Rural Higginsville resident Harvey Christie received the Military Service Medal and Certificate at the Jan. 21 meeting of the Martin Warren Chapter, Missouri Society, Sons of the American Revolution.

The Military Service Medal was first authorized in 2006 by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. The award is designated for NSSAR members who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, U.S. Coast Guard or a country that was an ally of the U.S. or in a UN Peace Keeping Force.

Christie, at the age of 17, joined the Army Reserve Unit in Bethany. He was motivated by the fact many of his classmates were joining the military and he believed it was his duty and obligation to do likewise. He received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. After serving six months of active duty, he was transferred to the home reserve unit located in Bethany and served four years of active reserve duty. Christie indicated that “the military phase of his life was interesting, valuable and quite uneventful, but I have always been proud to have served my country in the military. I was there if they needed me.”

Christie and his wife, Earlene, live near Higginsville. Christie serves as the Genealogist of the Martin Warren Chapter, MOSSAR.

The Chapter meets on the third Saturday of each month, except February, July and August. The meetings are hosted at the Ridgeview Café in Warrensburg. Anyone interested in history and genealogy are invited to attend. To make reservations, call 660-747-7532 or email pchemr@gmail.com.

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From left, Chapter President Bruce McNeel, Harvey Christie, Earlene Christie and Missouri Color Guardsman Wilber Kephart.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_0052.jpgFrom left, Chapter President Bruce McNeel, Harvey Christie, Earlene Christie and Missouri Color Guardsman Wilber Kephart. Submitted photo

The most significant wave of immigration realized in the United States was between 1815 and 1920, resulting in 20 million making way to the land of the free. Predominantly from Europe, Canada and Latin America, the majority were Roman Catholic, which fit well with existing Anglo-Catholic, Jewish and Protestant religions. Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists existed in minor numbers, but also rightfully present. Our United States transformed from a tight-knit group of landowning, educated aristocrats to an incredibly diverse mass of urban and rural immigrants from many different countries, who spoke different languages, held different social statuses, yet set out to work together on common goals.

This wasn’t a “plug and play” scenario by any means, and it should be noted that American-born citizens were protective of their jobs, language barriers got in the way, and many Catholics, mostly Irish, were challenged by the Anglo-Saxon Protestants. Western culture and beliefs fused differences, eventually further solidifying Western Christianity and culture. It’s important to point out Western religions are historically, culturally and theologically distinct from Eastern religions. Also, Christianity and Judaism are sharp in contrast to Islam despite Abrahamic origin, and going a step further, history shows radical Islam seeking, punishing or destroying anyone outside of that sect.

Radical Islamic terrorism should be priority U.S. policy for good reason. American freedoms have been threatened by security dangers of immigration prior to President Donald Trump’s arrival. Why you ask? It was recently announced that 90,000 Christians were murdered for their faith around the world last year, according to a study from The Center for the Study of Global Christianity. That’s one every six minutes. On the contrary, the Muslim religion is the only major religious group in the world projected to grow faster than the world’s population as a whole and based on current demographic trends, is expected to exceed the number of Christians by the end of the century. About 1 percent of the population in the United States is Muslim, now with 63 percent of that 1 percent being Sunni immigrants.

President Barack Hussein Obama naively allowed 14,883 Syrian refugees into the United States over six years due to its civil war and 13,000 of which slipped in last year. According to a state department map, only eight landed in the state of Missouri. Most landed in Michigan and California. Of the 18,906,907 people in Syria, roughly 10 percent are Christian today, a staggering difference from the 30 percent that existed only 97 years ago. Most Muslims are of one of two denominations, Sunni or Shia and a myriad of sub sects beyond that. Shia is less violent, but do bizarrely practice Tatbir, which is mourning after striking oneself with a sword, usually between the eyes then bleeding out in remembrance of Muhammad’s deceased grandson.

Sunni Muslims comprise 90 percent of Syria, which was Osama Bin Laden’s denomination who founded al-Qaeda and were responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Sunni Islam claims religious, political and military authority over all Muslims worldwide. When the murderous Bin Laden was destroyed for terrorism by U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six in 2011, the uprise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) emerged from the splinters of al-Qaeda. Their popularity, among extremist Islamic militant groups operating in mostly Sunni occupied areas, have infiltrated into at least 10 countries now, including the United States.

“When I hear political leaders suggesting that there would be a religious test for which a person who’s fleeing from a war-torn country is admitted … that’s shameful …. That’s not American. That’s not who we are. We don’t have religious tests to our compassion,” Obama said just last year. I say that’s ludicrous and I wasn’t the only one. Obama’s own FBI director, James Comey, said before Congress the Syrians were unvettable. Comey remains FBI director for the Trump administration. Under federal law, the executive branch is expressly required to take religion into account in determining who is granted asylum into our country, something that didn’t happen with the influx of Syrian Sunni Muslim refugees.

As stated in section 1158 of Title 8, U.S. Code, an alien applying for admission must establish that … religion (among other things) … was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant. Moreover, to qualify for asylum in the United States, the applicant must be a “refugee” as defined by federal law. The law requires a “religious test.” And the reason is obvious. Asylum is a discretionary national act of compassion directed by law. One has no right to just emigrate to the United States. If you come from a country or territory inflicted by war that does not by itself make you an asylum candidate.

For those who doubt we are at war with radical Islam, don’t. War is a human condition to resolve conflicts of power. In the case of this war, radical Islam is undeniably persecuting Christians, and will go to any length to do so. Rules of engagement do not exist, because Islamic terrorists do not abide by man-made-law. Just do a quick YouTube search if you haven’t already, but don’t do so on a weak stomach. Beheadings, bombings, hijackings, kidnappings, axes, knives, guns, you name it. They do it for little reason, because they will not tolerate democracy or a nonbeliever of the Quran.

The Quran (Book of Muslim Guidance) contains a minimum of 109 verses that call Muslims to war with nonbelievers for the sake of Islamic rule. Some are quite graphic, with commands to chop off heads, fingers and kill infidels. Verses of tolerance and peace are not up for interpretation because they essentially don’t exist. Those who resist are humiliated, converted or killed. Muhammad’s martial legacy has filled streets with blood across world history, yet it has been said not all American Muslims interpret the Quran in ways that promote violence. I wouldn’t argue that, but it’s a small percentage that’s growing quickly who would most likely succumb if forced to choose, hence growing numbers. The recent infusion of Syrians will without a doubt impact that.

Last Friday, newly-elected President Trump signed an executive order that halted refugee admission for 120 days, temporarily banning entry from seven countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the name of better vetting. As for why Saudi Arabia and Egypt are not on the list, I’m not certain. I’m comfortable with the seven, and if there’s reason to add more, then do. Those Americans who disagree should realize the majority of our country has reached its limits for tolerance. Finally, we have a president who understands logic, and puts our nation’s safety first, taking no unnecessary risk. What he hasn’t done is ban Muslims, so please mainstream media — stop saying that. If that were the case, he would have included the 40 other Muslim-majority countries, including Indonesia, which is the largest.

What this is truly about is stopping terroristic Muslim extremists from entering our country at any given time with fake passports that are as easy to get as Budweiser in Missouri, thanks to German Catholic immigrant Adolphus Busch, an iconic American humanitarian who stood for the exact opposite of terrorism. Unless we want to simply accept radical Islamic immigrant terror as a fact of American life, a short-term ban on entry from problematic countries combined with a systematic review of our security procedures is both reasonable and prudent. If we don’t change the immigration process, we’ll be knocking down our own wall to escape terror that we brought inside. Wake up America.

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Steve and Sharon Swafford, of Sedalia, announce the engagement of the daughter Jenny Lynn Swafford, of Overland Park, Kansas, to Drew Thomas Hutinger, of Kansas City. He is the son of Greg and Christy Hutinger, of Sedalia.

The future bride is a graduate of Smith-Cotton High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. She is employed at Finkle Williams Architecture.

The future groom is a graduate of Smith-Cotton High School, the University of Missouri-Columbia, with a degree in Biological Sciences and a 2017 graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry.

A June 17, 2017, wedding is planned at Broadway Presbyterian Church in Sedalia.

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Carol Cusick

Age: 59

City: Sedalia

Starting Weight: 257

Why did you decide to apply for Healthy U 2017? I decided after several years, it was time to make a change. I decided that I could be a success story and inspire others at this stage of life. It’s never too late!

What are your goals for Healthy U? My goal is to lose weight and keep it off. Also, I want to be physically active and stop letting the weight get in my way of getting out and doing things.

What are you looking forward to about being a Healthy U student? I’m looking forward to feeling better, gaining confidence, making new friends, learning about nutrition and exercise.

Lisa Everhart

Age: 52

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 185.6

Why: I had knee surgery in May 2016, and recovery has been much more difficult than I expected. I need accountability and help to get physically stronger so hopefully I won’t have to have another surgery.

Goals: To become physically stronger, to lose some weight, and to develop new habits so I can stay strong and healthy!

Looking forward to: There are so many! Weekly classes about nutrition and health, learning all I can from my nutritionist and physical trainer, getting to know the other participants and sharing our journey, attending the community events planned by Healthy U, and just getting to be a part of Healthy U 2017 is very exciting!

Tammy Martin

Age: 51

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 221.6

Why: It is time for me to get healthy and stay healthy. I am a grandma (Mimi) to four beautiful grandchildren and I want to spend lots of time with them. I anticipate this group being like a big family where we support each other and graciously hold each other accountable for changing our eating habits and getting up and moving!

Goals: I want to get healthy and lose weight first and foremost. I want to change my eating habits and make those habits something I can stick to daily for the rest of my life. I am hoping that I can inspire other members of my family and people in my circle of friends. If I inspire just ONE person to make a change for the betterment of their health, then I will have reached a huge goal that I have set for myself!

Looking forward to: I am looking forward to being around like-minded people. People just like me that have set forth goals to better their health. I am also looking forward to the counseling I will receive from my fitness and nutrition counselors. I’ve also heard rumor that Healthy U students become runners — I look forward to trying to run in my first 5K!

Ashley Newton

Age: 29

City: La Monte

Starting weight: 272.8

Why: I decided to apply for Healthy U because I need to make life changes. I want to be healthy, lead by example to our daughter and inspire others!

Goals: To learn healthy habits for the rest of my life, lose weight, be healthy and get in shape.

Looking forward to: I’m looking forward to taking full advantage of the tools that are provided and using them wisely and making friends with my new peers so we can motivate each other to reach our goals! I want my expectations to become a reality.

Hilliary Owens

Age: 29

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 236.6

Why: I wanted to join Healthy U to become the fit, active person I know I am. I am a teacher and a coach, and I know that I am not being the healthy role model that they all deserve. I have seen other Healthy U students become successful, better versions of themselves and I wanted that experience, too!

Goals: My goals for Healthy U are to slim down and tone up. I also want to compete in a power-lifting competition when all’s said and done. I really just want to be able to look in the mirror and know that the person looking back at me is truly me.

Looking forward to: I am looking forward to learning during Healthy U. Learning about my fellow classmates, how to portion meals, how to plan appropriate meals, and how to do it all while still living my crazy life!

James Reed

Age: 37

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 254.4

Why: I applied because I started to lose weight in 2016, but could not consistently make healthy decisions.

Goals: I want to learn how to make constant healthy decisions for a lifestyle change and not just a temporary diet.

Looking forward to: I am looking forward to being a part of a team and accomplishing our goals together.

Lucas Sheeley

Age: 29

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 243.2

Why: I want to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle as a full-time employee, father and husband. And inspire my family to live a healthy lifestyle.

Goals: My goals aren’t so much in numbers, because that has not worked for me in the past but how I feel mind and body. But I would like to run a half marathon and participate in a obstacle-type race.

Looking forward to: I hope by my success that I will be able to help others from the knowledge that I will gain over the next year and continue to live a healthy lifestyle for the years to follow.

Tisha Sparks

Age: 32

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 259.2

Why: I decided to apply for Healthy U 2017 for several reasons. I knew I needed to make some big changes. After reflecting on past attempts at reaching and maintaining a healthy weight I realized that Healthy U could provide the tools and support I needed to work toward a healthy lifestyle.

Goals: I have many goals for Healthy U! Both short-term and some long-term. Physically I would love to be able do the things I used to enjoy such as running and riding bikes. However, I also plan to really focus on practicing self-love and celebrating my triumphs along the way.

Looking forward to: Possibly the most exciting part of Healthy U will be meeting with and creating friendships with my other Healthy U classmates. I can’t wait to get to know each of them and encourage them along the way as they reach their goals as well. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity! What an honor to be a part of the Healthy U 2017 family.

Adam Thornton

Age: 42

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 282.6

Why: I decided to apply to Healthy U because I have struggled with my weight and fitness for a very long time. After watching the success of past classes, I was inspired to try for myself.

Goals: I am hopeful that, in Healthy U, I will be able to redefine my dietary planning and lifestyle. I have come to the realization that healthy living is a choice that has to be made daily for the rest of my life and believe wholeheartedly that Healthy U can teach me the skills to accomplish this goal.

Looking forward to: The accountability to myself, my classmates, and my instructors is very exciting to me. My greatest desire through this process is not only to become healthier for myself but also to create an atmosphere of healthy living in my household that will create a habit of active living and clean eating for the whole family.

Rachel Whanger

Age: 40

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 283.2

Why: Tired of living on the sidelines.

Goals: To become healthy and accountable for continued weight loss. To be able to comfortably ride roller coaster rides and play basketball with my son, to enjoy life. To travel without worrying about the plane’s seat belt, or the classroom desk. To develop lasting supportive relationships. To have energy and to wake up excited each day instead of dreading another one.

Looking forward to: Guidance, support, accountability, hard work, new relationships, less weight! The know-how to pass what I learned to friends, family, and anyone interested in changing their lives as I will have changed mine.

Becky Williams

Age: 46

City: Smithton

Starting weight: 240.8

Why: I have a heart condition and being overweight and not eating properly is not what I needed to be doing. I needed to put myself first and know that it is OK to take time each day to focus on yourself.

Goals: To learn more about my health and what my body really needs to maintain good health.

Looking forward to: To be able to take the knowledge I gain and inspire others to put their health first! You only are given one body and you need to do your best to take care of it!

Stephanie Wooldridge

Age: 34

City: Sedalia

Starting weight: 210

Why: When I found myself frustrated with my children for being too energetic, I realized I was the one with the problem. I was a slug! I knew it was time to really put forth the effort to be the best version of myself I could be for my kids, and for my husband. The success of past years’ classes, and the accountability standards they are held to made this option by far the best to reinvent myself!

Goals: I want to have more energy and take care of the skin I’m in, and to be more active and live a long, healthy life with my husband and children. I am also hoping a healthier lifestyle will allow me to be less dependent on caffeine, snacking to “survive” the day, and sleep better. Although this is not my main goal, it sure will be nice to get back to a size that will allow me to be comfortable in my own skin and in front of anyone I meet.

Looking forward to: Learning! I’ve always assumed I knew everything I could to make smart choices when it comes to food and exercise, but was just too lazy to use that knowledge. Also, I am excited to get involved and be active with this incredible group of individuals in our community. Inspiring others to make better choices for their futures is a no lose option. Finally, I am truly excited to have others depending on me to be accountable for my healthy lifestyle choices, which in turn I hope becomes results!

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Carol Cusick

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Carol-Cusick.jpgCarol Cusick

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Lisa Everhart

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Lisa-Everhart.jpgLisa Everhart

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Tammy Martin

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Tammy-Martin.jpgTammy Martin

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Ashley Newton

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Ashley-Newton.jpgAshley Newton

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Hilliary Owens

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Hilliary-Owens.jpgHilliary Owens

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James Reed

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Lucas Sheeley

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Lucas-Sheeley.jpgLucas Sheeley

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Tisha Sparks

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Tisha-Sparks.jpgTisha Sparks

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Adam Thornton

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Adam-Thornton.jpgAdam Thornton

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Rachel Whanger

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Becky Williams

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Stephanie Wooldridge

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The Beastie Boys said “you gotta fight for your right to party.” They didn’t say anything about having to go to work the next day.

This is Super Bowl weekend, and even if your team is not in the game, our national football fever kicks in and most everyone develops a rooting interest, whether it be for one team, against another, for the usually overblown halftime musical performance or for the commercials, which some years are more interesting than the game itself. Federal government statistics project that about $55 million is spent annually on Super Bowl parties, a significant chunk of that on the estimated 16.5 million chicken wings that will be eaten.

The game has a late start time, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m., but with additional commercials and pageantry, along with the extended halftime, the game could stretch to four hours in length. Combine that with the big-event party atmosphere and ample support of the game’s alcohol sponsors and what results is Monday-after-Super-Bowl absenteeism of about 1.5 million and $170 million in lost productivity, according to the International Business Times, which added that about 4.4 million workers go in late the day after the big game.

Last week, Heinz Kraft has launched a petition to make the Monday after the Super Bowl a national holiday. Fortune and other media outlets reported that the food giant will give its salaried staff a free vacation day on Monday. Nicole Kulwicki, a marketing executive for Heinz Kraft, told Bloomberg, “We wanted to get behind an initiative that we know people feel strongly about.”

While the Heinz Kraft effort seems like more of a marketing campaign than a sincere effort, talk of making that Monday a holiday gets kicked around this time every year. Former Kansas City Chiefs kicker Nick Lowery told me: “I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think that is for people to discuss with their bosses one-on-one and collectively negotiate (that) one business at a time.”

Another consideration is the number of national holidays that already exist in January and February. While currently this is a conversation among pockets of football fans, Lowery said he doesn’t expect any movement on this until those pockets grow.

What may be more likely and I believe is a lot more feasible is moving the Super Bowl to Saturday night. ESPN Radio personality John Weiner, better known at Stugotz, has spent the past two weeks advocating for a Saturday night Super Bowl. While that move makes sense, it faces some challenges.

A few years ago, Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch explored the topic and was told by an NFL spokesman that the league is not about to break away from its Super Bowl Sunday tradition. A sports consultant also pointed out that a move to Saturday would affect the game’s economics; hotel stays and spending would be cut by a day, since most fans attending the Sunday game typically fly into the destination city on Friday and leave on Monday. Moving the game to Saturday moves departure day from Monday to Sunday.

So for now, the best way to handle Super Bowl Monday is to exhibit some restraint on Super Bowl Sunday. Oh, and Lowery thinks the Patriots’ experience will carry them to victory over the Falcons, 27-24.

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Friday at the 2017 Ag Expo in the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds Tyson Foods Inc. put on display cute baby chicks, just born yesterday. The chicks will be donated to the Green Ridge FFA after the show. The Ag Expo is presented by the Central Missouri Agriculture Club.

Buddy the Tyson Chicken was on hand to entertain patrons Friday at the 2017 Ag Expo.

Patrons from around Missouri view the many exhibits at the Ag Expo on Friday. The Ag Expo continues Saturday in the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

Patrons from around Missouri showed up to view the many exhibits at the Ag Expo Thursday. The Ag Expo continues today at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

Many crafts made by local vendors are on display for patrons of the 2017 Ag Expo.

Amy Cronhardt-Younce, of Cronhardt Farms in Knob Noster, is selling soaps, bath bars and various bathroom products made from milk provided by Holstein cows and goats this weekend at the 2017 Ag Expo in the Mathewson Exhibition Center at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

Patty Wood, left, and Suzette Carter help sell prime rib sandwiches, hamburgers and cheeseburgers to hungry patrons at the Ag Expo. The food was prepared with beef from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

Ginny Zinck, of Sedalia, stands with her vendor booth for her business, JW Creations, Friday afternoon at the 2017 Ag Expo.

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Friday at the 2017 Ag Expo in the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds Tyson Foods Inc. put on display cute baby chicks, just born yesterday. The chicks will be donated to the Green Ridge FFA after the show. The Ag Expo is presented by the Central Missouri Agriculture Club.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo1.jpgFriday at the 2017 Ag Expo in the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds Tyson Foods Inc. put on display cute baby chicks, just born yesterday. The chicks will be donated to the Green Ridge FFA after the show. The Ag Expo is presented by the Central Missouri Agriculture Club. Tim Epperson | Democrat

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Buddy the Tyson Chicken was on hand to entertain patrons Friday at the 2017 Ag Expo.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo2.jpgBuddy the Tyson Chicken was on hand to entertain patrons Friday at the 2017 Ag Expo. Tim Epperson | Democrat

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Patrons from around Missouri view the many exhibits at the Ag Expo on Friday. The Ag Expo continues Saturday in the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo4.jpgPatrons from around Missouri view the many exhibits at the Ag Expo on Friday. The Ag Expo continues Saturday in the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Tim Epperson | Democrat

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Patrons from around Missouri showed up to view the many exhibits at the Ag Expo Thursday. The Ag Expo continues today at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo5.jpgPatrons from around Missouri showed up to view the many exhibits at the Ag Expo Thursday. The Ag Expo continues today at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Tim Epperson | Democrat

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Many crafts made by local vendors are on display for patrons of the 2017 Ag Expo.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo7.jpgMany crafts made by local vendors are on display for patrons of the 2017 Ag Expo. Tim Epperson | Democrat

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Amy Cronhardt-Younce, of Cronhardt Farms in Knob Noster, is selling soaps, bath bars and various bathroom products made from milk provided by Holstein cows and goats this weekend at the 2017 Ag Expo in the Mathewson Exhibition Center at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo9.jpgAmy Cronhardt-Younce, of Cronhardt Farms in Knob Noster, is selling soaps, bath bars and various bathroom products made from milk provided by Holstein cows and goats this weekend at the 2017 Ag Expo in the Mathewson Exhibition Center at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Tim Epperson | Democrat

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http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo10.jpgTim Epperson | Democrat

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Patty Wood, left, and Suzette Carter help sell prime rib sandwiches, hamburgers and cheeseburgers to hungry patrons at the Ag Expo. The food was prepared with beef from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo11.jpgPatty Wood, left, and Suzette Carter help sell prime rib sandwiches, hamburgers and cheeseburgers to hungry patrons at the Ag Expo. The food was prepared with beef from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. Tim Epperson | Democrat

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Ginny Zinck, of Sedalia, stands with her vendor booth for her business, JW Creations, Friday afternoon at the 2017 Ag Expo.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_AgExpo8.jpgGinny Zinck, of Sedalia, stands with her vendor booth for her business, JW Creations, Friday afternoon at the 2017 Ag Expo. Tim Epperson | Democrat

Sacred Heart School concluded Catholic Schools Week by honoring a caring elementary school teacher who’s worked at the school for more than a decade.

Second-grade teacher Jill Bentch was named the 2017 Teacher of the Year at the conclusion of Friday afternoon’s all-school mass at Sacred Heart Church.

“She has earned respect among her colleagues for her dedication and commitment to quality education,” Beverly Rollings, president of the Sacred Heart School Foundation, said during the recognition ceremony. “A colleague of hers says that whenever there are special activities taking place, she has a remarkable ability of integrating the theme throughout a lesson plan while keeping curriculum and content in place. While the training is optional to attend, you can expect to see her at almost every early-morning professional development training session, which speaks to her willingness to learn and adapt to new teaching tools and techniques.”

The honor of Teacher of the Year is voted on by SHS faculty. Bentch told the Democrat after mass that “there’s so many great teachers here that it is truly an honor to get this.”

“Mrs. Bentch is a caring and professional educator/person that is always trying to make her students successful,” Principal Gary Manning told the Democrat. “She is always looking for new instructional strategies to help her students to be successful. She is willing to go that extra step to help the staff, students and school community to be successful.”

Bentch has been a teacher for 16 years and has spent the last 12 years as an elementary teacher at Sacred Heart. She is part of the Sacred Heart family in multiple ways, as she is both a SHS teacher and an alumna. Bentch said she knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was in second grade in Mrs. Diefendorf’s class at SHS. In a happy twist of fate, Diefendorf was the principal when Bentch returned to the school as a teacher.

“It’s like family here. All the teachers are supportive and working together for the good of all the students. I think everyone is really supportive and has the best interest of the kids in mind,” Bentch said.

“The thing about teaching at Sacred Heart is being able to continue my faith and incorporate that into all the lessons throughout the day, being able to teach that faith to others,” she added. “Watching students that I’ve had go on and see that I had a little part in their journey is the neatest thing.”

She said she’s drawn to working at the elementary level for a number of reasons, one of them being that second grade is a key year for faith education.

“I love working with the kids and getting to watch them as they learn concepts and gain confidence in their skills,” Bentch said. “I really enjoy the second grade part because I get to be part of their preparation for reconciliation and first communion every year, so that’s pretty special to be part of that.”

The recognition ceremony usually includes honoring the Alumnus of the Year, but 2017 marks a change in that award. This year will have the inaugural class for the Sacred Heart School Hall of Fame in celebration of the high school’s 75th anniversary.

“Candidates for strong consideration included alumni who have made a positive impact upon the world, whether that be during their time at Sacred Heart or after leaving Sacred Heart,” Rollins said. “Candidates also included groups, such as teams, and non-alumni who have in some way made a positive, meaningful and lasting contribution to Sacred Heart School.”

The inductees were announced Friday and will be formally inducted during a ceremony in April. The inaugural class includes the priests and sisters of the Order of The Precious Blood who founded SHS, Father Jack Behen (posthumously), Barbara and Jim Cooney, Kyle Herrick, Rosalie Meyer Weller, Willliam Freund, Marvella and Jay Twenter, Paul Beykirch and Richard Bahner.

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Second-grade teacher Jill Bentch addresses Sacred Heart School students Friday afternoon after she was named the 2017 Teacher of the Year during an all-school mass at Sacred Heart Church.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020417SHSTeacher1.jpgSecond-grade teacher Jill Bentch addresses Sacred Heart School students Friday afternoon after she was named the 2017 Teacher of the Year during an all-school mass at Sacred Heart Church. Nicole Cooke | Democrat

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Jill Bentch gets a double hug from her dad and her son after she was recognized as Sacred Heart School’s Teacher of the Year. Bentch and her husband have four children, Cassidy, Carson, Corbin and Carleigh.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020417SHSTeacher2.jpgJill Bentch gets a double hug from her dad and her son after she was recognized as Sacred Heart School’s Teacher of the Year. Bentch and her husband have four children, Cassidy, Carson, Corbin and Carleigh. Nicole Cooke | Democrat

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Surrounded by applauding students and colleagues, a tearful Jill Bentch receives a big hug from her mom moments after she is announced the 2017 Sacred Heart School Teacher of the Year.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020417SHSTeacher3.jpgSurrounded by applauding students and colleagues, a tearful Jill Bentch receives a big hug from her mom moments after she is announced the 2017 Sacred Heart School Teacher of the Year. Nicole Cooke | Democrat

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Jill Bentch poses for a photo with her second-grade class after Friday afternoon’s all-school mass while holding the Sacred Heart Teacher of the Year plaque, which now includes her name as the 2017 recipient.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020417SHSTeacher4.jpgJill Bentch poses for a photo with her second-grade class after Friday afternoon’s all-school mass while holding the Sacred Heart Teacher of the Year plaque, which now includes her name as the 2017 recipient. Nicole Cooke | Democrat

I have no idea how many miles of line I’ve spooled onto fishing reels since I began writing about the outdoors professionally back in the early 1980’s, but I’m sure it would stretch from here to there and back again with room to spare. It certainly should. As of today, the Cabela’s catalog lists 168 different lines — not counting fly lines — and the Bass Pro Shops catalog lists 188.

I haven’t tried all of those lines, of course, but I have subjected a legitimate sample of every type of fishing line to my version of a real world evaluation. I’ve passed the results of many of those tests along to you. I read several of them spanning the past 15 years, before I started to write this week’s column. Not totally to my surprise, I discovered that choosing the “right” line for any given purpose is so confusing that, over time, I haven’t always agreed with myself.

Since I’m first and foremost a rod and reel catfisherman, I’ve begged, borrowed and bought miles of line whose manufacturers touted as “perfect” catfish line. Some of it was even labeled as “catfish line.”

But wait! Before I go on, I should explain to the non-catfishermen among you that catfishermen face a unique dilemma. Although few of them would admit it, the overwhelming majority of the catfish caught by rod and reel anglers weigh between one and four pounds. Even so the next bite the angler gets might find him or her attached to an extremely irritated whiskered behemoth weighing more than a typical kindergartner.

My first experiments were contacted with abrasion resistant 20- and 30-pound test monofilament. To quote myself, “Give me a high capacity reel and a decent rod, and I can land any fresh water fish on 20-pound line.” I probably could, too, if it didn’t get under a brush pile I couldn’t keep it out of.

Next came “Super Line.” Woven from a blend of polyethylene and other plastic polymers, this new line was pound for pound at least one third smaller in diameter than monofilament. It didn’t stretch and would cast a two-ounce sinker and a cut bait into the next time zone. It’s only apparent disadvantage was that it only worked well on revolving spool reels.

With my all too common act-now-repent-at-leisure zeal, I respooled all of my catfish reels with 65-pound Super Line. I found something I really liked about the new line on my first trip to the river. Thirty-pound test monofilament stretches enough to make it extremely difficult to break off a snagged hook from an anchored boat. When I get snagged using Super Line, I take about five wraps around a piece of pipe I carry for that purpose and–without even leaving my seat–apply steadily increasing power until the hook pulls free or the line breaks.

But I’m not trying to catch logs; I’m trying to catch fish. It didn’t take very many nice fish lost at boatside and one hit that was so violent, the rod holder broke with two of my fingers between it and the gunnel to convince me that I’d have to learn new techniques to add the stretch the line didn’t have naturally. The most workable answer was to back the drag off far enough that a 3-pound catfish could pull out line if it really wanted to. Additional drag was applied by the angler’s thumb just as had been the case before internal drag systems were invented. At least nowadays, the reel’s anti-reverse mechanism keeps the reel handle from “busting your knuckles” when a big fish makes an unexpected run.

The last couple of years, I’ve been doing quite a bit of night catfishing, and even though a catfish’s bite is seldom subtle enough to require watching your line, I still like to be able to do it. So I stripped off the Super Line and spooled half of my reels with bright orange 30-pound test monofilament. Two outings later, I changed out the other half. So far, I’m very happy with my choice.

While I haven’t come right out and said so, you don’t have to read too far between the lines to figure out that I often use more than three rods and reels at once. I’m not confessing to a violation of the Wildlife Code. As long as an angler doesn’t exceed the maximum 33-hook aggregate limit by all means being used simultaneously, he can use as many rods and reels or poles out of an occupied boat, so long as no more than three of the poles and rods in the boat aren’t labeled with the user’s name and address. I know it sounds silly, but allowing an angler to have equipment labeled as unattended in his boat is a big favor, especially for crappie anglers who like to fish spider rigs.

Next week I’ll take you on a journey through the tangle of line choices available to bass and crappie anglers.

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Scott

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_2011_Scott_Gerald.jpgScott

Center girl’s basketball overwhelmed Smith-Cotton in the second half of a 68-48 Lady Tigers loss Friday, Feb. 3 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

The Lady Tigers (5-14) stayed even with Center, and even led after a 7-0 run in the first quarter. Smith-Cotton led by three after the first quarter, but the Lady Yellowjackets led 29-25 at halftime.

Kiara Williams led S-C with 20 points on six 3-pointers. She scored eight of the Lady Tigers’ points in the third quarter, as Center outscored Smith-Cotton 27-11.

Nia Hawkins scored 13 points for Smith-Cotton, going 9-for-16 at the free-throw line.

Jazmaine Lewis led Center with 20 points. Sckiya Banister scored 17 points, while Alexis Fisher and Daisah Purnell had 10 apiece.

Smith-Cotton head coach Jonathan Tester said the Lady Yellowjackets made it a struggle to keep pace in the second half.

“They came out in the third quarter and really went into a different gear,” Tester said. “The intensity, the defense they played, the pressure they put on us and the rebounding they displayed was difficult to match.”

The Lady Tigers closed the game on a 10-4 run.

S-C hosts Clinton 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7.

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Smith-Cotton boy’s basketball used two timeouts in the first quarter to escape with a 9-5 deficit against Center High School on Friday.

The Yellowjackets separated from a 9-point tie in the second quarter with a 16-1 run, cruising to a 69-45 victory over the Tigers at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

Keoni Hale and Zion Buckner led the Tigers with 17 points each. Smith-Cotton’s loss snaps a 4-game win streak.

The Tigers were less than sharp against the best team in the West Central Conference. S-C finished 8-for-20 from the charity stripe and, at times, struggled to inbounds the ball against Center’s press.

S-C freshman Kardell Sims said facing the Yellowjackets was a valuable lesson, but the Tigers need to improve before next Tuesday’s game against Clinton.

“Tonight we didn’t play very much team ball,” Sims said. “We let the players and the crowd get into our heads, and we can’t keep doing that.”

Franck Kamgair scored 23 points on six 3-pointers to lead Center. Isiah Washington finished with 10 points.

Sims, who at 6-foot-2 blended into the Center High School frontcourt, said he’s enjoying his freshman year of high school.

“My first year of high school has been pretty fun,” Sims said. “In basketball, I’m getting used to the bigger atmosphere … You can tell a big difference. Bigger, better athletes and bigger, better atmosphere, louder crowds. I like that a lot.

“In school, I like that there’s a variety of classes. A lot of the teachers really try to teach their students. They don’t just pass out papers and say, ‘Do this.’”

Smith-Cotton hosts Clinton 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7.

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Keoni Hale steps into a layup attempt Friday, Feb. 3 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia during a 69-45 Tigers loss to Center High School.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_8559.jpgKeoni Hale steps into a layup attempt Friday, Feb. 3 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia during a 69-45 Tigers loss to Center High School. Alex Agueros | Democrat

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Bryson Couch endures contact from a Center High School defender during a 69-45 loss to the Yellowjackets in Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_8514.jpgBryson Couch endures contact from a Center High School defender during a 69-45 loss to the Yellowjackets in Sedalia. Alex Agueros | Democrat

HIGH SCHOOL

GIRL’S BASKETBALL

Lincoln 63, Green Ridge 42

The Lincoln Lady Cardinals advance to play Sacred Heart in the Kaysinger Conference Tournament with a 63-42 victory against Green Ridge at Smithton High School in Smithton.

Lincoln and Sacred Heart tip off at 5:30 p.m. at Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

HIGH SCHOOL

BOY’S BASKETBALL

Otterville 75, Tipton 65

Jake Neal led Otterville with 38 points in a 75-65 Kaysinger Conference Tournament win Friday over Tipton at Smithton High School in Smithton.

Taylor Zumsteg had 19 and Franklin Oswald added 11.

Otterville faces Sacred Heart 10 a.m. Saturday at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

LATE THURSDAY RESULTS

Lincoln 64, Tipton 33

Mason Sanders scored his 1,000th point with a team-high 16 points in a 64-33 Lincoln home win over Tipton on Thursday.

Trevor Kroenke scored 14 points, Blake Robert had 12 and Connor Spunaugle and Boone Kroenke finished with eight points each.

Trenton Pace led Tipton with eight points.

The Cardinals are 19-1 entering the Kaysinger Conference Tournament on Saturday.

La Monte 83, Bunceton 67

The Vikings collected a season-high 52 rebounds in an 83-67 victory over Bunceton on Thursday in La Monte.

Gavin Johnson led La Monte with 16 points. Alejandro Garcia and Cole Scott each scored 14 and Antonio Villagomez finished with 12 points.

Bunceton was led by Knapheide with 19 points.

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

LATE THURSDAT RESULTS

Smith-Cotton finished off its regular dual season with two victories Thursday night at Columbia Hickman.

S-C opened the evening with a 51-28 victory over the Hallsville Indians. The Tigers then defeated the home team Kewpies, 46-33. The Tigers improved its dual record to 19-8.

Blake Pomajzl (138), Brody Kindle (145), Trent Johnson (220), and Micheal Laster (285) all recorded wins in both duals last night.

Laster received forfeits from both teams.

Johnson received a forfeit vs. Hallsville while earning a fall in 2 minutes 37 seconds against Jericho Kent from Hickman.

Kindle received a forfeit from Hallsville and then defeated a senior, Alex Quan, from Hickman with a Major Decision. Pomajzl earned an overtime victory against Hallsville’s Luke West, then picked up a fall in 2:14 against Hickman.

“The kids have battled tough all year long,” said head coach Charlie McFail. “They have earned an impressive dual record and have put themselves in a position for a good postseason finish.”

The Kaysinger Conference basketball tournament began Friday, Feb. 3 at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia and at Smithton High School in Smithton.

No. 6 seed Stover opened the boy’s side of the bracket in Sedalia with a 73-56 victory against No. 11 La Monte.

In Smithton, No. 9 Otterville defeated No. 8 Tipton 75-65.

No. 7 Windsor required overtime to advance in the tournament over No. 10 Northwest, 53-46 in Sedalia.

The Otterville Lady Eagles, the No. 7 seed, beat No.9 Northwest 47-35 in Sedalia. No. 7 Windsor’s girls followed with a 36-30 victory over No. 10 La Monte.

No. 6 Lincoln beat No. 11 Green Ridge 63-42 in Smithton.

The tournament continues Saturday with eight games at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

SATURDAY SCHEDULE

HIGH SCHOOL

BOY’S BASKETBALL

Kaysinger Conference Tournament

10 a.m.

Otterville at No. 1 Sacred Heart

1 p.m.

No. 5 Green Ridge at No. 4 Smithton

4 p.m.

La Monte OR Stover at No. 3 Cole Camp

7 p.m.

Windsor at No. 2 Lincoln

HIGH SCHOOL

GIRL’S BASKETBALL

Kaysinger Conference Tournament

11:30 a.m.

Otterville at No. 1 Tipton

2:30 p.m.

No. 5 Smithton at No. 4 Stover

5:30 p.m.

Lincoln at No. 3 Sacred Heart

8:30 p.m.

Windsor at No. 2 Cole Camp

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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

12:14 p.m.: Beverly Ann McCall, 61, of the 400 block of South Grand Avenue, was arrested at her residence on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. An officer conducted a warrant check for s suspect with a $3,500 Pettis County warrant. The suspect was arrested and a methamphetamine pipe was found in plain view.

4:31 p.m.: Joshua R. Phillips, 22, of the 300 block of McAnally Court, was arrested at his residence on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance in a jail. Officers responded to a report of a person acting suspicious in the area. They made contact with the man and a check through dispatch revealed he had a $500 Pettis County warrant. He was arrested and taken to the Pettis County Jail where a corrections officer found a gray sack with a glass pipe and a baggie containing what appeared to be methamphetamine.

4:37 p.m.: Angel B. Blockson, 24, of the 600 block of East Ninth Street, and Sherell A. Peck, 36, of the 1000 block of West Third Street, were both arrested at Peck’s residence on charges of public peace disturbance and two counts of failure to obey. Officers responded to a report of a disturbance and upon arrival found two females fighting on the front porch. Despite lawful orders given to break up the fight, the women persisted. Officers pulled them apart and they were arrested.

Pettis County Sheriff’s Office

Arrests

Jan. 31

5:50 p.m.: Pettis County deputies assisted the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office with a vehicle pursuit. David Dean Carr II was arrested near the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and state Route MM in La Monte on charges of resisting arrest, driving while intoxicated, driving with a suspended license, careless and imprudent driving and additional unspecified traffic violations.

Incidents

Feb. 2

12:26 p.m.: A burglary was reported in the 1300 block of East Boonville Road in Sedalia. A shed was broken into and a power tool was stolen.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Arrests

Feb. 1

2:43 p.m.: Melissa J. Varner, 31, of Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, was arrested in Saline County on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.

2:43 p.m.: Jay A. Minckler, 39, of Utica, New York, was arrested in Saline County on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Feb. 2

8:05 p.m.: Lewis L. Milam, 32, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was arrested in Saline County on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

8:05 p.m.: Bradley S. Claunch, 34, of Cordova, Tennessee, was arrested in Saline County on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (marijuana), no valid license and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Feb. 3

2:18 a.m.: Johnathan T. Meierhofer, 24, of Warrensburg, was arrested in Johnson County on charges of driving while intoxicated and lane violation.

10:40 a.m.: Timothy N. Lynch, 54, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was arrested in Saline County on charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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A Holden teenager sustained moderate injuries in a single-vehicle accident at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Debra A. Knapp, 18, of Warrensburg, was driving west on state Route Y, 1.5 miles east of state Route 13, when her vehicle traveled off the right side of the road. She over-corrected, causing the vehicle to travel off the left side of the road where it overturned three times.

A passenger in her vehicle, Cassandra D. Carter, 16, was taken by private vehicle to Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg for her injuries.

Reports indicate Knapp was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, but Carter was not.

Information is taken from preliminary Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sedalia Police Department reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved.

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A Sedalia man sustained serious injuries in a single-vehicle accident at 12:08 a.m. Friday in Benton County.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Justin T. Bartley, 18, was driving east on state Route 52, a half mile east of state Route W, when his vehicle traveled off the road. He over-corrected, causing his vehicle to overturn.

Bartley, who was wearing a seat belt, was taken by Cole Camp Ambulance District to Bothwell Regional Health Center for his injuries.

Information is taken from preliminary Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sedalia Police Department reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved.

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An Eldon man sustained moderate injuries in a two-vehicle accident at 9:22 a.m. Thursday in Moniteau County.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Gregory L. Edwards, 54, was driving north on state Route 87, about four-tenths of a mile south of state Route A, when his vehicle crossed the center line and side-swiped a southbound semi-truck driven by Loren S. Weaver, 32, of California, Missouri.

Edwards was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for his injuries.

Reports indicate Weaver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, but Edwards was not.

Information is taken from preliminary Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sedalia Police Department reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved.

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A Sedalia man was injured in a single-vehicle accident at 8:35 a.m. Friday in Pettis County.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Shawn A. Lichte, 50, was driving east on Maltsbarger Road, eight-tenths of a mile east of state Route E, when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, then struck a guardrail and an embankment.

Lichte, who was wearing a seat belt, was taken by Pettis County Ambulance District to Bothwell Regional Health Center with minor injuries.

Information is taken from preliminary Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sedalia Police Department reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved.

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Motorcycle aficionados competed and perused a large selection of bikes Saturday at the Show-Me Bike Show on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

The winter show is hosted each year by the Sedalia Motorcycle Association and has been offered for well over a decade.

“I was trying to think this morning how many years we’ve been doing this show,” Association Treasurer Rick Yeager said on Saturday. “I’ve been in charge of the show now for nine years, and it’s been going on now for, we figure, somewhere between 15-to-17 years. A number of years, right here at this location on the fairgrounds.”

Yeager noted that the group hosts the show in February to “get people out for a winter break.”

“This February date can bite us, good weather, bad weather, but the good thing is if it’s doable, we get a bigger crowd than we do in the summer …,” he added. “So that’s the beauty of doing it in the winter, people will come looking for something to do.”

The Sedalia Motorcycle Association, a non-profit organization, has a membership base of 30 members; the president is Dave Skrzypczak.

“The organization has been going since the late 50s,” Yeager noted. “We had a name change in that length of time, but the organization is very old.”

The annual show has motorcycle, food, jewelry and rights organizations vendors and it offers a competition featuring different classes. This year there were approximately 70 bike entries.

“We have 19 classes of motorcycles here,” Yeager said. “That’s a fluid deal each year. Each year we change classes and move classes around because of what people build and what their interests are. This show today has 19 classes, with the best of overall show.

“Those are all judged by three judges, independently. In fact, only one of our judges is from Sedalia, the other two are from outlying areas. They are all qualified judges, they know what they are doing.”

Yeager added that entries for the day, besides Sedalia, included St. Louis, Kansas City, Marshall and Clinton.

“We have a wide variety of people coming in, from a wide area, to participate in our show which we are proud of too,” he said.

Last year the show drew approximately 1,000 people. Live entertainment is always provided, this year it featured the bands Tobacco Row and Morgan Highway.

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People peruse a wide array of motorcycles, including this 2001 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard, at the Show-Me Bike Show, Saturday inside the Ag Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The show is hosted each year by the Sedalia Motorcycle Association.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020617BikeShow-1.jpgPeople peruse a wide array of motorcycles, including this 2001 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard, at the Show-Me Bike Show, Saturday inside the Ag Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The show is hosted each year by the Sedalia Motorcycle Association. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

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The Show-Me Bike Show includes 19 classes for competition including this colorful entry a 1995 Harley-Davidson Softail. Sedalia Motorcycle Association Treasurer Rick Yeager, who also coordinates the show, said it has been an annual event for 15 to 17 years.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020617BikeShow-2.jpgThe Show-Me Bike Show includes 19 classes for competition including this colorful entry a 1995 Harley-Davidson Softail. Sedalia Motorcycle Association Treasurer Rick Yeager, who also coordinates the show, said it has been an annual event for 15 to 17 years. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

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Show-Me Bike Show, entry no. 117, a 2016 Vintage Indian motorcycle competing in class no. 5, waits to be judged Saturday at the annual winter event.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020617BikeShow-3.jpgShow-Me Bike Show, entry no. 117, a 2016 Vintage Indian motorcycle competing in class no. 5, waits to be judged Saturday at the annual winter event. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

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Show-Me Bike Show Judge Woody Simpson, of Harrisonville, scores entry no. 124, a 2010 Harley-Davidson FXDB, competing in class no. 2, Saturday inside the Ag Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Simpson was one of three judges helping with the event.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD020617BikeShow-4.jpgShow-Me Bike Show Judge Woody Simpson, of Harrisonville, scores entry no. 124, a 2010 Harley-Davidson FXDB, competing in class no. 2, Saturday inside the Ag Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Simpson was one of three judges helping with the event. Faith Bemiss | Democrat

To have your event or meeting listed, send details to fbemiss@civitasmedia.com or call 826-1000 ext. 1481.

MONDAY

10 a.m.: Show-Me Mad Tatters, University Extension Office Conference Room, 1012A Thompson Blvd.

Noon: Sedalia Rotary Club, Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.

3 p.m.: Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, (TOPS) Chapter 102, Boonslick Regional Library, 219 W. Third St.

6 p.m.: Cornerstone Celebrate Recovery. A Bible-based twelve step program for Hurts, Habits and Hangups; Meal and child care provided; Cornerstone Baptist Church, 827-4833.

6 p.m.: Smithton Senior Citizens Group Pitch and Pool, Smithton Senior Center on Washington Street.

6:30 p.m.: Show-Me Crafters, Boonslick Regional Library, 219 W. Third St.

6:30 p.m.: Show Me Sound, Sweet Adelines International; Wesley United Methodist Church, 1322 W. Broadway Blvd.

6:45 p.m.: Knights of Columbus Council 831, Knights Hall, 1708 Elm Hills Blvd.

7 p.m.: American Legion Post 642, 2016 W. Main St. (executive meeting at 6 p.m.)

7 p.m.: Sedalia Chorale Rehearsal, rehearsal room 67 in the Stauffacher Center.

7 p.m.: Serenity Seekers Al-Anon, Ditzfeld Center 417 W. Pettis St.

7:30 p.m.: BRHC Grief Support Group, Mondays, 601 E. 14th St.

TUESDAY

6:30 a.m.: Sunrise Optimist, Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.

8 a.m.: Business Network International, at Heckart Family Center, 902 S. Ohio Ave.

11 a.m.: Compass Club, Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.

Noon: Never Too Old Gang, New Hope Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 664 E. 16th St.

Noon: Sedalia Noon Day Optimist Club, Best Western State Fair Inn (Gambler’s Room), 3120 S. Limit Ave.

12:10 p.m.: Nicotine Anonymous; John and Bernice Ditzfeld Center, 417 W. Pettis St.

3:30 and 5:30 p.m.: Weight Watchers; and 11:45 a.m., Thursdays; Parkview Christian Church, 1405 E. 16th St.

6 p.m.: Sedalia York Rite, Masonic temple, 601 W. Broadway Blvd.

7 p.m.: Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women at the First United Methodist Church Celebration Center, 1701 W. 32nd St.; for more information call Barbra at 827-6522.

7 p.m.: Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary in Lincoln.

7 p.m.: Mid-Mo Speakers Club, Boonslick Regional Library conference room, 219 W. Third St.

7 p.m.: Loyal Order of Moose Sedalia Lodge 1494 at the lodge, 119 Winchester Dr.

8 p.m.: Cole Camp Steam and Antique Tractor Club, Showgrounds Clubhouse in Cole Camp.

WEDNESDAY

10 to 11:30 a.m.: Alzheimer’s Support Group at Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, 1300 Veterans Rd. For more information call 429-4657 or email phil.selby@dps.mo.gov.

10 a.m.: TOPS Chapter 958, First Baptist Church, 200 E. Sixth St.

11 a.m.: National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees Unit 42 for lunch; meeting at noon, Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.

Noon: Sedalia Lions Club, Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.

4 to 7 p.m.: Knights of Columbus Council No. 831, Family Night Buffet; at U.S. Highway 65 and Elm Hills Boulevard. The public is invited. Adults $8, and children 6 to 12 $4.

5:30 p.m.: Amigos de Cristo, Teen Mom Classes at 3003 W. 11th Street, 826-2788.

6:30 p.m.: Sedalia RC Flyers, Central Missouri Electric, 2270 North U.S. Highway 65. Visitors welcome.

6:30 p.m.: West Central Beekeepers Association in Yeater Room 148 on campus of State Fair Community College.

7 p.m.: Sedalia Lodge 236, Sedalia Masonic Center, 601 W. Broadway Blvd.

7:30 p.m.: Narcotics Anonymous Because We Care, also meets at 7 p.m. on Sunday; First Christian Church, 200 S. Limit Ave. For more information, call 221-2221.

8 p.m.: Sedalia Alcoholic Anonymous, 517 S. Lafayette, meets Wednesday through Saturday; pot-luck on first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 826-9608. All closed meetings; non-smoking.

THURSDAY

10 a.m.: Retired Masons, card playing, followed by contributive luncheon, Masonic Lodge.

Noon: Friends of Boonslick Regional Library, downstairs meeting room at Boonslick Regional Library, 219 W. Third St.

Noon: Kiwanis of Sedalia, Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.

Noon: Loyal Rebekah Lodge No. 260 for lunch; 1:30 p.m. meeting, lodge hall, 13th Street and Montgomery Avenue.

5:30 p.m.: Pettis County Republican Women, for a light meal. Meeting will follow at the FCS Building, 2600 South Limit Ave.

6 p.m.: The Place at the Lake, Benton County’s domestic and sexual violence abuse resource, at 201 E. Main St., Lincoln, 24 hour hotline 1-866-347-9044; other information call, 660-547-2611.

6 p.m.: Women in Crisis Group, call 827-5555 for location.

6:30 p.m.: Sedalia Cadet Squadron Civil Air Patrol, Civil Air Patrol building, U.S. Highway 50.

6:30 p.m.: Sedalia Duplicate Bridge Club, Sedalia Senior Center, 312 S. Washington Ave.

6:30 p.m.: Sedalia Landlords Inc., Community of Christ Church, 2000 S. Ingram Ave.

7 p.m.: Blind of Central Missouri, First United Methodist Church Celebration Center, 1701 W. 32nd St. weather permitting.

7 p.m.: Fraternal Order of Eagles 4286, Lincoln.

7 p.m.: Hepatitis C Support Group , Pettis County Health Center, 911 E. 16th St.

7 p.m.: Sedalia Bible Academy, Boonslick Regional Library, 219 W. Third St. For info call 826-9988.

7 p.m.: Senior dance; bring snacks. Dance at Saline County Fairgrounds in Marshall.

7 p.m.: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post, 121 S. Ohio Ave.

7 p.m.: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591, VFW Post, 121 S. Ohio Ave.

8 p.m.: Sedalia Al Anon Group, at 517 S. LaFayette, 826-9608. Meeting is open to all; non-smoking.

FRIDAY

Noon: Pettis County Pachyderms, Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.

Noon: Prayer for the Nation at Antioch Fellowship, 507 W. 24th St.

6 p.m.: Warsaw Marine Corps League Leathernecks, 607 E. Jefferson St. in Warsaw.

7 p.m.: Senior dance at the Sedalia Senior Center, 321 S. Washington Ave. Admission is $5 per person.

SATURDAY

8 to 11 a.m.: All-you-can-eat breakfast American Legion Post 642, 2016 W. Main St. The cost is $6.

8 a.m.: Pettis County Democrat Breakfast Club, Golden Corral, 2004 W. Broadway Blvd.

8 a.m.: United Methodist Men, at Golden Corral, 2004 W. Broadway Blvd.

10 a.m.: Fair City Garden Club, in the downstairs meeting room, at Boonslick Regional Library, 219 W. Third St. New members welcome.

10 a.m.: Overeaters Anonymous, John and Bernice Ditzfeld Center, 417 W. Pettis St. For a ride, call 829-2527.

10 a.m.: Valley of Hope Support Group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren meeting at Community of Christ Church, 2000 S. Ingram Ave.

7:30 p.m.: Diamond B’s Square Dance, ABC Building, 200 W. Fourth St.; for more information call Billie Jean, Taw 287-1443.

8 p.m.: Sedalia Alcoholic Anonymous, 517 S. Lafayette, meets Wednesday through Saturday; pot-luck on first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 826-9608. All closed meetings; non-smoking.

SUNDAY

7 p.m.: Alcoholic Anonymous 12×12 Non-smoking group, Monday through Sunday; John and Bernice Ditzfeld Center, 417 W. Pettis St., 829-2527.

7 p.m.: Narcotics Anonymous Because We Care, also meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, 200 S. Limit Ave. For more information, call 221-2221.

Before 2016 ended, Smith-Cotton High School introduced HOSA, a program for students to get an overall idea of what they would want to do after high school.

Science teacher Kelsey Stuart, one of the club’s advisers, said: “HOSA started because administration wants a Project Lead the Way medical program and this is part of it. HOSA stands for Health Occupations Students of America, so the purpose is to expose students to careers in the field and to volunteer in the field.”

Science teacher Jennifer Woolery also is a HOSA adviser.

“HOSA has excellent opportunities to see health care opportunities in the community,” she said.

There are 45 students in the program and 10 national members who are going to compete at state competitions in March at Rolla.

“Every month there is a different theme for the students and we have guest speakers come in to talk to them about that theme,” Stuart said. “For the month of January the theme was Alzheimer’s.”

Stuart also said HOSA has a panel of officers who help plan events for the chapter members. The program takes the students on trips to the hospital and nursing homes.

Makenna Steger, a junior and the president-elect of HOSA, said she helps out by contacting businesses for trips. She also said she watches the president, Mikayla Gear, so she can prepare herself to become president next year. Steger is interested to going into the medical field but still does not know what she wants to become later on.

“HOSA is pretty cool because I see jobs that might be interesting,” she said. “I hope the program keeps getting bigger because you learn about different job fields you might fit into.”

Stuart said, “HOSA is a neat program that goes over jobs and it covers a quarter of the careers in Missouri.”

Woolery said HOSA helps students look at possible future career aspects including class aid, time and money. “Learning about the career paths might change their minds,” she said.

Both advisers agreed that HOSA narrows down the careers for the students so they are able to focus on what they want to study after high school and it helps them understand why medical procedures happen the way they do.

In January, HOSA took a field trip to Bothwell Regional Health Center and members worked on their “Deck the Gym” booth. In February, they will be working on their Heart Healthy workshop.

The program will be recruiting members next fall. All applicants must meet requirements for membership: cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale or a 8.0 on a 11.0 grading scale, 90 percent attendance, and they must attend 90 percent of HOSA meetings and 75 percent of HOSA activities.

Woolery and Stuart said they are both looking forward to the program’s success and how their first state competitions turn out.

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ROOKIE REPORTERS Smith-Cotton High School journalism students, in conjunction with the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia, will report and write local stories for publication in the Sedalia Democrat throughout the school year.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Tiger.Badge_-1.jpgROOKIE REPORTERS Smith-Cotton High School journalism students, in conjunction with the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia, will report and write local stories for publication in the Sedalia Democrat throughout the school year.

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Senior Hannah Staus and other members of Smith-Cotton High School’s HOSA chapter recently visited Dr. Jared Engles, an S-C alumnus, at Bothwell Regional Medical Center. Engles is an anesthesiologist and talked to the students about medical school and his role at Bothwell.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_HOSAFieldTrip2-1.jpgSenior Hannah Staus and other members of Smith-Cotton High School’s HOSA chapter recently visited Dr. Jared Engles, an S-C alumnus, at Bothwell Regional Medical Center. Engles is an anesthesiologist and talked to the students about medical school and his role at Bothwell.