Black History Month celebrations will take place Sunday with musical presentations, speakers and refreshments at True Vine Church of God in Christ.

“We’re going to combine some of the things from the Martin Luther King celebration that got postponed,” Rhonda Chalfant, president of the Sedalia-Pettis County NAACP, said Tuesday. “We’re going to have some of the same performers.”

She added that Mayor Stephen Galliher will read two proclamations during the event.

“One acknowledging Martin Luther King Day and one acknowledging Black History Month,” Chalfant said. “We’re going to have five different musical performances that somewhat is a history of African-American religious music.”

Chalfant said Helen Spurell will sing as well as Tony Poindexter. Ward Memorial Missionary Baptist Church men will also sing and the Burns Chapel Baptist Church Youth Praise/Dance Team will perform.

There will also be a trivia contest with cash prizes. Chalfant said for each correct answer an individual gives they will receive $5. Several people will also be involved with giving a special presentation during the event.

“We’re going to have a presentation on black history called ‘Inventors You’ve Never heard of, Inventions You Know About,’” she added.

She added that the event is to celebrate and raise awareness of black history.

“… Which is not taught as well as it should be,” Chalfant said. “There are a lot of people who just don’t know that much about the contributions that African-Americans have made to our lives today.

“I would encourage people, during the month of February, to visit the Black History Library on Lima Alley,” she added. “It’s open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

The Rose M. Nolen Black History Library is located at 109 Lima Alley. For more information, call 851-0077.

The Black History Month Celebration will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at True Vine Church of God in Christ, 600 N. Moniteau Ave. The event is free and everyone is invited to attend.

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Melody Randal touches her husband Charles “Pinky” Randall’s face Tuesday afternoon as Smith-Cotton Junior High School’s all-female choir, Soundsation, sings “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at Rest Haven Convalescent Home. The Randalls are both residents of the home and have been married for 35 years. They were attending Valentine’s Day celebrations in the dining room that was organized by the home’s Activity Director Willa Husband.

SCJH student music teacher Ruslan Romenski leads members of Soundsation in romantic songs from the ’30s and ’40s Tuesday at Rest Haven. The students also sang Valentine’s Day songs at several other homes in Sedalia. Norma Sproles, SCJH vocal music teacher, told the residents that Soundstation would sing several musical numbers along with a few solo pieces.

Members of SCJH Soundsation sing romantic tunes such as “I only have Eyes for You,” “Blue Moon” and “Oh! You Beautiful Doll” for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday to residents of Rest Haven. After their performance students mingled with the residents and took time to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day.

SCJH student music teacher Ruslan Romenski sings the verses to “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” Tuesday afternoon while members of Soundsation sing the chorus to residents at Rest Haven.

Melody Randal touches her husband Charles “Pinky” Randall’s face Tuesday afternoon as Smith-Cotton Junior High School’s all-female choir, Soundsation, sings “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at Rest Haven Convalescent Home. The Randalls are both residents of the home and have been married for 35 years. They were attending Valentine’s Day celebrations in the dining room that was organized by the home’s Activity Director Willa Husband.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021517SoundStation-1-1.jpgMelody Randal touches her husband Charles “Pinky” Randall’s face Tuesday afternoon as Smith-Cotton Junior High School’s all-female choir, Soundsation, sings “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at Rest Haven Convalescent Home. The Randalls are both residents of the home and have been married for 35 years. They were attending Valentine’s Day celebrations in the dining room that was organized by the home’s Activity Director Willa Husband. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

SCJH student music teacher Ruslan Romenski leads members of Soundsation in romantic songs from the ’30s and ’40s Tuesday at Rest Haven. The students also sang Valentine’s Day songs at several other homes in Sedalia. Norma Sproles, SCJH vocal music teacher, told the residents that Soundstation would sing several musical numbers along with a few solo pieces.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021517SoundStation-2-1-1.jpgSCJH student music teacher Ruslan Romenski leads members of Soundsation in romantic songs from the ’30s and ’40s Tuesday at Rest Haven. The students also sang Valentine’s Day songs at several other homes in Sedalia. Norma Sproles, SCJH vocal music teacher, told the residents that Soundstation would sing several musical numbers along with a few solo pieces. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Members of SCJH Soundsation sing romantic tunes such as “I only have Eyes for You,” “Blue Moon” and “Oh! You Beautiful Doll” for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday to residents of Rest Haven. After their performance students mingled with the residents and took time to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021517SoundStation-3-1.jpgMembers of SCJH Soundsation sing romantic tunes such as “I only have Eyes for You,” “Blue Moon” and “Oh! You Beautiful Doll” for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday to residents of Rest Haven. After their performance students mingled with the residents and took time to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

SCJH student music teacher Ruslan Romenski sings the verses to “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” Tuesday afternoon while members of Soundsation sing the chorus to residents at Rest Haven.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021517SoundStation-4-1.jpgSCJH student music teacher Ruslan Romenski sings the verses to “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” Tuesday afternoon while members of Soundsation sing the chorus to residents at Rest Haven. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Missouri became home to many immigrants from Germany during the 19th century. Travelers from Germany such as Gottfried Duden visited Missouri and wrote glowing reports of the fertile soil, the availability of land, and the opportunities for success available to those willing to work hard. The travelers also praised the political and personal freedoms of the United States.

Some immigrants sailed to New Orleans and traveled up the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers to the western states. Other immigrants landed at the East Coast ports and moved overland to the west. The German immigrants brought their skills and often their tools, as well as their knowledge of farming, mechanics, building, winemaking, and brewing.

Like many immigrants, Germans formed organizations that celebrated their ethnic heritage. They also established churches which taught and preached in the German language.

Many German immigrants came to Pettis County where they established thriving farms. Those who settled in Sedalia often became merchants and businessmen. One of those was Fred Helm, described in the Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Pettis Counties in 1895, as “one of the most enterprising businessmen in Sedalia.”

Helm was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1852. His father, Andreas Helm, was a farmer and manager of a hotel. His mother, Annie Maria Esslinger Helm, bore seven children, six of whom survived into adulthood. He attended schools in Wurtemberg until he was 18, when he began to study to become a baker and confectioner.

In 1872, the steamship Hohenzollern left Bremmen, Germany, with Helm on board. He landed in Baltimore and traveled to Kansas City. He worked as a baker there for about three years before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, and St. Louis, before settling in Sedalia in 1875. He worked in Sedalia as a baker and confectioner for four years until poor health forced him to change occupations.

Helm married Mary Siebe. The couple had one daughter, Ida, before Mary died. Helm later married Maggie Wolf.

Helm opened a bottling works on Main Street and managed it well for seven years. He moved to Kansas City, opened a grocery store and purchased property, but returned to Sedalia in 1890, keeping his Kansas City real estate. He became a member of Heurmann and Company when he purchased J. S. McFadden’s interest in the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association, a large beer brewery located in St. Louis. Within a year, he became sole agent for the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company in Sedalia.

The business was located at 213 South Osage Avenue. At 213 South Osage Avenue, Helm also maintained a steam powered bottling works which was able to keep two delivery wagons busy. His business buildings included an icehouse, storerooms, and stable.

Helms also maintained a “large interest” in real estate, owning buildings and lots in Sedalia and maintaining properties he had purchased while living in Kansas City.

A strong supporter of the Democratic Party, Helm was interested in politics. He maintained his connection to his German heritage as a member of two organization in which he held offices. He served as the secretary of Sons of Herman for many years and was a trustee in the Leiderkrouz.

Helm’s success certainly demonstrated the accuracy of Duden’s assertion that a German immigrant willing to work hard could succeed in Missouri.

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Not even two months into 2017 and the Pettis County Ambulance District has already responded to more calls than the same time frame in 2016.

During Tuesday night’s Board of Directors meeting, PCAD Administrator Mike Gardner said PCAD has responded to 840 calls so far this year, with the Windsor site responding to 170. While those numbers don’t include how many were transfers and how many were medical calls, Gardner noted that they are higher than this time last year.

According to a PCAD news release issued in mid-December, PCAD had made more than 6,000 calls for service in 2016 with two weeks to go before the end of the year, and another 800 in Windsor.

Gardner said he wants to focus on personnel and ambulances this year after several major building projects, the release states. One such way is PCAD implementing a new online class software, CE Solutions, to help with continuing education for employees.

“It’s an online class which the state recognizes,” Gardner explained. “What we’re going to do is (PCAD Education Director Eric Dirck) will basically assign three or four of those topics for them to do in a month, then when they come in for training they’ll go over all those topics. It’ll help us with a lot of our competencies.”

Gardner added that the new program will streamline what Dirck is already doing, plus it will allow employees to complete some of their classes on their own time, rather than when they’re tired from a long shift.

During a previous meeting, the board approved purchasing a new ambulance and staffing it with an additional 24-hour unit made up of part-time staff for the 2017 budget. Gardner said interviews have started for those part-time positions and a few people have already been hired. The idea is the additional part-time staff will help with the number of overtime hours.

“We’ve been really, extremely busy,” Gardner said. “… Everyone’s looking forward to that truck going come March.”

The board also discussed the possibility of changing the ambulance fee schedule due to impending requests from insurance companies.

“They don’t want us to break down our bill anymore — they don’t want the medications and all the procedures, they want it in one lump fee, just like Medicare does,” Gardner said. “It’s coming, it’s right on our doorstep. What they’re proposing is we combine all those fees into our rates, whatever it is we need to bundle.

“… Unfortunately we’re going to have to look at a somewhat higher rate and probably increase the mileage rate to compensate for what the insurance companies are going to do,” he added.

No decisions were made and Gardner said he would bring more information to the next meeting.

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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. 13

9:21 a.m.: Len Leroy Curry, 54, of the 1300 block of East 11th Street, was arrested at his residence on a charge of first degree domestic assault. An assault was reported Feb. 9 and the victim said he was assaulted by a family member. The victim was bleeding from the face, ears, scalp and mouth. The suspect had fled the area prior to officer arrival. On Feb. 13, an officer returned to the residence and located the suspect, who was arrested.

Incidents

Feb. 12

1:05 a.m.: An officer stopped a truck near the intersection of South Summit Avenue and East 13th Street as he believed it matched information of a subject the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office was seeking. Upon making contact with the occupants, the officer recognized the passenger as the subject in question. The subject was detained and put in the officer’s vehicle until a Pettis County deputy arrived on scene.

Pettis County Sheriff’s Office

Arrests

Feb. 12

12:32 a.m.: Miguel C. Gonzalez, of Sedalia, was arrested in the 4200 block of West Main Street in Sedalia on charges of driving on the wrong half of the road, no proof of insurance and operating a vehicle without a valid license. He was released with a court summons.

Incidents

Feb. 13

8:59 a.m.: A 1991 Geo Tracker was reported stolen overnight in the 33000 block of Cottage School Road in Green Ridge.

9:07 a.m.: A burglary was reported in the 15000 block of West Crystal Springs in La Monte. The victim reported he noticed he was missing a lottery ticket from inside his truck and several pieces of power equipment were missing from his maintenance building.

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Athletic Hall of fame adds stars

Dear Editor,

The Smith-Cotton Athletic Hall of Fame grew brighter with the addition of four stars on Feb. 3. Activities Director Rob Davis and SCHS Principal Wade Norton orchestrated the induction of Bill Brown, who broadcast Houston Astros games for a quarter of a century; Leonard Butler, who coached hundreds of S-C track and cross country athletes; and Jim and John Johnson, who each earned eight athletic letters during their days at S-C. While their backgrounds and achievements may slightly differ, all four hit the same points in their acceptance speeches. They stressed hard work, following your dreams, respecting others and making a positive impact on the lives of those who you come in contact with as guideposts for a successful life. To be sure, these men all “walked the talk” of their messages.

The entire evening was a celebration filled with dignity and purpose. The reception before the induction was well-attended and provided opportunities to share stories about the inductees and for family and longtime friends to reconnect.

The Hall of Fame inductions give the Sedalia 200 family a chance to come together to acknowledge the achievements and positive examples of some of our own. They also give current students a look at what is possible for them if they are willing to commit themselves to their dreams. Our academic, activities and athletic halls are populated by noted surgeons and scientists, outstanding teachers and coaches, and others who made great contributions during and after their time at Smith-Cotton High School or in support of our Tigers community. That said, we have room for more.

Anyone can nominate a worthy candidate for our halls of fame. The criteria and nomination form can be found on our district website at http://www.sedalia200.org/domain/29 . Our halls are reserved for the best of the best, and we know there are many deserving candidates yet to be nominated. We also encourage the community to check out the photos and biographies of those who have been inducted – it is a special group of S-C graduates and contributors who make all of us Proud to be a Tiger.

Respectfully,

Bradley R. Pollitt, Ed.S.

Superintendent, Sedalia School District 200

The great Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

Zion Buckner, a senior at Smith-Cotton and starting point guard on the basketball team, has come a long way in his high school career. Zion has played basketball since he was in sixth grade, working in the gym with his dad, Damon Buckner, who has been the biggest influence on his love for the game.

“My dad motivates, pushes, and trains me.” Zion said. “He looks at film with me to go over my mistakes and point out the things I did right.”

Zion said the season is going well so far as the team is adjusting to the new coaching style of coach Bill Barton. The team just won the 86th Annual Eldon Invitational basketball tourney title, defeating Christian of St. Louis, 63-50. Zion scored 19 points in the title game, Sunday, Jan. 28.

Zion is confident in pursuing basketball at the collegiate level, as schools have already shown some interest in him.

“I think it’ll be harder in college, but I’m just gonna work hard and try my best,” he said.

Zion’s father is not alone in influencing his game; his coaches over the years also have shaped his game. Coach Ashley Young, history teacher at S-C, has been watching and helping coach Zion for the past five years.

“I hope I’ve had a very positive and supportive influence on Zion,” Young said. “He has been one of the most polite, respectful, and coachable players that I have had the pleasure to coach during my coaching career.”

Almost everyone around Zion recognizes his leadership qualities and they say he is most known for leading by example on the court. Having a non-vocal mentality hasn’t stopped Zion from inspiring his teammates to always push harder and never quit. Senior Kendall Weymuth said Zion has never given up on him.

“If Zion plays good, we all play good,” Weymuth said. “He has always had my back whenever I’ve struggled with something and he’s taught me how to just play ball and not to worry about anything else and just play my game.”

Zion does everything he can to help others, especially the younger players.

“I usually help the underclassmen with their game,” Zion said. “I’ll sit and tell them what shots they should take and just give them pointers.”

With Zion at point guard, he calls offensive plays and makes sure everything runs smoothly throughout the game by calling in huddles and keeping the team focused. Assistant coach Michael Franklin said Zion has improved over his high school career and has been a great example to the rest of the team.

“Overall, I think Zion’s jump shot and court awareness have stood out,” Franklin said.

Zion believes having his teammates around helps him become a better player. He is grateful that his father, coaches and teammates have pushed him to become a better player and person.

“We give each other competition and keep each other motivated in practice to do our best,” Zion said.

Both Young and Franklin think Zion has a good shot at being successful in college basketball.

“I think a college basketball career is definitely in Zion’s future.” Young said. “He will make a team very happy at the point guard position.”

Smith-Cotton senior point guard Zion Buckner (1) drives to the basket against Center High’s Rachaad White (5) in the first half of the teams’ West Central Conference showdown Feb. 3 in the S-C gym. Buckner finished the game with 17 points.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_BBK.Center1.jpgSmith-Cotton senior point guard Zion Buckner (1) drives to the basket against Center High’s Rachaad White (5) in the first half of the teams’ West Central Conference showdown Feb. 3 in the S-C gym. Buckner finished the game with 17 points. Courtesy of Sedalia School District 200

Zion Buckner, center, assists Bryson Couch after a score against Moberly in the S-C/McDonald’s Classic on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_BBK.Center1.jpgZion Buckner, center, assists Bryson Couch after a score against Moberly in the S-C/McDonald’s Classic on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia. Courtesy of Sedalia School District 200

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_BBK.Center1.jpgCourtesy of Sedalia School District 200

HIGH SCHOOL

BOY’S BASKETBALL

Center 65, Smith-Cotton 50

The Smith-Cotton boys basketball team lost a West Central Conference matchup at Center, 65-50, on Tuesday night.

S-C got out to a fast start but Center ramped up the defensive pressure in the second quarter, forcing the Tigers into turnovers.

Coach Bill Barton said, “We did not match their intensity tonight. Too many times we allowed their pressure to affect our game, causing us to make poor decisions.”

Zion Buckner led S-C with 13 points, andKeoni Hale added 12.

HIGH SCHOOL

GIRL’S BASKETBALL

Cole Camp 56, La Monte 14

The Lady Bluebirds limited La Monte to less than 10 points for almost three quarters in a 56-14 home win Tuesday.

Camryn Schear led Cole Camp with 16 points. Bailey Heimsoth finished with 13.

La Monte was led by Jennifer Garcia with four points.

Pilot Grove, 65 Slater 27

Emily Schupp had 27 and Reagan Walker scored 19 for Pilot Grove in a 65-27 win over Slater on Tuesday.

The Lady Tigers are 11-12. They complete its regular season schedule Friday at Cairo.

Center 64, Smith-Cotton 24

The S-C Lady Tigers lost, 64-24, Tuesday at Center. The Lady Tigers fell to 6-16. S-C was led in scoring by two freshmen. Sophie Martin had 7 points and Jorey Luebbert added 5. Lady Tigers next play at home Friday versus St. Pius.

S-C JV girls defeated Center Tuesday night, 43-21.

“The girls played a physical game and worked together as a team” said Coach Randi Sparks.

S-C was lead in scoring by Megan Toops with 11, Tayian Williams with 9 and Calyssa Plymell with 8.

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

State Fair Lady Roadrunners 72, Missouri Valley JV 47

Catie Kaifes led four Lady Roadrunners in double digits with 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting beyond the 3-point line in a 72-47 State Fair Community College victory over the Missouri Valley junior varisty in Sedalia.

Alexis Cowan and Maya Brewer finished with 12 points each, and Dane Cole added 10.

State Fair (15-8) host Crowder College 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

Warrensburg man hurt in crash

A Warrensburg man was injured in a single-vehicle accident at 11:20 a.m. Tuesday in Johnson County.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Kyle L. Johnson, 26, was driving east on NW 400th Road, just east of NE 301st Road, when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, returned to the roadway, then traveled off the left side of the road. His vehicle then struck a barbed-wire fence and overturned multiple times.

Johnson, who was wearing a seat belt, was taken by Johnson County Ambulance District to Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg with minor injuries.

Woman hurt in Johnson wreck

A Bates City woman sustained moderate injuries in a two-vehicle accident at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in Johnson County.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Barbara J. Karaty, 58, was driving west on U.S. Highway 50 at state Route 131. Britteny A. Bruns, 17, of Holden, was driving north on 131 and began crossing the westbound lanes of Highway 50. She failed to yield to Karaty and struck Karaty’s vehicle.

Karaty was taken by Johnson County Ambulance District to Research Medical Center in Kansas City for her injuries.

Reports indicate both Bruns and Karaty were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

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

After receiving numerous community complaints about drivers failing to yield to school buses, the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a school bus-related traffic enforcement in the next few weeks.

Pettis County Sheriff’s Sgt. John Cline, who is the School Resource Officer at Smith-Cotton High School, said until now the sheriff’s office was reactive rather than proactive when it comes to school bus traffic violations. School bus drivers can fill out a form and submit it to local law enforcement when they see another vehicle violate bus traffic laws. Cline said the sheriff’s office had been following up on those forms, but decided to take a more proactive approach.

“The sheriff has received concerns from citizens and I talked with Connie Miller with First Student (Transportation, which provides bus service for Sedalia School District 200) and she and her drivers have concerns so we decided it was time to be more proactive and try to address that,” Cline said. “We’ll give summonses but also educate folks and hopefully keep it from happening to begin with.”

Deputies will either be on board various First Student buses or travel behind them, watching for vehicles violating bus traffic laws. Cline and Miller selected Sedalia 200 bus routes that had the highest number of reported violations.

Cline said he believes most drivers realize they are legally required to stop when traveling behind a school bus that uses its stop sign, but that inattention is the most common cause of a violation.

“We’ve got a lot of distractions in vehicles these days with cell phones, texting or on the phone, a myriad of other distractions,” Cline said. “That’s a lot of what we see — folks on autopilot behind the wheel, not tuned in to what’s going on on the roadways around them, then they realize they were zoned out and just blew past a stop sign.”

According to Cline, drivers traveling behind a school bus must stop when the bus puts out its stop sign. Drivers traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus on a divided highway, such as South U.S. Highway 65, are not required to stop. However, drivers on city streets or two-lane roads are required to stop for a school bus, regardless of the direction of travel.

Deputies will be giving a court summons to violators, and Cline noted it is considered a moving violation so there can be a hefty fine attached, and possible points assessed on the violator’s driver’s license which can lead to higher insurance premiums.

Cline offered a recent example of a violation that was luckily only a “close call.” About a week ago, the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to a school bus traffic violation on Sacajawea Road. Fortunately the bus driver recognized the oncoming vehicle was not going to stop, so they honked the horn to signal to the children it was not safe to cross.

“The driver trained the kids that getting a thumbs up means it’s safe to cross, a honk means stay close to the bus and don’t cross,” Cline said. “He honked the horn and the kids did what they were supposed to, and the vehicle came by at county road speeds. A very close call for sure.”

Cline said the biggest reminder he’d give to citizens is to use caution around school buses.

“When they see a bus they should anticipate the flashing red lights and the stop sign could be activated at any time so you want to be extra cautious around buses — it may be making stops and activating its warning system,” he said. “… I just want them to stop and think when they see that yellow bus, that’s some very precious cargo on those buses, it’s our kids and grandkids. We just want folks to be aware of buses and be safe.”

With his wait for Bus No. 122 to Skyline Elementary School over, Johnny Brown, then a third grader, boards the bus at 24th Street and Ohio Avenue for the first day of school in August 2015. The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting school bus traffic enforcement in the coming weeks to remind drivers to yield to school buses, as the SUV in this photo is doing for Brown.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD082815School-4.jpgWith his wait for Bus No. 122 to Skyline Elementary School over, Johnny Brown, then a third grader, boards the bus at 24th Street and Ohio Avenue for the first day of school in August 2015. The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting school bus traffic enforcement in the coming weeks to remind drivers to yield to school buses, as the SUV in this photo is doing for Brown. Democrat file photo

Woods Supermarket West celebrated the opening of the second Sedalia store with a Grand Opening and Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting Wednesday morning.

Woods CEO Craig Easter said Wednesday, before the ribbon cutting ceremony, that the State Fair Shopping Center store’s arrangement of merchandise is basically the same as it was at Bing’s Grocery Store, but it’s been enhanced and aisles and walkways are more easily navigable.

“We are employing about 15 and 16 employees,” he noted. “We’ve done a pretty healthy remodel, it goes all the way from the front end carpet, to the floors, to the bathrooms, to the cases. There are upgraded cases and they are more efficient. Food safety is very important so that’s why we upgraded some of the refrigeration.”

He also stated that they have added more variety in the frozen food department and eliminated the open bunker-type cases.

“So, we added the doors on both sides,” he said.

Woods Director of Pricing Michael Ramsey said by placing doors on the units, they were able to add another 60 linear feet of frozen food.

“We gain six feet for every door,” he added. “Being able to do that, we were able to gain a lot of space for the frozen meat as well.”

“All of that equals variety,” Easter noted. “The same thing goes for the bakery/deli, the frozen ice cream cakes.”

Easter said they also cut the “aisles back” to make them more accessible and make it easier for customers move around with their carts. He added that the arrangement of items is also “very familiar” for shoppers.

In the spirits aisle they added a larger refrigerator case and increased the craft beer selection.

“Craft beers are really important to customers these days,” he said. “So, we increased the variety of craft beers, it’s just kind of the trend.”

The butcher shop will offer a variety of fresh cut meats, plus a frozen food bunker, and a value meat area.

“I have added this program called pick five, which is a great value item,” he noted. “We have our service meat case, and we cut that fresh daily. The guys are able to cut anything the customer may want. It’s more than just what’s inside that case, because we offer that at the other store too, but the ability for our butchers to have that conversation with the customers, so they can (cut) about anything.”

Woods West also has an upgraded produce department. Easter said they took out the produce tables and added “more flexible tables” that provides additional room for shoppers to maneuver around.

“And, we were able to add more variety to the wall,” he added. “I’m a produce guy at heart, that’s where I grew up in the industry. I love the way this looks.”

Woods Pharmacy is also now back inside the store where the Bing’s Pharmacy was previously. The Pharmacy was inside an adjoining building but was moved back into the grocery store during remodeling.

Easter said the pharmacy is brighter and has better shelving options.

“We added a consultation room so they can do the (flu) shots and all that,” he added.

Woods Owner Don Woods, of Bolivar, told the Democrat that they have 12 stores in Missouri. Sedalia is the only town that has two Woods stores.

“One of the things that Don was talking about the other day was the ability in this town to have two stores,” Easter noted. “In most of our towns we have one store and now we’re able in this size of a town to offer the same thing in two different stores.”

“This is the largest town that we’re in,” Woods added.

During the ribbon cutting Woods told the crowd, “Sedalia’s been a great town for us and we hope we’ve been great for Sedalia.”

Woods West Manager Ann Grady said she was excited to be back in Sedalia at the new location. She previously was the manager, for six months, at the Woods east location on Broadway Boulevard before transferring to the Lake Ozark area.

“Sedalia is such a friendly town,” she noted. “I’d never been to Sedalia, so when I came here for the first time everybody was so friendly and nice. And besides, the Woods people they are just awesome people.”

Customers gave their thoughts about the new store also on Wednesday. Friends Carolyn Montgomery and Billie Barnes were busy talking to each other in the produce section after the ribbon cutting.

“My husband is thrilled,” Barnes said. “My husband will probably stop by on his way home probably three to four times a week. So, he’s very excited that it’s reopened.”

Montgomery was pleased that the shopping format hadn’t been changed much from Bing’s.

“I thought ‘it’s really nice that you don’t have to look for things,’ because it’s in the same place,” she said.

“I was pleased with that too, I didn’t know what to expect,” Barnes added.

Cheryl Hassler, of Otterville, was also pleased that aisles were still arranged in a familiar way.

“It’s a very nice store,” she said. “I’m glad that we have it, we needed another one, I think. It’s pretty much like the other Woods store.”

Don Woods, owner of Bolivar-based Woods Supermarkets, cuts the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon Wednesday morning at the Grand Opening for the store’s west location at State Fair Shopping Center. Sedalia is the first and only location where Woods has two supermarkets.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021617WoodsOpening-1.jpgDon Woods, owner of Bolivar-based Woods Supermarkets, cuts the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon Wednesday morning at the Grand Opening for the store’s west location at State Fair Shopping Center. Sedalia is the first and only location where Woods has two supermarkets. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Woods Supermarket Owner Don Woods, of Bolivar, talks with Fourth Ward City Councilwoman Mary Merritt, left, Chamber Ambassador Diane Zinn and Center for Human Services Development Director Susan Mergen Wednesday morning at the new Woods West store.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021617WoodsOpening-2.jpgWoods Supermarket Owner Don Woods, of Bolivar, talks with Fourth Ward City Councilwoman Mary Merritt, left, Chamber Ambassador Diane Zinn and Center for Human Services Development Director Susan Mergen Wednesday morning at the new Woods West store. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Sedalia Mayor Stephen Galliher, right, greets Woods Supermarket Owner Don Woods, left, and Woods CEO Craig Easter during the new store’s Grand Opening on Wednesday.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021617WoodsOpening-3.jpgSedalia Mayor Stephen Galliher, right, greets Woods Supermarket Owner Don Woods, left, and Woods CEO Craig Easter during the new store’s Grand Opening on Wednesday. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Gayle Pilant, with Cruise Marketing in Springfield, and Dan Bushong, of CSM Bakery Solutions in Branson, serve up cake to customers at the Woods West Grand Opening on Wednesday. Both Pilant and Bushong said they were helping train the bakery staff in the new store.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021617WoodsOpening-4.jpgGayle Pilant, with Cruise Marketing in Springfield, and Dan Bushong, of CSM Bakery Solutions in Branson, serve up cake to customers at the Woods West Grand Opening on Wednesday. Both Pilant and Bushong said they were helping train the bakery staff in the new store. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Woods CEO Craig Easter said the new store’s grocery arrangement remains the basically the same as Bing’s Grocery Store before it, but they have revamped many items such as the produce aisle, making it more easily accessible.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021617WoodsOpening-5.jpgWoods CEO Craig Easter said the new store’s grocery arrangement remains the basically the same as Bing’s Grocery Store before it, but they have revamped many items such as the produce aisle, making it more easily accessible. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

With little production in the paint, the Lady Roadrunners depended on the perimeter shooting of freshman guard Catie Kaifes against Region 16 opponent Crowder College.

State Fair Community College won by three.

Kaifes led SFCC with 21 points on 7-for-15 3-point shooting in a 61-58 Lady Roadrunners victory Wednesday, Feb. 15 over the Lady Roughriders at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

After hitting three in a row in the first quarter, the Kaifes said knew she would be open throughout the contest.

“They were mostly helping on our bigs, they doubled (Kendra Boone), which led to plenty of people open,” Kaifes said.

Boone was the only other Lady Roadrunner with double-digit scoring, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Lady Roadrunners head coach Kevin Bucher said the Crowder defense pinned the SFCC frontcourt, which has struggled in recent games.

“We’re just not playing very well right now,” Bucher said. “I congratulated Kendra for giving us 10 points tonight — we needed it.”

Zahria White led Crowder College with 18 points, Brooke Sagely scored 13 and Michaela Mack finished with eight points and 12 rebounds.

The Lady Roughriders stayed within one possession of SFCC through the second half, and led by two entering the fourth quarter.

After her sixth and seventh three of the evening, Kaifes lifted State Fair to a 55-52 lead with 5:22 to play.

Crowder College and State Fair exchanged four timeouts within the final minute of regulation. Combined 2-for-4 free-throw shooting from Boone and Alexis Cowan maintained the SFCC edge.

State Fair (14-8) padded its No. 2 spot in the Region 16 standings with a victory over third-place Crowder.

The Lady Roadrunners defeated the Lady Roughriders 62-52 on January 25th, and look to sweep another regional opponent in its next game 5:30 p.m. Saturday, hosting Moberly Area Community College.

Bucher said he expects a difficult matchup Saturday after escaping Moberly with a 67-65 victory in January.

“It was a dog fight at their place,” Bucher said. “I told them from here on out, all of our games are going to be close. I told them this is what region play is going to be like … There’s nothing we haven’t gone through that we’re going to see in the next three games, plus playoffs, that we haven’t seen in these past ballgames.”

Maya Brewer drives to basket Wednesday, Feb. 15 during a 61-58 State Fair Community College victory over Crowder College at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_0642.jpgMaya Brewer drives to basket Wednesday, Feb. 15 during a 61-58 State Fair Community College victory over Crowder College at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia. Photos by Alex Agueros | Democrat

Catie Kaifes, right, follows a 3-point attempt Wednesday during a 61-58 State Fair victory over Crowder College at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia. Kaifes led the Lady Roadrunners with 21 points on seven threes.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_0601.jpgCatie Kaifes, right, follows a 3-point attempt Wednesday during a 61-58 State Fair victory over Crowder College at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia. Kaifes led the Lady Roadrunners with 21 points on seven threes. Photos by Alex Agueros | Democrat

Alexis Cowan passes to her left Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia during a 61-58 Lady Roadrunner win against the Crowder College Lady Roughriders.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_0572.jpgAlexis Cowan passes to her left Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia during a 61-58 Lady Roadrunner win against the Crowder College Lady Roughriders. Photos by Alex Agueros | Democrat

The State Fair Community College baseball team and agriculture students bolstered the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center bleachers Wednesday, providing welcomed cheers, jeers and energy for the Roadrunners basketball team.

Ultimately, the added volume was a reminder that baseball season begins in less than a week for State Fair, after the men’s basketball team lost its eighth game in a row, 75-73, to Indian Hills Community College in Sedalia.

Amir Smith led State Fair with 21 points, six rebounds and three blocks. He quickly established himself as a crowd favorite, landing two dunks in the first half and converting a second-half block into a coast-to-coast, behind-the-back layup to break a late tie.

After Smith’s score, Russel Baker’s left-handed floater made it 72-68 with less than two minutes to play.

Kenney Wormley tied the game on a goaltending call two possessions later. Indian Hills out-shot SFCC by two in the final minute of regulation, and Vonny Irvin’s last-second lefty drive clanked off the rim.

Smith said he did not feel discouraged after the Roadrunners’ effort.

“After the way we played, how tough we played from start to finish, I can’t even be mad,” Smith said. “I’m proud of the guys, I’m proud of us as a whole and the way that we played. I just hope we can bottle it up and reproduce it on Saturday.”

The Roadrunners (11-15) host Moberly Area Community College 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Greyhounds delivered an 89-40 loss to State Fair on January 18th in Moberly.

Indian Hills tied the game at 31 with 3:04 left in the first half on a Jamel Allen breakaway dunk.

The Warriors led by a pair before Lorenzo Lawrence II drew a 3-point shooting foul on a last-second, half-court heave and sank each free throw to steal the lead, 38-37, at halftime.

Head coach Kevin Thomas said six second-half turnovers hurt the Roadrunners’ chances at its first win in over a month.

“I thought for the most part, I thought we competed and defended pretty well,” Thomas said. “We had four turnovers in the first half, which was amazing, their pressure didn’t bother us. In the second half, there were stretches where we turned it over against their three-quarter court trap.”

Irvin and Baker finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively, for State Fair, while Onteral Woodson Jr. added 10 points.

Indian Hills was led by Ivan Aurrecoechea, who had 27 points and 16 rebounds.

Amir Smith dunks during a 75-73 State Fair Community College loss to Indian Hills Community College at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia on Wedesnday, Feb. 15. Smith led the Roadrunners with 21 points, six rebounds and three blocks.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_0774.jpgAmir Smith dunks during a 75-73 State Fair Community College loss to Indian Hills Community College at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia on Wedesnday, Feb. 15. Smith led the Roadrunners with 21 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Photos by Alex Agueros | Democrat

Vonny Irvin drops off a pass on the baseline Wednesday, Feb. 15 during a 75-73 State Fair loss to the Indian Hills Warriors.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DSC_0813.jpgVonny Irvin drops off a pass on the baseline Wednesday, Feb. 15 during a 75-73 State Fair loss to the Indian Hills Warriors. Photos by Alex Agueros | Democrat

HIGH SCHOOL

BOY’S BASKETBALL

LATE TUESDAY RESULTS

Sacred Heart 69, Windsor 39

Trent Lyles scored 18, Colby Young had 17 and Micah Tanguay added 15 in a 69-39 Gremlin victory over Windsor on Tuesday.

Sacred Heart improves to 20-4.

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. 13

11:12 p.m.: John P. Fullmer, 43, of the 400 block of West Sixth Street, was arrested issued a municipal court summons at his residence for possession of marijuana. Officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance. Investigation revealed one person at the residence was in possession of marijuana.

Feb. 14

7:29 p.m.; Tavares Qyndel Black, 37, of the 700 block of West Cooper Street, was arrested in the 700 block of South State Fair Boulevard on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, driving with a suspended license and possession of a controlled substance. Officers conducted a subject check where two subjects were seen looking into the windows of a residence. The officers discovered one of the subjects had a suspended driver’s license and he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia.

9:20 p.m.: Terrell Lydal Peck, 37, of the 1000 block of West Third Street, was issued a municipal court summons in the 300 block of West Fifth Street for urinating in public. Officers responded to a vehicle accident. During the investigation a subject stood behind the vehicle door and urinated while in the roadway.

Incidents

Feb. 13

5:12 p.m.: Persons unknown reportedly entered a residence in the 400 block of East 13th Street during the day and stole several guns and an iPad.

Feb. 14

2:26 p.m.: A female victim reported a subject known to her whipped her in the face with a pistol in the 200 block of West Cooper Street. She did not need medical attention.

9:10 p.m.: A disturbance was reported in the 3100 block of Brianna Boulevard when a victim reported being assaulted by their neighbor.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_crime-scene-police-lights-31.jpg

With sunshine and unseasonably warm weather on Thursday, Ryder Booz, 5, enjoys playing at Liberty Park with his father Ryan Booz of Sedalia. “School is out today, so we were getting in some park time before I have to go to work,” Ryan Booz said. Ryder was one of several children playing at the park on Thursday.

With temperatures nearing 70 Thursday during the noon hour, many people ventured out to enjoy the spring-like weather including this man walking his dog at Liberty Park.

Several people took advantage of the nice weather on Thursday to fish at the Liberty Park Lagoon. Weather on Friday is predicted to be sunny with highs near 70 degrees.

With sunshine and unseasonably warm weather on Thursday, Ryder Booz, 5, enjoys playing at Liberty Park with his father Ryan Booz of Sedalia. “School is out today, so we were getting in some park time before I have to go to work,” Ryan Booz said. Ryder was one of several children playing at the park on Thursday.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021717WeatherPhotos-1.jpgWith sunshine and unseasonably warm weather on Thursday, Ryder Booz, 5, enjoys playing at Liberty Park with his father Ryan Booz of Sedalia. “School is out today, so we were getting in some park time before I have to go to work,” Ryan Booz said. Ryder was one of several children playing at the park on Thursday. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

With temperatures nearing 70 Thursday during the noon hour, many people ventured out to enjoy the spring-like weather including this man walking his dog at Liberty Park.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021717WeatherPhotos-2.jpgWith temperatures nearing 70 Thursday during the noon hour, many people ventured out to enjoy the spring-like weather including this man walking his dog at Liberty Park. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Several people took advantage of the nice weather on Thursday to fish at the Liberty Park Lagoon. Weather on Friday is predicted to be sunny with highs near 70 degrees.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TSD021717WeatherPhotos-3.jpgSeveral people took advantage of the nice weather on Thursday to fish at the Liberty Park Lagoon. Weather on Friday is predicted to be sunny with highs near 70 degrees. Photos by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

For most Midwest students, attending an Ivy League university is not a consideration or, if it is, the costs of out-of-state tuition is prohibitive.

In an effort to expose students to the East Coast and the Ivy League Smith-Cotton alum Steve Loftus and Bryant Motors are funding a trip for seven Smith-Cotton students to travel to Massachusetts and New Hampshire to give them an opportunity to explore the Ivy League culture and take tours of Dartmouth University in Hanover New Hampshire, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, both in Massachusetts. The trip was named by the schools, “Connecting the Prairie to the Ivy.”

The students will fly to Boston Feb. 20 and return to Sedalia on Feb. 23.

For Smith-Cotton High students, Dustin Belsha and Akaycia Mather, the trip will be the journey of a lifetime.

“I’m sure sure about what I’m going to do for a career or what college, I’m going to, but this trip will give me to explore my options and it’s going to be a really cool opportunity,” said Belsha, a 16-year-old junior at Smith-Cotton High School. “I’m really going to enjoy it. They both have good academic programs”

Mather, a 15-year-old sophomore at Smith-Cotton said the trip will give her a more in-depth look at the universities and maybe have some influence on what she’d like to study and where she’d like to attend college.

Smith-Cotton students Abby Ahern, David Cho, Evan Luebbert, McKenna Steger and Mike Husyev and Sacred Heart High School students Abby Smeltzer and Sadie Rollings will join Belsha and Mather on the trip, accompanied by teachers from both high schools. The trip is geared mainly to sophomores and juniors, but one senior is going because he has applied to MIT.

The student’s have a full agenda. On Monday, Feb. 20, the students will leave Kansas City International Airport and fly to Boston where they will check in to their hotel and do some sightseeing around Boston.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, the students will travel to Hanover and attend an information session at Dartmouth College and take a tour of the campus. On Wednesday, Feb. 22, the students will take unofficial trips to Harvard and MIT and tour its campuses.

Belsha said he is interested in studying math, science and journalism and wants to see what each university has to offer in those disciplines.

“I’m eager to meet some of the students and see their stress levels, what keeps them going and why they chose these universities to study,” Belsha said.

Mather said she is most interested to see the differences between those institutions as opposed to the University of Missouri and the University of Central Missouri.

“I want to talk with the students about how they made their decisions in what they’re studying and why they chose these schools,” Mather said.

Each student was chosen for this trip based on their academic performance and a written essay about why they wanted to be selected plus and they saw themselves in 10 years.

Belsha said his family supports him and is really excited about his trip. He said he will be the first in his family to attend a four-year university. Mather, who has never flown on a plane, said her family thinks it will be a life opportunity to explore the East Coast and the Ivy League, since niether have them have been there.

Both students are taking advanced placement courses and have performed well academically.

“AP biology is really work intensive, it is supposed to prepare us for college,” Belsha said.

In addition to studying math, science and philosophy, Belsha said he volunteers for the Salvation Army, the Community Cafe and is an avid reader. Mather also reads voraciously and enjoys community service.

“Hopefully this trip will motivate me to really work hard to be accepted in to places like those universities,” Belsha said.

Mather said she hopes the trip helps students to “really decide on what to do in our futures.”

Dustin Belsha and Akaycia Mather will be among nine high school students from Smith-Cotton High School and Sacred Heart High School to take a trip Feb. 20-23 to the East Coast to explore Ivy League Universities.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Ivy-League-1.jpgDustin Belsha and Akaycia Mather will be among nine high school students from Smith-Cotton High School and Sacred Heart High School to take a trip Feb. 20-23 to the East Coast to explore Ivy League Universities.

It is a strange time in our lives as Christians.

Many of our friends see things one way, while others see things entirely different. On important and divisive issues, we all seem to see in various shades of gray. People who like things “black and white” often struggle to remain in conversations in times like this. Too often, we leave the room too quickly.

For most of my life, I’ve heard people say they’d prefer not to discuss church and politics. They avoid these conversations like they avoid death itself. From my perspective, the times seem to be changing. It is becoming more and more evident that people are wanting to engage these divisive and controversial issues. So many questions are being asked about faith/beliefs these days.

There also seems to be an increasing need for these conversations. Some of it may be good old fashioned “venting” and “lamentation.” Other times, it is to learn from one another, and to grow in our understanding. Still, other times it is to try and persuade others to change. The political climate and the technological advances of social media and hand held cameras are bringing all sorts of issues to the forefront of public thought and conversation. It seems that I cannot go anywhere without being engaged in discussions about the issues of religion and politics.

I would like to encourage you to be a person who is sensitive when you are engaged.

Please also be aware that lackadaisical responses are evoking all forms of frustration. People want to talk. I want to encourage you to find ways of expressing your points of view without alienating others in the process. I want to encourage you to be a person who listens and seeks ways to respond in love.

Finally, I want to suggest to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that I believe this current climate is an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ in very clear and relevant ways. My faith is beginning to make me see that every conflict is an opportunity. As followers of the Christ, we are called to respond to conflict in a different way (see Matthew 5:9; Luke 6:27-36). People are confused, divided, torn, and worried. This present conflict is a great opportunity for us to share Christ’s love. I want to encourage you to rediscover how our diversity of opinion, and our diversity of thought are strengths to be embraced.

If you dare to care enough to listen, I believe you will find that our differences make us stronger. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul suggested that he did not just do what was best for himself, instead he did what was best for others so that others may be saved (cf 1 Cor. 10:31). We are challenged by scripture to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5). Finally, I want to encourage you to stay in the room, stay in the conversation, stumble forward with people who are different, embrace one another and share your heart and your ideas. There is really no healthy way forward unless we go there together.

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

Feb. 15

3:55 p.m.: Robert D. Burns, 42, of Kingsville, was arrested in the 4700 block of South Limit Avenue on charges of second degree burglary, first degree property damage and stealing from a building. The arrest stems from a Pettis County Sheriff’s report of a burglary where Burns allegedly burglarized a business on Feb. 12 in the 2000 block of South Limit Avenue, where he is alleged to have stolen $2,000 worth of items and caused $800 damage to the building. Items stolen from the business were found at the time of his arrest.

Pettis County Sheriff’s Office

Arrests

Feb. 16

4:05 a.m.: Brian Lee Wilson, 24, of Sedalia, was arrested in the 1300 block of East Boonville Road on a charge of first degree domestic assault.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Feb. 16

10:10 a.m. Joesph W. Gibson, 25, of Parachute, Colorado, was arrested in Saline County on charges of possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

The national “Day Without Immigrants” Thursday included actions in Missouri’s larger metropolitan areas.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cherokee Street, the hub of traditional Mexican cuisine in St. Louis, was mostly quiet at lunch hour Thursday after several restaurants closed in solidarity.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Star reports that 400 to 500 protesters gathered near City Hall, many holding banners and signs such as “Somos America,” which translates to “We’re America.”

In Sedalia and Pettis County, widespread activity hasn’t been found, despite reports on the Democrat’s social media pages. Sedalia Police Chief John DeGonia and Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond said their departments are not involved with any immigration enforcement action. There were reports of a sick out at Tyson’s facility in Pettis County and reports of a Immigration rally at the Pettis County Courthouse were unfounded Thursday.

Officials at Tyson’s Sedalia plant wouldn’t comment on the worker absences, however, they issued a statement Thursday.

“Absentee levels at some locations are higher than normal. However, all of our plants are operating today. Team Members should continue to notify their manager if they decide not to come into work,” the statement said.

If the federal Immigration and Enforcement Agency carried out any sort of immigration arrests, they wouldn’t necessarily notify local law enforcement agencies. Attempts to contact ICE Thursday were unsuccessful.

The protests are in response to President Donald Trump’s pledge to increase deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally, build a wall along the Mexican border, and ban people from certain majority-Muslim countries from coming into the U.S.