tax sounds appealing, the fine print reveals a disastrous reality that will directly jeopardize the future of our … more

7/27/26

LETTER: Allow me to introduce you to Taylor Burks

Dear Editor, Although it has been several years since I found myself a candidate, I remember the good ol’ days in which if you wanted to print a “contrast” (hit) piece or run a negative … more

7/27/26

Sedalia real estate agents in 1904

According to the 1904 Sedalia Sentinel pamphlet, the Missouri Pacific Railroad Division Shops were to be opened within the next few years. In order to secure the shops, Sedalia had to … more

By Rhonda Chalfant Contributing Columnist | 7/27/26

Busted and rusted, but still beautiful

I love old things, even those that show the wear and tear of a hard life. I try to look past that wear and tear to see the beauty of what something once was. An old house that has outlived … more

By Jack Miller Contributing Columnist | 7/27/26

Dog Days gets it straight from the source

Friends, it’s too hot to work. Too hot to even think about work. And since we’re sweating through the “dog days” of summer, I’m turning over my keyboard this week to an actual dog with … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 7/27/26

Lord, teach us to pray

In Luke 11, an unnamed disciple makes a simple but profound request of Jesus: "Lord, teach us to pray." I understand that request. Over the years I've been taught many different ways to … more

By Rev. Chance McMullin First Christian Church | 7/23/26

The Scouring of the Shire

Two sad things happened to me last week. They are related to each other, even though they don’t seem to be. I would like to talk to you about both. The first thing I would like to tell you all … more

By Liz Schleicher, Contributing Columnist | 7/23/26

No on 4

When we vote on anything – other than the President – whatever or whoever gets the most votes wins. And that’s the way it should be. Amendment 4, however, another … more

By Deborah Mitchell, Contributing Columnist | 7/23/26

DSA’s platform to take over America

We’re witnessing an upheaval in American politics, with two-thirds of Democrats now calling themselves socialists. But this isn’t your ordinary socialism, as we shall see all too clearly. … more

By Doug Kneibert, Contributing Columnist | 7/23/26

If Meta goes rogue

Some of today’s news headlines sound like plots straight from a science fiction book. In the past several months we have heard about the release of the Pentagon’s UFO files, a human space flight … more

By Debbie Noland Guest Columnist | 7/23/26

Small moments in our lives

People pass by us every day; these encounters are small moments in our lives, reminding us that each interaction, however brief, connects us to the world around us. Some may speak or smile, while … more

By Faith Bemiss-McKinney Contributing Columnist | 7/20/26

Making the best of it

One time when I was a kid, I was invited to play and have dinner at a friend's house from church. She was the preacher’s daughter, so I knew the whole family. I’d already said an enthusiastic yes … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 7/20/26

Age does bring limitations

With all the talk in the news these days about old men and what they can and can’t do, I thought I would weigh in on the subject since I passed the “80” milestone years ago. Before I … more

By Jack Miller Contributing Columnist | 7/20/26

Henry W. Meuschke, businessman

The praiseworthy businessman of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was involved in many activities. He worked hard at his business. He probably served on the boards of other businesses … more

By Rhonda Chalfant Contributing Columnist | 7/20/26

LETTER: Study the issues

Dear Editor, I read two articles in the July 17th edition of the Sedalia Democrat which were of great interest to me. One was by contributing columnist Deborah Mitchell, and the other was … more

7/20/26

LETTER: Think about the impacts

I'm asking everyone reading this to vote NO on Amendment 5 which is on the August 2026 ballot. Amendment 5 would do away with paying income tax which sounds like a good deal for all the … more

7/20/26

Policy is what's driving the rising ACA premiums

If it wasn’t obvious before that the famous bill passed to make health care more affordable has done anything but, it should be now: Individual plans on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are … more

By The Washington Post | 7/20/26

Is it just getting older, or your body trying to say something?

Picture this: you used to walk through the grocery store without giving it much thought, but lately you find yourself cutting your trip short. Carrying groceries from the car leaves you catching your … more

By Naima Farah, MD Bothwell Regional Health Center | 7/20/26

LETTER: Read into the fine print

Dear Editor, Missouri voters must say "no" to Amendment 5. While the promise of eliminating the state income tax sounds appealing, the fine print reveals an unfair shift that targets our most … more

7/16/26

Minimum wage hikes face opposition

Steady increases in the minimum wage are encountering some serious pushback. Last month, Oklahoma voters defeated by 10 points a proposed $15 minimum wage to be phased in over three years. … more

By Doug Kneibert Contributing Columnist | 7/16/26