Much of the Smith-Cotton girl’s basketball team got a taste of how bitter the Warrensburg rivalry can be.

Senior Warrensburg guards Hally Piontek and Alli Rhone generated 27 free throws, and led WHS with 22 and 17 points, respectively in a 62-49 Smith-Cotton loss Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

S-C head coach Jonathan Tester said Tuesday’s loss was a learning experience.

“Whatever it is we’re trying to draw up on the sideline, in the huddle, we just need to learn when we go and execute that from the beginning, that will pay dividends throughout the span of four quarters,” Tester said. “But I thought our effort was outstanding.”

Tester drew up multiple presses to challenge Warrensburg’s guards. With three freshmen on the floor during many possessions, applying pressure without committing a foul proved difficult against Piontek, slippery off the ball, and Rhone, who was armed with a crossover.

Jessica Coble led Smith-Cotton with 16 points and fellow S-C senior Kiara Williams finished with eight.

Late in the game, trips to the free-throw line separated Warrensburg from the Lady Tigers of Sedalia.

S-C was limited to six points after a Jorey Luebbert 3-pointer made it 46-43 in the fourth. Warrensburg shot 16 of 19 from the free-throw line and outscored Smith-Cotton 22-16 in the fourth quarter.

Coble opened the game with a 3-point play, scoring on an aggressive drive. Piontek answered, and the Lady Tigers were tied at five early.

Courtney Willie capped a 5-0 Warrensburg run with a jumper off the glass. Willie and Sophie Martin exchanged baskets to make it 12-7 before the second quarter.

Smith-Cotton chewed into Warrensburg’s lead with an 8-2 run before halftime, trailing 24-21 at the break.

The Lady Tigers (5-12) host Battle 6 p.m. Wednesday and Center 5:30 p.m. Friday. Tester said for a young team, day-to-day practices on the system installed will help produce more points in the future.

“Everybody wants transition (points),” Tester said. “Certainly we’re going to try and press more and get more easy points out of that press in the transition game and push the pace … Credit to Warrensburg, they had a lot of good guards we were able to handle that pressure well.”

Nia Hawkins, No. 13, defends Alli Rhone in the first half of a 62-49 loss to Warrensburg at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia on Monday, Jan. 31.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_SCWarrensburg-Girls_1.jpgNia Hawkins, No. 13, defends Alli Rhone in the first half of a 62-49 loss to Warrensburg at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia on Monday, Jan. 31.

Jessica Coble attempts to finish a drive Tuesday during a 62-49 Lady Tigers loss to Warrensburg. Coble led S-C with 16 points.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_SCWarrensburg-Girls_2.jpgJessica Coble attempts to finish a drive Tuesday during a 62-49 Lady Tigers loss to Warrensburg. Coble led S-C with 16 points.

Darby Christian reaches for a rebound Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Smith-Cotton High School in the first half of a 62-49 loss to Warrensburg in Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_SCWarrensburg-Girls_3.jpgDarby Christian reaches for a rebound Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Smith-Cotton High School in the first half of a 62-49 loss to Warrensburg in Sedalia.

Kiara Williams is fouled Tuesday during a 62-49 loss to the Warrensburg Lady Tigers at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_SCWarrensburg-Girls_4.jpgKiara Williams is fouled Tuesday during a 62-49 loss to the Warrensburg Lady Tigers at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

Despite controlling the lead from the begining, Tuesday’s boy’s basketball game between Tiger rivals Smith-Cotton and Warrensburg came down to tense free-throw attempts late in a 66-61 victory for the Tigers of Sedalia at Smith-Cotton High School.

Keoni Hale led four S-C Tigers in double figures with 17 points. Bryson Couch scored 13, Kendall Weymuth had 12 points and Zion Buckner finished with 11.

Cale Cunconan earned a technical foul after totaling a game-high 26 points. After scoring with 2.4 seconds to play to cut Smith-Cotton’s lead to 63-61, the ball failed to return to the baseline referee in ample time.

The final minute was a frenzy for both teams.

Breaking the Warrensburg full-court press, Buckner found Couch under the basket who then scored and drew a foul. The Tigers forced a turnover with 35 seconds remaining and scored, making it a 3-point game.

On the next possession, Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo, lacking timeouts, pieced together a huddle player-by-player by rotating rebounders on the block between two Derek Gehlken free-throw attempts.

Couch, one of six Smith-Cotton seniors on the 2016-17 team, said the competitive intensity is higher in games between Warrensburg and Sedalia.

“Full-packed stands, full-packed student sections, both teams competing — just wanting to win more than anything,” Couch said. “It’s probably like a state championship game. This is one of the most important games of the season.”

The home Tigers opened the game with a 9-0 run and led 28-22 at halftime. Couch’s three in the third quarter pushed the S-C lead to 11 points, and a breakaway Hale dunk steadied the lead at 51-41 before a late Warrensburg run.

Smith-Cotton (9-8) hosts Center High School 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

Keoni Hale finishes a drive in the first half of a 66-61 Smith-Cotton victory over Warrensburg at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_DSC_7764.jpgKeoni Hale finishes a drive in the first half of a 66-61 Smith-Cotton victory over Warrensburg at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia. Alex Agueros | Democrat

Kendall Weymuth shoots over a Warrensburg defender Monday, Jan. 31 at Smith-Cotton High School in a 66-61 victory against Warrensburg. Weymuth finished with 12 points.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_DSC_7714.jpgKendall Weymuth shoots over a Warrensburg defender Monday, Jan. 31 at Smith-Cotton High School in a 66-61 victory against Warrensburg. Weymuth finished with 12 points. Alex Agueros | Democrat

Zion Buckner follows a layup attempt Monday at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia in the first half of a 66-61 win against Warrensburg.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_DSC_7746.jpgZion Buckner follows a layup attempt Monday at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia in the first half of a 66-61 win against Warrensburg. Alex Agueros | Democrat

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Iowa Western Community College 89, State Fair Roadrunner 63

Corey Mendez led the Roadrunners with 17 points Tuesday in an 89-63 loss at Iowa Western.

In the first half, State Fair scored 14 points on 22 percent shooting from the floor. It is the fifth-straight loss for the Roadrunners.

Onteral Woodson, Jr. and Amir Smith finished with double-doubles for SFCC. Woodson had 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Smith collected 11 points and 10 rebounds.

State Fair (11-12) faces Three River Community College at the Bess Activity Center in Poplar Bluff 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.

HIGH SCHOOL

BOY’S BASKETBALL

Sacred Heart 67, Tipton 51

Trent Lyles, Tucker Nicholson and Micah Tanguay had 16 points each Tuesday in a 67-51 Gremlins home win against Tipton.

Sacred Heart (15-3, 8-0 Kaysinger) play Santa Fe 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

Lincoln 77, Green Ridge 56

Mason Sander had 22 points, Boone Kroenke scored 16 and Grant Eifert finished with 13 points Tuesday in a 77-56 Lincoln victory at Green Ridge.

Ryan Dove led the Tigers with 23 points.

Lincoln (18-1) hosts Tipton 7 p.m. Thursday.

Green Ridge (7-9) challenges Smithton in the first round of the Kaysinger Conference Tournament 1 p.m. Saturday at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

Cole Camp 63, Stover 50

Cole Camp defeated Stover on the road Tuesday, 63-50.

Austin Berendzen led the Bluebirds with 20 points. Bready Smith and Kendrick Logan added 17 and 10 points, respectively.

Camren Worthley paced the bulldogs with 16 points, while Brenden Bauer finished with 15.

Cole Camp (14-5) hosts Windsor 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Stover (5-14) hosts La Monte as the No. 6 seed in the Kaysinger Conference Tournament 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

Smithton 71, Windsor 55

Drew Apsher had 31 and Will Trip scored 10 points at home in a 71-55 Smithton victory over Windsor on Tuesday.

Smithton (13-4) hosts Holden 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Dixon 71, Versailles, 61

Shane Randall scored 15 points and Coby Randall had 12 points as Versailles lost 71-61 to Dixon at home.

The Tigers (9-9) host Osage 8 p.m. Friday.

HIGH SCHOOL

GIRL’S BASKETBALL

Glasgow 43, Pilot Grove 30

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/TSD020117S.pdf

This list is a sampling of crime in Sedalia and the surrounding area. Information is taken from official police reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved in each case.

Sedalia Police Department

Arrests

Jan. 30

8:38 p.m.: Stephanie Danielle Curry, 33, of the 500 block of East Harvey Street, was issued a municipal court summons near the intersection of West 18th Street and South Prospect Avenue for possession of marijuana. A traffic stop was conducted for a driver failing to use a turn signal. The officer learned the driver had a Sedalia Failure to Appear traffic-related warrant with a $50 cash bond. Investigation revealed the driver was in possession of marijuana.

11:04 p.m.: Brandon J. Edmisten, 24, of the 1200 block of East 16th Street, was arrested near the intersection of East 16th Street and South Washington Avenue on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

Incidents

Jan. 26

3:24 p.m.: A traffic stop was conducted near the intersection of East 19th Street and South Marvin Avenue. The officer learned the driver had a warrant and a suspended license. Investigation found the driver was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The driver was arrested and charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia are being requested.

Jan. 30

8:37 a.m.: A hit-and-run vehicle accident was reported near the intersection of South Stewart Avenue and West 18th Street.

12:22 p.m.: A business in the 3100 block of West Broadway Boulevard reported a subject tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill. The suspect left prior to officer arrival. The business reported it had been given four other counterfeit bills Jan. 28 and Jan. 29. Video footage from the business is being reviewed.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Arrests

Jan. 30

5:10 p.m.: Thomas J. Orendoff, 43, of Clinton, was arrested in Henry County on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

Jan. 31

12:12 a.m.: Raymond L. Smith, 43, of Pleasant Hill, was arrested in Johnson County on charges of resisting arrest, possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, speeding and lane violation.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_crime-scene-police-lights-1.jpg

A Sedalia Middle School fifth grader was honored Jan. 25 at the Pettis County Courthouse for artwork entered in the 2016-17 Pettis County Illegal Dumping Awareness project.

Isabella Stringham, the daughter of Bryan and Christmas Stringham, of Sedalia, was honored with a plaque by Pettis County Western Commissioner Jim Marcum and Randy White, executive director of Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission.

The contest is hosted by West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District (Region F), Pioneer Trails RPC and the Pettis County Commission. Stringham’s art was used as the cover for the 2017 Illegal Dumping Poster Contest Calendar distributed to all Pettis County fifth grade classes.

Information provided by Pioneer Trails RPC in Concordia stated, “The illegal dumping awareness project promotes to students, educators, parents, and the public in general, the knowledge that will help to successfully reduce, and eventually stop illegal dumping.”

Illegal dumping can be defined as disposing of waste in an improper or illegal manner, where it doesn’t belong such as discarding waste in open urban or rural areas and/or where environmental damage is likely to occur.

Recently Region F Planner Ruth Anne Parrott visited fifth grade classrooms in Pettis County and gave a 20-minute presentation about illegal dumping. After her presentation students drew posters that could be included in the contest.

The contest was open to all fifth graders in Pettis County and Stringham’s winning work was selected from 13 posters judged by the Region F Solid Waste Management Board.

Emily Craig, solid waste/community economic development planner with Pioneer Trails RPC said Stringham’s art was chosen because of “her colorful attention to detail and effective method of conveying the Illegal Dumping mission.”

Her poster will also grace two billboards in the Sedalia area this year, both on U.S. Highway 65, south of West 32nd Street. One will be a digital version and one traditional.

On Friday, soft-spoken Stringham told the Democrat while at the SMS why she participated in the project.

“We were doing it for illegal dumping awareness,” she said. “Because it’s illegal and it needs to stop, so the earth doesn’t get trashy. So, if we wanted too, we drew posters.”

Stringham’s winning entry depicts a trash can decorated with green hills, a sun peeking over the horizon. To the right is a person throwing trash into the can. To the left Stringham wrote “Take care of our Earth.”

She added that she created the poster in SMS Art Teacher Kelly Hagen’s class. Hearing that she had won the contest made Stringham extremely “happy.”

“(My mom and dad) said they were really proud of me,” she said. “I think it was really, really fun to be able to draw and do something fun. I’m really excited about that.”

Stringham is creative and said she enjoys art, reading and music and she that often sings with her mother.

SMS Art Teacher Hagen said she had approximately 25 entries submitted from her art classes for the contest and noted Stringham’s attention to detail.

“She is just very meticulous (and) neat,” Hagen said. “Everything she does is very organized. Her craftsmanship is always neat and well thought out and she’s very focused all the time.”

Friday afternoon, Isabella Stringham, a fifth grader at the Sedalia Middle School, stands with her winning poster entry in the school’s foyer. Stringham and other Pettis County fifth graders participated in an Illegal Dumping Awareness project recently. Her artwork was chosen as the 2017 calendar cover and will be placed on billboards around Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020217IsabellaStringham-1-.jpgFriday afternoon, Isabella Stringham, a fifth grader at the Sedalia Middle School, stands with her winning poster entry in the school’s foyer. Stringham and other Pettis County fifth graders participated in an Illegal Dumping Awareness project recently. Her artwork was chosen as the 2017 calendar cover and will be placed on billboards around Sedalia. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Isabella Stringham, standing with her parents Bryan and Christmas Stringham, was honored Jan. 25 at the Pettis County Courthouse for her winning poster entry by Randy White, left, executive director of Pioneer Trails RPC and Jim Marcum, Pettis County Western Commissioner

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020217IsabellaStringham-2.jpgIsabella Stringham, standing with her parents Bryan and Christmas Stringham, was honored Jan. 25 at the Pettis County Courthouse for her winning poster entry by Randy White, left, executive director of Pioneer Trails RPC and Jim Marcum, Pettis County Western Commissioner Photo courtesy of Sedalia School District 200

Isabella Stringham holds the 2017 Illegal Dumping Poster Contest Calendar with her winning entry on the cover.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020217IsabellaStringham-3.jpgIsabella Stringham holds the 2017 Illegal Dumping Poster Contest Calendar with her winning entry on the cover. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

The Sedalia Rental Inspection Committee’s meeting Wednesday was a full hour of productive discussion with plenty of constructive criticism of the draft ordinance.

Several key points were brought up by both the committee and city staff during Wednesday’s meeting, one being some of the wording in the “Purpose” section of the draft. Along with an overall purpose statement, the ordinance includes five items to “strive” for, and member Kim Welch questioned “To provide minimum standards for the maintenance of existing residential rental buildings.”

“How is that different from our current residential codes?” Welch asked. “Because we have codes already in place that are the minimum standard, are they not?”

City Attorney Anne Gardner clarified what the ordinance is meant to do — complying with the rental inspection ordinance means a landlord can rent a unit, but it’s possible the unit is not up to every city residential code. The unit could be rented while the landlord works on other code violations that do not put a renter at immediate risk, such as fixing gutters.

“(Other residential codes) still need to be addressed, it’s just not preventing you from putting a renter in the property,” Gardner said. “To make sure those things (in the rental inspection ordinance) are satisfied because they’re dealing with safety issues. … We drew these things out (for the ordinance) that have to be complied with — the safety, the electrical, the fire codes.”

Gardner said she will work on the wording and inclusion of more information to clarify that point, as it is “an important distinction for renters and landlords.”

Another key issue was brought up by Dave Wiedeman. The draft ordinance includes a section on “Notice of violation,” which states the city will send a letter to the property owner listing any violations found during the inspection within 14 days of inspection. He said two weeks is simply too long for a landlord to wait.

“I have talked with some of the large landlords in town and they come straight up out of their seat on that. This is one of their major concerns,” Wiedeman said.

Both Gardner and Jamie Bethel, the city’s housing specialist, pointed out that it was their understanding the inspector would be able to give the landlord a report of any violations found as soon as the inspection is over, and that the written notice is just a formality so landlords wouldn’t really be waiting that long.

Gardner suggested allowing the landlord to correct any inspection violations within a certain time frame without getting a formal notice of violation. Member Terri Hunter also suggested the idea of breaking inspection violations into categories, such as critical and minor.

The draft ordinance includes a section on landlords voluntarily obtaining a rental permit from the city, which would essentially allow the city to register rental properties. A bill has been filed in the Missouri House that would prohibit such a requirement, but it has not been voted on.

Both city staff and committee members noted that most landlords who would voluntarily sign up are probably not the landlords with properties in poor condition and that it would be difficult to get everyone to obtain a permit.

Welch again brought up her proposal of a Safe Housing Alliance with the city and the Sedalia Landlords Association. She said the alliance would provide incentives for landlords who register, such as being on a list of landlords in good standing with the city on the city website, and possibly even giving those landlords free inspections or permits. City Administrator Gary Edwards agreed those were good points.

“They’re little things, but they would mean a lot,” Welch said. “To say we have this relationship with the city and the city has this relationship with us. If we built that, then we continue to build a relationship with the tenants as well and the tenants know we’re all working on the same page then I think we’ll build a system where we’re not going to have these people living on top of each other in rooms.”

Member Jeff Leeman noted that after concerns during the last meeting about the high cost of hiring an inspector, city staff is now looking into doing rental inspections in-house. Since that portion of the draft ordinance is still being worked on, the committee temporarily skipped over those portions of the draft and will revisit them at a later date.

All committee members were present.

The next meeting will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 1. The topic will be continued discussion of the draft ordinance.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Sedalia-city-seal.jpg

Craft beer and cars were the two topics discussed during Wednesday morning’s 1 Million Cups event at State Fair Community College.

Jason VanNatta started VanNatta Fabrication about 13 years ago at his home, helping modify vehicles, but after three years he changed jobs due to declining work. Last year, VanNatta decided his work hours were interfering with his family too much, so he ventured out on his own, purchasing the old Sedalia Youth Center building at 420 W. 16th St.

VanNatta said he has customers from all over Missouri, even reaching as far as Texas and Oklahoma, performing a variety of work. He and his two-man staff complete vehicle restorations and modifications, as well as sell parts and create custom metal signs. He said his business is 50/50 with body work and selling vehicle parts, but that he would like to grow the parts side of the business.

As he continues to grow his business, VanNatta said he gets permission from customers to create kits from their vehicles for future use.

“While the vehicles are in I design my kits off it,” VanNatta said. “… I use the truck to design the kit (for a specific vehicle type) and I give (the customer) a deal for letting me do that.”

Much of his work comes to him through social media. An audience member asked him what sets him apart from similar companies, and especially what draws customers from other states.

“Nobody does the sheet metal work like we do,” VanNatta replied. “If you take your car to a shop it’ll cost thousands of dollars, but they can just order our parts for $1,200 to $1,500. As far as people coming this far, I have a really good reputation for the air suspension, they know it’s not going to fail on them.”

Another of VanNatta’s goals is to better utilize the building’s showroom by hanging some of the metal and LED signs and parking his truck inside, both for customers to view and for him to use as most of the parts are based on his truck.

VanNatta has run into challenges, such as the need to request new zoning for the building from the Planning and Zoning Commission. He said owning VanNatta Fabrication is the “hardest job I’ve ever had, and the most stressful — and I’ve been a farmer,” but that he still enjoys it.

Brad Wikstrom is the franchise owner of one of the latest businesses to join the downtown district — Craft Beer Cellar. The bar and beer retail store opened in November and has already garnered a large following. Part of that following comes from CBC using Untappd, which can alert customers who have the app when a new beer arrives at CBC.

All CBC employees are Cicerone-certified, the beer version of a sommelier. This allows them to help customers find the right beer to fit their tastes.

With more than 450 offerings, CBC sells craft beers from around the country, but most are made regionally. While there aren’t many food options — the store has an open food policy allowing customers to bring in their own food — even the few snacks for purchase are all Missouri-made.

On the food front, Wikstrom has recently begun partnering with local food trucks to park by CBC Friday and Saturday nights, giving his customers a food option with their beer selections.

“That’s one of the cool things I think about Craft Beer Cellar is that we don’t try to do everything ourselves,” Wikstrom said. … I don’t have a passion for food so it’s cool we can connect with some of those local vendors around town, and it’s a symbiotic relationship because they’re helping us fulfill a need for the guests that are coming in and it helps them in turn.”

CBC Sedalia is also starting to get involved in events, such as offering a tasting at an upcoming bridal fair at Simple Blessings since the store sells kegs, and hosting breweries at the store.

1 Million Cups, which is open to the public, is hosted at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month in the Thompson Conference Center at State Fair Community College. For more information, visit www.1millioncups.com/sedalia.

Jason VanNatta answers an audience question about VanNatta Fabrication during his 1 Million Cups presentation Wednesday morning at State Fair Community College.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020217-1MillionCups.jpgJason VanNatta answers an audience question about VanNatta Fabrication during his 1 Million Cups presentation Wednesday morning at State Fair Community College. Nicole Cooke | Democrat

Brad Wikstrom, of Craft Beer Cellar, listens to a question during the question-and-answer portion of his 1 Million Cups presentation Wednesday morning at State Fair Community College.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020217-1MillionCups2.jpgBrad Wikstrom, of Craft Beer Cellar, listens to a question during the question-and-answer portion of his 1 Million Cups presentation Wednesday morning at State Fair Community College. Nicole Cooke | Democrat

Sacred Heart split a make-up W-K Holiday Shootout doubleheader with Santa Fe on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia, facing Santa Fe.

The Lady Gremlins fell 38-17 while the boys defeated the Chiefs 45-36. Both teams compete next in the Kaysinger Conference Tournament at the same venue on Saturday.

Sacred Heart 45, Sacred Heart 36

After senior Santa Fe Chiefs guard Alex Smith left a tied game with injury Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Sacred Heart Gremlins outscored its opponent 19-10 down the stretch and 17-7 in the fourth quarter to pull away with a 45-36 victory in Sedalia.

The Gremlins know the anguish of an injured senior guard. Alden Harding watched in street clothes on the Sacred Heart bench as Trent Lyles, who led the Gremlins with 16 points, Teagan Trammell and Bryan Schlotterbeck picked up the slack in the back court.

Trammell finished with 10 points, going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Lyles said offensively, there is no replacing Harding.

“We can’t make up for it fully, but, I think on defense we just have to give a little more effort,” Lyles said. “(Harding) is about 14 points a night. You can’t make up for that.”

Sacred Heart (16-3) trailed by four points entering the second quarter and struggled to overcome Santa Fe’s edge until the second half. The Chiefs led 24-22 at halftime, and the game was tied at 26 upon Smith’s withdraw.

Andrew Edwards led the Chiefs with 13 points. Dobber Burton added 10.

The Gremlins defend its Kaysinger Conference Tournament title as the top seed 10 a.m. Saturday.

Hosting the winner between Tipton and Otterville, Lyles said his approach to the tournament is simple.

“Take it slow — one game at a time — and play defense,” he said.

Santa Fe 38, Sacred Heart 17

All Caleb Crooker could do was smile.

After the Sacred Heart girl’s basketball team gathered 17 points total — missing close shots, losing dribbles off shoes and even earning a technical with a jersey-number discrepancy in the official score book — the Lady Gremlins head coach said few things went right in a 38-17 loss to Santa Fe.

“It seemed like there was a lid on the basket,” Crooker said. “We couldn’t get anything to fall. You’ve got to give a lot of credit to Santa Fe, though. They play good defense. They’re a real good team and they’re well-coached. It was a tough game.”

McKenna Beeler paced the Lady Gremlins with 10 points.

Sadie Limback led Santa Fe with 15 points and Josey Burton finished with 10.

In its attempt to deal the Lady Chiefs its second loss of the season, Sacred Heart was limited to one field goal in the first quarter and trailed 20-6 at halftime, after a Burton 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Anajanae Williams’ first score of the night put the Lady Gremlins in double-digits with less than 90 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Sacred Heart trailed 31-11 entering the final period.

Despite the loss, Crooker said he felt confident entering the Kaysinger Conference Tournament on Saturday, especially having faced a top-tier opponent in Santa Fe.

“Seeing how physical they are — every rebound is tough — tonight was a great opportunity for our girls to experience a real physical team,” Crooker said.

The Lady Gremlins (12-8) host the winner between Lincoln and Green Ridge 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Kaysinger Conference Tournament.

Trent Lyles attempts a jumpshot Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia during a 45-36 Gremlins victory over Santa Fe.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_SH-SantaFe_1.jpgTrent Lyles attempts a jumpshot Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia during a 45-36 Gremlins victory over Santa Fe. Alex Agueros | Democrat

Grace Goodwin drives around a Santa Fe defender during a 38-17 loss to the Santa Fe Lady Vikings at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_SH-SantaFe_2.jpgGrace Goodwin drives around a Santa Fe defender during a 38-17 loss to the Santa Fe Lady Vikings at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia. Alex Agueros | Democrat

HIGH SCHOOL

GIRL’S BASKETBALL

Hickman 43, Smith-Cotton 37

Kiara Williams led S-C with 12 points and Nia Hawkins and Haley Wiskur collected eight apiece in a 43-37 loss at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia on Wednesday.

Smith-Cotton (5-13) hosts Center High School 5:30 p.m. Friday.

HIGH SCHOOL

BOY’S BASKETBALL

Smithton 73, Holden 47

Drew Apsher had 24, Nate Walsh had 16 and Will Tripp scored 13 points in a 73-47 Smithton home victory over Holden on Wednesday.

The Tigers (14-4) play Green Ridge 1 p.m. Saturday in the Kaysinger Conference Tournament at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

This list is a sampling of crime in Sedalia and the surrounding area. Information is taken from official police reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved in each case.

Sedalia Police Department

Arrests

Feb. 1

1:02 a.m.: Teresa M. Muller, 37, of the 1000 block of South Massachusetts Avenue, was arrested near the intersection of South Limit Avenue and West 18th Street on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

2:58 a.m.: Steven S. Harvey, 53, of La Monte, was arrested near West Main Street on a charge of driving with a revoked license.

Incidents

Jan. 31

7:38 p.m.: A victim reported he went inside a business in the 1100 block of South Limit Avenue and left his brown 2003 Chevrolet Impala unlocked and running in the parking lot. When he came back outside it was missing.

Feb. 1

11:50 a.m.: A handgun, valued at $500, was reported stolen from a residence in the 1500 block of South Moniteau Avenue.

Pettis County Sheriff’s Office

Arrests

Jan. 30

9:07 p.m.: Ahmad Jamal Dupree, of Sedalia, was arrested in the 1600 block of East Seventh Street on charges of displaying the license plates of another and driving with a suspended license. He was released on scene with a court summons.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_crime-scene-police-lights-3.jpg

Sacred Heart School Assistant Principal Holly Wilson pours slime over Principal Gary Manning at an assembly Thursday morning in the school’s gymnasium. For the second year in a row, Wilson won the “Penny War” for the school’s Christmas Service Project donated to Heifer International. When Manning lost last year, he had to kiss a goat.

Sacred Heart School Principal Gary Manning cringes as the last dollop of cold slime falls on his head Thursday morning during a special assembly at the school. SHS Assistant Principal Holly Wilson said the school’s “Penny War” raised $522 for Heifer International, which provided food, clothing and shelter for 26 families.

Before the assembly Thursday morning, several Sacred Heart School students were chanting “slime Dr. Manning” in anticipation of Assistant Principal Holly Wilson pouring the equivalent of five gallons of slime over his head.

During the special assembly Thursday morning, Sacred Heart School preschool teacher Kay Keele reacts in surprise when she see items for her classroom wish list laid out on a table. Assistant Principal Holly Wilson said the school was able to purchase all the items on the list. Wilson was also presented with a $10,000 check for the preschool from the SHS Foundation and the Harris Family Foundation by SHS 1982 graduate Kyle Herrick and Beverly Rollins.

Before the assembly Thursday, SHS day care students stay busy by singing the popular Sunday School song “Zacchaeus,” plus “Baby Jesus” and “Ground Hog Day.” The children were led by their teachers Ileana Clemons, Jalena Perez, Samantha Smith and Director Celinda Smothers.

Although he was allowed to wear goggles Thursday morning, SHS Principal Gary Manning unfortunately got extremely slimy. He told the crowd of giggling children he would need to take a shower before his morning meeting. To keep the gymnasium clean during the assembly, a portion of the floor was covered in plastic and Manning sat in a small blue plastic swimming pool on a chair covered with a trash bag.

Sacred Heart School Assistant Principal Holly Wilson pours slime over Principal Gary Manning at an assembly Thursday morning in the school’s gymnasium. For the second year in a row, Wilson won the “Penny War” for the school’s Christmas Service Project donated to Heifer International. When Manning lost last year, he had to kiss a goat.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317SHSSlime-1.jpgSacred Heart School Assistant Principal Holly Wilson pours slime over Principal Gary Manning at an assembly Thursday morning in the school’s gymnasium. For the second year in a row, Wilson won the “Penny War” for the school’s Christmas Service Project donated to Heifer International. When Manning lost last year, he had to kiss a goat. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Sacred Heart School Principal Gary Manning cringes as the last dollop of cold slime falls on his head Thursday morning during a special assembly at the school. SHS Assistant Principal Holly Wilson said the school’s “Penny War” raised $522 for Heifer International, which provided food, clothing and shelter for 26 families.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317SHSSlime-2-.jpgSacred Heart School Principal Gary Manning cringes as the last dollop of cold slime falls on his head Thursday morning during a special assembly at the school. SHS Assistant Principal Holly Wilson said the school’s “Penny War” raised $522 for Heifer International, which provided food, clothing and shelter for 26 families. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Before the assembly Thursday morning, several Sacred Heart School students were chanting “slime Dr. Manning” in anticipation of Assistant Principal Holly Wilson pouring the equivalent of five gallons of slime over his head.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317SHSSlime-3-.jpgBefore the assembly Thursday morning, several Sacred Heart School students were chanting “slime Dr. Manning” in anticipation of Assistant Principal Holly Wilson pouring the equivalent of five gallons of slime over his head. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

During the special assembly Thursday morning, Sacred Heart School preschool teacher Kay Keele reacts in surprise when she see items for her classroom wish list laid out on a table. Assistant Principal Holly Wilson said the school was able to purchase all the items on the list. Wilson was also presented with a $10,000 check for the preschool from the SHS Foundation and the Harris Family Foundation by SHS 1982 graduate Kyle Herrick and Beverly Rollins.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317SHSSlime-4-.jpgDuring the special assembly Thursday morning, Sacred Heart School preschool teacher Kay Keele reacts in surprise when she see items for her classroom wish list laid out on a table. Assistant Principal Holly Wilson said the school was able to purchase all the items on the list. Wilson was also presented with a $10,000 check for the preschool from the SHS Foundation and the Harris Family Foundation by SHS 1982 graduate Kyle Herrick and Beverly Rollins. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Before the assembly Thursday, SHS day care students stay busy by singing the popular Sunday School song “Zacchaeus,” plus “Baby Jesus” and “Ground Hog Day.” The children were led by their teachers Ileana Clemons, Jalena Perez, Samantha Smith and Director Celinda Smothers.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317SHSSlime-5-.jpgBefore the assembly Thursday, SHS day care students stay busy by singing the popular Sunday School song “Zacchaeus,” plus “Baby Jesus” and “Ground Hog Day.” The children were led by their teachers Ileana Clemons, Jalena Perez, Samantha Smith and Director Celinda Smothers. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Although he was allowed to wear goggles Thursday morning, SHS Principal Gary Manning unfortunately got extremely slimy. He told the crowd of giggling children he would need to take a shower before his morning meeting. To keep the gymnasium clean during the assembly, a portion of the floor was covered in plastic and Manning sat in a small blue plastic swimming pool on a chair covered with a trash bag.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317SHSSlime-6-.jpgAlthough he was allowed to wear goggles Thursday morning, SHS Principal Gary Manning unfortunately got extremely slimy. He told the crowd of giggling children he would need to take a shower before his morning meeting. To keep the gymnasium clean during the assembly, a portion of the floor was covered in plastic and Manning sat in a small blue plastic swimming pool on a chair covered with a trash bag. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

An elderly man sustained facial and chest injuries after his vehicle crashed into the front doors of Bothwell Regional Health Center at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Sedalia Police Department, Sedalia Fire Department and Pettis County Ambulance District responded to the accident. The man was transported by PCAD to BRHC Emergency Room on the opposite side of the hospital.

A statement was released by BRHC Director of Marketing and Communications Barb Peterson at 3:35 p.m.

“At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, a visitor to Bothwell Regional Health Center (BRHC) hit the front exterior entrance of the hospital with his car. No other individuals were involved. Patients, visitors and employees are asked to use alternate doors to access the hospital including the southwest entrance (cardiac-rehab entrance) and the emergency department until further notice.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking everyone to not enter the hospital through the main lobby or park under the hospital’s portico,” said Randy Smith, director of Facilities Management. “We believe the integrity of the hospital’s structure is sound; however, we are having it evaluated as soon as possible.”

SPD Officer Brad Beard said the man hit a parked car in the hospital’s driveway before crashing into the doors. The parked car at the time was unoccupied.

“He was coming to visit his wife and he said ‘I don’t know what happened,’” Beard said. “He has some facial injuries from hitting the steering wheel and also some chest and abdomen injuries.”

Pettis County Ambulance District prepares to transport a man who crashed his car into the front doors of Bothwell Regional Health Center to the hospital’s Emergency Room Thursday afternoon. The man sustained facial, chest and abdomen injures.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317Accident-1-6.jpgPettis County Ambulance District prepares to transport a man who crashed his car into the front doors of Bothwell Regional Health Center to the hospital’s Emergency Room Thursday afternoon. The man sustained facial, chest and abdomen injures. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Sedalia Fire Department firefighters place a dry chemical on the ground to absorb oils and gas from a car involved in hitting the front doors of BRHC Thursday afternoon.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317Accident-2-6.jpgSedalia Fire Department firefighters place a dry chemical on the ground to absorb oils and gas from a car involved in hitting the front doors of BRHC Thursday afternoon. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

BRHC Director of Marketing and Communications Barb Peterson said due to the accident, individuals should use alternate doors to enter the hospital.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020317Accident-3-7.jpgBRHC Director of Marketing and Communications Barb Peterson said due to the accident, individuals should use alternate doors to enter the hospital. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Three people were injured in a wreck Thursday afternoon on Thompson Boulevard at 10th Street. According to Sedalia police, About 3:45 p.m., a minivan was stopped at a stop sign on West 10th Street at South Thompson Boulevard when it pulled out to turn north on Thompson Boulevard and collided with a Ford Fusion traveling south on Thompson. The driver and the passenger in the minivan were injured and a passenger in the Fusion was injured. All three were transported by Pettis County Ambulance District to Bothwell Regional Health Center for their injuries. The driver of the Fusion denied medical treatment at the scene.

Three people were injured in a wreck Thursday afternoon on Thompson Boulevard at 10th Street. According to Sedalia police, About 3:45 p.m., a minivan was stopped at a stop sign on West 10th Street at South Thompson Boulevard when it pulled out to turn north on Thompson Boulevard and collided with a Ford Fusion traveling south on Thompson. The driver and the passenger in the minivan were injured and a passenger in the Fusion was injured. All three were transported by Pettis County Ambulance District to Bothwell Regional Health Center for their injuries. The driver of the Fusion denied medical treatment at the scene.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_ThompsonWreck-1.jpgThree people were injured in a wreck Thursday afternoon on Thompson Boulevard at 10th Street. According to Sedalia police, About 3:45 p.m., a minivan was stopped at a stop sign on West 10th Street at South Thompson Boulevard when it pulled out to turn north on Thompson Boulevard and collided with a Ford Fusion traveling south on Thompson. The driver and the passenger in the minivan were injured and a passenger in the Fusion was injured. All three were transported by Pettis County Ambulance District to Bothwell Regional Health Center for their injuries. The driver of the Fusion denied medical treatment at the scene.

Charges were filed last week by the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney against the former Green Ridge R-VIII School District Superintendent after she fraudulently used almost $2,000 in school funds.

According to online court documents, Cara Easter, of Green Ridge, has been charged with six counts of fraudulent use of a credit device less than $500. A criminal summons was issued last week and an arraignment has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 28 at the Pettis County Courthouse.

According to court documents, Board of Education President Barry White contacted the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office in August regarding several unauthorized credit card charges made by Easter, as the district’s bookkeeper noticed a hotel charge that was “out of the ordinary and seemed high” while reviewing Easter’s monthly purchase card log.

Easter was asked by White and board Vice President Mark Haverly to compile a list of all her 2016 expenses by the Aug. 17, 2016, board meeting.

Two days later, the board placed Easter on administrative leave and released the following statement to the Democrat:

“Regarding the questions of our Superintendent Cara Easter. Mrs. Easter has been placed on paid administrative leave as of Friday, Aug. 19 (2016). The Green Ridge R-VIII School District does not provide comment regarding confidential personnel manners. The District takes allegations of misconduct by staff members very seriously, investigates them promptly and thoroughly, and addresses them as warranted.”

The Democrat was never informed of the reason for placing Easter on administrative leave.

The board met several times over the next month to discuss Easter’s employment with the district. On Sept. 21, 2016, the board accepted Easter’s resignation from the district. Due to it being a personnel matter, the terms of Easter’s resignation have not been made public.

The expenses list provided by Easter was given to Pettis County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Tollie Rowe and is included in court documents. It lists her attending professional conferences or workshops on six different occasions in 2016, totaling $1,891.49.

Rowe contacted a representative from each conference listed and learned that none of the conferences Easter listed had taken place, according to court documents. One company representative even said they had no record of Easter attending any of their conferences in 2016.

Court documents state Rowe spoke with Easter on Oct. 6, 2016, to discuss the credit card transactions. When asked if she made any of the transactions, Easter said “she could not comment on the specific transactions as part of the separation agreement (with the school district) and a section that pertained to not discussing the matter.”

During the meeting Easter eventually told Rowe she was having “a personal difficult time” and that these factors “caused her to act out of the ordinary and do things that were ‘not me.’”

Aron Bennett has been the district’s interim superintendent since Aug. 27. In December, the board announced the hiring of Jamie Burkhart, current assistant superintendent in the Clinton School District, as Green Ridge’s new superintendent, effective July 1.

Cara Easter

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Cara-Easter.jpgCara Easter

The following is a sampling of cases that were resolved in the Circuit Court of Pettis County from Jan. 10-31, according to information from Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney Phillip Sawyer.

George Sant Jr., 37, of Sedalia, was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections for first degree statutory rape and 10 years in the Department of Corrections for first degree statutory sodomy, with sentences to run concurrently with one another.

Dominique J. Taylor, 27, of Sedalia, was sentenced to concurrent terms of seven, four and four years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty on three separate matters — possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm and second degree domestic assault.

Danielle M. Bradbury, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections for forgery and four years in the Department of Corrections for fraudulently attempting to obtain a controlled substance, with sentences to run concurrently with one another.

Jerry Cook, 33, of Sedalia, was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections for second degree assault.

Monty Allen Ellis, 28, of Sedalia, was sentenced on three counts of delivering or concealing a controlled substance in a county jail. Ellis was sentenced to four years on each count to run concurrently with one another and with any other sentence.

Holly N. Jett, 29, of Sedalia, was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections for possession of a controlled substance.

Elijah A. Nash, 21, of Sedalia, was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections for second degree assault.

Jonathan Joseph Fisher, 27, of Wentzville, was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after his probation was revoked and he was ordered to serve the balance of a previously imposed suspended four-year sentence.

Richard A. Kurtz, 36, of Sedalia, was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections after his probation was revoked and he was ordered to serve the balance of a previously imposed suspended five-year sentence.

Justin L. Pruett, 25, of Sedalia, was sentenced after his probation was revoked and he was ordered to serve the balance of a previously imposed sentence of seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections on each count — possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, deliver and sell and two counts of possession of a controlled substance — to be served concurrent on each.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Gavel.jpg

The other day I heard a mother tell her small child she would be glad when he grew up. I thought that was an awful thing to say because I think growing up is a necessary evil, that must be fought tooth and nail. I have been fighting that battle for 70-plus years, and according to some (my wife) I can still be a little childish.

The childhood experience is such a wonderful thing, I don’t believe anyone should ever grow up completely. It would be terrible if we could never see things through the eyes of youth again. I don’t mean in that giggly teenage way, but every once in a while we should be able to experience the wonder and excitement we felt in our youth when we are older.

The freedom of childhood and the independence of a mature age are the parentheses of our lives. What lies between those marks is the responsibilities of adulthood; a time when we are by necessity serious-minded adults, with our minds fixed on making a living. As children or seniors citizens we should not have to dwell as much on the serious nature of life and should be able to just enjoy the experience of living, and leave the worries to those inside the parentheses.

The saying “When I was a child I thought as a child” should be extended to include “And when I became a senior citizen I was free to do so again.” I can’t physically do a lot of the things I did as a child, like climb trees or run semi-fast, but I do still think about doing them.

I am not saying as older people we have nothing left to worry about, but we should know how to avoid letting those things rule our lives by the time we have reached retirement age. Worrying about the grey in your hair, or the lack of hair in my case, is something better left to those mid-life crisis people who are still trying to attract the opposite sex of younger years. There are so many battles of the waistline as well as the hairline many of us have lost by the time we reach into our later years, that we should be able to accept them as speed bumps meant to gradually slow us to a comfortable speed, more suited to our age.

That said, I do realize there are older people who were given genes that allow them to be youthful longer than the rest of us, and I applaud the diversity while accepting my own short comings. I do not jog and never did, and have not tried a push-up since my Navy days. I have learned to not only accept the shortcomings that crept upon me with age, but also to find other reasons for them.

My clothes, for example, are too tight, not because I eat too much but because the manufacturer can’t get the sizes on the tag right, or because my wife washes everything in water that is too hot. My thinning hair, and ridiculous comb-over is due to a barber who can’t get it cut the way it was in my younger days. When I fall asleep in my chair, that is the doctor’s fault because they give me medicine that puts me to sleep as I watch TV. Blaming others is one of those childish things I mentioned earlier.

To parents who tell their children to grow up, I say leave them alone. They have 40 or 50 years to live inside the parentheses before they get to be childish again like me.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Miller-1.jpg

On Jan. 27, five cadets competed to be the January 2017 JROTC Cadet of the Month. Each cadet is selected by their own company to compete. During this competition cadets are asked a series of questions pertaining to the JROTC curriculum, U.S. military history, and current events. A panel of junior and senior cadets selected Cadet Sarah Bradbury as the winner. The JROTC program congratulates Cadet Bradbury and her hard work to achieve this outstanding award. Smith-Cotton JROTC would also like to express our gratitude for the 40 & 8 Veteran’s Organization for sponsoring the Smith-Cotton Cadet-of-the-Month program. From left are Sarah Bradbury and Don Barbour.

On January 27th, 2017 five cadets competed to be the January 2017 JROTC Cadet of the Month. Each cadet is selected by their own company to compete. During this competition cadets are asked a series of questions pertaining to the JROTC curriculum, U.S. military history, and current cvents. A panel of junior and senior cadets selected Cadet Dylan Kresse as the winner. The JROTC program congratulates Cadet Kresse and his hard work to achieve this outstanding award. Smith-Cotton JROTC would also like to express our gratitude for the 40 & 8 Veteran’s Organization for sponsoring the Smith-Cotton Cadet-of-the-Month program. From left are Dylan Kresse and Don Barbour.

On Jan. 27, five cadets competed to be the January 2017 JROTC Cadet of the Month. Each cadet is selected by their own company to compete. During this competition cadets are asked a series of questions pertaining to the JROTC curriculum, U.S. military history, and current events. A panel of junior and senior cadets selected Cadet Sarah Bradbury as the winner. The JROTC program congratulates Cadet Bradbury and her hard work to achieve this outstanding award. Smith-Cotton JROTC would also like to express our gratitude for the 40 & 8 Veteran’s Organization for sponsoring the Smith-Cotton Cadet-of-the-Month program. From left are Sarah Bradbury and Don Barbour.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020417CadetOfMonthBradbury-1.jpgOn Jan. 27, five cadets competed to be the January 2017 JROTC Cadet of the Month. Each cadet is selected by their own company to compete. During this competition cadets are asked a series of questions pertaining to the JROTC curriculum, U.S. military history, and current events. A panel of junior and senior cadets selected Cadet Sarah Bradbury as the winner. The JROTC program congratulates Cadet Bradbury and her hard work to achieve this outstanding award. Smith-Cotton JROTC would also like to express our gratitude for the 40 & 8 Veteran’s Organization for sponsoring the Smith-Cotton Cadet-of-the-Month program. From left are Sarah Bradbury and Don Barbour. Photos courtesy of Sedalia School District 200

On January 27th, 2017 five cadets competed to be the January 2017 JROTC Cadet of the Month. Each cadet is selected by their own company to compete. During this competition cadets are asked a series of questions pertaining to the JROTC curriculum, U.S. military history, and current cvents. A panel of junior and senior cadets selected Cadet Dylan Kresse as the winner. The JROTC program congratulates Cadet Kresse and his hard work to achieve this outstanding award. Smith-Cotton JROTC would also like to express our gratitude for the 40 & 8 Veteran’s Organization for sponsoring the Smith-Cotton Cadet-of-the-Month program. From left are Dylan Kresse and Don Barbour.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020417CadetOfMonthKresse-2.jpgOn January 27th, 2017 five cadets competed to be the January 2017 JROTC Cadet of the Month. Each cadet is selected by their own company to compete. During this competition cadets are asked a series of questions pertaining to the JROTC curriculum, U.S. military history, and current cvents. A panel of junior and senior cadets selected Cadet Dylan Kresse as the winner. The JROTC program congratulates Cadet Kresse and his hard work to achieve this outstanding award. Smith-Cotton JROTC would also like to express our gratitude for the 40 & 8 Veteran’s Organization for sponsoring the Smith-Cotton Cadet-of-the-Month program. From left are Dylan Kresse and Don Barbour. Photos courtesy of Sedalia School District 200

I was pondering logos the other day, having recently put lettering on our church bus. I wanted more than just our name on the bus. I wanted it to include our church logo.

Logos are important in businesses and organizations because they catch your attention and soon you identify the logo with the business. For instance, the golden arches are very familiar — you already know I am talking about McDonald’s. Another recognizable logo is the “swoosh” — you already know I am talking about Nike. Companies pay big money to develop a logo. Most logos convey messages as well, such as victory, happiness and status. But, how about the church — what is our logo?

For more than 2,000 years, the simplest expression of our faith has been this: a cross. The clearest, most remembered, most widely-recognized symbol of what the Christian faith stands for is two pieces of wood stuck together on which criminals were executed. Think of it. An instrument of death is our “corporate logo.”

Of course, we have tried to dress up our logo a bit and make it a little more fancy, cool or stylish, but, the fact remains, it is still just a wooden cross that symbolizes our faith. Why is this so? What is so important about the cross of Jesus Christ? Why should it be our logo?

First, Jesus died this way to illustrate the results of sin. Jesus’ cross showed how ugly, how horrific, our sins really are. In our world these days, we whitewash sin. We cover up the consequences of immorality. If you want to see how bad sin really is, all you need to do is look at the cross of Jesus. The reason His death was so brutal is because He bore on His body the brutal consequences of the sins for all people everywhere. Whenever you begin to think of sin as harmless, picture the cross of Jesus in your mind. Remember that it was our sin that put Him there.

On a more positive note, another reason Jesus died on the cross was to reveal God’s love. The cross is the clearest revelation of God’s love. As Romans 5:8 says: “God commends His love toward us in this. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus died in this way to show us the extent to which God’s great love would go to redeem us. If Jesus had refused the cross, if in the end He would have decided to come down from the cross, well, then there would have been a limit to the love of God. There would have been a point beyond which the love of God would not go, but He didn’t. So the cross reveals there is no limit. Jesus died for all of us because God loves all of us that much!

Finally, I want you to know that Jesus died on the cross as payment for our sins, yours and mine. You see, Jesus did not simply die. He died for us! As 1 Peter 2:24 says: “He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.”

He paid it all. He paid for our sins with His blood. In fact, do you remember Jesus’ last words? “It is finished!”

The cross now provides us an invitation. He hung on that cross as an invitation to everyone to return to God. Jesus said in John 3:14-15 …so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life…

The next time we see a cross, whether it’s on a church building or a tattoo, I hope we will see it not just as another decoration but that we will be reminded of the story behind the symbol.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Democrat_logo-1.jpg

The Sedalia Chapter of American Field Service (AFS) met Jan. 17 in the Budweiser Hospitality room. Andrea Eppenaur presided over the bon voyage to Alex Swords, left, daughter of John and Michelle Swords, who left Jan. 24 for Sicily. Alex will live on the island off the coast of Italy for the second semester. The program was given by Mira Ito, 4-H exchange student from Nagasaki, Japan. Mira treated the group to interesting and humorous information about his country and his time so far in the US. For information about the AFS organization please contact Andrea Eppenaur at 221-4404 or Sally Keating at 287-7667.

The Sedalia Chapter of American Field Service (AFS) met Jan. 17 in the Budweiser Hospitality room. Andrea Eppenaur presided over the bon voyage to Alex Swords, left, daughter of John and Michelle Swords, who left Jan. 24 for Sicily. Alex will live on the island off the coast of Italy for the second semester. The program was given by Mira Ito, 4-H exchange student from Nagasaki, Japan. Mira treated the group to interesting and humorous information about his country and his time so far in the US. For information about the AFS organization please contact Andrea Eppenaur at 221-4404 or Sally Keating at 287-7667.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020417AFS.jpgThe Sedalia Chapter of American Field Service (AFS) met Jan. 17 in the Budweiser Hospitality room. Andrea Eppenaur presided over the bon voyage to Alex Swords, left, daughter of John and Michelle Swords, who left Jan. 24 for Sicily. Alex will live on the island off the coast of Italy for the second semester. The program was given by Mira Ito, 4-H exchange student from Nagasaki, Japan. Mira treated the group to interesting and humorous information about his country and his time so far in the US. For information about the AFS organization please contact Andrea Eppenaur at 221-4404 or Sally Keating at 287-7667. Submitted photo