Sedalia Democrat / Christine Lyall

Sedalia Democrat

Sedalia Democrat • October 1, 2019

Reform May Mean School's Out Forever

LA MONTE, MISSOURI — Pettis County R-1 School, one of Missouri's smallest school districts, has been warned by the state for 20 years that it would have to close. But this year's warning, which comes with a new school-reform tax, might be more serious.

Sedalia Democrat

Sedalia Democrat • October 1, 2019

Rural Roots

LA MONTE, MISSOURI — With two classrooms, a gymnasium/cafeteria, two full-time teachers, a full-time aide, a cook and 20 students, Pettis County R-1 School is one of the smallest in the state. It may be small in size, but it's big on fun and smiles.

Sedalia Democrat

Sedalia Democrat • October 1, 2019

When Teenagers Plan to Have Babies

Mary R. rolled her eyes, smiled and said, "I love you, too, Brian," as her 2-year-old son peeked around the bedroom door, yelled that he loved her then zealously slammed it. "Sometimes I think if I hadn't had Brian, what would I be doing now? And I think if I had it to do all over again, I would've waited until I was older," the 19-year-old mother said. "'But then I think if I'd waited, would I have had this baby?"

Sedalia Democrat

Sedalia Democrat • October 1, 2019

Veteran Rooster at State Fair

Solo's an old bird, but he came back to reclaim his first-place trophy, strut his stuff one more time, and show the other birds how do it right. And after the State Fair, he'll retire.

Sedalia Democrat • September 30, 2019

Ballroom dancer gets into the swing

Sharon Shea lights a cigarette with a slight theatrical air, crosses her legs and perches on the edge of her sofa with a straight, dancer's back. She looks across the room with her dark, flashing eyes at a petite man in a peach-colored shirt and pants and white sweater and shoes. He's her father, Vaughn Hills, and she admires him deeply. She says Hills and her deceased mother, Orlene, greatly influenced the rhythmic path she chose to pursue in life.