Star Journal's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sedalia Democrat
Every few years, former Central Missouri baseball head coach Dave Van Horn ends up with a team at the NCAA Men’s College World Series. Van Horn’s 2022 Arkansas Razorbacks joined the party, becoming his ninth roster to make the trip to Omaha. Arkansas came up a game away from advancing to its second Division I championship series in its last four chances. “There’s so many cliches,” Van Horn said of his squad. “I don’t think we overachieved. I think we had a good team. I think we ended up where we should’ve ended up and that was in Omaha …...
Warrensburg native and former Mules basketball graduate assistant Tyler Long has added another stepping stone to his coaching career. Fort Scott Community College announced the hiring of Long as an assistant coach Thursday, June 23. He’ll serve under Blake Cochran, who’s heading into his first season as head coach. “I am thrilled to join coach Cochran's staff here at FSCC,” Long said. “This community holds a special place in my heart, and I couldn't be more thankful to be in the fort." The stop marks Long’s second full-time position as coach, previously serving as an assistant at Emporia State during...
Three Mules golf athletes competed in the Missouri Amateur Championship between Monday, June 20 and Thursday, June 23 at the Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis. Thomas Henson, Calvin Dillon and Alex Gentry made up the field of 144 Missouri golfers competing at the signature Missouri Golf Association event. All three made it out of qualifying rounds, signified by a top-64 finish. Henson led the trio, concluding qualifying tied for sixth with a two-under par 142 (70-72). Dillon was next in line, tying for 26th with a four-over par 148 (73-75). Gentry made the cut via playoff, finishing 64th with...
WARRENSBURG — A new era of Warrensburg wrestling has officially begun. The Tigers hosted their summer wrestling camp this week, beginning Austin Kemp’s tenure. A first time head coach, Kemp is ready to get to work on building interest in Warrensburg wrestling from the ground up. “If you think about it, kids enjoy being challenged,” Kemp said. “Kids enjoy doing things that make them think. Doing things that aren’t necessarily easy most of the time … I think having a program that is consistent, fun and challenging will tell these kids ‘hey, I was working on this yesterday, I can...
TRIAD Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps has announced Cadet Colonel Madeline Souder was selected to command the Corps for the 2022-23 school year. Her efforts in preparing for the Triennial HQ AFJROTC Inspection led to her selection as a “Top Performer”; she is only one of three out of 110 cadets selected for this honor. Cadet Souder commanded our Cadet Honor Guard where she has led over 35 events, committing over 75 hours, at community sporting events, NASCAR, Bass Pro Shops Anniversary and recently for the First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden. She is the...
SEDALIA — Liberty Center Association for the Arts Junior Theatre students will present "Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Jr." at the Hayden Liberty Center this weekend. Director Lucy Lemke Clark said, "Matilda Jr." is published through MTI Publishing Co. as part of their MTI Junior Theatre. The storyline for the musical was written as a book by Roald Dahl that was published in the 1980s. "I remember reading it in school with my second-grade teacher," she noted. "And then there was a movie that came out, I'd say in the early 90s with Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman. "So, it's...
In October, I wrote a column titled “Feeling the burnout, big time.” It’s not uncommon for me to get feedback about some of the columns I write, but by far, that one received the most comments. Specifically, how much people related to the problem of burnout. In that popular column, I asked you, my wonderful readers, to keep a promise with me that we’d stop bragging about our long workdays and instead focus on time spent with loved ones. If we bragged about work, we’d talk about an impressive accomplishment rather than how tiring our jobs can be. And we’d...
The heat of a mid-Missouri summer is hard on people and plants. Staying hydrated is important for both and protection from midday sun helps also. Not only are we experiencing very high temperatures, but there seems to be little rain in sight. There are things you can do to help your plants survive and thrive despite the heat. Successful gardening always starts with the right soil. A humus rich soil holds moisture better during hot weather. Humus, rotted organic matter, helps our local clay soil hold moisture and be less like chunks of brick. Adding mulch after a deep watering...
WARRENSBURG— The Johnson County Republican Women held a Candidate forum Tuesday June 21. The Forum started with Republican candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives answering questions followed by Republican candidates running for Johnson County Presiding Commissioner. Moderator David Pearce asked the table of candidates a question, each candidate had two minutes to answer the question. The House session was asked seven questions and ended in a two minute closing statement from each candidate. The Presiding Commissioner session had ten questions asked and ended with closing statements from each candidate. Johnson County Presiding Commissioner Violett Corbett moved to Knob...
FAYETTE — More than 500 Central Methodist University earned degrees this spring. Graduates were recognized for academic honors at the ceremony and were treated to a commencement address by former Missouri judge and lawmaker Ted House. Lindsey E. Gantz of Knob Noster graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science/Biology. Angela F. Violango of Whiteman Air Force Base graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Nursing.
JEFFERSON CITY – Dylan Bischoff, of Warrensburg, received a bachelor of science in business administration from Lincoln University in Jefferson City this semester.
WARRENSBURG — Damage to public toilets and play surface tiles are among the reported increase in vandalism this summer in Warrensburg parks. Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Director Danielle Fesler said the department usually sees and is prepared for some vandalism throughout the summer months, but the rate at which damage is being done has increased. “There have been years where we’ve been very lucky and there hasn’t been hardly any; this year, for whatever reason, it seems to be a harder season of vandalism,” Fesler said. “We’ve had a lot of issues in the parks’ restrooms.” Fesler said the damage...
KNOB NOSTER — The TRIAD Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Program was awarded the Distinguished Unit With Merit Award for the 2021-2022 school year. They are one of only 106 units out of 870 to earn this highest award issued by Headquarters AFJROTC. This award recognizes the personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, contributions of the instructors as mentors and the tremendous support of the schools and local communities. Eligibility for this award is based on achieving “Exceeds Standards” during a triennial inspection, earning a minimum of 12 community service hours per cadet and participating in at least...
One person is reported to have moderate injuries from a two-vehicle wreck June 22 on westbound Highway 50 east of Highway 131. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 1995 Honda Civic, driven by David M. Carrender, 52, of Sweet Springs, ran off the left side of the roadway and a 2003 Ford Taurus, driven by Melissa T. Collins, 46, of Holden, overcorrected which caused the Honda to run off the right side of the road, striking a rock wall, returned to the road and came to a rest. The Ford swerved to avoid the Honda...
The Warrensburg Community Band, under the shared conductorship of David Robinson, Chuck Appleton, Pat Setser, Jim Gai, and Pam Henry, began rehearsals for it’s summer concert schedule Monday, June 6 in the Warrensburg High School band room.The Band’s first public concert will be on July 4 at Grover Park Baptist’s “Freedom Spectacular”. Jennifer Renfrow will be the vocal soloist on two selections at that concert. She will sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth”and “God Bless America”.The band completes their summer season on July 27 on the UCM President’s Lawn. That concert will feature vocalist Jeff Imboden singing “They Can’t...
There are white wines in the marketplace that are so little known that they are almost invisible. These are excellent wines that just have not had the publicity and/or recognition as have many of the other white wines in the marketplace and also deserve their “place in the sun.” It seems that it is the red wines that garner all of the accolades, medals and publicity, while the white wine are the alternatives. It should be remembered that American wines were considered inferior to the French wines until 1976 when, at an event called “the Judgment of Paris” a California...
WARRENSBURG — In a special meeting Wednesday, June 22, the Warrensburg Parks Board voted to approve an emergency duct repair project. In early April, a 40-foot section of ductwork fell in the indoor pool area of the Warrensburg Community Center. The cause has been attributed to the corrosive nature of the pool area and the failure of several hangers securing the ductwork, original to the building, to the ceiling. The area was in use at the time the ductwork fell. No injuries were reported. The board initially voted to table a vote on the project during the regular board meeting...
The MSHSAA boys and girls basketball Show-Me Showdown will return to the University of Missouri in 2024. MSHSAA’s Board of Directors approved a contract to host the state basketball championships at Mizzou Arena and the Hearnes Center between 2024-28. It’ll bring the championships back to Columbia for the first time since 2016-17. Springfield and Missouri State University have hosted state at JQH Arena and the Hammons Center in the years since. Springfield submitted a bid to continue hosting the championships, but was passed up for Columbia, which previously hosted the event between 1992-2017. Columbia was also selected to continue hosting...
Holden softball is hosting a fireworks fundraiser for the program. The stand is located just to the north of the U.S. Route 50 and Highway Z intersection at 679 NW Highway Z, Bates City, Mo 64061. It will be open between Friday, June 24 and Monday, June 4. A portion of all proceeds will go to the softball program. The stand will feature a 50/50 raffle for a package of fireworks. Holden is coming off of a 20-8 season that led to a Class 3 District 7 Championship and an appearance in the Class 3 state quarterfinals. The Eagles are...
This past weekend featured two different celebrations: Juneteenth and Father’s Day. Even though the two call us to stop and remember our past in different ways, we must also consider how to lead the next generation to embrace a Christ-centered life. As we review the shift in our culture that Juneteenth works to celebrate, we must acknowledge the responsibility we each have to continue the cultural change to be an inclusive society. This change is not simple and is taking generations to erase the cultural barriers between races. The second celebration was Father’s Day, a day to honor the fathers...
University of Central Missouri, State Fair Community College and Smith-Cotton High School alumnus Chase Plymell is on to the next step of his professional baseball career. The right-handed pitcher within the Chicago White Sox organization was called up from Single A to High A, according to minor league transactions. The move relocates him from Kannapolis, North Carolina to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a 57 mile difference. Plymell was activated by the Winston-Salem Dash on Tuesday, June 21. The promotion marks Plymell’s first since being assigned to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers upon the conclusion of Spring Training. He appeared in 15 games...
Jacob R. Stagl, 37, was arrested on May 24 after officers responded to reports of trespassing in the 600 block of North Maguire Street. Stagl was arrested on a charge of trespassing. Stagl was arrested later that week on another charge of trespassing in the 500 block of North Maguire Street. Joni M. Jester, 31, was arrested on May 24 after officers conducted a traffic stop at Hale Lake Road and South Mitchell Street. Jester was arrested on a charge of driving while license suspended/revoked - second offense. Ally K. Terry, 19, was arrested on May 24 after officers conducted...
SEDALIA — Coinciding with the summer reading program, two authors and illustrators will speak at the Sedalia Public Library this month. Colter Jackson, formerly of Otterville and now living and working in New York City, will speak about her new children’s book “The Rhino Suit” at 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, in the Queen City Room. Kevin Sherry, of Baltimore, Maryland, is a graphic novelist who also writes chapter books for Scholastic and picture books for Penguin and Random House. He will speak at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, weather permitting, on the west lawn of the library. Sedalia Public...
One fatality was reported in a single-vehicle wreck June 17 in the 1200 block of Southwest Highway 13. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2004 Mercury, driven by Carol M. Dixon, 31, of Clinton, attempted to pass another vehicle, swerved to avoid oncoming traffic, blew a tire, traveled off the roadway, struck several objects, overturned and struck a utility pole. Dixon was pronounced at the scene by Johnson County Coroner Clark Holdren. Dixon is reported to have worn a safety device. MSHP reports this is the 27th fatal crash in the Troop A region for...
Three area high school students representing West Central Electric Cooperative joined 90 other high school students for Missouri's 59th annual Missouri Electric Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Local delegates Jacob Bacus and Caton Brown of Oak Grove High School and Shayla Joseph of Crest Ridge High School attended the trip June 13-19. After two years of virtual tours, the Youth Tour headed back to Washington this year. The seven-day tour provides high school students opportunities to learn firsthand what it is like to be involved in politics, leadership positions, community service and today’s pressing issues. “The Youth Tour is the...
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County Fire Protection District Training and Safety Division Captain Joe Jennings was presented with the Justin W. Stephan Public Service Award from the Executive Committee of the American Legion Missouri Boys State, Inc. on Saturday, June 18, in St. Charles. Joe Jennings was recognized for his service to the state and community as well as to the Boys State program, exemplifying the spirit of Justin Stephan and his love for public service. “Captain Jennings receiving this award from Missouri Boys State in recognition for his service to the community further exemplifies the dedication members of the fire...
Since 2017, unprecedented changes have come to West Central Missouri. In the wake of these changes, the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission set a committee of stakeholders to chronicle the new economic and social challenges and to reset a course toward continuing development for the communities in Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline counties. This updated strategy is ready for public review and comments will be accepted until June 27. People can view the CEDS and offer comments at https://bit.ly/3OoGUjO or on the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Facebook page. Individuals interested in reading and commenting in person may visit the...
Jacob R. Stagl, 37, was arrested on May 24 after officers responded to reports of trespassing in the 600 block of North Maguire Street. Stagl was arrested on a charge of trespassing. Stagl was arrested later that week on another charge of trespassing in the 500 block of North Maguire Street. Joni M. Jester, 31, was arrested on May 24 after officers conducted a traffic stop at Hale Lake Road and South Mitchell Street. Jester was arrested on a charge of driving while license suspended/revoked - second offense. Ally K. Terry, 19, was arrested on May 24 after officers conducted...
WARRENSBURG — Bobby R. Patton, former University of Central Missouri president, has collaborated with two other researchers and writers on a new book on the impact communication can have on physical and mental health. “Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity, Empathy and Empowerment” provides a literary toolkit that applies to personal, interpersonal, business and political situations, while offering practical guidance for the effective use of three essential communication concepts that could help people transform their lives. Patton served as president of UCM from 1999 to 2005 and was a longtime educator with decades of experience in communication research and writing. Patton...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, June 21 Trails Regional Library will host Storytime in the Stacks at 10 a.m. June 21 at the Warrensburg branch. Wednesday, June 22 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call...
One fatality was reported in a two-vehicle wreck June 18 on Route West South of Northwest 450. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that the wreck occurred when a 1993 Chevrolet truck, driven by Christopher Daniel, 43, of Lone Jack, attempted to make a left turn and struck a 2005 Harley-Davidson, driven by Eric Thomason, 23, of Holden. Thomason was transported by LifeFlight to Centerpoint Medical Center, where he was pronounced. Thomason is reported to have not worn a safety device. Daniel is reported to have worn a safety device. Both the Chevrolet and the Harley-Davidson are reported to have...
WARRENSBURG – As another Saturday came and went, so did Warrensburg Main Street’s Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market also featured yet another legacy vendor, Sue Muzzillo of Sue’s Custom Crafts. The goods that Muzzillo offers at the Farmers’ Market every Saturday include everything from kitchen accessories to fuzzy flip flops for children. Sue’s Custom Crafts is also a way for Muzzillo to reconnect with her childhood and continue a fun family tradition. “As far as my crafts go, I learned to crochet when I was six years old,” Muzzillo said. “My grandma taught me embroidery and crochet when I was...
MMA members Barb and Mike Byrne will present the program “Fused Glass and Mixed Media Art” program for Mid-Missouri Artists at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, in the Arts and Crafts Room of the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. Work by both artists can be viewed in the MMA Summer Exhibition in the UCM Gallery of Art and Design along with work by other members. The MMA exhibit and the Great Gossamer Exhibition can be viewed through July 8. Barb Byrne began her fused glass journey in 2009 taking a class at a local community center and falling...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Absentee voting for the August 2022 Primary election begins June 21. Absentee voting is available six weeks prior to the election and will be due no later than 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday prior to the election. “Every election is important,” County Clerk Diane Thompson said. “We have had the outcome of a race or question determined by just a handful of votes in the past. Participating in the August Primary allows voters to have a say in who the nominees for each party will be on the November ballot.” Absentee Voting is available for registered...
SEDALIA — The Sedalia-Pettis County Amateur Radio Klub (SPARK) is gearing up for next weekend’s 2022 Field Day event. Ham radio operators across North America will establish temporary ham radio stations in public locations during the ARRL Field Day, Saturday, June 25 and Sunday June 26 at 3700 W. Broadway Blvd. in Sedalia. The annual field day showcases the science and skill of amateur radio and serves as crucial practice in case of emergencies where other lines of communication have been destroyed. “Field Day is just a great opportunity for Ham radio enthusiasts to get their gear out and see...
Minor injuries reported in June 16 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a two-vehicle wreck June 16 on Route C and West 216th Street. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2018 Mitsubishi, driven by Irene Christensen, 58, of Excelsior Springs, pulled into the path of a 1994 Chevrolet, driven by Evan Stolz, 18. Christensen is reported to have minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Excelsior Springs Hospital. Stolz is reported to have no injuries. Christensen and Stolz are each reported to have worn a safety device. Both...
Knob Noster’s Aaron Poe increased his 2022 Central Missouri Speedway win total to six on Saturday, June 18. Poe continued his success in the POWRi Supers Stocks series, finishing as one of four feature heat champions in an evening that included 54 participants across all classes. Sedalia’s Terry Schultz earned his fourth win of the season topping the B-Modifieds, Overland Park’s Shawn Burns earned his third win topping POWRi Super Mods and Higginsville’s Jeremy Lile earned his inaugural victory in Pure Stocks. Warrensburg’s Marc Carter and Mike Daughtery, plus Holden’s Larry Norris each joined Poe as top five Johnson County...
Nashville was singing the blues, not country. Cincinnati? Left in the cold. Chicago didn’t even make the final cut. Instead, Kansas City was the only true Midwestern locale chosen as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the United States co-hosts with Canada and Mexico. Fans crammed into the Power and Light District where some notable faces were on-hand to celebrate as well when Thursday afternoon’s reveal was made during a televised show aired on Fox Sports 1. Watching from No Other Pub, Sporting Kansas City head coach Peter Vermes indicated he was left unsure by the...
WARRENSBURG — With anticipated increases to transportation funding and teacher salaries, the budget for the 2022-23 school year was approved by the Warrensburg School Board of Education at the Tuesday, June 14, meeting. The budget, as a whole, includes projected expenditures of ,260,680, a decrease of ,573,205, and projected revenues of ,725,899, a ,740,578 increase from the 2021-22 budget. Sources of revenue are expected to be ,233,379 from local tax monies, ,180,137 from county tax monies, ,576,794 from state tax monies, ,462,589 from federal tax monies, ,000 from non-current assets and 8,000 from other Local Educational Agencies. The budgeted expenditures...
Former Mules baseball assistant coach Damian Stambersky is returning to the MIAA. Missouri Western named Stambersky as the program’s next pitching coach Friday, June 17. He returns to the association after two years away, having served as the head coach of NCAA Division II Colorado State Pueblo in 2021 and an assistant coach at Division I Radford University in 2022. "I'm thrilled to be with the team, back in the MIAA and back in my Midwest roots," Stambersky said in a release. "Coach (Buz) Verduzco has done such a great job paving this program for such a long time, and...
Caitlin Peterson has made her first hire as the head coach of Jennies volleyball. Peterson announced the hiring of assistant coach Christi Lutman on Friday, June 17. Lutman has spent the last 11 years as the founder, lead coach and trainer for the Performance Volleyball Academy Club Director in Overland Park, Kansas. "Christi will be an incredible addition to our staff," Peterson said in a release. "Her competitive spirit will help continue the outstanding tradition of Jennies volleyball. I cannot think of a better person for the job, and I am thrilled to add the Lutmans to our volleyball family."...
University of Central Missouri Athletics’ longstanding run amongst the top schools NCAA Division II continues. For the 16th consecutive year, the Mules and Jennies were named amongst the top 30 programs in the LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup standings. UCM finished eighth with 671.25 points, as announced by the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics on Friday, June 17. Central Missouri was the highest finish amongst MIAA members, with Central Oklahoma coming next in line at No. 30. Schools receive points for the LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup based on their finish in NCAA Championships. Central Missouri tallied postseason in 11 out of...
WARRENSBURG — Bright Sox Softball creates opportunities for those with developmental disabilities to go out onto the diamond and have fun. The Bright Sox co-ed league is organized by the Johnson County Board of Services and was created as a way to fill a void within the area in 2019. “We have the best time,” Johnson County Board of Services Director Melissa Frey said. “You can see that out there. The smiles, the dancing and just everybody cheering each other on, it’s just like the best time ever.” This season marks the second to be hosted at Lions Lake, and...
One fatality was reported in a two-vehicle wreck June 16 on westbound Highway 50. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2012 Honda motorcycle, driven by Ira Baldwin, 48, of Sedalia struck the rear of a 2004 Nissan Titan, driven by Ered Jackson, 41. Baldwin was pronounced at the scene by the Johnson County Coroner. Jackson is reported to have moderate injuries and was transported by private conveyance to Western Missouri Medical Center. Baldwin is reported to have not worn a safety device. Jackson is reported to have worn a safety device. The Honda is reported...
JOHNSON COUNTY— There is a new ice cream truck hitting the streets of Johnson County. Veteran Jeffery Cumbie and his 5-year-old daughter have recently opened up the Sweet Treats Ice Cream Truck. The inspiration for the truck was Cumbie’s daughter, who was upset when she noticed there was not an ice cream truck that traveled at Whiteman Air Force Base. “My daughter was upset that the base didn't have an ice cream truck,” Cumbie said. “So she asked me if I would build one. I told her I'd look into it. When I did, I found out not only...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Main Street has been making a noticeable effort to improve Warrensburg’s downtown area over the course of the summer of 2022. Most recently, Main Street installed three interactive murals in the downtown area. The new murals were created by Katie Childers and Taylor Trudell. Childers created two of the murals and the third mural, done by Trudell, is located on Culton Street. “We really just want to start to create community pride in our downtown,” said Jamie DeBacker, assistant director of Warrensburg Main Street. “Not just to bring business down here, but bringing business and people who...
A Warrensburg man has been charged with rape or attempted rape in the first degree. after Warrensburg Officers responded to a report of rape at Western Missouri Medical Center. Shawnacy Miguel Johnson Jr., was charged after Warrensburg Officers responded to a report of rape at Western Missouri Medical Center on April 21, 2022. Accorning to the proable-cause statement, the victim says Johnson sexually assualted them while they were inotoxicated on April 20, 2022. Johnson allegedly sent a SnapChat video of the assault, where the victim is said to look unresponsive. The report states that on May 27, 2022, Johnson admitted...
WARRENSBURG – Nic Webb, DNP, an associate professor and chair of the University of Central Missouri School of Nursing, has been named to a new cohort of higher education professionals across the nation who are participating in the 2022 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Webb, who travels to the nation’s capital June 15-17 to participate in the program, is one of 36 individuals who are part of this premier leadership development initiative established by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Since 2015, the program has sought to prepare early to mid-career academic and administrative emerging leaders who aspire...
WARRENSBURG — During an annual awards breakfast hosted by the University of Central Missouri Staff Council, two individuals who have made a positive impact on the institution were recognized for their exceptional service. Charissa Davis, assistant director of financial aid, was honored as the 2022 recipient of the J.P. Mees Outstanding Professional Staff Award and Gwena Basinger, administrative assistant to the dean in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies, was presented the Outstanding Staff Award. Individuals who were selected for awards were chosen on the basis of nominations from campus members that were submitted to the awards committee....
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University graduated more than 7,300 students during ceremonies Saturday, June 11 at Reser Stadium on the Corvallis campus and Sunday, June 12 at the OSU-Cascades campus in Bend. One of these students was local Warrensburg student Emily Burgess, who graduated with a master of science - psychology.
TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn University announced the students in its spring 2022 graduating class. More than 800 students completed their courses for certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees. Kelsey Houman from Holden earned a Juris Doctor in Law.
WARRENSBURG – Recipients of the Warrensburg Middle School Spring Honor Roll have been announced. The sixth grade recipients include Caleb Miller, Anna Coombs, Alayna Bruner, and Nora Sullivan. The seventh grade recipients were Peyton Bowman and Claira Mannering. The eighth grade recipients were Leah Coombs, Andy Huynh, and Danielle Smith.
There are certain blessings about the warm seasons in Southwestern Missouri, among which is the beautiful weather that we enjoy in spring, summer and fall which permits us to grill foods outdoors. While the white wines are smoother, sedate and sippable, the red wines are the “go-to" wines where outdoor grilling is involved. There is in no way that a white wine can well accompany anything off of a barbecue grill. All grilled foods are highly flavored and often highly seasoned, which preclude them from being accompanied by a white wine. The choice of the type of a red wine...
I hope you have spent at least a little time thinking about how you could reduce food waste in your family, and even some ideas that could affect food waste in our city, country and world. If we could cut food waste by half it would make a significant difference in the amount of greenhouse gasses that are going into our atmosphere and thus help address our climate emergency. The EPA set a goal in 2015 to reduce our food waste by 50% by 2030. In thinking about food waste, there is a hierarchy that one should try to follow...
When I first took over the editor’s office in 2017, I mentioned to former Democrat Editor Bob Satnan, then a contributing columnist, that I was thinking about writing columns for the Opinion page once I had a handle on my new role. He gave me some good advice: don’t force it, and don’t write a column just to write a column. Make sure you have something to say. Well, with this weekly column space, that has been a little more of a challenge (see my mid-May column “When you’re at a loss for words” for a perfect example). You’ve probably...
SPRINGFIELD – Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list. For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the spring semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale). More than 4,700 students were named to the spring 2022 dean's list. These local students made the list: Chilhowee: Abbie Dameron Warrensburg: Chad Bryson, Madeline Curtis, Daphne Gonce, Kevin Hoke, Acacia Jurkowski, Bre Mundy, Monica Osborn, Caley Rogers, Dennis Schmidt, Gabi Shull, Kara Smith Knob Noster: Olyvia Buzzanga, Rylee Parrott Holden: Lucee Keller...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Board discussed the closure of Hawthorne Park at the June 15 meeting. The park was closed earlier this week due to concerns about safety after a section of interlocking tiles, called Play Matta, that cover the playground area were damaged by suspected vandalism. The tiles are playground surfacing that is designed to be shock absorbent. Parks and Rec Director Danielle Fesler said the damaged tiles are directly beneath the monkey bars, creating substantial risk for injuries due to the lack of shock-absorbing materials. Fesler said the playground was already scheduled and budgeted to...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Board of Education approved the purchase of new Chromebooks for the middle school and iPads for fifth grade. “We were looking at rotating laptops and for the same price the decision was made to replace all of the Chromebooks at the middle school instead of having laptops for five through 12 (grades),” Assistant Superintendent Troy Marnholtz said. “This allows Chromebooks for sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Smaller devices, easier to carry, less likely to be damaged by middle school children.” The cost for the 825 Chromebooks is approximately 0,000. Marnholtz said the iPads would also serve...
SEDALIA — To inspire the adoption of 5,000 mustangs, the Mustang Discovery Ride sponsored by the Mustang Discovery Foundation is trekking 5,000 miles across the United States. Mustang Discovery Foundation founder Lisanne Fear is riding 5,000 miles to inspire and educate about 5,000 mustangs in holding. “I started this trip on Sept. 28 on the coast of Delaware in Cape Henlopen and I’m riding all the way to California,” Fear said. “Right now there is about 5,000 horses standing in holding corrals out west and those horses have been rounded up off the range and they just need good loving...
MMA members Barb and Mike Byrne will present the program “Fused Glass and Mixed Media Art” program for Mid-Missouri Artists, set to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, in the Arts and Crafts Room of the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay Street. Work by both artists can currently be viewed in the MMA Summer Exhibition in the UCM Gallery of Art and Design along with work by other members. The MMA exhibit and the Great Gossamer Exhibition can be viewed through July 8. Barb Byrne began her fused glass journey in 2009 taking a class at a local...
Mules baseball alumnus Dusty Stroup caught attention in the Pioneer Baseball League on Saturday, June 11. Stroup, an infielder for the Idaho Falls Chukars, made history becoming one of two teammates to hit the cycle in a single game for the first time in Pioneer League history. Joined by Southwest Baptist grad Hunter Hisky, the accolade arrived in a 25-17 win over the Rocky Mountain Vibes. Stroup’s 4-for-4 day included an inside the park homerun, becoming the first person to hit the cycle with an inside the park home run since former Boston Red Sox outfielder Leon Culbertson in 1943....
HOLDEN — A “Foodprint” is the greenhouse gas emissions produced by growing, rearing, farming, processing, transporting, storing, cooking, and disposing of the food you eat. Your “foodprint” is the result of everything it takes to get your food from the farm to your plate. The smaller your “foodprint” is, the less of an impact your eating has on animals, public health, food workers, farmers, local economies, and the environment. Shopping at farmer’s markets, shopping locally, and reviewing the origin country of your food, as well as growing your own food can help build a more healthy and sustainable future for...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Board of Education approved the purchase of new Chromebooks for the middle school and iPads for fifth grade. “We were looking at rotating laptops and for the same price the decision was made to replace all of the Chromebooks at the middle school instead of having laptops for five through 12 (grades),” Assistant Superintendent Troy Marnholtz said. “This allows Chromebooks for sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Smaller devices, easier to carry, less likely to be damaged by middle school children.” The cost for the 825 Chromebooks is approximately 0,000. Marnholtz said the iPads would also serve...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson reminds county residents the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 2 Primary Election is 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. If residents have moved from another Missouri county or have moved from another state, the resident will need to register with Johnson County prior to the deadline. If a voter has moved within a county, it is considered an address change. If a voter has moved into a new county, they are considered a new registrant. To register in person, visit the Voter Registration Office in the Johnson County Courthouse in...
JOHNSON COUNTY— The Whiteman Area Leadership Council hosted its monthly meeting on Thursday via Zoom. The meeting had reports from various organizations. Some of the organizations presented and reported on were the Association of Defense Communities, the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commision, and Whiteman Area Base Community Council. Several grant plans and assessments were discussed and sent into the final phase to be approved. Next steps of action and final approvals were all disused and voted on by the board. One of the big things to come out of the meeting was the resignation of the Director of the...
JOHNSON COUNTY— The Johnson County Central Dispatch E-911 is hosting a Meet and Greet Event on June 28th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at their center, 315 Hawthorne Boulevard. The event's purpose is to help educate the community about dispatch and let everyone meet the faces of the staff. “We’ve been having trouble recently with recruiting and people really not knowing who we are and what we do, so we wanted to get the public involved.” Kayla Johnson, the creator of the event said, “We want to be able to open it up for them to see what dispatch...
After one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The Proclamation would take effect on January 1, 1863 if the confederate states did not return to the Union. It established that all enslaved people in confederate states in rebellion against the Union “Shall be then, thenceforth and forever free”. It is believed that Lincoln was against slavery, some would say that he hated it. In a speech he gave in Peoria, Illinois, in 1854 he said "If the negro is a man, why then my ancient faith teaches me that 'all men are...
JOHNSON COUNTY— The Johnson County Central Dispatch E-911 is hosting a Meet and Greet Event on June 28th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at their center, 315 Hawthorne Boulevard. The event's purpose is to help educate the community about dispatch and let everyone meet the faces of the staff. “We’ve been having trouble recently with recruiting and people really not knowing who we are and what we do, so we wanted to get the public involved.” Kayla Johnson, the creator of the event said, “We want to be able to open it up for them to see what dispatch...
Warrensburg’s Reece Nimmo competed in the Missouri Golf Association’s Junior Match Play between Monday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 15, at the Shirkey Golf Club in Richmond. Nimmo made it through two rounds of qualifying with a two-round total of 206, breaking down to 105 in round one and 101 in round two, earning the No. 15 seed for match play. Nimmo faced Marshfield’s Marlee Egeman, the No. 2 seed, in the round of 16 on Wednesday morning. She fell 6&5, translating to Egeman being six holes ahead with five holes left to play.
Two Warrensburg soccer athletes received recognition from the United Soccer Coaches Association. Girls soccer senior Audrey Irmischer and boys soccer senior Aidan McMurphy were tabbed as United Soccer Coaches Senior Excellence Award winners for the 2021-22 seasons. The award allows United Soccer Coaches member coaches the chance to honor one boys and one girls senior student athlete based on their contributions to their team while representing attributes of a high school athlete. Recipients are also selected to represent the finest attributes of a team player, including displaying a positive attitude and leadership. Irmischer and McMurphy exemplify the standards set forth...
WARRENSBURG— The Movie on the Lawn Summer series is back. The series started in May, and since the series was such a success, Warrensburg Main Street decided to bring it back. The next showing for the series will be this Friday, June 17th. The movie showing this time is Spiderman: No Way Home. It will be shown on the Courthouse Lawn starting at sundown, around 8:45pm. Make sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets, since seating will not be provided. The first movie on the lawn was planned by two classes at Sterling Elementary. The first event in May had...
WARRENSBURG — Chairman Pro Tem Tarl Bentley read a proclamation declaring June 19 as Juneteenth Day of Observance in Warrensburg at the Monday, June 13, City Council meeting. The resolution reads “Black Americans came to commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations of new lives and traditions across the country known by many names as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day and Liberation Day … since 2003, Juneteenth has been recognized by law in Missouri as Emancipation Day and dedicated by statute inscribed that ‘Americans devote some part of the day to remember the proclamation that began the full realization for all people in the...
Warrensburg junior Gauge Claunch highlighted local All-State selections by the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association. The All-Johnson County Baseball Player of the Year was the lone area athlete to receive a first team selection, tabbed for the honor as a utility player. Claunch split time as a pitcher and first baseman for the Tigers in 2022. On the mound, Claunch held a 1.00 ERA, while surrendering 25 hits, 14 runs (six earned). He walked 12, hit two by pitch and struck out 69. Claunch and a .881 WHIP and finished the season with a 3-4 record. Fielding, Clunch had...
Jennies basketball’s new assistant coach is taking a step from one NCAA Division II powerhouse to another. Head coach Dave Slifer announced Katie Kirkhart as the program’s next assistant coach in a press release Tuesday, June 14. It marks Kirkhart’s first coaching job, arriving after two years of playing at Drury. "I could not be more excited to be a part of such a great program," Kirkhart said in the release. "I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and can't wait to get to work.” Kirkhart played at Drury during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, helping the program to back-to-back...
While in seminary over 25 years ago, an esteemed mentor asked if I would substitute-teach his class on Christianity at Lutheran College of Nursing. As the grandson and son of nurses who had also worked as a certified nursing assistant and was currently studying for the pastoral ministry, I eagerly said yes. I will never forget his notes on “Jesus as Healer,” which formed the substance of w While in seminary over 25 years ago, an esteemed mentor asked if I would substitute-teach his class on Christianity at Lutheran College of Nursing. As the grandson and son of nurses who...
SEDALIA — On June 11, the Missouri Cattlemen's Association hosted its 19th annual Steak Fry in the Agriculture Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The event is a fundraiser for the association’s Political Action Committee, a reunion for members and a sort of political caucus. According to Missouri Cattlemen’s Association President Bruce Mershon, the fry is about far more than just the steak. It is about connections between the people and those who represent them. “The opportunity for us to gather and influence the political process, that’s what our goal is here,” Mershon said. “This is how we take care...
Wrapping up its second season of existence, the Warrensburg Fishing Team provides an outlet for students to compete outside the world of traditional high school sports and activities. The group's 2022 identity was made up of Gauge Claunch, Max Elliott, Carter Johnson, Eli Anderson, Briggs Claunch, Tristan Blew, Isaac Wade, Blake McBride, Brady Carter, Kaleb Smarr, Tucker Randolph and Dayton Dunn. The Fishing Team is organized by Logan Carter, one of the many who have supported its growth. “It kind of fits a niche for those kids who may not fit into the categories of normal school activity,” Carter said....
WARRENSBURG — The Optimist Club of Warrensburg unveiled a memorial bench in honor of the late Don Schawo at a dedication ceremony Thursday, June 9, at Marr Park. The bench unveiling was kept as a surprise to Schawo’s wife, Jan, who was told the gathering was for maintenance the club does at the park every summer. “Our thing was, we did stuff together … although wives could not be members they did encourage our participation in projects and stuff, so we could do it as a couple,” Jan Schawo said. In 1987, women were allowed to join the club...
James P. Hutchins, 40, was arrested on May 18 after officers responded to a report of larceny in the 500 block of East Young Street. Hutchins was arrested on a charge of stealing - 0 or more - all other larceny. Demarco J. Douglas, 20, was arrested on May 17 after officers responded to a report of a stolen phone in the 700 block of South Maguire Street. Douglas was arrested on a charge of stealing - all other. Melissa L. Seaman, 48, was arrested on May 16 after officers responded to a report of theft in the 300 block...
KNOB NOSTER — While the Warrensburg Farmers’ Market continues to serve Warrensburg over the summer, the Knob Noster Open Air Market is also serving its own community. The Knob Noster market is open every third Saturday from May through October. At this market, Knob Noster’s residents are able to buy a wide variety of products from 65 vendors. Some of these vendors sell things like, antiques, food products, T-shirts, tumblers, and soaps. The market’s administrators are also looking to add some entertainment to the Saturday markets. “On May’s event, we had a band,” said Marty Austin, administrator for the Knob...
WARRENSBURG — David Pearce, executive director for governmental relations at the University of Central Missouri, has an opportunity to impact higher education throughout the state with his recent appointment to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC). An interstate organization, MHEC is a compact that brings together member representatives from 12 midwestern states to develop and support best practices, collaborative efforts, and cost-sharing opportunities. It strives to ensure strong, equitable postsecondary educational opportunities and outcomes for all. According to MHEC President Susan G. Heegaard, MHEC believes that “collaborative actions informed by research and best practices are the catalyst for improving quality,...
Warrensburg Main Street kicked off its Movie on the Lawn Summer series in May and will host the next upcoming movie in June. Each movie in the three-movie series is targeted to reach a different audience.The first movie was directed to youth and families and June will be directed toward teens and young adults. “We hear often there is not much for teenagers to do in town so we wanted to create an event targeted towards them,” said Main Street Assistant Director Jamie DeBacker. “Spiderman: No Way Home” will be showing on the Courthouse Lawn on June 17 starting at...
The Johnson County Republican Women will host a candidate forum on Tuesday, June 21 at the Warrensburg Elks Lodge, 822 E. Young St., as part of their Summer Speaker Series. The forum, moderated by former state Sen. David Pearce, will begin at 6 p.m. with Republican candidates for U.S. House of Representatives District 4 answering predetermined questions. Following a short break, the Republican candidates for Johnson County Presiding Commissioner will begin at 7:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. KOKO will be broadcasting the event for those who can’t attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Wicked Tacos and Street...
Minor injuries reported in June 10 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck June 10 on Highway DD west of Southeast 421 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, driven by Hunter R. Reed, 18, of Warrensburg, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Reed is reported to have minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Western Missouri Medical Center. Reed is reported to have worn a safety device. The Chevrolet is reported to be a total loss. ...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, June 14 Trails Regional Library will host Storytime in the Stacks at 10 a.m. at the Warrensburg branch. Wednesday, June 15 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for...
With summer approaching, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is refreshing the community on water safety, swimming safety, floating safety, and boating safety. MSHP Superintendent Col. Eric T. Olson is encouraging those planning to boat, swim or float in Missouri’s waterways to follow the proper safety protocol to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer. When swimming in the lakes and rivers around Missouri it is important to wear a life jacket, have someone with you, know your swimming ability and stay sober near all water. The unknown under the water's surface can be dangerous. The different lakes and rivers can have...
SEDALIA — Historical Bibles, sometimes forgotten, often leave a trail of documents inside their pages that can lead to descendants. A new Bible Rescue Project has taken life at the Pettis County Museum and inspired a Sedalia woman to learn and return tattered, vintage Bibles to family members. Pettis County Historical Society member Susan Rouchka presented a program on May 23 for members of the society and the Pettis County Museum on the society’s Bible Rescue Project. Rouchka said The Pettis County Museum and Historical Society often receives donated Bibles that have been sold at estate auctions, garage sales or...
Holden baseball closed the 2022 season ranked No. 10 in the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association’s Class 3 poll. The Eagles completed the season with a 17-6 record and won the Class 3 District 14 Championship. They proceeded to fall to Stockton in the sectional round. Stockton ended the year at No. 8, having fallen to Lawson in the quarterfinal. Lawson went on to place third in the state, therefore closing the year at No. 3. Springfield Catholic was No. 2, while Father Tolton was No. 1. Holden was the lone Johnson County team to end the season ranked....
Changes are coming to the formats of several MIAA Postseason Tournaments beginning with the 2022-23 school year. The MIAA approved the shifts in postseason competition for the MIAA Softball and Baseball Championship, the MIAA Volleyball Championship, the MIAA Women’s Golf Championship and MIAA Men’s Golf Championship during its summer meetings last week. The volleyball championship has been shifted from six teams to eight teams, aligning with new NCAA Civic Legislation. The tournament will be played Nov. 10-12 at a to be determined location. MIAA Softball and Baseball Championship formats will now match the format of NCAA Division II regional and...
Central Missouri Speedway hosted its typical slate of racing, alongside guest class Lightning Sprints on Saturday, June 11. The tenth race night of the season included a win from Knob Noster’s Aaron Poe in the POWRi Super Stocks. He marked the lone Johnson County driver to finish in the front in any category. Warrensburg’s Marc Carter and Knob Noster’s Jonathan Evans were each next in line, placing third in the POWRi Super Stock and Pure Stocks respectively. Other winners included Sedalia’s Terry Schultz in the B Modifieds, Odessa’s Tyler Johnson in the Lightning Sprints, Concordia’s Cameron Kelly in the Pure...
COLE CAMP — Well-known contemporary Christian music artist Jonny Diaz, originally from Florida, will perform in Cole Camp next week. The outdoor concert, a first for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, is sponsored by the church’s Luther League and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Cole Camp. According to the Christian Broadcasting Network, Diaz has opened concerts for Steven Curtis Chapman, Mercy Me, Bebo Norman, Building 429 and Shane and Shane. He has also performed at sizable Christian music festivals across the country. He usually travels as an acoustic act but has a group of musicians who play for him for...
Crest Ridge junior pitcher Aubrie Dale received All-State recognition from the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association. Dale’s name was mentioned as a Spring Class 1 second-team pitcher. She helped Crest Ridge to a 12-6 record this season, including a win over state champion Wellington-Napoleon in a regular season matchup. The Cougars were the runner-up in the I-70 Conference Tournament and advanced to the Class 1 District 8 semifinals.
Warrensburg had four mentions on the All-MRVC girls soccer team. Junior Ellie Wiederhoeft, freshman Gabby Fatka, senior Audrey Irmischer and senior Jocelyn Reed each received honors. Wiederhoeft anchored the mentions, being named to the All-MRVC second team. The All-Johnson County Girls Soccer Player of the Year anchored the Tigers’ ball control as a middle defender. Fatka, Irmischer and Reed were each honorable mentions. Fatka tallied five goals and two assists on the season as the Tigers’ striker. Irmischer had 130 saves on the season as the Tigers’ goalkeeper. Reed anchored the defensive effort.
WARRENSBURG — An opportunity for proud plant parents and novice plant people to acquire new plants and or give away plant pups has appeared in the form of a community plant stand. Jess Blevens of Well Planted Greenhouse upcycled the “Little Plant Stand,” with the hopes people would take an interest. The stand is located on Gay Street, across from the ball fields and the Warrensburg Community Center. “I am amazed the plant stand took off like it did,” Blevens said. “It wasn’t even up for 20 hours before people were, like, freaking out about it. It’s kind of cool.” ...
Consistency was the name for Crest Ridge junior Olivia Shippy on the softball diamond in 2022. In 18 games and 56 at-bats, Shippy reached base in 54.5% of her appearances.She tallied 21 singles, three doubles, three triples, eight walks, two hits by pitch, one bunt and two reaches on error. Her offensive performance also included 11 RBI, 24 runs scored and 17 stolen bases. She completed the season with a .464 batting average and a .589 slugging percentage. Playing at the position of catcher, Shippy contributed 10 assists and 160 putouts while catching an opponent stealing three times. Her impact...
Warrensburg girls soccer entered its season knowing one thing: youth would make up its overall look. Of the many names stepping into a contributing role including junior Ellie Wiederhoeft. Wiederhoeft made her impact known in the world of defense and ball distribution. Her contributions led to one goal, one assist and a measurable influence in the form of leadership. She was also the lone Warrensburg athlete to receive recognition on the All-District team. For those reasons, Wiederhoeft is the All-Johnson County Girls Soccer Player of the Year. FIRST TEAM Ellie Wiederhoeft, Warrensburg junior Audrey Irmischer, Warrensburg senior Jocelyn Reed, Warrensburg...
A defending state qualifier, Warrensburg’s Landon Nakoneczny had his eyes on returning to the MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Golf Championship one last time heading into his senior year. His high school athletics career ended by doing just that, making the cut to play amongst the top golfers in Class 4 between May 16 and May 17. He finished 77th with a two-round score of 178 (90-88). His two rounds accounted for the best state score by a Johnson County golfer, sitting three strokes better than Knob Noster sophomore Jonathan Collier. Nakonezny’s senior season also included All-MRVC West status, placing within...
Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow can say they helped Warrensburg boys tennis pick up two MSHSAA Class 1 state titles to its name in 2022. The Tigers’ No. 1 doubles duo, Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow, played their way to a Class 1 doubles championship, arriving a week before helping their team to the Class 1 team championship. The Renfrows earned their championship courtesy of a 4-0 weekend that ultimately ended with a 4-6, 7-5, 10-5 win over Bolivar senior Lathan Martin and junior Kyle Pock in the title match. Jack Renfrow finished the doubles season with a 30-1 singles...
After coming just short of medaling in the MSHSAA Class 1 Championships triple jump as a freshman, Leeton’s Camden Uptegrove went to work. In the year between the 2021 championships and 2022 championships, Uptegrove’s commitment paid off. The Leeton sophomore placed fourth in the Class 1 triple jump with a mark of 12.35 meters. His placement, which developed courtesy of support from offseason jumps coach Chris Goodwin, accounted for the best from an area boys track and field athlete. For that, Uptegrove is the All-Johnson County Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year. The medal accounted for one of...
Liz Stout saved her best performance for last. Stout’s high school athletics career came to an end with her best mark in shot put at the MSHSAA Class 3 Championships on May 27. The senior launched the shot 12.65 meters on her third throw, setting a new Holden school record. It also went down as a second-place finish in the state, accounting for the top area medal across all classifications. For that, Stout is the All-Johnson County Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Stout’s second-place finish put a cap on a year that also included participation in...
At some point in most 2022 Warrensburg baseball games, Gauge Claunch made an impact in one way or the other. Tigers junior defined his name through hitting, fielding and pitching, putting together solid performances in most outings. On the mound, Claunch completed the year with a 1.00 ERA through 42 innings pitched. He appeared in eight games, including 7 starts, completing the season with a 3-4 record. His ERA broke down to 25 allowed hits, 14 runs (six earned 12 batters walked and 69 strikeouts. He reached double digit batters struck out in three games, posting 13 against Boonville, 13...
Simply put, the recipe to a state championship team typically starts with culture. A team’s way develops over time through a combination of things, beginning with the coach introducing it. The rest of the work belongs to everyone. For the 2022 Warrensburg boys tennis team, a championship operation came into orchestration underneath head coach Scott Maple. His athletes bought in, putting in the effort needed to complete the task at hand. Though tennis seems more as an individual sport, community was an overall arch of what helped the Tigers to a championship. There was never jealousy involved, each athlete simply...
SEDALIA — The Sedalia Fire Department has entered into a partnership agreement with State Fair Community College to offer Firefighter I and II courses through the college. “I get emails on a pretty regular basis asking what it takes to get into the fire service,” Shaw said. “It really comes down to five certifications, and four of those come through this program.” Sedalia Fire began teaching the classes at its 16th Street Headquarters six years ago when there was no local instruction available. “Those types of programs were found in the metro areas, so we found ourselves hiring people from...
The Star-Journal has added a new reporter to its newsroom staff. Meliyah Venerable joined the Star-Journal staff as its new reporter this week. Venerable will bring the Star-Journal newsroom back up to full staff with two news reporters and a sports editor; the second reporting position has been vacant since Dustin Steinhoff left the newspaper last fall for a new job. She joins reporter Sara Lawson and sports editor Joe Andrews. “I’m looking forward to working with Meliyah as the newest member of our news staff,” Sedalia Democrat and Star-Journal Editor Nicole Cooke said. “I think she is going to...
Jim Perry has been named publisher of the Sedalia Democrat and Warrensburg Star-Journal, as announced this month by Phillips Media Group, the Star-Journal’s parent company. Perry has a long history with Phillips Media and most recently was the publisher of the Harrison (Arkansas) Daily Times from 2015 to 2021. During that time, he also became the publisher of other Phillips publications, including the West Plains Daily Quill, Baxter Bulletin, and Newton County Times. Perry served as the Phillips Media special projects manager and worked with several Phillips newspapers, including the NEMO Trader, Kirksville Daily Express and Crier. “I wanted to...
Moderate injuries reported in June 6 wreck One person is reported to have moderate injuries from a two-vehicle wreck June 6 on Northwest 1601 Road at Highway 50. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 1999 Ford FS50, driven by Cordell E. Boyd, 27, of Kingsville, failed to yield and struck a 2005 Buick Lesabre, driven by Karla D. McAlister, 65, of Lone Jack. McAlister is reported to have moderate injuries and was transported to Western Missouri Medical Center. Minor injuries reported in June 6 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a...
FAYETTE — The office of Central Methodist University Provost Rita Gulstad has announced the students included on the spring 2022 dean's list. Local students include Grant C. Engel of Kingsville; Carolyne A. Corbett, Jessica N. Adams, Bailey A. Coleman and Lindsey E. Gantz of Knob Noster; Emily D. Millstead and Danielle McCurdy of Holden; Alexa D. Gutierrez, Chantel M. Neal and Chelsea M. Rush of Warrensburg. More than 900 students across all campuses and online learning met the requirements for placement, including a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the semester.
ST. JOSEPH — Olivia Frisbee, of Knob Noster, has been named to the Missouri Western president's list for the spring 2022 semester. To qualify, undergraduate students must carry 12 hours or more for graded credit and earn a grade point average of 4.0 for the president's list.
I think I’ll ride the train next week. I have to meet my kids, who are spending a week at their grandparents’ farm in rural Illinois. As a single traveler, it’s an easy choice. Amtrak is relaxing for me. No need for vigilant driving on Interstate 70. No stressing about putting a couple hundred extra miles on my minivan or spending to fill up my tank. Just me and my snacks and a good book, watching the Missouri farmland go by for only one way! Can’t beat that. I’d like to ride the train more often. The Missouri...
There are so many adults who have grown up in toxic environments. I am one of them. I don’t have the horror stories that many people do and I am grateful for that, but my life growing up was very painful for me. I believe that we only know pain and grief to the level at which we experience it. If a person grows up in a home where drugs are prevalent, there is physical and emotional abuse as well as neglect, they will have a different perspective of a toxic childhood than I do. And that is why it’s...
For many years, the dry white wines of Bordeaux have lived in the shadow of the dynamic red wines from the same district. The sweet white wines of the Graves (Grah-vs) district of Bordeaux also command very high prices, which, to me, has always seemed to be totally unfair. A wine's price should be determined by quality and not by its place of birth. The Bordeaux district produces a great deal of white sauvignon blanc wines and they too deserve recognition. The lack of recognition, however, may be a boon to wine lovers as the price of the Bordeaux white...
WINCHESTER, Va. — Matthew Bissen, of Warrensburg, is one of 958 students to be named on the dean's list at Shenandoah University for the spring 2022 semester. To qualify for the dean's list, students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least 12 semester hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher.
SEDALIA — State Fair Community College has announced the students named to the president’s, dean’s and trustees’ lists for the spring 2022 semester. Local students named to the president’s list include Lance Herrick of Chilhowee; Olivia K. Butler of Holden; Beaux A. Brown and Jordan A. Miller of Kingsville; Peyton N. Anderson, Danielle Blair, Rebecca C. Burch, Madison K. Grant, Chase M. Larocque and Allie Schnorenberg of Knob Noster; Sydnee F. Eastwood, Ally L. Hassler, Tehani L. Kanoa, Amanda R. Padilla, Logan B. Shaw and Raven Sims of Warrensburg; and Shiella N. Cahilig-Bone, Andrea L. Dodd and Karina M. Rivera...
JOHNSON COUNTY — An anonymous tip led the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office to seize 53 dogs from a property in northwest Johnson County. JCSO executed a search warrant Tuesday, June 7, regarding the neglect and abuse of several animals. JCSO worked with the Old Drum Animal Shelter to collect the dogs. Lt. Jeff Parsons said the JCSO received an anonymous tip and made contact at the property in late May in regards to possible animal neglect. “During the course of the interaction, there was evidence of possible animal neglect and abuse that was occurring,” Parsons said. “A search warrant was...
WARRENSBURG — Old Drum Day will be back again this summer on June 11. Hosted on Main Street in front of the historic courthouse, guests will be able to partake in various activities, a food truck, live music, and various vendors in honor of one of Warrensburg’s most beloved dogs, Old Drum. Old Drum was a hound dog owned by Charles Burden. Drum was killed by Burden’s neighbor and brother-in-law, which ignited a trial and brought Old Drum to fame. “The average person will know the phrase, ‘dog is man’s best friend,’'' said Joyce Dorrell, secretary of the Board of...
WARRENSBURG — The Trails Regional Library began its summer reading program on June 1st and will continue until July 29th. The library is hosting the reading program in hopes of decreasing the amount of students that are affected by the “Summer Slide”. “We are doing summer reading, and we have done this for quite a while,” Public Services Manager Tessa Moulton said. “The reason why we do summer reading programs is to help prevent the “summer slide”. What that means is students are out of school for three months. You know they get out in may and go back in...
WARRENSBURG — KMOS PBS and the Runge Conservation Nature Center have partnered to present KMOS PBS Adventure Day beginning at 1 p.m. June 23 at the Runge Nature Center, 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City. The screening is free and open to the public. “KMOS PBS is excited to partner with such an amazing facility at the Runge Nature Center,” Scott Alvested, community engagement coordinator for KMOS PBS, said. “Our goal is to bring our community out to experience all the great resources available and to experience the natural world and all it offers.” During the event, sponsored in part...
JOHNSON COUNTY— The Johnson County Commision announced that the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money will soon be available for eligible applicants through the Johnson County Water Resource Match (WRM) program. Missouri’s Office of Administration says that “Drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects in Missouri are largely underfunded but are critical to protecting Missouri’s water supply. The estimated need to repair and upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Missouri is over billion.” Because of this they have created ARPA. ARPA is a recovery funding program available for State, Local and Tribal governments that have been negatively affected...
WARRENSBURG — Enrico Villegas has joined the City of Warrensburg as the assistant city manager. The assistant city manager role has been vacant since Danielle Dulin, former assistant city manager, was officially appointed to the city manager role in September of 2021. The assistant city manager also serves as the director of Public Works. “In the director role, I directly oversee the operations of Public Works and (wearing) a lot more of the director hat,” Villegas said. “In the assistant city manager side, (I am) trying to also keep in mind the other departments as decisions are being made and...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, June 7 Trails Regional Library will host Storytime at 10 a.m. at Shepard Park. Wednesday, June 8 The University of Central Missouri will host the Together Royal Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the ballroom of...
LAMONI, Iowa — Jordan Brown, of Holden, and Derek Tillotson, of Kingsville, were among those to graduate in spring 2022 from Graceland University.
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — The University of Saint Mary celebrated the close of another academic year and the achievements of the class of 2022 during two commencement ceremonies on May 7 in McGilley Field House on USM's Leavenworth Campus. Kelsey Carter, of Holden, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The 2022 commencement events honored 209 undergraduate degree recipients, 111 master's degree recipients and 41 doctoral degree recipients.
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg celebrated the LGBTQIA community with a pride festival Saturday, June 4, at the Elks Lodge. This was the second year for the festival. The event featured a family-friendly drag show in the morning and an adult-only drag show in the evening, Q and A sessions and vendors available all day. The event was organized by Nclusion Plus.
Brandon I. Turner, 25, was arrested on May 11 after officers responded to a report of a dog left in a cage without food or water in the 100 block of South Holden Street. Turner was arrested on a charge of animal neglect or abandonment - first offense. Jason L. Miller, 39, was arrested on May 10 after officers responded to reports of theft in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Miller was arrested on a charge of stealing - shoplifting. Sammijo M. Miller, 35, was arrested on May 10, after officers responded to reports of theft in the...
WARRENSBURG — Firefighter Daniel Brown of the Warrensburg Fire Department left for Ukraine in early April and spent about six weeks working search and rescue with other volunteers. “I’ve been following the conflict since it first started … I wanted to help and was trying to think of ways I could,” Brown said. “I started seeing pictures of emergency services over there and the conditions they were working in, where they were living and everything they were going through, working 24/7, going through bombings. They could use any and every help possible.” The invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces...
Minor injuries reported in June 5 wreck. Two Knob Noster residents are reported to have suffered minor injuries in a single-vehicle wreck June 5 on County Road Southeast 771. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2015 Ford, driven by Derek Stach, 27, left the roadway and overturned. Stach is reported to have minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Occupant Megan Harris is also reported to have minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Both Stach and Harris are reported to have worn a safety device. The Ford is reported to have extensive...
KANSAS CITY — Frederick Frazier, of Holden, was among the more than 310 undergraduate students at Avila University to be named to the dean's list for the spring 2022 semester. The dean's list comprises undergraduate students who meet requirements in the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Professional Schools, and Science and Health. To be included on the dean's list, students must have successfully completed at least 12 credit hours with at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester.
CENTERVIEW — Former and current students and faculty of the Crest Ridge School District joined Juanita Peaslee to celebrate her 58 years in education on Sunday, June 5, in the Crest Ridge gym. Peaslee graduated from College High in 1951, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Central Missouri State University and started her teaching career in 1955. Peaslee moved back to the area to teach science for sixth, seventh and eighth grade from 1964-82 before moving to the, then newly built, high school where she taught until her retirement this year. “She is no doubt the most...
WARRENSBURG — Turnbow Livestock has been with the Warrensburg Farmers’ Market for more than a decade, making the business a legacy vendor. A legacy vendor is a vendor or booth which has been selling products to the Warrensburg community through the farmers’ market for 10 or more years. Turnbow Livestock sells a variety of meat products such as hamburgers and brats from their farm just outside of Warrensburg. With grilling season in full swing, Turnbow Livestock has also begun to offer some seasonal specials. “We try to do some pointed specials each week for, you know, promoting grilling season,” said...
Warrensburg Middle School has announced the names of students named to the fourth-quarter honor roll for the 2021-22 school year. Sixth grade: Isaak Abello, Brayden Abner, Owen Abrash, Jayden Adkisson, Adeline Applegate, Raygan Bates, Isabella Behrens, Marcus Bolin, Jacob Bott, William Bridgmon, Emily Britton, Taytum Browder, Avery Brown, Harris Brown, Kaelynn Brown, Khloe Brown, Reese Brown, Alayna Bruner, Annika Brunsvold, Bella Bryant, Lucien Bryner, Teagan Buckson, Troy Carpenter, Addison Carson, Brianna Carver, Alyanna Castano, MacKenzie Catron, Morgan Cavender, Jose Cervantes, Ava Chenault, Joseph Chew, Amy Cho, Deacon Claunch, Shealynn Clifton, Jocelyn Clinton, Walker Collins, Stella Cone, Anna Coombs, Tyson Cooper,...
Brennen van Breusegen’s sophomore year will go down as an All-American season. A three-time All-American season, in fact. van Breusegen received first team All-American recognition from the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and National College Baseball Writers Association. He also had second team honors from the American Baseball COaches Association. He has a .428 batting average to go along with 61 runs scored, 86 hits, 16 doubles, thee triples, 15 homers, 68 RBI, a .761 slugging percentage, a .469 on-base percentage and 18 stolen bases in 47 games. van Breusegen was one of three Mules to pick up at least...
Mules golfers of past and present competed in the 2022 Watson Challenge between Thursday, June 2 and Saturday, June 4, at the Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas. Current Mules golfer Calvin Dillon, along with alumni Sam Parrott, Alex Springer, Zach VanDolah and Austin Jarchow competed in pro golfer Tom Watson’s annual tournament to determine the best golfer in Kansas City. VanDolah led the group of UCM golfers in fifth place, posting a two under par 208 (64-73-71). Parrott joined him in the top 10, finishing eighth with a one over 211 (74-68-69). Charcow tied for 12th with...
Central Missouri Speedway hosted its ninth race night of the season Saturday, June 4. The night was highlighted by Concordia native Dave Meyer’s first victory at Central Missouri since May 30, 2009. His win arrived in the POWRi Midwest Mods, accounting for one of five feature races to be held. The Show-Me Vintage Series was the event’s guest. In total, 74 race teams competed at CMS. Below is a complete rundown of results, listed by finish, car number, driver name and starting position. POWRi Midwest Mods - 15 Laps 9-Dave Meyer; 2. 28-Shawn Burns; 3. 10-Cody Bray; 4. 41-Ashlyn Piburn;...
Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Kingsville is hosting an online auction from May 31 to June 11. There are more than 41,200 items available, including 0 in automotive services, 0 in beauty products, a 0 picnic basket set and a new ukulele. Also for bid are dozens of local restaurant and hardware coupons. Bidding can be done by contacting wesleychapelkingsville@gmail.com or from 5 to 7 p.m. June 4 at the church, 1691 NW 200 Road in Kingsville.
Through the month of June, public information videos on specific state parks, including Knob Noster State Park, will be available on the Missouri State Parks website. Videos are also available for Harry S. Truman State Historic Site, Ha Ha Tonka, Katy Trail - Western Section and Rock Island Spur, Wallace and Meramec. Missouri State Parks encourages the public to provide input and comments, as well as submit questions about the park or historic sites and their operations. Park team members will respond to comments, answer questions and provide information. “Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks,” a...
HIGGINSVILLE — Travis Fleming and Julie Johnson received one last chance to coach Leeton girls basketball’s outgoing seniors. Rowan Schmidli and Regan Shaffer played for their high school coaches as part of the Purple at the Lions District 26-M5's 11th Annual All-Star Game on Saturday, June 4, at Lafayette County High School. “It was so much fun,” Fleming said. “That’s why I agreed to be a volunteer to do it. One more time with Ro and Re. They’re like daughters to me. Today, we thought 12-6 (p.m.) was going to be like ‘oh my gosh, what are we going to...
HIGGINSVILLE — Create an All-Star Roster that includes athletes from two elite eight teams, success will likely come. In the case of the Gold at the Lions District 26-M5 11th Annual All-Star Game on Saturday, June 4, that’s exactly what happened. “It’s a privilege (to have played),” Crest Ridge senior Corben Martin said. “I got really excited when they called me and said I could play. When I got to see my team, I got even more excited. I had lots of fun.” Led by Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo and assistant coach Matt Thomas, this year’s Gold team included...
Leeton baseball collected seven mentions on the MSHSAA Class 1 District 10 team. The Bulldogs had three first team honors and four second team honors. Junior Cody Shackelford, junior Cole Wallace and sophomore Camden Uptegrove made up the first tema. Freshman Dylan Shackelford, junior Justin Floyd, junior Grant Harper and senior Ethan Driskill made up the second. Leeton’s season ended with a 2-0 loss to Northwest in the Class 1 District 10 championship. The Bulldogs finished the year with a 13-6 record.
Warrensburg baseball collected seven postseason recognition mentions between the All-MRVC West and All Class 5 District 5 teams. The Tigers had five all-conference team honors represented by junior Gauge Claunch, sophomore Cole Kreisel on the first team, senior Derek Nicas on the second team and seniors Tyler Ward and Antonio Corona on honorable mention. Claunch and Kreisel were also recipients of All-District Honors. Warrensburg finished the 2022 season with a 12-9 record. The Tigers fell to Helias Catholic 2-1 in the first round of the district tournament.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Schools Foundation’s Todd Hamann Memorial Golf Tournament saw its largest turnout on record for the 2022 running of its event, held Friday, June 3, at Mules National Golf Club. The tournament brought in 76 teams, translating to a field of 152 community members participating. It marked the second Todd Hamann Memorial Golf Tournament operated under direction of the Warrensburg Schools Foundation. “This morning, Marilyn (Hamann) said ‘this is so nice to see, Bob,’” Warrensburg Schools Foundation President Bob Lotspiech said. “We had a large turnout, it’s the largest turnout we’ve ever had. The people have been...
Who knew that my column from a mere seven days ago would ring true again so quickly? I feel like I could copy and paste the majority of it here and it would still apply. Different day, different location, similar ending. As someone who writes and edits for a living, I find myself at a loss for words. Any loss of life in such a violent manner is tragic, but to lose more than a dozen young souls, along with several adults, all at once from gun violence feels beyond comprehension. I think we can all agree that when children...
When Kathleen Boswell began planning a trip to Poland to help Ukrainian women and children refugees, she never realized the impact the trip would have on her and those in need. Boswell flew out of Columbia on May 10, routed through Chicago and Helsinki, Finland, to Warsaw, Poland. Her final destination was Wroclaw, Poland, with a population of 750,000. This colorful, old-world city has taken in 300,000 Ukrainian refugees since Putin’s war began on Feb. 24. Through connections, Boswell helped out at the three-story Light Café Church building with Pastor Wojtek Kowalewski and his wife, Agnieszka Kowalewska. Before leaving on...
With Fathers Day rapidly approaching, we should be thinking about what to get DOD (Dear Old Dad) to show our love and appreciation. With the latest gadget being a home cocktail maker, we should also be looking into the ingredients for DOD to make his world-famous “ultimate cocktail.” Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (.99) In my youth, I swore I would never drink a Bourbon whiskey. My reasons were simple; every time I saw a movie where the hero, usually Humphrey Bogart, drank a Bourbon whiskey, they made a terrible face. Too young to realize that the...
“The United States is a bad place to be a baby right now. It’s a bad place to be a mom or a dad or a kid. Since 1973, we have all of us, pro-life or pro-choice, run wild with the assumption that a child is a choice. That society owes nothing to parents and babies. That we’re all in this for ourselves and worst of all, that our values, our economy, all our politics should have some other ultimate goal than making this country a good place to live for those on whom the future of our nation depends.” ...
Starting June 2, the Lyceum Theatre in Arrow Rock will premiere “Shrek: The Musical.” The cast for the kid-friendly production includes Michael Mendez and Marissa McGowan, who are husband and wife in real life. The duo are playing opposite each other in the show, as the titular Shrek and the fair maiden with an ogre of a secret, Fiona. The Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure is based on the popular Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, bringing the beloved characters to life on stage. Both Mendez and McGowan have experience on the Broadway stage, but this will be a first for them...
The University of Central Missouri will host a Professional Training and Education open house from 5 to 6 p.m. June 28. The virtual open house is geared toward adults interested in launching a new career or advancing in their current job. Participants will speak with a UCM expert about training programs, career opportunities and potential scholarships. Each open house is hosted on the last Tuesday evening of each month. Certificate programs include health care, information technology, business, manufacturing and logistics/warehouse. In a partnership with the Full Employment Council, qualifying individuals are able to receive debt-free scholarships. Additional debt-free scholarship...
Eleven people died in traffic crashes over the 2022 Memorial Day weekend counting period of 6 p.m. Friday, May 27 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 30. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 304 crashes with 115 injuries and nine fatalities, 121 driving while intoxicated arrests and 79 drug arrests. Marine operations troopers also investigated 19 boating crashes with 13 injuries and no fatalities, one drowning and six boating while intoxicated arrests. During the 2021 counting period, the Patrol investigated 258 traffic crashes, which included 84 injuries and four of the 10 fatalities. Also, over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday, marine...
Charlie Crockett and Stoney Larue will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 at the Missouri State Fair Grandstand. Crockett is known as an American blues, country and Americana singer and songwriter. Since 2015, he’s released 10 albums, with “Lil G.L.’s Blue Bonanza'' reaching No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Blues Album chart. According to his website, at age 37, and in the six years he’s been recording, he has invested as much time in the studio, recording storytelling songs, and making storytelling videos as he has been performing live shows in the U.S. and Europe. His music is...
Minor injuries reported in May 29 single-vehicle wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries in a single-vehicle wreck May 29 on eastbound Highway 50 at Northeast 801st Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2020 Ford Escape, driven by Keiara Martin, 22, of Sedalia, traveled off the roadway and struck a sign. Martin is reported to have minor injuries and was transported to Western Missouri Medical Center. The Ford is reported to have extensive damage. MSHP was assisted by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Minor injuries reported for driver, occupant in May 29...
Western Missouri Medical Center has launched a new app that offers obstetrics patients childbirth information, engaging tools, and helpful trackers throughout their pregnancy. The app, YoMingo, includes content modules on pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care, giving expecting families valuable resources to use through pregnancy and baby’s first year. Because YoMingo features a variety of useful tools, parents won’t need to download multiple apps. Tools include weekly milestones, contraction timer, kick counter, packing list, feeding log, diaper log, measurements, appointments calendar, immunization log, journal, and education content. WMMC’s YoMingo app is powered by patient education agency Customized...
WARRENSBURG — Despite the rain, the annual Summer Day Camp Program at the Warrensburg Community Center has completed its first week with a record number of kids. “The purpose of the program is to give kids the opportunity to be active during the summer,” Summer Camp Coordinator Ashley Clark said. Clark is a fourth-grade teacher at Martin Warren Elementary School and decided to take on the camp program instead of summer school this year. Clark said the focus statement for the program is to help campers increase social skills, encourage group participation and a sense of belonging, acquire new interests...
UNIVERSITY, Miss. — Adam Patrick, of Warrensburg, was named to the University of Mississippi spring 2022 honor roll lists. Patrick, majoring in Psychology, was named to the chancellor's honor roll, reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.
HASTINGS, Neb. — Hastings College has announced the dean's list for the spring 2022 semester. Elijah Nappe, of Warrensburg, was named to the dean's list having achieved a 4.0 for the semester. Nappe is among the 397 students from 21 states and 10 countries who were named to the dean's list. To be eligible for the dean's list, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.7 to 4.0 scale and be registered for full-time coursework.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Pride Festival is set to celebrate the guys, gals and non-binary pals that make up the LGBTQIA community for the second year. The “Gay Agenda” for the event features drag shows, Q and A’s and vendors throughout Saturday, June 4, at the Elks Lodge, 822 E. Young Ave. Anthony Plogger is the Warrensburg Pride Festival event coordinator and co-owner of Nclusion, based in Columbia. “After such a successful event last year we want to continue the tradition,” Plogger said. “We had such great positive feedback from those who attended that we wanted to keep this tradition...
ATCHISON, Kan. — Mary-Elizabeth Warner, of Holden, Theology and Evangelization and Catechesis major, was among the 314 students to graduate May 14 from Benedictine College.
Another list of All-Central Region Honors has come in for Mules baseball. The NCAA Division II American Baseball Coaches Association All-Central Region teams released Wednesday, June 1. It included four mentions for UCM, highlighted by First Team All-Central Region outfielder sophomore Brennen van Breusegen. The nod marked his third All-Region recognition of the season, as well as recognition as the MIAA Co-Player of the Year and National College Baseball Writers Association Central Region Player of the Year. van Bresuegen finished the season with a .428 batting average, made up of 61 runs scored on 86 hits. He had 16 doubles,...
Another list of All-Central Region Honors has come in for Mules baseball. The NCAA Division II American Baseball Coaches Association All-Central Region teams released Wednesday, June 1. It included four mentions for UCM, highlighted by First Team All-Central Region outfielder sophomore Brennen van Breusegen. The nod marked his third All-Region recognition of the season, as well as recognition as the MIAA Co-Player of the Year and National College Baseball Writers Association Central Region Player of the Year. van Bresuegen finished the season with a .428 batting average, made up of 61 runs scored on 86 hits. He had 16 doubles,...
Mules baseball alumnus Mason Green has been named as the California League Pitcher of the Week. Green received the recognition courtesy of his performance for the Fresno Grizzlies, the Single-A affiliate for the Colorado Rockies, between Monday, May 23 and Sunday, May 29. He had one outing during the span, arriving in a 7-1 victory over the Stockton Ports on Sunday. Green threw for a career-best seven and one-third innings, allowing no runs off three hits and one walk. He struck out nine and threw 99 pitches. The outing marked the latest success story for Green this season. He has...
KINGSVILLE — Jay Fleeman will be beginning his fourth year with the Kingsville School District as the superintendent. Fleeman has served three years as the K-12 principal. Fleeman previously taught physical education and coached football and track and started his teaching career in Nevada before moving to Carrollton then Warrensburg. Fleeman joined the Kingsville School District in 2019 for his first position as a principal and has been in education for 17 years. “Each year of my teaching career I’ve progressed further and further into leadership opportunities and additional responsibilities, so getting into and making the move to administration was...
WARRENSBURG — Defining the qualities of a state champion team was the purpose of celebrating Warrensburg’s MSHSAA Class 1 Boys Tennis Championship on Tuesday, May 31 inside the Warrensburg High School gymnasium. Warrensburg Schools Foundation President Bob Lotspeich summarized it perfectly to open up festivities. “Obviously, it takes talent; that’s a given, '' Lotspeich said. “It takes support, an outstanding coaching staff, great parents and an administration that supports that program as well … But, it is so much more than that. It takes a group of individuals with an inner confidence and inner belief in themselves, and maybe even...
LINCOLN, Neb. — Ellie Russell, of Kingsville, is among 174 Husker undergraduates awarded stipends by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to participate in research with a faculty mentor this summer. Russell, a junior history major, will participate in the project "Petitioning for Freedom: Habeas Corpus in the American West" as part of Nebraska's Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience Program, which supports undergraduates to work with faculty mentors in research or creative activities. Students receive stipends of ,400 to engage in intensive research or creative activity for 20 hours per week. The students' projects span academic disciplines including engineering, chemistry, modern...
KANSAS CITY — Ellan Harder and Lilly Spring, of Holden, and Ruth Engling, of Kingsville, have been named to the spring 2022 dean's list for Rockhurst University. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
SEDALIA — Charlie Crockett and Stoney Larue will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 at the Missouri State Fair Grandstand. Crockett is known as an American blues, country and Americana singer and songwriter. Since 2015, he’s released 10 albums, with “Lil G.L.’s Blue Bonanza'' reaching No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Blues Album chart. According to his website, at age 37, and in the six years he’s been recording, he has invested as much time in the studio, recording storytelling songs, and making storytelling videos as he has been performing live shows in the U.S. and Europe. His...
WARRENSBURG — Firefighters from each of the volunteer fire agencies in Johnson County have volunteered to participate in a study researching health risks associated with the volunteer fire service. The project, conducted through the Rutgers University School of Public Health and NDRI-USA Inc.’s Center for Fire, Rescue and EMS Health Research, is known as the Firefighter Cancer Assessment and Prevention Study. Participants for the study are from Johnson County Fire Protection District, Johnson County Fire Protection District 2, Holden Fire Department and Knob Noster Fire Department. “We were approached by the researchers conducting this study and we sought voluntary participants...
WARRENSBURG — More than 900 flags were placed at the graves of service members on Friday, May 27, at Sunset Hill Cemetery in a joint event organized by the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. In total, approximately 1,100 flags were placed by veterans, active service members, JROTC cadets and civilians at the eight cemeteries in the area. Volunteer and veteran John Chaffee said the placement of flags on graves honors those who served their country. Chaffee has been volunteering for the flag placement event for about three years. He is originally from the Chicago, Illinois, area...
Wesley Chapel Methodist Church is hosting a trivia contest as well as a silent auction from 5 to 7 p.m. June 4. The entry fee for teams of one to five people is . Each team must RSVP at wesleychapelkingsville@gmail.com or 816-718-5792 by May 30. The winning team will receive 50% of the pot. There will be a concession stand available throughout the evening. A silent auction with over 0 dollars in local business’ merchandise and gift certificates will follow the trivia contest. The auction bidding can be placed in person on the night of the trivia contests or online...
The University of Central Missouri will host the Together Royal Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, in the ballroom of the Elliott Student Union on campus. Consistent with the event theme, individuals who donate blood will receive a free limited edition Royals T-shirt. Donors can enter a drawing for a bowling/pizza party for up to six individuals at the UCM Bowling Center in the Elliott Student Union. The Community Blood Center supports 60 hospitals in 70 Missouri and Kansas counties and plasma is always needed. UCM’s Volunteer Services office is helping to coordinate the blood...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, May 31 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, June 1 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday,...
Patrick E. Bell, 21, was arrested on May 2 after officers responded to reports of a known male with an active warrant in the 100 block of East Culton Street. Bell was arrested on a probation and parole violations warrant. Stephen L. Hager, 37, was arrested on May 2 after an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Russell Avenue. Hager was arrested on charges of operation of a motor vehicle without a license, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance - amphetamine, and warrants - other jurisdictions. Brittnee C. Catron, 22, was arrested...
SEDALIA — A Sedalia man has died after exchanging gunfire with Sedalia Police on Sunday evening. According to information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, around 6:18 p.m., the Sedalia Police Department received a call of a male armed with a gun at a residence in the 700 block of West Broadway. The suspect was also wanted for a felony parole violation and other warrants. Officers arrived at the residence, and after a white male matching the suspect’s description fled on foot, officers established a perimeter to contain the suspect. They attempted to make contact with the suspect, later identified...
WARRENSBURG — With sunny skies and wind gusting, community members joined the TRIAD AFJROTC, American Legion Post 131 and VFW Post 2513 for a Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn. Led by emcee Cadet Col. Madeline Souder, of the TRIAD AFJROTC from Knob Noster High School, the ceremony began with an opening prayer from chaplain Tom Patterson followed by the national anthem sung by Lauren Vesecky. VFW Commander Howard Good offered brief remarks before the guest speakers. “We’re here to remember these fallen comrades … We also want to celebrate their lives that they lived,...
SEDALIA — Ragtime music is returning to Sedalia on Wednesday with the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, which will honor women this year. Scott Joplin Artistic Director Bryan Wright, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said the theme this year is “Women in Ragtime.” The theme was originally set for the 2020 festival before the pandemic shut everything down. It was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote. “That was the idea, but of course, 2020 was canceled, and then 2021 was canceled,” he noted. “Rather than abandon the theme, we thought better late...
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to give blood and platelet donations this summer. In memory of Elvis, who was a blood donor himself, and in honor of the new film “Elvis”, the Red Cross is offering a chance to win a VIP trip to Graceland for all blood and platelet donors this June. Any donors during the month will be automatically entered into the drawing. The trip for two includes airfare for the round trip, a three-night stay at the Guest House and a VIP tour experience. Additionally, donors will receive a e-gift card to their merchant...
Celebrate the 30th annual National Trails Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 4 by participating in a scavenger hunt at Knob Noster State Park. Pick up a scavenger hunt list outside the visitor center on the west side porch and hit the trails in search of the listed items. See what you can find, take a picture and share your photos on the Knob Noster State Park Facebook page or by using hashtags #NationalTrailsDay and #NTDKnobNoster. Knob Noster State Park offers a variety of trails with varying distances and levels of difficulty for hiking. Visitors may also...
WARRENSBURG — Each spring, the Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary sponsors the Health Care Career Scholarships for students who are pursuing or furthering their education in any health care field. Recipients are selected by the WMMC Auxiliary Scholarship Committee based on financial need, scholastic ability, work plans and a demonstrated interest in health care. The WMMC Auxiliary has awarded one scholarship of 0 and five scholarships of [post_excerpt],000 to six students total. This year’s [post_excerpt],000 recipients include Amy McCartney, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at Maryville University; Kara Pringle, Paramedic program through Johnson County Ambulance District; Claire Sobaski, Dietetic Internship to...
All the signs are there that we’ve entered the unofficial beginning of summer. The weather has heated up, the trees have filled out with their leaves, we’re mowing the grass every five days, the pool is open, and kids are out of school. Perhaps the biggest marker of all, though, is Memorial Day, a time when we remember and honor those who have died defending our country and defending freedom across the world, but also a weekend when we start our cook-outs and, for many, head out of town for the weekend. I’ve joked with my congregation many times that...
EASTON, Mass. — Carly Russell, of Warrensburg, was among 561 students to process at Stonehill College's 71st commencement on Sunday, May 22.
The Johnson County 4-H Council will host the 20th annual Farm Time Fun competition at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9 on the Johnson County Fairgrounds. This year will again include an adults Farm Time Fun race following the younger kids. The 2022 competition will be a timed obstacle course. The two teams from each age division with the fastest times will move on to the final round. Awards will be given to the top three teams in each age group. There is a fee of per team of four. If registered in time, each team member will receive a...
WARRENSBURG — The American Diabetes Association (ADA), the nation’s leading organization committed to fighting diabetes by driving discovery through research and innovation, intensifying the urgency around the diabetes epidemic and supporting people living with and affected by diabetes, recently announced the recognition of Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) through the Education Recognition Program (ERP). The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) service was originally recognized in 2014. The ADA’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational services meet the National Standards for DSMES. The DSMES Standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in...
LINN — State Technical College of Missouri has announced the local students named to the dean's list during the spring 2022 semester. Mayra Valencia, of Knob Noster, and Connor Burson, Noah Clear and Tyler Hastings, all of Warrensburg, were named to the list.
JEFFERSON CITY — Warrensburg junior Owen Hall chose the perfect time to peak. Competing in the MSHSAA Class 4 Championships long jump, Hall posted a personal record mark of 6.75 meters for an eighth place finish Saturday, May 28, at Adkins Stadium. “It’s crazy,” Hall said. “I honestly never would have thought after my PR being a 5.3 all season to jumping a 6.75 state.” Hall entered the championship seed No. 10 amongst the group of 16 qualifiers with a seed of 6.34 meters. He was .03 meters away from placing seventh. Marshfield senior Peyton Mcbride won the state title...
JEFFERSON CITY — Grace Hill had just enough to finish amongst the top quarter of athletes in the MSHSAA Class 4 100 meter hurdles. The Warrensburg junior finished fourth with a time of 15.27 seconds on Saturday, May 28, at Adkins Stadium. “It feels awesome, honestly,” Hill said. “It’s so awesome that I finished fourth. I honestly wasn’t sure what I was going to come out with. I knew these girls were fast and I was in lane eight. Luckily I just looked forward ahead and didn’t look at anyone next to me. It’s honestly really exciting, it’s cool.” Hill...
Knob Noster track and field was represented by three events in the MSHSAA Class 3 Championships on Friday, May 27, at Adkins Stadium. The Panthers competed in the girls 4x200 meter relay, the girls 4x200 meter relay and the boys 200 meter dash. The 4x400 meter relay was closest to qualifying for finals, with senior Christine Sturgill, senior Samantha Abernathy, senior Abigail Collier and sophomore Sarah McCardell placing ninth with a time of 4:18.20. The group was .62 seconds away from a finals qualification. McCardell, Abernathy, Sturgill and Collier also raced the 4x200 meter relay, finishing 12th with a time...
JEFFERSON CITY — Liz Stout’s high school track and field career wasn’t necessarily a straight shot. The Holden senior’s high school track and field career was far from normal. With COVID-19 canceling her sophomore season and an injury ending her junior year, Stout essentially had two complete seasons The most complete one yet just happened to be her last, placing second in the MSHSAA Class 3 Championships girls shot put Friday, May 27, at Adkins Stadium. “I think I would’ve been a way better thrower if I had the last two years,” Stout said. “Not being able to have those...
At long last, a public school has won the MSHSAA Class 1 Boys Tennis Championship. To make it even better, that school is Warrensburg. The Tigers broke a 35-year streak of private institutions taking the Class 1 state title, claiming their crown Friday, May 27, in Springfield. “Oh my gosh, I don't think we could be more blessed to have the team that we had,” Warrensburg head coach Scott Maple said. “We were so strong all season long in every position. We needed every bit of it today.” The program’s first-ever team championship came to life courtesy of a 5-4...
WARRENSBURG — Who you gonna call? Preschoolers! The students of Ridge View Elementary had their annual Field Day Monday, May 23 with the theme Ghostbusters. Physical Education Teacher Drew Burris said Field Day is usually the last full day of school and he has chosen a different theme for the past 11 years. “It’s kind of boring if it’s just called field day,” Burris said. “So we add a little spice to it. Last year we did a Disney one and all of our stations were named after characters.” This year students, grades preschool through second grade, adventured through 10...
The current economy has caused some very difficult decisions on the part of consumers. Although wine is often considered a luxury item, it has become part and parcel with the American way of life. In fact, rather than declining in these troubled times, wine consumption has increased. The reason for the increase is that while our domestic wines have dramatically increased in price, many foreign wines have remained in the affordable range because the costs to make wine is much lower in their countries, one among which is Chile. And now, I will give you the reasons...
WARRENSBURG — Richard Waltemath was awarded a Quilt of Valor, made by Lorelai Kuecker, 13, in mid-May at the Whiteman Air Force Base Veterinary Clinic. Waltemath retired from 21 years with the U.S. Air Force and has worked for nine years as a clerk at the Veterinary Clinic with Joanna Kuecker, Lorelai Kuecker’s mother. “(I am) very thankful,” Waltemath said. “It was a beautiful quilt. I was very thankful. I was proud to receive it.” Waltemath was awarded the quilt as a surprise. “I knew what a Quilt of Valor was, I just didn’t know they were making one for...
Moderate injuries in May 24 wreck Two people were injured in a single-vehicle wreck on May 24 on Highway 50. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that the wreck occurred when a 2012 Ford Fiesta, driven by a juvenile of Warrensburg, slid off the roadway and struck a ditch. The juvenile is reported to have minor injuries. Jerec Soria, an occupant, is reported to have moderate injuries. The juvenile and Soria are reported to have worn a safety device. The Ford is reported to be a total loss.
On May 12, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced over 8,000 in support of literacy programs in Missouri. “We are proud to offer grants to schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations that help increase access to education and inspire innovation,” said the foundation’s Executive Director, Denine Torr. The following is a list of recipients from the local area and the amount awarded to them. Warrensburg: University of Central Missouri, ,000.
Many in the area are familiar with the contribution Sedalia’s Scott Joplin made to music. Still, many are unaware of another native son, Homer G. Phillips, one of 10 children born in Smithton who grew up to become a Black lawyer. Phillips practiced law in Sedalia for many years and eventually had a public hospital named for him in St. Louis. “Climbing the Ladder, Chasing the Dream: The History of Homer G. Phillips Hospital,” by Candace O’Connor, tells the story of the public hospital built to serve the African American population in St. Louis. The hospital was built in 1937...
After a two-year break due to the pandemic, the Knob Noster Fair is returning once again. While the fair is finally back this year, COVID has certainly left a lasting impact on how events such as this will be planned in the future. “We will have additional handwashing stations out and the food vendors have additional protocol that they have to follow,” said Wendy Buzzanga, who is celebrating her 20th year as fair chair. “We did cancel the last two years. Of course the first year everything was canceled, but in the second year, we really pondered about it a...
WARRENSBURG — The potential of implementing a deer harvest and managed hunt program as a means of population control within city limits was discussed with the Warrensburg City Council and Parks and Recreation Board in a joint meeting May 25. Members of the Missouri Department of Conservation discussed methods for urban wildlife management. The council and board host a joint meeting twice a year to discuss issues that affect both bodies. “We get together twice a year to try to talk about any challenges that Parks is facing, the city is facing and to keep those lines of communication open,”...
Containers are bursting with colorful annuals purchased or started from seed. Annuals provide constant color in pots or gardens. Simple maintenance tasks can keep your plants healthy and blooming. If you have planted small plants, usually those that come in a four- or six-pack, one of the best things you can do is cut the current blooms off. Shocking as it may seem, those blooms are great to show the color but on such small plants, they are taking a lot of energy to maintain. Trimming off the blooms will have advantages. It will allow the plant to put energy...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri has attained candidacy for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics for the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Future Education Model. A process that began approximately two years ago, the university underwent an accreditation process that included an application, self-study and site visit by the ACEND accreditation team. In 2021, UCM was notified that the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition Future Education Model was approved for candidacy. “This is a new master’s degree model that has the didactic coursework and the supervised experiential learning components built in so students...
WARRENSBURG — While Missouri continues to be a significant contributor to efforts to help feed the world, a group of individuals who met on the University of Central Missouri campus are looking for ways to create new opportunities for the sale and production of the state’s agriculture products. The university, on May 19, hosted the Missouri Food Entrepreneur Network Steering Committee for the first time since the organization’s inception in 2019. MO-FEN is an arm of the Show Me Food, Beverage and Forest Product Manufacturing Initiative that is designed to advance new food processing and manufacturing projects in Missouri. Among...
Old Drum Open Mic, designed to provide a venue for the presentation of original and creative works, will feature music, stories, poetry and essays for its next program from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Java Junction, 118 N. Holden St. in Downtown Warrensburg. Prospective presenters can schedule appearances by contacting the Old Drum Open Mic Facebook page. Old Drum Open Mic programs are free and open to the public.
Editor’s note: This column was written before this week’s mass shooting in Texas. Like many of us, I’ve become desensitized to the frequent news alerts on my phone reporting the latest mass shooting or other acts of violence. I’m no longer shocked when I hear of such news, as it probably hasn’t been too long since I read about a similar situation. Different day, different location, same ending. And still, as frequent as these horrific acts of violence may be, I will never be able to wrap my head around the motivation these shooters have for taking the life of...
Warrensburg boys tennis is set to conclude its season in the MSHSAA Class 1 final four Friday, May 27, at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield. Festivities will kick off at 9 a.m. as the Tigers (16-1) meet the Missouri Military Academy (11-1) in the semifinals. Depending on the result, they’ll play Bolivar (15-4) or Clayton (10-6) in either the state championship or third place game at 3 p.m. Friday. Warrensburg, Bolivar and Clayton will be looking to become the first Class 1 public school state champion since St. Joseph Benton in 1987. Missouri Military Academy will have its eye...
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 31
Warrensburg, Knob Noster and Holden will compete in a combined 19 events in the MSHSAA Class 3 and MSHSAA Class 4 State Championships on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28, in Jefferson City. Warrensburg track and field (@WHS_TigersTF) is en route to Jefferson City. The Tigers have 11 events slated to compete in the Class 4 Championships on Friday and Saturday at Adkins Stadium. pic.twitter.com/x41UVbdRTS— Joe Andrews (@ByJoeAndrews) May 26, 2022 Events for Johnson County athletes begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday and run until 6:15 p.m. Most of Friday’s track events are preliminary, with the exception of the 4x800...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg City Council approved a resolution for a new art installation in Downtown Warrensburg at the Monday, May 23, meeting. The interactive art piece will be placed in the 100 block of North Holden Street, where a bench was recently removed. “We recently removed the bench located at Ivory and Lace,” City Manager Danielle Dulin said. “We were having some challenges with folks impeding the sidewalks.” Tiles for the project were completed by the Warrensburg Arts Committee, Warrensburg School District, Johnson County United Way and Warrensburg Main Street. Children’s Memorial Fund The council approved an amendment to...
Pending track conditions, Central Missouri Speedway has three nights of events planned for Memorial Day weekend. Festivities are slated to kick off with a practice session from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 27. Grandstand admission is free, while pit passes are . Holiday weekend racing will officially begin with racing Saturday, May 28. Hot laps begin at 7 p.m., with racing officially launching at 7:30 p.m. The same festivities will follow with a second night of racing Sunday, May 29. The weekend will include special event pricing for tickets, with general admission costing for adults, for...
WARRENSBURG — Old Drum Coffeehouse and Eatery has officially reopened its doors in downtown Warrensburg following a four-month remodel. The coffee shop reopened last month but celebrated the renovation with a grand reopening over the weekend. The remodel features all new paint, equipment, furniture, and lighting. The purpose of this remodel was to update and modernize the aesthetic feel as well as the functionality of the coffeehouse, 211 N. Holden St. “We wanted to make a fresher look,” said Katie Minor, director of operations for the company’s three coffee shops. “Some of the furniture was a little dated and we...
Holden baseball had five selections to the Class 3 District 14 All-District team. The district champion Eagles were represented by junior Garrett Smith, sophomore Aiden Morarity, sophomore Lane Siemer, junior Carson Gard and senior Danny Hartzler. Selections were not broken down to separate categories. Holden completed its season with a 17-6 record, with its season reaching an end with a 3-2 loss to Stockton in the Class 3 sectional round Tuesday, May 24. The season marked the first under head coach Charlie Castle. This year marked Holden’s fight district title since 2013. The Eagles graduate just three seniors in Hartzler,...
Knob Noster had four athletes named to the Class 4 District 13 All District Team. Freshman Trent Gallagher, sophomore Trey Payne, senior Eric Bennett-Wade and senior Zayne Schroeder were each selected to the postseason team. Gallagher and Payne were first team selections, while Schroeder and Bennett-Wade were honorable mentions. Knob Noster fell to Marshall 5-3 in the first round of districts, concluding their first season under Bill Bivins with a 15-11 record. It marked Knob Noster’s first winning season since 2018. Marshall eventually won the district championship before advancing to the Class 4 quarterfinal round. Bennett-Wade and Schroeder were one...
WARRENSBURG — The last baseball team standing in Johnson County saw its season reach an end in the MSHSAA Class 3 sectional round. Holden’s postseason run concluded with a 3-2 loss to Stockton on Tuesday, May 24 at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. It marked the furthest the Eagles have advanced in the playoffs since 2018. “It’s a tough one,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “It could’ve gone either way. It’s kind of our seed, we just probably didn’t hit much to deserve it as much. We had two runs, five hits. We battled. That’s the one thing, we’ve improved...
Justin Moore with Heath Sanders will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug 20 at the Missouri State Fair Grandstand. The concert is presented by CFM Insurance. According to Justin Moore’s website, he is a “multi-platinum hitmaker.” Over the last 10 years, Moore has built a “loyal following” with his traditional county sound. He is climbing the country charts with the single, “With a Woman You Love,” a song that is following the same projection as his 10th No. 1 hit, “We Didn’t Have Much.” Moore is an Arkansas native and his fan base has helped to boost his fifth studio...
Jeremie M. Key, 35, was arrested on April 29 when officers responded to a report of assault in the 500 block of Jefferson Street. Key was arrested on charges of first-degree stalking - first offense, first-degree harassment, unlawful use of weapon, and first-degree domestic assault - first offense. Key was later arrested the same day when officers responded to a report of a violation of an order of protection. Key was arrested on a charge of violation of an order of protection for adult - first offense. Julianna G. Reid, 34, was arrested on April 29 when officers responded to...
Minor injuries reported in May 19 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck on May 19 on Highway 50 west of northeast 801 roads. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2018 Ford Fiesta, driven by Gary A. Dyhouse, 51, of Jefferson City, struck a deer. Dyhouse is reported to have minor injuries. He was treated at the scene. Dyhouse is reported to have worn a safety device. The Ford is reported to be a total loss. Moderate injuries reported in May 22 wreck One person is reported to...
In partnership with Biote Medical, Western Missouri Medical Center is hosting a hormone pellet therapy event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 24 in the Western Missouri Women’s Health Center. Attendees will hear from providers Lynn Birchmier, DO, and Adonius Wright, WHNP, about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how your hormones can impact your overall health. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include: • Reduced mental focus and memory • Fatigue, lack of energy • Difficulty sleeping • Feeling down, mood swings, on edge • Muscle and/or joint discomfort • Reduced sexual desire and performance To learn more and to...
WARRENSBURG — Audiences will not have to chase the White Rabbit to find a place where everyone is just a little bit mad as Central Missouri Repertory Theatre will present “Alice in Wonderland” this summer at several locations. This production of “Alice in Wonderland,” by Lewis Carroll and adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller, features Lewis Carroll as a character, as well as Alice, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the infamous Queen of Hearts. The local performance will begin at 2 p.m. May 29 at the Highlander Theatre on the University of Central Missouri campus. “It’s very fast-paced,”...
The following artists and photographers received awards at the 41st Mid-Missouri Arts Fine Arts Show hosted May 14-15 in the Warrensburg Community Center. Approximately 120 entries by 32 artists and photographers were judged by Norma Herring, of Overland Park, Kansas. Show visitors enjoyed music Saturday afternoon by Gary Moege and Sunday afternoon by the Sunday Schoolhouse Jammers. Artistic Excellence, Best of Show, and People’s Choice awards included a money amount. Honorable Mention Merit awards were recognized with a ribbon. Amateur Best of Show: Frieda Bacon (Warrensburg) “Beauty is Timeless.” Artistic Excellence Awards: Bacon, “Marley” and “Consolation;” Sandra Garber (Warrensburg) “Asian...
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding citizens ahead of the Memorial Day holiday that safety should always be part of your weekend plans. Memorial Day weekend is a highly anticipated opportunity for people to enjoy Missouri’s state parks, lakes, sporting events, and attractions. This means more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all Missouri laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. This...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Farmers’ Market is back once again for the 2022 summer season. This year, the farmers’ market is shining a spotlight on its legacy vendors. Legacy vendors have been selling their goods at the market for 10 or more years. “We’re kind of doing a little throwback to give a little bit of history of the past and present legacy vendors,” market manager Monica Mitcheltree said. “One of the things that we’re trying to make sure of is that we help out and show that they’re here for more than 10 years.” The farmers market is a...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, May 24 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, May 25 The Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau will host an open house at its new temporary location, 200 S. Holden at the...
In celebration of National Infrastructure Week (May 16-20, 2022), Missouri American Water is highlighting its planned investment of approximately 0 million in water and wastewater system upgrades across the state this year. This investment is estimated to create 2,400 direct jobs to support project design and construction, and an additional 3,600 indirect jobs from the indirect and induced spending of the investment, according to the Value of Water Campaign. Crews recently completed a two-phase project replacing 4-inch pipe dating back to the mid-1950s with about 3,200 feet of 8-inch pipe on Holden, Maguire, Colton, and Water streets in Warrensburg. This...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg School District celebrated the achievements of 208 students during the 2022 Warrensburg High School Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 21, in the Multipurpose Building at the University of Central Missouri. Graduates were congratulated by Superintendent Andy Kohl, WHS Principal Bret Pummill and Warrensburg Board of Education President Scott Chenault. The commencement address was presented by Jerry Crouse, WHS counselor, who is set to retire this summer after 12 years with the district. Graduates Warner Short and Jordan Wittmaier each presented a class address. Prior to the presentation of candidates for graduation, graduates and their families heard...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Ambulance District highlighted the history of its founding during the celebration of its 20th anniversary Thursday, May 19. JCAD was founded in 2002 with the passage of a ballot measure in a special election April 2, 2002, and the ambulance district was fully operational with three vehicles in 2003. Mary Kidd is credited with leading the initiative to establish an ambulance district in Johnson County. “I hate to admit this, but when I was a young adult, I didn’t give a second thought to ambulance service,” Kidd said. Kidd shared a story of how she...
Warrensburg junior Ellie Wiederhoeft received a mention on the Class 3 District 7 All District team. She was the lone Warrensburg girls soccer player to receive postseason district honors. The Tigers fell to eventual district champion Smith-Cotton in the district quarterfinals. Warrensburg finished the season with a 3-17 record.
WARRENSBURG — There will not be Memorial Day weekend competition for Mules baseball. Central Missouri’s season reached an end with a 9-5 loss to Augustana in the final game of the NCAA Division II Central Region Warrensburg pod Sunday, May 22, at Crane Stadium. “It’s a really good team we’re facing,” Central Missouri head coach Kyle Crookes said. “There’s a small margin of error there. We put Collin (Jones) in position on short rest. He had to be really good. I think if you ask Collin and the competitor he is, he’ll tell you that he wasn’t at his best....
JEFFERSON CITY — Rain inevitably changed plans for all field competiton in the MSHSAA Class 1 State Championships on Saturday, May 21 at Adkins Stadium. A reduction from six jumps to four in order to reach a medal in the triple jump was no problem for Leeton sophomore Camden Uptegrove. He finished fourth with a mark of 12.35 meters. “I didn’t do my greatest jump,” Uptegrove said. “I didn’t even do close to my PR. I was hoping to get third. I tied for third, but because of my other jump I got fourth. I’m fine with fourth, I got...
JEFFERSON CITY — Weather delay meant more team bonding for the Leeton girls 4x200 meter relay prior to its final race of the 2022 season. Once senior Hailey Bingaman, senior Regan Shaffer, junior Jordan Crooks and freshman Jayden Parsons’ time to shine arrived in their Class 1 MSHSAA Championships medal race, the extra time to enjoy the moment paid off. “It was very nerve racking coming into today,” Crooks said. “With it being cold and raining all of this morning, I think just sitting around here and getting used to the environment really helped us. Just being calm, this was...
Warrensburg boys tennis’ top doubles team of senior Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow are state champions. Jack Renfrow (29-1) and Sam Renfrow (26-1) earned their MSHSAA Class 2 doubles championship with wins over Bolivar senior Lathan Martin and junior Kyle Pock on Saturday, May 21 in Springfield. The championship match went into a tiebreaker, with Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow coming back to win after dropping set one. The final score was 4-6, 7-5, 10-5. Their tournament began with a 6-2-6-4 win over Forsyth junior Jaden Campbell and senior Kollin Kolb and a 6-2, 6-4 win over Notre Dame...
Johnson County will be represented by 19 different events at the MSHSAA Class 3 and Class 4 Championships on Friday, May 27, and Saturday, May 28, in Jefferson City. Athletes from Warrensburg, Knob Noster and Holden punched their tickets to state in their respective state meets on Saturday, May 21. Warrensburg’s Class 4 sectional was held at the Warrensburg Activities Complex while Knob Noster and Holden’s Class 3 sectional was held at Odessa High School. Holden had the lone sectional champions, with freshman Kia Harmon winning the girls high jump and sophomore Masyn Powell winning the boys 300 meter hurdles...
JEFFERSON CITY — Day one of the Class 1 MSHSAA Championships included four qualifications for championship races for Leeton. The Bulldogs reached guaranteed medals from junior Jordan Crooks in the 100 meter dash, senior Regan Shaffer in the 300 meter hurdles, the girls 4x200 meter relay and the boys 4x400 meter relay. Crooks placed eighth in the preliminary running of the 100 meter dash, crossing the finish line with a time of 13 seconds. Shaffer had a fifth place finish in the 300 meter hurdles preliminary race with a time of 49.19. Consisting of senior Hailey Bingman, Crooks, freshman Jayden...
The Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College will host, at no cost, a one-hour webinar that addresses and focuses on risk mitigation, unexpected disruptions and planning needed for business sustainability and success. The webinar Business Recovery, Resiliency and Growth will be from noon to 1 p.m. May 31. This course is available only for residents in Johnson, Pettis, Saline, and Lafayette counties. Registration is required, and seating is limited. The webinar link will be provided after registration. Participants will learn how to identify key resources, employees, goals, and threats. How to plan for impacts...
WARRENSBURG — Local creatives lined the streets of downtown Warrensburg for the second Warrensburg art walk of the summer season on Wednesday, May 18. Hosted by Warrensburg Main Street, the art walk is in place to encourage creativity in downtown Warrensburg. “Bringing art to downtown is one of our main goals,” Iliana Lohraff, events coordinator for Warrensburg Main Street, said. “So this is obviously a way we can promote that mission.” From jewelry to music to quilts and much more, the art walk included a wide variety of pieces for visitors to enjoy. The art walk featured some artists who...
WARRENSBURG — Pastor Heather Jepsen has been leading the First Presbyterian Church in Warrensburg for the last decade, creating a more inclusive environment and continuing the church’s commitment to helping the community. 2022 marks Jepsen’s 16th year in ordained ministry. Her first church was in a small town in Washington state, which is where she’s from, and then her family moved to Warrensburg in 2012. Jepsen, her husband Lars, son Henry and daughter Olivia have been in the ‘burg ever since. Jepsen took what some may see as an unusual path to ministry. She said she didn’t grow up in...
WARRENSBURG — The Star-Journal has welcomed a news intern for the summer. Dillon Seckington will be spending the summer months working in the Star-Journal newsroom as he learns more about community journalism. “I’m excited for the second year of our internship program at the Star-Journal, and especially that we get to host another journalism student from the University of Central Missouri,” Editor Nicole Cooke said. “I’m looking forward to working with Dillon as he helps our newsroom provide more community content for readers.” Seckington is helping with community news coverage this summer, writing articles on a variety of topics for...
That’s the last time I’ll complain about damp, cool weather in May. I read last week that the Jan. 6 committee has issued subpoenas to five members of Congress who appear to have taken part in the insurrection last year. The five had previously been asked to interview with the committee to tell their part of the story, but had indignantly declined, calling the committee’s activities a “witch hunt” and the committee itself “illegitimate.” I am puzzled by their actions, as well as their continued denigration of the committee. I am, moreover, gobsmacked by members of Congress’ calling the riot...
A week and a half ago, I had major back surgery. It has left me alone with my television, as the medication skews my ability to read. I needed a break from the news and documentaries, so I searched Netflix for a comedy. I came across the movie “Senior Year” and thought I would give it a try. The acting wasn’t the best, but the storyline was fun. A young girl (coincidentally named Stephanie) had successfully gained the popularity that she had always dreamt of, when she was purposely dropped during a cheerleading stunt, leaving her in a coma for...
It is easy to find a good wine at a premium price but finding wines that are both good and affordable these days can be rather difficult. Knowing this, I donned my Sherlock Holmes deerstalker hat, took up my magnifying glass and with my dog Watson, went on a quest to find some interesting wines that would not break the bank. I hope the reader has not tired of my mentioning that the prices I list are the MSRP, the manufacturers suggested retail price. Lower prices, and often considerably lower prices, can be found on the internet. If you are...
SEDALIA — Women will be the focus of an art exhibit opening Friday at the Hayden Liberty Center and will identify with the theme for this year's Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, "Women in Ragtime." The exhibit by Neva Wood, now of Jefferson City and former professor of art and department chair at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, focuses on women in her life, including family members, friends and models. "The Liberty Center Association for the Arts is thrilled that Neva Wood has agreed to showcase her art these next few weeks in two of the LCAA galleries,"...
American rock bands Tesla and Fuel will perform on the State Fair Grandstand stage, presented by CFM Insurance, on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Missouri State Fair. Tesla’s legacy is alive and well as they continue to record and perform at venues all over the world. Their list of hits, starting with their album “Mechanical Resonance,” which debuted in 1986, went platinum with iconic hard rock hits including “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi.” Their follow-up album, “The Great Radio Controversy,” produced double-platinum sales figures with the album’s first single “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and the ballad “Love Song.”...
WARRENSBURG — The American Legion Post 131 and VFW Post 2513 in Warrensburg will host several events during Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 27 to Tuesday, May 31. The two veterans organizations will oversee the placement of flags on the graves of approximately 1,100 veterans at eight cemeteries in the Warrensburg area. Sunset Hill Cemetery is the largest of the eight and will have flag placement starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Service members and family from Whiteman Air Force Base along with cadets from the TRIAD AFJROTC from Knob Noster High School will assist in placing the flags. On Monday,...
U.S. Bank customers can now use the new UCM Mules Affinity Visa debit card, which allows University of Central Missouri students, alumni, employees and the community at large to showcase their university pride while making financial transactions. The UCM Mules card launched May 15 and features an image of the university’s mascot, Mo the Mule. “We are thrilled the University of Central Missouri is able to continue our 15-year partnership with U.S. Bank and provide our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community with this great opportunity to show their UCM pride,” said Vice President for Student Experience and Engagement Shari...
The University of Central Missouri has received a long-term rating of “A+” by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings for the fifth consecutive year regarding its Missouri Health & Educational facilities Authority’s series 3013C, 2018A, and 2018B educational facilities bonds. In addition, as a result of UCM’s dedication to sound financial operations, the rating includes an improved outlook, going from “negative” to “stable.” In its rating action, S&P Global noted, “The outlook revision reflects our view of a third consecutive year of positive full-accrual operating performance due, in part, to management’s proven ability to make material adjustments to its expense...
Southern New Hampshire University released its winter 2022 president’s list. The following local students were recognized: Warrensburg: Kathleen Creighton, Seth Burks, Candis Edington, Chloe Berridge Whiteman Air Force Base: Britney Hodges Knob Noster: Aslynn Hubbard, O'Corye' Atkins, Valencia Jarrett, Jonathan Van Malsen Centerview: Kayleigh Michalski
Laney Owsley, a graduating senior at Chilhowee R-IV High School, has won a ,000 MFA Foundation Scholarship. Owsley is the child of Matthew and Deanna Owsley. She plans to attend State Fair Community College in Sedalia.
Samantha Callahan, a graduating senior at Crest Ridge R-VII High School, has won a ,000 MFA Foundation scholarship. Callahan is the child of TJ and Kari Callahan. After graduating, she plans to attend the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
The Todd Hamann Memorial Golf Tournament will be June 3 at Mules National Golf Club. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The cost is 0 for a two-person team or 5 for an individual golfer. For more information, contact the Warrensburg Schools Foundation at 660-747-7823 or foundation@warrensburgr6.org or visit WarrensburgFoundation.org.
Adam Patrick, of Warrensburg, graduated from the University of Mississippi on May 17. As a psychology major, Patrick received a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Liberal Arts.
University of Central Missouri Vice President of Intercollegiate Activities Jerry Hughes is the recipient of the 2022 Division II Conference Commissioners Association Award of Merit. The award is considered to be the highest honor presented by the D2CCA, recognizing those who go above and beyond in elevating NCAA Division II membership and the student athlete experience. "Jerry has been associated with the University of Central Missouri for over 50 years, first as a student-athlete and for many years as an administrator,” D2CCA President and Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Commissioner Daniel Mara said in a release. “He has had far-reaching impact...
Crest Ridge baseball had four athletes named to the Class 2 District 14 All-District Team. Freshman Wyatt Ducos, senior Jackson Nimsgern, sophomore Conner Buttram and sophomore Daniel Doak were all mentioned. Ducos and Nimsgern were first team athletes, Buttram was second team and Doak was honorable mention. Crest Ridge beat Archie in the district quarterfinals before falling to Lone Jack. Lone Jack lost to St. Paul Lutheran in the district championship. Crest Ridge finished its season with a 13-14 record.
Mules golf finished at the top team in the stroke play portion of the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championships, played between Monday, May 16, and Wednesday, May 18 at the TPC of Michigan in Dearborn, Michigan. The Mules posted a three-round sum of 890, accounting for 26 over par. They had a 300 in round one, 292 in round two and 298 in round three. Redshirt junior Nick Westrich tied for third with a one-under 215 (71-72-72), redshirt senior Sam Parrott placed 19th at 224 (77-75-72), redshirt sophomore Thomas Henson tied for 24th at 225 while redshirt freshman Alex...
Central Missouri track and field qualified 18 student athletes and one relay for the NCAA Division II outdoor championships. UCM had eight Mules and 10 individual Jennies and one Jennies relay make the cut for the national championship. The NCAA limits the entries for each event to a certain mark or number of athletes. Sophomore Reagan Ulrich had the highest ranking on the men’s side, holding the nation’s top PR in pole vault with a height of 5.41 meters. Sophomore Antonio Lay had the nation’s second-fastest time in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.10 seconds. The top...
A trio of Mules baseball athletes have garnered 2022 Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-Central Region Senior pitcher Collin Jones, sophomore outfielder Brennen van Breusegen and sophomore designated hitter Garrett Pennington were announced as recipients of the postseason award on Wednesday, May 18. It marked the second recognition for the trio this postseason, joining All-MIAA honors for each. As the Mules’ No. 1 pitcher in the rotation, Jones holds a 3.48 ERA behind a 9-0 record in 14 starts. He has pitched 62 strikeouts and 16 walks through 75 innings. Jones has also posted a single complete game and shutout. ...
Leeton baseball punched its ticket back to the district championship courtesy of a 10-0 win over Lutheran KC on Tuesday, May 17, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs (13-5) scored a run in each inning of the six-frame contest. It started off with a two run first inning and a three run second inning. Six of Leeton’s nine batters finished the game 2-for-4, represented by senior Ethan Driskill, freshman Dylan Shackelford, junior Cody Shackelford, junior Justin Floyd, sophomore Camden Uptegrove, junior Cole Wallace and freshman Julian Floyd. Justin Floyd led with a game-high three RBI while Uptegrove ahd two. Other...
HOLDEN — Before post game breakdown conversations even began, a Gatorade shower greeted Holden baseball head coach Charlie Castle. After spending 19 seasons as an assistant within the program, Castle experienced winning his first district title as a head coach on Tuesday, May 17. The Eagles beat St. Michael the Archangel 5-1. “It feels great,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “A lot of credit goes to Coach (David) Riley,” Castle said. “It’s his program. I’m excited for all of these kids. It’s great to get another banner up there on the wall. We want to ride this as far...
Knob Noster sophomore Jonathan Collier completed the Class 2 MSHSAA Championships tied for 32nd. Collier posted a two-round sum of 181 between Monday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 17, at the Columbia Country Club in Columbia. He posted an 88 in round one and 93 in round two. He shared 32nd with Barstow sophomore Paranjay Sharma. Collier was the lone Knob Noster golfer to qualify for state. Hermann sophomore Trigg Lindhal was the individual champion, posting a gross of 148. He had a championship-low 70 in round one before posting a 78 in round two. California finished as the team...
Warrensburg senior Landon Nakoneczny finished the MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Golf Championships tied for 77th place. The lone Tigers golfer to qualify for state posted a two-round total of 178 between Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17, at the Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield. He had a 90 in round one and an 88 in round two. He shared 77th place with St. Dominic junior Gaven Ramirez. Bolivar senior Aiden Asby won the individual championship with a two-round sum of 144. He shot 73 in round one and 71 in round two. Webster Groves captured the...
COLUMBIA — Columbia College recently announced the dean's list for the 2022 spring semester. Local students include Montana Mistler of Centerview, Gavin Jones of Knob Noster and Meredith Palmer of Warrensburg. To be named to the dean's list, a student must have completed 12 semester hours in a 16-week period and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale.
The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at State Fair Community College will host, at no cost, a one-hour Grow with Google Digital Skills for Everyday Tasks webinar from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, May 19, online. Seating is limited, and registration is required. In today’s market, 81% of consumers visit a business’s website before buying. National Grow with Google speaker Bryan Caplan will present Digital Skills for Everyday Tasks using Google to help owners improve websites and promote their businesses online. He will discuss best practices on creating a free Google Business listing and advertising on Google. Caplan will...
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — Shruti Karne, of Warrensburg, has graduated from the University of the Cumberlands with a Master of Science in Information Technology. A total of 2,068 graduates received their degrees from Cumberlands.
The Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee will conduct the annual Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the gravesite of Air Force 2nd Lt. George A. Whiteman at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21. The site is located in the Memorial Park Cemetery, at the intersection of 32nd Street and Green Ridge Road in Sedalia. At 11:27 a.m., a flyover of four T-38s from Whiteman Air Force Base is scheduled to perform a missing man formation, weather permitting.
The Central Missouri Coin Club will host its 62nd annual Coin, Stamp & Hobby Show from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 20 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1708 Elm Hills Blvd. There will be 27 tables and people can buy, sell or trade coins, currency, stamps and collectibles. There will be drawings for door prizes. Lunch on Saturday is provided by the Daughters of Isabella. Admission is free.
The Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College, The LearningForce and the University of Central Missouri will host a no-cost Electric Arc Safety training from 2 to 5 p.m. May 24 in Yeater Learning Center, Room 148, on the Sedalia campus. The training was developed and funded under OSHA Susan Harwood Grant and is available only to participants from small businesses (250 employees or less). Seating is limited, and registration is required. This interactive training provides participants with knowledge of electric arc behavior and injury prevention by using laboratory and real-life arc videos. Participants will learn the...
CENTERVIEW — Members of the Gilead Rupe Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution located in Odessa hosted a grave marking on Sunday, May 15, for Revolutionary War soldier Moses Ferguson buried at Blackwater Cemetery in Centerview Ferguson was a private serving in the 1st South Carolina Regiment. At the age of 19, Ferguson mustered out of service two months after the British surrender at Yorktown. By 1831, Ferguson and his family moved into Lafayette County and finally into Johnson County where he died March 15, 1845. Ferguson is one of two American Revolutionary War soldiers buried in this historic cemetery. ...
Cleven O. Arnold Jr., 27, was arrested April 18 on a Johnson County warrant. Arnold was later arrested the same day when officers conducted a subject check in the 200 block of East Young Street. Arnold was arrested on a charge of driving while suspended. Larry E. Labbee, 39, was arrested April 18 when officers conducted a traffic stop at South Maguire Street and East Hale Lake Road. Labbee was arrested on a charge of driving while suspended/revoked. Sparlow E. Jackson, 37, was arrested April 18 on a warrant in another jurisdiction and a charge of possession of marijuana. Emily...
Community Blood Center (CBC) announced a blood emergency, as school breaks and increased travel have caused an alarming drop in donations over the past month. The blood supply currently stands at a two-to-three-day level, with types O and B at just a one-to-two-day supply. This is well below the ideal inventory of five to seven days. The local blood supply has still not recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and is not able to sustain significant drops in donations. The shortage has recently reached emergency levels due to school breaks and increased travel, resulting in a dramatic drop...
FLORENCE — In time for the summer season and the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Diamond S Ranch is opening its glamping, camping, hiking, and wedding services. Donnie Sattler, a captain with the Sedalia Fire Department, and his wife Stefanie Aziere-Sattler, a local artist who works for the Hayden family, own the Florence-based business. Tucked back in rural Morgan County on 60 acres, the couple has created a peaceful getaway. So far, they have created a hiking loop, two large glamping (tent) sites, a 6-acre lake, and are building a treehouse camping site with plans for a lodge cabin. Diamond S...
WARRENSBURG — Come, Sip, Shop returned for its second year, featuring wines and spirits from across Missouri served in various businesses in Downtown Warrensburg. The annual event is organized by Warrensburg Main Street and the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce. The featured spirits include Boulevard Brewing Company of Kansas City, Logboat Brewing Company of Columbia, KC Bier Company of Kansas City, Wildlife Ridge Winery of Smithton, Top Hat Winery of Independence, Les Bourgeois Winery of Columbia, J. Rieger and Co. of Kansas City and Phantom V Distillery of Warrensburg. Participating businesses were 118 Cakery, Awesome Blossoms, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Crave Boutique,...
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Larry Jennings has announced the promotion of five firefighters to the rank of lieutenant. The promotional process included written examinations, fire scene and personnel management scenarios and a panel interview. “It is exciting to see advancement within our agency and in the fire service,” Jennings said. “Each of these individuals stood out throughout the promotional process and in their everyday service to the district. We also have the privilege of watching two of our members who began with the district as Junior Firefighters advance into an officer position.” Station 4 –...
WARRENSBURG — The Missouri Department of Transportation will host a public hearing later this week regarding Highway 13. The hearing will discuss road improvements on Highway 13 from Interstate 70 to Route 50. MoDOT Project Manager Jodie Puhr said the hearing will allow the department to show the public what it proposes for Route 13 and an opportunity for public comment. She explained that MoDOT is proposing to add four passing lanes, two northbound and two southbound, from I-70 to Route V at the roundabout. There would also be a two-way left-turn lane on the south end, around County Road...
Our culture has been in conflict over the issue of abortion for decades. Recently, the issue came before the Supreme Court again. The case they considered allowed the court, which is heavy with strict constructionists, to revisit Roe v. Wade. Under the view of interpreting the Constitution, according to its original writing and the intent of its authors, the current Court appears to have determined that Roe was wrongly decided, and the issue needs to be returned to the people and their elected representatives. This decision was being arbitrated amongst the judges by circulating a draft to communicate positions and...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, May 17 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, May 18 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday,...
Holden baseball opened districts with an 8-1 semifinal win over Butler on Monday, May 16, in Holden. The Eagles (16-5) were anchored by a complete game outing from sophomore Lane Siemer. He walked four and struck out seven while allowing one unearned run. Junior Carson Gard recorded two hits, including a three RBI double. He drove in two runs in the second. Freshman Kale Tryon netted three RBI. The other runs came through junior Justin Radunsky, freshman Aiden Christian and junior Garrett Smith. Holden returns to action Tuesday, May 17, as it hosts St. Michael the Archangel in the district...
Leeton baseball opened districts with a 14-4 win over Kingsville on Monday, May 16, at Leeton High School. The game was relatively close up until the fifth inning, where the Bulldogs scored 10 runs to earn the run-rule victory. Leeton (12-5) started off with two runs in the first, including an RBI single from junior Justin Floyd to score senior Ethan Driskill and Floyd stealing home to score. Kingsville (2-4) tied it up at two in the top of the second thanks to an RBI single from freshman Aaron McClellan and a bases loaded walk. Leeton made it 4-2 in...
Crest Ridge’s season reached an end with a 9-4 district semifinal loss to Lone Jack on Monday, May 16, in Lone Jack. The Cougars (13-14) fell behind 4-0 by the end of the second inning, but added four between the third and fourth innings. Lone Jack proceeded to outscore Lone Jack 5-0 in the last three innings. The game included a 3-for-4 day from sophomore Daniel Doak. He also had two RBI. Senior Dalton Wilhite contributed another run. The other run arrived through an error. Junior Caiden McKenzie pitched through the first 4 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs (five earned)...
Warrensburg baseball’s season reached an end with a 2-1 loss to Helias Catholic on Monday, May 16, at the American Legion Sports Complex in Jefferson City. None of the Crusaders’ runs were earned, with the first arriving on a dropped third strike in the second inning and the second arriving through an error by senior left fielder Brett Marnholtz in the bottom of the fifth. Warrensburg (12-9) briefly tied things up at the top of the fifth courtesy of an error off a sophomore Cole Kreisel bunt scoring senior Antonio Corona. Warrensburg recorded five hits in the game, including a...
INDEPENDENCE — Warrenburg boys tennis’ appearance in the Class 1 quarterfinal round ended up exactly how head coach Scott Maple envisioned. Thanks to a 5-3 win over Savannah on Monday, May 16, at Santa Fe Park, the Tigers are heading to the final four. “I had a dream at the beginning of the season, before the season even started, that we won this match 5-3,” Maple said. “We won this match 5-3. We’re calling it a premonition now. The boys said ‘I hope you have more premonitions.’ I said ‘I do.’” Warrensburg’s (16-1) win became official courtesy of senior Nolan...
Moderate injuries reported in May 13 wreck One person is reported to have moderate injuries from a single-vehicle wreck May 13 on Southwest 910 Road east of Southwest 21 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2007 Buick Lucerne, driven by Barbara J. Smith, 60, of Leeton, attempted to avoid a deer in the roadway, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a post before coming to rest in a shallow creek. Smith is reported to have moderate injuries and was transported to Western Missouri Medical Center. Smith is reported to have...
An exhibit exploring the varied concepts of spirituality will open on June 1 at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. A first of its kind, the exhibit was delayed twice due to the pandemic. The Great Gossamer 2022 Exhibit will take place in the Art Center Gallery on the UCM campus, with a three-day opening from June 1 to June 3. The exhibit, organized by scientist and author John Hess and artist Rich Monson, will run through July 7. Information provided by the pair notes that “spirituality is a gossamer-thin aspect of human nature, critical in the search for...
WARRENSBURG — The Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual First Responders Lunch on Friday, May 13, at Rib Crib. Johnson County agencies in attendance included the Warrensburg Police Department, Warrensburg Fire Department, Johnson County Ambulance District, Johnson County Fire Protection District, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and University of Central Missouri Public Safety. The event was sponsored by Rib Crib, Central Bank of Warrensburg and Missouri Farm Bureau
As expected, Mules baseball is the No. 1 seed of the NCAA Division II Central Regional. UCM learned their official seeding during the NCAA Division II selection show on Sunday, May 15. The top spot guarantees Central Missouri home field advantage throughout the entirety of the regional. The Mules’ (43-7) path will begin against No. No. 8 Ouachita Baptist (32-22) at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19. No. 4 Minnesota State (39-7) will take on No. 5 Augustana (44-10-1) in the other Warrensburg based matchup, scheduled to be played at 3 p.m. The other half of the regional will take place...
A full day of baseball turned out to be rewarding for Mules baseball on Saturday, May 14, in Edmond, Oklahoma. In a span of nine hours, Central Missouri found its way to two straight wins against Washburn, earning the program’s fourth straight MIAA Championship Tournament title. The Mules opened the day with a 16-13 win after 10 innings before following up with a 10-5 win. “The boys showed a lot of determination, a lot of resilience,” Central Missouri head coach Kyle Crookes told Bob Jackson on the Central Missouri Sports Network. “Obviously, I’m proud of their willingness to just stay...
Leeton was the lone area team to advance athletes from the Class 1 and Class 2 sectional meet Saturday, May 14, at West Platte High School. The Bulldogs qualified six athletes for the Class 1 championships, moving six events on from the girls side and two on from the boys. Leeton’s day was highlighted by a trio of second place finishes, arriving from junior Jordan Crooks in the 100 meter dash, senior Regan Shaffer in the 300 meter hurdles and sophomore Camden Uptegrove in the triple jump. Crest Ridge competed in seven events at the Class 2 sectional, with the...
Holden and Knob Noster put a combined 18 events in the top four at the Class 3 District 7 meet on Saturday, May 14, in Buffalo. The Eagles led the way with 14 medalists, 10 arriving on the girls side. The Panthers had five medalists, four from the girls. Holden’s day was highlighted by a championship from sophomore Masyn Powell in the 110 meter hurdles, completing the event in 15.68 seconds. The Eagles’ day also included freshman Kia Harmon qualifying for sectionals in the 100 meter dash, high jump and long jump. She finished third in each. Knob Noster’s day...
GRANDVIEW — Warrensburg track and field’s final path to Jefferson City began with a MSHSAA Class 4 District 7 championship for the boys team. The Tigers took the district title thanks to a 139 point performance on Saturday, May 14 at Grandview High School. The boys had four district championships and qualified 16 for the sectional meet. “It was a huge, huge team win,” Warrensburg head coach Brad Small said. “We had lots of guys that performed well in the face of adversity. Whether it was a hot day, or we had some kids that were injured and other kids...
Both Warrensburg boys tennis doubles teams to appear in the sectional round have advanced to the MSHSAA Class 1 State Tournament. The duos of senior Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow plus senior Nolan Kennedy and sophomore Quinn Conley earned their trip to Springfield on Friday, May 13 in Trenton. Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow topped Chillicothe junior Gabriel Peterson and senior Emmett Young 6-2, 6-1 whie Kennedy and Conley topped Trenton junior Trent Villacampa and sophomore Bradyn Sager 6-4, 6-2. The two advancing duos are set to compete in the Class 1 individual state tournament Friday, May 20 through...
WARRENSBURG — Between youth sports, vacation beaches and everyday lawn care, being aware of the dangers of heat exposure can help determine when to call for an ambulance. Johnson County Ambulance District Director Shane Lockard said there are factors that can make anyone more susceptible to heat-related illness. “Seems like the problem comes in when we start doing strenuous activities, mowing the yard, working in the garden, doing some kind of sporting event and even amplified when you have a medical condition,” Lockard said. Lockard said the threat of heat exhaustion happens most frequently when temperatures reach above 90 degrees...
LONE JACK — All it took was a little bit of time and patience for Crest Ridge to gain momentum against Archie in the Class 2 District 14 quarterfinal round. Battling through 90 degree heat and an opponent the Cougars hadn’t seen all season, the last two and a half innings were the key to a 8-2 win at Lone Jack High School. “Finally, we just settled down and tried to go with the pitch,” Crest Ridge head coach Rick Schmidli said. “Some of the guys in the order there at the end, when they switched pitchers, did a great...
WARRENSBURG — On Wednesday, May 11, the echoes of sirens could be heard across Johnson County as the outdoor warning system was tested, as is done every month. “This test includes all of the outdoor warning sirens within Johnson County, including all of the cities as well,” Johnson County Emergency Management Director Cassidy Poteet said. “We’re on a schedule, so every siren in our county is tested at the same time on the same date of the month. These tests are just to ensure that our sirens are working properly in the event that we would have to set them...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg City Council approved the sale and delivery of the million principal amount of General Obligation Bonds. Director of Finance Marcella McCoy said this is the final issuing of the million authorized by voters in 2021. “We did a competitive sale this morning at 10 o’clock and received six bids from underwriters across the country,” Todd Goffoy of Piper Sandler Co. said. Goffoy said the lowest “true interest cost” was at 3.86% and the next best bid was 3.91%. Goffoy said the bid closing date is June 7. The council previously approved the sale of...
Jennies golf’s season reached an end following three rounds of the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship, held between Tuesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 12, at Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville, Georgia. Central Missouri finished the 54 holes with a 61-over par 925, translating to a 14th-place team finish. UM would’ve needed a top-eight team finish to advance to the match play round. UCM’s round sum broke down to 310, 304 and 311. Redshirt junior Rosie Klausner and sophomore Claire Solovic led the Jennies, tying for 41st at 14-over par 230. Klausner posted round scores of 80, 76 and...
Serious injuries reported in May 10 wreck One person is reported to have serious injuries from a two-vehicle wreck May 10 on North Simpson Drive east of Highway 13. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2004 Harley-Davidson, driven by Ronald B. Cowan, 70, of Warrensburg, turned off Highway 13 onto Simpson Drive and was struck in the rear by a 2009 Ford, driven by Joyce F. Dorrell, 51, of Warrensburg. Cowan is reported to have serious injuries and was transported to Western Missouri Medical Center by the Johnson County Ambulance District. Cowan is reported to...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Main Street is hosting a Movie on the Lawn series this summer, beginning with a collaboration with Sterling Elementary. The Movie on the Lawn series will feature movies on the third Friday of May, June and July. Each movie is targeted to reach a wide variety of audiences to enjoy. The first in the series is a family-friendly movie on the courthouse lawn on May 20 in Downtown Warrensburg. The event is free and for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Activities prior to the showing will begin at 6 p.m. and...
WARRENSBURG — Six schools in the Warrensburg School District have been designated as a Purple Star School by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The designation is awarded to a military-friendly school or district. This is the first year DESE has awarded the designation and it is valid for three years. “I think this designation is huge,” Warrensburg Middle School Principal Brandon Figg said. “Warrensburg, at least 20% are military-affiliated families, just with Whiteman (Air Force Base) being so close and this is just ensuring that everything's in place in the schools to make it easier for the families...
When I first decided to take over Bob Satnan’s column space in the Democrat last year, I figured it was a good idea. For several years since I became the Democrat’s editor, I had a goal of writing a column more than just a few times a year but never quite got around to it. As one former editor’s column ended, it seemed to make sense to have the current editor take over. Let me tell ya — this turned out to be tougher than I realized. Who knew it would be so difficult to find a column topic every...
It seemed like the alternating winter and spring weather had finally ended and the cold weather plants were starting to thrive, and now this week, we jumped into summer. We will have to live with the weather we have and trust that we can harvest some good produce. Last month, I said I would discuss some of the top ways to address our climate emergency suggested in the book “Drawdown,” starting with food waste. Though I was aware that global food waste was estimated to be 30-40% of food production, I was still overwhelmed by the statistics I...
In the United States, there are names that have become almost synonymous with wine, among which are Gallo (if you're over 50) and Mondave. Italy too has its classic families that are firmly attached to the word of wine, one among which is the Frescobaldi family who began making wine in the early 1300s. If longevity is any judge of quality, I believe that Frescobaldi will have to be at the very top of the list, where they truly belong. Leonardo Da Vinci was probably sipping a Frescobaldi wine in 1503 as was Mona Lisa while sitting for her portrait...
Jordan Wittmaier, a senior at Warrensburg High School, was named the Optimist Club of Warrensburgs’ May Teen of the Month. The daughter of Nathan and Victoria Wittmaier, Wittmaier is incredibly involved in academic and school activities. Locally, she was the Warrensburg School Foundation Academic excellence award recipient for remaining in the top 15% of her graduation class each year. Also, at WHS, she is a National Honors Officer and a varsity tennis player. Nationally she has received the President’s Gold award for Educational Excellence. Wittmaier has attended Missouri Girls state, where she was a participant in the law school of...
The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Committee will host a candidate forum at 5:30 p.m. July 20 at the American Legion Post 131 in Warrensburg for candidates for Johnson County presiding commissioner. The committee is asking residents to submit potential questions to ask the candidates. The deadline to submit questions is June 22. The committee will review the questions for possible use in the forum. The forum will be recorded and released for viewing as a link to the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page and on warrensburg.org by the end of July. To submit questions or for more...
Mules baseball’s MIAA Championship semifinal meeting with Washburn was a roller coaster. In a game of runs, Washburn had the final say winning the three hour, 51 minute contest 15-13 on Thursday, May 12, at Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond, Oklahoma. The sixth inning put the game in Washburn’s advantage for good. The Ichabods scored four runs in the inning, accounting for a part of 11 to be scored against UCM’s bullpen. The span of scoring included two home runs by Washburn, both coming against Mules redshirt sophomore relief pitcher Tyler Rardin. The Ichabods had five hits out of the...
Warrensburg baseball will spend its Class 5 District 5 path in Jefferson City. The No. 6 seeded Tigers are scheduled to begin the tournament against No. 3 Helias Catholic at 5 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the American Legion Sports Complex. The winner of the game will play No. 2 St. Francis Borgia or No. 7 Rolla in the semifinal round on Wednesday, May 18. Camdenton received the No. 1 seed, Washington is No. 4, Capital City is No. 5 and Jefferson City is No. 8. All games are slated to be held at Jefferson City’s American Legion Sports Complex....
Warrensburg girls soccer will head to Kansas City for the Class 3 District 7 tournament. The No. 7 seeded Tigers will meet No. 2 Smith-Cotton in the tournament’s quarterfinal round on Saturday, May 14. Capital City is the No. 1 seed, Pembroke Hill is No. 3 , St. Michael the Archangel is no. 4, Raytown South is No. 5, Grandview is No. 6 and Ruskin is No. 8. The entirety of the tournament will be played at Pembroke Hill High School. Below is a rundown of the district’s bracket. Quarterfinal Saturday, May 14 No. 4 St. Michael the Archangel vs...
Crest Ridge is slated to be the first area baseball team to begin postseason action. The Cougars are scheduled to begin the Class 2 District 14 tournament on Thursday, May 12, at Lone Jack High School. No. 4 seeded Crest Ridge will meet No. 5 Archie in the tournament’s first game, seeing a first pitch at 4 p.m. The day will wrap up with a meeting between No. 3 Wellington-Napoleon and No. 6 Crest Ridge. Lone Jack holds the tournament’s No. 1 seed, while St. Paul Lutheran is No. 2. Below is a complete rundown of the district’s expected schedule....
Knob Noster’s district baseball path is scheduled to begin as it meets Marshall in the Class 4 District 13 quarterfinal round on Saturday, May 14. As the higher seed in the No. 4 vs No. 5 matchup, Knob Noster will be looking to earn a spot in a semifinal matchup with No. 1 Odessa on Monday, May 16. Boonville holds the No. 2 seed, while Boonville is No. 3. All games are slated to be played at Odessa High School. Below is a complete rundown of the district’s bracket. Quarterfinal Saturday, May 14 No. 4 Knob Noster vs No. 5...
Warrensburg, Knob Noster and Holden track and field athletes will begin the final path to Jefferson City on Saturday, May 14. Each school is scheduled to compete in their respective district meet. Warrensburg is set to compete in the Class 4 District 7 at Grandview High School while Knob Noster and Holden will travel to the Class 3 District 7 meet at Buffalo High School. The Tigers’ slate of competition includes Center, Grandview, Harrisonville, Marshall, Nevada, Pleasant Hill, Raytown South, Ruskin and St. Teresa’s Academy. Knob Noster and Holden will go up against athletes from Buffalo, Clinton, El Dorado Springs,...
Holden holds both the No. 1 seed and home field advantage for the Class 3 District 14 tournament. The Eagles are slated to host the district tournament between Friday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 17, at Holden High School. Holden is the No. 1 seed, while st. Michael the Archangel is No. 2. Both teams are slated to receive a bye in the quarterfinal round. Quarterfinals will include No. 3 Barstow vs No. 6 Sherwood and No. 4 Adrian vs No. 5 Butler. Below is a complete rundown of the district, scheduled to be played entirely at Holden High School. ...
The Class 1 District 7 girls soccer tournament is slated to be held at Knob Noster High School. The No. 4 seeded Panthers will begin the tournament against No. 5 Smithton at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 16. The winner will advance to play No. 1 Barstow on Tuesday, May 17. Lone Jack holds the No. 2 seed, while KC Lutheran is No. 3. Below is a complete schedule of the district tournament. Quarterfinal Monday, May 16 No. 4 Knob Noster vs No. 5 Smithton, 5:30 p.m. Semifinal Tuesday, May 17 No. 1 Barstow vs Knob Noster/Smithon winner, 5:30 p.m. No....
The Class 1 District 10 tournament is slated to go through Leeton. The district's slate is scheduled to begin Friday, May 13, lasting through Thursday, May 19. Leeton received the No. 2 seed in the tournament, sitting behind No. 1 Northwest. Kingsville is the No. 7 seed in the tournament. The Bulldogs and Tigers will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, May 16, following No. 4 La Monte vs No. 5 Drexel. The No. 3 vs No. 6 matchup between KC Lutheran and Green Ridge will occur at 5 p.m. Friday. Below is a complete rundown of the district’s estimated schedule. ...
Warrensburg baseball closed out the regular season with a 5-4 loss to Oak Grove on Wednesday, May 11, in Oak Grove. The Tigers (12-8, 4-3 MRVC West) trailed 4-1 after two innings, but proceeded to add three to the board tying it up in the third. It wasn’t until the bottom of the sixth that the 3-3 tie broke. Warrensburg’s scoring included two RBI from junior Gauge Claunch, an RBI from senior Brett Marnholtz and an RBI from junior Judd Sullivan. Claunch pitched the contest’s first 4 2/3 innings, surrendering four runs (two earned) off of five hits and three...
Jennies track and field’s coaching staff is the MIAA Women’s Outdoor Co-Coaching Staff of the Year. Co-Head Coaches Kip Janvrin and Kirk Pedersen, assistant coaches Dan McCarty, Tucker Woolsey and Guy Mosher, and graduate assistants Kevin Gideon and Eric Nehlsen make up the staff. Their honor came after the Jennies finished as the runner-up at the 2022 MIAA Outdoor Championships in Emporia, Kansas. The meet was held between May 6 and May 8. UCM tallied four individual titles and 11 All-MIAA athletes overall. The individual championships arrived from senior Ashlan Burton in discus and shot put, redshirt sophomore Rachael Molloy...
WARRENSBURG — Tigers boys tennis added another notable trophy to its collection on Wednesday, May 11, this one coming in the fashion of a Class 1 District 13 championship Top seeded Warrensburg earned the plaque courtesy of a sweep of No. 3 Boonville at Grover Park. It marked the program’s sixth district championship since 2013, the first since 2019. There was no season in 2020 due to COVID-19, and the Tigers were bumped up to Class 2 in 2021. “I think that’s just a testament to our boys and how hard they work and how deep they are as a...
Mules baseball remains at No.1 in the latest NCAA Division II Central Region rankings. The third and final running of the preliminary rankings lists Central Missouri as the No. 1 team. The remainder of the rankings stayed stagnant until the No. 9 spot. Missouri Southern fell out, with Ouachita Baptist dropping to No. 10 and St. Cloud State entering at No. 9. MIAA members Northeastern State is No. 6, Pittsburg State is No. 7 and Washburn is No. 8. The trio, plus UCM, are the final teams remaining in the MIAA Championship Tournament. Whoever ends up winning the conference tournament...
For the second consecutive night, Holden fell to Richmond in MRVC East action. The latest edition of the loss came in a 1-0 fashion on Tuesday, May 10 in Richmond. The Spartans (12-6) scored the game’s lone run through a home run by senior Spencer Wolf in the fourth inning.The hit was one of four Richmond had against Holden starting pitcher Garrett Smith. The Eagles (15-5) also finished with four hits, led by a 2-for-2 game from sophomore Aiden Morarity. The other two hits belonged to sophomore Lane Siemer and Smith. Holden struck out 11 times and was walked twice...
Warrensburg baseball fell to Class 2 Russellville 13-1 on Tuesday, May 10, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The Indians (22-4) started things off in the top of the first scoring six runs off six hits and an error. They proceeded to add three more runs in the second, one in the third and three in the fourth. Warrensburg (12-7) scored its lone run of the game through an error bringing home junior Gauge Claunch. The TIgers had just two hits on the day, one arriving through Claunch and one arriving through senior Max Elliott. Warrensburg reached through a walk once...
Leeton baseball closed its regular season with a 12-1 win over Archie on Tuesday, May 10, in Archie. The Bulldogs (11-5) never trailed in the contest, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning courtesy of an RBI double from junior Cody Shackelford, a two-RBI double from junior Justin Floyd and a RBI double from sophomore Camden Uptegrove. The hits were a part of 13 for Leeton, including a 2-for-4 day from Shackelford, a 2-for-4 day from Floyd, a 2-for-4 day from Uptegrove and a 2-for-5 day from junior Ricky Shaffer. Shackelford and Floyd each had three RBI...
Warrensburg girls soccer fell to Clinton 6-0 on Tuesday, May 10, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The Tigers trailed 1-0 at halftime and allowed Clinton to score its second goal 2-0 15 minutes into the second half. It grew to 3-0 just outside of the 60 minute mark. The Cardinals scored their last three goals inside the final 10 minutes. The regular season finale loss marked Warrensburg’s seventh-straight. The Tigers finished the regular season with a 3-16 record. They were 2-6 in MRVC action. Warrensburg opens district play on Saturday, March 14, as it meets Smith-Cotton in the Class 3...
Crest Ridge closed the regular season with an 11-1 win over Lincoln on Monday, April 9, at Crest Ridge High School. The Cougars (12-13) surrendered Lincoln’s lone run off of an error in the first inning and proceeded to score 11 unanswered runs. The game ended by run rule after six innings. Crest Ridge took the lead in the bottom of the first courtesy of a groundout from sophomore Daniel Doak scoring freshman Wyatt Ducos and a senior Corben Martin RBI single scoring senior Jackson Nimsgern. Crest Ridge added one in the third, two in the fifth and five in...
Dashawn Washington, 27, was arrested April 12 when officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of North Maguire Street. Washington was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. Scott M. Shipley, 49, was arrested April 11 when officers responded to a report of an altercation in the 400 block of North Holden Street. Shipley was arrested on a charge of trespassing. Timothy A. McGinnis, 55, was arrested April 11 on a Warrensburg warrant. Ashley M. Hunzinger, 36, was arrested April 11 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Wisper Internet has launched a new wireless broadband tower in Johnson County to serve households in the Knob Noster area. The new tower, which went online last week, is on the outskirts of Knob Noster on 175th Road and ranges 8-10 square miles. Monte Miller, Public Relations and Advocacy Specialist, said this will be Wisper’s first tower in Johnson County, but the company has plans for additional service in the area. According to a news release, the new tower is part of Wisper’s pledge to provide wireless internet service to rural communities across six states as part...
For the second-straight season, Warrensburg’s Landon Nakoneczny has qualified for the MSHSAA State Championships. Nakoneczny finished ninth in the Class 4 District 4 Tournament on Monday, May 9, at the Drumm Farm Golf Club in Independence. He had a 15-over par 87. The district’s cutoff for state was 91. Senior Evan Harris was second in line for the Tigers posting a 96, sophomore Nicholas Russell had 100, freshman Andrew Zumalt had 107 and freshman Beau Bryant had 111. The Tigers finished seventh as a team with a score of 390. The Class 4 State Championships will be held Monday, May...
Warrensburg boys tennis earned its spot in the Class 1 District 13 team championship by sweeping Knob Noster 6-0 on Monday, May 9, at Grover Park. The Tigers clinched the win by sweeping doubles before taking the lower three singles matches. The top three were in progress when the match-clinching sixth win was earned. In doubles, senior Jack Renfrow and junor Sam Renfrow topped Knob Noster junior Isaac Courter and senior Joseph Binder 8-0, senior Nolan Kennedy and sophomore Quinn Conley beat junior Glenn Bedgood and sophomore Xander Raymond 8-2 while sophomore Anthony Rehn and sophomore Grant Moore beat Knob...
Sophomore Jonathan Collier will represent Knob Noster at the MSHSAA Class 2 State Championships in Columbia on Monday, May 16 through Tuesday, May 17. Collier finished seventh in the Class 2 District 4 district tournament on Monday, May 9, at Shirkey Golf Course. He finished with a 19-over par 90. Collier was the lone Panthers athlete to make the cut for state. Junior Ethan Gaydos was a stroke away, posting 101. Sophomore Caron Zimmerschied had a 103, sophomore Morgan Elwell had 108 and junior Jackson Vezino had 116. Knob finished fifth as a team with a score of 402.
Knob Noster baseball went into extra innings yet again in its regular season finale on Monday, May 9, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. This time around, the Panthers (15-5) fell to St. Paul Lutheran 9-7. It marked the fifth time Knob has gone to extra innings in the last seven games. The contest included sophomore Trey Payne’s second home run of the season to tie the game in the top of the seventh. The Saints took the lead in the top of the eighth to earn the eventual win. Knob Noster returns to action as it opens up district...
Warrensburg baseball needed just two and a half innings to claim a 17-1 win over Center on Monday, May 9, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The Tigers (12-6, 4-2 MRVC West) scored 12 in the first and five in the second to earn the win. Warrensburg was hit by pitch eight times and walked seven times to go along with its five hits and three reaches on error. Junior Gauge Claunch and senior Tyler Ward led the Tigers with two RBI each. Senior Max Elliott, senior Brett Marnholtz, junior William Finnane, junior Landon Sheteron, sophomore Brayden Yancey and junior Judd...
HOLDEN — Just like the result in most MRVC East matchups this season, the little things added up between Holden and Richmond on Monday, May 9. In the second-to-last game before districts, the Eagles fell 5-3. The loss was their fourth of the season, all coming against conference opponents. “It was a tough game,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “They’re a good team. I liked that we fought back from a 3-0 deficit, but we got to start a little bit better. We had some good at-bats, but then we struck out in some key situations or we didn’t...
As I was scrolling through Twitter last week, something caught my eye that was so shocking, that I didn’t even process it until I had almost scrolled past it. Someone associated with the Supreme Court had leaked a preliminary draft of Samuel Alito’s majority opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson. Overnight, the political world was turned upside down as people on the left or right side of the political spectrum either cheered at the possibility of stopping Roe v. Wade or lamented its possible defeat. As Christians, should we be happy about this decision if it comes to...
Leeton baseball scored seven unanswered runs to beat Wellington-Napoleon on Monday, May 9, in Wellington. The Bulldogs trailed 5-2 heading into the fifth. An inning later, they put up seven, including four from home runs. Junior Cody Shackelford and junior Justin Floyd each hit the ball out of the park. Shackelford’s was a three-RBI score. Shackelford led Leeton with a 3-for-4 day at the plate while Floyd, junior Grant Harper and junior Ricky Shaffer were 2-for-4. Shackelford earned the win on the mound, throwing 6 ⅓ innings while surrendering five runs off eight hits and three walks. He struck out...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Main Street and The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce invite you to the second annual Come, Sip, Shop event from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14 in Downtown Warrensburg. Enjoy an afternoon of sipping on regional wines, tasting local beers and spirits within 10 downtown retail stores. Come, Sip, Shop will feature a variety of alcoholic beverages to taste that are made not too far from home while visitors shop locally. This event will begin in the Jack Moore Community Room in the Chamber of Commerce and Amtrak station building on the left side. Check in for...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, May 10 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, May 11 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday,...
Leeton and Chilhowee track competed in the Class 1 District 6 meet on Saturday, May 7, at Midway High School. The Leeton girls highlighted the meet, earning a team plaque finishing second overall. Between both schools, Leeton had 17 medalists and Chilhowee had one. Medalists were determined by a top-four finish, advancing their way to the Class 1 Section 3 meet on Saturday, May 14, at West Platte High School. The Leeton girls 4x200 meter relay and Leeton junior discus thrower Justin Floyd each finished as district champions. Below is a complete list of those set to represent Johnson County...
Warrensburg boys tennis advanced two double teams out of the Class 1 District 13 individual tournament on Saturday, May 7, in Marshall. Senior Jack Renfrow (19-1) and junior Sam Renfrow (16-1) joined senior Nolan Kennedy (23-2) and sophomore Quinn Conley (24-2) in qualifying for the sectional tournament. Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow finished as the No. 1 doubles team while Kennedy and Conley finished as the No. 2 doubles team. Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow won the championship match beating Kennedy and Conley 7-6, 6-2. The title match was Warrensburg's lone of the day, leaving the two duos as the...
For the second-straight season, Mules golf is the NCAA Division II Midwest/Central Region champion. Central Missouri capped off the program’s eighth regional title under head coach Tim Poe on Saturday, May 7 at the Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana. The Mules claimed the title courtesy of a win over Grand Valley State in a one-hole playoff. Both teams finished the 54-hole tournament with a sum of 884, accounting for 20-over par. Central Missouri’s total split to be 288 in round one Thursday, May 5, 293 on Friday, May 6 and 303 on Saturday. Grand Valley had 285 Thursday, 294...
Crest Ridge track and field finished with seven top-four finishes in the Class 2 District 7 meet on Saturday, May 7, at Lafayette County High School. The seven marks determined district medalist status, sending them on to the Class 2 Section 4 meet. The Cougars’ 4x100 meter relay and junior thrower Jenna Shanks marked their highest placements of the day, both finishing second. The other five medalists completed their event in fifth. Below is a complete list of medalists to advance on to sectionals, scheduled to be held Saturday, May 14, at West Platte High School. GIRLS 4x100 Meter Relay ...
After trailing through periods of both games, Mules baseball came away with two wins over Emporia State in its first two games of the MIAA Championship Tournament between Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7. Central Missouri won game one 2-1 and game two 15-5, sending it on to the MIAA Championship’s final stretch next weekend in Edmond, Oklahoma. Following the two wins, Mules baseball holds a 39-6 record. Game 1 — Central Missouri 2, Emporia State 1 After surrendering a run in the top of the first, Mules baseball went to work against one of the tougher pitchers it...
Warrensburg boys tennis advanced two double teams out of the Class 1 District 13 individual tournament on Saturday, May 7, in Marshall. Senior Jack Renfrow (19-1) and junior Sam Renfrow (16-1) joined senior Nolan Kennedy (23-2) and sophomore Quinn Conley (24-2) in qualifying for the sectional tournament. Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow finished as the No. 1 doubles team while Kennedy and Conley finished as the No. 2 doubles team. Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow won the championship match beating Kennedy and Conley 7-6, 6-2. The title match was Warrensburg's lone of the day, leaving the two duos as the...
Leeton baseball fell to Sacred Heart 4-2 on Friday, May 6 at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs (9-5) scored both of their runs in the fourth inning, briefly leading 2-1. The Gremlins proceeded to score three more runs to close out the game. Just two of Sacred Heart’s runs were earned with the Bulldogs committing three errors in the contest.The loss was credited to senior Ethan Driskill, who pitched 5 1/3 innings while allowing four runs (two earned) off of seven hits. He struck out five. The Bulldogs tallied five hits in the game, including 2-for-4 days from Driskill and...
Both Warrensburg track and field programs topped the MRVC West Championship on Friday, May 6, at Pleasant HIll HIgh School. The Tigers led the women’s side with 176 points while topping the men’s side with 161 points. Between both sides, they had 26 medalists, determined by a top-three individual finish. Champions included senior Drew Belardo in the 800 meter, 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs, junior Grace Hill in the 100 meter hurdles and long jump, the girls 4x800 meter relay, the girls 4x400 meter relay and the boys 4x800 meter relay, Below is a complete rundown of Warrensburg’s All-MRVC...
WARRENSBURG — Within the last few weeks, Knob Noster baseball has become accustomed to seeing a contest end in extra innings. The Panthers have seen four of six contests go past seven innings in four of the last six games. Friday, May 6, accounted for the second in a two-game span, beating Crest Ridge 6-3 after eight innings at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. “I expected it to be close,” Knob Noster head coach Bill Bivins said. “The first time we played it was our first and second games of the year. We’re both different teams. Obviously they’ve improved a lot...
Playing as the home team, Holden lost to Carrollton 4-2 on Thursday, May 5, in Carrollton. The Eagles trailed from the second inning on. Junior Garrett Smith gave up one run in the frame before surrendering two more in the third. Just one of the three runs was earned. Both of Holden’s runs arrived through a home run from senior Danny Hartzler in the sixth inning. The Eagles (15-3, 5-3 MRVC East) had the tying runs on base in the seventh, joining a number of missed opportunities in the contest. Brett Eiserer earned the win for Carrollton, allowing four hits...
Knob Noster baseball fell to California 3-2 in eight innings on Thursday, May 5, in California. The contest remained scoreless until the bottom of the sixth, where California went up 1-0. Knob Noster (14-9) took a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh courtesy of a hit from senior Eric Bennett-Wade scoring sophomore Brody Gentry and junior Tony Diaz. The Pintos had the final say in the bottom of the eighth. Knob Noster returns to action Friday, May 6, as it meets Crest Ridge at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
WARRENSBURG — With spring underway and summer around the corner, it’s time for Opening Day at the Warrensburg Farmers’ Market. Saturday, May 7 will mark the beginning of the 2022 market season. From May 7 to Sept. 24, the market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday, rain or shine, around the Johnson County Courthouse square. Farmers’ Market Manager Monica Mitcheltree said this will be the largest market yet, with more than 40 vendors already signed up for the season. She said offerings range from a blacksmith and a soap artisan to bakers, honey, Asian cuisine, pasture-raised...
Redshirt sophomore outfielder Brennen van Breusegen and head coach Kyle Crookes highlighted Mules baseball’s All-MIAA honors. van Breusegen was named as the MIAA’s Co-Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Northeastern State senior Brock Reller. Crookes was named as the MIAA’s Coach of the Year. The two were one of 17 All-MIAA mentions for Central Missouri joined by three first team athletes, four second team, two third team, four honorable mentions and two gold glove team mentions. van Breusegen is the 12th Mules baseball player to receive the MIAA Player of the Year. In the regular season, he led...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg School Board of Education approved a contract with David Luther during the Thursday, May 5, meeting to work with the district-level communication team. District administration met with David Luther of Luther Communications, who previously worked in communications for Jefferson City and the Missouri Association of School Administrators. “He met with us and talked through kind of a plan of what could be done in the next five months as far as reviewing our communication plan and tweeking that,” Superintendent Andy Kohl said. Services to be provided include: Developing a survey for employees and families in the...
A concert planned for Mother’s Day in Warrensburg will benefit Ukrainian refugee mothers and their children. The Sedalia Symphony is partnering with Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Warrensburg to host the fundraising event, supporting women and children refugees via Church World Services. This ecumenical Christian organization has been around since World War II and provides humanitarian relief worldwide. Symphony Conductor Dr. Jerrode Marsh said the concert will feature the Singing Saints, a boys’ concert choir with more than 50 members from St. Paul’s Lutheran High School in Concordia that she directs. It will also involve members of the Sedalia Symphony. “(The...
I’m officially the ninth and final editor to lead a Sedalia Democrat newsroom at 700 S. Massachusetts Ave. After moving everything to our new home at 111 W. Fourth St. over the weekend, we opened our new doors Monday morning. It’s been a long journey to get here. Talks of finding a new building had been happening for a while. Then came building shopping. Finally, we landed on the former Sedalia Water Department building, and thanks to a Sedalia City Council vote, we became the new owners late last year. Ever since, we’ve been planning, cleaning, packing and preparing for...
The second round of grants was presented this month with several area organizations receiving funds from the West Central Electric Cooperative Round Up Foundation. A total of six projects were funded this quarter. University of Missouri Extension 4-H received a grant for ,500 to expand its Virtual Outreach Project. The project, which is utilized in both Lafayette and Johnson counties, will help them acquire Google Expeditions, a series of virtual reality field trips to places far and wide without having to leave the classroom. Area teachers can access the program for their students. Other groups receiving grants were Immanuel Lutheran...
Happy May Day! May Day is an ancient European festival celebrating the coming of the summer. Across the pond, it’s still observed today, and in some countries, it’s one of the biggest holidays of the year. From Sweden down to Italy, Great Britain east to Russia, folks light bonfires, put up maypoles, attend carnivals and dances, and decorate with lots and lots of flowers. It’s a lucky day, a day to celebrate budding love between sweethearts, give gifts, and drink with friends. But we don’t really do May Day in the U.S. anymore, even though it’s a huge part of...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Missouri Board of Services and the Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Department are working together on a project to thank donors and construct another aspect of accessibility for the Inclusive Playground. A donor wall will have the names of donors who contributed to the construction of the playground and on the other side will be a sensory wall with different textures and features to engage patrons at play. “We didn’t want to just have signage that listed the donors,” JCMBS Director of Community Resources and Outreach Liz Hargrave said. “We wanted to include a sensory element...
You know that spring has finally arrived by the warmer weather, the incessant rain, the blooming of flowers and the appearance of rosé wines on dealers’ shelves in anticipation of outdoor activities and, of course, for Mother’s Day. Because of their attractive pink color, rosé wines are almost mandatory for Mother’s Day festivities. Rosé wines are made from red grapes that have been pressed and the skins (the color-producing element for red wine) are quickly removed before they can add color to the wine. What remains is the grape pulp that is then fermented into the delightful pink wine we...
12 and 13-year-old Warrensburg and Harrisonville students were in court this month as part of Classical Conversations’ Challenge B classes across the country hosting mock trials during April. Mock trial has long been an extracurricular staple of prep schools and now is a fixture in homeschool communities. Students participate in rehearsed courtroom trials to learn about the legal system in a competitive manner. Classical Conversations uses mock trial competition to teach skills in research, grammar, writing, rhetoric, public speaking, debate and drama. “I believe it is very important for every American to be well informed about how our justice system...
The Warrensburg School District Special Programs Department is hosting an informational session for parents of homeschooled children and private/parochial school administrators from 9 to 10 a.m May 17 at the Administrative Office, 201 S. Holden St. The meeting will cover the district’s responsibility to children in private elementary and secondary schools. The meeting’s purpose is to describe how special education and related services along with Title services will be provided to non-public school children.
Johnson County residents are invited to a public hearing on Friday regarding Highway 23 at Blackwater River. The Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission will host two public hearings: 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 6 at Warrensburg Municipal Court, 200 S. Holden St. in Warrensburg, and at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 at the PTRPC office, 802 S. Gorden St. in Concordia. During the hearing, Pioneer Trails will discuss the recurring closures and proposed remedies to this section of Highway 23. The public can share how they have been impacted by the closures. Highway 23 at Blackwater River is located south of...
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE — On May 2, 2021, Senior Airman Elijah Posana made the ultimate sacrifice any Airman can make. In a final act of selflessness, he saved the lives of three of his cousins but lost his own. This act of his would posthumously earn him the Airman's medal, the highest award an Airman can receive outside of combat. On April 22, 2022, service members from Whiteman Air Force Base and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston presented the Airman’s Medal to Posana’s family in Texas. Posana’s peers said his selfless nature had been apparent early on in his...
WARRENSBURG — Linda Hoover of Houstonia is the featured artist for the 2022 Mid-Missouri Artists Fine Arts Show May 14-15. Hoover will have a special display of her work and will be available to discuss her art with show visitors. Hoover’s career in art began in 1984 with the opening of a sign painting business from her home. Once all of her children were in school, she returned to school herself, financing that venture with funds from her business, scholarships and the support of her husband, Dave. Hoover signed contracts to teach art part-time at two K-8 schools, Clarksburg and...
WARRENSBURG — Conservation efforts and aesthetic landscaping can sometimes be at odds. Invasive tree species, like the Bradford Pear, have been identified by state organizations and the Warrensburg Tree Board as a threat to native plantlife in Missouri. “I think when the term invasive is used, it refers to something that … first off, is not a desirable plant and it’s something that spreads,” Warrensburg Tree Board Chair Stephen Wilson said. “Whether through it’s fruits or underground rhizomes … it’s taking over habitat from native trees and from what I've gathered, the problem with the (Bradford Pear) trees is that...
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is accepting entries for its annual photo contest. Winning entries will be featured on the department’s social media platforms. The deadline to submit photos is Oct. 1. Entries can include images from anywhere in Missouri, featuring natural resources, state parks and historic sites, natural phenomena, outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, weather, wildlife and people enjoying the outdoors. Contestants can submit entries in the following categories: • Natural Resources: Photographs of Missouri’s air, landscapes and waterways. • Unique Places: Photographs taken within one of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites. For a list of all parks...
A two-time All-State wrestler from Oak Grove has been named as the next head coach of Warrensburg wrestling. Austin Kemp was announced as the next head coach of Tigers wrestling Thursday, May 5. He takes the position after spending two years as an assistant at Blue Springs High School. "I am excited for the opportunity to be the head wrestling coach at Warrensburg High School,” Kemp said in a press release. “I look forward to becoming a Tiger and growing the Warrensburg wrestling program. I cannot wait to meet the student athletes, staff and members.” Kemp coached two state medalists...
A familiar face will return to the sideline as Warrensburg boys soccer’s head coach in 2022. Matthew Bax has been named as Warensburg boys soccer’s next head coach, beginning his second stint with the program. He was previously head coach from 2006-2013. “I am excited to come back and coach the Warrensburg boy’s soccer team,” Bax said in a press release. “I know this group of boys are hard workers and competitors. I look forward to working with them.” During his previous tenure as head coach, Bax led the Tigers to a 145-72-10 record. Since, the program has gone 37-139-5. ...
A Jennies volleyball alumna is set to return to Warrensburg as the head coach of Warrensburg volleyball. Abby Skrastins, who played for the Jennies from 2016-2019, was announced as the Tigers’ next head coach in a press release Thursday, May 5. She joins the Tigers after a year as a graduate assistant for Colorado State-Pueblo. "I am excited for the opportunity to be the head volleyball coach at Warrensburg High School,” Skrastins said in a press release. “I look forward to becoming a Tiger and seeing some of my former players that I coached in the past at the club...
The road to Jefferson City begins for Leeton, Chilhowee and Crest Ridge this weekend. Class 1 and Class 2 district meets are slated to be held on Saturday, May 7. Leeton and Chilhowee will compete in the Class 1 District 6 meet at Midway High School, while Crest Ridge will compete in the Class 2 District 7 meet at Lafayette County High School. Leeton and Chilhowee’s field includes athletes from Braymer, Concordia, Drexel, Green Ridge, Hardin-Central, KIPP KC Legacy, Midway, Norborne, Northland Christian, Orrick, Otterville, Sacred Heart, Santa Fe, St. Paul Lutheran, Tina-Avalon and Wellington-Napoleon. Crest Ridge’s competition is made...
District softball will begin with an intra-Johnson County matchup for Crest Ridge and Kingsville. The Cougars and Tigers will meet in the first round of the Class 1 District 8 Tournament on Friday, May 6, at Wellington-Napoleon High School. Crest Ridge (11-5) is the district’s No. 3 seed while Kingsville (5-8) is No. 6. Defending district champion Wellington-Napoleon (14-2) is the No. 1 seed while Concordia (12-2) is No. 2. Archie (8-11) and Santa Fe (6-6) follow Crest Ridge in the No. 4 and No. 5 slot. St. Paul Lutheran (2-11) and Orrick (0-10) make up No. 7 and No....
Mules baseball remains as the top team in the latest NCAA Division II Central Region rankings. The second running of the preliminary rankings lists Central Missouri as the No. 1 team in the region. Augustana jumped to No. 2, swapping spots with No. 3 Southern Arkansas. UCM remains as one of five MIAA programs listed in the rankings, joined by No. 6 Northeastern State, No. 7 Pittsburg State, No. 8 Washburn and No. 10 Missouri Southern. This year’s final regional field will include eight teams from the MIAA, Northern Sun and Great American Conference. Additional preliminary rankings will be released...
Jennies golf is heading to the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship. UCM finished as the No. 2 team in the DII Central Region Championship, held Monday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 4 at the Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs Arkansas. The Jennies tallied a 54-hole total with a 42-over par 906 (306-295-305). They finished 24 strokes behind champion Henderson State and six strokes ahead of third-place finisher Rogers State. Redshirt junior Rosie Klausner led the Jennies individually, tying for second with a career-best tying 54-hole 3-over par 219 (74-72-73). Redshirt junior Hayley Jones was next in line,...
Winning every single match played, Warrensburg boys tennis earned the MRVC Tournament championship on Wednesday, May 4, at Odessa High School. The plaque added to its dominance against conference opponents this season, joining the team’s regular season MRVC West championship. Senior Jack Renfrow topped the No. 1 singles bracket, junior Sam Renfrow topped the No. 2 singles bracket, senior Nolan Kennedy and sophomore Quinn Conley topped the No. 1 doubles bracket while sophomore Anthony Rehn and sophomore Grant Moore topped the No. 2 doubles bracket. Jack Renfrow played his way to a championship courtesy of an 8-0 sweep of Harrisonville...
Holden girls track claimed the regular season MRVC East Championship on Tuesday, May 3, at Lafayette County High School. The Eagles had 15 finishes in the top three on the girls side, signifying medalists and All-Conference status. The Holden boys had the next-best finish, posting eight medalists. The Knob Noster girls had six medalists while the Panthers boys had three. Individual conference champions on the girls side include Knob Noster junior Lyndon Brown in the 300 meter hurdles, the Knob Noster 4x400 meter relay unit, Holden freshman Kia harmon in the high jump and triple jump and Holden senior Liz...
Warrensburg boys tennis swept the final duel of the regular season, beating Clinton 9-0 on Tuesday, May 3, at Liberty Park. The sweep came without playing any of the team’s typical seniors in singles matches. In singles, sophomore Quinn Conley beat Clinton senior Dylan Coskey 8-0, junior Sam Renfrow beat Clinton senior Abraham Griffey 8-0, sophomore Anthony Rehn beat Clinton freshman Elijah Griffey, sophomore Grant Moore beat Clinton senior Dylan Bloom 8-0, junior Cameron King beat Clinton senior Noah Fonke 8-0 and junior Qi Huang beat Clinton senior Tyler Lee 8-0. In doubles, senior Nolan Kennedy and Conley topped Coskey...
WARRENSBURG — The latest chapter of the battle between the Tigers was written with a familiar storyline: at least in terms of the effect Warrensburg’s pitching had on Smith-Cotton. With Warrensburg senior Derek Nicas on the mound, S-C struggled to string hits together at the appropriate time. When it eventually did, Smith-Cotton made its run on the scoreboard. It wasn’t enough, though, with Warrensburg winning 4-3 on Tuesday, May 3, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. “I can’t say enough about Derek Nicas,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Coombs said. “He just controlled the game. He bulldogged his way, he got a...
Knob Noster baseball was shut out in a 1-0 loss to Lafayette County on Tuesday, May 3, in Higginsville. The loss marked the second occasion the Panthers have split with a MRVC East opponent this season. They previously beat Lafayette County 5-1 on April 5. The game marked Knob Noster’s final contest of MRVC East action, which they finished with a 5-4 record. Knob Noster is 14-8 overall.
The first NCAA Division II All-American in Jennies softball history has been announced as a 2022 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Diamond 9 honoree. Renay Ries Spilker will be reognized at the Hall of Fame’s Baseball and Softball Luncheon on Wednesday, May 18, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield. A 1985 graduate of Blue Springs High School, Spilker played for Jennies softball from 1986 to 1989. As a junior, she became the program’s first DII All-American. Spilker was also a two-time All-Region and four-time All-MIAA selection. She was a member of Jennies softball’s fourth-place team as a senior, helping...
WARRENSBURG — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted Monday, May 2, to amend city ordinance regarding parking for libraries, museums, art galleries and art centers. The recommendation came to the commission as city staff have met a number of times with the Johnson County Historical Society since 2012 in regards to the use of the Culp Building. Since its construction, the Culp Building’s purpose and use has been primarily for storage with occasional public viewing. “This ordinance reflects a discussion that staff has been having for a little over 10 years with the Johnson County Historical Society,” Community Development Director...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, May 3 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, May 4 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday,...
WARRENSBURG — Western Missouri Medical Center’s physicians, leaders, and clinicians gathered recently to recognize Advanced Wound Center, a recipient of the Center of Distinction award by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92%. The Advanced Wound Center is a member of the Healogics network of over 600 Wound Care Centers and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of...
Hey friends – are you enjoying this spring weather? I have to say that spring is my favorite time of year. I love living somewhere where we have the chance to experience four different seasons. I know Missouri weather can be crazy, and sometimes it really feels like we skip around the seasonal calendar, but overall, we have a nice sense of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Of the four seasons, I love spring the most because it is a reminder of our lives of faith. We all know when spring is on its way. Experience tells us that eventually...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Main Street Moonlight Market, hosted the evening of Saturday, April 30, debuted the first iteration of the Legacy Row. Vendors who have participated in the market for 25 or more years have been given the distinction of being part of the Legacy Row. Vendors who have been with the market for more than 10 years are given the distinction as Seasoned Vendors. The Legacy Row will be located on Market Street during market days. Legacy vendors are given the option to be in the Legacy Row but some vendors, due to safety regulations, are required to...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg boys golf finished with two All-Conference golfers at the MRVC West Tournament on Monday, May 2, at Mules National Golf Club. Seniors Landon Nakonezny and Evan Harris finished with a top-10 performance needed to earn a conference medal. The two tied with a score of 90. Nakonezny shot a 46 on the front nine and 44 on the back. Harris posted a 43 on the front nine and a 47 on the back. The two anchored Warrensburg’s fourth place finish as a team, tying with Harrisonville with a 18-hole sum of 386. Freshman Andrew Zumalt had Warensburg’s...
Vehicle leaves scene of April 28 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a two-vehicle wreck April 28 on Highway 13 south of Northwest 875 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol states the wreck occurred when an unknown vehicle crossed the center of the roadway and struck a 2016 Freightliner, driven by Terry L. Bickford, 38, of Shannon City, Iowa. The unknown vehicle left the scene of the collision. Bickford is reported to have minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Bickford is reported to have worn a safety device. The Freightliner is reported to have...
WARRENSBURG — The Historic Preservation Commission is bringing local history to a digital format. The annual Historic Structures Booklet, compiled by the Historic Preservation Commission, is now an online storymap. City Planner Kristin Dyer said the GIS storymap will allow for the public to view the locations on an interactive map as well as learn about the history of each building. “Moving the booklet to a GIS storymap would also allow people to know the location of the properties,” Dyer said. “It would give you an image, in some cases an historical image as well.” The booklet is composed...
WARRENSBURG — After a semester of research and work, a group of University of Central Missouri Drafting and Design Technology students presented their recommendations Friday, April 29, for the renovation of the dining hall on Whiteman Air Force Base. The project entailed a full redesign of three areas within the dining hall with a maximum budget of 0,000. WAFB approached the department with the idea for the project during the fall of 2021. The student group is comprised of senior Kevin Floresca, senior Abby Wilcoxson, junior Melia Rice, senior Elisabeth Paxton and senior Derek White. Design and Drafting Technology Assistant...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Animal Rescue Board has announced the appointment of two new board members, Justin O’ Neal and Miranda Cameron. O’Neal is the director of facilities management at State Fair Community College and lives in Warrensburg with his wife, five children, two dogs, two cats and many chickens. O’Neal has a passion for animals and rescues that led him to the board. His professional background brings expertise in human resources and development. Cameron is a probation and parole officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections. She brings in experience with policy and procedure creation and implementation. Cameron has a...
BATON ROUGE, La. — Elizabeth Wright, of Warrensburg, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Wright was initiated at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Wright is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year.
More than 1,860 University of Central Missouri graduate and undergraduate students who will meet their degree requirements this spring or during the summer are eligible to walk in Spring 2022 Commencement exercises planned for Friday and Saturday, May 6-7 in the Multipurpose Building Arena. Five ceremonies will be conducted throughout the weekend. Candidates for graduate degrees will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday. The first begins at 3 p.m. and includes students from the College of Health, Science and Technology. The ceremony at 6 p.m. is for new graduates of the College of Education; College of Arts, Humanities, and...
WARRENSBURG — Facing cold, damp conditions, Knob Noster boys golf earned its way to a second place finish in the MRVC East Tournament on Monday, May 2, at Mules National Golf Club. The Panthers finished with a team score of 376, 16 strokes behind conference champion Richmond. Weather was relatively dry until the last stretch of holes. The first group of golfers had already returned to the clubhouse by the time heavy rain arrived. “The weather kind of played a little bit in it,” Knob Noster head coach Joe Eccleton said. “The kids played well, we had a couple of...
Shane A. Duncan, 23, and Kyle P. Stimac, 19, were arrested April 4 when officers responded to a report of an aggressive subject in the 600 block of Burkarth Road. Duncan was arrested on a charge of simple domestic assault. Stimac was arrested on a charge of minor in possession of alcohol. Alonzo Franklin IV, 33, was arrested April 4 on a probation and parole violations warrant. David E. Bradshaw, 54, was arrested April 5 on a Warrensburg warrant. Cynthia J. Biggs, 35, was arrested April 4 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of Burkarth Road....
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Schools Foundation has announced the 2022 Teacher and Support Staff Scholarship recipients. Six scholarships were awarded Thursday, April 28, totaling ,000. The scholarships given were made possible through funds raised by the Major Saver campaign, Annual Dinner and Auction, private donations and generosity of the David Mudd family. Warrensburg High School Mathematics Teacher Elle Liebnitz and Martin Warren Library Media Specialist Kirsten Shaw each received [post_excerpt],000 to continue their graduate studies in education. Liebnitz is working toward a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics and Shaw is pursuing an education specialist degree in Educational Technology. Chelsea Rush, a...
Building inspection and zoning staff members will conduct an informational session for homeowners who are preparing to embark on home improvement projects from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 10 at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St., Room C. This class will cover what types of projects require a permit and an overview of applicable building and zoning codes and ordinances for common home improvement projects. Each attendee will receive a gift certificate toward their future building permit fee. The class is free to attend, but registration is required. To register for the class, call 660-747-9135.
Jennies softball closed out its season by splitting with Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, April 30, and being swept by Missouri Western on Sunday, May 1. Central Missouri lost to the Bearcats 3-1 before taking game two 9-8. They lost to the Griffons 11-2 and 9-1. The weekend concludes UCM’s season with a 17-36 overall record and 8-18 MIAA record. The Jennies had the twelfth-best record in MIAA action. They needed to be at least No. 8 to extend the season into the MIAA Championship tournament. The Jennies graduate just one senior in Gentry Wishard. Game 1 — Northwest Missouri...
The 2022 MIAA Baseball Championship bracket was released upon the conclusion of regular season action on Sunday, May 1. As the 2022 MIAA regular season champions, Central Missouri is the No. 1 seed of the MIAA’s postseason tournament. They’ll host No. 8 Emporia State in a best-of-the series between Friday, March 6 and Sunday, March 8, at Crane Stadium. Northeastern State finished the season as the MIAA’s No. 2 seed. Pittsburg State followed at No. 3 with Central Oklahoma wrapping up the top half of the tournament at No. 5. Washburn, Missouri Southern, Rogers State and Emporia State make up...
There was no shortage of runs scored between Mules baseball and Fort Hays State in a three-game series between Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, in Hays, Kansas. A combined 78 runs were scored within the trio of games. The Mules had 61, concluding the MIAA regular season with one last sweep. UCM won game one 29-2, game two 20-13 and game three 12-2. The weekend improved the Mules’ record to 37-6 overall and 30-3 in MIAA action. It marked the second straight season Central Missouri lost just three regular season MIAA games. Game 1 — Central Missouri 29,...
Crest Ridge track and field competed in the I-70 Conference Meet at Lone Jack High School on Saturday, April 30. The Cougars had 10 athletes finish within the top three, distinguishing All-Conference status. The group included championship finishes from senior Cooper Hamlin in the boys 1600 meter run and sophomore Landon Ashworth in the boys javelin. Below is a list of Crest Ridge’s medalists. BOYS 200 Meter Dash Aiden Pasch — 24.68. 400 Meter Dash Theo Feldman — 55.21. 800 Meter Run Cooper Hamlin — 2:18.83. 1600 Meter Run Cooper Hamlin — 5:10.41. 300 Meter Hurdles Jaeger Brandes — 44.32. ...
HOLDEN — Between Holden, Knob Noster and Leeton, it was the Eagles who had the top performances at the Holden Blue and White Invitational on Friday, April 29. The Eagles had the top-two showings of local teams, with the girls finishing first and the boys finishing second. The Leeton girls had the next best team finish, placing seventh. The Knob Noster boys were eight, the Leeton boys were ninth and the Knob Noster girls were ninth. The meet included 13 teams on both sides. Clinton won the boys championship. Other notable teams on hand included Versailles, Butler, California, Summit Christian...
Despite washing away Warrensburg boys tennis’ plans for Friday, April 29, the Tigers were still able to get competition in. Rain forced the cancellation of the Blue Springs Tournament, though indoor tennis courts at the Metro East Tennis Center allowed the Tigers to take on Blue Springs in a duel. Class 1 Warrensburg (11-1) swept the Class 3 Wildcats (0-11) 9-0. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow bested Blue Springs sophomore Ethan Shryer 6-1, senior Nolan Kennedy topped Blue SPrings sophomore Luke David-Pennington 6-2, sophomore Quinn Conley topped Blue Springs senior Andrew Omeife 6-1, junior Sam Renfrow beat Blue Springs junior...
SEDALIA — Community theatre at the Hayden Liberty Center is back with the production of “Legally Blonde.” Producer Linda Pappert, of Marshall, said this is the first community theatre musical to hit the stage in eight years. Although the Liberty Center has produced several children’s musicals, it has been almost a decade for an adult production. “Community theatre is back,” Pappert said on Monday. “We are really excited, not only myself, but many actors travel to Jefferson City or Versailles … but it’s really nice to have it in your hometown.” She added the cast is “fantastic.” “Some of the...
This weekend I’m headed home to rural Illinois to go mushroom hunting with my father. I’m hoping to return with a pound of yellow morels. Maybe even two. But even if I don’t, there will be other delicious things for me to find. In the woods, there will be bright green stinging nettles, delicious (and harmless) when cooked. There are slender sassafras trees. Their roots are the traditional ingredient for root beer and their leaves make filé powder for gumbo. There are also other mushrooms, brown pheasant backs and white oysters. If I’m really lucky, I might spot a patch...
WARRENSBURG — Tigers baseball found itself closer than comfort against Clinton on Thursday, April 28. Warrensburg held an eight run lead midway through the fourth of a technical away game at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The difference dissipated down to one in a stretch that included runs off junior starting pitcher Landon Sheteron and senior relief pitcher Tyler Ward. Junior Gauge Claunch entered on the mound after, setting up a 14-10 win. “We started off well and scored some runs,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Coombs said. “We were playing good defense. Then, all of a sudden we lost the strike...
Suzanne Cooper, a senior at Crest Ridge High School, was named the Optimist Club of Warrensburg April Teen of the Month. The daughter of Leslie and George Cooper, she is involved in volunteering at the Warrensburg Farmers’ Market, Old Drum Animal Shelter and the Food Pantry. Cooper has been involved in the Science Club for two years, FBLA for one year, National Honor Society for three years and before that was a National Junior Honors Society member for two years and is on the yearbook staff. She has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for three years and has gotten...
SEDALIA — A mental health event sponsored by DeFeet and underwritten by the Zero Suicide Coalition is slated for Saturday at the Nucor Pavilion on the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. Organizer Robin Balke, vice president of DeFeet, said the “Let’s Talk About This,” a Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Event, will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature live music, spoken word artists, NoBro visual artists, food vendors, and 12 resource booths. A stage is available for the performers, and Balke said 100 chairs would be placed in the pavilion’s center. At the same...
WARRENSBURG — The Western Missouri Medical Center Board of Trustees officially has a new member. Madison Harter, Bank Manager of Equity Bank, was elected to the WMMC Board in the April 5 municipal election. She was sworn in on Tuesday, April 12, by Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson. “I want to thank everyone for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” Harter said. “I am honored and excited to be on the Board of Trustees and contribute to the success of Western Missouri Medical Center.” The Board also elected officers: Chair Rite White, Vice Chair Larry Purcell, D.D.S., Secretary Greg Hassler, Treasurer...
Warrensburg Middle School has announced the students named to the third quarter of the 2021-22 school year. Sixth grade: Isaak Abello, Brayden Abner, Yousuf Aboalola, Owen Abrash, Jayden Adkisson, Adeline Applegate, Kobe Baker, Raygan Bates, Austin Beasley, Isabella Behrens, Jacob Bott, Angelina Brewster, William Bridgmon, Emily Britton, Taytum Browder, Avery Brown, Harris Brown, Kaelynn Brown, Khloe Brown, Reese Brown, Alayna Bruner, Annika Brunsvold, Bella Bryant, Lucien Bryner, Teagan Buckson, Troy Carpenter, Novella Carrender, Addison Carson, MacKenzie Catron, Morgan Cavender, Jose Cervantes, Ava Chenault, Joseph Chew, Amy Cho, Deacon Claunch, Shealynn Clifton, Jocelyn Clinton, Walker Collins, Stella Cone, Anna Coombs, Tyson...
WARRENSBURG — During the month of April, 15 Classical Conversations homeschool students earned the title of “Memory Master.” Eden Godfrey and Toby Godfrey, children of Jeff and Ashley Godfrey; Emaline Morton, daughter of Ryan and Renee Morton; David Shetterly, son of Joe and Rhonda Shetterly, Ashley Gerlach, daughter of Kurt and Heather Gerlach; Wesley and Avery Rivera, children of Mike and Amber Rivera; Summer and Grant Stiles, children of Brian and Sherri Stiles; Ellinor Grishow, daughter of Matt and Hannah Grishow, Greyson Johnson, son of Eric and Amanda Johnson; Christiana and Elijah Vaughn, children of Bruce and Heather Vaughn; Eleanor...
SEDALIA — Casting Crowns, a contemporary Christian rock band, will perform at the Missouri State Fair Tuesday, Aug. 16, along with We Are Messengers, a group originally from Ireland now based in the U.S. Casting Crowns began in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall, who serves as the band's lead vocalist, as part of a youth group at First Baptist Church in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida. The group is known for the songs “Praise you in the Storm,” “Who am I,” I Know You’re There,” and “Scars in Heaven.” They currently have a new album, “Healer,” which was written during...
Knob Noster baseball beat Eldon 4-1 on Thursday, April 28, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. The Panthers’ (14-7) win was anchored by a 2-for-2 day from sophomore Trey Pahyne. He had two RBI. Junior Luke Bolton earned the win striking out three while allowing four hits. Knob Noster returns to action Tuesday, May 3, as it travels to Lafayette County.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Board approved a bid from Lewis Ground Maintenance for mowing services at eight parks at a cost of ,780. “Over the last year, we have been short staffed,” Fesler said. “Not only are we short one full-time park maintenance person just over a year now, but we are also short part-time staff.” Fesler said a mowing contract would allow park maintenance personnel to focus more on other aspects of the parks. “Last year … we did the emergency contract for the mowing that covered Cave Hollow and West Park and that helped us...
This March, the Katy Trail State Park was nominated for “Best Recreational Trail” in the county in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Thanks to all the users who know, love and use the Katy Trail, it was voted No. 2 Best Recreational Trail in the nation. “What a great birthday present for the Katy Trail!” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “On April 28, 2022, the trail turns 32, and getting out on the trail is a great way to celebrate.” Built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT or Katy), the trail spans...
WARRENSBURG — Grass is growing, flowers are blooming, summer sports teams are forming and Warrensburg Parks and Recreation has started its busiest season with a new park operations superintendent. Christian Schoolcraft grew up in Fulton and attended State Technical College of Missouri, earning an associate’s degree in Commercial Turf and Grounds Management before starting his career with an internship with the Washington Nationals baseball team in 2016. “Upon graduation, I had a full-time offer with the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri, part of their turf management department,” Schoolcraft said. Schoolcraft then shifted to sports turf management at MoneyGram...
Warrensburg resident injured in Benton County wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck April 23 on Highway E north of Highway C in Benton County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2003 Toyota Sequoia, driven by Lee A. Jeorling, 48, of Warrensburg, experienced a medical event and lost control of the vehicle, which traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Jeorling is reported to have minor injuries and was transported by Warsaw-Lincoln Ambulance District to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton. Jeorling is reported to have...
Scammers are trying a new tactic, according to reports from some Evergy customers. Callers, fraudulently claiming to be Evergy representatives, are telling customers they have been overcharged on their electric bill and are owed a credit. The individual asks for your credit card information to apply the refund. These calls are not from Evergy. Customers may verify an individual is from Evergy by calling the Customer Contact Center before giving any personal information. In most cases, the caller claims to be an Evergy customer service representative to get the customer to provide credit card information or other personal information, telling...
have found myself pleading with time to slow down, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Just yesterday, I was a teenager patiently waiting to turn 16 so that I could drive myself wherever I wanted to go. I would daydream about driving across the country with a friend like Thelma and Louise (plus or minus the mischief). I finally made it and found that it was highly frowned upon by my parents to run amok across the country and that it actually took money to accomplish these universal travels that I so desired. So, I got a job. When...
With the warm weather rapidly approaching, the heavier meals of winter give way to lighter warm-weather fare of springtime and summer. With that, our choices of wine must also be modified. The Veramonte wines of Chile are a good choice as a mealtime accompaniment or as a sipping wine while relaxing outdoors. The reason they are a good choice is that they are well made, true to the varietal aromas and flavors and if that is not enough they are also very affordable. With that, I must depart from my usual listing of the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) next...
The City of Warrensburg will be welcoming National Travel and Tourism Week with an event Monday, May 2, at Warrensburg’s historic Amtrak Missouri River Runner Station and home of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. Holden St. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the station by 9:15 a.m. to help wave to those on the Missouri River Runner Train 314, with an estimated arrival time of 9:34 a.m. Area elected officials, along with representatives from Johnson County, City of Warrensburg and various Boards will be represented. Through June 30, there is one train making two stops per day at...
Old Drum Open Mic will include music, stories, poetry, and essays for its next program from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5 at Java Junction, 118 N. Holden St. in downtown Warrensburg. Old Drum Open Mic produces its showcase event the first Thursday night of each month. Prospective presenters can schedule appearances through the Old Drum Open Facebook page. Old Drum Open Mic programs are designed to provide a venue for the presentation of original and creative works. The programs are free and open to the public. Evergy warns customers regarding recent scam attempts
Chilhowee senior Laney Owsley signed her letter of intent to be a dual sport student athlete at Central Methodist on Thursday, April 28. Owsley intends to play both basketball and volleyball for the Eagles. She earned All-District honors in Class 1 District 9 and First Team All-GVVC honors as Chilhowee’ point guard in 20211-22. Located in Fayette, Central Methodist is a NAIA school that plays in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Eagles’ women’s basketball team finished 31-6 in 2021-22, advancing to the NAIA national semifinal round. Their volleyball team finished 29-9 last fall and made an appearance in...
Mules baseball’s chance at having home field advantage in the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament is in sight. Central Missouri is listed as the top team in the first Central Region rankings, a list announced Wednesday, April 27. The Mules are one of five MIAA teams to be listed, joined by No. 6 Northeastern State (29-12), No. 7 Washburn (27-13), No. 9 Pittsburg State (26-17) and No. 10 Missouri Southern (25-16). This year’s final regional field will include eight teams from the MIAA, Northern Sun and Great American Conference. Additional preliminary rankings will be released Wednesday, May 4 and...
Jennies softball split its doubleheader with William Jewell on Tuesday, April 26, at the Urban Youth Academy in Kansas City. Central Missouri won game one in an 8-0 fashion before falling 8-7 in game two. The non-conference series puts UCM at 16-33 on the season. Game 1 — Central Missouri 8, William Jewell 0 (five innings) Redshirt junior starting pitcher Kyleigh Lay surrendered just one hit while allowing three others to advance to base in the first game. Lay’s outing was supported by 12 total Jennie base runners (seven off hits, five off of walks). Sophomore Abby Allnutt and junior...
CONCORDIA — The third place game in the I-70 Conference Tournament set up to be the perfect opportunity for Crest Ridge baseball on Wednesday, April 27. A day after losing to St. Paul Lutheran by run rule in the semifinal round, the Cougars turned around to earn a run rule win of its own by beating Concordia 14-4 in five innings. “It was nice to see them hitting the ball and getting better that way,” Crest Ridge head coach Rick Schmidli said. “Even last night, we didn’t necessarily hit the ball bad, it was just those errors that put us...
Warrensburg boys tennis added a No. 1 seed for the Class 1 District 13 Tournament to its 2022 accolades courtesy of its sweep of Marshall on Wednesday, April 27, in Marshall. The Tigers bested the Owls behind wins in all nine of their matches, including five unanimous decisions. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow topped Marshall senior Haydn King 8-0, sophomore Nolan Kennedy topped Marshall senior John Miles 8-1, sophomore Quinn Conley topped Marshall sophomore Erian Jones 8-0, sophomore Anthony Rehn topped Marshall senior Collin Hedrick 8-3, sophomore Grant Moore topped Marhall sophomore Hunter Bestal and junior Cameron King topped Marshall...
CONCORDIA — After opening the I-70 Tournament with walk-off wins over Sweet Springs and Concordia, Crest Ridge softball fell to Wellington-Napoleon 6-0 on Wednesday, April 27. The Cougars fell behind in the bottom of championship game's first inning and could not catch a break to get a batter in against the defending Class 1 third place finisher. Wellington-Napoleon has two losses on the season, including a 6-2 loss to Crest Ridge on April 21. Crest Ridge is scheduled to finish the regular season as it hosts Stover on Monday, May 2 and Bunceton on Tuesday, May 3.
Limiting Wheatland to a single hit and scoring both of its runs in the first inning, Leeton earned a 2-0 win on Wednesday, April 27, in Leeton. Between a five-inning outing on the mound from freshman Dylan Shackelford and a two-inning stretch from junior Cody Shackelford, the Bulldogs allowed just a single hit while walking five and striking out 12. Their efforts backed a 2-0 leeton lead that arrived in the bottom of the first courtesy of an error scoring Dylan Shackelford and a bases loaded walk scoring Cody Shackelford. The Bulldogs (8-4) logged six hits in the contest and...
KNOB NOSTER — Knob Noster, Holden, Crest Ridge, Leeton and Chilhowee track and field competed in the Knob Noster Invitational on Tuesday, April 26. The meet featured 14 different girls teams and 13 different boys teams. Blair Oaks won the girls team title while Harrisonville won the boys team title. Holden at the best local finish, placing third on the girls side and sixth on the boys. The Leeton girls had the next best finish, placing seventh. Below is a rundown of top six local finishers for each event. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Kia Harmon, Holden — 13.43; 4. Jordan...
UCM Athletics announced the recipients of its annual outstanding senior athletes of the year awards during its annual banquet Monday, April 25, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. Jennies track and field’s Ashlan Burton, Jennies basketball’s Nija Collier, Jennies volleyball’s Audrey Fisher and jennies soccer’s Kassie Newsom were recipients of the Dr. Peggy Martin Award. Mules baseball’s Collin Jones and Mules track and field’s Vincent Hobbie were recipients of the Vernon Kennedy Award. Burton has set a gold standard in Jennie's track and field history, making a name for herself in throw events. She’ll finish her career as at least a...
After a day away, Holden returned to the win column topping Lexington 16-0 on Tuesday, April 26, at Holden High School. The contest lasted three innings by run rule, and included a 15 run second inning for Holden. Sophomore Lane Siemer and freshman Aiden Chrsitian each had two hits, leading Holden’s 10-hit attack. Siemer earned the win on the mound, coming a hit away from a shutout. Senior Hunter Higgins recorded an RBI single, senior Danny Hartzler had a single with two hit by pitches and senior Chance Agcopra scored two runs. Holden (15-2, 5-2 MRVC) is scheduled to return...
Even while playing without Nolan Kennedy and Sam Renfrow, Warrensburg boys tennis added another 9-0 win to its collection on Tuesday, April 26. This edition of the sweep arrived against Harrisonville. It guarantees the Tigers at least a share of the regular season MRVC West Championship. In singles senior Jack Renfrow topped Harrisonville junior Garrett Peterman 8-1, sophomore Quinn Conley topped Harrisonville freshman Conner Graves 8-0, sophomore Anthony Rehn topped Harrisonville sophomore Elijah Weir 8-1, sophomore Grant Moore topped Harrisonville sophomore Anthony Droege 8-4, junior Cameron King topped Harrisonville sophomore Samuel Droege 8-0 and junior Qi Haung topped Harrisonville sophomore...
Knob Noster baseball never settled with trailing Carrollton on Tuesday, April 26, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. The Panthers (12-7, 6-3 MRVC East) erased two deficits, with the last in the bottom of the 10th inning. They won 11-10. Knob Noster trailed 7-2 after four innings and 10-7 after nine and a half. The final comeback included a home run from sophomore Trey Payne. Payne’s home run was one of 36 total hits between both teams. Junior Luke Bolton earned the win on the mound. KNob Noster is scheduled to return to action Thursday, April 28, as it hosts...
Warrensburg baseball topped Harrisonville 17-2 on Tuesday, April 26, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The win included a 4-for-4 day from senior Tyler Ward. Ward recorded three singles and a double in the contest while also adding in three RBI. He crossed base himself four times. Ward was one of four Tigers to finish with numerous hits, joined by a 2-for-3 day from senior Antonio Corona, a 2-for-3 day from senior Derek Nicas and a 2-for-3 day from senior Max Elliott. Warrensburg’s (9-6, 2-2 MRVC West) win took four innings, and included an 11-run bottom of the second. Senior Brett...
SEDALIA — He joked that the juicy Mizzou stories may have to wait for a tell-all book, but local sports icon Kim Anderson still kept the room entertained as a guest speaker during Tuesday’s Sedalia Optimist Club meeting at the Heckart Community Center. "This place is unbelievable," said Anderson, whose recent retirement as Pitt State men's basketball head coach put an end to a career on the sidelines that lasted almost 40 years. “We're going to move back here and I can't wait to get in and use some of it. It's something really great for Sedalia." One of Smith-Cotton's...
UCM Athletics announced the recipients of its annual outstanding senior athletes of the year awards during its annual banquet Monday, April 25, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. Jennies track and field’s Ashlan Burton, Jennies basketball’s Nija Collier, Jennies volleyball’s Audrey Fisher and jennies soccer’s Kassie Newsom were recipients of the Dr. Peggy Martin Award. Mules baseball’s Collin Jones and Mules track and field’s Vincent Hobbie were recipients of the Vernon Kennedy Award. Burton has set a gold standard in Jennie's track and field history, making a name for herself in throw events. She’ll finish her career as at least a...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg City Council elected Jim Kushner as mayor and Tarl Bentley as chair pro tem after declaring the election of Bruce Uhler and Eddie Osborne at the Monday, April 25, meeting. The council adjourned sine die as council members Nolan Brooks and Scott Holmberg reached the end of their terms, then reformed with Uhler and Osborne. Uhler and Osborne were elected during the April 5 Municipal Election and will each serve a three-year term. Uhler and Osborne were sworn in during the meeting by City Clerk Jodi Schneider. The positions of mayor and chair pro tem are...
Crest Ridge baseball opened the I-70 Tournament with a 15-0 win over Sweet Springs on Monday, April 25, in Concordia The Cougars scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back, slowly building up to a run rule win after four innings. Senior Jackson Nimsgern led the Cougars at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 while being walked once. Senior Corben Martin and senior Wes Marten had a team-high three RBI. Freshman Wyatt Ducos, and sophomore Austin Livengood had two. Junior Caiden McKenzie earned the win on the mound, tossing a no hitter while striking out three and walking two....
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg High School will present its spring play this weekend with performances of “The Diviners.” The play is set in a small town in Indiana during the Great Depression era where the audience is introduced to a family who has experienced some trauma. “We meet Buddy Layman, who was saved by his mother from drowning at 3 years old so he has some brain injury from that trauma. We meet Jennie Mae, his sister who has grown into a mom role for him,” theatre teacher Kayla Helms explained. “A preacher comes to town who has given up on...
Knob Noster baseball bested Lexington in extra innings on Monday, April 25. The 5-4 final score arrived with a walkoff in the bottom of the eighth. The Panthers return to action Tuesday, April 26, as they host Carrollton.
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, April 26 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, April 27 The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce will host a lunch and learn session with Larry Carey from RevLocal for its Chamber University...
The American Red Cross encourages communities to give blood or platelets for patients in need. This spring, it’s important the Red Cross maintains a readily available blood supply for those who rely on transfusions for treatment. Since donated blood has a limited shelf life, supplies must be constantly replenished to ensure a sufficient inventory of blood products. With no substitution for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for patients with sickle cell disease, car accident victims and parents experiencing difficult childbirths. As a thank-you, those who come to give blood,...
The seventh and eighth grade Warrensburg Middle School math team members participated in the Central District Math Associate math contest on Saturday, April 9 at Warrensburg Middle School. Other participating schools were Knob Noster, Bueker Middle School in Marshall, Archie, Cole Camp, Lincoln and Lutheran School Association in Cole Camp. Students competed in a variety of individual and team events, including Problem Solving, Mathematics Connections, Estimation, Mental Math, Geometry, Probability and Statistics, Measurement and Algebra. Warrensburg Middle School students earned the recognition of second place overall school, finishing just four points behind Knob Noster. The eighth grade team...
WARRENSBURG — With a background in helping people, Abigail Hyde has been appointed as the director of the Warrensburg Senior Center. Hyde was officially appointed in early March and has been working to bring back pre-pandemic activities. At 19, Hyde started working for the Share and Care Center in Clinton, then various group homes. “I attended (the University of Central Missouri), got my Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with a concentration in Community Health,” Hyde said. “I worked for Share and Care for five years to put myself through school until I graduated. I left there and started working...
Zachary Munsterman, of Warrensburg, is among the 35 recipients selected by FCS Financial for its scholarship program. Each recipient will receive a [post_excerpt],500 scholarship to assist with the cost of higher education. Since 2004, nearly 5,000 has been distributed through the FCS Financial Scholarship Program. The program is designed to encourage and support higher education for children and grandchildren of FCS Financial members. "FCS Financial’s Scholarship Program provides essential funds for Missouri’s youth who demonstrate academic and community leadership," CEO David Janish said. "As a cooperative, we are dedicated to supporting our rural communities and the next generation of leaders....
Moderate injuries reported in April 21 wreck One person is reported to have moderate injuries from a single-vehicle wreck April 21 on Highway 2 at Route B. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2009 Chevrolet, driven by William E. Armstrong, 42, of Clinton, swerved to avoid a deer and struck a fence. Armstrong is reported to have moderate injuries and sought his own treatment. Armstrong is reported to have worn a safety device. The Chevrolet is reported to have minor damage. MSHP was assisted by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Moderate injuries, arrest reported in...
Jacob C. Pressly, 31, was arrested April 2 after officers responded March 1 to a report of stealing in the 100 block of West Pine Street. Pressly was arrested on a charge of stealing. Patrick E. Bell, 21, was arrested March 30 after officers responded March 21 to a report of stealing in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Bell was arrested on a charge of stealing - 0 or more - all other larceny. Timothy W. Smeltser, 56, was arrested March 25 when officers responded to a report of trespassing in the 200 block of Ming Street. Smeltser...
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 607 N. Maguire St. in Warrensburg, will be hosting an outdoor event, Grow Green-Glow & Glean, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 30. Parking will be available in the lot behind US Bank and the adjacent shopping center. Workshops and information by Bethlehem and local organizations will be provided on Green Living and Care of Creation. There will be hands-on garden activities for children and adults, free vegetable seeds galore, a free raffle for outdoor and garden-related prizes, and an appearance by the “Green Lantern.” Items have been provided by Manna Harvest’s Jeremiah 29:11 Warehouse. All...
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Serena Sartin of the Knob Noster FFA Chapter placed sixth in the Division II prepared public speaking leadership development event at the 94th Missouri FFA Convention. Sixteen students from six districts were selected to compete at the state level. The Knob Noster FFA advisor is Macae McKinley. MFA Inc. sponsors the competition, which requires contestants to deliver a four- to six-minute speech based on an agriculture topic they have selected and researched. The contestants present their speech in front of a panel of judges and then undergo an additional four minutes of questions. The event helps students...
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri FFA Association recognized Samantha Callahan of the Crest Ridge FFA Chapter as the Area 7 Star in Placement at the 94th Missouri FFA Convention. Callahan is the daughter of TJ and Kari Callahan, of Centerview. Her advisor is Avery Deevers. Area Stars in Placement are selected based upon outstanding achievement in work experience in an agricultural business as a part of a student’s supervised agricultural experience program and active participation in FFA. Area 7 includes 25 chapters in the Central District. MFA Inc., Columbia, sponsors the 16 area Star in Placement awards and the State...
WARRENSBURG — Pulling into any parking lot surrounding Audrey J. Walton Stadium on Saturday, April 23, truly felt like a Mules football game day. Other than the lack of an oppositional team, cheer squads and traditional scoring rules, Central Missouri’s spring game was pretty much just that. “I think it goes back to the testament of Mules football and the brotherhood that entails,” Mules football head coach Josh Lamberson said. “The loyalty that people have to the University of Central Missouri. It is such a special place to so many different people.” The consistent dual between the offense and defense...
HOLDEN — Lafayette County is now responsible for both blemishes against Holden’s record. In the second meeting between the two teams this season, the Eagles fell 4-2. The Monday, April 25 loss marked Holden’s second on the season. “We lost to them the first time, it was kind of the same thing,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “We were kind of lifeless. Hopefully we can come back from this and compete a little better out there.” The Huskers (13-5, 6-2 MRVC East) scored all of their runs in the middle two innings, with the inaugural arriving on a throwing...
Mules baseball lost its first MIAA series of the season, losing two out of three to Central Oklahoma between Thursday, April 21 and Saturday, April 23, in Edmond, Oklahoma. UCM lost 9-8 in game one, lost game two 11-10 and won game three 19-4. The series puts the regular season MIAA champions’ record at 34-6 overall and 27-3 in MIAA action. Game 1 — Central Oklahoma 9, Central Missouri 8 (11 innings) Central Oklahoma walked off with an RBI double in the bottom of the 11th on Thursday. The Bronchos broke two runs in the inning after UCM took a...
Warrensburg, Holden, Knob Noster and Leeton track and field competed in the Clinton Invitational on Saturday, April 23, in Clinton. The TIgers won both the boys and girls team championships. Holden had the next best performance with the girls finishing third and boys finishing fifth. The Leeton girls also had a top-five finish as a team. Below is a list of all Johnson County top-six individual finishes. Relays include the top three. GIRLS 4x800 Meter Relay Warrensburg: Alana Osborn, Allie Griffiths, Amber Pedersen, Livie Burson — 10:29.10. 100 Meter Hurdles Grace Hill, Warrensburg — 16.56; 4. Regan Shaffer, Leeton —...
Jennies golf sophomore Claire Solovic is the MIAA Women’s Golf Individual Champion. Solovic earned the title Saturday, April 23, capping off the three-round event with an 8-over par 224 (74-77-73). Her nearest competitor at the Sand Creek Station Golf Course was four strokes away. Soliovic was the lone Jennies golfer to finish inside the top 10. The program did have two others in the top 20, helping it to second overall as a team. UCM had a three-round total of 943 (307-322-314) Redshirt junior Rosie Klausner tied for 15th at 240 (78-80-82), redshirt junior Hayley Jones tied for 19th at...
Holden baseball overcame a six run deficit, beating Van Horn 9-8 in extra innings on Friday, April 22, at Crane Stadium. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, a wild pitch scored junior Travis Bruns. Bruns was a pinch runner for sophomore Lane Siemer, who reached base through a hit by pitch. Sophomore Aiden Morarity earned the win on the mound, throwing 4 ⅓ innings in relief. He allowed no runs on four hits with two walks and eight strikeouts. Holden returns to action Monday, April 25, as it hosts Lafayette County.
WARRENSBURG — Pulling into any parking lot surrounding Audrey J. Walton Stadium on Saturday, April 23, truly felt like a Mules football game day. Other than the lack of an oppositional team, cheer squads and traditional scoring rules, Central Missouri’s spring game was pretty much just that. “I think it goes back to the testament of Mules football and the brotherhood that entails,” Mules football head coach Josh Lamberson said. “The loyalty that people have to the University of Central Missouri. It is such a special place to so many different people.” The consistent dual between the offense and defense...
Warrensburg tennis finished second overall at the Smith-Cotton Tournament on Friday, April 22, in Sedalia. The Tigers’ day was highlighted in the doubles side of things, with Nolan Kennedy and Quinn Conley finishing second in the No. 2 doubles bracket while Jack Renfrow and Sam Renfrow finished third in the No. 1 doubles bracket. Kennedy and Conley fell to Lee’s Summit North’s Grant Idoux and Parker Windhausen 8-4 in the No. 2 doubles championship match. The Renfrow brothers beat Smith-Cotton’s Francisco De Durana and Devin Meyers in the No. 1 doubles third-place match. Anthony Rehn finished fourth in the No....
WARRENSBURG — Mules wrestling has named its leader for the program’s next chapter. University of Central Missouri Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jerry Hughes announced Cody Garcia as Mules Wrestling’s next head coach in a press release Friday, April 22. He arrives to UCM from NAIA program Baker University. "I'm really excited for Coach Garcia to be the next head coach for Mules wrestling," Hughes said in the release. "He was an outstanding wrestler as a student-athlete and has been an excellent head coach. I believe he will be an outstanding leader for the Mules wrestling program." Through seven seasons...
Crest Ridge baseball lost to Wellington-Napoleon 5-3 on Thursday, April 21, in Wellington. All three Crest Ridge (8-10, 4-2 I-70) runs came courtesy of home runs, with freshman Wyatt Ducos sending it out of the park to also score senior Theo Feldman in the top of the third and senior Jackson Nimsgern hitting it out in the top of the sixth. Wellington took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first and added a run each in the bottom fo the second and fourth. Senior Corben Martin was credited with the loss, surrendering five runs (four earned) off six...
SEDALIA — Lorin Fahrmeier, of Lafayette County, who comes from a long agricultural background, was named the Missouri State Fair Foundation executive director last week. Fahrmeier began the position on Monday, replacing outgoing director Wendy Faulconer. She and her husband, Bret, and children Murphy, 10, and Pip, 4, own a you-pick farm of strawberries and blackberries near Lexington, and they also raise beef and pork and own a winery. Fahrmeier said their children are fourth-generation fair exhibitors. Before taking the Foundation position, Fahrmeier previously worked for 11 years at the University of Missouri Extension. In a release from the Foundation,...
Love What’s Local’s annual Spring Clean the Burg is a city-wide initiative to clean up neighborhoods, streets, and Downtown Warrensburg. Spring Clean the Burg will be hosted April 21-28. This week-long event is to help encourage community volunteerism and to get the town spruced up for spring and summer. This is an opportunity for individuals who need community service hours, plus plenty of local businesses and organizations will be participating. Everyone from residents, families, community groups, businesses, churches, and teenagers is encouraged to reach out to their favorite spot in town to help implement projects that they may need an...
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, R-District 4, announced that a member of her staff will visit Warrensburg from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27 at the Johnson County Courthouse to meet with local residents and assist Missourians experiencing problems with a federal agency.
The Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau’s grant program was established to provide startup funding to nonprofits hosting events, programs and sporting events that promote the development and growth of overnight tourism in Warrensburg. The WCVB has awarded more than ,000 to area nonprofits in grant funding. The WCVB 2022 grant program application deadline is Friday, April 29. Applications and grant information can be found at VisitWarrensburg.com under the About Section. For more information, contact Tourism Director Marcy Barnhart at marcy.barnhart@warrensburg-mo.com or 660-262-4611
SEDALIA — As a thank you to Sedalia and Pettis County for their support of Ukraine, the Sedalia Tabernacle Church will host a Ukrainian Festival on Sunday in downtown Sedalia. Church member Essie Onufreychuk said on Wednesday the outdoor festival will include Ukrainian foods, games, activities for children, and music and worship. Stations will be set up underneath tents so the event will take place rain or shine. She added children will have the opportunity to make traditional flower crowns and paint a picture of the Ukrainian flag. Onufreychuk added stations will be set up from 2 to 6 p.m....
The Missouri State Fair announced on Monday that ZZ Top will perform at the State Fair Grandstand this year. ZZ Top will take the stage Wednesday, Aug. 17 as part of the Raw Whiskey Tour. According to the rock band’s website, ZZ Top is working on a new album, “RAW,” that was recorded in connection with the band’s popular and critically lauded 2019 Netflix documentary, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas.” The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and is known for defining songs such as “LaGrange,” “Tush,” “Cheap Sunglasses” and “Sharp Dressed...
WARRENSBURG – Warrensburg Main Street and the Warrensburg Farmers’ Market will kick off the 2022 season with the Moonlight Market from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30. Many of the regular season vendors as well as pop-up artisans will be around the courthouse square as well as live music and food trucks. Moonlight Markets were created to help the farmers’ market reach a different audience while bringing a family-friendly event into Downtown Warrensburg. Main Street stated in a press release that the 2021 Moonlight Market was the first year for an evening Farmers’ Market and the community showed up,...
Warrensburg boys tennis swept Harrisonville on Thursday, April 21, at Grover Park. The win brings the Tigers to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in MRVC West action. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow beat Harrisonville junior Garrett Peterman 8-1, senior Nolan Kennedy beat Harrisonville freshman Conner Graves 8-0, sophomore QUinn Conley beat Harrisonville sophomore Elijah Weir 8-1, sophomore Anthony Rehn beat Harrisonville sophomore Andrew Droege 8-1, sophomore Grant Moore beat Harrisonville sophomore Samuel Droege 8-1 and junior Cameron King beat Harrisonville sophomore Slade Holden 8-1. In doubles, Renfrow and Kennedy beat Peterman and Andrew Droege 8-1, Conley and Moore beat Graves and...
Marvel and Disney are known for their Easter eggs and clever references hidden throughout many films. Area residents may find a Warrensburg reference tucked into the producing credits of the newest Marvel streaming series, “Moon Knight.” From Warrensburg to L.A. Grant Curtis, a Warrensburg native living in Los Angeles, is an executive producer on the latest Disney+ project from Marvel Studios. Curtis has deep roots in west central Missouri, as his mother is a Smith-Cotton graduate, his father grew up in La Monte, and his grandfather was a Sedalia pastor; his parents still live in Warrensburg. Curtis is a 1990...
Fatality reported in April 18 wreck One fatality is reported in an April 18 wreck on eastbound Highway 50 at Northwest 1601 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2005 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Dennis L. Miller, 75, of Kingsville, crossed the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 into the path of a 2014 Ford F-250, driven by Jeffrey A. Davis, 49, of Knob Noster. The Ford struck the Hyundai, the Hyundai traveled off the roadway, struck a light pole and overturned. The Ford traveled off the roadway, overturned and struck a traffic sign. Miller was...
WARRENSBURG — The 2021-22 live performance season at the University of Central Missouri is coming to a colorful end, with “Kaleidoscope” being performed this week in the Highlander Theatre. The production, UCM’s annual spring dance concert, is a collaboration from across the School of Visual and Performing Arts, featuring sights, sounds, movement and dance created by choreographers, artists and musicians. Director Ashley Miller-Scully said the show is a mixed repertory dance concert featuring different genres of dance that reflect the colors of the color wheel. Each of the 10 color-themed pieces was created by a three-person team consisting of a...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced, starting May 4, the Warrensburg Visitor Center will be temporarily relocating to the Warrensburg Municipal Center, 200 S. Holden St. The move is part of a larger project as the Visitor Center is set to eventually move into 205 N. Holden St., in Downtown Warrensburg, once renovations are complete. While in its interim location, the Visitor Center will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and will be closed on Tuesdays while Municipal Court is in session. The Visitor...
Christy B. Crouse was sworn in by Clerk of the Court Robert D. Mayberger for the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, at noon on April 14 to become an attorney at law. Crouse was admitted to the New York State Bar following her passage of the New York Law Exam, the New York Bar Exam, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination and a character assessment by the New York Attorney Admissions Office’s Character and Fitness Committee. Crouse is on a fellowship from the University of Chicago working as a human rights lawyer for the nonprofit...
SEWARD, Neb. — Andrew Brandt, of Knob Noster, was one of six Concordia University Nebraska students to compete against schools across the Midwest region in the International Collegiate Programming Competition.
A seven run top of the seventh brought Marshall closer than Warrensburg would’ve hoped in a 11-10 win Thursday, April 21, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The Tigers (7-6, 1-2 MRVC West) surrendered a bases loaded walk before surrendering four straight singles. Once the game came within one run, sophomore Josh Thomas proceeded to strike out the final two batters. The inning threatened a Warensburg lead that existed since the bottom of the second, where Antonio Corona recorded a two-RBI double to break a 1-1 tie. The lead grew further thanks to a six run third inning, including scores off...
HOLDEN — Just like this season’s precious meeting between Holden and Knob Noster, not much separated the two teams. Mistakes were next to nothing from each team, with just a single error being committed in the contest. When the final out was recorded on Thursday, April 21, it was Holden on top winning 1-0. “I knew it was going to come down to it,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “There’s only so many times you can only get two hits and win the game. Knob, in this game, I thought they really hit into some tough luck. That’s just...
Warrensburg High School has announced Carey Thomas as its next head softball coach. The school announced the hiring on Thursday, April 21. Thomas was an assistant coach for the Tigers in 2021. “Coach Thomas has served as a head coach in two other programs in her career,” Warrensburg activities director Keith Chapman said in a press release. “Her knowledge/passion for the game and commitment to the student’s athletes shows clearly her ability to lead this program.” Before arriving in Warrensburg last fall, Thomas spent time as a head coach and assistant at both Steelville and Community. She helped Community to...
WARRENSBURG — A match between Warrensburg girls soccer and Lincoln College Prep ultimately wasn’t set in stone until the final whistle. As a ball shot by Tigers junior Ellie Wiederhoeft slipped out of Blue Tigers senior goalkeeper Charlie Khalifah's hands with less than 30 seconds remaining, the possibility of going into extra time held on. A teammate ended up kicking the ball out of bounds, setting up a Warrensburg corner kick from freshman Gabby Fatka within the final seconds. It did not go in, with the Tigers falling 1-0 on Wednesday, April 20. “It was a really really fun...
Leeton track and field competed in the Whirlwind Invitational on Monday, April 18, at Archie High School. The Bulldogs had 15 top-six finishes. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Jordan Crooks, 13.16. 200 Meter Dash Jordan Crooks, 28.09. 400 Meter Dash Hailey Bingaman, 1:13.69 800 Meter Run Bailey Fleming, 2:58.54. 1600 Meter Run Rowan Schmidli, 7:15.35. 100 Meter Hurdles Regan Shaffer, 18:01. 300 Meter Hurdles Regan Shaffer, 52.90. 4x200 Meter Relay 1:57.15. 4x400 Meter Relay 4:41.30. 4x800 Meter Relay 12:39.73 High Jump Breanna Warner, 1.42 meters. 6. Mattie Nussbaum, 1:14 meters. Triple Jump Jayden Parsons, 9.14 meters. Discus Lillian Davidson, 28.15 meters. ...
WARRENSBURG — Assistant Superintendent Troy Marnholtz and Compensation Committee Chair Dan Richner presented information to the Warrensburg Board of Education on the compensation proposal for the 2022-23 school year. The recommendation was to add 0 to the base for salaried staff, [post_excerpt].15 per hour for hourly staff, equalizing the administration step to the certified step by changing it from 2% to 2.5%. “Our salary schedule is weighted towards six-plus years of experience with master’s (degree) plus and that is where the weight of our salary schedule is,” Marnholtz said. With the increase to the base, starting salary is ,000, hourly...
Holden’s bats turned to productivity in a 15-2 win over Carrollton on Tuesday, April 19, in Carrollton. The Eagles (12-1, 3-1 MRVC East) had six athletes with numerous hits in the six-inning contest. Holden put up four runs in the second, five in the third and six in the sixth. Sophomore Aiden Morarity finished 4-for-5 with four RBI, junior Garrett Smith finished 3-for-3 with three RBI, junior Carson Gard finished 3-for-5 with three RBI, freshman Aiden Christian finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored, sophomore Lane Siemer finished 3-for-5 with an RBI and junior Justin Radunsky finished 2-for-4 with two RBI. ...
Jennies baseball split its non-conference doubleheader with St. Louis on Tuesday, April 19, at the UCM South Recreation Complex. Central Missouri won game one 8-0, but fell in game two 5-1. The split puts the Jennies’ record at 15-32 on the season. Game 1 — Central Missouri 8, St. Louis 0 A home run and three triples highlighted UCM’s five-inning shutout. Redshirt junior Mackenzie McAtee got things going in the Jennies’ victory, hitting a home run with two outs in the bottom of the first. McAtee finished the game 3-for-3 with six RBI, including four off an RBI triple in...
Crest Ridge baseball beat Sweet Springs 2-0 on Tuesday, April 19, in Centerview. The Cougars (8-9, 4-1 I-70) put both of their runs up in the fifth inning through an error. It scored seniors Wes Marten and Dalton Wilhite. Senior Theo Feldman led Crest Ridge at the plate, finishing 2-for-3. Marten earned the win on the mound, throwing a complete game. He allowed three hits and walked two while striking out 13. Crest Ridge travels to Wellington-Napoleon for a 4:30 p.m. first pitch on Thursday, April 21.
Mules golf redshirt senior Matt Hoemann is the 2022 MIAA Men’s Golf individual Champion. Hoemann captured the honor courtesy of a 3-under par 69 to overcome a three-stroke deficit in the final round of the championship Tuesday, April 19, at WinterStone Golf Course in Independence. He finished the three round event, which began on Monday, April 18, with a 3-under par 213 (73-71-69). Hoemann’s third round accounted for the lowest score of the MIAA Championships, helping him edge Rogers State senior Aidan Gavey for the title by four strokes. Hoemann was joined by redshirt senior Sam Parrott inside the top...
A four-run third inning put Pleasant Hill ahead in its 4-2 win over Warrensburg on Tuesday, April 19, in Pleasant Hill. The Roosters netted two of its runs off errors, one off a wild pitch and one off a sacrifice fly. The bottom of the third marked the only frame Pleasant Hill went through more than four at-bats. Warrensburg (7-5, 1-2 MRVC West) had just three hits in the game, one arriving from lead off hitter freshman Sam Slobaszewski, one from junior Gauge Claunch and one from senior Antonio Corona. The bases loaded walk of senior Tyler Ward scored Slobaszewski...
Warrensburg girls soccer added its third win of the season, besting winless Center 4-0 on Tuesday, April 19, in Kansas City. Freshman Gabby Fatka led the Tigers with two goals while junior Laine Bushmeyer had one and junior Ellie Wiederhoeft had one. Sophomore Myla Laws contributed an assist. Warrensburg (3-9, 2-3 MRVC) will look to make it two wins in a row as it hosts Lincoln College Prep at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20.
KNOB NOSTER — Panthers baseball’s second meeting with Richmond this season showed just how tough the MRVC East is this season. Two weeks after beating the Spartans by four runs, Knob Noster fell 2-0 on Tuesday, April 19, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. Both runs were unearned. “I knew it was going to be a close game,” Knob Noster head coach Bill Bivins said. “They had three hits, we had one hit. They got two runs that were both unearned. The first inning we got down with too many walks, hit by pitches. Then we started throwing the ball...
SEDALIA — Warrensburg limited errors and free passes to get the better of rival Smith-Cotton in Monday afternoon's 9-3 win at Liberty Park Stadium. Senior Derek Nicas threw a complete game for ‘Burg, allowing four hits and two earned runs with five strikeouts in the battle of the Tigers. “I can’t say enough about Derek,” said Warrensburg head coach Chris Coombs, whose team was coming off a pair of losses, including a 28-18 home defeat against Bolivar. “On the mound, he controlled every at-bat. He got ahead of the hitters, threw strikes, no walks; and that’s what he does. He...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Two people have been arrested in connection with a Sunday night homicide in Johnson County. According to a news release, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded on April 17 to the 100 block of Southwest 250 Road in rural Warrensburg in reference to multiple gunshots being heard. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered a victim, identified as 47-year-old Clifford Heffele, of Warrensburg, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. A second victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries from a single gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital. During the course of the investigation, Brandon L. Nodine, 28, of...
On April 17, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a rural Warrensburg address in the 100 block of Southwest 250 Road, in reference to multiple gunshots being heard. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered a victim identified as Clifford Heffele, 47, of Warrensburg, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. A second victim sustained non-life threatening injuries from a single gunshot wound and was transported to a local area hospital. During the course of the investigation Brandon L. Nodine, 28, of Warrensburg, was arrested on charges of second degree murder, armed criminal action, first degree burglary, unlawful use of weapon...
Track and field teams from Holden, Knob Noster and Chilhowee traveled to Higginsville for the Husker Invite on Monday, April 18, at Lafayette County High School. Between the three schools, the Holden boys and girls teams led the way placing fourth. The Knob Noster girls were next in line in sixth while the boys were eighth. Chilhowee’s girls finished 11th. Below is a list of top six individuals and top three relay finishers between each school. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Clara Hernan, Holden — 14.31. 200 Meter Dash Sarah McCardell, Knob Noster — 29.67; 5. Clara Hernan, Holden — 29.94. ...
Minor, moderate injuries reported in April 15 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries and one person is reported to have moderate injuries from a single-vehicle wreck April 15 on Northwest Highway 13 at Northeast 1150 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2017 Nissan, driven by Jerimi D. Worley, 41, of Waverly, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch. Jerimi Worley is reported to have minor injuries and occupant Jennifer D. Worley, 43, is reported to have moderate injuries. Both are reported to have not worn a...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Main Street will be hosting the Downtown Art Walks in 2022. The monthly events will feature nights of local art, music, food trucks and a pop-up Farmer’s Market. Art Walks have moved from First Fridays to Third Wednesdays from April through September. The Art Walks 2022 season will be hosted from 5 to 7 p.m on the following dates: April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21. Local artists and musicians will showcase their talents and provide local art for sale and show. Art Walks will now host a limited number of...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, April 19 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, April 20 Warrensburg Main Street will host the Downtown Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month...
Earnest L. Brown, 40, was arrested March 17 after officers responded Jan. 2 to a report of shoplifting in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Brown was arrested on a charge of shoplifting. Brown was later arrested the same day when officers responded to a report of shoplifting in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Brown was arrested on a charge of shoplifting. Brown was later arrested the same day after officers responded March 12 to a report of property damage in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Brown was arrested on a charge of tampering with...
“A friend of mine told me to shoot first and ask questions later. I was going to ask him why, but I had to shoot him.” — John Wayne Even if we are standing sentry, we still ask questions before we shoot people down. What did Maverick get told to do when engaging the Mig at the beginning of Top Gun? “Do not fire until fired upon!” So, he inverted his F-14 over top of the Mig (very realistically) that had missile-lock on Cougar and he made contact in another way, instead of blowing him up. We should take note...
The Warrensburg Schools Foundation has announced tickets for the 2022 Todd Hamann Memorial Golf Tournament raffle are available for purchase. One lucky winner will be pulled to receive their choice of a set of Calloway Rogue Irons or a 0 gift certificate to the Mules National Pro Shop. Tickets can be purchased at warrensburgfoundation.ejoinme.org/hamanngolf22 or by stopping by Central Office, 201 S. Holden St. in Warrensburg. Tickets are one for or three for . The tournament will take place Friday, June 3, at Mules National Golf Club. The raffle winner does not need to be present on the day...
SEWARD, Neb. — Jacob Brandt, of Knob Noster, was recognized when Concordia University-Nebraska's department of art announced this year's awards and scholarship recipients during the Annual Student Art Show on April 4. These awards and scholarships are earned based on a student's artwork in the annual Student Art Show that was on display in the Marxhausen Gallery of Art from March 27 to April 12. "We have the privilege of teaching and working with students who are not only talented but determined,” Don Robson, chair of Concordia's Art Department, said. “Building relationships with and investing in their lives is what...
Warrensburg boys tennis picked up its first sweep of Smith-Cotton since 2015 on Monday, April 18, at Grover Park. Warrensburg opened the dual with close doubles matches before controlling the rhythm in most singles matches. Doubles wins included senior Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow topping S-C senior Ein Martin and senior Hayden Herrick 8-5, senior Nolan Kennedy and sophomore Quinn Conley topping S-C senior Francisco De Durana and Devin Meyers 8-6, along with junior Brandon Ward and sophomore Nathan Rodriguez topping S-C sophomore Alexander Rice and sophomore Brandon Luna 8-5. In singles, Jack Renfrow beat Martin 8-1, Kennedy beat...
Knob Noster baseball beat Van Horn 9-3 on Monday, April 18 in Kansas City. The Panthers were anchored by a five inning outing from junior starting pitcher Luke Bolton. He surrendered six strikeouts and only allowed two hits through five innings. Sophomore Brody Gentry drove in four runs, anchored by a 2-for-4 day at the plate. Freshman Trent Gallagher drove in three runs going 3-for-5. Knob Noster returns to action Tuesday, April 19, as it hosts Richmond.
Leeton baseball scored in four of five innings, cruising to a 17-4 win over Concordia on Monday, April 18, in Concordia. Leeton had four players finish with numerous hits, including a 2-for-5 day from freshman Dylan Shackelford, a 2-for-3 day from junior Cody Shackelford, a 2-for-5 day from junior Justin Floyd and a 2-for-3 day from junior Grant Harper. Floyd finished with a game-high six RBI. Floyd earned the win on the mound, throwing a complete game while allowing four runs (none earned) off four hits while striking out two. Leeton committed three errors. Leeton returns to action Wednesday, April...
CENTERVIEW — Holden baseball didn’t play to the best version of itself in a matchup with Crest Ridge. The Cougars, on the other hand, posted a better showing than it has had in recent games. The combination of the two led to a 6-5 Eagles win on Monday, April 18, at Crest Ridge High School. “I’m happy to get a win,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “We weren’t focussed and they were the better team today. We talked about good teams find a way to win a game like that. We did do that, but we did not play...
Rick Mills will not return as Leeton boys basketball’s head coach next season, a decision passed on to him by the Leeton School District. Mills, who reached 800 career wins during the 2021-22 season, spent 18 seasons as the Bulldogs’ head coach. He informed the Star-Journal of the news Monday, April 18. “The superintendent, the principal, school board members or parents, no one contacted me stating their displeasure,” Mills said. “After the year we had, we went 18-8, I thought the kids responded. After the first two games, they responded well. This was a good ball club. I lost three...
UCM track and field’s performance at the Mule Relays featured a combined 10 first-place finishes between the Mules and Jennies on Friday, April 15 at Walton Stadium. Senior Ashlan Burton, redshirt sophomre Paige VanBlarcum, junior Madi Wulfekotter, sophomore Jack Hodge, senior Hannah VanBuskirk, sophomore Antonio Lay, freshman Parker Wormek, the Mules 4x100 meter relay and the Jennies 4x 400 meter relay unit won individual titles in the meet at Walton Stadium. Burton’s championship came in the women’s shot put, making a throw of 16.02 meters on her second attempt. VanBlarcum won the women’s javelin with a throw of 44.31 meters. ...
Jennies softball won one out of four games in a road trip that included stops in Hay, Kansas and Kearney, Nebraska between Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16. Central Missouri lost both of its games to Hays on Friday, but took one out of two from Kearney on Saturday. The weekend puts the program’s overall record at 14-31. It is 6-10 in MIAA action. Game 1 — Fort Hays State 5, Central Missouri 3 Despite recording a game-high three doubles, Central Missouri fell to Hays in game one of Friday’s doubleheader. Junior Peyton Corrigan, redshirt sophomore Makenzie Cooper and...
WARRENSBURG — Make it 20 of the last 28 regular season MIAA Championships for Mules baseball. Central Missouri clinched an outright regular season MIAA title courtesy of a game two win in their sweep of Pittsburg State between Thursday, April 14 and Saturday, April 16. The Mules (33-4, 26-1 MIAA) received their trophy from Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jerry Hughes following the conclusion of an 11-0 win over the Gorillas on Saturday. The victory began with a dominant first two innings, which included four doubles, a triple and a home run off 24 pitches from Pittsburg State starting pitcher...
HOLDEN — Losing composure wasn’t an option for Holden baseball after giving up two home runs within Odessa’s first three at-bats of the Holden State Farm Classic championship game. Four innings in, the Eagles’ positive mentality paid off. After the Bulldogs’ starting pitcher exited the game, things shifted straight into a 13-5 Holden win. “We were a little bit shocked there,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said of the early deficit. “We were down 3-0. I knew the game wasn’t over. We knew there was a long way to go. We just had to get our composure and the kids...
HOLDEN — Little mistakes were committed by Knob Noster and Clinton in the third place game of the Holden State Farm Classic. Plenty of defensive plays between both teams turned to few runners on base, therefore translating to a relatively fast-paced contest. After five and a half innings of scoreless action, the Panthers were able to come up with the moves needed to pull ahead in the bottom of the sixth. The action of the frame was enough to take a 3-0 win over the Cardinals on Friday, April 15, at Holden High School. “Clinton is a classy ball club,”...
Crest Ridge baseball lost to Tipton 9-4 on Friday, April 15, in Centerview. The Cougars led 2-0 thanks to RBI bunts from freshman Wyatt Ducos and senior Jackson Nimsgern. The lead stuck until the fifth, where Tipton scored two runs. The inning was a part of nine-straight runs to be scored by the Cardinals until Crest Ridge answered. Sophomore Austin Livengood led the Cougars at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance. Senior Corben Martin was credited with the loss on the mound. He pitched 4 1/3 innings, with three runs (none earned) being scored. He surrendered two hits, walked three...
Knob Noster boys tennis picked up its first win of the season, beating Clinton 8-1 on Thursday, April 14, at Knob Noster High School. In singles, junior Isaac Courter beat Clinton senior Dylan Coskey 8-1, sophomore Evan Lang beat Clinton senior Abraham Griffey 8-2, junior David Bedgood beat Clinton freshman Elijah Griffey 8-5, freshman Jordan Bedgood lost to Clinton senior Dylan Bloom 9-7, senior Joseph Binder beat Clinton senior Noah Fonke 8-4 and sophomore Xavier Raymond beat senior Garrett Dunn II 8-0. In doubles, Courter and Lang beat Coskey and Abraham Griffey 8-5, David Bedgood and Raymond beat Elijah Griffey...
Knob Noster and Warrensburg track and field competed in the Knob Noster Quad on Thursday, April 14, at Knob Noster High School. The meet also featured Pleasant Hill and Oak Grove. Below is a list of Warrensburg and Knob Noster athletes to finish within the top three. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Kira Wyatt, Warrensburg — 13.14. 200 Meter Dash Faith Werner Warrensburg — 27.71. 400 Meter Dash Alana Osborn, Warrensburg — 1:04.78; 3. Christine Sturgill, Knob Noster — 1:06.21. 800 Meter Run Livie Burson, Warrensburg — 2:35.93; 2. Danika Yates, Knob Noster — 2:46.18; 3. Ellie Wiederhoeft, Warrensburg — 2:48.43. ...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Community Center indoor pool is closed for the foreseeable future due to around 40 feet of fallen ductwork by the far south wall of the pool area. The ductwork, original to the building, fell in early April. Parks Director Danielle Fesler said the pool area was occupied at the time, but no one was in or near the area where the ductwork fell. There were no reported injuries. The portion of the ductwork spans from the stairs of the waterslide to the maintenance door on the east wall. Fesler said the Parks and Recreation Department has...
Holden track and field competed in the Jack McCush Invitational on Thursday, April 14, at Boonville High School. The Eagles had 21 medalists in the meet, signified by a top-six individual finish and top-three relay finishes. Below is a list of the honorees. GIRLS 3200 Meter Run Ava Young — 14:07.69. High Jump Marah Klover — 1.55 meters; 2. Kia Harmon, 1.50 meters. Pole Vault Izzy Guinn — J2.29 meters; 3. Elaina Young, J1.98 meters. Long Jump Kia Harmon — 4.35 meters. Shot Put Liz Stout — 11.19 meters. Discus Liz Stout — 27.60 meters. Javelin Liz Stout — 29.78...
Crest Ridge baseball fell to Adrian 10-6 on Thursday, April 14, in Centerview. The Cougars (7-7) trailed 5-0 before they got on board thanks to back-to-back home runs. The first arrived as a two RBI home run from freshman Ducos, while senior Jackson Nimsgern jad a solo home run. The three-run difference lasted until Adrian plated three runs in the fifth. Crest Ridge’s last three runs were scored through errors. Ducos was one of four Cougars to record two hits, joined by Nimsgern, senior Wes Marten and senior Dalton Wilhite. Junior Caiden McKenzie was credited with the loss, allowing eight...
Holden track and field competed in the Jack McCush Invitational on Thursday, April 14, at Boonville High School. The Eagles had 21 medalists in the meet, signified by a top-six individual finish and top-three relay finishes. Below is a list of the honorees. GIRLS 3200 Meter Run Ava Young — 14:07.69. High Jump Marah Klover — 1.55 meters; 2. Kia Harmon, 1.50 meters. Pole Vault Izzy Guinn — J2.29 meters; 3. Elaina Young, J1.98 meters. Long Jump Kia Harmon — 4.35 meters. Shot Put Liz Stout — 11.19 meters. Discus Liz Stout — 27.60 meters. Javelin Liz Stout — 29.78...
Leeton baseball lost to Skyline 6-0 in its home opener Thursday, April 13, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs (7-4) recorded five hits and were walked once. One runner reached on error and one was hit by pitch. Senior Ethan Driskill and junior Justin Floyd each finished the game 2-for-3. Junior Ricky Shaffer had the other hit. The loss was credited to junior Cody Shackelford, who allowed four runs (two earned) off of one hit and one batter walked through 4 1/3 innings. Leeton had six errors in the game. Skyline scored its first runs in the third. It scored...
Warrensburg baseball lost to Summit Christian Academy 7-1 on Thursday, April 14, in Lee’s Summit. The Tigers (6-5) scored their lone run in the first inning, with sophomore Cole Kreisel scoring on a stolen base. He reached the bases through Warrensburg’s lone hit with a double to open the game. The Tigers reached base through walks eight other times. Three of those runners ended up with outs to their name, with Warrensburg leaving five runners on base. Summit Christian Academy scored all seven of its runs in the second inning. None of the runs were earned. Warrensburg had four errors...
For the second time in dual action his season, Warrensburg boys tennis swept Odessa on Thursday, April 14. This edition of the sweep arrived in 9-0 fashion at Odessa High School. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow topped Odessa senior Landon Faine 8-4, senior Nolan Kennedy topped Odessa senior Ryan Hallier 8-0, sophomore Quinn Conley topped Odessa senior Dakota Neal 8-0, sophomore Anthony Rehn topped Odessa sophomore Meric McCarthy 8-1, sophomore Grant Moore topped Odessa junior Ethan Corder 8-3 and sophomore Cameron King topped Odessa freshman Cayden Faine 8-1. In doubles, Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow topped Landon Faine and...
As anyone who reads my weekly columns already knows, my boyfriend and I bought our first home in November. The house is in excellent condition, and we patiently waited for months to find just the right house that could use some projects to freshen up the look but not anything that required major renovations or construction. That’s exactly what we found. The 1970s ranch-style house has plenty of space indoors and out for all of our belongings. There is enough room to stretch our legs without feeling like we’re on top of each other, and items aren’t constantly piled everywhere...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Before the lights and sirens, there are telecommunicators. Johnson County Central Dispatch is the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls and is the central point for communication between the various agencies in the county. National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, April 10-16, is observed the second week in April to recognize the work of those who dispatch the first responders. “It is really hard to sum up what a telecommunicator does … there’s so much that we do that the public and even our own responder agencies just don’t know about,” said Cecilia Drerup, Johnson...
Have you ever wondered why one wine can sell for while the same variety under another label can go for ? There are some very good reasons and only in a few instances is that reason greed. In most cases, it is the cost of the grapes, either to buy or to grow that determines the final price. The price of the grapes is also determined by their birthplace and that year's growing conditions. That is all well and good for the premium wines, but what about the less expensive wines that serve as the affordable everyday mealtime beverage?...
April is upon us with its showers and warmer weather to jump-start the growing season. I hope you are considering planting gardens this year, both a vegetable garden and a native plant garden, to help supply the bees, butterflies and birds, as well as your family, with healthy food. Even small areas can be very beneficial to pollinators and birds. Though I’ve written recently about our lack of recycling in Warrensburg, I still want to encourage everyone to consider collecting all or part of the things you regularly recycle and take them to recycling centers located in surrounding cities. If...
As temperatures rise, humans and animals become meal tickets for ticks. Heartland disease, an emerging infectious disease first found in northwestern Missouri in 2009, is another reason to take precautions against ticks, said University of Missouri horticulture specialist and entomologist Tamra Reall. Heartland disease symptoms include fever, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain and low white blood cell counts, which prevent the body from fighting infection. April to June is the peak time for tick-related emergency room visits, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To prevent tick bites and disease, Reall said people need to...
Missouri Department of Transportation crews will begin the annual process of striping roadways across mid-Missouri, beginning Monday, April 11. Crews will start on minor routes where paint has faded, or no shoulder lines are in place. The process will then move to major routes, such as interstates and four-lane roadways, later this spring. Motorists will encounter slow-moving lines of trucks with flashing lights, boards with flashing arrows and signs that say, "Wet Paint." Drivers are reminded to stay behind the last truck in the striping train, which is placed well behind the striping truck. This will give the new paint...
Guest artist BINKBEATS will perform live from the Netherlands via Zoom from noon to 1:30 p.m. April 29 and the University of Central Missouri will produce the performance in Hart Recital Hall. BINKBEATS, Frank Wienk, is a Dutch electroacoustic musician with an international reputation. Wienk’s compositions “transcend the realms of IDM, jazz, hip-hop, classical, ambient pop, minimalism and techno” the BINKBEATS states. Since 2018, BINKBEATS is expanding his international renown through collaborations with DJ Krush, Luwten and Jameszoo. BLINKBEATS was chosen by Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams to compose the score for the documentary “American Jail.” BINKBEATS will also give...
April is National Minority Health Month — a time to raise awareness about health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations. The American Red Cross is reminding blood and platelet donors it’s critically important to maintain a stable blood supply this spring to support those with chronic illnesses and other blood needs in the U.S. Blood transfusions remain one of the most critical treatments for patients like those living with sickle cell disease – the majority of whom are of African and Latin descent – and beta thalassemia major, which disproportionately affects those of Asian descent. Additionally, women...
Minor injuries reported in April 8 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a two-vehicle wreck April 8 on Highway 50 west of Highway 13. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2012 Chevrolet Cruz, driven by Mark A. Daniels, 20, of Warrensburg, pulled into the path of a 2015 Kia Optima, driven by Lakota C. Thoeni, 19, of Warrensburg. Occupant Kimberly Watts, 59, of Warrensburg, had minor injuries and was transported by Johnson County Ambulance District to Western Missouri Medical Center. Thoeni, Daniels and Watts are all reported to have worn a...
BATON ROUGE, La. — Troy Clevenger, of Holden, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Northern Arizona University. Clevenger is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.
HIGGINSVILLE — After a close competition, featuring top-notch speeches from students around the area, three area high school students are preparing to pack their bags for a week in Washington, D.C. Shayla Joseph of Crest Ridge High School and Jacob Bacus and Caton Brown of Oak Grove High School were named winners of the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour competition sponsored by West Central Electric Cooperative Inc. They will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital June 13-19 for the National Rural Electric Youth Tour. Finalists in the 2022 competition participated in the second round April 6 at West...
SEDALIA — Bikini Bottom must be protected from an exploding volcano at all costs and theatre students at State Fair Community College plan to do that in the production of “The SpongeBob Musical.” Ryan Mahannah, SFCC theatre productions instructor and program coordinator, said the production will begin on April 21 and run for two weekends. There will also be a character dinner theatre at the Saturday performances that includes a child-friendly dinner. The cast will meet the children in costume at the dinner. “It’s a new musical,” Mahannah said. “The rights just came out within the last year. It was...
The Optimist Club of Warrensburg hosted its annual oratorical contest March 10. Warrensburg senior Abigail Richner placed first and Warrensburg sophomore Sydney Evans placed second. Both contestants had amazing takes on this years' topic “Staying Optimistic In Challenging Times.” They went on to compete at the Regional Contest on April 3 in Sedalia, where Richner placed first and advanced to the District level in May.
Loretta Fowler Burford will be celebrating her 80th birthday with an open house and card shower. The open house will be from 1 to 5 p.m. April 16 at Leeton City Hall, 108 W. Summerfield Ave. in Leeton. Her children have requested no gifts but do have a goal of 80 cards. Cards can be mailed to 409 N. Wall St., Leeton.
Warrensburg boys tennis walked away with a first-place finish at the Excelsior Springs Tournament on Wednesday, April 13, in Excelsior Springs. The tournament was initially slated to include three pool play rounds and a placement round. Due to the arrival of rain and sleet, finals were canceled and winners were based on pool play records and the number of games lost. Each pool match included two singles and three doubles games. As a team, the Tigers finished first overall thanks to a 4-1 win over Kearney, a 5-0 win over Odessa, and a 5-0 win over Cameron. Thanks to the...
After a stellar performance at the plate through four games between April 4 and April 10, Mules baseball redshirt sophomore Brennen van Breusegen has been voted as the National College Baseball Writers Association NCAA Division II of the Week. Between four games, van Breusegen finished last week with a batting average of .667, breaking down to be 12 hits in 18 at-bats. His hits translated to four home runs, a double and 13 singles. He had 13 RBI, a 1.389 slugging percentage and a .667 on-base percentage. He struck out just once. van Breusegen’s week was highlighted by a 5-of-5...
Warrensburg boys tennis walked away with a first-place finish at the Excelsior Springs Tournament on Wednesday, April 13, in Excelsior Springs. The tournament was initially slated to include three pool play rounds and a placement round. Due to the arrival of rain and sleet, finals were canceled and winners were based on pool play records and the number of games lost. Each pool match included two singles and three doubles games. As a team, the Tigers finished first overall thanks to a 4-1 win over Kearney, a 5-0 win over Odessa, and a 5-0 win over Cameron. Thanks to the...
HOLDEN — In terms of short term objectives, Holden baseball is in reach of the next checkpoint. The Eagles beat Clinton 14-1 in their second game of the Holden State Farm Classic on Wednesday, April 13. The win sends Holden on to the tournament’s championship game. “You look at the long season, so you try to put the game into quarters,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “[Making the championship] would be a great first half.” Holden’s (8-1, 2-1 MRVC East) meeting with the Cardinals arrived on the nightcap of Wednesday’s two contests. As the away team on the scoreboard,...
Both track and field teams from Crest Ridge and Chilhowee competed in the Wellington-Napoleon Invitational on Tuesday, April 12, at Odessa High School. Crest Ridge’s top finish was second place, arriving from Crest Ridge senior Jasmine Myers in the high jump. Chilhowee’s best finisher was seventh palace, arriving from freshman Haley Lakford in the 400 meter dash. Below is a list of Crest Ridge and Chilhowee athletes to finish in the top eight. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Catherine Baker, Crest Ridge — 15.47. 200 Meter Dash Catherine Baker, Crest Ridge — 30.82 400 Meter Run Haley Lankford, Chilhowee — 1:12.67. ...
KNOB NOSTER — As part of Month of the Military Child, First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona joined students during a visit Wednesday, April 13, at Whiteman Elementary School and Knob Noster High School. After flying into Whiteman Air Force Base, Biden and Cardona spent time visiting preschoolers at Whiteman Elementary as they did crafts about gardening and farming, then joined eight Knob Noster students for a roundtable discussion about the Student 2 Student initiative within the school district. The students, ranging from elementary students to high school seniors, and Whiteman Elementary Counselor Hailee Wickham...
The Holden and Knob Noster track and field teams traveled to Richmond to compete in the Hoot Middleton on Tuesday, April 12. The meet featured 16 teams on both the boys and girls sides. The Holden girls led the way in fifth with 73 points. The Holden boys were next in line in ninth with 31 points. The Knob Noster boys placed 13th with 16 points while the girls were 15th with eight points.. Between Knob Noster and Holden, there were 17 top-six finishes. Below is a rundown of the results within the criteria. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Kia Harmon,...
Holden baseball opened the Holden State Farm Classic with a 15-3 win over Sherwood on Tuesday, April 12, at Holden High School. The Eagles (8-1, 2-1 MRVC East) jumped out to an 8-0 win in the first inning and did not look back, holding a 13-0 lead before Sherwood put any run on board. Senior Danny Hartzler earned the win, throwing through two innings while allowing one hit with six strikeouts. Junior Carson Gard finished 3-for-3 at the plate. Hartzler, junior Aiden Morarity and junior Garrett Smith finished with two hits. The game ended after two hours and 15 minutes...
Knob Noster fell to Odessa 3-0 on Tuesday, April 12, in its second game of the Holden State Farm Classic. The Panthers (9-5, 4-1 MRVC East) held the Bulldogs to one run through six innings. Errors brought in two unearned runs in the seventh, resulting in a 3-0 final. Holden will play in the tournament’s third-place game at 5:15 p.m. Friday, April 15.
Warrensburg boys tennis returned to the winning side of things, sweeping Clinton 9-0 on Tuesday, April 12, at West Park. The Tigers (5-1, 4-0 MRVC West) surrendered just one point to the Cardinals, arriving in the No. 3 doubles match. Junior Brandon Ward and sophomore Nathan Rodriguez beat Clinton senior Noah Fonke and freshman Tyler Lee 8-1. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow swept Clinton senior Abraham Griffey, senior Quinn Conley swept Clinton freshman Elijah Griffey, sophomore Sam Renfrow swept senior Dylan Bloom, sophomore Anthony Rehn swept Fonke, sophomore Grant Moore swept Clinton senior Garrett Dunn II and junior Cameron King...
Warrensburg and Knob Noster boys golf both competed at the Smith-Cotton Classic on Monday, April 11, at the Sedalia Country Club. Between both teams, the lowest score was Knob Noster sophomore Jonathan Collier’s 93. Warrensburg senior Landon Nakoneczny and Warrensburg freshman Andrew Zumalt were next in line with 95. Warrensburg sophomore Nick Russell and Knob Noster junior Ethan Gaydos had 98. Warrensburg finished with a team score of 390 while Knob Noster had 392. Knob Noster junior Jackson Vezino had 101, Warrensburg freshman Beau Bryant had 102, Knob Noster sophomore Morgan Elwell had 103, Knob Noster sophomore Carson Zimmerschied had...
In a battle between two of the top ranked teams in Class 1 baseball, Leeton fell to Northwest 8-6 on Tuesday, April 12 in Hughesville. The Mustangs walked off in the bottom of the seventh thanks to four runs surrendered. The first two arrived thanks to an error scoring two runners to tie the game at six while the last two arrived on a home run. The home run came against senior Ethan Driskill, who pitched all seven innings. He surrendered all eight runs off eight hits. Only two of the runs were earned, with Leeton (7-3) committing four errors. ...
WARRENSBURG — Heavy winds from the south provided ease for batters from both Warrensburg and Bolivar on Tuesday, April 12. It also raised havoc for both defenses. In the end it was Warrensburg who ended up on the short side, falling 28-18 at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. If MSHSAA’s online record book is up to date, the 46 combined runs are the sixth-most scored in a single MSHSAA baseball game. “The wind is blowing out, and that changes the game a lot,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Coombs said. “It changes how players hit the ball, it changes how we play...
Mules baseball capped off its spread-out MIAA series with Missouri Western on Tuesday, April 12, winning 15-1. The game featured 14 Mules hits, one resulting in a home run by redshirt sophomore Brennen van Breusegen. Redshirt sophomore Cole Moore finished the game 4-for-4, tapping in two RBI while crossing home four times himself. UCM (30-4, 23-1 MIAA) never trailed in the game, plating three runs in the first inning through a wild pitch scoring van Breusegen along with a RBI from sophomore Carter Young scoring Moore and senior John Prudhom. Missouri Western (8-26, 5-19 MIAA) plated its lone run of...
WARRENSBURG — Mayor Scott Holmberg read a proclamation declaring April to be Sexual Assault Awareness Month at the Monday, April 11, City Council meeting. The proclamation states there are an average 463,634, victims, ages 12 and older, of rape and sexual assault every year and every 68 seconds another American is sexually assaulted. This year’s theme is Building Safe Online Spaces Together. The proclmation states, “we can build online communities free from sexual harassment, abuse and assault by practicing digital consent, intervening when we see harmful behaviors and promoting online communities that value inclusion, safety and respect.” Police laptops The...
Crest Ridge baseball earned a 15-5 win over Santa Fe on Monday, April 11, in Centerview. The win featured five base appearances from freshman Wyatt Ducos. He was 2-for-2 at the plate, hitting a home run and home run for a total of four RBI. He was intentionally walked three times. Ducos was one of three Cougars (7-6, 3-1 I-70) to record numerous hits, joined by a 3-for-5 game from senior Jackson Nimsgern and a 2-for-5 day from sophomore Connor Buttram. Buttram joined Ducos in having four RBI, while Nismgern finished with three RBI. Crest RIdge jumped out to a...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, April 12 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. The University of Central Missouri is providing an opportunity for survivors to share their stories during an event, #MeToo@UCM Speak Out, from 5 to...
The Warrensburg chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met April 8 at RISE Café Following the opening ritual and lunch, a program on quilts was presented by Connie Studyvin. Studyvin started with information on the earliest quilts and went up through modern times, focusing on the colonial period. She displayed several beautiful quilts during the program. Her discussion included pieced quilts, bed rugs, blankets and comforters.
Warrensburg boys tennis suffered its first loss of the season, falling to Gain Valley 5-4 on Monday, April 11, in Grain Valley. The Tigers had two wins in singles and two wins in doubles. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow topped Grain Valley senior Carter Compton 10-6 and senior Nolan Kennedy topped Grain Valley senior Kade Kompton 10-6. In doubles, Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow beat Carter Compton and Kade Compton 9-8 (7-5) while Kennedy and sophomore Quinn Conley beat Grain Valley junior Ethan Miller and senior Isaac Burd 8-2. Singles losses included Conley falling to Miller 10-5, sophomore Anthony...
The Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Board meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 14, is open to the public. The Warrensburg City Council has also been invited to attend. A tour of the new Visitor Center location, 205 N. Holden St., will take place directly after the meeting.
WARRENSBURG — Tigers girls soccer found itself on the controlling end of things through the majority of its match with Knob Noster. Warrensburg had several moments of offensive production against the Panthers. Its efficiency led to a 2-0 win on Monday, April 11, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. “We played one of our better games,” Warrensburg head coach Fred Koeller said. “We communicated well, we moved the ball. We didn’t just play kickball, we actually put the ball to feed or put the ball to space. We were more aggressive in the attack and more aggressive on defense. This is a...
After picking up a “[post_excerpt],000,000 Jackpot” Scratchers ticket at Caseys General Store, 602 E. Young Ave. in Warrensburg, a Missouri Lottery player found out later in the day his ticket held the first of two [post_excerpt] million top prizes to be claimed in the game. “I usually stick with tickets,” the winner explained of his ticket choice. “Maybe a couple a month.” While parked at a gas station after work for a phone call, he decided to scratch the ticket he’d bought that morning. The friend he was speaking to on the phone invited him to go out to...
WARRENSBURG — Recently, Gov. Mike Parson announced an end to the COVID-19 crisis in Missouri and has moved into an endemic phase. Based on the county’s current COVID-19 numbers, Johnson County Community Health Services has also moved forward with the endemic phase of the pandemic. JCCHS will no longer provide weekly updates on COVID-19. To view the most recent numbers, individuals are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home. The COVID-19 virus is expected to continue circulating in the community, making it considered endemic like many other diseases. Testing resources, vaccines and treatments are...
The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a lunch and learn session with Larry Carey from RevLocal for its Chamber University series from 11:45 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. April 27. Through the Chamber University Series, Chamber members learn through seminar, education and professional development. Previously known as “Chamber Lunch & Learn,” Chamber University sessions are hosted quarterly in the Jack Moore Community Room behind the Chamber Office or via Zoom. Carey with RevLocal will be giving tips to strengthen a business’ online presence in 2022. Carey has more than 15 years of online marketing experience and is knowledgeable about...
JOHNSON COUNTY — After the second round of candidate filing, there are now eight candidates for Johnson County Presiding Commissioner. Candidate filing for the Aug. 2 primary election was offered from Feb. 22 to March 29. During that time, two candidates filed, but neither will appear on the ballot because both have since withdrawn their candidacy. Incumbent Densil Allen, a Republican, filed for re-election Feb. 22 but withdrew his candidacy March 29. Allen, of Knob Noster, was appointed as the Johnson County Presiding Commissioner by Gov. Mike Parson in June 2021. The seat was vacated by Bill Gabel after submitting...
It’s fascinating to watch Jesus in the last few moments of His life. We know that He never did anything but what He saw the Father in Heaven doing. He was wholly submitted to Father God’s will being accomplished. We find Him in the garden of Gethsemane as He takes His final stand in prayer. Gethsemane means oil press, which would be the place where an olive, for example, is squeezed so hard that it releases the oil that it has inside; a fitting place for Jesus to go in preparation for the cross where He would experience the most...
Area artists and photographers are being sought to submit entries for the Mid-Missouri Artists 41st Fine Arts Show. The show will be free and open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. May 14, and 12:30 to 4 p.m. May 15 at the Warrensburg Community Center Gymnasium area, 445 E. Gay St. Monetary awards and ribbons will be awarded in Professional, Amateur and Photography divisions. A People’s Choice Award is decided by a tally of persons who view the show, to select their favorite work of art. The show is open to all media and artists 16 years of...
TULSA, Okla. — The Stealth Panther Robotics team of Knob Noster was among the teams awarded honors at the FIRST Robotics Competition - Green Country Regional. The Woodie Flowers Finalist Award was awarded to Coach Chris Adams and the Engineering Inspiration Award, the second-highest award of the competition, was awarded to the team. "Our robust design allowed us to compete and gave us the opportunity to share what we have learned as a team in the pits,” Head Coach Chris Adams said. “Pit crew members spent the majority of their time the first two days of the competition helping younger...
Warrensburg junior Gauge Claunch threw a complete game shutout, helping the Tigers to a 7-0 win over Richmond on Monday, April 11, in Richmond. Claunch allowed six hits and walked out two while striking out 13 in his seven-inning outing. He threw 108 pitches in total. Warrensburg plated three of its runs in the third and four in the sixth. Sophomore Cole Kreisel led Warrensburg at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 while also posting a game-high two RBI. Both arrived via a line drive to left field in the top of the sixth. The Tigers scored one run through a bases...
Knob Noster baseball beat El Dorado Springs 16-1 in its first game of the Holden State Farm Classic on Monday, April 11, at Holden High School. Senior Zayne Schroeder, junior Luke Bolton and senior Caleb Jones each had extra base hits. Freshman Trent Gallagher and senior Eric Bennett-Wade had three RBI each. Bennett-Wade earned the win on the mound. Knob Noster returns to action as it meets Odessa in its final game of pool play at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 12.
WARRENSBURG — About 170 seniors and juniors, dressed to the nines, from Warrensburg, Holden and Leeton walked the red carpet Saturday, April 9, on West Pine Street for the annual Prom Parade. The event, organized by Warrensburg Main Street, started in 2020 and is altered or added to each year. “Every year we continue to kind of tweek it and some photo ops are different, so it’s not the same event every year … we do plan on continuing it,” Main Street Assistant Director Jamie DeBacker said. “We had been talking about this even prior to the pandemic. We had...
Holden baseball is set to host the Holden State Farm Classic between Monday, April 11 and Saturday April 16. This year’s tournament includes two pools, broken down to the Blue Pool and White Pool. The Blue Pool includes Odessa (2-6), Knob Noster (8-4), El Dorado Springs (0-8) while the White Pool includes Clinton (5-6), Holden (7-1) and Sherwood (1-4). Below is the complete slated schedule for the tournament, which includes built in rain days of Thursday, April 14 and Saturday, April 16. April 11, 2022 4 p.m. -Odessa vs. El Dorado Springs 6:30 - Knob Noster vs. El Dorado Springs...
HOLDEN — Holden, Knob Noster, Crest Ridge and Chilhowee competed in the Holden Eagle Invitational on Friday, April 8, at Holden High School. The Holden girls highlighted the meet, finishing first overall. The Holden boys and Knob Noster girls were next in line placing fourth. Individuals were recognized for their top-three finishes at the meet. Between the four Johnson County schools, there were 32 medalists. Below is a complete list of the area honorees. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Kia Harmon, Holden freshman — 13.25. 400 Meter Dash Christine Sturgill, Knob Noster senior — 1:06.63. 800 Meter Run Gracelyn Carter, Holden...
Crest Ridge baseball split its games with Lincoln and Cole Camp on Saturday, April 9, in Cole Camp. The Cougars (6-6, 2-1 I-70) beat Lincoln 12-3, but fell to Cole Camp 14-1. The win over Lincoln included sophomore Daniel Doak scoring on a final pitch, freshman Wyatt Ducos scoring on a Doak single, Ducos, Buttram and Doak scoring on errors, Marten scoring on a Ducos single, Ducos scoring on a single from senior Jackson Nimsgern, Sophomore Brady Hobbs scoring on an error, senior Wes Marten and senior Dalton Wilhite scoring on a single and Nimsgern and Carey scoring on a...
WARRENSBURG — The second game of Mules baseball’s series with Missouri Southern proved to be a low-scoring affair. When first pitch occurred on Tompkins Field at 12:59 p.m. Saturday, April 9, a tight battle between pitching, fielding and hitting ensued. Little separated No. 4 Central Missouri and the Lions by the time the final out was recorded at Crane Stadium. The Mules had just enough, winning 3-2. “It was a really clean game, really well pitched,” Central Missouri head coach Kyle Crookes said. “Both starting pitchers did a great job. Scoring was a minimum. In my opinion, it is just...
Leeton baseball took the Wheatland Tournament first place trophy with a 5-3 win over Marion C. Early on Saturday, April 9, in Wheatland. An RBI single from junior Cody Shackelford to score junior Justin Floyd gave the Bulldogs their go-ahead lead in the top of the fifth. Cody Shackelford had a game-high three RBI in the contest, finishing the game 3-for-4. He also scored freshman Dylan Shackelford in the top of the third and seventh. Dylan Shackelford was second in line with two RBI. He was 2-for-4 at the plate. Cody Shackelford earned the win on the mound, tossing a...
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth against St. Michael the Archangel, senior Hunter Higgins had his moment As the possibility of sending the game into a second inning of extras, Higgins launched the ball for a walk-off RBI single, scoring junior Garrett Smith. Smith had reached base earlier in the inning through an error before stealing to second and moving to third on a wild pitch. Higgins’ RBI capped off a two-run movement from behind. St. Michael scored its lone run in the fourth on a throw that allowed its runner to proceed home. An inning later,...
Crest Ridge baseball added another win, topping Lone Jack 8-7 on Friday, April 8, at Crest Ridge High School. The Cougars (5-5, 2-1 I-70) took control of the game for good in the bottom of the third thanks to an RBI single from sophomore Daniel Doak scoring freshman Wyatt Ducos and an error in the outfield scoring senior Corben Martin. Crest Ridge added two more with sophomore Brady Hobbs scoring senior Jackson Nimsgern and a fielder’s choice by Martin scoring senior Dalton Wilhite in the bottom of the fourth. Though the 6-3 lead dissolved down to 6-5, Crest Ridge never...
Leeton baseball picked up a shutout win over Wheatland in the Wheatland Classic, winning 13-0 on Friday, April 8, in Wheatland. Freshman Dylan Shackelford anchored the win on the mound, surrendering just one hit and three batters walked while striking out 10 through 5 ⅔ innings. The Bulldogs offense supported his outing, jumping out to a 2-0 lead within the first inning. It was 7-0 by the end of the third. The remaining six runs arrived in the sixth, ending the game by run rule. Leeton (6-2) sophomore Camden Uptegrove drove in five of Leton’s runs, junior Cody Shackelford drove...
Knob Noster baseball took an 11-1 win over Green Ridge on Friday, April 8, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. The Panthers’ (8-4) win included a 2-for-for-2 day from freshman Trent Gallagher. Sophomore Brody Gentry led Knob Noster with three RBI while Gallagher had two. Senior Landon Everts pitched the first four innings while striking out two. Gentry closed the game in relief, striking out six through two innings. Knob Noster returns to action next week as it competes in the State Farm Classic in Holden.
Warrensburg baseball fell to Lee’s Summit 6-2 on Friday, April 8, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. Warrensburg fell behind 2-0 in the first inning, and did not put up a run until the bottom of the sixth. By that point, it trailed 5-2. Warrensburg (5-3) recorded four hits and reached base through walk three times. Senior Max Elliott was responsible for both of Warrrensburg’s runs, occurring on a line drive double to right field in the bottom of the sixth. The loss went to freshman starting pitcher Sam Slobaskzewski, who gave up three runs (two earned) off two hits and...
WARRENSBURG — Abandoned animals are becoming less prominent, but remains an issue for the Warrensburg Police Department and the Old Drum Animal Shelter. In the case of an eight-month old shepherd, the WPD has made two arrests. The WPD and shelter were called out March 30 to the dog park at Cave Hollow and found a dog tied to a bench with obvious signs of neglect. “We do not normally pick up animals … but in this case we were called to the scene,” Interim Police Chief Andy Munsterman said. Shelter Director Kayla Frank responded to the scene after officers...
A four-RBI day from Crest Ridge freshman Wyatt Ducos accounted for a small portion of a 14-5 Cougars win over Concordia on Thursday, April 7, in Centerview. Ducos finished the contest 3-for-3 while intentionally being walked twice. Two of his hits were home runs. The first was a solo in the bottom of the second and the second was a two-RBI score in the bottom of the sixth. Crest Ridge (4-5, 1-1 I-70) trailed 1-0 after the top of the first but proceeded to take the lead courtesy of a bunt from sophomore Conner Buttram scoring Ducos, an error scoring...
Holden baseball beat Adrian 13-3 on Thursday, April 7 in Adrian. The Eagles scored in all but one frame of the six inning contest. They had two in the first, six in the second, two in the third, one in the fourth and two in the sixth. Junior Justin Radunsky finished the game 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, sophomore Lane Siemer finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI, senior Danny Hartzler finished 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI and junior Aiden Morarity finished 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Siemer earned the win...
Tied up with Father Tolton heading into the bottom of the seventh, Warrensburg sophomore Josh Thomas delivered. With one out and senior Antonio Corona on base, Thomas hit the ball towards the pitcher, allowing Corona to run home. The RBI gave the Tigers an 8-7 win on Thursday, April 7, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. Warrensburg (5-2) had the lead through the majority of the contest, going up 2-0 in the first. It proceeded to add three more in the second, and two more in the fourth to keep the scoreboard in its advantage. Junior Gauge Claunch led the Tigers...
Warrensburg boys tennis weathered rain, sleet and wind en route to a 9-0 win over Excelsior Springs on Thursday, April 7, in Excelsior Springs. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow (4-0) topped Excelsior Springs junior Colby Mueller 8-1, senior Nolan Kennedy (4-0) topped Excelsior Springs junior Carter PItts 8-1, sophomore Quinn Conley (4-0) topped Excelsior Springs junior Lee Mueller 8-2, sophomore Anthony Rehn (3-0) topped Excelsior Springs junior Joshua Oldham 8-1, junior Grant Moore (4-0) topped Excelsior Springs junior Nolan Greim 8-1 and sophomore Nathan Rodriguez (1-0) topped Excelsior Springs junior Matthew Robello. In doubles, Jack Renfrow (7-0) and sophomore Sam...
Leeton baseball earned a clean sweep in pool play of the Wheatland Tournament after topping Humansville 16-4 on Thursday, April 7, in Urbana. The Bulldogs (5-2) never trailed in the contest It netted five hits and reached base via walk 20 times. Junior Cody Shackelford posted a game-high three RBI and finished 1-for-3 at the plate while being walked twice. Sophomore Camden Uptegrove also finished with three RBI, finishing 0-for-3 while being walked twice. Just 10 of Leeton’s runs arrived through RBI, with the other six arriving through Humansvile mistakes. Junior Justin Floyd earned the win on the mound, allowing...
Knob Noster baseball added another conference win to its record, beating Lexington 10-1 on Thursday, April 7, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. Junior Luke Bolton earned the win, throwing through five innings while striking out nine and allowing a single hit. Senior Eric Bennett-Wade finished 2-for-2 at the plate, including an inside-the-park homerun. The Panthers (7-4, 4-1 MRVC East), pick things up Friday, April 8, as they host Green Ridge in non-conference action. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
GREEN RIDGE — In a perfect world, rainbows, unicorns, teddy bears and stars are magic to a 5-year-old. In a perfect world, there is no sickness or cancer, but through the support and love of a whole community, the magic is still there for Chevi Meyer, 5, who has stage four cancer. Chevi, a kindergartner at Green Ridge R-VIII School, is the daughter of Bubba Meyer and Destiny Strickland. The family said Chevi is battling stage four Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in the soft tissue. Chevi’s cancer, a lump in her right cheek, was noticed by...
Knob Noster State Park is joining millions around the world in celebration of the 52nd annual Earth Day. Earth Day Beautification will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. April 22 at Knob Noster State Park. Projects will include litter cleanup, trail work, maintenance, invasive plant control and more. Volunteers should meet at the visitor center to sign in and receive project assignments. Individuals, families, groups and organizations are welcome to volunteer. To allow team members to prepare projects, registration is required. To register or for more information, call the park office at 660-563-2463. Participants should bring work gloves, insect...
The University of Central Missouri’s Lifelong Learning Series will present “Exploring Your Past” at 6:30 p.m. April 21 in rooms B and C at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. in Warrensburg. Speakers Jody and Jerome Anderson and Bruce Uhler will discuss resources available for finding ancestral information in the Johnson County area. The program will also include a brief overview of DNA research and online searches, a discussion of what makes an actual artifact and information about the Johnson County Historical Society site. Jody and Jerome Anderson have been co-vice presidents of the West Central Genealogy Society...
ARRENSBURG — An evening of readings and conversation with National Book Foundation Award-honored authors Victoria Chang, author of “OBIT,” and Min Jin Lee, author of “Pachinko,” is planned for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 in Hendricks Hall on the University of Central Missouri campus. “NFB Presents: Epics of Memory” is a program coordinated in partnership with UCM’s School of English and Philosophy and “Pleiades” magazine that provides authors an opportunity to discuss how intergenerational memory, family and place has shaped their writing. The program is free and open to the public. Registration at the NBF website is requested. ...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg High School sophomores William Oar and Myla Laws have been accepted to attend the 2022 Missouri Scholars Academy. The Missouri Scholars Academy is an academic summer program for 330 of Missouri’s gifted high school juniors. Attending students spend three weeks on the University of Missouri’s campus in Columbia enhancing their academic skills, assimilating knowledge of the culture, relating to contemporary issues, deepening their understanding of themselves and their unique abilities and engaging others in critical thinking and problem-solving activities. The program will run from June 12 through July 22. To attend, all students are required to pay...
It’s the day after our local elections, but I don’t know what happened yet. I have a deadline of Tuesday at noon for the Wednesday edition of the Democrat, so I won’t know the results until long after this is submitted. I do know one thing: I’m glad that this round is over! No matter who wins or what happens, this election cycle has been difficult for our community. Worse yet, there are a couple more coming in the near future. My hope is that we have all learned from this election cycle that we don’t have to do this...
WARRENSBURG — Western Missouri Medical Center physicians Jayendra Astik and Stuart Smith will be retiring from Warrensburg Internal Medicine as of April 1 and April 30 respectively. Doctors Brad Carper and Sridhar Thirumalai will continue to provide services for doctors Astik’s and Smith’s patients at Warrensburg Internal Medicine moving forward. WMMC has announced Western Missouri Internal Medicine and Warrensburg Internal Medicine are merging practices, effective May 2. Syed Hasan will continue to provide services for patients at Warrensburg Internal Medicine starting in May. “Drs. Astik and Smith have seen healthcare change significantly over the years,” Darinda Dick, President and...
Allison R. Adlich, U.S. Air Force Missouri National Guard, graduated March 3 from basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Adlich completed a seven-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits towards an associate’s degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force. After completing basic training, Adlich headed to technical school at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for five months, where she will receive specialized training in aerospace medicine, then return to the University...
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County Economic Development Corporation has announced the recent addition of Small Business Development Counselor Sandra Elwell. Elwell will focus on small business counseling and support for Johnson County’s existing small businesses and its emerging entrepreneurs. “I am looking forward to joining the JCEDC team,” Elwell said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with small business owners and entrepreneurs in Johnson County to continue JCEDC’s mission of economic growth in the area.” Elwell brings more than 20 years of experience in business education, having worked as an educator with State Fair Community College since 2008 and as...
Linda North, a life-long resident of Johnson County and current Senior Vice President of the Warrensburg Branch and Retail Department Manager for F&C Bank, will retire May 13 after 46 years in the banking industry. “Linda North has been a wonderful addition to our F&C Bank team,” said Bob Mickey, President and CEO of F&C Bank. “She has brought with her a wealth of knowledge and a desire to support her community and the relationships she’s built over her 46 years in banking. We are thankful for her service these last nine years with us and helping us develop a...
In these times of rising prices, I fear that American wine producers will be hit very hard. Their problem may lie in the competition from the often lower-priced foreign imports. As I have written, ad nauseum, there are no longer any bad wines, only wines that you may not like. With that in mind, and costs going up, ethnocentrism will take a back seat and the idea of price versus quality goes out the window. In the world of red wines, it has always been a battle of which is most favored by the wine experts and the public alike,...
LA MONTE — Next to La Monte Meats just south of U.S. Highway 50 is 7 Sisters Greenhouse. Two tidy, flower-filled greenhouses are adjacent to the meat market. Corina Zimmerman runs the counter at La Monte Meats and when she has someone wanting plants, she runs across the parking lot to serve them. “My dad is the owner of La Monte Meats,” Zimmerman said. “There’s seven of us girls in the family…I'm the oldest, and then yeah, we're all kind of involved, take turns.” Sisters Miranda and Charlene work in the meat processor as well and stepped out into the...
Warrensburg native Mason Janvrin has been released by the Baltimore Orioles organization. The outfielder, who was drafted by the Orioles in the 14th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, was cut upon the conclusion of Spring Training Janvrin spent the last six days of Spring Training with the major league team. He was active in three games, all as a substitute during the period. He subbed in at right field during a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on April 1, at center field in a 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on April 3 and at right field in...
Jennies softball picked up its first sweep of MIAA action this season, topping Lincoln 9-6 and 10-4 on Wednesday, April 6, at the UCM South Recreation Complex. The two wins improve Central Missouri to 11-26 overall and 4-10 in conference action. Game 1 – Central Missouri 9, Lincoln 6 An RBI double from sophomore Abby Allnutt in the bottom of the fourth gave the Jennies control for good. Her hit capped off a three-run inning for UCM, completing movement away from a 2-0 deficit. It wasn’t until the fifth that the Jennies found cushion, occurring thanks to home runs from...
A four-run deficit to Drury heading into the bottom of the first didn’t stop Mules baseball. All three phases of Mules baseball settled in from there in route to a scoring streak that led to a 13-4 win on Wednesday, April 6, at Crane Stadium. The movement from behind included a four-RBI day from redshirt sophomore Brennen van Breusegen. He was 2-for-5 at the plate including a home run with the bases empty in the bottom of the third and a three-RBI home run in the bottom of the eighth. van Bruesgen was one of three Mules to hit a...
KNOB NOSTER — Knob Noster State Park is seeking volunteers to find bugs in the waterways. A macroinvertebrate survey evaluates the populations of insects, and the occasional gastropod, that reside in water. “A good portion of our insects will spend half their lifecycle in the water before they go through metamorphosis and come outside of the water,” Park Naturalist Chris Edmondson said. “Things like dragonflies, mayflies, caddisflies and we have little snails and things like that, that live in the water and are still invertebrates but their macro. So they’re small, but not super-duper small.” The survey will take place...
WARRENSBURG — Tigers baseball starting pitcher Gauge Claunch found his groove against Boonville. After hitting his first batter faced with a pitch, Claunch slowly settled into his recipe. It turned into a six-inning outing that helped Warrensburg to a 7-3 win Wednesday April 6, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. “It’s a cold night and coming in from warming up in the bullpen to the mound there is a transition, especially when it is cold to get a feel on the baseball and find your release point, ” Warrensburg head coach Chris Coombs said. “It took him about three batters to...
Crest Ridge track and field competed in the Rob Hoefer Husker Invite on Tuesday, April 5, at Lafayette County High School. The Cougars had 12 top-five finishes. Below is a list of each individual performance within the range. BOYS 100 Meter Dash Aiden Pasch, 11.90. 200 Meter Dash Aiden Pasch 25.29. 400 Meter Dash Theodore Feldman, 55. 300 Meter Hurdles Jaeger Brandes, 45.31. Discus Aiden Contreras 33.40 meters. Javelin Landon Ashworth 40.59 meters. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Catherine Baker 13.80. 200 Meter Dash Catherine Baker, 29.67. 4x100 Meter Relay Colynne Petit-Meyzeng, Grace Shanks, Catherine Baker, Jasmine Myers 57.56. High Jump ...
WARRENSBURG — Julie Lewis and Matt Sergent were reelected to the Warrensburg School Board of Education, each a three-year term, in the April 5 Municipal Election. “I’m so honored to get to continue to serve as a member of our Warrensburg R-VI School Board,” Lewis said. “I really just have so much thankfulness and gratefulness for all the people who voted for me.” Lewis said her goal is to continue serving students, teachers and community and striving for success for the students. “I am truly passionate about keeping the momentum of all the hard work and diligence that we have...
Knob Noster baseball topped Lafayette County 5-1 on Tuesday, April 5, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. Sophomore Trey Payne earned the win on the mound, pitching through six innings while striking out 10 and walking one. The Panthers (6-4, 3-1 MRVC East) scored three of their runs courtesy of a RBI double from junior Luke Bolton in the bottom of the third. Knob Noster returns to action Thursday, April 7, as it hosts Lexington.
WARRENSBURG — A civilian is reported to have injuries from a structure fire April 5 in the 100 block of South College Street. The Warrensburg Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire at 9:22 a.m. The fire is reported to have been contained to the apartment of origin and was extinguished by 9:32 a.m. One person is reported to have injuries from smoke inhalation and burns and was transported by the Johnson County Ambulance District for medical attention. The extent of injury has not been reported. Fire Prevention Officer Jermey VanWey said the fire is believed to...
WARRENSBURG — Eddie Osborne and Bruce Uhler have been elected to the Warrensburg City Council, each for a three-year term. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to be on the City Council in my hometown,” Uhler said. Uhler said some areas of interest he has for his term include trash service, recycling and other items the council has been working on. “I’m coming from a sustainability background, so I’m looking at things to increase or improve quality of life for people, reduce noise pollution and trash pollution,” Uhler said. Osborne said he is happy to see people interested in local...
WARRENSBURG — The second half wasn’t ideal for Warrensburg girls soccer in a 4-1 loss to Excelsior Springs on Tuesday, April 5. Under the lights at a rainy Warrensburg Activities Complex, Warrensburg surrendered all four of Excelsior Springs’ goals in the last 40 minutes. The streak, which began with back-to-back goals in the 53rd minute, broke a 1-1 tie. “We knew they were going to bring it to us,” Warrensburg head coach Fred Koeller said. “I just think we weren’t prepared for as much as they were bringing it to us right then and there.” All five scores of the...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg boys tennis’ senior night came with a 9-0 win over Odessa on Tuesday, April 5, at Grover Park. Between their singles and doubles matches, the Tigers surrendered just seven points. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow topped Odessa senior Landon Faine 8-0, senior Nolan Kennedy topped senior Odessa senior Ryan Hallier 8-0, sophomore Quinn Conley topped Odessa senior Aidan Holmes 8-0, sophomore Anthony Rehn topped Odessa junior Meric McCarthy 8-1, junior Grant Moore topped Odessa sophomore Dakota Neal 8-0 and junior Cameron King topped Odessa freshman Cayden Faine 8-3. In doubles, Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow topped...
Mules golf posted a third-place finish in The Mule, a three-round tournament played between Monday, April 4, and Tuesday, April 5, at Mules National Golf Club. Central Missouri posted a 54-hole score of 843 (288-276-279), translating to 3-over par. It was two strokes behind runner-up Harding and six strokes behind champion Rogers State. Redshirt senior Sam Parrott led the Mules with a 2-under par 208 (71-67-70), tying for fourth place. Redshirt junior Nick Westrich wrapped up the top-10 UCM showings with a 1-under par 209 (71-69-69), tying for sixth. Rounding things out for the Mules was redshirt sophomore Thomas Henson,...
Jennies golf wrapped up the 36-hole Newman Spring Invitational in fourth place. UCM posted a two-round score of 608 (310-298), coming to 32-over par, between Monday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 5, at the Sand Creek Station Golf Course. It was four strokes away from a top-three finish. Redshirt junior Rosie Klausner led the Jennies with a third-place finish, tying her career-best 36-hole round with a 1-over par 145 (73-72). No other UCM athlete finished in the top-25, with redshirt junior Hayley Jones coming in next with a 12-over par 156 (79-77) to tie for 26th. Sophomore Claire Solivic (76-81) ...
A six-run third inning helped Leeton to a 13-5 win over Skyline in the Wheatland Tournament on Tuesday, April 5, in Urbana. The inning, which broke a 4-1 deficit, began with eight-straight batters reaching base, including seven hits. An RBI single by junior Justin Floyd got things going. It was joined by an RBI from junior Grant Harper, junior Cole Wallace, junior Ricky Shaffer and Wallace, The other run came through a pass ball. The Bulldogs (4-2) proceeded to score four more in the fourth and two more in the sixth. Junior Cody Shackelfored led Leeton with four hits. Senior...
Crest Ridge baseball topped Windsor 6-4 on Monday, April 4, in Windsor. The Cougars (3-5) led from the second inning on, gaining the lead thanks to a wild pitch scoring sophomore Brady Hobbs along with an RBI single from senior Jackson Nimsgern scoring sophomore Austin Livengood and sophomore Ryan Carey. Senior Corben Martin also had two RBI in the game, bringing home senior Casey Dever and Nimsgern in the top of the sixth. Senior Theo Feldman earned the win, pitching through 4 2/3 innings while surrendering 1 run off three hits, three walks and one hit by pitch. He struck...
West Central Electric Cooperative Inc. General Manager Mike Gray has announced that a total of 15 area high school seniors are recipients of a West Central Electric Cooperative Scholarship. A [post_excerpt],300 scholarship was awarded to nine students in Johnson County. Warrensburg High School seniors include Tyler Ward, son of Darin and Kristi Ward; Abigail Richner, daughter of David and Sheila Richner; Luke Othic, son of Dan and Stephanie Othic; and Christopher Brunner, son of Nick and Jennifer Brunner. Holden High School seniors include Emma Lohe, daughter of Andy Lohe and Sara Lohe; Brady Hinton, daughter of Shannon and Jill Hinton;...
The current pandemic disrupted the patterns of worship, small groups, and traditional Christian formation groups. Maintaining the local faith culture and expanding the church family now challenges church leaders to find methods to resume practices to heal the damages from the pandemic. The UMCBurg’s confirmation class added two road trips to help grow in their faith. The first trip was in November 2021, when they went to Union Station to see the Auschwitz exhibit. The second trip was on March 2022, going to Conception Abbey near Maryville. A grant from the Missouri United Methodist Foundation helped fund the class along...
Every spring, attention turns to trash that has accumulated on roadsides during the winter months. The Missouri Department of Transportation invites all who use Missouri roads to join in doing some spring cleaning throughout April. MoDOT spends about million annually to remove litter from more than 385,000 acres of right of way along 34,000 state highway miles. No MOre Trash! Bash is an annual outreach of MoDOT’s year-round litter control efforts. “We are asking all Missourians to find ways to help clean Missouri’s roadsides during the Trash Bash month of April,” said Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT chief safety and operations...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Animal Rescue has announced that a cooperative agreement has been signed with Johnson County for shelter funding. “This funding will cover operational expenses at the shelter so that WAR can focus on fundraising for improvements to animal housing, expanded services and community outreach,” a WAR press release states. The City of Warrensburg has approved the lease for Old Drum Animal Shelter, allowing the shelter to continue operations in its current location. “WAR is looking forward to continued partnerships with Johnson County and the city of Warrensburg and appreciates the continued support from Johnson County citizens,” the press...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, April 5 Polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Johnson County municipal election. From 8 to 9 a.m., voters who stop by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. Holden St., with their “I Voted” sticker...
Mid-Missouri Artists Inc. presented the annual MMA Dorothy Hawksley Emerging Artist Awards to three University of Central Missouri art and design majors March 30 in the annual Citation Awards Assembly in the UCM Gallery of Art and Design. The 2022 recipients of the MMA Dorothy Hawksley Emerging Artist Awards are Emma Bousley, of Knob Noster; Alicia Hoerman, of Cottleville; and Kaylee Russell, of Warrensburg. Each recipient received 0 and a certificate of recognition. The MMA Scholarship Selection Committee selects scholarship recipients based on works presented by students in the annual Citation Awards Show and recognizes students who exhibit both a...
Care Connection for Aging Services and AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP are teaming up to sponsor “Connect for Effect,” a springtime volunteer fair for retirees and the nonprofit community organizations that need and appreciate their services. “Connect for Effect” is seeking community groups that need volunteers to become exhibitors at the event scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Exhibitors will be offered display space for free at the fair, which will include breakout sessions on Johnson County tourism, fitness tips, spring appetizers, and gardening. The Warrensburg Senior Center will provide a boxed lunch, available...
As of Monday, April 4, there are a reported five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. Johnson County Community Health Services reports there has been a total 11,902 of confirmed cases in the county with 11,791 considered recovered and 106 deaths.
Knob Noster baseball added an 8-4 win over Richmond on Monday, April 4, in Richmond. The Panthers (5-4, 2-1 MRVC East) tallied 15 hits, including a 3-for-4 day from freshman Trent Gallagher, a 3-for-5 day from sophomore Josh Hagle, a 3-for-5 day from senior Zayne Schroeder and a 2-for-3 day from sophomore Trey Payne. Gallagher earned the win on the mound, pitching 5 1/3 innings. Haggle closed out the game for Knob Noster. The Panthers are scheduled to return to action Tuesday, April 5, as they host Lafayette County.
SEDALIA — Knob Noster Stealth Panther Robotics qualified for the world championship, having competed Friday-Sunday, April 1-3, at the 2022 Central Missouri Regional competition at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia. Four teams qualify at each regional competition and the Panthers will travel to Houston, Texas, next weekend for the world championship with more than 400 teams competing. Ruth Adams, the FIRST Robotics Coordinator for Knob Noster, said robotics competitions have been around since the 1990s and have grown to include more than 8,000 teams around the world. “We compete with teams from all over the world, so that’s why when...
Serious injuries reported in April 3 wreck One person is reported to have serious injuries from a single-vehicle wreck April 3 in the 800 block of Northwest Highway 13. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2006 Dodge, driven by Karen L. Carter, 78, of Warrensburg, crossed the center of the road, left the road, struck trees and came to rest. The wreck is reported to have been a result of a medical issue. Carter is reported to have serious injuries and was transported to Western Missouri Medical Center by the Johnson County Ambulance District. Carter...
The Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau grant program was established to provide startup funding to nonprofits hosting events, programs and sporting events that promote the development and growth of overnight tourism in Warrensburg. The WCVB has awarded more than ,000 to area nonprofits in grant funding. The WCVB 2022 grant program is now accepting applications. The next application deadline is April 29. Applications and grant information can be found at VisitWarrensburg.com, under the About section. For more information, visit VisitWarrensburg.com or contact Tourism Director Marcy Barnhart at marcy.barnhart@warrensburg-mo.com or 660-262-4611 The Warrensburg Visitor Center is at 407A E. Russell Ave....
Old Drum Open Mic kicks off with music, stories, poetry, and essays for its next program set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Java Junction in downtown Warrensburg. Old Drum Open Mic produces its showcase event on the first Thursday evening of each month. The programs are free and open to the public. Old Drum Open Mic programs are designed to provide a venue for the presentation of original and creative works. Prospective presenters can schedule appearances through the Old Drum Open Facebook page.
Brandon D. Baker, 34, was arrested March 4 on a Warrensburg warrant. Cody A. Wagner, 31, was arrested March 5 when officers conducted a traffic stop at Grover and Mitchell Street. Wagner was arrested on a warrant in another jurisdiction and charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended/revoked. Pamela N. Srader, 35, was arrested March 5 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. Daulton D. Baldwin, 24, and Emmett L. Kuntz, 23, were arrested March 6 when officers observed a physical altercation in the 100 block of West Pine Street. Baldwin and Kuntz were each arrested on a...
Warrensburg boys tennis swept Lafayette County 9-0 on Monday, April 4 in Higginsville. The sweep featured a 9-8 (7-0) tiebreaker match between senior Nolan Kennedy (2-0) and Lafayette County senior Mason Craig. Kennedy trailed 5-1 and 7-3 before winning the singles match. Singles wins also included senior Jack Renfrow (2-0) topping Lafayette County senior Charles Brumke 8-3, sophomore Quinn Conley (2-0) topping Lafayette County sophomore Camryn McBride, sophomore Grant Moore (2-0) topping Lafayette County senior Zach Dickmeier 8-3, junior Cameron King (2-0) topping Lafayette County junior David Payer 8-6 and junior Qi Huang (1-0) topping Lafayette County freshman William Button...
WARRENSBURG — A team of cross-commissioned officers from multiple agencies is part of a Crime Resolution Initiative by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office The initiative and designated team is a more formal aspect of the previously established relationship between the agencies in the county. “We shored up the program by going in and typing up a memorandum of understanding with all the municipalities,” Sheriff Scott Munsterman said. The team includes investigators from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Warrensburg Police Department, University of Central Missouri Department of Public Safety, Holden Police Department, Knob Noster Police Department and Leeton Police Department. “Warrensburg...
The Martin Warren Chapter, Missouri Society Sons of the American Revolution met at the RISE Café on March 19. Several chapter members were presented awards for outstanding service provided to the chapter through their participation in chapter and state activities by Past President Gene Henry. Compatriots Bruce McNeel and Sammy Wade were presented the Chapter Meritorious Service Medal for long, faithful and meritorious service to their chapter. Compatriots Dan Daugherty and Dean Murphy were awarded the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal. The Roger Sherman Medal is awarded to compatriots in recognition of, and in appreciation of, outstanding services rendered to a...
Electric customers of Evergy Metro Inc. will see rates decrease under a change in the Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC) effective April 1. The change in the FAC reflects fuel and purchased power costs, net of off-system sales revenues incurred by the Company from July through December and includes extraordinary net revenues from Winter Storm Uri through Dec. 31, 2021. The change also reflects Evergy Missouri Metro’s true-up filing. For a residential customer using 1,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity a month, the FAC will decrease by approximately .25 a month, from a current bill credit of approximately [post_excerpt].41 a month...
Leeton opened the Wheatland Baseball Tournament with a 17-0 win over Climax Springs on Monday, April 4, in Humansville. The four-inning shutout included an eight-run third inning to help the Bulldogs approach run rule territory. Junior Justin Floyd and sophomore Camden Uptegrove each finished the day 3-for3 at the plate. Uptegrove had three RBI, a number joined by junior Cody Shackelford. Junior Grant Harper had two RBI. The Bulldogs (3-2) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and led 14-0 heading into the fourth. Junior Cole Wallace earned the win, allowing just one hit while striking out...
HIGGINSVILLE — Holden baseball couldn’t get any offense going against Lafayette County on Monday, April 4. Anchored by 6 2/3 innings of pitching from junior Josiah Golden, the Huskers had just enough to top the Eagles 2-0 at Fairground Park. “We did not have good at bats,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “You got to attribute that to [Golden].” Holden (5-1, 2-1 MRVC East) couldn’t get any bats going, recording just a single hit while reaching base three other times in the contest. Junior Garrett Smith had the lone hit, occurring with two outs in the top of the...
WARRENSBURG — Three people were honored Saturday, April 2, for their contributions to the services of Survival House. The Clarence Bailey Awards are presented annually to three individuals. This year’s recipients were Paul Rowland, Ginger Baile and Paul Chaplin. Baile was unable to attend the reception. “I want to start out thanking the staff,” Survival House Board member John Culp said. “Thank you for all that you do for people in this community and also Henry County.” Culp introduced Rowland who was a founding member of Survival House in 1982. “This man and his wife, Mary Belle, are two of...
Leeton baseball finished fourth in the Sacred Heart Tournament on Saturday, April 2, in Sedalia. The Bulldogs fell to Lone Jack 10-7. Leeton jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a groundout from junior Justin Floyd to score senior Ethan Driskill and an RBI double from junior Grant Harper to score junior Cody Shackelford and sophomore Camden Uptegrove. Back and forth action ensued, with the Bulldogs leaving 5-3 after three innings. They proceeded to be outscored 7-1 in the last three innings. Freshman Dylan Shackelford had the loss, surrendering eight runs off 12 hits and...
Leeton track competed in the Russellville Invitational on Saturday, April 2, in Russellville. The Bulldogs had 10 medalists, determined by top-six individual finishes and top-three relay finishes. The Leeton girls were the second-best team of the meet, posting 70 points. Below is a full rundown of Leeton’s results. 200 Meter Dash Jordan Crooks, Leeton — 28.23; 5. Jayden Parsons, Leeton, 29.83. 100 Meter Hurdles Regan Shaffer, Leeton — 17.72; 6. Hadley Shaffer — 20.24. 300 Meter Hurdles Regan Shaffer, Leeton — 53.62. 4x100 Relay Leeton: Hailey Bingaman, Jordan Crooks, Jayden Parsons, Regan Shaffer — 55.76. Triple Jump Jayden Parsons, Leeton...
Crest Ridge baseball lost to St. Paul 5-4 on Friday, April 1, in Concordia. Freshman Wyatt Ducos surrendered the Saints’ game-winning run on a double in the bottom of the sixth. Ducos gave up two runs in the last frame, breaking a 4-3 Crest Ridge lead. The Cougars (2-5) gained the lead in the top of sixth thanks to an error scoring senior Jackson Nimsgern, a RBI double by sophomore Daniel Doak to score sophomore Conner Buttram and a bases loaded walk of senior Dalton Wilhite to score Doak. Crest Ridge initially jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the...
Despite its win streak reaching an end, Mules Baseball was still able to pull out a series win over Washburn between Friday, April 1 and Sunday, April 3, in Topeka. UCM won 9-3 on Friday, lost 15-4 on Saturday and won 5-3 on Sunday. The series puts the Mules at 25-4 on the season and 19-1 in MIAA action. They lead MIAA No. 2 team Pittsburg State by four games. Game 1 — Central Missouri 9, Washburn 3 Mules baseball opened the weekend with a win thanks to the help of senior Collin Jones' arm along with the at-bats of...
Jennies softball didn’t see a single win as it traveled to Oklahoma for doubleheaders with Northeastern State and Rogers State on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. Central Missouri lost to Northeastern 13-7, 5-1 on Friday before falling to Rogers State 8-0, 3-0 on Saturday. The weekend puts the Jennies at 9-26 on the season and 2-10 in MIAA play. Game 1 — Northeastern State 13, Central Missouri 7 An eight-run fourth inning for Northeastern served its damage in UCM’s first loss of the weekend. The scoring broke what had been a 4-1 Jennies lead heading into the bottom...
HOLDEN — The Johnson County Sheriff's Department has issued an Endangered SILVER Advisory for a missing adult incident in Holden. According to information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 76-year-old Steve Kent Howerton was last seen at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2 at his grandson’s residence in the 300 block of NW 1351 Road in Holden. Howerton is described as a white male who is 6 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds with gray hair, green eyes, and a mustache. He was last seen wearing a blue sweater with green lines and blue sweatpants. He has Alzheimer’s. The information states...
Crest Ridge baseball lost to St. Paul 5-4 on Friday, April 1, in Concordia. Freshman Wyatt Ducos surrendered the Saints’ game-winning run on a double in the bottom of the sixth. Ducos gave up two runs in the last frame, breaking a 4-3 Crest Ridge lead. The Cougars (2-5) gained the lead in the top of sixth thanks to an error scoring senior Jackson Nimsgern, a RBI double by sophomore Daniel Doak to score sophomore Conner Buttram and a bases loaded walk of senior Dalton Wilhite to score Doak. Crest Ridge initially jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the...
WARRENSBURG — After a single inning of baseball against Warsaw, Holden seemed to be rolling. Add six more frames on to the storyline, the Eagles ended up being pressured but were able to hold on for an 8-7 win Friday, April 1, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. “Those games are good for us,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “We got to battle through some adversity. It wasn’t smooth sailing, but sometimes that’s baseball. You just got to fight through it.” Holden (5-0) plated seven runs in the first inning after surrendering one, but proceeded to be outscored 6-1. Most...
Warrensburg boys tennis took the crown in its home doubles tournament on Friday, April 1 at Grover Park. The Tigers took championships in three out of four divisions, winning the No. 1 doubles, No. 2 doubles and No. 4 doubles bracket. No. 2 seeded senior Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow took the win in the No. 1 bracket, beating top seeded duo Bolivar senior Lathan Martin and junior Kyle Pock 6-4, 6-4 in the championship match. No. 1 seeded senior Nolan Kennedy and sophomore Quinn Conley won the No. 2 bracket, beating No 2 seeded duo Bolivar senior Trevor...
Leading by two runs heading into the bottom of the seventh inning of a Sacred Heart Tournament semifinal, all Leeton needed to do was force three outs. Leeton junior pitcher Justin Floyd wasn’t able to set up any, walking his first three batters faced in the frame. A single from Pilot Grove sophomore Hayden Sleeper off junior Grant Harper followed, scoring senior Bo Venson and junior Hank Zeller for a walkoff win on Friday, April 1. The Bulldogs took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth courtesy of an RBI single from junior Cody Shackelford to score senior...
Knob Noster baseball picked up its first MRVC East win of the season, topping Carrollton 11-6 on Friday, April 1, in Carrollton. The Panthers piled up 11 hits, including a 4-for-5 day from senior Zayne Schroeder, 3-fo-5 day from senior Caleb Jones and 2-for-4 day from senior Landon Everts. Schroeder picked up the win on the mound, pitching through 6 ⅓ innings. Knob Noster returns to action as it travels to Richmond on Monday, April 4.
Two former Jennies are set to be inducted to the MIAA Hall of Fame as members of the 2022 class. Jennies basketball’s Keuna Flax and Jennies soccer and basketball’s Alyssa Rhodes Ginavan will be enshrined to the MIAA Hall of Fame this summer. Flax played for Jennies basketball from 2012-14. A two-time All-American and two-time MIAA athlete, Flax helped the Jennies to a 50-11 in two seasons, winning the MIAA regular season title in 2013-14 and advancing to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments. She averaged 19.9 points per game, the second-most in Jennies’ history. Flax is a member of the 1,000 point...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce hosted candidates from three April 5 municipal election races in a forum Wednesday night at the American Legion. Moderator Marion Woods of KOKO randomly selected three questions for each candidate from a prepared list provided to the candidates before the forum. Candidates were allowed one minute for an opening statement, followed by one-minute answers. Candidates answered questions in front of the audience while their opponents stayed in a separate room, preventing the candidates from hearing answers prior to speaking. The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidate forum for Warrensburg Board...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Although there are several highly-followed contested races in Warrensburg, absentee voting has been lower than usual for the April 5 municipal election. As of Thursday afternoon, Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson said her office has received 235 absentee ballots, which includes 52 who voted in person. That compares to 487 in April 2021 and 493 in the June 2020 municipal election, which was delayed from April 2020 due to the pandemic. Registered voter turnout has hovered between 12% and 14% over the last few municipal elections. According to Thompson, turnout was 12.6% in 2019, 13.4% in 2020...
Holden baseball topped Lexington 18-2 in four innings on Thursday, March 31 in Lexington. Sophomore Lane Siemer earned the win on the mound and was perfect through three innings. He finished the game allowing one hit and two runs while walking tow and striking out seven through four innings. Sophomore Aiden Morarity led the way at the plate going 2-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored. Holden led 1-0 after the first inning. It went up 8-0 in the third before capping off the game with an 11-run fourth inning. The Eagles (4-0, 2-0 MRVC East) return to action...
Leeton baseball held on to beat Lincoln 7-6 in the first round of the Sacred Heart Tournament on Thursday, March 31. The Bulldogs (2-0) led 7-4 heading into the top of the seventh. There, Lincoln plated two runs with two outs. The first arrived on a line drive to centerfield from freshman Jayden Kelley. The second arrived on a bases loaded walk scoring freshman Camden Everhart. Junior Cody Shackelford took the mound for the final out of the game, which arrived through a groundout to freshman shortstop Dylan Shackelford. Leeton fell behind 2-0 in the first inning. It added one...
WARRENSBURG — Jack Rogers has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the Byler Distinguished Faculty Award, the highest honor given to a faculty member at the University of Central Missouri. Rogers was recognized for his achievement in a ceremony Thursday, March 31, in Elliott Student Union hosted by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs recognizing this year’s award recipient and other nominees. “Today, we have the opportunity to recognize the exceptional of the exceptional,” UCM President Roger Best said at the reception. “You’re not nominated for this award, you don’t receive this award just...
In case you hadn’t noticed with all the candidate Q&A and ballot question articles we’ve published recently, there is an election just around the corner. The April 5 municipal election has no shortage of important races and issues to vote on. Every single voter in Johnson County has at least two items to vote on. Two candidates are running for one five-year term on the Western Missouri Medical Center Board of Trustees. There are three elections for the Johnson County Emergency Service Board — At Large Board Member, Eastern Commissioner and Western Commissioner — although the At Large and Western...
I don’t want to be affiliated with any particular political platform anymore and I believe there are many out there who feel exactly the same. The radicals on both sides are squeaking the wheel so loudly that it is embarrassing. They are no longer rational, thought-provoking, deep thinkers. They have become bullies to the masses. They want to have things their way, period. No calm, informed, sharing of information and no more attempts at educating themselves before entering a debate. Rational discussion seems to be a trait that is slipping its way into history. If you prove a radical incorrect,...
Excelsior Springs walked off for a 7-6 win over Warrensburg on Thursday, March 31, in Excelsior Springs. Warrensburg surrendered seven straight runs, including four in the last two innings. Excelsior Springs’ last arrived on a line drive to left field with junior Landon Sheteron on the mound. Sheteran pitched through the last ending, giving up two hits and a walk. Warrensburg (3-1, 1-1 MRVC West) plated all six of its runs in the top of the first, four arriving off RBI singles. Senior Derek Nicas finished the contest 3-for-5, senior Brett Marnholtz was 2-for-4 and senior Tyler Ward was 2-for-4. ...
As the warmer temperatures approach, the choice of wine changes from the big husky red wines of winter to the softer, fruitier white wines of spring and summer; but don’t bet on that. The big reds will not suddenly be relegated to the back of the shelf but will stay right there upfront because of outdoor grilling or, as we often call it, barbecue. The popularity of outdoor grilling and dining has resulted in the sale of red wines not diminishing during the warmer seasons as might be expected but actually increasing. Leading the barbecue favorites are the impressive Italian...
WARRENSBURG — Gavin Wyatt is set to continue his football career at William Jewell College in Liberty. Wyatt signed his letter of intent to compete for the NCAA Division II university on Thursday, March 31 at Warrensburg High School. The Cardinals compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. “I had a couple of offers, and they actually called me,” Wyatt said. “They didn’t have an offer for me, but they really wanted me to go. I’ve always wanted to go to a Division II school, and they also have a great academic school. I checked out the campus. It’s the...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce hosted candidates from three April 5 municipal election races in a forum Wednesday night at the American Legion. Moderator Marion Woods of KOKO randomly selected three questions for each candidate from a prepared list provided to the candidates before the forum. Candidates were allowed one minute for an opening statement, followed by one-minute answers. Candidates answered questions in front of the audience while their opponents stayed in a separate room, preventing the candidates from hearing answers prior to speaking. The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidate forum for Warrensburg Board...
WARRENSBURG — University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance and UCM Music will present the Broadway hit and Tony Award-winning musical “Fun Home” over the next two weekends. Based on the popular autobiographical graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, the musical performs at 7:30 p.m. April 1-2, 2 p.m. April 3 and 7:30 p.m. April 7-9 in the Highlander Theater on the UCM campus. An ASL interpreter will be provided for the April 7 performance. The April 3 performance is Pay-What-You-Can with a minimum of [post_excerpt]. “Fun Home” contains...
Known as the “Boeing Gypsies,” 500 families moved and traveled with the Boeing Minuteman Missile Defense Program in the ‘60s and ‘70s, a program that involved the Sedalia area. The stories of those families are now captured by the pen of Myrna Messer, whose husband worked for Boeing from 1964 to 2000. Myrna and her husband, Ray Messer, now both 88, live in Derby, Kansas. They spoke with the Democrat by phone on Wednesday and Myrna noted she wrote and published “The Boeing Gypsies: The Families Behind the Minuteman Missile Program” at the urging of their son Jim Messer, of...
Missouri Western State University conferred a total of 371 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates for the 2021 summer and fall semesters. Haileigh R. Sizemore, of Holden, graduated with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice.
The Martin Warren Chapter, Missouri Society Sons of the American Revolution, met at the RISE Café on March 19. The program was presented by Anne Mallinson, a member of the Missouri Society, State Daughters of the American Revolution Missouri Speakers Staff for the Midwest District. Mallinson’s presentation was titled “Under Divine Protection.” The program centered on the reasons our ancestors came to North America and their contributions toward America’s emerging national identity. Mallinson included information about 15 different colonies that were established in North America. The reasons for establishing these colonies included, but were not limited to, trade and...
SEDALIA — Missouri leads all 50 states in Twitter chatter concerning meat prices, according to cooking and grilling site smokedmeatsunday.com. As food prices soar, notably meat prices, tracking of tweets, hashtags, and direct keyword phrases used in the last 30 days about the rising meat prices are up according to geo-located tweets. Phrases like “meat prices,” “beef prices,” and “can’t afford beef” were tracked, and Missouri ranked highest, followed by Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama. In Sedalia, restaurants are feeling the pinch of higher beef prices as higher food costs devastate profit margins and force hard decisions. “Before you came in...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Main Street has expanded its staff in 2022. Warrensburg Main Street is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote, improve and preserve the unique character and economic vitality of downtown Warrensburg while embracing the growing community. Main Street has been operating as a nonprofit in Warrensburg for more than 25 years, working to create a downtown the entire community can be proud of while also providing events for the businesses and families of Warrensburg. Main Street relies heavily on the many volunteers who meet each month to help create and execute multiple events, business promotions and...
Crest Ridge and Knob Noster track competed at the Lone Jack Invitational on Wednesday, March 30 at Lone Jack High School. The top three individuals in each event received a medal. Below are the individual medalists from both schools. GIRLS 400 Meter Dash Sarah McCardell, Knob Noster — 1:09.04. 800 Meter Run Danika Yates, Knob Noster — 2:49.12. 300 Meter Hurdles Lyndon Brown, Knob Noster — 55.65. 4x200 Meter Relay Knob Noster: Samantha Abernathy, Sarah McCardell, Lyndon Brown, Abigail Collier — 1:59.33. 4x400 Meter Relay Knob Noster: Christine Sturgill, Abigail Collier, Sarah McCardell, Danika Yates – 4:36.26. 4x800 Meter Relay ...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg and Holden competed in a Warrensburg Quad meet on Tuesday, March 29, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. Alongside the two Johnson County schools, Smith-Cotton, Harrisonville, Marshall and Lafayette County were also on hand.The meet was open, giving athletes the opportunity to test out numerous events. Below is a list of the top-three finishers from Warrensburg and Holden in each event. GIRLS 100 Meter Dash Kira Wyatt, Warrensburg — 13.78. 400 Meter Dash Allie Griffiths, Warrensburg — 1:02.62; 2. Amber Pedersen, Warrensburg — 1:05.64. 800 Meter Run Gracelyn Carver, Holden — 2:40. 3200 Meter Run Peyton Bruner, Warrensburg...
WARRENSBURG — Construction for the Roger Denker Wrestling Facility is a step closer to beginning. The University of Central Missouri Board of Governors approved the construction of the new facility during its Thursday, March 24, meeting, as announced in a press release Wednesday, March 30. The board accepted a contract of [post_excerpt],054,000 with E&K Construction to provide labor, materials and provisions necessary to construct the room. "We are extremely excited about the Board of Governors' action to approve a new wrestling facility," Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jerry Hughes stated in a release. "The facility will provide a permanent home...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Just one day after candidate filing closed for the August primary election, it was announced that the sole candidate for Johnson County Presiding Commissioner has withdrawn from the race. Incumbent Densil Allen, a Republican, did not file for re-election. Republican candidate Brandon Phelps was listed as the only candidate for Presiding Commissioner at the close of candidate filing on Tuesday, March 29, but he then withdrew. Allen, of Knob Noster, was appointed as the Johnson County presiding commissioner by Gov. Mike Parson in June 2021. The seat was vacated by Bill Gabel after submitting his letter of...
Warrensburg boys tennis opened its season with a 9-0 sweep of Excelsior Springs on Tuesday, March 29, at Grover Park. In singles, senior Jack Renfrow swept Excelsior Springs junior Colby Mueller 8-0, senior Nolan Kennedy beat Excelsior Springs junior Cater Pitts 8-3, sophomore Quinn Conley beat Excelsior Springs sophomore Lee Mueller 8-2, sophomore Anthony Rehn beat Excelsior Springs junior Joshua Oldham 8-0, sophomore Grant Moore beat junior Nolan Greim 8-2 and junior Cameron King beat Excelsior Springs junior Matthew Robello 8-2. In doubles, Jack Renfrow and junior Sam Renfrow beat Mueller and Pitts 8-0, Kennedy and Conley beat Mueller and...
WARRENSBURG — Thanks to the Warrensburg Activities Complex, sharing a facility isn’t something Tigers track and field has to worry about anymore. Back in August, the Ron Clawson Track namesake officially made its move from Warrensburg Middle School to Warrensburg High School. The shift came with the completion of the Activities Complex’s first phase. It wasn’t until spring began that the track program officially began to reap the benefits of having its own dedicated space. “I don’t even know where to begin,” Warrensburg head coach Brad Small said. “This facility is probably one of, if not, the best one in...
Warrensburg baseball found a way to hold on to its lead for a 8-5 win over Odessa on Tuesday, March 29, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The Tigers never trailed in the contest, gaining a 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to an RBI single from junior Gauge Claunch to score sophomore Cole Kreisel. Warrensburg (3-1) added two more in the second through a junior Judd Sullivan bunt scoring junior William Finnane and a sac fly from senior Derek Nicas to score Sullivan. It wasn’t until the top of the fourth that another run was scored, with Odessa bringing...
Mules baseball found its recipe to best Missouri Western 6-5 on Tuesday, March 29, at Crane Stadium. Central Missouri (23-3, 17-0 MIAA) initially trailed 2-0 after an inning, but found its batting power in the bottom of the second. A fielder’s choice RBI from sophomore Carter Young scored freshman Jacob Steele, a RBI single scored Young and senior Donovan Ditto and a RBI single from redshirt sophomore Brennen van Breusegen scored senior Harrison Schnursbuch. Western tied it up again in the top of the third before Young and sophomore Garrett Pennington each tapped in an RBI. Freshman Conner Wolf earned...
Candidate filing ended Tuesday for the Aug. 2 primary election in Missouri. County candidates could file at the Johnson County Clerk’s Office while state and federal candidates filed with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. Filing began Feb. 22. Candidates must list a political party. Those who win their party’s race in August will go on to the General Election on Nov. 8. U.S. Senate Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., announced last year that he would not be seeking another term after serving since 2010. That announcement led to a long list of candidates making their own announcements to seek Blunt’s...
Jennies softball met Rockhurst in a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 29, at the UCM South Recreation Complex. Central Missouri lost game one 7-5 but took game two 13-9. The split puts the Jennies at 8-22 on the season. Game 1 Rockhurst scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to pull ahead from the Jennies. A two-run home run off redshirt junior Kyleigh Lay began the frame, with an RBI single following. The inning ended what had been a 5-4 Jennies lead. Central Missouri opened scoring with a three-RBI home run from redshirt sophomore MaKenzie Cooper in the bottom...
Warrensburg boys golf competed against Smith-Cotton, Jefferson City and Capital City on Monday, March 29, at the Sedalia Country Club. The Tigers finished fourth shooting 201. Freshman Andrew Zumalt shot a 42 and senior Landon Nakonezney was second in line with a 48. Warrensburg travels to Clinton to compete at the Meadow Lake Golf Course on Wednesday, March 30.
WARRENSBURG — As flowers start to bloom and the grass begins to grow, Code Enforcement Inspector Jane Heavin presented information regarding nuisance and tall grass enforcement at the Monday, March 28, Warrensburg City Council meeting. “City ordinance states that anything 12 inches or higher would be tall grass which would be a violation of the ordinance,” Heavin said. “Most of the cases I develop are ones that I’ve seen.” Heavin said cases are primarily built upon observation and occasionally receive complaints. Tenants or property owners are contacted regarding the grass. “Usually in the spring, it’s broken lawn mowers is the...
Crest Ridge baseball topped Sherwood 13-3 on Monday, March 28, in Creighton. The Cougars fell behind 2-0 in the first inning, a deficit that stuck until the top of the fifth. Senior Jackson Nimsgern and senior Corben Martin each had an RBI in the fifth to tie it up. Crest Ridge (2-4) took the lead for good in the sixth through an RBI to score senior Wes Marten and junior Casey Dever. The Cougars proceeded to score seven more runs in the frame. Nimsgern and Dever each recorded two hits in the contest. Freshman Wyatt Ducos reached base three times...
After a week of postponements due to weather, Leeton baseball finally had the chance to open its season on Monday, March 28. The Bulldogs came out on top, topping Green Ridge 17-1 in three innings. Leeton plated nine runs in the first inning, two runs in the second inning and six in the third. Junior Cody Shackelford posted a game-high five RBI, going 3-for-4 at the plate. Senior Ethan Driskill was 3-for-3 with two RBI, junior Cole Wallace was 2-for-2 with two RBI, sophomore Camden Uptegrove was 2-for-2 with one RBI and junior Cole Wallace was 2-for-2 with two RBI. ...
With Ukrainian and American flags waving, a crowd gathered in front of the Pettis County Courthouse Sunday afternoon to offer heartfelt prayers for the war-torn country of Ukraine. Word of Life Evangelical Christian Church, a Sedalia Ukrainian church, hosted the event, the first of three events to help raise donations for their homeland. The church is collecting monetary donations and has already raised ,000, with a goal of 0,000. The church is also accepting donations of non-perishable foods and clothing, which will be packed into a container and shipped to Ukrainian churches. At present, the container is half full. On...
KNOB NOSTER — The key to winning the first meeting between Holden and Knob Noster baseball this season was all about timeliness. On Monday, March 28, timeliness was defined by the Eagles in the top of the fifth inning, leading to a 1-0 win. “We blew it earlier in the inning when we had a runner on second and a sac bunt,” Holden head coach Charlie Castle said. “Still, we got a guy on and Garrett [Smith] stole second and Aiden [Morarity] just threw his hands on it, got a nice hit and got the game winner right there. We’re definitely...
HOLDEN — Two candidates are running for the Holden City Council Ward 3 seat, a two-year term, on the Holden City Council. Candidates are Larry Miller and Rusty Kephart. Why are you running for office? Larry Miller: Would like to see the mayor and city council come together for the citizens of Holden. Rusty Kephart: I am motivated to run for city council by a desire to serve the community. What are your qualifications? Miller: I worked for the City of Holden as Street Superintendent and Fire Chief. I am familiar with the city budget and working with city department...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, March 29 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, March 30 The Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum at 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 131, 733...
Melissa A. Meineke, 41, was arrested March 2 after officers responded to a report of theft past occurred June 2020 to June 2021. Meineke was arrested on charges of identity theft or attempt and stealing - 0 or more. Tyler Tritle, 26, was arrested Feb. 28 after officers responded Feb. 1 to a report of shoplifting in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Tritle was arrested on a charge of shoplifting. Tyler J. Peterson, 19, was arrested March 1 after officers responded Feb. 21 to a report of stealing in the 400 block of West South Street. Peterson was...
HOLDEN — Three candidates are running for the Holden City Council Ward 1 seat, a two-year term, on the Holden City Council. Candidates are Julie Getz, Elizabeth “Liz” Weeks and Sharon Manford. Why are you running for office? Julie Getz: The need to get everyone working together for the best for the City Council. Being able to listen to the people of Holden and bring their concerns to the city councils. Liz Weeks: In 2018, I was elected for my first term as Ward 1 councilman. My reasons for running are the same now as they were then. I wanted...
WARRENSBURG — Scott Smith has been selected for the University of Central Missouri 2022 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. This awards program was established by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education and annually recognizes college- and university-level faculty members who have excelled in their profession. UCM states Smith strives to ensure his class materials, assignments and projects are constantly evolving to keep students engaged, informed and prepared for the challenges they will face in a career field that is never static which contributed to his selection as the recipient. The Governor’s Excellence in Education Award considers criteria such...
HOLDEN — Two candidates are running for the Holden City Council Ward 4 seat, a two-year term, on the Holden City Council. Candidates are Allen Mensch and Naomi M. Chastain. Why are you running for office? Allen Mensch: I want to make Holden even better than it is. I want to hear what our citizens want and make things happen. I love our city and want to see it thrive. I would also like to attract new businesses to Holden to bring in more revenue for our city. Naomi Chastain: I have spent the last two years beautifying the town...
WARRENSBURG — As part of the University of Central Missouri’s efforts to promote conversations with distinguished visitors, UCM will host civil rights activist, author and educator Angela Davis for a public presentation at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, in Hendricks Hall. Davis’ speech is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity. Davis, born in Birmingham, Alabama, is the daughter of two teachers and is a Distinguished Professor Emerita of History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies at the University of Santa Cruz, a California institution where she spent 15 years on...
The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual community update breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 6 at the Mki Pavilion, 107 Ming St. in Warrensburg. Attendees will hear updates from Western Missouri Medical Center, City of Warrensburg, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg School District and Johnson County, with a Q&A session following. Tickets are for chamber members and for nonmembers. Breakfast will be catered by Mary Jane’s Café. For more information or to RSVP, visit warrensburg.org or call 660-747-3168.
The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce has launched a digital community app available in the App Store or Google Play. The app can easily be downloaded by searching “Discover Warrensburg.” Discover Warrensburg is an innovative and interactive mobile app that will serve chamber members, residents, military friends and visitors year-round. The app has five sections: Eat, Shop, Live/Work, Play and Stay. The chamber states it was developed to engage chamber members with residents or visitors and all the amenities that our local community has to offer. Whether you are looking for a new job, weekend activities, or business information, this app...
Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson has announced a public test of the automatic tabulating equipment for the April 5 General Municipal Election will take place 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 31 at the first floor Staging Room of the Johnson County Courthouse, 300 N. Holden St. in Warrensburg. Any candidates, voters or members of the public may attend.
HOLDEN — Two candidates are running for the Holden City Council Ward 2 seat, a two-year term, on the Holden City Council. Candidates are Carol Mallory and Jeremy Knox. Knox did not respond to the Star-Journal by press time. Why are you running for office? Carol Mallory: I support the Constitution of the United States and of this state, and the city codes and ordinances. I believe the codes are to protect the citizens and to make Holden a better and safer place. I want to be a voice for the concerns of Holden residents. I want to listen to...
Truth is under attack. The Marxist progressives working to destroy the foundation of America and replace its Biblical worldview know the only way to undermine truth is to deny its existence. They don’t want matters of morality or justice to be settled by an immutable standard because the only fixed standard humanity knows is the Bible. Scripture is the only source of Truth that has proven trustworthy while constantly under immense scrutiny. Having the Bible as a plumb line of truth by which all things can be measured will not allow these moderns to shake off the constraints of...
WARRENSBURG — The scent of fresh-baked bread wafting down Pine Street in Warrensburg is a sure sign of comfort and mouth-watering goodness. Green Truck Bakery, owned and operated by Carmen Schick, her husband Carl Schick and their son Ryan Schick, has expanded in the last four years. The bakery that began in a small oven in the family’s backyard is now located in a 1,200 square-foot downtown storefront on Pine Street. The Schicks remodeled the 135-year-old building and added a wood-fired oven, increasing the number of orders they could make in a week. The bakery now provides bread for Blackadder...
As of Monday, March 28, Johnson County Community Health Services reports seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 11,887 confirmed cases in the county, with 11,774 considered recovered and 106 deaths.
Juvenile seriously injured in March 24 wreck One person is reported to have serious injuries from a single-vehicle wreck March 24 on Route VV west of Southwest 701 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2002 Ford Ranger, driven by a 16-year-old, of Centerview, left the roadway, returned to the road, began to skid, left the roadway again, overturned and came to rest in the roadway. The juvenile is reported to have serious injuries and was transported by the Johnson County Ambulance District to Western Missouri Medical Center. The juvenile is reported to have not...
KNOB NOSTER — Warrensburg baseball’s plate discipline showed for a meeting with Knob Noster in the Panther Classic third place game. Twenty total Tigers baserunners translated to a 10-0 win over the Panthers on Saturday, March 26 at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. “We did have a lot of quality at bats today,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Coombs said. “The kids are doing a good job swinging at good pitches and letting bad pitches go. Again, we got to keep working on that, but I thought we hit good pitches today. That helps us get base hits.” Warrensburg tallied 11...
KNOB NOSTER — Crest Ridge baseball managed well through most of its contest with Northwest in the fifth place game of the Panther Classic on Saturday, March 26. Behind a solid start from junior Caiden McKenzie, the Cougars found themselves within reach of the Mustangs at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. They fell 3-0. “Today, we showed improvement,” Crest Ridge head coach Rick Schmidli said. “Last night against Ruskin was just pure ugliness. Then, we came back and showed what we can be capable of.” All three of Northwest’s (2-1) runs were unearned, coming into fruition through Cougars (1-4) errors....
Holden and Leeton track and field competed at the Butler Bear Invitational on Friday, March 25, at Butler High School. Between the two schools, there were 16 top-three finishes signifying a medal. The Holden boys won the team plaque, posting 111 team points. Below is a full list of medalists from the Bulldogs and Eagles. BOYS 400 Meter Dash Brian Johnson, Holden senior — 54.49 seconds. 800 Meter Run Michael Rinella, Holden senior — 2:19.58. 3200 Meter Run Zach Willis, Holden junior — 11:55.21. 110 Meter Hurdles Masyn Powell, Holden sophomore — 16.44 seconds. 300 Meter Hurdles Masyn Powell, Holden...
WARRENSBURG — Mules baseball’s 15th-straight win certainly wasn’t the prettiest at times in terms of defense. Central Missouri had three errors in the contest, two turning to Hillcats runs. The defensive mistakes didn’t matter in the larger picture, though, with the Mules winning 13-5 on Friday, March 25, at Crane Stadium. “I try not to be result oriented,” Central Missouri head coach Kyle Crookes said. “The result is good, but the process wasn’t real good. And honestly, to be totally frank, Collin Jones gave us a great start and the offense did a good job putting up that many runs....
Warrensburg baseball fell to Pleasant Hill 1-0 in the semifinal round of the Panther Classic on Friday, March 25, at the Warrensburg Activities Complex. The Roosters jumped on board in the first inning, keeping the momentum from there. The Tigers had three hits in the contest and struck out 15 times. They left four on base. Warrensburg will play for third at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Knob Noster Sports Complex.
WARRENSBURG — Jodi Schneider brings 20 years of experience in municipal government, officially taking on the role of city clerk March 21. Schneider’s appointment followed the retirement of Cindy Gabel in September 2021. Schneider previously worked as the city clerk in Troy, starting out as an admin assistant in 2002 and worked her way up to deputy city clerk before taking on the role of city clerk in 2012. Schneider and her husband, John (Jr.), bought a property in Warrensburg four years ago as their three sons, John (III), Mitchell and Ben, are all in the Missouri Air National Guard...
Crest Ridge fell to Clinton 7-2 in the first round of the Knob Noster Panther Classic on Thursday, March 24, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. The Cougars (0-3) fell behind in the first inning, surrendering six runs. Senior Corben Martin had an answer, recording an RBI single to score senior Jackson Nimsgern. Nimsgern recorded an RBI single of his own two innings later, where he scored junior Casey Dever. Nimsgern and sophomore Connor Buttram each finished with two hits for the Cougars, while Martin had one. Dever reached base after being hit by a pitch. Senior Wes Martin pitched...
Knob Noster topped Ruskin 12-3 in the first round of the Panther Classic with a 12-3 win over Ruskin on Thursday, March 24. Senior Landen Everts and senior Caleb Jones both went 2-for-3 at the plate, while senior Eric Bennett-Wade and sophomore Trey Payne each drove in two RBIs. Junior Luke Bolton earned the win on the mound. The Panthers (3-1) return to action Friday, March 25 as they meet Clinton at 4:15 p.m. in the semifinal round.
Two Friday nights ago, I witnessed the end of an era: the final edition of the Sedalia Democrat printed in the Sedalia pressroom. Being the editor of a daily newspaper, I tend to work late, and long, hours anyway, but on Friday night I stayed in the office until around 12:30 a.m. to watch the final papers come off of our Goss Urbanite press. It had been quite a while since I’d stayed late enough to watch the magic happen, and I couldn’t miss its very last run. Once my job was complete, I spent the next hour or so...
There is an old joke among the Jewish people concerning how and why they celebrate certain ancient old testament holidays; “they attacked us, we beat them, let’s eat.” That really sums up many Jewish holidays and their way of celebrating them; with a big, and I mean a really big, feast. April 15 will bring on one of the most joyous of all the Jewish holidays, Passover, a holiday celebrating the Jewish exodus from Egypt. My only question is “what wine is the proper wine accompaniment for Manna?” One of the rituals that must be observed at the Passover service/dinner,...
Gardening season is finally here. Daffodils are blooming, some have planted potatoes and cool-season crops are being started all across the Midwest. As with many hobbies, it is easy to assume all gardeners are at the same level, but the last two years have shown that we have many first-time gardeners among us. First, if you are new to gardening, we welcome you. There is nothing quite like growing something edible, beautiful or both. Second, let’s take a closer look at the information provided on that pack of seeds you just purchased in anticipation of your new garden. Most seeds...
The City of Warrensburg has announced additional roadway closures for Union Pacific railroad crossings, including: • The morning of March 28 through the afternoon of March 29 on Mitchell Street.
WARRENSBURG — Before the inaugural baseball game at the Warrensburg Activities Complex began Thursday, March 24, Tigers head coach Chris Coombs spent time thanking fans for attending. Conditions certainly weren’t the most ideal for a baseball game, with light drizzle falling and temperatures in the low 40s. With the help of artificial turf, weather wasn’t even a factor. Warrensburg rolled, beating Concordia 21-1 in the three-inning home field opener. “I can’t say enough thank yous to our district administrators, school board members, district maintenance workers and school patrons for making this happen,” Coombs said. “We have the most beautiful facility...
In 2021, Warrensburg Cat Advocates was able to successfully assist 522 cats and the 2022 goal is 500 cats. WCA was able to provide more than ,000 in trap, neuter, release vet care in 2021. In January and February, WCA assisted with 83 cats; 66 were trapped, neutered and returned. Four were treated for illnesses and 12 were networked into rescue. In March, more than 80 cats were trapped, neutered and returned with 32 of those cats receiving their vetting this week.
Just in time for spring home improvement season, the Sedalia Democrat is hosting its second annual Home & Garden Show on April 2. More than 30 regional vendors will be in the Mathewson Exhibition Center ready to talk with area residents about their home and garden needs. Vendors include real estate, insurance, windows, doors, decking, fencing, concrete work, lumber, building supplies, storage facilities, guttering, mowers, roofing, landscaping, decorations, cleaning, heating and cooling, pest control, and many others. Many of the vendors will be offering specials only available at the Home & Garden Show. “We’re excited to bring back the Home...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Main Street has met with a committee of students from Sterling Elementary School to plan the first Movie Night of the summer. The event is scheduled for May 20 on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn. The movie will begin at sunset, but the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Main Street Executive Director Jill Purvis said Emily Elkins, Sterling social worker, reached out to Main Street at the beginning of the school year. “(Elkins) wanted to get some students involved in different projects in the community,” Purvis said. “She asked us for some ideas of ways we...
JEFFERSON CITY – This week, the Missouri Department of Agriculture celebrates the state’s position nationally in agriculture production. Missouri is home to 95,000 farms, employs nearly 460,000 people in agriculture, forestry and related industries, and has an estimated economic impact of .7 billion. Agriculture remains the state’s number one economic driver, supporting both rural and urban communities from farm to fork. “We are excited to celebrate National Agriculture Week, and we are proud that the industry remains alive and well in the Show-Me State,” Gov. Mike Parson said. “As a third-generation farmer, I’m committed to ensuring the next generations have...
JEFFERSON CITY — Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s Securities Division issued an order to show cause why restitution, civil penalties and other administrative relief should not be imposed against a company and four individuals that allegedly offered and sold at least 0,000 in unregistered homemade “silver and gold certificates.” Between April 2018 and August 2020, Robert Craig Bridgforth, through an entity he reportedly called Liberty Gold and Silver, allegedly offered and sold securities instruments to six investors in Missouri, including four elderly residents from Warrensburg, Independence and Oak Grove. The certificates were said to be collateralized by gold or silver....
HOLDEN — Gerilynn Hoover, Sarah Abel, Dillon Zavadil, Travis Coones, Nathan Haun, Bill Stackhouse and Aaron Hynds are vying for two seats, each a three-year term, on the Holden Board of Education. Zavadil, Coones and Hynds did not respond to the Star-Journal by press time. Why are you running for office? Hoover: Basically, God put it on my heart that I needed to get involved. I’m sorry to say that I haven’t paid attention to what’s been going on in our schools since our youngest son graduated back in 2007. In the past year or so, I’ve started seeing information...
WARRENSBURG — RJ Corona has been named Division Chief of Training and Safety for the Johnson County Fire Protection District. Corona moves into the position after previously serving as the lieutenant at Station 10 and as an adjunct instructor for the Training and Safety Division. The promotion took effect March 14. Corona began his career with the district in 2012 as a Junior Firefighter. He was promoted to firefighter in August 2013 and then to lieutenant in Station 10 in August 2017. Corona has also worked full-time as a firefighter with the City of Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit. “Division Chief...
Holden — Two candidates are vying to become the mayor of the City of Holden in the April 5 Municipal Election. Candidates are Ray Briscoe and Doyle E. Weeks Sr. Why are you running for office? Ray Briscoe: I am running for Mayor of the City of Holden to correct problems I have observed over the past four years. It is time to address the style of leadership that has led to a lack of responsiveness to community values and desires. This has been detrimental to citizen engagement in our government operations. We must promote integrity of discussion and decisions...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Benjamin Fundaburg and Violet J. Corbett are vying for the Johnson County Ambulance District Sub-District 5 seat, a three-year term. Fundaburg did not respond to the Star-Journal by press time. Why are you running for office? Corbett: My name is Violet Corbett and I am a lifelong resident of Johnson County graduating from KNHS in 1967. I have been married to my farmer/dozer business husband Ronnie Corbett for 54 years. I am active in the community, serving on the Johnson County Farm Bureau board, Warrensburg Chamber, Johnson County Republican Central Committee, Republican Women’s Club, lifetime member of...
WARRENSBURG — For their first field trip, about 200 first-graders from Ridge View Elementary took a trip Tuesday, March 22, to tour the Old Town Square with help from the Johnson County Historical Society. JCHS Board President Bruce Uhler said this was the first field trip for most of the students because of the pandemic. The school and volunteer Dana Eting worked to organize the trip. Students toured the one-room schoolhouse, museum and Old Johnson County Courthouse. If there was time, a couple groups toured the Culp Building. “Keep it simple, keep it really basic,” Uhler said. “Let them just...
Three Leeton basketball players received All-State selections from the Missouri High School Basketball Coaches Association. Bulldogs senior Daniel Warner, senior Regan Shaffer and junior Bailey Fleming each received recognition. No other Johnson County athlete received All-State honors. Warner was a part of a Leeton boys team that advanced to the district championship, making his presence known on the inside through both scoring and rebounding The story was much the same for Shaffer, who helped the Bulldogs to their second-straight final four through her inside scoring and defensive presence. Fleming’s impact came on the outside from the three-point range, also finding...
Nija Collier’s final season with Jennies basketball will go down as an All-American performance. Collier was announced as a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American on Wednesday, March 23. She was one of 10 to be included on the list, becoming the 19th All-American in Central Missouri women’s basketball history. The redshirt senior paced the Jennies and the MIAA with 11.3 rebounds per game, ranking No. 13 in the nation. She totaled 18 double-doubles per season, leading the MIAA and sitting No. 5 in NCAA Division II. She was No. 2 on the team and No. 4 in the MIAA with...
Crest Ridge Track and Field competed in the Class 1 and Class 2 portion of the Mule Relays on Tuesday, March 22, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. The Cougars had four individual medalists, signified by top-six finishes. Junior Colynne Petet-Steyzeng led the way with a second-place finish in the pole vault. Below is a full list of the Cougars’ medalists. GIRLS Pole Vault Colynne Petet-Steyzeng, 2.60 meters – Crest Ridge junior 60 Meter Dash Cat Baker, 8.771 seconds – Crest Ridge junior BOYS 60 Meter Dash Aiden Pasch, 7.40 seconds — Crest Ridge sophomore 3200 Meter Run Jaeger Brandes, 13:06.77...
Warrensburg girls soccer picked up its first win of the season, topping Cameron 3-1 in its second game of the Oak Grove Tournament on Tuesday, March 22, in Oak Grove. The Tigers (1-2) had goals by sophomore Myla Laws and freshman Melanie Seelinger. The third came from an own goal by the Dragons. The win sends Warrensburg to the third-place game of the tournament, scheduled to be played Thursday, March 24, at 5:45 p.m.
Knob Noster hosted Lexington and Odessa at the Royal Oaks Golf Course on Monday, March 21, at the Royal Oaks Golf Course. The Panthers posted a low-sum team score of 203, Odessa had 228 and Lexington had 340. Junior Ethan Gaydos was the individual medalist, posting 48 on the back nine. Sophomore Jonathan Collier had the next-best score, posting 51. Sophomore Morgan Elwell and sophomore Carson Zimmershied each had 52. Junior Jackson Vezino had 53. Knob Noster is scheduled to return to action Thursday, March 24 as it hosts Lafayette County.
Knob Noster baseball topped Wellington-Napoleon 7-3 on Monday, March 21 in Wellington. Sophomore Trey Payne anchored the win, pitching 5 ⅔ innings while striking out 11, allowing three hits and walking three. Junior Luke Bolton closed it out striking out three while allowing just one hit. Knob Noster (2-1) returns to action Thursday, March 24 as it hosts Ruskin in the opening round of the Panther Invitational
SEDALIA — Local McDonald's restaurants across mid-Missouri are celebrating area nurses with the launch of the first-ever McDonald's Outstanding Nurse Awards. “When COVID-19 first hit the community a few years ago, McDonald's was one of the first quick-service restaurants in the community to really react,” Callie Picarella, with Bergman Communications, said. “It was May of 2020 when they offered health care workers a free beverage offer, and they have continued to do that the past two years.” To give the community the opportunity to get involved, the McDonald’s franchises switched it from a beverage offer to this award so the...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Luncheon on Friday, March 18, at Player’s Restaurant. The luncheon serves as an opportunity for legislators to meet and speak with constituents about recent bills and ongoing legislation. Chamber Director Suzanne Taylor and Board Chair Jamie Brisbin welcomed board members, Johnson County and Warrensburg elected officials and event sponsors. Legislators in attendance included District Military Liaison Grace Townsend and Field Representative Ryan Bardot on behalf of Rep. Vicky Hartzler, Sen. Denny Hoskins, Rep. Dan Houx and Rep. Kurtis Gregory. Hartzler Hartzler represents District 4 and serves on the House...
KNOB NOSTER — Voters in the City of Knob Noster will be asked to consider changing a city official from elected to appointed in the April 5 municipal election. Currently, the City of Knob Noster is served by a City Marshal who is elected by voters to a four-year term and also serves as the appointed chief of police. The question posed to voters on the April 5 ballot asks if that position should be transitioned into a Chief of Police who would be appointed by the Board of Aldermen. The marshal position is vacant after City Marshal Brian Kniskern...
Jennies softball hosted No. 10 Augustana and St. Cloud State for the Missouri Western Crossover on Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20, at the South Recreation Complex. A portion of the annual event was moved from St. Joseph to Warrensburg due to field conditions. UCM fell to St. Cloud State 5-4, beat Augustana 8-7, fell to St. Cloud State 4-2 and lost to Augustana 12-0. The Jennies are now 8-17 on the season. Game 1 — St. Cloud State 5, Central Missouri 4 After taking a 4-0 lead by the end of the second inning, Central Missouri proceeded to...
Mules football’s spring season is scheduled to begin this week. Central Missouri has 14 total practices, including two scrimmage and the spring game, scheduled. Schedules are expected to take place each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday beginning Tuesday, March 22 and concluding with the spring game Saturday, April 23. The spring schedule includes a coaches clinic on Saturday, March 26, a scrimmage on Saturday, April 2, the 22nd Annual Work-a-Thon on Saturday, April 9 and a scrimmage on Saturday, April 16. Practices on Tuesday and Thursdays are scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m. with Saturday events taking place at 9:30 a.m....
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County 4-H hosted its annual fair Saturday, March 19, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. The Rural Youth Community Center was lined with games designed and operated by the 10 active clubs that are a part of Johnson County 4-H. MU Extension Youth Program Associate Dallas Dieckman said the event is the only fundraiser for the organization. Dieckman said fair attendance was back to about what it was before the pandemic. “One year we had to cancel it,” Dieckman said. “Last year was actually the first year since that cancellation, so we’ve been building back. This is probably...
Lyndsey D. Grooms, 27, was arrested Feb. 16 after officers responded Jan. 4 to a report of a theft of a vehicle in the 900 block of North College Street. Grooms was arrested on a charge of stealing - motor vehicle/watercraft/aircraft. Austin J. Jackson, 20, was arrested Feb. 21 after officers conducted a vehicle check Jan. 17 in the 500 block of Southwest Drive. Jackson was arrested on charges of failure to obey a stop sign, failure to obey an officer, headlights required and driving left of center. Kimberly M. Brown, 30, was arrested Feb. 18 after officers responded Jan....
WARRENSBURG — At the same time Powell Gardens hosts the Orchid Delirium this month, a special evening tailored to young adults will come to fruition thanks to the efforts of a group of University of Central Missouri students in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. Experience Delirium is open to those 21 and older and will be 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday, March 24, at the Powell Gardens Visitors Center. Tickets are available online. This pop-up, one-night-only, rave-type activity is created around a jungle theme and will include brief access to the Orchid Delirium, along with a cash...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, March 22 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, March 23 The Warrensburg branch of Trails Regional Library will host Watercolor Resistance Painting at 2:30 p.m. Registration is required. Narcotics Anonymous meetings...
As of Monday, March 21, there are a total of 29 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. Johnson County Community Health Services reports there have been, in total, 11,870 confirmed cases in the county with 11,735 recovered and 106 deaths.
KNOB NOSTER — Two candidates are vying for one Ward I seat, a two-year term, on the Knob Noster Board of Aldermen for the April 5 Municipal Election. Candidates are Perry Byerly and Misty Thomas. Why are you running for office? Perry Byerly: I have been a Knob Noster resident for over 30 years. I feel it is important to give back to the community. Misty Thomas: To continue to be a voice for the community, maintain a critical evaluation of how the citizen’s tax money is being spent by its City government. What are your qualifications? Byerly: I have...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg, Knob Noster and Holden kicked off their indoor track season at the Class 3, 4 and 5 Mule Relays on Monday, March 21, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. Between the three schools, there was one first place finish and 12 runner-ups. Warrensburg sophomore Jordyn Tarr was the lone champion, finishing first in shot put with a throw of 10.51 meters.She edged Holden senior Liz Stout, who came in second with a throw of 10.34 meters. Other runner-ups included Holden freshman Kia Harmon in the high jump, Warrensburg senior Zach Munsterman in the high jump, Warrensburg junior Grace...
Crest Ridge lost to Lafayette County and Knob Noster in an opening day of baseball Saturday March 19, at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. The Cougars lost game one to the Huskers 10-6. Senior Jackson Nimsgern led the way for the Cougars offensively, recording two hits and two RBI. Sophomore Connor Buttram also had two hits. Other RBI in the contest included one from freshman Wyatt Ducos and one from senior Corben Martin. The loss went to Buttram, who gave up four runs in two innings pitched. Game two resulted in a 11-1 loss to Knob Noster in six innings. ...
Eagles baseball opened its season with 15-6 and 17-9 wins over Reeds Spring on Saturday, March 19. The first game included 13 hits and 10 walks, though the Eagles also struck out 11 times. Holden jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but proceeded to give it up to trail 3-2 after the first. It still trailed 6-5 after four innings. In the fifth, the Eagles added to runs before adding one more in the sixth. Sophomore AIden Morarity had four RBI off of two hits and freshman first baseman Kale Tryon had a pair of hits, including a sacrifice bunt...
Mules baseball added another MIAA sweep, this time topping Newman 13-0, 15-1 and 11-7 between Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, at Cowley County College in Arkansas City, Kansas. The series advances the Mules to 19-3 overall and 13-0 in MIAA action. They have won 14 straight. Game 1 Three home runs helped Central Missouri to its shutout win on Friday. Redshirt junior Michael Chrisman, senior John Prudhom and redshirt sophomore Cole Moore each sent the ball out of the park on Friday. Moore’s was the first, sparking a three-run inning to put the Mules up 3-0 in the...
KNOB NOSTER — Patrolling the third base line during his first game day as head coach of Knob Noster baseball, Bill Bivins joked he found the spot where Mark Carey stood for eight years. Bivins was named as the program’s head coach in July, taking over for Carey. Bivins certainly isn’t new to the program, having previously served as an assistant through Carey’s tenure. Saturday, March 19, officially kicked off the Bivins era, splitting a day of baseball against Russellville and Crest Ridge at the Knob Noster Sports Complex. “When they asked me to be the head coach, I was...
WARRENSBURG — In the past, precipitation on a home Warrensburg girls soccer game day typically meant postponement or relocation. Thanks to the Warrensburg Activities Complex, that is no longer an issue. The Tigers learned first hand as they hosted Bolivar in cold, wet conditions on Friday, March 18. They fell 5-1 in the season opener. “Me and Mr. [Keith] Chapman were talking this morning trying to make sure, we were just worried about the coldness and how cold it was supposed to be,” Warrensburg head coach Fred Koeller said. “This makes it so much easier for us… We were able...
Jennies basketball’s Brooke Littrell is an All-American. The redshirt freshman was named as Division II Conference Commmissioner’s Association Second Team All-American on Friday, March 18. She is the 18th All-American in Jennies basketball history, the seventh under head coach Dave Slifer. Littrell was a key contributor to the Jennies this season leading the team in scoring with 21 points per game in the 2021-22 season. The total was second in the MIAA and fifth in NCAA Division II. She also had the MIAA’s third-best rebounding total averaging 9.3 boards per game. She was No. 4 in field-goal percentage at 48...
This is the first article in a series on workforce shortages among emergency responders. WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Fire Department Fire Chief Ken Jennings said there have been several factors that led to a noticed change in how the fire service has been able to gain and retain firefighters. “There’s been multiple factors that kind of came all together at once that created some different hiring, retention, staffing issues that we hadn’t had to deal with a lot before,” Jennings said. Jennings said in the years following 9/11 the fire service saw an influx of applicants to become firefighters. “That trend...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg School Board of Education has named Kyle Cahill as the new assistant principal at Warrensburg High School beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Cahill currently serves as the high school principal and Title IX Coordinator in the Lexington School District and as an adjunct professor for William Woods University in their Master’s and Specialist’s programs. Cahill earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education from the University of Central Missouri in 2012, a master’s degree in Administration from William Woods University in 2016, a master’s degree in Educational, School and Counseling Psychology with a focus in...
There’s been no shortage of hardware for Leeton girls basketball in recent years. The 2022 season was no different, with the Bulldogs winning their sixth-straight district championship before advancing on to their second-straight MSHSAA Class 1 Show-Me Showdown appearance. Behind the motivation to it all: head coach Travis Fleming. It isn’t hard to leave Fleming’s intensity while coaching on the sideline unnoticed. The Bulldogs returned every single starter from a year ago this season, with the team coming off a runner-up finish in 2020-21. That didn’t mean he had to abandon his method. Game by game, Fleming’s stern coaching style...
In the world of sports, there are individuals coaches recognize a special type of talent in. Knob Noster’s Anthony Lopez is one of those individuals. The senior ended his high school career as the program's all-time leading scorer. He reached the mark thanks to an average 18.9 points this season pushing him to best the school’s previous record of 1,512 career points, set by Lucas Rincker in 2017. Lopez’s average scoring for 2021-22 came off a 45% success rate in shooting, including 35% from the three-point range. Lopez also garnered 3.2 assists per game, helping teammates such as senior Darion...
Levi Wihelm’s second season of high school wrestling featured plenty of success. The Knob Noster sophomore lost only four matches on the year, each coming against a different wrestler. The last loss didn’t come until the Class 1 106-pound state championship match, finishing as a runner-up. Wilhelm’s shot at a state championship became a reality thanks to a championship at the Class 1 District 2 meet. The tournament set up a string of seven-straight postseason wins en route to a state title match against Mid-Buchanan’s Spencer Cunningham. Though he fell in the championship, Wilhelm was able to avenge a regular...
Of the many faces to be a part of Leeton girls basketball’s success in recent years is Regan Shaffer. Shaffer completed her fourth and final season as a starter for the Bulldogs this winter, helping the team to a sixth-straight district championship and a second-straight trip to the MSHSAA Class 1 Show-Me Showdown. Whether it be driving the ball to the left side of the basket for a layup or making her presence known defensively. Shaffer concluded the season hitting 54.4% of her shots, including a 56.1% success rate in the two-point range. On top of it, she garnered 5.6...
As girls wrestling continues to grow, any given dedicated athlete has a chance to make their name known on the mat. This year, one of those names was Knob Noster freshman Kylie Miller. Miller wrestled in the 115-pound weight class this season. Her performance included four tournament championships, while also not placing any lower than second in seven regular season brackets. The regular season success set Miller up for districts, where she placed third in the district three tournament qualifying for state. Miller ended up having the furthest Johnson County performance in Columbia, losing her first round match before advancing...
Warrensburg senior Claire Starbuck is the All-Johnson County Girls Swimmer of the Year. Starbuck was a part of two Tigers relay teams under consideration for state: the 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle. The 200 freestyle relay recorded a performance list qualifying time of 1:54.78 at the ILCs Feb. 7. The 400 freestyle relay had a time of 4:22.95 recorded at the same event. Starbuck lettered in all four years of her high school swimming career, and also spent her summers swimming for the Warrensburg Piranhas. Other swimming recognition include All-Conference Academic Honors. Starbuck also had conference and state academic honors...
Due to production and delivery issues, the Friday, March 18, 2022, edition of the Star-Journal did not get delivered to subscribers on Friday as usual. Subscribers will receive their Friday print edition with their Saturday mail. Anyone who would like a print copy before that time can stop by our office at 101 E. Market St. Suite A in Warrensburg to pick up a complimentary copy. Our office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Star-Journal staff apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates our subscribers' understanding.
JOHNSON COUNTY — As tornado season is underway, the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency works to inform the community about severe weather events and to prepare for the possible aftermath. “We want individuals to understand what severe weather is,” EMA Director Cassidy Poteet said. Poteet said the three major things people should consider are having a reliable alert source, making and exercising a plan and having supplies on hand. Tornado season traditionally lasts from March through June, but tornadoes have been known to occur at any point in the year. Poteet said having a plan includes making sure each member...
For centuries, sparkling wines have been the beverage associated with celebrations. From weddings to graduations to sports events, the inevitable bottle of sparkling wine is to be found. Unfortunately, the premier sparkling wine, Champagne, is usually too expensive to be used to celebrate many of the non-earth-shaking occasions. Enter Prosecco, a well-made sparkling wine with the exact same bubbles that have been produced in the exact same way as the more expensive sparkling wines but, because of their method of manufacture, cost considerably less than Champagne. The question now must arise, is Prosecco a lesser wine than Champagne? The answer...
1st District Jackson County Legislator Scott Burnett has been selected as a new board member of Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden located at 1609 NW U.S. Highway 50 in Kingsville. Burnett is retiring from the Legislature at the end of 2022 after serving for more than 20 years. Burnett has a long history of volunteering and supporting local environmental initiatives including the Roanoke Park Conservancy, Blue River Watershed and Bridging the Gap. Burnett is also locally known for his personal gardening exploits. He was featured in the Kansas City Star for his annual milk-jug seed starting project and for...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the weekend, a convoy of truckers arrived in Washington, D.C., to join others who have been there for a week to protest the government’s response to the pandemic. The People’s Convoy consists of people driving semi-trucks, pick-up trucks, campers and even passenger vehicles. Marcus Coppack, a Smithton native and member of the People’s Convoy, has been in D.C. for two weeks. He spoke with the Democrat via phone to explain what has been happening with the convoy. Coppack now resides in Indiana. “The scene with the convoy right now (Wednesday morning), D.C. police is blocking all...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Stoddard, Bates, Jasper and Lawrence counties, according to a Missouri Department of Agriculture news release. According to the Springfield News-Leader, the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab confirmed positive birds in Pettis, Randolph and St. Charles counties. The MDA news release states samples are delivered to the VMDL at MU for testing if birds are showing signs, or there a sudden increase in mortality in the flock. Then, the NVSL confirms the positive results. HPAI is known to be deadly for domesticated...
Minor injuries reported in March 15 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck March 15 on westbound Highway 58 west of Northwest 701 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2016 Nissan, driven by Danny T. Spates, 20, of Kingsville, traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a ditch, embankment and tree, overturned and came to rest on the vehicle roof. Occupant Katherine F. Morrow, 33, of Holden, is reported to have minor injuries...
WARRENSBURG — Drew Belardo’s collegiate running career will go through Louisville, Kentucky. The Warrensburg senior put his commitment to Bellarmine University into ink during a signing ceremony Thursday, March 17. He’ll compete in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track for the Knights. “It checked all of my boxes,” Belardo said. “My family is all moving there this summer. It was nice kind of being close to them. The coaches were really nice. I had COVID for a week, and the coach called me and texted me everyday checking in on me and keeping my hopes up.” Located in Louisville’s...
Norna Cooper, a senior at Crest Ridge High School, was named the Optimist Club of Warrensburg’s’ March Teen of the Month. Norna is the daughter of Leslie and George Cooper. She is involved in volunteering with Warrensburg Main Street, Warrensburg Farmers’ Market, food pantry, and Old Drum Animal Shelter. As a four-year school choir member, she has been to multiple competitions with the choir and has been named to the conference choir for two years, receiving a silver medal in the Missouri State Choir. She has been a four-year member of the science club and helped purchase presents for the...
The Charity Garage Sale is returning this spring to the former Gordmans building, 721 N. Charles St. in Warrensburg, with the first event from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 17-19 and March 24-26. A wide variety of items will be available, many costing [post_excerpt] or less. Furniture is priced to sell. All proceeds will go to Standing in The Gap Ministries to expand its Men's Victory House program and to Camp Valor Outdoors for its tiny home Veterans Village in Holden that houses homeless veterans. More dates will be announced later, with a possible location change. For more information,...
WARRENSBURG — Six candidates are vying for two seats, each a three-year term, on the Warrensburg City Council for the April 5 Municipal Election. Candidates include Eddie Osborne, Bryan Jacobs, Peggy Lasater, Bruce Uhler, Peter Zwally and Scott Holmberg. Anthony “Townie” Clevenger previously filed for the race but has since rescinded his candidacy and will not be campaigning for the position. Why are you running for office? Osborne: I want to be of service to the community I’ve called home for 36 years. Jacobs: I enjoy working to make our community a better place and feel that I am able...
SEDALIA — As the war with Ukraine moves into its fourth week and the world sees more than 3 million refugees flooding into neighboring countries, Sedalia residents are making plans to help with money and clothing. Sharyn Fante-Hession, a member of the Pettis County Democrat Club, and Tina Schroeder, treasurer of the club, are collecting monetary donations for Ukraine. Fante-Hession said on Wednesday the goal is to collect ,000. The money will be given to Vitaliy Shimko, the administrator of the Ukrainian church, Sedalia Tabernacle Church-Skiniya, on March 22 at his business, First Choice Auto Co. The women are encouraging...
SEDALIA — The luck ‘o the Irish has returned to Sedalia with plans for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations taking place Saturday along Ohio Avenue. Ann Adams, a board member with the Sedalia Lions Club, said a parade, sponsored by VFW Post 2591 Ladies Auxiliary, will take place at 11 a.m. with the route beginning at Seventh Street and Ohio Avenue. She added the Lions Club is sponsoring the Bed Races at noon and a Pub Crawl from noon to 7 p.m. She noted they are still looking for Bed Race entries. It’s to pre-register, online or mail-in, and ...
Gas prices are fast approaching per gallon here. On the West Coast, the average gallon is climbing past .72. The prices of other goods, from groceries to gifts, will soon follow suit. So will energy costs. And health care costs. And all the other costs. The longer Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, the higher prices will likely go. The rich will get richer, the poor will get poorer, and the poorest Americans of all will have trouble commuting to work, traveling to medical care and maybe even feeding their kids. People will struggle right here in Pettis and Johnson...
OTTERVILLE — Two Sisters Dog Salon recently opened in Otterville to provide grooming services for the local community and surrounding areas. Sisters Jillian Jacovino, 20, and Jenna Halter, 16, started their dog grooming business after they began to notice the need for one in their local area, as well as a grooming business for busy pet owners who might also need service with late notice. Jacovino and Halter receive some help from their mother, Brandy Turner, to do the first rough hair cuts on the dogs. “We’ve always been animal people, so it was the fact of being able to...
WARRENSBURG — Mayor Scott Holmberg read a proclamation for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at the Monday, March 14, City Council meeting. The council heard from clients of Johnson County Board of Services. “I just think it is so very important that we understand how much alike we are,” Holmberg said. “I will tell you that Warrensburg gets awareness with developmental disabilities right. I know that for a fact.” The proclamation reads, “new opportunities have been created through the efforts of those with developmental disabilities and their family members, along with professionals and officials at all levels of government. Working together,...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg School Board of Education heard a presentation by Tracy Brantner, executive director of the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation, regarding the relationship between the organization and the district. Brantner said the partnership between the district and the JCEDC focuses on talent retention. “We need to take a really hard look at what we’re doing in our community and our county with regard to talent and being able to drive that pipeline in a way that is a difference maker for our community and for our citizens,” Brantner said. Information from the JCEDC shows the district is...
JEFFERSON CITY — Knob Noster State Park is seeking volunteers to spend the morning, 9 a.m. to noon, of April 2 outdoors and assist park team members for Spring Park Beautification day. Projects will include litter cleanup, trail work, maintenance, exotic and invasive plant control and more. Individuals, families, groups and organizations are encouraged to volunteer. To allow team members to prepare projects, registration is required. To register or for more information, call the park office at 660-563-2463. Participants should bring work gloves, insect repellent, drinking water and wear closed-toe shoes. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines...
WARRENSBURG — As of Wednesday, March 16, face coverings are optional on University of Central Missouri campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit with limited exceptions. This change follows 14 consecutive days with no reported cases of COVID-19 among UCM students, faculty and staff and the downgrade of Johnson and Jackson counties from the high risk of transmission category by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exceptions include: University Health Center, where masks remain universally required select class/lab settings in areas such as health and science where masks were required pre-pandemic any other areas designated as needing to comply with...
Mules baseball's winning streak is up to 11. Central Missouri topped Missouri Western 6-2 on Wednesday, March 16, in St. Joseph. The Mules (16-3, 10-0 MIAA) scored five of their six runs in the first three innings, including two in the top of the first and two in the top of the third. Central Missouri never trailed in the contest, beginning the game with a home run by senior John Prudhom. Prudhom finished the day 2-for-3, racking in a game-high RBI. He was walked twice. Redshirt sophomore Brennen van Breusegen, freshman Jacob Steele and senior Donovan Ditto also had two...
The FIRST Robotics Regional Competition in Oklahoma was hosted March 10-12, with full competition days on March 11-12. Forty-three teams competed, including Stealth Panther Robotics FRC 6424 from Knob Noster High School. The team received the Quality Award. “Each team clearly demonstrated teamwork, professionalism, and strategic thinking in solving the competition’s challenges,” Melinda Taylor, the Oklahoma Regional Director, said. “Students, community members, and professional team mentors filled the stands and helped to bring a level of fun and excitement to the competition.”
As of Monday, March 14, Johnson County Community Health Services reports there are 33 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 11,852 confirmed cases, with 11,713 considered recovered and 106 deaths. For more information, visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from routine donations that have high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to help meet the needs of COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems. At the same time, the Red Cross blood supply remains vulnerable, and individuals are urged to schedule a blood or platelet donation. In the days and weeks ahead, it’s critically important the Red Cross maintains a readily available blood supply so hospital patients can receive the care they need. To make...
The City of Warrensburg states Union Pacific has advised that Washington Street will remain closed until the afternoon of Wednesday, March 16, and work on Ridgeview Drive is now scheduled to be from 8 a.m. March 21 through 5 p.m. March 22.
SEDALIA — A ribbon-cutting on Wednesday hosted by the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the expansion of the Sedalia WILS with its Assistive Technology Demonstration Center. Amy Jenkins, WILS director of marketing, told the Democrat by phone Thursday that WILS already had an Assistive Technology program. She added that through a ,000 grant in 2020 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with the No Wrong Door Foundation, WILS was able to create the new center. “With them and along with Missouri Assistive Technology, we worked together to create a demo room,” she explained. “We were hoping it would be...
The University of Central Missouri is seeking entries for the 2022 Homecoming theme. The winner will be notified in early May and receive a jersey signed by Tyreek Hill, wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. For contest rules and past themes, visit ucmfoundation.org/homecoming.
I realize it’s a little ego-centric, but St. Patrick has always been a favorite of mine. Growing up in a family of Welsh-Irish descent, St. Patrick’s Day was a big holiday to us and the missionary’s story often told. I find it lamentable, however, how so few know anything about Patrick; mostly just something about snakes and a questionable analogy using a three-leaf clover. Patrick was born in modern-day Wales to Roman parents. He was kidnapped as a teenager by Irish raiders who brought him to Ireland and then sold him into slavery. Eventually, he escaped by foot and was...
Christopher Battles, 30, was arrested Feb. 18 after officers responded Feb. 14 to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 800 block of Vest Drive. Battles was arrested on a charge of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. Anthony Grisham, 27, was arrested Feb. 14 when officers responded to a report of trespassing in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Grisham was arrested on a charge of trespassing. Patricia L. Conchola, 46, was arrested Feb. 15 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. Lee C. Travis, 35, was arrested Feb. 15 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. Christina A....
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, March 15 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, March 16 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday,...
Jennies softball split its second MIAA doubleheader of the season on Monday, March 14, in Pittsburg, Kansas. UCM beat Pittsburg State 6-3 in game one before falling 10-2 in game two. With the split, Central Missouri is now 7-14, 2-2 MIAA. Game 1 Three two-run innings helped the Jennies to a 6-3 win over Pittsburg State to open the doubleheader. Central Missouri took the lead for good in the top of the third thanks to a sac fly from junior Abbey. Fischer to score junior Petton. Corrigan. Following, redshirt junior Makenzie McAtee flew out to score sophomore Aubrey McRoberts. McAtee...
Mules baseball’s success in MIAA competition continues on. Thanks to back-to-back wins over Emporia State on Sunday, March 13, at Crane Stadium, Central Missouri (15-3, 9-0 MIAA) added its third MIAA series win in the same number of times. The Mules beat Emporia 12-2 in game one of a doubleheader on Sunday before winning game two 10-5. Game three resulted in a 4-3 win on Monday, March 14. Game 1 Central Missouri opened things up with a 12-2 win Sunday. The Mules scored 11 of the 12 runs in the first three innings. The last came in the sixth, allowing...
Both wrestlers represented the University of Central Missouri at the NCAA DIvision II Championships Friday, March 11 through Saturday, March 12, at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis returned to Warrensburg with All-American accolades. Sophomore John Ridle and redshirt sophomore Darick Lapaglia earned top-eight finishes to receive the status, earning Mules wrestling its first season with two All-American wrestlers since 2014-15. Ridle (27-5) finished fourth in the 157-pound bracket, wrestling his way to the semifinal round before losing to Adams State’s Josiah Rider (27-2) by a 5-4 decision. He proceeded to beat Davis and Elkin’s Noah Tarr (30-10) by a 9-7...
Jennies softball split its opening doubleheader of MIAA action, falling to Missouri Southern 4-2 before beating the Lions 6-3 on Sunday, March 13 in Joplin. The series Central Missouri at 6-13, 1-1 MIAA on the season. Game 1 A two-run fifth inning broke a tie that had existed since the second inning, putting the final touches on Missouri Southern’s 4-2 win. Southern broke a series of two and a half innings that featured no more than four at-bats in the fifth. It all started with the walk of senior Tori Frazier. A RBI double from sophomore Yazmin Vargas followed, breaking...
Three runner-up performances highlighted Central Missouri track and field’s 10 All-American honors at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships Friday, March 11, through Saturday, March 12, at the Robert W. Plaster Center in Pittsburg, Kansas. Junior Trey Miller, senior Vincent Hobbie and senior Ashlan Burton each finished with a second-place finish in their respective events. Miller, a graduate of Clinton High School, finished second in the heptathlon with 5,688 points, the second-best in UCM history and a personal record. His multi-event performance included a fifth-place finish in the 60-meter dash at 6.99 seconds, a first-place finish in the long jump...
SEDALIA — Amid the salons, bars, and shops of downtown Sedalia, Syndicate Armory recently opened its doors at 701 S. Ohio Ave., selling rifles, ammo, and ballistic vests. Owner George Goodman is still stocking the gun store with AR-15s, pistols, and knife-resistant jackets as the Armory prepares for its Grand Opening at 9 a.m. Saturday. “My brother had a business up in Kansas City and we supplied a lot of the police law enforcement community, first responder community,” Goodman explained. “My brother was a private security contractor overseas, so when he was overseas I was running his operations up there.”...
There are some familiar faces behind a new weekend radio talk show at KSIS. Ron Toellner and John Meehan began hosting “Let’s Talk” last year, talking with community leaders on their Saturday morning radio show. The hour-long pre-recorded segment does have an interview feel but is more of a conversation with their guests about the topic at hand. Last month, I put the hosts on the other side of an interview to talk about their new project. It all began when Toellner retired in 2020 after more than four decades as an accountant and was deciding on his next steps....
It appears that the climbing cost of goods has created a wide-open market for some foreign wines. There are nations whose cost of living allows them to sell their wines at considerably lower prices than our domestic wines and they are currently taking full advantage of it. Among the nations that are filling the gap are the well-made and affordable wines of Chile. Let us start with geography. The winemaking and grape growing districts of Chile lie as far south of the equator as the California districts are north, so their climates are basically similar. The wine grape growing districts...
WARRENSBURG — With each snowstorm, the University of Central Missouri baseball team trades in their baseball bats for snow shovels. With home games scheduled on Sunday, March 13 and Monday, March 14, the team spent most of Friday, March 11, clearing snow from Tompkins Field at Crane Stadium. Head Coach Kyle Crookes said the process of clearing the field can take up to two full days and depends heavily on how much snow falls on the field. “This is the third time we’ve done it this year,” Crookes said. “This is the third time we’ve done it this year. We...
Plastics. In many ways, they have been and are detrimental to the earth, yet we’ve seen the positive side of these materials even during the pandemic, with their use to distribute vaccines, make masks and make protective gowns. In fact, when plastics were first developed in the 1860s, they were produced from cellulose derived from cotton fiber; they were heralded as a way to “save” our natural world, especially the elephants and tortoises that were being slaughtered to make billiard balls and combs, respectively. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t take the negative factors of their disposal and proper recycling into...
SPRINGFIELD — Following Leeton’s Class 1 Show-Me Showdown semifinal loss to Platte Valley, head coach Travis Fleming joked his team would be ready to play its third-place game four hours later if it needed to. The official turnaround time for the contest was approximately 17 hours, leaving more than enough time for the Bulldogs to refocus and get ready to meet the Tigers. Leeton beat Walnut Grove 58-39 on Saturday, March 12, at JQH Arena, earning a Class 1 third-place trophy. “Today they showed up and played,” Fleming said. “The emotions were tough for them yesterday, they really wanted to...
SPRINGFIELD — At the end of the day, all four teams in the MSHSAA Class 1 Show-Me Showdown arrived at the Hammons Student Center on Friday, March 11, looking to punch their ticket to the state championship game. Only two were able to accomplish the task. Leeton was not one of them, falling to Platte Valley 45-37 in a rematch of last year’s title matchup. “From my perspective, we at times looked pretty good defensively,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “At times, we had a little paralysis by analysis. Maybe we overanalyzed the game plan a little bit yesterday.”...
Due to poor road conditions during the snowy weather Thursday night into Friday morning, the Friday, March 11, 2022, edition of the Star-Journal did not get delivered to subscribers on Friday as usual. Subscribers will receive their Friday print edition with their Saturday mail. Anyone who would like a print copy before that time can stop by our office at 101 E. Market St. Suite A in Warrensburg to pick up a complimentary copy. Our office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Star-Journal staff apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates our subscribers' understanding.
HOLDEN —Nearly 40 years after improperly stored chemicals contaminated land, the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation and Kansas State University Technical Assistance for Brownfields program are heading a discussion regarding the future use of 25 acres in Holden. The community input session is open to the public and will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 29, at Holden City Hall/Hallar Building. The meeting was originally scheduled for March 10 but was postponed due to weather. The land is part of the Superfund Redevelopment program which was established to reclaim and reuse contaminated land. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also...
Yet another round snow began in the early hours of Thursday, March 10, covering the Johnson County Courthouse, Old Drum and the Warrensburg Downtown. Johnson County remains under a Winter Weather Advisory until 6 a.m. Friday. A 30% chance of snow remains Friday, mainly before 8 a.m. Friday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 34 and a low around 7. Wind chill values will be between 0 and 5. This weekend is expected to be sunny with a high near 33 on Saturday but spring will peek into Warrensburg again with a high near 58 on Sunday. Next...
All season long, Leeton girls basketball has played to a single goal: get back to the state championship. Now, the only thing standing in its way is the team that beat it in last year’s title game — Platte Valley. “Our behind the scenes focus between [assistant coach] Julie [Johnson] and I has always been Platte Valley,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said following a quarterfinal win over Marion County. “I mean, to be honest, we’re running some zone set plays that they run. I like them, so we steal them. When they watch our film, they can see their...
There was no shortage of offense as Mules baseball traveled south to face Drury on Wednesday, March 9. Scoring the most runs the program has seen since 2020, Central Missouri topped the Panthers 24-11 at the U.S. Baseball Park. Freshman Jacob Steele tagged in a game-high 5 RB while senior Harrison Schnurbusch and redshirt sophomore Brennen van Breusegen had four. Sophomore Carter Young and senior John Prudhom had three while redshirt freshman Ethan Imel had two. The Mules had 24 hits, including three-hit days from Young, Schnurbusch, Prudhom, and Imel. They have now won seven-straight games. Central Missouri (12-3, 6-0...
Jeff Boschee has changed sides. Pittsburg State announced the Missouri Southern head coach of eight years as its next leader in a press release Wednesday, March 9. He takes over for Kim Anderson, who announced his retirement March 1. "We are very excited to announce Jeff Boschee as our new men's basketball coach at Pittsburg State University," Pittsburg State director of intercollegiate athletics Jim Johnson said in a release. "Jeff is one of the top coaches in the MIAA and NCAA Division II and we think under his leadership Gorilla basketball will continue to flourish and grow.” During his tenure...
Author and Professor John Hess, of Warrensburg, believes every place, no matter how small its ecosystem or where it is, deserves to have its richness known and recognized. Hess is an Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, where during his 30-year career he taught ecology, ornithology, evolutionary biology, genetics, as well an occasional advanced photography class in the Department of Graphics. Hess recently published “A Perfectly Ordinary Paradise: An Intimate View on Brawley Creek.” He is also the author of “The Galápagos: Exploring Darwin's Tapestry.” Hess said in a phone interview on Monday he...
WARRENSBURG — Incumbents Matt Sergent and Julie Lewis along with James Miller and Angela Tayloe are vying for two seats, each a three-year term, on the Warrensburg School Board of Education in the April 5 election Matt Sergent Julie Lewis James Miller Angela Tayloe Why are you running for office? Sergent: As we all know, the youth are our future. Children and teachers deserve a safe and inviting place to learn, grow, and teach. I feel this is my way of assisting in that development. Lewis: Running for school board is my way of serving our community. I have...
Earlier this week, Spectrum announced construction is underway on several fiber-optic network expansion projects that will bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 860 homes and small businesses in parts of Cass, Clay and Johnson counties. According to a news release, the buildout is part of Spectrum’s approximately billion investment in unserved rural areas, which includes [post_excerpt].2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri has been awarded the 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools Gold designation. Information about the university’s achievement was released this week by Viqtory Media, an organization that provides ratings to recognize companies and institutions of higher education that demonstrate positive employment and education outcomes for military personnel and their dependents. The 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at militaryfriendly.com. The methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the...
As of Thursday, March 10, there are a reported 28 cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. Johnson County Community Health Services reports that of the total 11,826 confirmed cases in Johnson County, 11,692 are considered recovered and 106 deaths. For more information about COVID-19 in Johnson County, visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
Due to the weather, the team has rescheduled the Holden Community Visioning Session for the Business Park for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 29. It was originally scheduled for March 10.
Minor injuries reported in March 10 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck March 10 on Highway 50 east of Highway 58. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2008 Ford Fusion, driven by Alyssa M. Elliott, 21, of Knob Noster, was changing lanes and traveled off the side of the roadway and hit an embankment. Elliott is reported to have minor injuries and sought own treatment. Elliott is reported to have worn a safety device. The Ford is reported to have moderate damage.
The 2022 Class 1 Girls Basketball Show-Me Showdown will feature three of the teams that it included a year ago. Defending state champion Platte Valley, defending runner-up Leeton and defending third-place finisher Walnut Grove make up the slate. Replacing fourth-place finisher South Iron is Delta. This year’s championships will once again be played on the campus of Missouri State University. This year’s semifinals will be played on Friday, Feb. 11, at the Hammons Family Center. The third-place game and championship will be played at JQH Arena on Saturday. Tickets for all games cost , and can be purchased at mshsaa.org/CMSPages/Tickets.aspx....
Mules golf finished tied for fourth at the Las Vegas Desert Classic, a three round event played Sunday, March 6 through Tuesday, March 8, at The Legacy Golf Club. The Mules finished the three rounds with a three-round 878, breaking down to 283-306-289. Sam Parrott led the Mules individually, tying for 10th with a 2-over par 218 (70-78-70). Thomas Henson tied for seventh with a three-round 3-over-par 219 (68-77-74). Matt Hoemann tied for 24th at 6-over par 222 (69-74-79). Nick Westrich tied for 40th at a 9-over par 225 (76-77-72) and Cole Elling tied for 54th at 13-over par 229...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Committee is hosting a candidate forum March 30 at the American Legion Matthews-Crawford Post 131, 733 E. Young Avenue. The forum is open to the public and is set to begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. The forum will begin with candidates for the Warrensburg City Council, followed by the Warrensburg School District Board and Western Missouri Medical Center. City of Warrensburg Council candidates, two seats, each a three-year term, include: Anthony "Townie" Clevenger Bryan Jacobs Bruce D. Uhler Eddie Osborne Peggy Lasater Peter Zwally Scott Holmberg (incumbent) Warrensburg School District candidates,...
Mules baseball jumped to No. 13 in this week’s National College Baseball Writers Association NCAA DIvision II poll. Following a sweep of Northeastern State, Central Missouri advanced from No. 21 to No. 13. The Mules remain as the lone MIAA program to be included in the poll. Undefeated Nova Southeastern took over at No. 1 receiving 10 first-place votes. Wingate and West Texas A&M each dropped to No. 2 and No. 3. Nova Southeastern is the last undefeated team to be included in the top-25. Below is a full breakdown of this week’s Top-25. The listing includes ranking, record, points...
JOHNSON COUNTY — The cities of Leeton, Centerview and Chilhowee are each presenting the same question to voters for the April 5 Municipal election. If passed, each respective city would not be required to host an election if the number of candidates for a seat is the same as the number of available seats. If voted down, each city would be required to have an election and pay the election cost and publication cost regardless of the number of candidates and seats. “The ballot question is a renewal of the question that was passed six years ago, which says that...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kansas State University (K-State) Technical Assistance for Brownfields (TAB) program will partner to host a Community Input Session about the potential future redevelopment of the former Martha Rose Chemical/Holden Business Park Superfund Site in Holden. The Community Input Session will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at the Holden City Hall Haller Building, 101 W. Third St. in Holden. During the session, participants will work in groups to identify potential development ideas for the site. The groups will then report their ideas to the larger group in attendance prior to a...
Warrensburg junior Kimberly Maxwell was the lone Tigers athlete on both the boys and girls side to receive All-District honors in Class 5 District 7. Maxwell was one of 11 athletes to receive the distinction. The district included Warrensburg, Raytown South, Ruskin, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Teresa’s Academy, Grandview, Capital City and Jefferson City. Raytown South, St. Michael, Grandview and Jefferson City advanced to the semifinal round, while Raytown South beat Jefferson City 62-59 for the district championship. The girls All-District team included Jefferson City junior and Mizzou commit Hannah Linthacum, Grandview senior and Central Missouri commit Cierra Smith,...
Between both basketball teams at Leeton, Kingsville and Chilhowee, Johnson County had 12 athletes receive Class 1 District 9 honors. As district champions, the Leeton girls highlighted the group, with all five of its starters receiving honors. The group included senior Regan Shaffer, junior Bailey Fleming, senior Rowan Schmidli, junior Jordan Crooks and senior Jadeyn Johnson. Local athletes also included Kingsville sophomore Laci Collens and Chilhowee senior Laney Owsley. Other honorees included Otterville senior Carrie McKinney, Otterville senior Josie Neal, Otterville junior Katie McKinney, Sacred Heart senior Kiley Beykirch and Northwest sophomore Karli Smith. Otterville head coach Jay Allen was...
HOLDEN — The Holden School District will have a bond issue on the ballot for the April 5 Municipal Election, called Proposition FORWARD. The bond issue would be a continuation of a bond levy approved by voters in 2019. “It is a no-tax increase bond issue, so the voters won’t see an increase in their school taxes at all,” Superintendent Mike Hough said. The current tax rate is .5900 and would remain the same if Proposition FORWARD is approved. The bond would be for an estimated million for capital improvements to the district grounds and buildings. “We’re trying to...
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Larry W. Jennings has been awarded the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer, becoming one of only 1,612 worldwide. “I’m honored to have been recognized, that they felt like the things I’ve accomplished up to this point in my career were worthy enough to receive that designation,” Jenninings said. The Commission on Professional Credentialing met Feb. 1 to confer the designation. The designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement...
JOHNSON COUNTY — The University of Missouri Extension Johnson County recently hosted an election to select council members to serve a two-year term. Newly elected council members include LaDonna List, Northeast District; AnJanell Parsons, Southeast District; Taryn Hinds, Southwest District; Connie Simmons, Northwest District; Jordan Snapp, At-Large; and Allison Bolt, At-Large. Also newly appointed to the council for 2022-23 are Judy Wolter, Master Gardeners; Kasey Johnson-Atkins, 4-H Council; and Macie Remington, 4-H Council. New members began their term on March 1 and were...
Mules baseball’s perfect MIAA record remains in place after the second series of conference play. Central Missouri hosted Northeastern State on Thursday, March 3, Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, at Crane Stadium. It won 11-6 on Thursday, 6-1 on Friday and 11-2 on Saturday. The sweep leaves the Mules (11-3, 6-0 MIAA) as one of two teams left undefeated in MIAA competition. The other is Washburn. Game 1 Three-straight three-run innings launched Central Missouri to a 11-6 win over the RiverHawks. It all started with a home run from redshirt sophomore Cole Moore in the bottom of the...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Incumbent Liz Fatka has been challenged by Madison Harter for one seat on the Western Missouri Medical Center Board of Trustees, a five-year term, for the April 5 Municipal Election. Why are you running for office? Liz Fatka: I am running for WMMC Board of Trustees because I am currently serving as a board member. I was asked to run six years ago and have been on the board ever since. I genuinely enjoy being a part of the decision-making of the hospital as it is a huge part of our community’s well-being. I have had four...
This last Wednesday, the Warrensburg Church of the Brethren recognized and celebrated Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season of 40 days. A period in Biblical literature documenting four events in the life of Jesus. The first event is the “Last Supper,” when Jesus redefines the Jewish tradition of a meal celebrating the Passover in Egypt to the occasion where he confirms his role and purpose as both a savior and a sacrifice for all of humanity to the Disciples. During these 40 days, Jesus is betrayed and arrested, convicted by the Sanhedrin, punished by the Romans, by flogging...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, March 8 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Wednesday, March 9 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday,...
Minor injuries reported in March 2 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a two-vehicle wreck March 2 at Highway DD and Highway 13 bypass. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2021 Volkswagen, driven by Thea M. Colvin, 19, of University Palace, Washington, came to a stop at the roundabout and a 2008 Saturn, driven by Philip I. Berkheimer, 22, of Springfield, struck the rear of the Volkswagen. Colvin is reported to have minor injuries and refused treatment on scene and sought their own treatment. Colvin and Berkheimer are both reported to...
LaDonna M. Roberson, 53, was arrested Jan. 29 on a charge of shoplifting. Richard J. DeGrave, 46, was arrested Feb. 7 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Grover Street. DeGrave was arrested on a probation and parole violation warrant, a warrant in another jurisdiction, a Warrensburg warrant and a charge of failure to obey an officer. Aaron M. Brown, 31, was arrested Feb. 8 when officers responded to a report of trespassing in the 300 block of North Maguire Street. Brown was arrested on a charge of trespassing. Jasper S. Huff, 29; Kimberly M. Brown,...
Beginning Monday, March 7, all branches of Trails Regional Library will move into COVID Level Two. Branches will continue to be open with full service, full staff, and regular hours. The COVID Level Plan was approved in August 2021 by the Trails Regional Library Board of Trustees. Due to reduced cases in Johnson and Lafayette counties, Director Jackie Hawes has made the decision to move library branches down from Level Three to Level Two. This level still includes safety precautions without limiting access to library services. The COVID Level Plan includes five color-coded levels specific to each branch location. Any...
Pairings for the 2022 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships have been released. Central Missouri has two wrestlers who qualified for the tournament, sophomore John Ridle and redshirt sophomore Darick Lapaglia. Ridle (24-3), the winner of the Division II Super Region IV Championship in the 157-pound bracket, is seeded at No. 2, and will wrestle Coker’s Patrick Wunderlich (14-6) in the opening round. Lapaglia (19-7), who finished third in the Super Region IV 149-pound bracket, is unseeded, and will face St. Cloud State’s Nick Novak (20-4) in the opening round. This year’s tournament will be held March 11-12 at the Chaifetz...
Fans wishing to purchase tickets to watch the Leeton girls basketball team at the 2022 Show-Me Showdown in Springfield can now do so. This year, tickets are good for attendance of all games on a single day at either JQH Arena or the Hammons Center. This means fans can figuratively watch at least portions of all 12 games to be played Friday, March 11, and all eight to be played Saturday, March 12. Admission is , plus transaction fees. Children age 5 and under do not need a ticket to enter. Fans must receive a handstamp to be readmitted if...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Kimberly Lockard and Raymond James are vying for the position of Eastern Commissioner on the Emergency Services Board, a four-year term, for the April 5 Municipal Election. James did not respond to the Star-Journal by press time. Why are you running for office? Lockard: I am running to help our community. There is always room to grow. Our Central Dispatch has been doing an amazing job with growing, I want to see that continue. What are your qualifications? Lockard: I work at Western Missouri Medical Center as Emergency Management, part of my role is working as a...
KIRKSVILLE — Leeton treated its trip to the northeast Missouri region for the MSHSAA Class 1 quarterfinal round the exact way it did a year ago. It ended with the same result, too. The Bulldogs came out on top, beating Marion County 65-38 on Saturday, March 5, at Truman State University’s Pershing Arena. “We came up last night so we sat in the hotel all morning,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “ESPN ran Coach K [Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski] stuff all morning. Some of his former players were being interviewed. I copied the old fist speech beforehand about...
This is the official, certified, guaranteed, no kidding — spring is officially now on its way. How do I know? The boyds is choypin (pardon my Brooklynese but it’s my native language), the ice is melting, the heat is not turning on as often, the crocus and daffodil shoots are pushing through the soil and rosé wine are being prominently displayed. For many good reasons, it is the rosé wines that seem to be the forebearer of warmer weather. Perhaps it is because of Saint Valentine's Day, a day when we pay homage to the ones we love, often with...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Ambulance Board recognized the first person to graduate from the JCAD paramedic program during the Thursday, March 3, meeting. Kristi Butner completed more than 1,200 hours of contact time between classroom and clinical experiences to graduate. As a JCAD EMT basic, Butner enrolled in the course in 2020 and was the first to graduate from the program in February. Butner has now been promoted to Paramedic. “She was required to do 400 hospital and 400 field (hours),” Training Program Director Nick McDaniels said. “She exceeded the total 800 hours. I think you did 824ish.” Emergency...
The last time Max and I went anywhere other than to see our daughter Emily in her home was March 2020. The day we left, the CDC recommended against senior citizens flying. We decided that we weren’t senior citizens regardless of our ages. Nevertheless, we took hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes and used them liberally. The day after we returned, everything shut down. Max’s retirement, though, seemed to be a good time to venture out. So, being vaccinated and boosted against COVID, we ventured. We covered approximately 3,235 miles – no more than six hours in the car per day...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Ambulance Board approved changes to service fees at the Thursday, March 3, meeting, including the fee for response and assessment with no transport regardless of treatment provided. “As an ambulance district … we are base rate and mileage only,” Emergency Medical Services Director Shane Lockard said. “We can’t add our supplies. We can’t add any additional test. We’re just that one rate.” Lockard said that because JCAD is tax supported the acceptable percentage of tax fund supplementing cost over revenue is below 38%. The percentage for 2022 is currently 48.4%. Adjusting for the change in...
I’m an opinion columnist. I get paid to be witty and engaging, even mouthy. I’m meant to capture the pulse of the community and amplify it, taking important ideas and pruning them to 600-800 savvy and meaningful words a week. I want my words to inspire you, comfort you, make you think critically, or even make you uncomfortable. The limits of what I can here say are few. The Democrat has never tried to censor me or even reign me in, and I believe that its local leadership is committed to freedom of speech, a free press, and truth. (What...
KANSAS CITY — Jennies basketball couldn’t catch a break in the early stages of its MIAA quarterfinal matchup with Missouri Western. Missed shots added up for Central Missouri in the first half, leading to chase mode after the 3:13 mark of the first quarter. It never recovered, falling to the Griffons 69-55 on Friday, March 4, at the Municipal Auditorium. “Tonight’s game was not a very close game,” Central Missouri head coach Dave Slifer said. “The bounces didn’t go our way. “Our energy level wasn’t where it needed to be. That’s a part of life. We got to pick up...
Jennies soccer’s facilities will be receiving an upgrade thanks to a memorial gift from the Sharon Lee Harper Trust. With the gift, a campaign has been launched to renovate the Jennies' locker room at the South Recreation Complex. Plans include new lockers, the creation of a lounge space, new technology and updated graphics. The project will also include a new storage facility at the Jennies’ practice field. "On behalf of my family, we are thrilled to celebrate the life of Sharon Lee Harper with this gift," trustee Greg Hughes said in a release. "Sharon was an ardent supporter of women's...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri is filling a vital position in the area of academic leadership with the appointment of Timothy R. Crowley, Hays, Kansas, as the Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Crowley begins his new duties April 1. Crowley has served since June 2017 as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at Fort Hays State University, where his duties have included curriculum management, serving as an accreditation liaison officer for the Higher Learning Commission, providing leadership for the Honors College, General Education Program, Center for Civic Leadership and Credit for Prior...
LEETON — Incumbent Barry Uptegrove, Russell Norris and Randell Huggins are running for two City of Leeton Alderman at Large seats, each a two-year term. The candidates will appear on the ballot for the April 5 Municipal Election for those who reside in the City of Leeton. Huggins did not respond to the Star-Journal by press time. Why are you running for office? Russell Norris: I am running for one of two Alderman positions for the City of Leeton. I have been blessed by my affiliation with this city since 1987. It was in 1987 following my discharge from the...
The University of Central Missouri track program had 15 student-athletes and two relays qualify for the 2022 NCAA Division II Indoor Championships. The official list was announced by the NCAA on March 1. The total breaks down to eight individual Mules and 4x400 meter relay while the Jennies have seven individuals and the 4x400 meter relay. In pole vault, Central Missouri will be represented by Madi Wulfekotter, Vincent Hobbie, Regan Ulrich and Zach Hodge. Wulfekotter currently holds the best mark in the DII women’s field at 4.26 meters while Hobbie is No. 2 in the men’s field with a jump...
Truman State University, the host of MSHSAA’s Class 1 girls basketball quarterfinal between Leeton and Marion County, has announced ticketing and parking information for the game. Under MSHSAA policy, all tickets must be purchased in advance from HomeTownTicketing at MSHSAA.org/CMSPages/Tickets.aspx. Admission is . In terms of parking, lots B, C and D will be available. Doors at Pershing Arena will open at Noon, with the girls game beginning at 1 p.m. Fans who are not able to attend the game can stream a pay-per-view broadcast at MSHSAA.TV. Star-Journal sports editor Joe Andrews will have live tweets on Twitter at @ByJoeAndrews. ...
LEETON — Candidates Brian R. Uptegrove, Tommy Lake Jr. and Larry "Jake" Corson are vying for two seats, each a three-year term, on the Leeton School Board of Education. The candidates will appear on the ballot for the April 5 Municipal Election for those who reside in the Leeton School District. Lake did not respond to the Star-Journal by press time. Why are you running for office? Uptegrove: I have a vested interest in the school, all of my kids have graduated from Leeton or currently go to the school. The school is important to me, and I believe I...
WARRENSBURG — The Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation hosted the fourth annual fundraising event, Fire & Ice: Havana Nights, on Feb. 25. More than ,000 was raised with a net of more than ,000, an increase of ,000 from the previous Fire & Ice gala. The increase in the revenue was due to the increased amount of sponsorships, ticket sales, auction items and donations. The event raises money for upcoming WMMC Foundation projects that support the WMMC mission. The event featured classic casino games, live auction items, raffles, an open bar and decadent hors d'oeuvres. The food, which was the...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County United Way was awarded a Community Impact Grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters in the amount of ,000 on Wednesday, March 2. This was the first check presentation for United Way Executive Director Amber Rivera, who joined the organization in January. BBBS Executive Director Dana Phelps said the funds will directly support the BBBS Littles in Lights program, “which allows us to ignite, empower and defend the potential we know that all youth in our program have.” Camps, classes, sports, music lessons, outings to local events and venues and other activities will be funded through...
WARRENSBURG — Luke Othic finally had his moment to celebrate. A month after his commitment to the University of Central Missouri football on National Signing Day, Warrensburg High School took the moment to highlight his achievement Thursday, March 3. “I’ve always grown up liking UCM and watching UCM,” Othic said. “Getting to go to a hometown team has always been a dream of mine.” UCM’s signing day press release slates Othic to be a defensive back. He was primarily recruited through defensive backs coach/special teams coordinator Kyle Westphal. Coach Westphal’s son, Kobe, was Othic’s teammate in the quarterback room this...
Bob Hutton will celebrate his 90th birthday, March 9, with a birthday card shower. Cards can be sent to 26 NE 600 Road in Warrensburg. Hutton, retired, worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation at the maintenance barn north of Warrensburg for many years and, together with his late wife, Avanell, raised simmental cattle. Hutton is a member of the Warrensburg Elks Club, Eldorado Saddle Club and Warrensburg Saddle Club. “Bob has always been known for his wonderful smile and his willingness to help anyone in need,” Melani Stewart, party host, said. “He can repair anything and grows the finest...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Motorists can expect various daily lane closures on Route 50 over the next few months due to Missouri Department of Transportation construction. According to a news release, MoDOT will close various east and westbound lanes on Route 50 between Highway 13 and County Road 1501 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The closures will run through Aug. 16. This project along Route 50 includes pavement repair, resurfacing and guardrail replacement. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be...
Jennies basketball remains outside of the top-eight positioning needed to make the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament in the latest preliminary rankings. Central Missouri (18-10) is listed at No. 9 in the list released Wednesday, March 2. The positioning means it will likely need a win against Missouri Western in the MIAA quarterfinal round Friday, March 4 to remain under consideration for the tournament. The Griffons (19-8), who closed the regular season on a three-game losing streak, are the No. 8 team. Missouri Western has beaten the Jennies twice in overtime this season, the first occurring in a 68-67...
KANSAS CITY — Mules basketball’s first trip to the MIAA Championships since 2017-18 reached an end where it began – a first round matchup against Northeastern State. No. 8 seeded Central Missouri fell to the No. 9 RiverHawks 60-49 on Wednesday, March 2, at the Municipal Auditorium. It ended the Mules’ best season by overall winning percentage since 2018-19. “Unfortunately, we really couldn't get anything going, especially on the offensive end tonight,” Central Missouri head coach Doug Karleskint said. “It was tough going. Especially in that first half and when we got in some foul trouble there. We put some...
Jennies basketball senior Nija Collier and Mules basketball redshirt senior Ja’Cor Nelson have been named as the the MIAA Defensive Players of the Year. The two highlighted University of Central Missouri women’s and men’s basketball All-MIAA postseason honors, released by the office on Tuesday, March 1. Collier received her Defensive Player of the Year for the second time, also earning the honor as a junior in 2019-20. She was also named to the All-Defensive Team and All-MIAA First Team. During the regular season, Collier averaged 19 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. She led the conference in rebounding and was...
WARRENSBURG — With the close of Black History Month, the Johnson County Historical Society has installed a permanent exhibit highlighting the stories of the Black community that has always been a part of Warrensburg and Johnson County. Tim Reed and Pastor Harry Stevens toured the exhibit Tuesday, March 1, with JCHS President Bruce Uhler. The exhibit features both uplifting and disparaging tales, highlighting prominent figures from Johnson County as well as the accounts of those who were enslaved. Two noted figures in the exhibition are Blind Boone and Bruce “Hacksaw” Reed. Hacksaw was a Warrensburg native who became a professional...
HARRISBURG — If one would’ve walked into the gym at Harrisburg High School following a single quarter of action between Leeton and Pilot Grove, they would’ve expected a close game. Things ended up being anything but that, with the final score of the Class 1 sectional matchup resulting in a 64-32 Leeton win on Tuesday, March 1. “We had some ugly stretches,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “We just continued to fight and battle through that. It’s been our deal. If we don’t let them score, we stand to be in a really good position.” Perhaps the biggest stretch...
After 40 years of coaching, 20 as a head coach, Kim Anderson is retiring from collegiate basketball. Anderson and Pittsburg State announced his decision in a press release on Tuesday. The former University of Central Missouri and University of Missouri head coach had been with the Gorillas since 2018. “It has been a great ride and I am extremely thankful for having the opportunity to coach Gorillas basketball,” Anderson said in a release. “Special thanks to the players, assistant coaches, student assistants, trainers and administrators for making my time in Pittsburg a memorable one.” Pittsburg State marked Anderson’s third stint...
WARRENSBURG — Several Life Saving Awards were presented during the Monday, Feb. 28, City Council meeting. Interim Police Chief Andy Munsterman presented awards to members of the Warrensburg Police Department, Warrensburg Fire Department and the Missouri Department of Transportation. WPD Sgt. Cody Johnson, Firefighter Specialist Weston Farmer, Firefighter-EMT Jeremy Crist and Firefighter Logan Warren were presented with awards for their actions taken during a medical emergency Dec. 31. Munsterman said Johnson was responding to a report of theft at Walmart, 300 E. Cooper Boulevard, when a call came through regarding a woman in distress. “Johnson was approximately 30 seconds away,”...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg boys basketball’s season reached an end with a 72-48 loss to Raytown South in the first round of the Class 5 District 7 Tournament on Monday, Feb. 28, at Warrensburg High School. The Tigers found themselves trailing from the very beginning, falling behind 10-4 within the first four minutes. With ball security issues forced by Raytown South’s pressure, the difference added up to 22-6 by the end of the first quarter and 32-11 at halftime. Warrensburg was able to get offensive productivity going in the second half, though Raytown South’s ball flow also stuck. The Tigers scored...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg boys basketball’s season reached an end with a 72-48 loss to Raytown South in the first round of the Class 5 District 7 Tournament on Monday, Feb. 28, at Warrensburg High School. The Tigers found themselves trailing from the very beginning, falling behind 10-4 within the first four minutes. With ball security issues forced by Raytown South’s pressure, the difference added up to 22-6 by the end of the first quarter and 32-11 at halftime. Warrensburg was able to get offensive productivity going in the second half, though Raytown South’s ball flow also stuck. The Tigers scored...
Knob Noster’s boys basketball season has reached an end. The Panthers fell to Clinton 55-52 in the first round of the Class 4 District 13 Tournament on Monday, Feb. 28, at Harrisonville High School. Knob Noster led 14-13 at the end of the first quarter, stood tied 24-24 at halftime and trailed 39-35 after three quarters. The loss ends Knob Noster’s season with a 15-12 record. It graduates all-time program best scorer Anthony Lopez, Darion Kendrick, Tim Williams, Ben Fundaburg and Jason Jackson.
Holden girls basketball took the advantage of the opportunity that it was given. In a game that occurred after their postseason path was over, the Eagles topped Carrollton 55-37 on Monday, Feb. 28, at Carrollton High School. The win secured Holden a share of the MRVC East title with the Trojans. Holden started off leading 17-9 at the end of the first quarter with the difference building to 28-14 by halftime. They led 44-22 at the end of the third. The win ends Holden’s season with a 17-10 record. Their only MRVC East loss went to Carrollton earlier in the...
Knob Noster girls basketball’s season reached an end with a 57-26 loss to Nevada in the first round of the Class 4 District 13 tournament on Monday, Feb. 28, at Harrisonville High School. The Panthers trailed 31-12 at halftime. Their season reaches an end with a 7-19 record.
SEDALIA — In 1991, just eight years before Vladimir Surguy and his family moved to the United States, the Soviet Union was terminated in Ukraine, letting the country become independent. But this wasn’t the last time Ukrainian would have to fight Russia. On Friday, Vladimir and his son Andrey Surguy spoke with the Democrat about how the current situation in Ukraine is affecting the Slavic community and his family in Pettis County. “Of course, a lot of worries because we still have family there; my brothers, my sisters, my wife’s brothers and sister, and my nephew and nieces,” Vladimir said. ...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, March 1 Trails Regional Library hosts Storytime at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Warrensburg Branch. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County will host the BBBS Online Upcycled Sale March 1-4. For more information, visit bbbsjoco.org. Wednesday, March 2...
Warrensburg girls basketball’s season reached an end with a 47-36 loss to Jefferson City in the Class 5 District 7 opening round on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Warrensburg High School. Jefferson City led 16-11 at the end of the first quarter and 23-20 at halftime. The final difference was settled in the third, where the Tigers were held to just two points. Warrensburg ends its season with a 17-9 record. It was the MRVC West co-champion with Harrisonville. The Tigers return the overall look of their team next year,with younger classmen getting the majority of minutes. They graduate two seniors...
Central Missouri track and field earned four top individual finishes at the MIAA Indoor Championships over the weekend at the Hughes Fieldhouse in Maryville. Kayla Goodwin, Antonio Lay, Ashlan Burton and Rachel Molloy each walked away as conference champions. Goodwin topped the women’s triple jump with a NCAA Division II provisional mark of 12.45 meters, Lay won the men’s 60-meter dash with a provisional time of 6.77 seconds, Burton led the women’s shot put with a provisional mark of 15.38 meters and Molloy topped the weight throw with a mark of 17.72 meters. Central Missouri also had seven runner-up finishes....
Col. (Ret.) Dawn Brotherton’s writing career began while serving at Whiteman Air Force Base from 1989 to 1993. She turned a true life stalking experience into a fiction/thriller book, “The Obsession,” which was published in 2010. Brotherton said she is “returning to the scene of the crime” this March, where she will conduct a book signing at WAFB, Lee’s Summit, and at Reader’s World in Sedalia. She will have all 14 of her titles on hand for customers to purchase. Besides her thriller series featuring protagonist Jackie, she also writes nonfiction, cozy mystery, middle-grade sports and has a picture book....
Mules baseball opened MIAA competition with a series win over Northwest Missouri State between Saturday, Feb. 26 and Monday, Feb. 28. Central Missouri (8-3, 3-0 MIAA) took the first game of the series 4-0 on Saturday and the second 8-5 on Sunday and 13-9 on Monday. Game 1 Senior right hand pitcher Collin Jones anchored a 4-0 win over Northwest on Saturday. Jones pitched five scoreless innings, striking out five while giving up just two hits and two walks off 68 pitches. Offensively the Mules got on board first thanks to a solo home run from senior John Prudhom in...
Marquette Wilhite now holds the second-fastest indoor track mile mark in the University of Missouri History. The Warrensburg native completed the SEC Championships’ running of the event in 3:58.90 on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Gilliam Indoor Stadium in College Station, Texas. He finished sixth, shaving 4.01 seconds off his preliminary run of 4:03.89. Wilhite is the third-ever Mizzou Tiger to complete the indoor mile with a time under four minutes with his finish. The mark falls just outside of the top-50 runners in all of NCAA Division I this season. The SEC Championships marked the third indoor meet Wilhite’s competed...
Two members of Mules Wrestling are on to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. Sophomore John Ridle and redshirt junior Darick Lapaglia made the cut for nationals thanks to podium finishes at the NCAA Division II Super Region IV tournament Saturday, Feb. 26, in St. Charles. Ridle topped the 157-pound bracket, while Lapagia finished third in the 149-pound bracket. Ridle’s win came against Central Oklahoma’s Ty Lucas by a 2-0 decision. Laaglia beat Drury’s Sam Schultz by fall in the third-place match. Ridle is the first UCM wrestler to win a regional crown since Frank Cagina in 2015. As a...
As of Monday, Feb. 28, Johnson County Community Health reports there are 59 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 11,686 confirmed cases with 11,524 considered recovered and 103 deaths.
Western Missouri Medical Center is hosting an inaugural Colorectal Cancer Awareness Event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30 in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. The event will be hosted next to the Courtyard Café in the main hospital building. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the “third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women” in the U.S. Colon cancer is the only cancer that can be avoided with a preventative screening: a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are for individuals 45 and older and are covered by most insurance providers. At the event,...
Minor injuries reported in three-vehicle wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a three-vehicle wreck Feb. 22 on Highway 50 at Northwest 1501 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2008 Nissan Rogue, driven by Grace C. Stansell, 21, of Blue Springs, struck the rear of a 2004 Toyota Tundra, driven by Julia K. Rankin, 25, of Warrensburg, which then struck a 201 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Jason S. Ford, 46, of Holden. Stansell is reported to have minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. All drivers are reported to have...
Dr. Stella Dayrit Roden, soprano, and Amanda Arrington, piano, will present "Bring to Light," a recital of art songs by women composers, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 in Hart Recital Hall in the Utt Music Building at the University of Central Missouri. Admission is free and open to the public. Roden is a music faculty member at UCM and Arrington is a staff collaborative pianist at Kansas State University. For more information, visit stelladayritroden.com/recital-2022.
Women in agriculture can improve their risk management skills and network with peers during Annie’s Project courses scheduled for spring 2022. Hosted by the University of Missouri Extension, Annie’s Project courses feature 18 hours of risk management education. The courses focus on how to manage five types of farm risk: production, market, financial, legal and human resources. Two-course formats will be available this spring. Online courses include self-paced activities and videos, and classes meet each week for 2.5-hour live interactive online sessions. The hybrid course option combines virtual and in-person learning. • The Annie’s Project Online course will bring together...
Allison Bolt of the Rotary Club of Warrensburg, left, presents a donation of [post_excerpt],000 to Donna Petentler of the Johnson County Adult Literacy Program, right, Tuesday, Feb. 22. The donation is part of an annual effort by the club to support organizations in the community. The club meets every Tuesday at noon in the Warrensburg Community Center. All visitors are welcome. For more information on the Johnson County Adult Literacy Program, visit jcalp.org. For more information on the Rotary Club of Warrensburg, visit warrensburgrotary.com.
Michelle M. Bryant, 27, and Timothy R. Bowen, 26, were arrested Jan. 31 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of West South Street. Bryant was arrested on a warrant in another jurisdiction. Bowen was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended/revoked and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. James O. Shaw, 38, was arrested Jan. 31 on a probation and parole violations warrant. Jason T. Galvin, 40, was arrested Feb. 1 on a Warrensburg warrant. Dionte D. Roberson, 21, was arrested Feb. 5 on a Warrensburg warrant. Cody...
The Martin Warren Chapter, Missouri Society, Sons of the American Revolution (MOSSAR) was well represented at the 35th annual George Washington Birthday Celebration hosted Feb. 19 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. The celebration is co-sponsored by seven SAR chapters from Kansas and Missouri, all in the Kansas City area. Kansas City area Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapters participate as well. T he George Washington Birthday Celebration is an America 250 event, celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America 250 events will continue through...
The subject has become anathema. The word “discipline” evokes thoughts of abuse and fear of government takeover in the family. How did we get here? Can it be good for an individual to be undisciplined? Pack enough undisciplined individuals into a community and the result is chaos. Is anyone seeing the fruit of the undisciplined today? Our world is falling apart around us because we fail to believe the Biblical principle of discipline and fall for the foolish musings of so-called experts on raising future generations. Professing themselves wiser than God, they infect the modern world with madness. As...
HUGHESVILLE — Make it six-straight district championships for Leeton girls basketball. The Bulldogs added another trophy to their collection with a 59-26 win over Otterville on Saturday, Feb. 26. The win sends them back to the Class 1 State Tournament, where they finished as the runner-up a year ago. “It’s just kind of crazy from where we started,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “That is the plan. We have no conference. We play all year for this. I have great leadership from my kids that are hungry for that. “We played from trying to be the hunter, to being...
Mules basketball closed the regular season with a 89-79 loss to Lincoln on Saturday, Feb. 26, in Jefferson City. The Mules (13-13, 10-12 MIAA) trailed from the end of the first half on, falling victim to the Blue Tigers’s hooting, which included a 28-of-48 success rate from the field, and 17-of-27 from the three-point range. The triple included a 7-of-8 performance from Yaniel Vidal, who led Lincoln with 21 points. He was one of five Blue Tigers (4-23, 3-19 MIAA) to finish in double figures. Central Missouri had four reach double figures, led by redshirt senior Ja’Cor Nelson’s 19. Redshirt...
HUGHESVILLE — Make it six-straight district championships for Leeton girls basketball. The Bulldogs added another trophy to their collection with a 59-26 win over Otterville on Saturday, Feb. 26. The win sends them back to the Class 1 State Tournament, where they finished as the runner-up a year ago. “It’s just kind of crazy from where we started,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “That is the plan. We have no conference. We play all year for this. I have great leadership from my kids that are hungry for that. “We played from trying to be the hunter, to being...
Jennies basketball wrapped up the regular season with an 82-62 win over Lincoln on Saturday, Feb. 26, in Jefferson City. Central Missouri (19-10, 15-7 MIAA) never trailed the Blue Tigers (5-23, 1-21 MIAA) and jumped out to a 21-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. The final KO was the third quarter, where it outscored Lincoln 26-13. Both redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell and senior Nija Collier had 28 points. They were joined in double figures by redshirt freshman Charlie Bovaird’s 12 and redshirt freshman Olivia Nelson’s 10. The Jennies hit 25-of-67 shots compared to Lincoln’s 25-of-67. Collier and...
HUGHESVILLE — Having faced Rick Mills’ Leeton squad in a district championship before, Northwest head coach Mark Scarbrough knew the task of winning wasn’t going to be easy. In a Class 1 District 9 title bout that went down to the final second, the Mustangs were able to fit the right pieces together, winning 60-57 on Saturday, Feb. 26. “Talk about a tough, tough opponent,” Scarbrough said. “Rick Mills is one of the all-time great coaches in the state of Missouri. He continues to prove it year after year after year after year. I knew it would be a game...
WARRENSBURG — As of the week of Feb. 24, the Warrensburg School District has been allocated ,674,635 as part of the third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. ESSER funds, as part of the American Rescue Plan, were approved in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in response to the cost accrued by school districts due to the pandemic. “This third round that was passed, the whole thing that we were concerned about is relying on our state legislators to pass the appropriation bill which allows for the state to distribute the funds to school districts,” Assistant Superintendent Troy...
ARCHIE — The Lakeland team that Crest Ridge boys basketball expected showed up to the MSHSAA Class 2 District 14 Championship. The Vikings built themselves through a wide variety of shooters, creating defensive struggles for the Cougars. The result led to a 56-45 Crest Ridge loss on Friday, Feb. 25 at the Archie Dome. “We knew going in that this was going to be the toughest matchup we’ve seen all year,” Crest Ridge head coach Cooper Collier said. “They have a guy down low that’s tough and guys outside that can shoot the ball.” Lakeland’s (26-2) best offensive performance of...
Last week I could not complete a column because I was in the hospital for a planned lung biopsy. The surgeon used video-assisted surgery to remove a pea-sized piece of tissue from my lower left lung. We had been watching this slow-growing speck closely for almost two years, waiting for it to either recede or reach a size where it could be effectively removed. Unfortunately, this spot was a metastatic synovial sarcoma tumor. This means that my cancer is now classified Stage 4. I will be considered a cancer patient for the rest of my life. This was obviously not...
There was a time when the state of Oregon's only claim to fame was that it was located north of California. That was a long time ago and since then, Oregon has blossomed into an active modern state with much to offer. Giant aircraft, aerospace and high-tech companies have made Oregon their home. That is not all; some California vintners discovered that the hills and valleys of Oregon were not only ideal for wine grape growing but so was the climate, rainfall and most specifically, the soil. All of those factors made the vintners realize that the conditions in the...
Although the weather makes it tempting to stay inside, there is one gardening chore that can be done during winter: pruning. Pruning is necessary to keep plants healthy and productive. The idea of cutting parts off our beloved small trees and shrubs can make a new gardener cringe but experienced gardeners know that cutting off the dead, diseased and damaged branches can preserve the health of the plant and encourage new growth. Pruning is an art form in and of itself, especially when considering topiary or orchard production. For the home gardener, however, it really is about the three D’s...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Schools Foundation announced the 2022 Nancy Rutherford Mid-Year Classroom Impact Grants recipients. Foundation Director Judy Long, Superintendent Andy Kohl, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services John Finnane, Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Troy Marnholtz and Foundation Board President Bob Lotspeich awarded grants to three Warrensburg School District teachers. The grants will fund three projects: Storybook Trail, Cooking Up Success, and We Are Authors. Funds given totaled ,393.29. Storybook Trail will provide outdoor adventures on the trail at Ridge View’s Outdoor Classroom. Story trails streamline access to outdoor enrichment opportunities while also promoting movement and literacy. This project...
WARRENSBURG — For anyone who needs a break from cooking dinner, the Love What’s Local Committee has an idea for you: participating in the annual Restaurant Week. Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Love What’s Local committee, which is a partnership between the City of Warrensburg, Warrensburg Main Street and the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce. This year, it will be hosted Feb. 25 to March 6. According to a news release, Restaurant Week is “designed to encourage community members to love what's local by trying a new restaurant or menu item, or visiting an old favorite.” Once the pandemic began,...
The Johnson County Adult Literacy Program (JCALP) will host the Annual David Cunningham Memorial Scrabble Tournament from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at the Matthews-Crawford Post 131 American Legion Hall, 733 E. Young Ave. in Warrensburg. The tournament will raise money for JCALP and honor the memory of friend and family member David Cunningham, who gave back to his community in numerous ways. The tournament is open to players of all skill levels. Players sign up to play in one of five levels: Child, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert. Players can also sign up to play as a...
WARRENSBURG — Known worldwide for his role in the ground-breaking discovery of “Lucy,” which researchers consider a direct ancestor to humankind, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson will make a public presentation March 28 at the University of Central Missouri. The lecture, free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Hall, located on the second floor of the Administration Building. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Johanson, who is a professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University-Tempe and founding director at the Institute of Human Origins, is making his third visit to...
WARRENSBURG — “VOUCHer; Or, That PTA Play” by Benjamin Gonzales is on the lighter side of a dark comedy and follows the comings and goings of a group of dedicated parents as they work to hold their dwindling PTA group together. Presented by the University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance, the play performs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-26 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. ASL Interpreters will be available at the Thursday, Feb. 24 show, and the Sunday matinee is pay-what-you-can. This play is for mature audiences only. As the production opens,...
WARRENSBURG — Emmy Award winning news correspondent John Quiñones discussed how his life led him to journalism in a presentation Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the University of Central Missouri. Quiñones has been a news correspondent with ABC News for more than 30 years and is the creator and host of “What Would You Do?” ”I created the show to try to remind America that, yes, there may be differences among us but also great similarities,” Quiñones said. “We’re all human, with the same basic desires and dreams and ambitions and the need to be loved and the need to love...
WARRENSBURG — The first ever Point-in-Time Count conducted in Johnson County was heavily impacted as temperatures dropped well below freezing Wednesday, Feb. 23. The PIT Count is an annual volunteer driven initiative to census the unhoused and unsheltered. The count occurs at the same time on the same day across the state. Count Coordinator Mary McCord said the volunteers were unable to find any unhoused people in any of the known camp locations. “When you don’t find them, you keep searching,” McCord said. “We searched and searched, tramping through these woods and nobody, none of my teams, found anybody. We...
Trailing No. 15 Central Oklahoma inside the final 20 seconds, redshirt senior Cam Hunter delivered. Receiving a pass from redshirt junior Gaven Pinkley, Hunter proceeded to drill a three-point shot, lifting the Mules to a 70-69 win on Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Edmond. The shot may have not been possible if Pinkley hadn’t grabbed an offensive rebound following a missed shot from redshirt senior Koray Gilbert with :18 remaining. Hunter’s shot fell seven ticks later. Central Oklahoma (22-5, 17-4 MIAA) attempted a three just before the buzzer sounded, but it did not fall, giving the Mules their first win over...
Forcing over 20 turnovers, Leeton boys basketball topped Kingsville 69-36 in the Class 1 District 9 semifinal round on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Northwest High School. The Bulldogs’ offense fed off the defense, finishing with three in double figures. Senior Daniel Warner led the way with 18 points, junior Cody Shakelford had 17 and junior Cole Wallace had 16. The win advances No. 2 seeded Leeton to the district championship game, where it will meet No. 1 Northwest. The Mustangs knocked off Otterville 76-50 on Wednesday. The district championship is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25,...
After trailing Central Oklahoma at the end of the first quarter, Jennies basketball clawed back to take a 79-66 win on Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Edmond. Central Missouri found itself behind 21-17 after the first 10 minutes, but proceeded to outscore the Bronchos 62-45. Redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell led the way with 28 points, anchored by 8-of-14 shooting. Senior Nija Collier had 20 points making 6-of-10 shots while redshirt freshman Olivia Nelson was 6-of-9 posting 18 points. The Jennies (18-10, 14-7 MIAA) took the lead for good, outside of ties, with free-throws from Littrell at the 7:05 mark of the...
ARCHIE — When it mattered the most, Crest Ridge boys basketball rose to the occasion. Trailing Archie for the first time since the first half in the final moments of the third quarter, Cougars freshman Wyatt Ducos and senior Corben Martin struck. The two shots sparked a lead that stuck until the very end, with No. 3 Crest Ridge beating the No. 2 Whirlwinds 53-41 in the Class 2 District 14 semifinal round on Wednesday, Feb. 23 “We took care of the ball, which we talked about at halftime,” Crest Ridge head coach Cooper Collier said. “We had too many...
WARRENSBURG — Tarl Bentley represents the City of Warrensburg as a member of the City Council and works as an educator and advocate for students with special needs. “To be involved in city government, I would like to be a voice for people that typically don’t show up to council meetings, that see me on the street who comment on certain things, ask certain questions about things,” Bentley said. “I just want to be that person to go to the council and say ‘this is what I’m hearing, this is the experiences people are having.’ Some of the ordinances and...
Leeton girls basketball advanced to its sixth-straight district championship game, topping No. 4 seed Northwest 65-10 in the Class 1 District 9 semifinal round Tuesday, Feb. 22 in Hughesville. The No. 1 seed Bulldogs (21-2) started things off on a 22-2 run in the first quarter and led 33-6 at halftime. They led 57-8 at the end of the third quarter. Leeton was led by junior Bailey Fleming’s 16 points. Senior Rowan Schmdili had 12 points, junior Jadeyn Johnson had nine, senior Regan Shaffer had 8 and junior Jordan Crooks had six. The win sends the Bulldogs on to a...
Candidate filing began Tuesday for the Aug. 2 primary election in Missouri. County candidates can file at the Johnson County Clerk’s Office while state and federal candidates file with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. Filing ends March 29. Candidates must list a political party. Those who win their party’s race in August will go on to the General Election on Nov. 8. U.S. Senate Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., announced last year that he would not be seeking another term after serving since 2010. That announcement led to a long list of candidates making their own announcements to seek Blunt’s...
More snowfall and below-freezing temperatures are in the forecast this week for west-central Missouri. According to the National Weather Service, sub-zero wind chills are expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Wind chills are expected to fall to nearly 15 below across northwest Missouri early Wednesday morning. Light snowfall is possible Wednesday night into Thursday. The NWS forecast for Warrensburg states a 20% chance of snow is possible after noon Wednesday. The high will be near 25 but with wind chill values between -3 and 7. North wind will be 8 to 11 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph....
CLINTON — Warrensburg boys basketball’s trip to Clinton seemed to be going in the right direction as it headed to the locker room at halftime. The third quarter changed the tone. On-court issues allowed the Cardinals to claw back within, taking an 11-point halftime deficit and turning it into a shootout. The Tigers ended up having the final say in overtime, winning 81-72. “I thought in the first half, our ball movement was really good and we shot it well,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo said. “We just didn’t guard really well in the second half. But, give them credit....
WARRENSBURG — Oxygen, bandages and snow shovels are essential for the Johnson County Ambulance District during winter weather. As drivers find themselves sliding across newly-plowed roads, Emergency Medical Services Director Shane Lockard reminds residents that ambulances are also subject to the slippery conditions. “We traditionally don’t see, throughout the entire winter storm event, an increase in calls,” Lockard said. “There’s usually a sudden surge, when ice and snow first start, with motor vehicle crashes. … We do see a lot as people adjust to driving.” Lockard said a challenging aspect during a winter weather event is the time it takes...
CLINTON — Warrensburg girls basketball held on to earn a share of the MRVC West Conference Championship on Tuesday, Feb. 22. After Clinton closed in to four points after trailing by 13 heading into the fourth quarter, the Tigers found a way to hold on closing the regular season with a 60-56 win. “It got a little physical,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “They just got us kind of not thinking how we need to think. I liked how they finished though.” The recipe to success was no secret in the contest, with juniors Kimverly Maxwell and Grace Hill...
Leeton boys basketball opened the Class 1 District 9 tournament with a 77-15 win over Calhoun on Monday, Feb. 21, at Northwest High School. The Bulldogs were led in scoring by junior Cody Shackelford’s 19, senior Daniel Warner’s 10 and freshman Reyd Johnson’s 10. Leeton will meet Kingsville in the Class 1 District 9 semifinal round at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23.
WARRENSBURG — With spring cleaning around the corner, Warrensburg Main Street is asking people to clean out their formal dresses to help area high school students headed to prom. Assistant Director Jamie DeBacker said the idea to start a Prom Closet stemmed from Main Street’s annual Prom Parade, which began as a way to allow students to show off their formalwear when the pandemic canceled proms in 2020. “We wanted to show a way for those who didn’t think prom was in their future, we have a ton of people in our community like me who have prom dresses in...
BUTLER — There wasn’t much offense in a Class 3 District 13 girls quarterfinal between No. 4 Holden and No. 5 Adrian. The Blackhawks had just enough, though, delivering the Eagles’ postseason fate Monday, Feb. 21, at Butler High School. Holden lost 37-23. “Honestly, we met this morning and we watched film,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said. “I said ‘girls, if (the officials) let them play, we’re in trouble. (Adrian) plays tremendous man-to-man defense. If they don’t call the hand-checking, you better be strong with the basketball.’ It was a physical game.” Adrian (15-7) outscored Holden 28-16 in the...
JOHNSON COUNTY — The April 5 municipal election is now six weeks away, which means it’s time for absentee voting to begin. Tuesday, Feb. 22 marks the first day of absentee voting for the upcoming election, plus it’s also the first day of candidate filing for the primary election in August; filing ends April 29. Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson said any voters who cannot make it to their polling place on Election Day are eligible to absentee vote. “Missouri does not have what voters like to refer to as early voting. We also do not have no excuse (voting),...
Jeffery E. Tyler, 33, was arrested Jan. 17 after officers responded Dec. 2 to a report of theft from a vehicle in the 600 block of North Ridgeview Drive. Tyler was arrested on a charge of stealing - 0 or more - theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories. Tyler was later arrested the same day after officers responded to a report of stealing in the 1000 block of South Maguire Street. Tyler was arrested on a charge of shoplifting. Skyla F. Fields, 18, was arrested Jan. 19 after officers responded Jan. 16 to a report of theft in the...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, Feb. 22 Trails Regional Library will host Storytime at 10 a.m. at the Warrensburg Branch, 432 N. Holden St. Matthews-Crawford Post 131 will host its monthly membership meeting at 6 p.m. at 733 E. Young St. A meal will...
WARRENSBURG — With an evident lack of diversity in the area, Shawnacy Johnson was initially hesitant when he got orders that he would be stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, but has since made it a priority to volunteer his time to make a difference. Johnson is a member of the Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Board, volunteers with Youth Excited about Sports, is the treasurer for the Warrensburg Tigers Booster Club and serves as a pastor in Jefferson City. “I didn’t even know the Parks Board exististed originally,” Johnson said. “My initial introduction to the Parks Board was through the...
As of Monday, Feb. 21, Johnson County Community Health services reports there are a reported 120 active cases of COVID -19 in Johnson County. Of the total 11,610 cases reported, 11,387 are recovered and there have been 103 deaths. For more information about COVID-19 in Johnson County, visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
Minor injuries reported in Feb. 18 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Feb. 18 on westbound Highway 50 at PCA Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer, driven by Sonja M. Dupre, 58, of Warrensburg, was merging onto Highway 50, struck ice, overturned and overturned. Dupre is reported to have minor injuries and was transported by the Johnson County Ambulance District to Western Missouri Medical Center. Dupre is reported to have not worn a safety device. The Chevrolet is reported to be a total loss. ...
When it comes to God and His creation, there are three very important things I believe everyone needs to know: transcendence, immanence, and providence. As the creator of all things, by definition, God is significantly better than His creation and does not need anything from it (transcendence). However, God is intimate with His creation and has designed it in such a way that His creation can come to know Him, perceive Him, and grasp Him (immanence). As an intimate creator, God provides for the needs of His creation (providence). This includes but isn’t limited to food, wisdom, and lasting gifts...
Western Missouri Medical Center will be updating the 2019 Johnson County Community Health Needs Assessment in the next few months. The goal of this assessment update is to understand progress in addressing community health needs cited in the 2019 CHNA report and to collect current community health perceptions. To accomplish this assessment, a short online survey has been developed and is available at wmmc.com/chna. All community residents and business leaders are encouraged to complete the 2022 online CHNA survey by March 20 and attend a Community Town Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. May 3 in the Courtyard Café at...
SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State University awarded 1,509 degrees to students in fall 2021. Savanna Collins, of Leeton, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance. Maria Lytle, of Knob Noster, graduated with a Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education. The commencement ceremonies took place Dec. 17 at JQH Arena in Springfield. Students who graduated with honors completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
COLUMBIA — Daylen Greene’s second go-around at the Class 1 MSHSAA Wrestling Championships ended where he left off a year ago – just a weight class up. The Holden sophomore capped off his second go-around state with a third-place medal to go along with the same podium finish he had in 2021. This year’s arrived in the 120-pound weight class, topping St. Michael the Archangel sophomore Lucas Barry (38-12) by a 1-0 decision Saturday, Feb. 19, at Mizzou Arena. “It feels good,” Greene said. “It’s a bummer I couldn’t pull something off in the semis, but I gave it what...
COLUMBIA — Daylen Greene’s second go-around at the Class 1 MSHSAA Wrestling Championships ended where he left off a year ago – just a weight class up. The Holden sophomore capped off his second go-around state with a third-place medal to go along with the same podium finish he had in 2021. This year’s arrived in the 120-pound weight class, topping St. Michael the Archangel sophomore Lucas Barry (38-12) by a 1-0 decision Saturday, Feb. 19, at Mizzou Arena. “It feels good,” Greene said. “It’s a bummer I couldn’t pull something off in the semis, but I gave it what...
COLUMBIA — Knob Noster sophomore Trey Payne’s first appearance in the MSHSAA State Championships didn’t end as we would’ve hoped. After winning his first round matchup and quarterfinal, the 195-pound wrestler dropped two of his last three matches of the tournament to place fourth in Class 1. “Fourth-place finish is a big deal,” Payne said. “Last year I didn’t qualify for state. I underperformed last year, got at least qualified for state this year. Placing this year was a big deal. A big step from last year.” Payne (35-6) went up against Trenton junior Sam Gibson (38-3) in the third-place...
COLUMBIA — Logan Yoder’s final appearance in the MSHSAA Championships felt like normal again. That didn’t mean it was all perfect. Keeping an illness quiet until his final match ended, Yoder battled to his third state medal. This time around, he placed fourth in the Class 132-pound championship on Saturday, Feb. 19, at Mizzou Arena. “I’ve been really exhausted,” Yoder said. “This whole tournament has taken a giant toll on me. I think it would’ve been a different story if I were fresh.” After beating Maysville sophomore Drake Bennett (41-18) in the fourth round of wrestlebacks by an 8-2 decision,...
COLUMBIA — Competing in the state championship match was always something in the back of Knob Noster sophomore Levi Wilhelm’s mind when he first arrived for his second trip to the MSHSAA Wrestling Championships. The feeling became a reality shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19. Wihelm (37-4) ended up falling to Mid-Buchanan freshman Spencer Cunningham (34-2) in 50 seconds, finishing as the second-best 106-pound wrestler in Class 1, “I just started the match and I was a little nervous,” Wilhelm said. “Off the bat, it was just going. I wasn’t really expecting it. I just kind of...
Mules basketball fell to Fort Hays State 61-54 on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Multipurpose Building. Central Missouri trailed after the first five minutes of the first half, and found itself down 32-39 at halftime. The Mules (12-12, 9-11 MIAA) had two in double figures, anchored by Koray Gilbert’s 15 and Cam Hunter’s 14. Fort Hays was led by Jared Vintzum’s 12, Nyjee Wright’s 12 and Kaleb Hammeke’s 11. The Tigers (21-4, 16-4 MIAA)made 48.9% of their shots compared to UCM’s 39.6%. Central Missouri returns to action Wednesday, Feb. 23, as it travels to Central Oklahoma.
Jennies basketball came within six points of knocking off No. 9 Fort Hays State on Saturday, Feb. 19. Central Missouri fell 60-54 in a game where they made just 37 percent of their shots. Redshirt freshman Olivia Nelson led the way with 22 points while redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell had 14 and senior Nija Collier had 10. The Jennies (17-10, 13-7MIAA) trailed by 20 points at halftime, and outscored Fort hays State 35-21 in the second half. The Tigers (23-3, 17-3 MIAA)made 42 percent of their shots. Central Missouri returns to action Wednesday, Feb. 23, as it travels to Central...
WARRENSBURG — Fighting fires and filling stomachs, James Wilson has found a way to make his two passions work in tandem. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking,” Wilson said. “I love to cook. I love cooking for people. Basically, I just got really tired of clocking in (for) people.” Wilson, a part-time firefighter with the Johnson County Fire Protection District, recently opened a food cart. Wilson’s business, Street Foods and Catering, was born out of his desire to continue working with the JCFPD. Wilson said a former employer wanted him to stop his work with the JCFPD. Wilson parted ways with the...
COLUMBIA — Knob Noster’s Levi Wilhelm will have a shot at the MSHSAA Class 1 106-pound state championship. The Panthers sophomore (37-3) earned his spot in the championship match with a win over Penney freshman Alex Martin (38-10) in a semifinal on Friday, Feb. 18, at Mizzou Arena. He’lll go up against Mid-Buchanan freshman Spencer Cunningham (33-2) in the championship match after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. Wilhelm wasn’t the only Knob Noster wrestler to compete in a semifinal, with sophomore Trey Payne (34-5) wrestling in a semifinal bout. He fell to Mid-Buchanan junior Wade Stanton (43-2) by fall, sending...
COLUMBIA —Holden sophomore Daylen Greene and senior Logan Yoder will compete in the third round of wrestlebacks first thing Saturday, Feb. 19, to decide what placement they wrestle for later in the day. Greene (42-6) and Yoder (37-7) lost their semifinal matches on Friday, Feb. 18. Greene fell to Centralia junior Brayden Dubes (42-6) in the higher semifinal of the 120-pound bracket, while Yoder fel to St. Pius X sophomore Marco Dalakishvilli (47-1) in the 132-pound semifinal bracket by an 8-0 major decision. Greene will meet South Harrison senior Mason Hamilton (41-11) in his wrestleback, while Yoder will meet Maysville...
COLUMBIA — The last two Johnson County girls wrestlers standing fell in on day two of the MSHSAA State Championships on Friday, Feb. 18, at Mizzou Arena. Knob Noster Kylie Miller and senior Madison Henry each saw their seasons reach an end in the wrestleback portions of the girls tournament. Miller advanced the furthest, topping Mid-Buchanan junior Ariana Hartigan (13-11) by fall in the second round of wrestlebacks. She proceeded to fall to Rockwood SUmmit sophomore Chaire Perks (43-8), ending her season with a 40-7 record. Freshman Zoey Schroeder (37-7) was the only other Knob Noster girls wrestler to advance...
As a 30-year-old woman, heart health is not necessarily at the forefront of my health concerns. I know it’s important, but strokes, heart attacks and high blood pressure seem like something older generations should focus on. And with health problems of my own in the last few years, such as being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020, I’ve had other priorities at the top of my health care list. However, February is American Heart Month and as part of the Bothwell Foundation’s Wear Red Committee, I wanted to share some heart health information that can be beneficial to women of...
Holden sophomore Daylen Greene, senior Logan Yoder and freshman Aiden Christian are the lone Eagles wrestlers remaining in the state tournament heading into day two. The three each won the opening round of their respective weight class, moving forward to the quarterfinals. Greene bested Lawson sophomore Laren Dietz (22-22) in his 120-pound first round matchup, Yoder beat Palmyra freshman Brayden Pillars (31-10) by a 9-7 decision in the 132-pound bracket and Christian beat Central New Madrid County senior Jamian GOlden (30-6) by a 3-1 decision. Two Eagles did not make it outside of day one, with freshman Graysen Thieman (20-21)...
Mules basketball picked up a 78-76 overtime win over Nebraska Kearney on Thursday, eb. 17, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. The Mules (12-11, 9-10 MIAA) and Nebraska-Kearney exchanged the lead 16 times, with the game being tied 13. The key to overtime was four free throws to close the game, including three straight from redshirt senior Cam Hunter to turn a 74-74 tie into a 77-74 lead with :20 seconds remaining. Following a layup from Kearney (10-15, 6-13 MIAA) redshirt junior David Simental to make it a one-point game with :16 remaining in overtime, junior Matt Todd hit a single...
Knob Noster sophomore Levi Wilhelm, sophomore Trey Payne and junior Payton Arnold remain alive after day one of the MSHSAA Class 1 State Championships. WIlhelm and Payne won their respective opening matches, advancing to the second day of the state tournament. Wilhelm bested Brentwood freshman Abel Curdt (24-17) by fall in the first round of the 106-pound bracket, while Payne beat St. Paul Lutheran sophomore Jayden Maggert (32-8) by a 1-0 decision in a 195-pound first-place matchup. Arnold lost his 126-pound opening matchup to Marceline junior Canaan Wright (30-7), but advanced to the second round of wrestlebacks thanks to a...
Holden sophomore Charlie Gregg’s first experience in the MSHSAA State Championships was shorter than she would’ve hoped. The 130-pound sophomore lost both of her matches on day one of the championships on Thursday, Feb. 17, at Mizzou Arena. She lost to Rock Bridge senior Anna Stephens (31-6) in the first round, before losing to Staley junior Chase Kiel by a 7-6 decision to open wrestlebacks. Gregg ends her season with a 36-6 overall record.
Knob Noster freshman Kylie Miller and senior Madison Henry are the lone Johnson County girls wrestlers alive at the MSHSAA State Championships. Miller and Henry advanced to the second round of wrestlebacks, going 1-1 on day one of the state tournament on Thursday, Feb.17, at Mizzou Arena. Miller fell to Francis Howell Central freshman Kailey Benson (25-6) to open her 115-pound path. She proceeded to beat Mid-Buchanan junior Ariana Hartigan (13-11) in the first round of wrestlebacks. Henry lost to North County junior Brooke Bennet (23-1) in the first roun of the 194-pound bracket, but won her wrestleback matchup with...
Warrensburg senior Aiden Walker’s high school wrestling career reached an end in the first round of wrestlebacks at the Class 3 MSHSAA State Championships on Thursday, Feb. 17, at Mizzou Arena. Walker dropped both of his matches in the 152-pound bracket, falling to Washington sophomore Casey Olszowka (35-7) to open the day and Parkview senior Junior Lamarre (30-11) in a must-win wrestletback match. Walker ends his season with a 18-16 record, and was the only Tiger wrestler to advance on to state.
Jennies basketball added a 65-59 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the UCM Multipurpose building. After exchanging the lead with the Lopers seven times, Central Missouri took the lead for good thanks to a three-point shot from redshirt freshman Brooke LIttrell with 7:22 remaining in the third. The Jennies (17-9, 13-6 MIAA) built their lead up to 12 points by the end of the third, with it shrinking down to two with 4:14 remaining. Central Missouri closed the contest on a 9-7 run, enough to hold on for the six-point victory. Littrell led the Jennies with 31-points, hitting...
Is it just me or have you also noticed the level of anger that seems to loom over us lately? This morning I visited the post office to mail off some items. I needed some bigger, padded envelopes for my parcels, so I picked them up and headed toward the table to begin addressing them when I suddenly heard a young lady (that title may be giving her too much credit) begin to yell at the postal worker behind the counter. Because the young lady was yelling, her business became the business of everyone in the room. She was spewing...
Portugal has been making wine for centuries but most of their wines were little known outside of the Iberian Peninsula except for their most popular and well-known sweet after-dinner wine, Port. I believe the popularity of Port wines has cast a sweet wine shadow over the dry wines of that nation. Another problem is that, more often than not, the grape varieties used to make the wine are unfamiliar to anyone outside of Portugal. I hope to rectify that unfair situation here and now. The wine grape growing districts of Portugal are old, very old. They are so old that...
Warrensburg Parks & Recreation will host a Community Job Fair from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28 at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. More than 25 Warrensburg area businesses and employers will be sharing their full-time, part-time, and summer job opportunities at this free event; snacks and drinks will be provided. On-the-spot interviews and applications will be available. There are still some spots available for employers. Email alex.threlkeld@warrensburg-mo.com or call 660-262-4616 to reserve your free table.
WARRENSBURG — Gov. Mike Parson led a discussion on education and workforce development Wednesday, Feb. 16 at the University of Central Missouri. The discussion included members of UCM administration, State Fair Community College administration, superintendents from Warrensburg and Knob Noster school districts, the Johnson County Economic Corporation and the Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve been trying to get out around the state, talk about the vision we’re gonna have after the State of the State,” Parson said. Parson said the state is going to be financially able to do things the state hasn’t been able to do before. “Our...
Due to inclement weather, the Johnson County Fair Association Annual Hog Roast has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3. It was originally scheduled for Feb. 17. The cost of the meal will be for adults, for children ages 5-12 and free for those ages 4 and younger. Cash, check or credit cards will be accepted. The menu will include pork, green beans, cheesy potatoes and a roll. Lemonade or iced tea will also be served. The dinner will be followed by the live dessert auction conducted by Davis and Bell Auction Service. The fair association is...
LAMONI, Iowa — Graceland University has announced the fall 2021 graduation list. Derek J. Tillotson, of Kingsville, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting.
ROLLA — Missouri University of Science and Technology has announced the names of graduates and honor roll students for the fall 2021 semester. Commencement ceremonies were hosted Dec. 17-18. Caleb Lawatsch, of Kingsville, was named to the honor roll and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. Local students named to the honor roll include freshman Jazmyn Baldwin, engineering, and junior Faith Sollars, chemical engineering, of Holden; sophomore Parker Buckson, engineering; junior Ryan Duffendack, computer science; senior Gabriel Neura, nuclear engineering; freshman Nicholas Pfeifer, engineering; sophomore Ryan Russell, mechanical engineering; and senior Joshua Sterling, mechanical engineering, of Warrensburg. ...
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office will host a retirement party for K9 Boss for his six years of service. The party, which is free and open to the public, will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 386 NW 145 Road. Boss was appointed to his role in July 2016 and retired effective Jan. 31, serving in the narcotics division and specializing in interdictions, narcotics investigations and criminal apprehension. Detective Robert Watkins, K9 handler, said Boss is retiring due to Boss’ health and age. Boss will spend his retirement years with Watkins. Watkins is...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met Friday, February 11, at RISE Café. Following the opening ritual and lunch, Warrensburg Mayor Scott Holmberg read and presented a proclamation designating February as American History month. Virginia Campbell introduced the American History Essay winner Mallory Hill, sixth grade student, who was accompanied by her parents Greg and Kim. Hill read her essay written from the point of view of a girl whose brother was killed in World War II and the sacrifice of many who served to protect the country. Hill was presented with a certificate,...
WARRENSBURG — Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 22, all branches of Trails Regional Library will move into COVID Level Three: Open with Restrictions. Branches will continue to be open with full service, full staff and regular hours. Services will vary by branch. Due to reduced cases in Johnson and Lafayette counties, Director Jackie Hawes has made the decision to move library branches down from Level Four to Level Three. This level still includes safety precautions without limiting access to library services. The COVID Level Plan includes five color-coded levels specific to each branch location. Any future level changes will be communicated on...
Mules baseball announced its 2022 Diamond Club inductee class in a press release Thursday, Feb. 17. Will Bradley, Chris Schnurbusch and Gary Stanton will receive Diamond Club status at UCM’s annual First Pitch Banquet on Saturday, April 9. The event will include a keynote speech from Baseball Hall of Fame member Reggie Jackson. Bradley played for the Mules from 2004 to 2005, and is the program’s all-time leader in season (13 in 2004) and career (17) triples. He compiled a career batting average of .390, and was a Second Team All-American in 2005. Schnurbusch was a part of UCM baseball...
Mules football’s offensive line coaching vacancy has been filled. Joe Holtzclaw announced his intention to join head coach Josh Lamberson’s staff to fill the position in a tweet on Wednesday, Feb. 16. UCM Athletics made the hire official in a press release Thursday, Feb. 17. His arrival arrives a week after the Mules introduced Lamberson as the program’s next head coach. "Joe is a phenomenal coach, and we're so excited for him to join our Mules football family," Lamberson said in a release. "He is an excellent teacher and recruiter and does a fantastic job of creating a culture in...
The first NCAA Division II Central Region preliminary rankings of the season have Jennies basketball looking from the outside in. The standings, compiled by a selection committee, list UCM as the No. 10 team in the region. In order to make the cut for the regional tournament, a team has to be listed in the top eight. Central Missouri (16-9) is one of five MIAA programs included in the rankings, anchored by conference leader Fort Hays State at No. 1. Missouri Western is listed at No. 6, Missouri Southern is listed at No. 7 and Nebraska-Kearney is listed at No....
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg boys basketball fell to Ewing Marion Kauffman 73-43 on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at Warrensburg High School. The third quarter was the biggest difference in the contest, with the Tigers being outscored 27-3. The frame took a two-point halftime separation and built it to 26. Warrensburg (11-11) initially trailed 20-9 at the end of the first quarter but went on a 16-7 run in the second to bring itself within 27-25 at halftime. Ewing Marion Kauffman (7-11) finished with all five of its starters in double figures, anchored by Treycee Brown’s 20. Freshman Maddox Kullenamp was the only...
Just as all the snow has melted, the National Weather Service is predicting another round of ice and snow as a weather front moves through the area Wednesday and Thursday. The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Johnson County that is in effect from midnight to 6 p.m. Thursday. Portions of east-central and northeast Kansas and central, north-central, northwest and west-central Missouri will be impacted. Wednesday precipitation will appear as a 30% chance of rain, mainly after 4 p.m. with wind gusts as high as 31 mph. After 4 a.m. Thursday, that turns into a 90% chance of...
Mules baseball’s home opener has been pushed back once again. Due to winter weather, Central Missouri’s series with Davenport will now be made up of doubleheaders on Sunday, Feb. 20 and Monday, Feb. 21. The games were initially slated to be held Friday, Feb. 18 through Sunday. The Mules enter the series with a 2-2 record, having beaten Arkansas-Monticello 9-4 and Maryville 10-3 while falling to St. Mary’s 9-5 and Augustana 6-5. UCM’s opening day at Crane Stadium was initially slated for Friday, Feb. 4, but winter weather forced its cancellation. Even with snow expected to fall on Thursday, Feb....
WARRENSBURG — Early Childhood Interventionist Tracy Shippy discussed her role in academic intervention and progress monitoring for students with the Warrensburg School Board of Education during the Tuesday, Feb. 15, meeting at Ridge View Elementary School. “In the world we’re living in right now, pandemic, COVID learning loss is very real,” Shippy said. “We are able to, with the new intervention program, serve more students.” Shippy said the program assesses the needs of individual students. Shippy said all students are evaluated for learning disorders by certain criteria, including but not limited to classroom performance. Shippy works with the students who...
Holden boys basketball lost to Lexington 65-42 on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Holden High School. The Eagles (6-17, 0-7 MRVC East) fell behind 14-6 in the first quarter and trailed 29-15 at halftime. Lexington (16-7, 5-3 MRVC East) had double-digit scoring in all four quarters. Holden was led by junior Garrett Smith’s 16 points. He was joined in double figures by junior Tyler Hankins, who had 10. Holden returns to action Friday, Feb. 18, as it travels to Lafayette County.
KNOB NOSTER — Twice in the same number of nights, Knob Noster boys basketball came out on top in MRVC East contests with Carrollton. The latest arrived with the Panthers winning 59-42 on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Knob Noster High School. “[Monday] we were able to play them up at their place and we were able to let some things get away from them,” Knob Noster head coach Adam Easterwood said. “Tonight, same show, different night. They were ready for what we were doing but we were just stubborn enough to keep doing it and playing solid team basketball.” Tuesday’s...
Crest Ridge girls basketball fell to Sweet Springs 43-36 on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Sweet Springs High School. The Cougars (6-17, 1-5 I-70) fell behind 14-3 in the first quarter and trailed 31-8 at halftime. Crest Ridge refocusseed in the locker room and outscored Sweet Springs (8-16, 2-5 I-70) 28-10 in the second half. Junior Karley Swope and junior Cat Baker led the Cougars with 10 points each. Crest Ridge returns to action as it travels to St. Paul Lutheran Wednesday, Feb. 16. The contest was moved up from Thursday, Feb. 17 due to forecasted winter weather.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg City Council heard a first reading at the Monday, Feb. 14, meeting of an ordinance to execute a contract with Insituform Technologies USA for the 2022 sanitary sewer main lining project. “This is our annual sanitary sewer main lining project,” City Manager Danielle Dulin said. “We budgeted 5,000 in 2022 to find our clay pipes in some of the older, more mature parts of our community.” Insituform Technologies was the lowest of five bids at 0,528. “We have reduced the total linear feet by approximately 700 which will bring the total project into budget at 1,366,”...
Leeton boys basketball beat St. Paul Lutheran 80-58 on Monday, Feb. 14, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs (16-7) had four players in double figures, led by junior Cody Shackelford’s 21 points, sophomore Camden Uptegrove’s 18 points, senior Daniel Warner’s 17 points and junior Grant Harper’s 12 points. Warner posted a double-double,adding 13 rebounds. The Bulldogs are scheduled to close the regular season Thursday, Feb. 17, at Climax Springs.
Leeton girls basketball bested St. Paul Lutheran 70-34 on Monday, Feb. 14, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs (20-2) took a six-point lead in the first quarter before scoring 31 in the second to go up to 31. The buildup was thanks to a combined six triples from junior Bailey Fleming, senior Rowan Schmidli and senior Hailey Bingaman. Senior Regan Shaffer led Leeton with 21 points, while Fleming had 17, Schmidli had 12 and Bingaman had 11. Leeton is scheduled to wrap up the regular season at Climax Springs on Tuesday, Feb. 17, weather permitting.
WARRENSBURG — A recently-opened business is offering both axe throwing and golf simulators, plus some food, drinks and other fun games. Clubs & Cleavers, 166 SW Business 13 in Warrensburg, opened behind the Old Glory Market in September. The business offers double axe throwing lanes, multiple golf simulators, a small arcade, board games, plus a bar and a small food menu. “We have a little bit of everything when it comes to family entertainment,” Manager Cameron Mengwasser said. The arcade features skeeball, video games, claw machines, a pool table and a punching bag. Other games include checkers, Connect Four, Jenga,...
Loren P. Coyne, 33, was arrested Jan. 15 after officers responded Jan. 6 to a report of theft in the 300 block of Zoll Street. Coyne was arrested on a charge of stealing. Cody S. Bartlett, 26, was arrested Jan. 10 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. John E.D. Fritz, 27, was arrested Jan. 10 when officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1000 block of Walnut Lane. Fritz was arrested on a charge of simple domestic assault. Christopher Sanders, 27, was arrested Jan. 10 when officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in...
Did you know that Warrensburg First Presbyterian Church recently voted to become a “More Light” congregation? This is exciting news for us and our church family. “More Light” is an organization with our denomination PC(USA) that is open and affirming of all types of believers. We are passionate about including all God’s children under our umbrella for welcome. This means all LGBTQIA+ folks, their families, their friends, and their allies are fully welcome to participate in all levels in the life of our church! The motto of First Presbyterian Church is “Find Welcome Here” and we mean that for all...
SPRINGFIELD — Fifth-grader Anthony Clevenger, of Warrensburg, was recently named a Missouri Connections Academy Students of the Month in recognition of his outstanding achievements and leadership in the virtual classroom. “Our students of the month demonstrate leadership and an extraordinary commitment to learning while serving as strong role models for their peers,” School Leader Lynsie Hunt said. “The members of our faculty and staff are proud to give these virtual classroom leaders the recognition they deserve.” Clevenger came to the online school this academic year because his mother, Loretta, wanted to keep him safe through the COVID-19 pandemic. According to...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg High School Counselor Jerry Crouse has announced he will be retiring after 12 years in the Warrensburg School District. Crouse’s last day with the district will be June 30. “I’ll be 65 in July,” Crouse said. “That’s probably the main reason. I’m just old enough that I think it’s time to slow down and leave some office space for a younger person. That’s probably the main reason. I have some other commitments in terms of family that I need to tend to and this would allow me more time to do that.” Crouse said hearing loss is...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Schools Foundation announced the 2022 spring Dual Credit Scholarship recipients. Foundation Executive Director Judy Long and Foundation Board President Bob Lotspeich traveled to Warrensburg High School on Monday, Feb. 7, to grant Dual Credit Scholarships to 10 students for a total of ,365. Dual credit classes are courses taught to high school students by college-approved high school instructors, for which students receive both college and high school credit. Recipients for the Dual Credit Scholarships for the spring 2022 semester include the following juniors and seniors: Olivia Burson, Laine Bushmeyer, Jackson Deal, Maddison Marksmeier, Gabby Metcalf, Zach...
As of Monday, Feb. 14, a total of 157 active cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Johnson County. Johnson County Community Health Services reports there have been a total of 11,542 confirmed cases with 11,289 recovered and 96 deaths. For more information about COVID-19 and available testing sites, visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, Feb. 15 Trails Regional Library-Warrensburg branch will host a virtual instructional class for Watercolor Resist Snowflakes at noon. Wednesday, Feb. 16 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg girls basketball fell to Southern Boone 72-34 on Monday, Feb. 14, at Warrensburg High School. The Tigers (14-8) fell behind 30-12 in the first quarter, a separation that only grew from there. Southern Boone (19-2) outscored Warrensburg 16-4 in the second frame, allowing the difference to increase to 46-16 by halftime. The separation stood near the 30 point range through much of the second half, with Southern Boone leading by 36 points after three quarters. The Eagles gave Warrensburg trouble with ball security, leading to turnovers. Grace Hill led Warrensburg with 17 points in total, including a...
WARRENSBURG — The second meeting between Warrensburg and Southern Boone this season went a little different than the first. Just a little over a month since the Tigers lost to the Eagles by seven points, 31 points was the final difference between the two teams. This time Warrensburg came out on top, winning 78-47 on Monday, Feb. 14, at Warrensburg High School. “We guarded better,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo said. “That’s why we played better. We guarded better. That’s not a secret.” The Tigers (11-10) took full control in the second half, building itself up from the eight-point separation...
Holden will have five boys wrestlers at the MSHSAA State Championships. Freshman Graysen Thieman, sophomore Carson Moreno, sophomore Daylen Greene, senior Logan Yoder and freshman Aiden Christian earned the opportunity to do so after placing in the top-four at the Class 1 District 2 Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12, in Versailles. Moreno (36-5) anchored the way with a district championship in his respective weight class. He topped California freshman Patrick Morrow (31-16) by fall in the 113-pound title bout. Greene (40-5) and Yoder (35-6) each finished second in their weight classes. Greene fell to St. Michael the Archangel sophomore Lucas...
Mules basketball lost to Washburn 85-74 on Saturday, Feb. 12, in Topeka, Kansas. Outside of an early tie, UCM trailed the entire contest. The Ichabods led by as many as 13, occurring with 3:17 remaining in the contest. The Mules hit 23-of-56 shots (41.1%), compared to Washburn’s 27-of-54 (50%). Ichabods (15-9, 12-6 MIAA) senior Tyler Geiman scored a game-high 22 points, finishing the day making 7-of-14 shots. Central Missouri (11-11, 8-10 MIAA) senior Ja’Cor Nelson and senior Cam Hunter were second in line in terms of scoring between the two teams, posting 19 points each. The Mules lost the rebounding...
Six boys wrestlers will represent Knob Noster at the MSHSAA State Championships. Sophomore Levi Wilhelm, freshman Mason Grosz, junior Payton Arnold, senior Nathan McDonald, senior Michael Martin and sophomore Trey Payne qualified thanks to their placements at the Class 1 District 2 Championships in Versailles Saturday, Feb. 12. Wilhelm led the way, earning a district championship in his respective weight class. Wilhelm (34-3) topped the 106-pound weight class, defeating Versailles freshman Gage Judd (18-15) by a 5-1 decision. Payne (32-4) finished second in the 195-pound weight class, falling to Diamond senior Landon Clement (37-4) by a 1-0 decision. Arnold (31-12)...
For the second time this season, Jennies basketball came up on the losing side against Washburn. Central Missouri lost to the Ichabods 72-71 on Saturday, Feb. 12, in Topeka, Kansas. Central Missouri was outscored in three out of the four quarters, including a 24-22 difference in the fourth quarter. Washburn (12-11, 10-7 MIAA) took the lead it needed to win the game with 2:06 remaining thanks to a layup from sophomore Abby Oliver. A layup and free throw from redshirt senior Brooke Littrell brought the difference back within one with 1:30 remaining. UCM (16-9, 12-6 MIAA) turned the ball over...
Warrensburg senior Aiden Walker will conclude his high school wrestling career at Mizzou Arena. The 152-pound wrestler (17-14) earned his trip to state after beating Hannibal senior Nathan Messina (13-9) by a 7-0 decision in the consolation quarterfinal round of the Class 3 District 4 tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12, at Kearney High School. Walker proceeded to defeat Jefferson City senior Tanner Quick (23-14) by fall in the third-place match. Walker was the only Tigers wrestler to make it through wrestlebacks. Senior Mason Fritsch (14-21) reached the consolation semifinals, falling to Capital City junior Eli Schuemann (31-15) by a 6-0...
Crest Ridge boys basketball beat Knob Noster 56-49 on Friday, Feb. 11, at Knob Noster High School. The Cougars started off hot after going up 15-6 in the first quarter. The difference was 23-21 at halftime. The second quarter was the only frame Crest Ridge did not reach double-digit scoring, with it winning the second half 33-28. Senior Corben Martin led the way with 22 points while Crest Ridge senior Jackson Himsgern had 19. Knob Noster senior Anthony Lopez posted 12 points while senior Darion Kendrick had 10. The Panthers had just had four makes from the field in the...
HARRISONVILLE — Now in his 48th season of coaching high school boys basketball, Rick Mills has added another item to his list of achievements. When the final buzzer sounded following a 56-54 win over Harrisonville on Friday, Feb. 11, celebration for his 800th career win began. “I’ve spent 18 years at Leeton,” Mills said. “I’ve loved every year. I’ve had a chance to go elsewhere but I didn’t want to. I have great parents and great kids. They work hard. It’s nice for me, but it’s also nice for Leeton, Warrensburg, La Monte, Green Ridge and all of the schools...
HARRISONVILLE — Leeton boys basketball had its fair share of internal struggles as it faced Harrisonville on Friday, Feb. 11. By the time the final buzzer sounded, those didn’t matter. The Bulldogs came out on top 56-54, giving head coach Rick Mills his 800th career win. “I want to congratulate Harrisonville on a smart game plan,” Mills said. “But, we didn’t execute what we should’ve executed in the first half. We were held to 16 points. I was not happy, I used two timeouts. Once we started executing and doing everything, things started falling into place.” Leeton (15-7) found itself...
HARRISONVILLE — At some point during the third quarter, Leeton girls basketball began to be outplayed by Harrisonville. After a 20-point halftime lead dwindled to six, the Bulldogs found a way to hold on helping winning 54-43 win on Friday, Feb. 11, at Harrisonville High School. “They battled,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “It’s tough when the ball’s going in and the other team is going on a big run.” When the middle portions of the third quarter came around, the game’s direction began to switch. Leeton’s (19-2) defense stepped away from what it is accustomed to, allowing Harrisonville’s...
Minor injuries reported in Feb. 4 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Feb. 4 on Highway D south of Highway 2. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2015 GMC Sierra, driven by Ashley N. Hoover, 24, of Holden, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. Hoover is reported to have minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene. Hoover is reported to have not worn a safety device. The GMC is reported to have moderate damage. Moderate injuries reported in Feb....
I have enjoyed the wines of Sebastiani since I was first introduced to them about forty years ago and my interest and enthusiasm for them has not waned or faltered in all these many years. I first met Sebastiani wines when the winery was under the unwavering control of August Sebastiani, a winemaker who set the stylistic direction for the wines he made and would never waiver from them. At his passing, the winery came under the control of his heirs who, I am happy to say, refused to deviate from the direction set by their father. As time went...
WARRENSBURG — Pittsville area residents now have access to rural broadband after Spectrum recently completed construction on a new network. Last week, Spectrum announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 140 homes and small businesses in the Pittsville area. According to a news release, Spectrum’s fiber-optic network buildout in Johnson County is part of the company’s approximately billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes [post_excerpt].2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations, as estimated...
MEQUON, Wis. — Concordia University Wisconsin officials have released the fall honors list for the 2021-22 academic year. Kayla Muehler, sophomore Rehab-Sci-Regular major, of Warrensburg, was named to the list. To be eligible for the honor, students must achieve a minimum 3.60 GPA.
LINCOLN, Neb. — Eleanor D. Russell, of Kingsville, has been named to the dean’s list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year. Russell is a junior majoring in history and English in the College of Arts and Sciences, which requires a 3.7 GPA to be eligible for the dean’s list. More than 6,700 students at Nebraska were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester. Qualification for the dean’s list varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a...
Shop Local Night, hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, has been rescheduled to 5-7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. The event will feature local home-based and small businesses. Each purchase will enter a customer’s name into a raffle drawing at the end of the event. For more information, visit warrenburg.org/event.
NEWBERG, Ore. — Kennedy Wilbanks, of Warrensburg, junior psychology major, was among those who earned dean's list recognition at George Fox University for the fall 2021 semester. Traditional undergraduate students must earn a 3.5 grade point average or above on 12 or more hours of graded work to earn a spot on the dean's list.
WARRENSBURG — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of a request to amend a conditional use permit for a Community Utility Facility in a general business district at the Monday, Feb. 7, meeting. The facility, owned by Missouri American Water Company, is located at 1705 Montserrat Park Road. “They currently have a large facility on the north side of Montserrat Park Road … that property is currently zoned general business and as a utility facility it operates under a conditional use permit that was granted in 2006,” Community Development Director Barbara Carroll said. The amended CUP would allow...
The Historic Preservation Commission is accepting nominations for the 2022 Notable Structures and Preservation Opportunities booklet. The Notable Structures and Preservation Opportunities booklet recognizes buildings, structures and sites that contribute to Warrensburg’s history and architectural heritage. Nominations should be sent to City Planner Kristin Dyer at kristin.dyer@warrensburg-mo.com. Nominations should include the location and a brief statement about the structure. The selected properties will be showcased in May in honor of National Preservation Month. The 2021 booklet can be found at warrensburg-mo.com/157/Historic-Preservation-Commission.
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg City Council member Tarl Bentley took a tour of Warrensburg from 4,00 feet on Tuesday with help from Skyhaven Airport. Airport Manager Benjamin West invited members of the City Council to tour the airport and take a brief flight over the town. Chief Flight Instructor Micheal Keller piloted a university-owned 100LL, a four-seat aircraft, over Warrensburg and the university campus, pointing out prominent landmarks. The Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport is the only airport in Johnson County and is owned by the University of Central Missouri. West said his hope is to build on the relationship between...
WARRENSBURG — During American Heart Month in February, Western Missouri Medical Center is encouraging area residents to show their hearts some love and learn the risks of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States. Knowing the risks is the first step in combating heart disease. WMMC offers heart scans for . The exam assesses the risk of heart disease and stroke by measuring the amount of calcium in the walls of arteries that supply the heart with blood. It is non-invasive and utilizes a computerized tomography scan that takes...
As of Thursday, Feb. 10, Johnson County Community Health Services reported there are 241 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 10,824 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 10,489 recovered and 94 deaths. The JCCHS COVID-19 dashboard is updated daily. For more information, visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
The Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners will answer spring lawn and garden questions from the public. Fielding questions through telephone and email, they will seek answers for horticulture questions including lawn and garden. Questions can be emailed to JohnsonCo@missouri.edu. Prompts should include contact information, the problem or question and include photos if appropriate to relay each situation. Inquiries can also be presented by calling the Extension Office at 660-747-3193. Regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 135 W. Market St. in Warrensburg. The Extension Master Gardeners provide research-based, unbiased answers to horticulture questions and are trained in...
The team at Knob Noster State Park is seeking volunteers to assist with spring migration bird surveys at Knob Noster State Park. Bird surveys are low-impact activities that require participants to walk slowly and document seen and heard birds. Surveys use eBird for documentation. Surveying the migratory birds that utilize the state park during the spring helps assess the ecological status of the area's habitats. The data is used to create future bird checklists and recognize the importance of certain areas. Volunteers will meet at the Knob Noster State Park visitor center at 7:30 a.m. on the scheduled survey dates,...
Seven second quarter threes helped Leeton to a 62-32 win over Concordia on Wednesday, Feb. 9, in Concordia. The Bulldogs opened the game on a 14-0 run before adding 32 points to the board in the second quarter. Senior Regan Shaffer and junior Bailey Fleming each led with 20 points. Senior Rowan Schmidli had 11. Leeton returns to action as it travels to Harrisonville on Friday, Feb. 11.
Leeton boys basketball knocked off Concordia 75-51 on Wednesday, Feb. 9, in Concordia. Junior Cody Shackelford hit nine threes, pacing the Bulldogs (14-7) with 27 points. Sophomore Camden Uptegrove also had numerous threes, posting four in total while adding eight steals and three assists. Junior Grant Harper added 12 points, while senior Danile Warner added 10 points with 11 rebounds. Leeton returns to action as it travels to Harrisonville on Friday, Feb. 11.
Chilhowee boys basketball took Kingsville to overtime on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Tigers won the contest 79-77. Tanner Anstine led the Indians with 35 points, while senior Tyler Bentley had 16 and junior Asher Harness had 14. The Indians previously lost to Kingsville by 18 earlier this season.
Mules basketball coasted to a 86-49 win over Newman on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Multipurpose Building. Central Missouri (11-10, 8-9 MIAA) led almost the entire contest, with only two lead changes taking place in the contest. It finished the contest making 32-of-62 (51.6%) shots, including 19-of-30 (63.33%)in the first half. The Mules won the rebounding margin 32-26 and posted 17 assists. No starter played more than 26 minutes, anchored by redshirt senior Ja’Cor Nelson. Nelson scored 22 points in the game, while redshirt freshman Reggie Morris was second in line with 13. Redshirt senior Koray Gilbert had 12, redshirt...
WARRENSBURG — As the final seconds of MRVC West girls basketball contest between Warrensburg and Pleasant Hill winded down, it became clear that the game’s results wouldn’t be decided until the last tick left the clock. With exactly .6 seconds left on the clock the TIgers managed to grind out the finish it needed to beat the Chicks 47-46 on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Warrensburg High School. “I told the girls, prepare for a war you have a party, prepare for a party you’re going to end up with a war,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “We had a...
WARRENSBURG — Josh Lamberson already had his belongings packed when he was offered the opportunity to become the 30th head coach of Mules football. For the last month and a half, Lamberson called a University of Central Oklahoma dorm room home after following head coach Adam Dorrel from Abilene Christian University to the Bronchos as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Now he’ll call a Warrensburg hotel room home until his wife, Mandy, daughter, Kiya and son, Ace, make the move from Abilene to the place where it all started: Warrensburg. “When I called and said we had the opportunity...
Holden boys basketball opened the Midway Tournament with a 62-47 win over Midway on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Midway High School. The Eagles were supported through a 19-10 start in the first quarter, including eight points from sophomore Aiden Morarity. He paced Holden with 16 points at the end of the game with Senior Hunter Higgins second in line at 13 and junior Josh Taylor third in line at 11. The win moves Holden on to a meeting with KC East in the semifinal round at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10.
WARRENSBURG — It took a team effort for Warrensburg to piece together a 72-41 win over Oak Grove on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Warrensburg high school. The Tigers flowed the ball around through the hands of several contributors, an aspect that came into the fruition as they fed off their defense. It helped Warrensburg to their third win of non-tournament MRVC West Action “We shared the basketball and I thought our defensive energy was really really good,” Warrensburg (10-9, 3-0 MRVC West) head coach Chris Nimmo said. “It was good to see [Luke] Othic have a career night. But, it’s...
CENTERVIEW — New tablets, voice and video visitation services were installed Feb. 1 by HomeWAV for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Centerview. As a HomeWAV video visitation customer since 2017, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office renewed a three-year contract in September 2021 to continue video services and add voice and tablet offerings. “We look forward to our continued partnership with HomeWAV,” Sheriff Scott Munsterman said. “Over the past couple of years, we have partnered with HomeWAV providing remote video visits to the inmates housed at the Johnson County Jail, which allowed the inmates to connect more frequently with their family...
Last month when I wrote about our ‘broken’ recycling system, I also encouraged everyone to resolve to refuse single-use plastic bags and plastic water bottles. Why? Because plastic is having a continued negative impact on our environment and is affecting our land, water and air in ways that are a danger to every living thing, including us. We now have five gyres (massive, circular current systems) in our oceans that are full of floating microplastics, nanoplastics and microfibers; these are the particles of plastic left when items break apart. It is estimated that by 2050 plastic will outweigh the fish...
The University of Central Missouri chose familiarity for its next head football coach. Josh Lamberson, who was offensive coordinator of the Mules from 2010-14, was announced as the school’s next head football coach in a press release Tuesday, Feb. 8. Lamberson, a native of Wilber, Nebraska, returns to Warrensburg after stops as head coach at Nebraska Kearney from 2015-17, and offensive coordinator at FCS Division I Abilene Christian from 2017-21. "I am extremely blessed and honored to be the next head coach at the University of Central Missouri," Lamberson said in a press release. "UCM has always felt like home...
The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Committee will host a candidate forum at 5:30 p.m. March 30 at the American Legion Post 131, 733 E. Young Ave. in Warrensburg, for candidates for Warrensburg City Council, Warrensburg R-6 School District Board of Education and Western Missouri Medical Center Board of Trustees. The committee is asking residents to submit potential questions to ask the candidates. Questions must be submitted by Tuesday, Feb. 8 to be considered. The committee will review the questions for possible use in the forum. The forum will be recorded and released for viewing as a link to...
Brian K. Hubbard, 43, was arrested Dec. 30 after officers responded Dec. 2 to a report of theft from a vehicle in the 600 block of North Ridgeview Drive. Hubbard was arrested on a charge of stealing - 0 or more - theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories. Charles K. Norman, 22, and Ally K. Terry, 19, were arrested Jan. 5 after officers responded Dec. 18 to a report of shoplifting in the 300 block of East Young Street. Norman and Terry were each arrested on a charge of shoplifting. Miriah G. Thompson, 30, was arrested Jan. 3 on...
I know that as we approach Valentine’s Day that this subject of love has probably been written about many times in the past. But because I am new to this community and to the writing of columns for this paper, I felt this would be a good time to share some thoughts on this subject of love. Now because I am a pastor and this column is for the religion page, my thoughts will come from the Scriptures. Before we go there, we need to realize that the word we use here, “love,” comes in many forms in the Scriptures,...
WARRENSBURG — From the veil to the food to how to change your last name, the annual Downtown Wedding Walk on Saturday, Feb. 5, highlighted the wedding services available within Johnson County. Twenty brides strolled through Downtown Warrensburg to learn more about cake, dresses, tuxes, event spaces, music and catering options. Warrensburg Main Street organizes the annual free event with the purpose of showing the available services by local businesses. Executive Director Jill Purvis said the event, in its third year, usually sees about 20 brides and several businesses have scheduled consultations or bookings from the event. Participating businesses...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Feb. 9 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday, Feb. 10 Overeaters Anonymous meets at 10 a.m. Thursday in room 141 of the First United...
WARRENSBURG — Families planning a funeral for their loved one now have another option at a local funeral home. Last fall, Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home partnered with Qico to offer water cremation services. Jevon Truesdale, chairman and founder of Qico, said prior to the local partnership, the closest funeral home offering water cremation was in St. Louis, so adding the service at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren makes it more accessible to people in west-central Missouri. Truesdale explained that water cremation is eco-friendly and has no emissions. According to Truesdale, the process is done at 200 degrees, compared to 1,800 degrees...
Four Johnson County girls wrestlers will compete at the MSHSAA State Championships later this month. Knob Noster freshman Kylie Miller, Holden sophomore Charlie Gregg, Knob Noster freshman Zoey Schroeder and Knob Noster senior Madison Henryqualified for state during the final day of the Class 3 District Tournament on Monday, Jan. 7, at Raymore-Peculiar High School. Miller and Gregg finished third in their respective weight class, while Schroeder and Henry placed fourth. This year’s state qualifiers were determined by top-four district placements. Miller (38-5) topped Lebanon senior McKenzie Gormley (26-12) by fall in the 115-pound weight class third-place match, Gregg (36-4) topped...
If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1922, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. University of Missouri Extension, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Missouri Farm Bureau sponsor the program. The application deadline to be recognized as a 2022 Missouri Century Farm is May 1. To qualify, the same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm...
For the second straight game, one possession separated Mules basketball from its opponent. Things didn’t end in UCM’s favor this time around, falling to Kim Anderson’s Pittsburg State squad 71-68 on Monday, Feb. 7, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. The Mules (10-10, 7-9 MIAA) trailed the entire second half, and brought the separation down to one within the final 30 seconds. During the same period UCM missed two free throws and a three-point shot. UCM finished the contest making 22-of-49 shots (44.9%), including 6-of-20 from three. Pittsburg State (5-16, 4-11 MIAA) hit 23-of-47 shots (48.9%) and 9-of-19 from three. Central...
LEETON — At a glimpse of the scorebook following Leeton girls basketball’s loss to Skyline on Monday, Feb. 7, one thing stood out – the first quarter. The Bulldogs surrendered almost half of the Tigers’ scoring within the game’s first eight minutes. From there, things got better as Leeton attempted to climb out of its deficit. That never happened though, with the Bulldogs falling to Skyline 56-42. “It’s just one of those things,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “They’re a good ball club, they came to play early. We knew. They hit five threes in the first quarter. That’s...
Jennies basketball returned to the win column besting Pittsburg State 74-54 on Monday, Feb. 7 at the UCM Multipurpose Building. UCM’s offense accelerated right the way, jumping out to a 26-15 lead while making 10-of-21 shots in the first quarter. Defense stepped up in the second and fourth quarters, holding Pittsburg State (13-9, 8-8 MIAA) to nine points in each frame. The Jennies (16-8, 12-5 MIAA) were led by a 27-point night by redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell. Senior Nija Collier was second in line with 21 points while redshirt freshman Olivia Nelson had 15 points. Collier also grabbed 18 rebounds. ...
WARRENSBURG — Enjoy a collection of 10-minute plays as University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance presents Spring Studios 2022, “A Night of Nights…at Night.” These plays, to be performed Thursday, Feb. 10, through Saturday, Feb. 12, are directed by UCM students Luke Englert, Molly Ross, Anna Braman and Luke Habjan, with other university students as the cast and crew. Doors open at 7 p.m. and all Spring Studios 2022 performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Nickerson Hall Black Box Theater on the UCM campus. Cost is [post_excerpt] per ticket, cash only. Masks are required for all audience members....
Mules golf head coach Tim Poe became an official member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame alongside the Class of 2022 during a ceremony Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield. Poe is in his 32nd season as head coach of the University of Central Missouri’s men’s golf team. He has led the program to 15 MIAA Championships, 27 consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearances, six top-five finishes at the national meet and a runner-up finish. He has produced 96 All-MIAA golfers, 34 All-Region selections, 25 All-Americans, eight MIAA Players of the Year, one All-Nicklaus Team...
WARRENSBURG — Local drives are helping to stem the flow, but fewer donors, fewer drives and a heightened demand as a result of the pandemic has led to a blood shortage. The City of Warrensburg Police and Fire blood drives have continued throughout the pandemic, but the Community Blood Center said the number of drives and the number of donors have decreased across the region and country. “We’ve been in a blood shortage since the onset of the pandemic actually, so going on two years now,” Smith. “Obviously, that is unprecedented. Previously we would experience shortages around winter and summer...
Both Holden basketball teams will travel west to Cleveland for the Midway Tournament at Midway High School next week. The tournament is scheduled to begin Monday, Feb. 7, and will run through Saturday, Feb. 12. It includes a pool play portion and a bracket play portion. Both Eagles basketball teams are in the tournament play portion. The girls are the No. 4 seed and the boys are the No. 5. Below is the full schedule for the tournament. GIRLS TOURNAMENT Monday, Feb. 7 Pool Play No. 2 Sherwood vs No. 6 Ballard, 6 p.m. Quarterfinal No. 4 Holden vs No....
Six Johnson County girls wrestlers remain in contention for a trip to state after the first day of the MSHSAA District 3 girls wrestling tournament on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Raymore Peculiar High School. Holden’s Charlie Gregg, Knob Noster’s Jayne Binder, Knob Noster’s Kylie Miller, Knob Noster’s Zoey Schroeder, Knob Noster’s Abby Sader and Knob Noster’s Madison Henry are left in the wrestleback semifinal round. Due to a delay in the tournament’s start by a day due to winter weather, the remainder of the district tournament will be held on Monday, Feb. 7. Binder (22-13) is scheduled to pick things...
WARRENSBURG — All season long, trips to the free-throw line have been a friend to Mules basketball redshirt senior Cam Hunter. With five second remaining in a contest with Missouri Southern, the factor was no different. With his team down by one, all Hunter needed to do was sink at least 1-of-1 shots to keep the likelihood of a win in grasp. To Central Missouri’s benefit, he hit two-of-two, marking the final points of a 75-74 win on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Multipurpose Building, “Cam Hunter, I thought he was fantastic in the second half,” Central Missouri head coach...
WARRENSBURG — Each time Jennies basketball found itself within reach of taking its first lead or tying on Saturday, Feb. 5, Missouri Southern had an answer. The absolute solution came as the separation stood at three with 19 seconds remaining on the clock. A turnover by redshirt freshman Charley Bovaird stolen by Lions freshman Lacy Stokes set up a layup to extend the difference back to five, marking the final significant play of a 66-61 Central Missouri loss at the Multipurpose Building. “We got to play without turning it over,” Central Missouri head coach Dave Slifer said. “We had too...
Warrensburg girls basketball lost to Harrisonville 49-32 on Friday, Feb. 4, at Harrisonville high School. The Tigers (10-7, 1-1 MRVC West), fell behind 15-6 in the first quarter and struggled to get back within. Warrensburg was led by junior Kimberly Maxwell’s 15 points, including a team-high five makes from the field. Junior Grace Hill and sophomore Reece Nimmo were the only others to sink more than one shot from the field. Hill finished with six points, including two makes inside the paint. Nimmo had five points, arriving through a three and shot inside. Harrisonville (18-1, 2-0 MRVC West) finished with...
Warrensburg boys basketball picked up a 55-47 win over Harrisonville on Friday, Feb. 4, at Harrisonville High School. The Tigers (9-9, 2-0 MRVC West) were supported by a combined 33 points in the middle two frames, outscoring the Wildcats by eight points in the second half. Warrensburg led 46-37 with 5:20 remaining thanks to a 15-0 run. Harrisonville (4-15, 0-3 MRVC West) responded with a 17-4 run, bringing it down to 50-46 with 3:16 left. A layup by junior Gauge Claunch, assisted by senior Luke Othic, helped put the cap on the win. Sophomore Josh Thomas led the Tigers with...
HOLDEN — Leading by three on its last defensive possession against Lafayette County, Holden went man-to-man. Following a Huskers inbound 13.2 seconds remaining, the Eagles locked in making sure a regulation MRVC East victory was in store on Friday, Feb. 4. Holden won 28-25. “I was harping, we had to go man,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said. “I know we don’t play a lot of man but you have to go man when you can’t give up a three-pointer in a three-point game. I thought we responded well a little.” In the process, Holden had its eyes on preventing...
Attention, take notice, be warned; Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. Why the warning? With the supply chain problems, empty dealers’ shelves and a significant other who may be very upset; get your rosé wines now and save yourself from a ton of woe. Tradition alone dictates that it is a rosé wine that best says “I love you,” so, as a public service to our readers, I offer you some very good rosé wines that will not only delight your significant other but will put you at the top of their favorites list. Justin 2020...
WARRENSBURG — The Rotary Club of Warrensburg President Allison Bolt presented a donation to Early Childhood Hunger Operation Executive Director Dawn Moore on Tuesday, Feb. 1. The club states in a press release the donation is an ongoing effort to help fund various non-profits in Johnson County. ECHO provides food bags to Johnson County area preschool children who have been identified as at risk for food insecurity. These food bags are intended to supplement the dietary needs of these children while they are out of school for the weekend. For more information on ECHO, visit echo4kids.com. For more information on...
Have you ever thought to yourself or said out loud, “After all I have done for him, he does this to me?” Sometimes we find ourselves upset because we freely give of ourselves and our resources only to find that the receiver of our gift is unappreciative or does not reciprocate our generosity. It is a common feeling and one that is difficult to avoid when we are in this situation. It’s normal, but is it a fair way to respond? Giving of ourselves, whether it be time, money, a referral, a gift or any multitude of things should be...
JEFFERSON CITY – The powerful winter storm that blanketed parts of Missouri with up to a foot of snow continued to move through the state on Thursday, adding more snow and ice to already covered roads. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to be patient as crews continue to work to get roads back to normal. Bitterly cold temperatures on Friday will slow the efforts to get roads clear. MoDOT crews will still have a lot of work to do on Friday, clearing all the roads including the smaller routes as well as exit ramps and outer roads. Expect...
WARRENSBURG — As the COVID-19 pandemic enters yet another calendar year, the Western Missouri Medical Center staff continue to care for patients despite seemingly endless struggles. WMMC CEO Darinda Dick spoke with the Star-Journal on Friday, Jan. 28 and said during the past week, 45 different patients had been admitted with COVID, a new high for WMMC. She said the last record-high was in November 2020, with 28 COVID patients in one week. “We have been very busy and saturated with COVID patients,” she said. “It is starting to slow down a little bit over the last five or six...
JOHNSON COUNTY — After freezing temperatures and snowfall Tuesday-Thursday, Feb. 1-3, Johnson County emergency agencies report no major issues. Johnson County Emergency Management Agency Director Cassidy Poteet said they are at a level four, enhanced monitoring. “We are either working remote or in our office monitoring National Weather Service, power outages,” Poteet told the Star-Journal on Thursday. “We’re communicating with other officials and other departments about what their statuses are and just kind of making sure all the wheels keep turning.” Poteet said the east side of the county was hit a little harder and had a few more inches...
WARRENSBURG — After 16 years as principal at Warrensburg Middle School and a total of 32 years in education, Jim Elliott has announced he will be retiring this summer. “I’m in my 32nd year of education and it was one of those, I’ll say, perfect storms that I kind of thought I’d go to 32ish,” Elliott said. Elliott said he wanted to wait to end on a “normal” year after the initial lockdown in March 2020. “I’m going to be honest, this year still isn’t quite what I wanted normal to be, but it’s closer than what it was last...
The University of Missouri Extension, Johnson County recently had an election to select council members to serve a two-year term. Newly elected council members include LaDonna List for the Northeast District, AnJanell Parsons for the Southeast District, Taryn Hinds for the Southwest District, Connie Simmons for the Northwest District and Jordan Snapp and Allison Bolt for at-large seats. New members will begin their term effective March 1. Council membership is open to all citizens through the election process as established by Missouri law. They provide oversight and guidance for all University of Missouri Extension programs conducted in Johnson County, including...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson announced that registered voters of Johnson County will receive new voter identification cards after the April 5 General Municipal Election. Thompson said this will not affect eligibility to vote on April 5. The later mailing date is due to the redistricting process, which follows the census every decade. The census took place in 2020. Once final district maps have been approved, the Voter Registration address library must be updated to reflect the correct districts for each voter. Thompson said it is unlikely that redistricting will affect Johnson County. “Probably for us...
The following students were named to the Crest Ridge Secondary School honor roll for the first semester of the 2021-22 school year. Honor Roll Sixth Grade: Summer Anderson, Adilynn Bicknell, Destiny Burch, Chase Caylor, Layla Chambers, Sophie Codilla, Serena Crighton, Savannah Dilday, Brennan Duffy, Zoey Fockler, Maiya Hopkins, Lielyana Johnson, Kinser Langley, Riley Lowrance, Denna Martin, Hayden Morlan, Calypso Odle, Nicholas Payne, Jace Rozell, Hunter Russell, Zoey Shaffer and Nola Watson. Seventh Grade: Gabriel Barker, Danni Chugg, Landon Cuda, Chase Denham, Fayth Kelso, Brock Krewson, Aubrey Lowrance, Haylie Martens, Fenix McCune, Jordyn McKenzie, Rylee Meadows, Lilly Miller, Hailey Ridge, Cyrus...
Our president got caught on a hot mic this week calling Fox News’ Peter Doocy “a stupid son of bitch.” Some Americans were angry — but some said it was the first genuine remark they’d heard from the Commander-in-Chief. “Let’s go Brandon” has recently become a popular euphemism with those in the right wing of politics. But others don’t bother to mince words — there’s a hot market for bumper stickers, T-shirts and even yard flags that proclaim, “F**k Joe Biden!” Everyone from your stern schoolteacher to your sainted granny says an occasional swear word. It’s just so easy (and...
Evergy has received customer reports of individuals placing phone calls to customers and calling themselves “Clean Energy” or “Clean Energy Utility.” They claim to work with Evergy and are erroneously informing customers that Evergy will be asking customers to reduce energy use due to the winter weather and cold temperatures. They’re telling customers they will provide free advice and technology to help when Evergy calls on reduced energy use from its customers. “Clean Energy/Clean Energy Utilities” is not an Evergy partner or program. Evergy does not anticipate electricity shortages during this cold spell. Additional resources at Evergy power plants have...
WARRENSBURG — Missouri FBLA District 10 officers welcomed chapters from 28 school districts Feb. 1 at the 2022 FBLA District 10 Leadership Conference. More than 500 students and advisors gathered at the host facility, University of Central Missouri, to learn, compete and celebrate at the first face-to-face District Conference in two years. FBLA members competed in more than 60 events ranging from Accounting and Agribusiness to Social Media Strategies and UX Design. The top performers in each event appeared on stage and were awarded medals. Students also learned more about entrepreneurship and the effective use of social media in workshops...
In order to allow Public Works to remove the excess snow piled up in the central business district, Phase Two of the snow emergency ordinance will go into effect from midnight to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Phase Two of the snow emergency ordinance means there is no parking on street in the central business district during that time period. Phase One was in effect 6 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. A map of the Phase II snow emergency streets can be found on the city’s website. The impacted streets include: Holden Street, from Gay...
Another coach with connections to Mules football is heading to Tulane. John McMenamin, who served as UCM’s offensive coordinator from 2015-2019, resigned from his head coach position at Wayne State College to join the Wave as a wide receivers coach on Thursday, Feb. 3. McMenamin had been the leader of Northern Sun member Wayne State since 2020. Since COVID-19 canceled the 2020 season, he had just one season in competition compiling a 7-4 record. It marked the first winning season at Wayne State since 2011. Through five seasons at UCM, McMenamin helped the Mules to one of the top offenses...
In order to allow Public Works to remove the excess snow piled up in the central business district, Phase Two of the snow emergency ordinance will go into effect from midnight to 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Phase Two of the snow emergency ordinance means there is no parking on the street in the central business district during that time period. Phase One was in effect 6 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. A map of the Phase II snow emergency streets can be found on the city’s website.
February baseball in Warrensburg will have to wait for another occasion. Due to winter weather conditions across the region, Mules baseball’s 2022 season opener with Arkansas Tech has been canceled. The two teams were slated to play four games between Friday, Feb. 4, and Sunday, Feb. 6, at Crane Stadium as part of opening weekend. UCM will now open its season with games Friday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 13 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The schedule will begin with games against Arkansas-Monticello and Maryville at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, a meeting with St. Mary’s at 1:30...
Mules football announced its 2022 signing class as part of national signing day on Wednesday, Feb. 2. This year’s class includes 29 athletes, breaking down to 26 high school standouts and three transfers. It further breaks down to 19 defensive players and 10 offensive. Amongst the group of athletes is 15 from Missouri, four from Kansas, two from Oklahoma, two from Nebraska, two from Texas, one from Iowa, one from Arizona, one from Georgia and one from California. The list includes Warrensburg’s Luke Othic, who signed with the Mules as a defensive back. Warrensburg High School will hold a signing...
Winter conditions have moved back UCM’s doubleheader with Pittsburg State once again. The Jennies and Mules will now take on the Gorillas at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7. The meetings were initially scheduled to take place Wednesday, Feb. 2 before being pushed back to Thursday, Feb. 3. As a result of the latest reschedule, Mules basketball’s make-up meeting with Newman has been pushed back from 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9. Both UCM programs are still slated to host Missouri Southern on Saturday, Feb. 5. Central Missouri and Southern have already met once...
The Warrensburg, Chilhowee and Holden school districts have canceled classes for Thursday and Friday, Feb. 3-4 due to inclement weather. The Kingsville School District has announced Thursday will be an Alternative Methods of Instruction day and school is canceled Friday. The Knob Noster School District has announced Thursday and Friday will be AMI days. As of press time, the Leeton and Crest Ridge school districts have not made an announcement. The National Weather Service reports the counties of Johnson, Bates, Cass, Cooper, Henry, Howard and Pettis are under a winter storm warning through noon Thursday. NWS states if travel is...
Crest Ridge girls basketball tallied its first win of I-70 Conference Play topping Orrick 46-24 on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Crest Ridge High School. The Cougars were led by junior Karley Swope, who posted 25 points. She had seven three-pointers, tying the program’s single-game record. Crest Ridge (6-4, 1-3 I-70) limited Orrick to single-digit scoring in three of four quarters and led 23-8 at halftime. The Cougars return to action on Friday, Feb. 4 as they host Santa Fe. The contest will serve as Crest Ridge’s Hoops for Hope game. Crest Ridge invites all cancer fighters and survivors to the...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg girls basketball fell short of coming back from a 16-point halftime deficit against Notre Dame de Sion on Tuesday, Feb. 1. The Tigers came within six points of tying the contest by the end of the third quarter, and remained in reach up until the final moments falling 58-47 at Warrensburg High School. “It was a little rough,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “I thought they fought hard. I was proud of their effort. It’s not the end that we wanted. But they didn’t lay down.” Warrensburg (10-6) once again navigated the floor without freshman point...
WARRENSBURG — The City of Warrensburg has issued a Phase One Snow Emergency to be in effect 6 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, through 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. As of Tuesday, the NWS reports five to 12 inches of snow is expected. As part of the snow emergency ordinance, parking on emergency snow routes is prohibited. Emergency snow routes include: Gay Street from Water Street to Ridgeview Drive South Street from Main Street to Maguire...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Despite spring-like weather on Monday, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon for Johnson County. According to the NWS, heavy snow is possible, with total snow accumulations of 6 to 14 inches possible over the three-day period. It is expected to impact portions of east-central and northeast Kansas and central, north-central, northeast, northwest and west-central Missouri. The NWS forecast for Warrensburg states rain is likely after 3 p.m. Tuesday, with temperatures falling to around 42 by 5 p.m. There is a 60% chance of precipitation. That turns into...
WARRENSBURG — Pine Street has a new tenant with the opening of Woodchux, a new axe-throwing business. Warrensburg is the third location for Woodchux. The first location opened in Liberty about three years ago, followed by a location in Excelsior Springs. Chris Barton, a co-owner of Woodchux and operator of the Warrensburg location, said the first two branches had been successful, so they decided to open another in Warrensburg. All three spaces are different, and the Warrensburg space has many more offerings, such as a bar and a mezzanine space that houses a DJ booth and will eventually have private...
As significant amounts of ice and snow are expected Tuesday evening through Thursday, Sedalia Police Department officers are asking drivers to exercise caution. “While it's possible to drive in bad weather, the best advice is just to avoid it if you can,” Officer Kevin Tylar, with the SPD Traffic Management Department, said. “Situations can turn dangerous very quickly, and the likelihood of getting stranded or getting into a crash are a lot higher. Don't take the chance when it’s possible to avoid going out. Let the road crews do what they're doing, getting the road clear.” This storm will likely...
After Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced in January that his office was filing lawsuits against 45 school districts, two Johnson County districts have not received any information. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has filed lawsuits against three Johnson County school districts to halt those districts from illegally enforcing mask mandates. Schmitt announced Friday, Jan. 21 that he, along with 76 parents as plaintiffs in certain cases, had filed 36 separate lawsuits against districts across the state. The following week, he filed additional lawsuits for a total of 45. Among the districts are Holden, Kingsville and Warrensburg. Last month, following...
The following students were named to the Warrensburg High School honor roll for the fall semester of the 2021-22 school year. Ninth grade: Madison Abner, Matthew Allcorn, Brooke Anderson, Elijah Anderson, Lily Applegate, William Bax, Jackson Beymer, Tristan Blew, Erika Bloom, Abigail Bollmeyer, Zachary Bond, Adysen Bone, Audrey Bowland, Aiden Brainard, Thomas Bridgmon, Hailey Britton, Arianna Brown, Dalton Brown, Zachary Brown, Peyton Bruner, Beau Bryant, Maddox Buckson, Emma Burkhart, Jackson Burns, Adrian Byrd, Johnathon Calcote, Ty Carman, Chloe Caygill, Carl Clark, Alyssa Courtaway, Adele Crick, Kennedy Crookes, Carris Cummings, Caleb D'Amico, Jaylee De Santiago, Jaden Degen, Paige Delap, Emalie Denton,...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Despite spring-like weather on Monday, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon for Johnson County. According to the NWS, heavy snow is possible, with total snow accumulations of 6 to 14 inches possible over the three-day period. It is expected to impact portions of east-central and northeast Kansas and central, north-central, northeast, northwest and west-central Missouri. The NWS forecast for Warrensburg states rain is likely after 3 p.m. Tuesday, with temperatures falling to around 42 by 5 p.m. There is a 60% chance of precipitation. That turns into...
WARRENSBURG — Members of the United States Air Force have two new pathways to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Safety and Risk Management from the University of Central Missouri. These opportunities are made possible through UCM’s selection as a partner in the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative with the Community College of the Air Force. UCM was informed in December that its application has been accepted to add these offerings for eligible military personnel. “This is unique in that the faculty were able to create a CAT I and CAT III pathway for this program,” Courtney Swoboda,...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Feb. 2 Trails Regional Library, 432 N. Holden St., will host Valentine Card Making from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Warrensburg branch. Registration is required. Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W....
Brice A. Story, 45, was arrested Dec. 28 after officers responded Dec. 22 to a report of stealing in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Story was arrested on a charge of shoplifting. Rhonda D. Alderson, 55, was arrested Dec. 27 after officers responded Nov. 30 to a report of stealing in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Alderson was arrested on a charge of shoplifting. Alderson was later arrested Dec. 28 after officers responded Nov. 14 to a report of shoplifting in the 300 block of East Cooper Boulevard. Alderson was arrested on a charge of shoplifting. ...
SEDALIA — The final mementos of a U.S. veteran’s life are often a folded funeral flag, a few spent shells and possibly their dog tags and medals. To honor their sacrifice, one local Vietnam veteran decided to create something to hold and preserve these memories. In April 2021, David Tagtmeyer, 80, of Sedalia, set about building red oak hardwood flag cases and shadow boxes for military and deceased veterans. Tagtmeyer purchases the wood himself and builds the units in his garage workshop. His neighbor Debbie Iman donates the black velvet that goes inside the case while the double-strength glass is...
SEDALIA — As the long cold days of winter drag along, a Sedalia business is making plans for spring. Along with opening a greenhouse filled with house plants, herbs and vegetable plants this spring, Mid-Mo Organics will host a Spring Jam with vendors and musicians in April. The veteran-owned business is owned by Scott Siron, Adam Meives and James Parker, all of Sedalia. Siron spoke to the Democrat on Friday noting often people believe the business to be a cannabis dispensary — it is not. The business provides products for growers of all types of plants. “We offer a wide...
JOHNSON COUNTY — The first round of grants from the West Central Electric Cooperative Round Up Foundation was presented this month with two Johnson County recipients receiving funds. The Holden Boy Scout Troop 727 received a ,000 grant to help purchase a new equipment trailer and the Kingsville School District received a grant for ,000 to purchase equipment for its Career and Technical Education Department. The funds will be used for equipment for Housing and Interior Design, Child Development and Food and Hospitality courses. A total of four projects were funded for the first quarter of 2022. The funds are...
The City of Warrensburg Police and Fire departments will host a Community Blood Center blood drive 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the American Legion, 733 E. Young St. Blood Drive Chair Jeremy VanWey said the blood drive, previously hosted at the Warrensburg Community Center, is moving to the American Legion due to space limitations. Appointments are preferred and walk-ins will be accepted as time slots are available. To schedule an appointment, visit savealife.org/group and enter group code DBHB. Masks are required for all donors regardless of vaccination status. For COVID-19 safety protocols, visit savealifenow.org/coronavirus. For medical...
Minor injuries reported in Jan. 27 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a two-vehicle wreck Jan. 27 on westbound Highway 50 west of Northwest 391 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2007 Mazda CX7, driven by Philip J. Stemberger, 42, of Syracuse, struck the rear of a 2010 Ford Escape, driven by Patricia J. Denney, 59, of Warrensburg. The Ford traveled into the median and the Mazda traveled off the right side of the roadway. Stemberger is reported to have minor injuries and was transported by the Johnson County Ambulance...
The University of Central Missouri basketball doubleheader with Pittsburg State, initially scheduled to be played Wednesday, Feb. 2, has been rescheduled. Due to forecasted winter weather, the doubleheader will now be played Thursday, Feb. 3. The Jennies will tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Mules at 7:30 p.m.
Knob Noster girls wrestling finished with two championships at the HIghway 13 Throwdown in Higginsville on Friday, Jan. 28, in Higginsville. Freshmen Kylie Miller and Zoey Schroeder each top first-place matches. Miller (27-3) beat Centralia freshman Madie Shelton (12-14) by fall in the 115-pound championship and Schroeder (29-2) beat Mid-Buchanan freshman Molly Stanton (23-8) by fall in the 125-pound championship. Senior Jayne Binder (16-10) finished second in the 110-pound bracket, senior Madison Henry (13-3) finished second in the 194-pound bracket, senior Haley Robles (18-10) finished third in the 120-pound bracket, freshman Addy Wade (14-16) finished fourth in the 130-pound bracket...
Warrensburg boys wrestling competed at the Odessa Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Odessa High School. The Tigers were led by a third-place finish from junior Daniel Stark-Wrobleswki. The 170-pound wrestler (19-14) topped Holden sophomore C.J. Reifsteck (15-8) by fall for the placement. Senior Mason Frttsch (12-17) also competed in a third-place match, falling to Logan Rogersville junior Jacob Foster (21-16) by fall in the 132-pound weight class. Sophomore Maddox Snyder (13-17) finished seventh in the 138-pound weight class, junior Kevin Norton (8-23) finished ninth in the 145-pound weight class and senior Aiden Walker (15-16) finished ninth in the 152-pound...
Holden wrestling’s trip to the Odessa Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 29, included two appearances in a championship match. Sophomores Daylen Greene and Carson Moreno each wrestled their way to a first-place match bout. Greene (27-4) won the 120-pound championship, beating Odessa freshman Gabe Studdard (28-20) by a 15-1 major decision. Moreno (27-5) finished second in the 113-pound weight class, falling to St. Pius X freshman Dillan Chisam (29-7) by a 11-0 major decision. Sophomore C.J. Reifsteck (15-18) finished fourth in the 170-pound weight class, junior Kody Conard (12-7) finished fifth in the 138-pound weight class, freshman Aiden Christian (16-10) finished...
Holden girls wrestling competed in two championship matches at the Women’s Thundering Herd in Buffalo on Saturday, Jan. 29. Sophomore Charlie Gregg (30-3) and junior Alex VanHooser (13-18) each wrestled for first place, but finished second overall. Gregg fell to Buffalo senior Skyler Maverick (41-2) by fall in the 130-pound championship match, while VanHooser (13-18) fell to Warsaw freshman Brooklyn Jackman (6-5) by fall in the 235-pound title match. Junior Gigi Jones (16-20) finished third in the 149-pound bracket, sophomore Valerie Justice (0-5) finished fourth in the 115-pound bracket, sophomore MaReya May (9-14) finished fifth in the 125-pound bracket and...
Knob Noster boys wrestling had two second-place finishes at the Highway 13 Showdown on Saturday, Jan. 29, in Higginsville. Junior Payton Arnold and sophomore Trey Payne each appeared in a championship match, but fell short. Arnold (22-10) lost to Richmond senior Wyatt Rice (19-6) by fall in the 126-pound championship and sophomore Trey Payne (23-3) fell to Richmond sophomore Hayden Happy (20-1) by fall in the 195-pound championship. Sophomore Levi Wilhelm (26-2) finished third in the 106-pound bracket, senior Nathan McDonald (21-10) finished third in the 138-pound bracket, freshman Mason Grosz (16-13) finished fourth in the 113-pound bracket , senior...
CENTERVIEW — For the second-straight season, Leeton girls basketball is the Quarry City Cougar Classic champion. The tournament title was earned with a 74-32 win over Sherwood on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Crest Ridge High School. “Ultimately I told the girls that winning that game meant not just winning on the scoreboard, but getting [Sherwood] out of that zone,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “They like that zone, we want to get them out of that zone. I don’t know what it was, but we shot lights out. They had to come out of that zone and that was a...
CENTERVIEW — The Quarry City Cougar Classic’s All-Tournament teams were announced upon the conclusion of the boys and girls championship games on Saturday, Jan. 29. The results were based upon ballots submitted by head coaches to tournament organizers. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own athletes. Leeton senior Regan Shaffer was selected as the tournament’s girls MVP while Lexington senior Darion Bickham was selected as the boys MVP. The Leeton girls beat Sherwood 74-32 for their second-straight tournament championship while the Lexington boys bested Leeton 59-56. Below is the complete list of athletes announced to the All-Tournament teams. ...
CENTERVIEW — Holden girls basketball lost to Concordia 56-46 in the third-place game of the Quarry City Cougar Classic on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Crest Ridge High School. The biggest difference of the contrast arrived in the fourth quarter, where the Eagle (11-7) were outscored 14-5. The frame included nine points from Orioles (10-7) senior Cate Cooper. Before the last eight minutes arrived, she had hit just one make from the field. Up until the fourth quarter, no more than two scores had separated Holden and Concordia. The Eagles led 13-9 at the end of the first quarter and 29-27...
CENTERVIEW — Leeton boys basketball never counted itself out against Lexington in the Quarry City Cougar Classic championship game. After trailing by as many as 12, the Bulldogs found a way to claw back within a possession’s reach. Leeton ended up short, falling 59-56 on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Crest Ridge High School. “Late in the game, our defense was solid, very solid,” Leeton head coach Rick Mills said. “They would take a not really good shot, and we would let them have second, third shots. About three possessions there in the third and fourth, they got the shots and...
CENTERVIEW — Through three quarters, Knob Noster and Crest Ridge boys basketball found themselves in a shootout for the Quarry City Cougar Classic third-place trophy. Beginning with an offensive rebound turned bucket from senior Darion Kendrick less than 30 seconds into the fourth, the Panthers began to take over. In return, they turned a four-point lead into a 60-45 win on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Crest Ridge High School. “That was a lot of momentum for them,” Crest Ridge head coach Cooper Collier said of Jackson’s rebound. “That was kind of the nail on the coffin for us.” As Jackson...
Mules basketball lost to No. 5 Northwest Missouri State 89-49 on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Bearcat Arena in Maryville. UCM led 2-0 until the Bearcats hit their first basket of the game two minutes and 45 seconds later. The Mules (9-9, 6-8 MIAA) never saw the lead again and found themselves trailing 39-21 at halftime. They were outscored 50-28 in the second half. Central Missouri made 20-of-46 shots, including 4-of-15 from the three-point range. Northwest (19-2, 12-1 MIAA) made 32-of-52 shots, including 20-of-35 from deep. Redshirt sophomore Trey Sides was the only Mule to reach double-digits, posting 18 points with...
Jennies basketball knocked off Northwest Missouri State 58-54 on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Bearcat Arena in Maryville. UCM (15-7, 11-4 MIAA) outscored the Bearcats 20-11 in the fourth quarter, enough to pull off the win. A three-point shot from senior Nija Collier tied the contest up with 4:27 remaining, breaking a Northwest (14-6, 9-5 MIAA) lead that had existed since late in the third. Redshirt freshman Olivaia Nelson and Broke Littrell proceeded to score on a jumper and layup to build a four-point separation. It built up to six before Northwest freshman Peyton Kelderman hit a three with :20 remaining. ...
CENTERVIEW — Knob Noster girls basketball’s fate in the fifth-place game of the Quarry City Cougar Classic went down to the final seconds. Within the last five ticks, all KC Lutheran needed was a three to tie the game up. Instead, a pass to the inside set up a layup to make it a one-point game with less than a second remaining At that point the game was decided, with the Panthers winning 45-44. “They were being very aggressive,” Knob Noster head coach Mike Riley said. “Sometimes the calls don’t always go your way so the aggressiveness, having to play...
CENTERVIEW — Holden boys basketball’s rally from behind fell short against Concordia in the Quarry City Cougar Classic’s fifth-place game. Trailing by 15 points at halftime, the Eagles slowly began to claw back in on the Orioles. The fell just short of completing the full comeback, falling 66-61. Holden (4-14) outscored Concordia 45-34 in the second half, and had the game down within a single basket. Final trips to the free-throw line for the Orioles (8-10) within the last two minutes capped things off. Sophomore Aiden Morarity led Holden with 23 points, junior Tyler Hankins had 11 and junior Garrett...
CENTERVIEW — Crest Ridge girls basketball finished off the Quarry City Cougar Classic with a 46-26 win over Lexington, finishing seventh in its home tournament. The Cougars (5-14) controlled the contest throughout its entirety, leading 12-5 by the end of the first quarter and 23-7 at halftime. Junior Karley Swope led Crest Ridge with 15 points, with sophomore Mady Trobough at nine points and sophomore Katlyn Gassen at seven. Lexington only reached double-digit scoring in the fourth. The win marked the Cougars’ second over the Minutewomen this season. Crest Ridge returns to action Tuesday, Feb. 1, as it hosts Orrick....
WARRENSBURG – A nearly 100-year-old commercial building along U.S. Highway 50 just west of Warrensburg was destroyed Friday, Jan. 28. According to a Johnson County Fire Protection District press release, the fire was reported at 9:45 a.m. JCFPD stated that according to multiple witness reports, within minutes, flames engulfed the entire structure, which houses Wildscapes, a masonry, landscape, fireplace, and building supply business. JCFPD personnel arrived four minutes after being dispatched and found the building fully involved. Due to wind and dry weather conditions, the fire spread quickly into the highway median and a field on the opposite side of...
Jennies softball enters the year as the No. 2 team in the MIAA’s preseason poll. Central Missouri received six first-place votes, two fewer than No. 1 Central Oklahoma. The Jennies finished the 2021 season with a 38-14 record and won the MIAA Postseason Championship. They proceeded to an appearance in the regional tournament. They received a No. 25 selection in the National Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association’s DII preseason poll. Central Oklahoma was the only other MIAA program to receive a mention, ranked at No. 20. Central Missouri is scheduled to open its season at the Arkansas Tech Invitational on Saturday,...
Mules baseball is favored to win the MIAA once again. Central Missouri was picked as the No. 1 team in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, receiving 10 out of 12 first place votes. The other two votes belonged to Pittsburg State and Northeastern State. UCM posted an overall record of 46-8 a year ago, winning its 28th MIAA championship and 19th NCAA Division II regional title. The Mules completed the season as the national runner-up, falling to Wingate in the national championship. Central Missouri was the lone MIAA team to receive a ranking in the National College Baseball Writers Association’s...
Mules football will have a new head coach in 2022. Jim Svoboda has resigned to take the offensive coordinator position at NCAA DIvision I Tulane University, a NCAA Division I University in New Orleans. He’ll work on the staff of former UCM head coach Willie Fritz, who he preceded 12 years ago. The move was first reported by ESPN College Football Senior Writer Pete Thamel and confirmed by NOLA.com’s Guerry Smith on Tuesday, Jan 18. Central Missouri and Tualne made the announcement official in a release on Friday, Jan. 28. "Coach Svoboda did an excellent job of leading the Mules...
SEDALIA — Rehearsals are well underway for the play “Calendar Girls” to be performed at the Haden Liberty Center in February. Director Jan Bahner said this is the first time for the Liberty Center Association for the Arts to present the play. “Calendar Girls” is based on a true story that became a film starring Helen Mirren in 2003. It’s a story about a group of women in Yorkshire, England, who are part of an association called the Women’s Institute (WI). One of the women loses her husband to cancer and the group of friends planned to honor him by...
Our world has changed in what feels like the blink of an eye. It cannot be attributed to any one thing, but a multitude of occurrences that have quickly impacted the way in which we live. It feels as though we are experiencing shell shock. We were bombarded by a series of grenades and now our ears are ringing so loudly that we can’t hear what anyone around us is saying. We can only guess and we are afraid because there is nowhere to turn or look for truth other than up. Crime is running rampant because a group of...
WARRENSBURG – From mowing lawns and delivering meals to helping veterans file for their benefits, members of the William A. Carleton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2513 donated 973 hours and more than ,500 in 2021. Part of those hours is direct service to veterans who need assistance with compensation and pension claims. A veteran who was injured while in the service can apply for a service-connected disability through a Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officer. “Our mission is helping veterans apply for their benefits,” said Post Commander Howard Good at the Jan. 5 post meeting. “A service officer cannot...
CENTERVIEW — Holden basketball had its turn for a win in the consolation round of the Quarry City Cougar Classic on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Crest Ridge High School. The Eagles topped KC Lutheran 57-39, earning their fourth win of the season. “We came out with some energy on our press,” Holden head coach Nathan Martin said. “I think that’s the way we kind of envisioned it when we put it in this summer, we were hoping it would look like that more often than not. When you get up and put a little pressure on the ball, it helped...
KANSAS CITY — Rockhurst University awarded nearly 200 degrees at its December commencement ceremony Dec. 11 at Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse. Brittnee Bryan of Kingsville graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
CENTERVIEW — Knob Noster boys basketball fell to Lexington 56-40 in the Quarry City Cougar Classic semifinal round on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Crest Ridge High School. The Panthers (10-6) didn’t have an answer to senior Darion Bickham in the fourth quarter. He accounted for 13 of Lexington’s 16 points in the fourth quarter, and put up 42 in total. Knob Noster had just nine in the fourth quarter, allowing the Minutemen (11-4) to pull away from a 38-31 separation that stood at the end of the third. Senior Darion Kendrick led the Panthers with 18 points. Senior Anthony Lopez...
FULTON — Freshman Payton Heevner of Warrensburg has been named to the Westminster College fall 2021 dean's list for exemplary academic performance. The list of 214 students includes 57 freshmen, 58 sophomores, 36 juniors, and 63 seniors. To be included on the dean's list, a student must achieve a 3.60 semester GPA with at least 12 hours completed that semester. "These students exemplify Westminster College's long tradition of educational excellence," President and Chief Transformation Officer Donald P. Lofe Jr. said. "On behalf of the entire Westminster community, I want to congratulate each one of them on this outstanding achievement."
PARKVILLE — Park University has announced the graduates for the fall 2021 semester. The list of graduates includes those from the University’s flagship campus in Parkville as well as its 40 additional campuses across the country and online. Jennifer L. Snapp of Holden graduated with a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership. Emily Ringen of Holden graduated with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership/Principalship. John T. Abernathy of Knob Noster graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing. Dominic Joseph Bergamasco of Warrensburg graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. Whitney R. Colligan of...
With numerous vendors expected, “there is something for everyone” at the Central Missouri Agriculture Club’s annual Agriculture Expo hosted Feb. 4-5 at the Mathewson Exhibition Center and Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The annual event has been hosted for almost 20 years and it is estimated that 2,000 to 2,500 people attend the two-day event each year. Many are typically members of FFA and 4-H chapters who not only volunteer at the event but also use it as a learning opportunity. The Ag Expo will feature seminars presented by specialists from the University of Missouri Extension...
It has been a while since the better Australian wines have graced our store shelves or appeared on the internet in any quantity. A crippling drought, coupled with high heat from global warming, had plagued the Australian wine grape growers and vintners for the past several years. The Australian wine grape regions are located in southeastern Australia and are, under normal conditions, blessed with a Mediterranean-type climate, more than adequate rainfall and cooling winds blowing up from the South Pole; perfect for growing wine grapes. In recent years, that cooling wind just wasn’t there nor was the rain and the...
CENTERVIEW — Leeton boys basketball chipped away from a multitude of spots versus Crest Ridge in the Quarry City Cougar Classic semifinal round. The versatility led to a 71-57 Bulldogs win Thursday, Jan. 27 at Crest Ridge High School. “The kids do a great job of passing the ball and seeing,” Leeton head coach Rick Mills said. “We talk about the defense is going to give you something. And what they give you take and exploit it. That’s all we do.” One by one, Leeton (13-6) knocked in shots from various spots on the court. Junior Cody Shackelford played a...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson reminds county residents the deadline to register for the 2022 Municipal Election is 5 p.m. March 9. The General Municipal Election will take place April 5. If residents have moved from another Missouri County or have moved from another state, the resident will need to register with Johnson County prior to the deadline. Voters moving from one county to another within Missouri are considered a “new registrant”, not an address change. In-person voter registration for Johnson County is located in Warrensburg at the Johnson County Courthouse in the Voter Registration Office. Mail-in...
JOHNSON COUNTY — As of Thursday, Jan. 27, Johnson County Community Health Services reports there are 577 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. Of the 10,704 total confirmed cases, 10,034 have recovered. There have been a recorded 93 deaths. For more information about COVID-19 in Johnson County, visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Board voted to add a player to an existing basketball roster following a discussion regarding registration for youth sports at the Wednesday, Jan. 26, meeting. Bryant Lanier addressed the board to discuss the situation that led to his son being deemed ineligible to play and the subsequent forfeit of a match. “I just came here on behalf of my son on his ineligibility to play and the lack of attention towards his ineligibility and to dispute the suspension that me and my wife got and to get an answer of why he could...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg City Council approved a second reading of an ordinance, authorizing payment to supplement an existing contract with HDR Engineering for grant funding services at the Monday, Jan. 24, meeting. The City of Warrensburg utilized HDR for services involving concept drawings, engineer’s estimates of construction cost and traffic and safety models of the Maguie Street/Highway 50 overpass during the application process for the RAISE grant. The City of Warrensburg applied for the grant in the summer of 2021. The city was not awarded the grant. “After reviewing that application and those materials that were produced and products...
For the second time this year, Jennies basketball and Missouri Western went to overtime. The latest occurrence resulted in a 82-77 Central Missouri loss on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at the UCM Multipurpose Building. With 18 seconds remaining in regulation, the No. 25 Griffons were up 64-62. Jennies freshman Brooke Littrell proceeded to steal an inbound pass leading to a game-tying score. That led to overtime, where Central Missouri was outscored 18-13. Central Missouri (14-7, 10-4 MIAA) finished the contest shooting 22-of-30, compared Western’s 31-of-36. The biggest difference arrived in overtime where the Jennies were 4-of-12, with all the makes arriving...
Mules basketball maintained its own tempo in a 83-46 win over Missouri Western on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. UCM made 51.6% of its shots and had 20 assists, finishing with four different scorers in double-figures. The Mules (9-8, 6-7 MIAA) outscored Western 39-21 in the first half and 44-25 in the second half. They forced 14 turnovers while also tallying nine steps and seven blocks. Redshirt senior Ja’Cor Nelson led the way scoring 22 points while tallying 13 rebounds. Redshirt senior Koray Gilbert, redshirt sophomore Ikenna Okeke and redshirt junior Gaven Pinkley also recorded double-digit scoring,...
CENTERVIEW — Leeton girls basketball’s matchup with Concordia in the Quarry City Cougar Classic semifinal round went to plan. The Bulldogs found their rhythm offensively and limited opportunities for the Orioles, winning 76-52 on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Crest Ridge High School. “Their point guard, (Catherine) Cooper does a good job handling the ball,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “I felt like we did a good job of turning her, working her and frustrating her without fouling her… We just made adjustments from a better angle and made her pick it up. Then the challenge came of getting the...
CENTERVIEW — Day three of the Quarry CIty Cougar Classic began with a consolation matchup between the Crest Ridge and Knob Noster girls basketball teams. The battle of the two Johnson County teams came out in favor of the Panthers, who earned their third win of the season topping the Cougars 51-41 on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Crest Ridge High School. “I’m excited about the win and I’m excited for our girls,” Knob Noster head coach Mike Riley said. “We needed to come out and we needed to do a good job on the boards. We did a good job...
CENTERVIEW — Holden girls basketball is heading back to the Quarry City Cougar Classic’s third-place game after falling to Sherwood 49-37 in semifinal action Wednesday, Jan. 26. The Eagles were outscored 19-12 in the final frame, extending a five-point third quarter deficit to 12 by the game's end. Sherwood hit 9-of-12 free-throws in the fourth, compared to Holden’s 5-of-10. Holden trailed by 10 points at halftime before a 10-5 run in the third. The Marksmen (9-6) proceeded to hit four shots from the field in the fourth. The Eagles (11-6) were led by senior Abby Wamslety, who put up 14...
SEDALIA —Three Johnson County 4-H members earned the Outstanding County Dairy Goat award for their performance at the 2021 Missouri State Fair. The award is determined by the number of goats from a particular county with the highest placing animals. The members are Riley Edmunds, daughter of Rocky and Rhonda Edmunds of Warrensburg; Grayci Holcomb, daughter of Tom and Kristen Holcomb of Odessa; and Marlys Kanneman, daughter of Arthur and Kathrine Kanneman of Warrensburg. Riley Edmunds showed six junior and three senior Nubian does and a Nubian market wether. Edmunds’ Doe Fern Hill SH “Addelynn” claimed the Grand Champion Senior...
WARRENSBURG — After reviewing the Safe Return to In-Person and Continuity of Services Plan, a split vote by the Warrensburg School Board of Education lowered the metics threshold from three percent to two percent at the Tuesday, Jan. 25, meeting. Board President Justin Johnson voted against lowering the metrics threshold. Safe Return The Safe Return Plan outlines the district’s COVID-19 procedures and guidelines. Assistant Superintendent John Finnane said the district previously changed the threshold from three percent positive cases and quarantined to three percent positive cases. “As evidence from last week, our student population percentage and our teacher percentage went...
Warrensburg girls basketball beat Smith-Cotton 66-63 in its first pool play game of the Clinton Tournament on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Warrensburg held on in the fourth quarter, which began with a 48-39 lead. Warrensburg (11-3) finished the contest with four players in double-figures, led by junior Grace Hill’s 17. Freshman Maleah Myers had 15, junior Kimberly Maxwell had 13, and sophomore Adrianna Nunnelly had 11. Junior Brookelynn Becker was a basket away from double-figures, posting nine. Warrensburg initially led 13-7 after the first quarter and trailed 28-27 at halftime. It outscored Smith-Cotton 21-11 in the third. Warrensburg was supported by...
Serious injuries reported in Jan. 21 wreck One person is reported to have serious injuries and one person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Jan. 21 on Southwest 701 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 1998 Ford, driven by Colin M. Morelock, 20, of Holden, failed to navigate a curve, went off the right side of the road, overcorrected, ran off the left side of the road, began to overturn and struck a highway sign. Morelock is reported to have serious injuries and was transported to Research Medical Center. A...
CENTERVIEW — Holden boys basketball lost to Lexington 65-29 in the first round of the Quarry City Cougar Classic on Tuesday, Jan. 25. The Eagles (3-13) trailed 14-5 at the end of the first quarter with the difference increasing to 31-17 by halftime. The Minutemen (10-4) had strings of success from individuals, with senior Darion Bickham dropping 13 in the second quarter and freshman Damario Moss dropping 11 in the third quarter. The two accounted for five Lexington scorers to reach double digits. Holden had just one, with junior Tyler Hankins leading the team with 10. Sophomore Aiden Morarity had...
WARRENSBURG — The Rotary Club of Warrensburg presented a donation of funds to the Meals on Wheels program Tuesday, Jan. 25. The [post_excerpt],000 donation is part of an annual effort by the club to support organizations in the community. “We raise funds every year and then we decide, each year we kind of vote on the top three not-for-profits or organizations that we kind of want to focus on for that year,” Allison Bolt, rotary president, said. Bolt said the club saw an increase in funds raised this year. Other organizations receiving donations include Survival House, Early Childhood Hunger Operation,...
CENTERVIEW — Knob Noster took the hardwood in competition for just the second time in a two-week period on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Facing KC Lutheran in the first round of the Quarry City Cougar Classic, the impact showed. Slowly but surely, the Panthers were able to get scoring going, beating the Knights 54-21. “This has been our first game in a week and we have missed games sporadically,” Knob Noster head coach Adam Easterwood said. “We need to find our rhythm. We were able to do that in the second quarter and early in the third. We’re hoping that will...
CENTERVIEW — For the second time this season, a contest between Crest Ridge and Concordia boys basketball didn’t disappoint. The latest edition arrived with the Cougars winning 52-46 in the first round of the Quarry City Cougar Classic on Tuesday, Jan. 25. “They played us tight both times,” Crest Ridge head coach Cooper Collier said. “Hat’s off to our guys in both games that we came out close in both ones.” Crest Ridge’s (9-8) latest win of the year came into the fruition as sophomore Daniel Doak found his shot. He contributed 17 points in the game, 14 arriving in...
CENTERVIEW — Top-seeded Leeton boys basketball opened the Quarry City Cougar Classic with a 60-29 win over Sherwood on Tuesday, Jan. 25, at Crest Ridge High School. The Bulldogs (12-6) flowed through defensively, with their press specifically taking off in the second quarter. The aspect limited Sherwood (0-14) to single-digit scoring, with Leeton taking off on the other end of the court. “You get a first-round matchup with a No. 1 and No. 8 seeded team, you should dominate,” Leeton head coach Rick Mills said. “And we did. We took care of business. Leeton led 21-10 after the first quarter,...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg City Council approved a second reading of an ordinance, authorizing payment to supplement an existing contract with HDR Engineering for grant funding services at the Monday, Jan. 24, meeting. The City of Warrensburg utilized HDR for services involving concept drawings, engineer’s estimates of construction cost and traffic and safety models of the Maguie Street/Highway 50 overpass during the application process for the RAISE grant. The City of Warrensburg applied for the grant in the summer of 2021. The city was not awarded the grant. “After reviewing that application and those materials that were produced and products...
Jennies softball made it into the National Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association’s Preseason Division II Top 25. Central Missouri checked in at No. 25, receiving 22 points in the voting process that includes 16 Division II head coaches. The Jennies are one of two MIAA programs to be concluded, with Central Oklahoma checking in at No. 20. UCM is coming off of a 38-14 season that resulted in the program’s ninth MIAA Championship. The team features several returning contributors, including junior infield/outfielder Abbey Fischer, redshirt junior Ashlyn Cook, sophomore outfielder Aubrie McRoberts and redshirt junior pitcher Kyleigh Lay. Local names on...
Serious injuries reported in Jan. 21 wreck One person is reported to have serious injuries and one person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Jan. 21 on Southwest 701 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 1998 Ford, driven by Colin M. Morelock, 20, of Holden, failed to navigate a curve, went off the right side of the road, overcorrected, ran off the left side of the road, began to overturn and struck a highway sign. Morelock is reported to have serious injuries and was transported to Research Medical Center. A...
CENTERVIEW — Crest Ridge girls basketball lost to Sherwood 64-34 in the first round of the Quarry City Cougar Classic on Monday, Jan. 24, at Crest Ridge High School. The Cougars (4-13) were able to keep the score within 10 points before halftime, though the third quarter brought a Marksmen pull ahead. There, Crest Ridge was outscored 21-6. The period included offensive mistakes for the Cougars, turning into easy Sherwood (8-6) baskets. The loss sends the Cougars into the consolation portion of the bracket, where they’ll take on Knob Noster at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26. The Panthers lost to...
CENTERVIEW — The third meeting between Holden and Knob Noster girls basketball this season was all Eagles. A first-half offensive burst helped Holden to a 53-20 win over the Panthers in the first round of the Quarry City Cougar Classic on Monday, Jan. 24. “That was just great out of the gate,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said. “34-6. We kind of took over in that first quarter. They had some shots, but they were limited to one and done. Our defense was really really really good in that first half.” The first half consisted of an offense that led...
Aylah L. McKeough, 20, was arrested Oct. 5 after officers responded Sept. 20 to the report of theft in the 100 block of Shady Lane. McKeough was arrested on a charge of stealing. Marvin J. Winger, 65, was arrested Oct. 8 on a charge of leaving the sene of an accident. Kenna D. Kinsey, 19, was arrested Oct. 4 on a charge of possession of fictitious/altered license. Trinity M. Pruett, 19, was arrested Oct. 4 on a charge of possession of fictitious/altered license. Paul D. Wright, 20, was arrested Oct. 4 when officers responded to the report of a possible...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Police Department has confirmed that as of the evening of Monday, Jan. 24, the Warrensburg High School campus has been cleared after a bomb threat was found written on a bathroom wall inside the building. “Late this morning, the district was notified of a threat written on a bathroom wall at Warrensburg High School,” Superintendent Andy Kohl said in an email to parents. “Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement recommended the evacuation of WHS students and staff. Law enforcement agencies arrived on-site to begin the process of securing the campus. Parents/guardians of WHS students...
SEDALIA — After more than 50 years on South Massachusetts Avenue, the Sedalia Democrat has announced it will be moving to a new location in downtown Sedalia later this year. The Democrat opened its current office at 700 S. Massachusetts Ave. in 1967. As the newspaper industry across the country continues to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shift in how readers consume the news, the Democrat has decided to leave its current leased building and purchase a building at 111 W. Fourth St. “While I know change can be hard, especially for a long-standing company like...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, Jan. 25 Flu shots at Johnson County Community Health Services for those 65 and older from 9 to 11 a.m. and flu shots for those 6 months and older from 1 to 4:30 p.m. No appointment necessary. Food Safety...
CAPE GIRARDEAU — Delaney Adams, of Warrensburg, has been named to the fall 2021 dean's and president’s lists at Southeast Missouri State University. Students named to the dean’s list earned at least a 3.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, completed at least 12 hours of standard graded credit, achieved no grade below a B and received no failing grades in enrolled, credit/no credit or pass/fail courses. Students named to the president’s list earned at least a 4.0 grade point average and completed at least 12 hours of standard graded credit in a semester.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court of Western Missouri will welcome 250 people as new U.S. citizens Thursday, Jan. 27, at the first ceremony hosted at Union Station in Kansas City. The ceremony is hosted by Welcoming KC, an initiative of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, REACH Healthcare Foundation and several other community partners. U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes will preside and Paige Wymore-Wynn, court executive, will administer the Oath of Allegiance. The citizenship candidates live in Battlefield, Blue Springs, Boonville, Cassville, Carthage, Chillicothe, Columbia, Country Club, Cross...
Warrensburg girls basketball is set to compete in the Clinton Tournament this week at Clinton High School. Competition will be made up of pool pay, with teams split into two separate pools. Pool A is made up of No. 1 seeded Tipton, No. 4 seeded Adrian and No. 5 seeded Clinton. Pool B is made up of No. 2 seeded Nevada, No. 3 seeded Warrensburg and No. 6 seeded Smith-Cotton. The first games of the tournament were played on Monday, Jan. 24. The final games will occur on Friday, Jan. 28. Below is a schedule of competition. Monday’s results were...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg High School evacuated Monday, Jan. 24, shortly after it was reported that a bomb threat had been written on a bathroom wall in the building. Assistant Superintendent John Finnane said Principal Bret Pummill acted quickly and contacted the Central Office and law enforcement. “(Pummill) then worked through the process of taking the information and advice from law enforcement which was to evacuate the building,” Finnane said. “We coordinate the evacuation effort, mobilized the buses, brought them (the buses) in, brought students to the off-site area and then we also notified families (about) what was going on.” The...
CENTERVIEW — A Quarry City Cougar Classic first-round matchup between No. 1 seed Leeton and No. 8 seed Lexington went as booked. The contest was all Bulldogs, who topped the Minutewomen 77-11 on Monday, Jan. 24, at Crest Ridge High School. “We’re just right now two programs on the opposite ends of the spectrum,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “They are young with not a lot of court experience, and we are returning a pretty solid group. That’s just the way the first round of tournaments go sometimes.” Leeton (15-1) posteda combined 50 points in the first half, rolling...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg Main Street will host the third annual Downtown Wedding Walk from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5 in Downtown Warrensburg. Main Street invites fiances, family and friends to explore the local shops and services available, including the dress, tux, cake, food, flowers, invitations, photos, engraved memorabilia, bridal party gifts and other wedding essentials. There will also be restaurants that offer catering for the rehearsal dinner or reception, salons for hairstyling and makeup and barbershops for a haircut and shave. The event is free. Registration is encouraged but not required. All those to-be-wed who reserve a spot will...
As 2020 came to a close, so many needed a good year. We had just come out of a historically unprecedented pandemic. We were tired — tired of the changes, tired of the restrictions, tired of politics, tired of all of the fighting, and ready to get back to some sense of normalcy. We needed 2021 to be a relief year. We were looking forward to some peace and some reprieve. Alas, very few got what they were hoping for. In fact, the vast majority of what I just described, continued. The pandemic continued with the launching of new...
Mules baseball enters 2022 ranked No. 3 in the National College Baseball Writers Association’s preseason rankings. Central Missouri received a single preseason vote and compiled 429 points in the poll. It sits behind No. 2 team and defending national champion Wingate and No. 1 team Tampa. The Mules finished 2021 as the DII runner-up, falling to Wingate in the tite game. The team’s overall look will be different than a year ago, having graduated its core. It still returns names like junior pitcher Brady Gavin, junior pitcher Jacob Moskowitz, sophomore outfielder Garrett Pennington, senior infielder Harrison Schnurbusch and senior infielder...
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County Community Health Services has canceled the free drive-thru COVID-19 testing event originally set to take place 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the First Baptist Church, 1302 Maguire St. JCCHS Director of Communication Kerri Lewis said the event has been canceled due to the anticipated cold temperatures and windchill. JCCHS is offering testing by appointment. For more information, contact JCCHS at (660) 641-3096 or (660) 641-3306.
The Quarry City Cougar Classic is slated to be held next week at Crest Ridge High School. This year’s field includes Crest Ridge, Leeton, Knob Noster, Holden, Sherwood, Concordia, Lexington and KC Lutheran. The tournament will begin with the girls first round on Monday, Jan. 24, and will run through the championship and third place games on Saturday, Jan. 29. With an undefeated start to the season, the Leeton girls are the No. 1 seed in the girls bracket, with Holden at No. 2. Leeton also holds the top seed in the boys bracket, with Lexington at No. 2. Leeton...
After rallying back from a deficit in the second half, Mules basketball fell to Rogers State 91-83 in overtime on Saturday, Jan. 22, in Claremore, Oklahoma. UCM (8-8, 5-7 MIAA) trailed by as many as 15 points in the contest, and closed regulation on a 27-10 run. A three-pointer from redshirt senior Cam Hunter tied the game at 71 with :28 seconds remaining in the second half to cap the rally. The momentum shifted back in the direction of Rogers State (12-6, 6-6 MIAA) in overtime. It made 3-of-4 attempts from the field, and 14-of-14 shots from the free-throw line. ...
Holden boys wrestling had two championship appearances in the Gary Haag Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 22, at Brookfield High School. Senior Logan Yoder and sophomore Daylen Greene both appeared in their respective weight class title match. Yoder (20-4) won the 132-pound championship, topping Trenton sophomore Brayden Hughs (23-7) by a 5-2 decision. Greene (22-3) placed second, falling to Centralia junior Brayden Dubes (25-2) by a 7-1 decision. Other results included freshman Conner Carver (13-11) placing fourth in the 145-pound bracket, freshman Aiden Chrsitian (11-8) placing fifth in the 220-pound bracket, sophomore Carson Moreno (21-6) placing sixth in the 113-pound bracket,...
Knob Noster girls wrestling had three second-place finishes at the Knob Noster Lady Panther Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 22, at Knob Noster High school. Freshman Jayne Binder (17-9) fell to Odessa freshman Addison Kramme (29-12) by fall in the 110-pound championship, freshman Kylie Miller (27-4) fell to Lawson senior Brooke Cox (26-5) by a 5-3 decision in the 115-pound championship and freshman Zoey Schroeder (28-2) fell to Nixa Sophomore Brenya Crahan (22-1) by fall in the 125-pound championship. Other finishes included freshman Addy Wade (14-16) placing fourth in the 130-pound bracket, sophomore Abby Sader (24-6) placing fourth in the 159-pound...
Jennies basketball’s winning streak is up to five. Central Missouri beat Rogers State 60-43 on Saturday, Jan. 22 in Claremore, Oklahoma. After a relatively quiet first quarter, UCM began to hit its shots. They were just 3-of-16 within the first 10 minutes, but managed to hit 6-of-13 in the second quarter and 8-of-16 in the third. Redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell led in scoring, posting 19 points while adding 13 rebounds. Senior Nija Collier also had a double-double, posting 17 points and 10 rebounds. Redshirt freshman Charlie Bovarid was third in line with 13 points. The Jennies won the rebounding margin...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Ambulance District recognized the outstanding amongst their own during the 2022 Awards Banquet on Friday, Jan. 21, in the Elliott Student Union ballroom. “We are here to recognize those who really are the front line, that take care of our patients, tonight,” JCAD Emergency Medical Services Director Shane Lockard said. Lockard said the event highlights not only what EMTs and paramedics do for patients but also what they do for eachother. The guest speaker was Atchison-Holt Ambulance District EMS Chief Gene Bradley who previously served as the president of the Missouri Ambulance Association and chair...
Holden sophomore Charlie Gregg highlighted the Eagles’ day at the Brookfield Tournament on Friday, Jan. 21, at Brookfield High School. Gregg (26-2) won the 130-pound championship thanks to a win over Brookfield freshman Mya Sackrey (11-4) by a technical foul. Also competing on the day were junior Alec VanHooser (10-17) placing second in the 235-pound bracket behind Macon junior Brooklyn Gooding (18-2). Junior Gigi Jones (12-17) placed fourth in the 149-pound bracket.
WARRENSBURG — Using funds raised during their annual car show, Warrensburg Wheels Car Club has donated 0 to nine organizations. The nine organizations which received donations are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, Adult Literacy, Manna Harvest, Food Center, Angel Tree, the Christmas Store, Warrensburg Senior Center Home Delivered Meals, Christian Youth Home and Survival House. “It varies every year depending on what we bring in,” Warrensburg Wheels President Robert Meyrand said. “If we bring in a lot of cars then we’ll have a larger donation for the charities.” The club goes through a selection process to determine which...
Crest Ridge boys basketball fell to Archie 52-42 on Friday, Jan. 21, at Archie High School. The fourth quarter was the biggest difference in the contest, with the Cougars being outscored 29-9. Before the last eight minutes, Crest Ridge (8-8) was up 31-23. Senior Corben Martin scored a game-high 21 points while senior Dalton Wilhite had 11. The loss broke a string of three-straight wins for the Cougars. They return to action against Concordia in the first round of the Quarry City Cougar Classic at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25
LEETON — Approximately 20 to 25 minutes stood between the halftime buzzer and the first whistle of the second half between Leeton boys basketball and Wellington-Napoleon on Friday, Jan. 21. Intermission was filled with Homecoming festivities, most of which Bulldogs basketball took in from the baseline just outside of its locker room. What could’ve been a distraction led to some of Leeton’s best moments of the night, leading to a 57-41 win. “We talked about that at halftime (in the locker room),” Leeton head coach Rick Mills said. “We really emphasised 'look if you’re going to play hard, the first...
LEETON — A regular season battle between two of the top girls basketball programs in Missouri was won by Wellington-Napoleon. After leading through the first portions of the first quarter, Leeton found itself playing from behind. It was never able to recover from the deficit, falling 65-47 on Friday, Jan. 21. “We never really found a rhythm,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “You know, we executed on the first possession there and got a bucket in the post entry deal. Really, after that first possession they were just the more aggressive ball club, which is really kind of a...
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has filed lawsuits against three Johnson County school districts to halt those districts from illegally enforcing mask mandates. Schmitt made the announcement Friday that he, along with 76 parents as plaintiffs in certain cases, had filed 36 separate lawsuits against districts across the state. Among the districts are Holden, Kingsville and Warrensburg. Last month, following a recent Cole County ruling, the Attorney General’s Office opened up an inbox for parents to report non-compliant districts. According to a news release, the Office has received more than 11,000 email submissions and has sent a number of school...
Knob Noster looked east for its next head football coach. Smith-Cotton's Michael Franklin has been announced as the leader of the Panthers' football program. Franklin will also serve an assistant track coach and be in charge of Knob Noster's weights and conditioning program as a physical education teacher “I am very excited and honored to lead the Knob Noster football program,” Franklin stated in a release. “I look forward to working with the exceptional staff at Knob Noster School District and building positive, lasting relationships with the great community.” Franklin will join Knob Noster after nine years at Smith-Cotton, spending...
WARRENSBURG — Despite having only one candidate for Sub-district 2, the Johnson County Ambulance District Board voted to include it and the contested Sub-district 5 seat on the April 5 ballot. Emergency Medical Services Director Shane Lockard said legal counsel advised to have both seats on the ballot, though not in competition, because the seats serve on the same board. “This year was interesting,” Lockard said. Lockard discussed the wording in law 115.124 regarding “nonpartisan election in political subdivision or special district.” Lockard said the board Paul Polychronis, incumbent, is running unopposed for the Sub-district 2 seat. Benjamin Fundaburg and...
A three-pointer from redshirt junior Gaven Pinkley set Mules basketball up for the final 1:53 of a contest with Northeastern State on Thursday, Jan. 20. At the mark, Pinkley put up a shot through an assist from redshirt senior Ja’Cor Nelson to give Central Missouri (8-7, 5-6 MIAA) a one-point lead. Through the moments remaining, fate stuck in UCM’s direction, resulting in a 82-78 win in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Following Pinkley’s shot, Northeastern State (8-9, 3-8 MIAA) missed two shots and turned the ball over once. Along with those moves were a series of RIverhawks timeouts, and fouls that sent UCM...
Jennies basketball opened a two-game road trip with a 82-54 win over Northeastern State on Thursday, Jan. 20, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. UCM jumped out to a 20-11 lead in the first quarter and did not look back, continuing to post 20 points in the second quarter, 25 points in the third quarter and 17 points in the fourth quarter. The Jennies (13-6, 9-3 MIAA) made 59.6% of their shots, including an 8-of-11 rate from the three-point range. Redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell led the way, sinking 11-of-18 attempts and 3-of-4 from the three-point range. She posted a career-high 30 points, also...
Johnson County Community Health Services is hosting a free, COVID-19 drive-thru testing event from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25 at First Baptist Church, 1302 Maguire St. in Warrensburg. This is a free PCR test for symptomatic individuals. Due to the high demand for COVID-19 testing, JCCHS is offering this free event to help slow the spread of COVID-19 across the region. Symptomatic individuals must register and schedule an appointment prior to the event. Visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/covid-testing to register. After registering, each person will be sent an email with directions to select an appointment time. Anyone with questions or needing...
SPRINGFIELD — Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list. Local students include Abbie Dameron of Chilhowee; Olyvia Buzzanga of Knob Noster; Savanna Collins and Daphne Miles of Leeton; Lucee Keller of Holden; Sophia Leslie of Kingsville; Rylee Parrott of Knob Noster; Madeline Curtis, Daphne Gonce, Kevin Hoke, Acacia Jurkowski, Leslie Pierce, Caley Rogers, Gabi Shull, Monica Osborn, Kara Smith and Delaney Thompson of Warrensburg. For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the fall semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average on a...
Johnson County Point in Time Count Coordinator Mary McCord said in an email to volunteers the count has been postponed to a later date. The PIT Count is a census of the unhouse and unsheltered population and takes place for one day across the state. The Missouri Continuum of Care has announced the rescheduled date for the count will be in late February or early March. The count was originally set to take place Wednesday, Jan. 26. For more information about the count, contact McCord at mccord@ucmo.edu.
Do those you love really know how much you love them? When we are first married, the honeymoon period is fantastic! All we think about is how much we love each other and how sparkly life is going to be now that we know that we will be together forever. That feeling is so special. But suddenly we find ourselves doing the everyday tasks of working, cleaning, cooking, paying bills and meeting other commitments. When life becomes “normal” we sometimes forget to say, “I love you” or “I love spending time with you.” It’s not that we don’t want to,...
UCM Track and Field is scheduled to host the UCM Invitational on Friday, Jan. 22, at the Multipurpose Building. Field events will begin at 2 p.m, with track events beginning at 5 p.m. The last event, the distance medley relay, will occur at 8:50 p.m. Heading into the meet, the Mules have eight NCAA Division II provisional qualifying marks while the Jennies have two. Tickets are for adults, for seniors, for visiting college students and youth, free for active military, free for UCM students and free for children under six. Results will be available at liveresults.trxctiming.com/meets/UCM_Invite_2022 as...
This time of year, we evaluate many areas of our lives and look for ways to improve. It is also a great time to evaluate our gardens’ plants and performance over the past year. One of our warmer winter days is a great time to take a walk-a-bout through our yards, then come back in and cozy up with a notebook and a cup of tea. Start with recognizing your successes. What were the plants and vignettes that brought you joy during the year and what edibles filled your table? I think about two annuals that I grew from seed...
SAN ANGELO, Texas — More than 170 Angelo State University student-athletes, including Sadie Misner of Warrensburg, management major, have been recognized for their work in the classroom by being named to the Lone Star Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2021 fall semester. The LSC Commissioner's Honor Roll is announced at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester. To be eligible, student-athletes must have a minimum 3.30 GPA for the current semester and be on the roster of their respective teams.
Below-freezing wind chill values are expected through the end of the week. According to the National Weather Service, northwest winds gusting to 25 to 30 mph were expected throughout Wednesday in west central Missouri. Wind chill values were expected to fall below zero Wednesday evening and remain below zero through Thursday morning. The coldest wind chills of 15 to 20 below were expected along and north of Highway 36. Sub-zero wind chills are expected Friday morning along and north of I-70. On Thursday, Warrensburg saw sunny skies with a high near 18 and a low around 2. The wind became...
The white wines of Bordeaux have never achieved the aura of magnificence that surrounds the red wines of that district. In truth, the white wines of Bordeaux, except for a very few, are today, almost invisible. These wines most definitely are not in any way the lesser of the two styles but suffer from a dreadful malady called history. For centuries, the rule was “red wine for the men, white wine for the ladies.” That was perfect for the male-dominated societies of the “way back when,” but it has not carried through to the present time of sexual equality. About...
Minor injuries reported in wreck on Highway M One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Jan. 18 on Highway M north of Northwest 700 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2005 Ford F250, driven by Andrew J. Sherman, 66, of Higginsville, began to slide on ice and crossed the center of the roadway, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a post. Occupant Jason M. Tronstad, 47, of Platte City, is reported to have minor injuries and sought his own treatment. The Ford is reported to...
WARRENSBURG — The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars joined forces in December to help the 1-135th Assault Helicopter Battalion celebrate Christmas with a 0 donation. William A. Carleton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2513 Chaplain Teresa Shaw received a call from unit leadership asking for help to pay for their active-duty member's Christmas meal. "A soldier on active duty with the National Guard has to pay for their own meals, even for a party," Shaw said. "The unit really wanted all of their soldiers to have a free meal at the Dec. 4 unit Christmas party." Shaw knew...
The Missouri Cattlemen's Association elected its 2022 leadership during the 54th annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Bruce Mershon, of Jackson County, will serve as the 2022 MCA President. "I'm incredibly grateful to the members for the opportunity to help lead MCA in 2022,” Mershon said. "Working together, we can meet the challenges facing our industry and improve the livelihood of Missouri cattle producers." David Dick, of Pettis County, will serve as president-elect. Chuck Miller, of Miller County, was elected to serve as vice president. Marvin Dieckman, of Benton County, will serve as treasurer, and Charlie Besher, of...
Due to a combination of COVID-19, other illness and forecasted wind chills below zero, Warrensburg R-6 has opted to not hold sporting events between Thursday, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 23. The move comes in correlation with the cancellation of school for Thursday and Friday. The move affects a total of six varsity events. Of them, two have been postponed to an undetermined date according to Warrensburg’s activities calendar. As things stand, sports are expected to be able to return to competition on Monday, Jan. 24. The list of affected events is below. Friday, Jan. 21 Girls swimming at Belton...
WARRENSBURG — Missouri Governor Mike Parson released his Fiscal Year 2023 state budget recommendations on Wednesday, Jan. 19, as part of his State of the State address. Parson’s proposed budget includes a number of recommendations that would benefit UCM directly or indirectly.The recommendations include a 5.4% increase in core appropriations, .9 million to renovate the Humphreys Building and an increase in funding for Bright Flight and other state financial aid programs. The Humphreys renovation would require a match of .9 million from UCM.The budget recommendations now move to the House of Representatives for consideration and debate. UCM will track closely...
WARRENSBURG — Late in the third quarter against Excelsior Springs, a switch flipped for Warrensburg boys basketball. The power turned on as threes began to fall for Warrensburg. Combined with the limitation of Excelsior Springs, the Tigers in white with cardinal lettering were able to take a 59-44 home win on Wednesday, Jan. 19. “I thought we had good looks in the first half, but they just didn’t fall,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo said. “I thought in both the first half and third quarter especially when we had the right guys shooting, they just didn’t fall. To our guys’...
JOHNSON COUNTY — A shortage in staff and substitute teachers have been credited as why several school districts recently called off in-person classes or canceled school. Students, substitutes and teachers are calling in due to sickness, including COVID-19, flu and cold. “We started seeing … our number of staff members that were going to be out was reaching that critical level where we couldn’t provide substitutes and we were not going to be able to effectively instruct students,” Warrensburg Superintendent Andy Kohl said. Some districts implemented Alternative Methods of Instruction days, which allows students to attend school virtually, can be...
Holden boys and girls basketball’s meetings with Lafayette County have been postponed due to a pause of sports in Higginsville. The girls game, initially scheduled to be played Thursday, Jan. 20, is now slated to be played at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 at Holden High School. The boys game, originally scheduled to be played Friday, Jan. 21, is posted to be played at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Holden High School.
Leeton boys basketball beat Sherwood 60-30 on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs (10-6) were led in scoring by senior Daniel Warner’s 20. Sophomore Camden Uptegrove had 10 and junior Cole Wallace had 10. CLeeotn returns to action as it hosts Wellington-Napoleon on Friday, Jan. 21.
Due to a combination of COVID-19, other illness and forecasted wind chills below zero, Warrensburg R-6 has opted to not hold sporting events between Thursday, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 23. The move comes in correlation with the cancellation of school for Thursday and Friday. The move affects a total of six varsity events. Of them, two have been postponed to an undetermined date according to Warrensburg’s activities calendar. As things stand, sports are expected to be able to return to competition on Monday, Jan. 24. The list of affected events is below. Friday, Jan. 21 Girls swimming at Belton...
WARRENSBURG — University of Central Missouri students Jack Mwamba, Nikkita Dismuke, Kaitlyn Dolecheck and Monzerrad Barajas were recognized as scholarship recipients at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser hosted Tuesday, Jan. 18, in the Elliott Student Union Ballroom. The fundraiser, hosted annually, showcases the works of UCM students and community members. The theme for the UCM MLK Celebrations this year is Living the Dream: Live and in Color. Mwamba, of St. Louis, is a senior majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry and plans to attend the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry...
Chilhowee senior Tanner Anstine scored his 1,500th point on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Chilhowee High School. Anstine’s mark comes 21 games after reaching the 1,000 point mark on Feb. 1, 2021. His latest milestone arrived in Chilhowee’s (4-12, 1-2 GVVC) 78-33 loss to Hume. The Indians travel to Prairie Home on Thursday, Jan. 20 and host Kingsville on Monday, Jan. 24.
Leeton girls basketball beat Sherwood 65-32 on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 26-10 lead in the first quarter and didn’t look back. Sherwood was held to single-digit scoring in the last three frames. Senior Rowan Schmdili led the way with 16 with senior Regan Shaffer rounding out double-digit scoring at 11. Leeton return sto action as it visits Montrose on Wednesday, Jan. 19.
Crest Ridge girls basketball put together its fourth win of the season, besting Lexington 61-26 on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Lexington High School. The Cougars (4-11) were led by junior Karley Swope, who had a career-high 31 points, including six three-pointers.The total ties for the second most threes in Crest Ridge History. Swope dropped five of the threes in the first half, helping the Cougars to a 32-11 lead by halftime. Lexington only reached double-digits in the third quarter, putting up 11 points. Other scorers for Crest Ridge include freshman Kayley Marten’s nine, senior Amanda Toole’s eight, sophomore Katlyn Gassen’s...
WARRENSBURG — Members of the United States Air Force have two new pathways to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Safety and Risk Management from the University of Central Missouri. These opportunities are made possible through UCM’s selection as a partner in the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative with the Community College of the Air Force. UCM was informed in December that its application has been accepted to add these offerings for eligible military personnel. “This is unique in that the faculty were able to create a CAT I and CAT III pathway for this program,” Courtney Swoboda,...
WARRENSBURG — Pastor Gina Johnson of the First Christian Church provided the words of inspiration during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Praise and Worship Service on Monday, Jan. 17, in the University of Central Missouri Alumni Chapel. The event is a non-denominational service that celebrates the intersectionality of King’s role as both pastor and civil rights leader. Speakers and selections were provided by First United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Church of Jesus Christ - Latter Day Saints, Shiloh Baptist Church, Mt. Calvary Apostolic, Harvest Fellowship and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
WARRENSBURG — The first half of a Warrensburg girls basketball’s game with Van Horn was an adjustment. The Tigers played the contest without junior Kimberly Maxwell, who typically makes an impact in several different areas on the floor. Once the second half came around, Warrensburg began to make the right moves. Their adaptation led to a 51-26 win on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Warrensburg High School. “We were playing without Kim tonight, she’ll be back,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “We were adjusting. That’s a lot of points and a lot of different things she does for us. I...
OSAGE BEACH — Chezney Early, Leeton FFA, was named as a finalist in the 2022 Missouri Cattle Industry FFA Public Speaking Contest. The final round of the competition was Jan. 8 during the 54th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Osage Beach. The competitors were recognized at the convention banquet honoring youth. Ethan Vanderwert, representing the Columbia FFA chapter, was named the winner of the contest. "This contest is truly a highlight of our convention," Missouri Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering said. "We are committed to empowering the next generation and this contest puts the...
The Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC), has selected former Jennies basketball coach and UCM Athletic Hall of Famer Mildred “Millie” Barnes as the 2022 Kissick Construction Game Changer Award recipient. The award is given annually to a local individual or group who personifies sports as a participant, supporter, promoter or champion of girls and women’s sports and fitness. Barnes, who coached Jennies Basketball from 1971-1980, personifies just that. Outside of her coaching responsibilities, Barnes served on the Rules Committee, which existed before AIAW or NCAA. She was also a member of the U.S. WOmen’s Basketball Committee...
WARRENSBURG — Trails Regional Library has implemented COVID Level Four: Limited Public Access effective Tuesday, Jan. 18, for all branches. Due to continued increased cases in Johnson and Lafayette counties, Director Jackie Hawes has made the decision to move library branches from Level Three to Level Four. This level still includes safety precautions without limiting access to library services. Available services vary by branch but each location will continue to be open with full service, full staff and regular hours. “I go by the COVID hotspot map on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,” Hawes said. “It goes...
JOHNSON COUNTY — As of Monday, Jan. 17, Johnson County Community Health Services reports there are 572 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. Of the 9,434 confirmed cases in the county, 8,775 have recovered and there have been 87 reported deaths from COVID-19. For more information about COVID-19 in Johnson County, visit johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
Warrensburg Middle School has announced the students named to the 2021-22 second quarter honor roll. Sixth grade: Isaak Abello, Brayden Abner, Owen Abrash, Jayden Adkisson, Adeline Applegate, Kobe Baker, Justice Barker, Raygan Bates, Isabella Behrens, Marcus Bolin, Jacob Bott, Angelina Brewster, William Bridgmon, Emily Britton, Taytum Browder, Avery Brown, Harris Brown, Kaelynn Brown, Khloe Brown, Reese Brown, Alayna Bruner, Annika Brunsvold, Bella Bryant, Teagan Buckson, Dominic Campbell, Troy Carpenter, Addison Carson, Brianna Carver, Alyanna Castano, MacKenzie Catron, Morgan Cavender, Jose Cervantes, Ava Chenault, Joseph Chew, Amy Cho, Deacon Claunch, Shealynn Clifton, Jocelyn Clinton, Kaydence Coffman, Walker Collins, Stella Cone, Leila...
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Southern New Hampshire University has announced the students named to the fall 2021 dean's list and president’s list. Local students named to the dean’s list are James Meyer and Robyn Bueckers, of Warrensburg, and Abagail Gish, of Knob Noster. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 are named to the dean's list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5...
With the 2022 Missouri legislative session underway, local legislator state Rep. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, talked to the Star-Journal about his bills and thoughts on the new session. Gregory said he is involved with state Rep. Brad Pollitt’s, R-Sedalia, agriculture omnibus bill. Two of Gregory’s bills are included: an ethanol tax incentive (HB1695) and amending soybean check-off language (HB2387) that would allow Missouri to continue collecting that check-off even if the federal legislative language were to go away. Gregory also filed a bill (HB2106) to go along with state Sen. Denny Hoskins’, R-Warrensburg, bill regarding the Show-MO Act, which would reauthorize...
WARRENSBURG — U.S. Bank representatives presented a ,000 check to the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation in support of JCEDC’s program of work. U.S. Bank Assistant Vice President MaryBeth Martin and business banking specialists Josh Beebe and Jamie List presented the check to JCEDC President Taylor Elwell and Director Tracy Brantner. With more than 60 volunteers and partners, JCEDC’s mission is to lead economic development initiatives, facilitate community alignment and assist groups and individuals in their pursuit of local development opportunities to increase the county’s economic prosperity. JCEDC works to positively affect business development, placemaking, entrepreneurship, talent development and...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, Jan. 18 Flu shots at Johnson County Community Health Services for those 65 and older from 9 to 11 a.m. and flu shots for those 6 months and older from 1 to 4:30 p.m. No appointment necessary. The Freedom...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution announced 2022 DAR Good Citizens recipients on Friday, Jan. 14, at RISE Café. Good Citizens Chair Jan Powers introduced one of the two students selected for this award, Warrensburg High School senior Abigail Richner, daughter of Sheila and David Ricnher. James Hawthorn from Kingsville High School was unable to attend. The recipients were announced following the opening ritual and lunch. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This award recognizes and...
Mules track and field received a third-place selection in the MIAA 2021-22 indoor season MIAA Indoor Track and Field Preseason Coaches Poll. Central Missouri received 81 points, sitting behind No. 2 Missouri Southern and No. 1 Pittsburg State. The Gorillas received eight of 11 possible votes with 98 points, while the Lions received two with 88 points. Northwest Missouri, who received 75 points for a third-place finish, had the other vote. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team. Central Missouri has already competed in two events this season, occurring at the Crimson and Gold Invitational on Saturday,...
Baptism is one of two sacraments in the United Methodist Church with the other being communion. Sunday’s sermon was the second of three on baptism. Baptism by water is a symbolic act that begins one’s faith journey. It initiates a new life as part of the Christian faith. There are three questions to answer as we continue understanding baptism. 1. What is new life? New life is simply the life we live after we are baptized. It is the beginning of our faith journey whether baptized as an infant, young child, or an adult. Baptism by water marks the time...
WARRENSBURG — Sweet treats are in abundance with a local chocolate-dipping business based in Warrensburg that’s owned by two young entrepreneurs. XOXO Creations, owned by Kassandra Diaz, of Sedalia, and Kalynn Halderman, of Warrensburg, opened around Feb. 14, 2021. The women said on Monday the business is doing well and they are already taking orders for Valentine’s Day this year. Both women work full-time; Diaz is the office manager of Soderburg Roofing, of Warrensburg, and Halderman is the general manager. Diaz added XOXO Creations began with her love for dipping treats into chocolate. “I started doing it in my free...
Leeton girls basketball checked another item off its list, besting Skyline 56-54 in overtime for the Skyline Tournament championship on Friday, Jan. 14, in Urbana. The Bulldogs (12-0) made 54% of their shots from the field compared to the Tigers’ 35%. Two free-throws from junior Bailey Fleming gave Leeton the go-ahead lead in the final seconds of regulation, though Skyline hit a shot just before the buzzer. In overtime, two free throws from Regan Shaffer with 1.8 seconds left were the final say to knock off Class 3 Skyline (12-3). Shaffer led the way with 22 points while junior Jadeyn...
Crest Ridge boys basketball beat Wellington-Napoleon 41-34 on Friday, Jan. 14, in Wellington. The Cougars (7-7, 2-1 I-70) were led by a 22-point performance from senior Corben Martin. Wellington was held to single-digit scoring in all but one quarter. Crest Ridge led 18-9 at halftime. The Tigers (5-8, 0-2 I-70) came out of halftime outscoring Crest Ridge 19-13.The Cougars were able to close things off defensively, limiting Wellington to just two makes from the field in the fourth. Crest Ridge returns to action when it travels to Lexington Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Freshmen Ari Brown and Avah Hall represented Warrensburg girls wrestling at the MRVC Tournament on Friday, Jan. 14, at Odessa High School. Brown (2-3) led the two with a fourth-place finish in the 130-pound weight-class, falling to Holden sophomore Charlie Gregg (22-2) in the third-place match Hall (2-2) placed fifth in the 125-pound weight-class, beating out Harrisonville sophomore justice Jacobs (3-5) in the fifth-place match.
Jennies basketball won its third-consecutive game Saturday, Jan. 15, topping Newman 55-40 at the UCM Multipurpose Building. UCM had three different players in double-digit scoring, with redshirt freshman Olivia Nelson leading the way with 14. Redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell had 12, while senior Nija Collier had 10. Collier posted her 11th double-double of the season, adding 11 rebounds. Littrell had nine rebounds. The Jennies (12-6, 8-3 MIAA) won the rebounding margin 41-27. Newman (2-14, 0-10 MIAA) led 8-3 during the early stages of the contest, though the Jennies began to find thief command late in the first quarter. By halftime...
Knob Noster freshman Zoey Schroeder and sophomore Abby Sader each walked away from the MRVC Championships with first-place finishes on Friday, Jan. 14, at Odessa High School. Schroeder (24-1) won the 125-pound championship, beating Excelsior Springs senior Jacey Brewer (13-4). Sader (22-2) won the 159-pound championship, beating Harrisonville junior Iasiah Turrentine (28-5). Freshman Kylie Miller (21-3) placed second in the 115-pound bracket, falling to Harrisonville junior Chloe Herrick (36-1). Senior Haley Robles (14-6) placed second in the 120-pound bracket, falling to Oak Grove freshman Lauren Phillips (11-4). Freshman Jayne Binder (16-6) finished third in the 110-pound match, senior Katlin Martin...
Due to winter weather, the MRVC Boys Wrestling Tournament scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 15, at Odessa High School, has been canceled. Warrensburg, Holden and Knob Noster were each scheduled to compete in the conference tournament. Odessa originally announced the attempt to move the start back from 9 a.m. to Noon on Friday. Conditions did not cooperate for safe travel.
Holden girls wrestling recorded four finishes at the MRVC Tournament on Friday, Jan. 14, at Odessa High School. Sophomore Charlie Gregg (22-2) placed third in the 130-pound bracket after beating Warrensburg freshman Ari Brown (2-3). Junior Gigi Jones (10-14) placed third in the 149-pound third-pound bracket after beating Excelsior Springs sophomore Alyssa Betts (5-14) by a 4-2 sudden victor. Junior Alex Vanhooser (10-15) placed third in the 235-pound bracket, which featured three wrestlers. Junior Jordan Syvlester (11-18) finished fourth in the 159-pound bracket.
Leeton boys basketball finished fourth in the Skyline Invitational following a 63-39 loss to Weaubleau on Friday, Jan. 14 in Urbana. The Bulldogs (9-6) made less than 30 percent of their shots and turned the ball over 20 times. Weaubleau made eight threes, hitting over 60 percent of its shots in the contest. Camden Uptegrove led Leeton with 13 points, while senior Daniel Warner had 10. Leeton found themselves in the third-place game after falling to Macks Creek 59-56 in the semifinals on Thursday, Jan. 14. Macks Creek hit four threes in the last three minutes to pull ahead for...
Crest Ridge girls basketball lost to Wellington-Napoleon 79-19 on Friday, Jan. 14, in Wellington. The Cougars (3-11) were led by Karley Swope’s 11 points. The first quarter marked Crest Ridge’s best quarter, keeping up 22-12. From there it scored four in the second, 0 in the third and three in the fourth. Crest Ridge returns to action at Lexington Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Competing in the Warrensburg Youth Football League growing up, Javier Derritt caught the eye of many. Of the group was his older brother, Jacob Derritt, who played collegiate basketball at Rockhurst University. Upon graduating, Jacob took it upon himself to better himself for the growth of Javier’s skills and knowledge of football. Fast forward to 2022, Javier is a two-time FCS National Champion as a defensive tackle at North Dakota State University. The latest arrived following a 38-10 win over Montana State on Jan. 8 in Frisco, Texas. “(Jacob’s) one of the biggest reasons I kept continuing to pursue it,”...
HOLDEN — It took a good chunk of time before momentum belonged to a single side in a meeting between Warrensburg and Holden girls basketball on Friday, Jan. 14, at Holden High School. After a combined 17 points between both teams in the first half, it was the Tigers that had the final say. They headed back east with a 41-19 win. “We started playing defense a little bit,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “That helps out. We scored some baskets and we got the lid off. It started in the second but it picked up in the third...
As 2022 begins, I’d like to encourage everyone to make two resolutions that have the environment in mind, along with one that is strictly for personal enjoyment. The enjoyment suggestion is to spend time outside every day because winter has the cleanest, freshest and clearest air of the year. The daytime air is renewing and the night sky with the constellation Orion running across the skyscape and the brilliance of the moon and planets is truly beautiful. You can also take a walk in the woods and see birds clearly since most trees are lacking foliage, and not even be...
WARRENSBURG — Mid-Missouri Artists collected donations of children’s art supplies and cash, an annual project, to donate to Survival House. Community members were able to leave donations in a collection box in the Warrensburg Community Center. Prior to Christmas, a generous supply of art materials and a check for 0 were delivered to Survival. Persons interested in becoming members of MMA are encouraged to come to the next MMA meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Warrensburg Community Center. The focus of the meeting will be on planning for 2022 activities and events. Those present will select an Art...
To many familiar with the world of wine, the name Bordeaux on a wine bottle translates as “big bucks.” That is true when it comes to the historic labels, but what about Marie and Pierre, who own a small vineyard in the district and also make good wines? Unfortunately, their more affordable wines often have been relegated to the back of the shelf in favor of the mighty Bordeaux handful. Not only are they at the back of the shelf, but their much lower price also casts suspicion on their quality and value. The French take their wines very seriously...
To many familiar with the world of wine, the name Bordeaux on a wine bottle translates as “big bucks.” That is true when it comes to the historic labels, but what about Marie and Pierre, who own a small vineyard in the district and also make good wines? Unfortunately, their more affordable wines often have been relegated to the back of the shelf in favor of the mighty Bordeaux handful. Not only are they at the back of the shelf, but their much lower price also casts suspicion on their quality and value. The French take their wines very seriously...
As 2022 begins, I’d like to encourage everyone to make two resolutions that have the environment in mind, along with one that is strictly for personal enjoyment. The enjoyment suggestion is to spend time outside every day because winter has the cleanest, freshest and clearest air of the year. The daytime air is renewing and the night sky with the constellation Orion running across the skyscape and the brilliance of the moon and planets is truly beautiful. You can also take a walk in the woods and see birds clearly since most trees are lacking foliage, and not even be...
To many familiar with the world of wine, the name Bordeaux on a wine bottle translates as “big bucks.” That is true when it comes to the historic labels, but what about Marie and Pierre, who own a small vineyard in the district and also make good wines? Unfortunately, their more affordable wines often have been relegated to the back of the shelf in favor of the mighty Bordeaux handful. Not only are they at the back of the shelf, but their much lower price also casts suspicion on their quality and value. The French take their wines very seriously...
The Johnson County Commission recently made appointments to boards and commissions within Johnson County. Ray Briscoe, of Holden, was appointed to the West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District Region F Executive Board County Clerk Diane Thompson was reappointed as the Warrensburg Economic Coalition County of Johnson Representative. Jimmy Tye, of Warrensburg, was reappointed and Tom Charette, of Knob Noster, was appointed to the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Transportation Advisory Council. Thomas Craig, of Centerview, was reappointed to the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Appeal Panel.
KNOB NOSTER — The Knob Noster School District hosted the second of four forums Wednesday, Jan. 12, to discuss facility needs. Assistant Superintendent Michael Cohron led the forum, discussing the factors that led school administration to seek the construction of new facilities and an additional campus. Projects would include a new high school building, a new stadium and a FEMA safe room that will also serve as a gymnasium. “As this project evolves you’re going to kind of get a better sense of what a true rendering of this will actually look like,” Cohron said. Cohron said there is research...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation has announced alumnus Greg Thurman, ’74, and his wife, Carla, of Franklin, Tennessee, have made a gift of [post_excerpt] million. The donation will be used to fund the renovation of a gymnasium in the 53-year-old Lovinger Building into a state-of-the-art mixed-use educational facility. Holden native Greg Thurman made the gift in honor of his nephew, Mike Hough, who earned three bachelor’s degrees from UCM in 1993 and a Master of Science in Education – Secondary School Administration in 1998. Hough went on to obtain his Education Specialist and doctoral degrees in...
WARRENSBURG — Mary McCord and Cooper Hamlin were recognized during the annual MLK Networking Luncheon and Community Service Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the American Legion Matthews-Crawford Post 131. The theme of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations is “Living the Dream: Live and in Color.” The luncheon, co-hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, is the first in a week of events organized by the University of Central Missouri. Lover Chancler, University of Central Missouri Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, presented Hamlin and McCord each with a Community Service Award. ...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation has announced alumnus Greg Thurman, ’74, and his wife, Carla, of Franklin, Tennessee, have made a gift of [post_excerpt] million. The donation will be used to fund the renovation of a gymnasium in the 53-year-old Lovinger Building into a state-of-the-art mixed-use educational facility. Holden native Greg Thurman made the gift in honor of his nephew, Mike Hough, who earned three bachelor’s degrees from UCM in 1993 and a Master of Science in Education – Secondary School Administration in 1998. Hough went on to obtain his Education Specialist and doctoral degrees in...
HOLDEN — It took a good chunk of time before momentum belonged to a single side in a meeting between Warrensburg and Holden girls basketball on Friday, Jan. 14, at Holden High School. After a combined 17 points between both teams in the first half, it was the Tigers that had the final say. They headed back east with a 41-19 win. “We started playing defense a little bit,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “That helps out. We scored some baskets and we got the lid off. It started in the second but it picked up in the third...
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Southern New Hampshire University has announced the students named to the fall 2021 dean's list and president’s list. Local students named to the dean’s list are James Meyer and Robyn Bueckers, of Warrensburg, and Abagail Gish, of Knob Noster. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 are named to the dean's list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5...
WARRENSBURG — Mid-Missouri Artists collected donations of children’s art supplies and cash, an annual project, to donate to Survival House. Community members were able to leave donations in a collection box in the Warrensburg Community Center. Prior to Christmas, a generous supply of art materials and a check for 0 were delivered to Survival. Persons interested in becoming members of MMA are encouraged to come to the next MMA meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Warrensburg Community Center. The focus of the meeting will be on planning for 2022 activities and events. Those present will select an Art...
SEDALIA — With winter coming on strong and temperatures dropping daily, many are scrambling for heating options. The Sedalia Fire Department urges caution though when heating your home, as heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. “These are our coldest months and people are using space heaters,” Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin said. “They're using their stoves to heat their houses, and in a lot of our older homes in Sedalia the wiring isn't designed to carry space heaters or a multitude of space heaters.” Irwin has seen fires each winter...
WARRENSBURG — Tigers girls swimming hosted its lone home meet of the season on Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Warrensburg Community Center. Warrensburg tallied 17 finishes of fifth-place or better across 10 different events. The meet also featured Marshall, Sacred Heart, Smith-Cotton and Summit Christian Academy. Below is a full rundown of Warrensburg’s results from the event. 200-Yard Medley Relay Kylie Brigman, Grace Sporston, Laine Bushmeyer, Claire Strabuck; 2:31.10. 200-Yard Freestyle Isabella Teaford, 2:24.31; 3. Laine Bushmeyer, 2:37.30; 7. Madison Chenault, 2:57.88. 200-Yard Individual Medley Julia Brown, 2:52.07. 50-Yard Freestyle Bailey Bromwell, 29.21; 5. Grace Sproston, 30.78; 9. McKenzie Jeffrey,...
Competing in the Warrensburg Youth Football League growing up, Javier Derritt caught the eye of many. Of the group was his older brother, Jacob Derritt, who played collegiate basketball at Rockhurst University. Upon graduating, Jacob took it upon himself to better himself for the growth of Javier’s skills and knowledge of football. Fast forward to 2022, Javier is a two-time FCS National Champion as a defensive tackle at North Dakota State University. The latest arrived following a 38-10 win over Montana State on Jan. 8 in Frisco, Texas. “(Jacob’s) one of the biggest reasons I kept continuing to pursue it,”...
Competing in the Warrensburg Youth Football League growing up, Javier Derritt caught the eye of many. Of the group was his older brother, Jacob Derritt, who played collegiate basketball at Rockhurst University. Upon graduating, Jacob took it upon himself to better himself for the growth of Javier’s skills and knowledge of football. Fast forward to 2022, Javier is a two-time FCS National Champion as a defensive tackle at North Dakota State University. The latest arrived following a 38-10 win over Montana State on Jan. 8 in Frisco, Texas. “(Jacob’s) one of the biggest reasons I kept continuing to pursue it,”...
HOLDEN — It took a good chunk of time before momentum belonged to a single side in a meeting between Warrensburg and Holden girls basketball on Friday, Jan. 14, at Holden High School. After a combined 17 points between both teams in the first half, it was the Tigers that had the final say. They headed back east with a 41-19 win. “We started playing defense a little bit,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “That helps out. We scored some baskets and we got the lid off. It started in the second but it picked up in the third...
WARRENSBURG — Tigers girls swimming hosted its lone home meet of the season on Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Warrensburg Community Center. Warrensburg tallied 17 finishes of fifth-place or better across 10 different events. The meet also featured Marshall, Sacred Heart, Smith-Cotton and Summit Christian Academy. Below is a full rundown of Warrensburg’s results from the event. 200-Yard Medley Relay Kylie Brigman, Grace Sporston, Laine Bushmeyer, Claire Strabuck; 2:31.10. 200-Yard Freestyle Isabella Teaford, 2:24.31; 3. Laine Bushmeyer, 2:37.30; 7. Madison Chenault, 2:57.88. 200-Yard Individual Medley Julia Brown, 2:52.07. 50-Yard Freestyle Bailey Bromwell, 29.21; 5. Grace Sproston, 30.78; 9. McKenzie Jeffrey,...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation has announced alumnus Greg Thurman, ’74, and his wife, Carla, of Franklin, Tennessee, have made a gift of [post_excerpt] million. The donation will be used to fund the renovation of a gymnasium in the 53-year-old Lovinger Building into a state-of-the-art mixed-use educational facility. Holden native Greg Thurman made the gift in honor of his nephew, Mike Hough, who earned three bachelor’s degrees from UCM in 1993 and a Master of Science in Education – Secondary School Administration in 1998. Hough went on to obtain his Education Specialist and doctoral degrees in...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Valentine-themed Shop Local Night, supporting local home-based and small businesses, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. There will be vendor booths set up with potential gifts and goodies ranging from baked goods, jewelry, home décor, bath products, apparel and more in the Multipurpose Rooms at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. in Warrensburg. Each purchase will earn customers a raffle ticket and there will be a drawing at the end of the night. For vendor applications, due Jan. 26, visit warrensburg.org/event/shop-local-night-2. The chamber is only accepting...
JOHNSON COUNTY — K9 Boss will be retiring from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at the end of January. “His age is starting to catch up to him,” Robert Watkins, K9 handler, said. “He’s been on the road since July of 2016, so a little over five years. He is seven and a half years old.” Boss started his career with the Sheriff’s Office with Eric Norris. Watkins became Boss’ handler in January, 2018 when Norris retired. Watkins said the average age for a dog to retire from service is eight years old. Watkins said there were other factors, including...
JOHNSON COUNTY — As of Thursday, Jan. 13, Johnson County Community Health services reports there are 547 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 9,324 confirmed cases with 8,690 recovered. There have been a recorded 87 deaths. The Johnson County COVID-19 Tracker, an online dashboard, is updated daily and can be found at johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
SEDALIA — With winter coming on strong and temperatures dropping daily, many are scrambling for heating options. The Sedalia Fire Department urges caution though when heating your home, as heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. “These are our coldest months and people are using space heaters,” Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin said. “They're using their stoves to heat their houses, and in a lot of our older homes in Sedalia the wiring isn't designed to carry space heaters or a multitude of space heaters.” Irwin has seen fires each winter...
WARRENSBURG — Mid-Missouri Artists collected donations of children’s art supplies and cash, an annual project, to donate to Survival House. Community members were able to leave donations in a collection box in the Warrensburg Community Center. Prior to Christmas, a generous supply of art materials and a check for 0 were delivered to Survival. Persons interested in becoming members of MMA are encouraged to come to the next MMA meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Warrensburg Community Center. The focus of the meeting will be on planning for 2022 activities and events. Those present will select an Art...
SEDALIA — With winter coming on strong and temperatures dropping daily, many are scrambling for heating options. The Sedalia Fire Department urges caution though when heating your home, as heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. “These are our coldest months and people are using space heaters,” Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin said. “They're using their stoves to heat their houses, and in a lot of our older homes in Sedalia the wiring isn't designed to carry space heaters or a multitude of space heaters.” Irwin has seen fires each winter...
The private pesticide applicator license issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture is required for producers wanting to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Application by unlicensed workers under the supervision of licensed applicators will no longer be allowed. Agricultural producers needing to obtain or renew certification of this license must take this pesticide safety training every five years. You must be 18 years of age and directly involved in the production of agricultural commodities to obtain this license. In response to COVID-19, in-person training sessions will have masks and sanitizer available for those who wish to use them. MU...
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Southern New Hampshire University has announced the students named to the fall 2021 dean's list and president’s list. Local students named to the dean’s list are James Meyer and Robyn Bueckers, of Warrensburg, and Abagail Gish, of Knob Noster. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 are named to the dean's list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5...
JOHNSON COUNTY — K9 Boss will be retiring from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at the end of January. “His age is starting to catch up to him,” Robert Watkins, K9 handler, said. “He’s been on the road since July of 2016, so a little over five years. He is seven and a half years old.” Boss started his career with the Sheriff’s Office with Eric Norris. Watkins became Boss’ handler in January, 2018 when Norris retired. Watkins said the average age for a dog to retire from service is eight years old. Watkins said there were other factors, including...
WARRENSBURG — Mary McCord and Cooper Hamlin were recognized during the annual MLK Networking Luncheon and Community Service Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the American Legion Matthews-Crawford Post 131. The theme of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations is “Living the Dream: Live and in Color.” The luncheon, co-hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, is the first in a week of events organized by the University of Central Missouri. Lover Chancler, University of Central Missouri Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, presented Hamlin and McCord each with a Community Service Award. ...
WARRENSBURG — Mary McCord and Cooper Hamlin were recognized during the annual MLK Networking Luncheon and Community Service Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the American Legion Matthews-Crawford Post 131. The theme of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations is “Living the Dream: Live and in Color.” The luncheon, co-hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, is the first in a week of events organized by the University of Central Missouri. Lover Chancler, University of Central Missouri Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, presented Hamlin and McCord each with a Community Service Award. ...
KNOB NOSTER — The Knob Noster School District hosted the second of four forums Wednesday, Jan. 12, to discuss facility needs. Assistant Superintendent Michael Cohron led the forum, discussing the factors that led school administration to seek the construction of new facilities and an additional campus. Projects would include a new high school building, a new stadium and a FEMA safe room that will also serve as a gymnasium. “As this project evolves you’re going to kind of get a better sense of what a true rendering of this will actually look like,” Cohron said. Cohron said there is research...
KNOB NOSTER — The Knob Noster School District hosted the second of four forums Wednesday, Jan. 12, to discuss facility needs. Assistant Superintendent Michael Cohron led the forum, discussing the factors that led school administration to seek the construction of new facilities and an additional campus. Projects would include a new high school building, a new stadium and a FEMA safe room that will also serve as a gymnasium. “As this project evolves you’re going to kind of get a better sense of what a true rendering of this will actually look like,” Cohron said. Cohron said there is research...
The private pesticide applicator license issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture is required for producers wanting to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Application by unlicensed workers under the supervision of licensed applicators will no longer be allowed. Agricultural producers needing to obtain or renew certification of this license must take this pesticide safety training every five years. You must be 18 years of age and directly involved in the production of agricultural commodities to obtain this license. In response to COVID-19, in-person training sessions will have masks and sanitizer available for those who wish to use them. MU...
The private pesticide applicator license issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture is required for producers wanting to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Application by unlicensed workers under the supervision of licensed applicators will no longer be allowed. Agricultural producers needing to obtain or renew certification of this license must take this pesticide safety training every five years. You must be 18 years of age and directly involved in the production of agricultural commodities to obtain this license. In response to COVID-19, in-person training sessions will have masks and sanitizer available for those who wish to use them. MU...
HOLDEN — It took a good chunk of time before momentum belonged to a single side in a meeting between Warrensburg and Holden girls basketball on Friday, Jan. 14, at Holden High School. After a combined 17 points between both teams in the first half, it was the Tigers that had the final say. They headed back east with a 41-19 win. “We started playing defense a little bit,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “That helps out. We scored some baskets and we got the lid off. It started in the second but it picked up in the third...
JOHNSON COUNTY — As of Thursday, Jan. 13, Johnson County Community Health services reports there are 547 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 9,324 confirmed cases with 8,690 recovered. There have been a recorded 87 deaths. The Johnson County COVID-19 Tracker, an online dashboard, is updated daily and can be found at johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Valentine-themed Shop Local Night, supporting local home-based and small businesses, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. There will be vendor booths set up with potential gifts and goodies ranging from baked goods, jewelry, home décor, bath products, apparel and more in the Multipurpose Rooms at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. in Warrensburg. Each purchase will earn customers a raffle ticket and there will be a drawing at the end of the night. For vendor applications, due Jan. 26, visit warrensburg.org/event/shop-local-night-2. The chamber is only accepting...
WARRENSBURG — Tigers girls swimming hosted its lone home meet of the season on Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Warrensburg Community Center. Warrensburg tallied 17 finishes of fifth-place or better across 10 different events. The meet also featured Marshall, Sacred Heart, Smith-Cotton and Summit Christian Academy. Below is a full rundown of Warrensburg’s results from the event. 200-Yard Medley Relay Kylie Brigman, Grace Sporston, Laine Bushmeyer, Claire Strabuck; 2:31.10. 200-Yard Freestyle Isabella Teaford, 2:24.31; 3. Laine Bushmeyer, 2:37.30; 7. Madison Chenault, 2:57.88. 200-Yard Individual Medley Julia Brown, 2:52.07. 50-Yard Freestyle Bailey Bromwell, 29.21; 5. Grace Sproston, 30.78; 9. McKenzie Jeffrey,...
WARRENSBURG — The City of Warrensburg Public Works Department has declared a Phase One Snow Emergency set to go into effect 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15. The National Weather Service forecast for snow, sleet and freezing rain. In an effort to provide safer streets and keep traffic moving during this winter event the Public Works Department reminds drivers to not park on marked emergency snow routes. The emergency snow routes are: Gay Street from Water Street to Ridgeview Drive South Street from Main Street to Maguire Street Grover Street from Holden Street to Mitchell Street Clark Street...
JOHNSON COUNTY — As of Thursday, Jan. 13, Johnson County Community Health services reports there are 547 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 9,324 confirmed cases with 8,690 recovered. There have been a recorded 87 deaths. The Johnson County COVID-19 Tracker, an online dashboard, is updated daily and can be found at johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
WARRENSBURG — The City of Warrensburg Public Works Department has declared a Phase One Snow Emergency set to go into effect 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15. The National Weather Service forecast for snow, sleet and freezing rain. In an effort to provide safer streets and keep traffic moving during this winter event the Public Works Department reminds drivers to not park on marked emergency snow routes. The emergency snow routes are: Gay Street from Water Street to Ridgeview Drive South Street from Main Street to Maguire Street Grover Street from Holden Street to Mitchell Street Clark Street...
Competing in the Warrensburg Youth Football League growing up, Javier Derritt caught the eye of many. Of the group was his older brother, Jacob Derritt, who played collegiate basketball at Rockhurst University. Upon graduating, Jacob took it upon himself to better himself for the growth of Javier’s skills and knowledge of football. Fast forward to 2022, Javier is a two-time FCS National Champion as a defensive tackle at North Dakota State University. The latest arrived following a 38-10 win over Montana State on Jan. 8 in Frisco, Texas. “(Jacob’s) one of the biggest reasons I kept continuing to pursue it,”...
The Johnson County Commission recently made appointments to boards and commissions within Johnson County. Ray Briscoe, of Holden, was appointed to the West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District Region F Executive Board County Clerk Diane Thompson was reappointed as the Warrensburg Economic Coalition County of Johnson Representative. Jimmy Tye, of Warrensburg, was reappointed and Tom Charette, of Knob Noster, was appointed to the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Transportation Advisory Council. Thomas Craig, of Centerview, was reappointed to the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Appeal Panel.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Valentine-themed Shop Local Night, supporting local home-based and small businesses, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. There will be vendor booths set up with potential gifts and goodies ranging from baked goods, jewelry, home décor, bath products, apparel and more in the Multipurpose Rooms at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. in Warrensburg. Each purchase will earn customers a raffle ticket and there will be a drawing at the end of the night. For vendor applications, due Jan. 26, visit warrensburg.org/event/shop-local-night-2. The chamber is only accepting...
WARRENSBURG — The City of Warrensburg Public Works Department has declared a Phase One Snow Emergency set to go into effect 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15. The National Weather Service forecast for snow, sleet and freezing rain. In an effort to provide safer streets and keep traffic moving during this winter event the Public Works Department reminds drivers to not park on marked emergency snow routes. The emergency snow routes are: Gay Street from Water Street to Ridgeview Drive South Street from Main Street to Maguire Street Grover Street from Holden Street to Mitchell Street Clark Street...
The Johnson County Commission recently made appointments to boards and commissions within Johnson County. Ray Briscoe, of Holden, was appointed to the West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District Region F Executive Board County Clerk Diane Thompson was reappointed as the Warrensburg Economic Coalition County of Johnson Representative. Jimmy Tye, of Warrensburg, was reappointed and Tom Charette, of Knob Noster, was appointed to the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Transportation Advisory Council. Thomas Craig, of Centerview, was reappointed to the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Appeal Panel.
I’m 30, so I remember the days of loud dial-up sounds and selecting which VHS, and eventually which DVD, we wanted at Blockbuster for a weekend movie night. I didn’t get a cellphone (a flip phone at that) until I was 16 and started my Facebook profile in high school. I got an iPhone during my sophomore year of college solely because I wanted to be able to check my email throughout the day while on campus, as I was a reporter for the Muleskinner, a marketing and events intern at the Kansas City Zoo, and a full-time college student. ...
I’m 30, so I remember the days of loud dial-up sounds and selecting which VHS, and eventually which DVD, we wanted at Blockbuster for a weekend movie night. I didn’t get a cellphone (a flip phone at that) until I was 16 and started my Facebook profile in high school. I got an iPhone during my sophomore year of college solely because I wanted to be able to check my email throughout the day while on campus, as I was a reporter for the Muleskinner, a marketing and events intern at the Kansas City Zoo, and a full-time college student. ...
As 2022 begins, I’d like to encourage everyone to make two resolutions that have the environment in mind, along with one that is strictly for personal enjoyment. The enjoyment suggestion is to spend time outside every day because winter has the cleanest, freshest and clearest air of the year. The daytime air is renewing and the night sky with the constellation Orion running across the skyscape and the brilliance of the moon and planets is truly beautiful. You can also take a walk in the woods and see birds clearly since most trees are lacking foliage, and not even be...
I’m 30, so I remember the days of loud dial-up sounds and selecting which VHS, and eventually which DVD, we wanted at Blockbuster for a weekend movie night. I didn’t get a cellphone (a flip phone at that) until I was 16 and started my Facebook profile in high school. I got an iPhone during my sophomore year of college solely because I wanted to be able to check my email throughout the day while on campus, as I was a reporter for the Muleskinner, a marketing and events intern at the Kansas City Zoo, and a full-time college student. ...
WARRENSBURG — Tigers girls swimming hosted its lone home meet of the season on Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Warrensburg Community Center. Warrensburg tallied 17 finishes of fifth-place or better across 10 different events. The meet also featured Marshall, Sacred Heart, Smith-Cotton and Summit Christian Academy. Below is a full rundown of Warrensburg’s results from the event. 200-Yard Medley Relay Kylie Brigman, Grace Sporston, Laine Bushmeyer, Claire Strabuck; 2:31.10. 200-Yard Freestyle Isabella Teaford, 2:24.31; 3. Laine Bushmeyer, 2:37.30; 7. Madison Chenault, 2:57.88. 200-Yard Individual Medley Julia Brown, 2:52.07. 50-Yard Freestyle Bailey Bromwell, 29.21; 5. Grace Sproston, 30.78; 9. McKenzie Jeffrey,...
JOHNSON COUNTY — K9 Boss will be retiring from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at the end of January. “His age is starting to catch up to him,” Robert Watkins, K9 handler, said. “He’s been on the road since July of 2016, so a little over five years. He is seven and a half years old.” Boss started his career with the Sheriff’s Office with Eric Norris. Watkins became Boss’ handler in January, 2018 when Norris retired. Watkins said the average age for a dog to retire from service is eight years old. Watkins said there were other factors, including...
WARRENSBURG — The City of Warrensburg Public Works Department has declared a Phase One Snow Emergency set to go into effect 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15. The National Weather Service forecast for snow, sleet and freezing rain. In an effort to provide safer streets and keep traffic moving during this winter event the Public Works Department reminds drivers to not park on marked emergency snow routes. The emergency snow routes are: Gay Street from Water Street to Ridgeview Drive South Street from Main Street to Maguire Street Grover Street from Holden Street to Mitchell Street Clark Street...
JOHNSON COUNTY — As of Thursday, Jan. 13, Johnson County Community Health services reports there are 547 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 9,324 confirmed cases with 8,690 recovered. There have been a recorded 87 deaths. The Johnson County COVID-19 Tracker, an online dashboard, is updated daily and can be found at johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county.
Due to the cancellation of school at Knob Noster High School on Friday, Jan. 14, the matchup between Holden boys basketball and Knob Noster boys basketball has been postponed. Knob Noster announced the school cancellation on Thursday citing “absenteeism related to COVID illness and other non-COVID illnesses.” The cancellation gives Knob Noster a four day weekend since the school is also closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 17. No rescheduled date has been announced for the contest. According to Knob Noster’s MSHSAA.org schedule, the Panthers are still scheduled to compete in the MRVC Wrestling tournament on...
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Southern New Hampshire University has announced the students named to the fall 2021 dean's list and president’s list. Local students named to the dean’s list are James Meyer and Robyn Bueckers, of Warrensburg, and Abagail Gish, of Knob Noster. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 are named to the dean's list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation has announced alumnus Greg Thurman, ’74, and his wife, Carla, of Franklin, Tennessee, have made a gift of [post_excerpt] million. The donation will be used to fund the renovation of a gymnasium in the 53-year-old Lovinger Building into a state-of-the-art mixed-use educational facility. Holden native Greg Thurman made the gift in honor of his nephew, Mike Hough, who earned three bachelor’s degrees from UCM in 1993 and a Master of Science in Education – Secondary School Administration in 1998. Hough went on to obtain his Education Specialist and doctoral degrees in...
TROY, Ala. — Samantha Sherwood, of Whiteman Air Force Base, has been named to the provost's list at Troy University for the fall 2021 semester. The provost's list honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a GPA of at least 3.65.
FAYETTE — The office of Central Methodist University Provost Rita Gulstad recently announced the students included on the Fall 2021 dean's list. Carolyne Ann Corbett, Jordyn Haley Davidson and Lindsey Elizabeth Gantz of Knob Noster; Grant Charles Engel, of Kingsville; Danielle McCurdy and Emily Deann Millstead of Holden; Chelsea Marie Rush of Warrensburg; and Angela Ferlee Violango of Whiteman Air Force Base were named to the dean’s list. Almost 1,000 students across all campuses and online learning met the requirements for placement, including a grade point average of 3.50 or higher for the semester.
SPRINGFIELD — Carly Ruiz, of Warrensburg, was named to the Drury University evening school fall dean's list. To be named to the dean’s list, a student must earn a GPA of 3.6 or greater (on a 4-point scale) while carrying a full-time course load of 12 or more semester hours.
To many familiar with the world of wine, the name Bordeaux on a wine bottle translates as “big bucks.” That is true when it comes to the historic labels, but what about Marie and Pierre, who own a small vineyard in the district and also make good wines? Unfortunately, their more affordable wines often have been relegated to the back of the shelf in favor of the mighty Bordeaux handful. Not only are they at the back of the shelf, but their much lower price also casts suspicion on their quality and value. The French take their wines very seriously...
KNOB NOSTER — The Knob Noster School District hosted the second of four forums Wednesday, Jan. 12, to discuss facility needs. Assistant Superintendent Michael Cohron led the forum, discussing the factors that led school administration to seek the construction of new facilities and an additional campus. Projects would include a new high school building, a new stadium and a FEMA safe room that will also serve as a gymnasium. “As this project evolves you’re going to kind of get a better sense of what a true rendering of this will actually look like,” Cohron said. Cohron said there is research...
WARRENSBURG — Mary McCord and Cooper Hamlin were recognized during the annual MLK Networking Luncheon and Community Service Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the American Legion Matthews-Crawford Post 131. The theme of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations is “Living the Dream: Live and in Color.” The luncheon, co-hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, is the first in a week of events organized by the University of Central Missouri. Lover Chancler, University of Central Missouri Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, presented Hamlin and McCord each with a Community Service Award. ...
The Johnson County Commission recently made appointments to boards and commissions within Johnson County. Ray Briscoe, of Holden, was appointed to the West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District Region F Executive Board County Clerk Diane Thompson was reappointed as the Warrensburg Economic Coalition County of Johnson Representative. Jimmy Tye, of Warrensburg, was reappointed and Tom Charette, of Knob Noster, was appointed to the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Transportation Advisory Council. Thomas Craig, of Centerview, was reappointed to the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Appeal Panel.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Valentine-themed Shop Local Night, supporting local home-based and small businesses, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. There will be vendor booths set up with potential gifts and goodies ranging from baked goods, jewelry, home décor, bath products, apparel and more in the Multipurpose Rooms at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St. in Warrensburg. Each purchase will earn customers a raffle ticket and there will be a drawing at the end of the night. For vendor applications, due Jan. 26, visit warrensburg.org/event/shop-local-night-2. The chamber is only accepting...
I’m 30, so I remember the days of loud dial-up sounds and selecting which VHS, and eventually which DVD, we wanted at Blockbuster for a weekend movie night. I didn’t get a cellphone (a flip phone at that) until I was 16 and started my Facebook profile in high school. I got an iPhone during my sophomore year of college solely because I wanted to be able to check my email throughout the day while on campus, as I was a reporter for the Muleskinner, a marketing and events intern at the Kansas City Zoo, and a full-time college student. ...
As 2022 begins, I’d like to encourage everyone to make two resolutions that have the environment in mind, along with one that is strictly for personal enjoyment. The enjoyment suggestion is to spend time outside every day because winter has the cleanest, freshest and clearest air of the year. The daytime air is renewing and the night sky with the constellation Orion running across the skyscape and the brilliance of the moon and planets is truly beautiful. You can also take a walk in the woods and see birds clearly since most trees are lacking foliage, and not even be...
SEDALIA — With winter coming on strong and temperatures dropping daily, many are scrambling for heating options. The Sedalia Fire Department urges caution though when heating your home, as heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. “These are our coldest months and people are using space heaters,” Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin said. “They're using their stoves to heat their houses, and in a lot of our older homes in Sedalia the wiring isn't designed to carry space heaters or a multitude of space heaters.” Irwin has seen fires each winter...
WARRENSBURG — Mid-Missouri Artists collected donations of children’s art supplies and cash, an annual project, to donate to Survival House. Community members were able to leave donations in a collection box in the Warrensburg Community Center. Prior to Christmas, a generous supply of art materials and a check for 0 were delivered to Survival. Persons interested in becoming members of MMA are encouraged to come to the next MMA meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Warrensburg Community Center. The focus of the meeting will be on planning for 2022 activities and events. Those present will select an Art...
The private pesticide applicator license issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture is required for producers wanting to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Application by unlicensed workers under the supervision of licensed applicators will no longer be allowed. Agricultural producers needing to obtain or renew certification of this license must take this pesticide safety training every five years. You must be 18 years of age and directly involved in the production of agricultural commodities to obtain this license. In response to COVID-19, in-person training sessions will have masks and sanitizer available for those who wish to use them. MU...
WARRENSBURG — Within the last few games, Jennies basketball redshirt freshman Ali Vigiil has risen to the occasion. The ankle injury of redshirt freshman Kade Hackerott has made Vigil, typically one of the first Jennies to be put in the game off the bench, the next man up for UCM. That led to Vigil playing in a career-high 40 minutes in a 88-80 win over Central Oklahoma on Thursday, Jan. 13, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. “I was proud of Ali Vigil for stepping into Kade’s place and really giving us a boost,” Central Missouri head coach Dave Slifer said. ...
WARRENSBURG — The second half was the difference between No. 22 Central Oklahoma and Central Missouri in a 82-60 Mules loss on Thursday, Jan 13 at the UCM Multipurpose Building. The Bronchos outscored UCM 49-29 in the second half, pulling away from what was a two-point halftime difference. Central Oklahoma (14-2, 9-1 MIAA opened the second half on a 17-0 run, jumping out to a 20-point lead by the halfway point of the frame. The Mules (7-7, 4-6 MIAA) finished the contest making 34.5% of its shots, including 8-of-27 in the second half. They made 3-of-19 attempts from the three-point...
A celebration of life will be held by UCM Athletics in honor of former wrestling coach Roger Denker this weekend. Denker, who was the head coach of the Mules from 1963-81, died Nov. 19, 2021 in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. He was 88 years old. Denker’s time at UCM featured six top-20 finishes in the national tournament, including 10 All-Americans and 163 national qualifiers. He is a member of the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame (1985), Missouri Wrestling Association Hall of Fame (1994) and the UCM Athletics Hall of Fame (2001). UCM will host an event in his memory...
Mules baseball is set to continue its tradition of competing in the Winter Invitational this February at the Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park. UCM and the Astros announced the annual classic in a press release Friday, Jan. 7. Central Missouri baseball will play four games in the three-day invitational, which is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11, to Sunday, Feb. 13. The Mules will begin the annual event taking on Arkansas-Monticello at 1:30 p.m. Friday, followed by Maryville at 5 p.m. Its season will continue against Saint Mary’s at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, before wrapping up against Augustana at 1:30 p.m. Saturday....
After 18 seasons, former Mules basketball player Reggie Soward’s MIAA record for most consecutive free-throws made has been broken. Sowards’ record of 36, set between Dec. 11, 2004 and Jan. 29, 2005, was beaten out by Northwest Missouri State junior Trevor Hudgins against Fort Hays State on Thursday, Jan. 13. The streak began back on Nov. 23 and now spans 41-straight. Hudgins had previously tied Soward’s record between Jan. 3, 2019 and Feb. 21, 2019 before missing an attempt. The 2004-05 season was Soward’s lone year as a Mule, competing under second-year head coach Kim Anderson. UCM finished the year...
After 36 combined years of service at the University of Central Missouri, 13 as head coach, Flip Piontek has announced his retirement from Jennies volleyball. Caitlin Peterson, who’s spent a combined 17 seasons with a program as a coach and student athlete, has been named as the program’s next leader. Piontek will remain on Peterson’s staff as an assistant until officially retiring June 30. "Having Caitlin here with her loyalty to the Jennies volleyball program made it an easy decision for me to switch roles with her for a while to make the transition easier and then retire at the...
Mules basketball’s Saturday, Jan. 15, basketball game with Newman has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols at Newman. Under the MIAA’s COVID-19 guidance, UCM and Newman will work to reschedule the contest. If it weren’t to be played for some reason before the end of the year, the MIAA’s weighted formula would come into play for conference standings. Jennies basketball is still slated to play Newman at 1 p.m. Saturday. UCM’s doubleheader with Central Oklahoma on Thursday, Jan. 13, is still on as scheduled.
Leeton girls basketball faced a challenge against Fair Grove in the Skyline Tournament semifinal round on Wednesday, Jan. 12, in Urbana. The Bulldogs were still able to pull out a win, beating the Eagles 46-36 on Tuesday, Jan. 11, in Urbana. Leeton (12-0) only allowed one basket in the first quarter, which featured a 9-0 start. By halftime, Class 4 Fair Grove had a 16-13 lead. The Class 1 Bulldogs were just 5-of-23 from the floor and 2-of-6 in the free throw line. The Eagles (6-4) opened up the third quarter on a 7-0 run, setting up an exchange of...
CENTERVIEW — Coming out of halftime, Crest Ridge girls basketball showed the energy and focus it needed to perform well on the court. The factors turned a quarter-high performance for the Cougars in a 69-38 loss to Concordia on Tuesday, Jan. 11. “When we started the game, we just missed some good shots,” Crest Ridge head coach Katie Woolsey said. “We took good shots, but defensively we ran into a few things that we talked about that we can’t. We can’t give up those easy buckets and get yourself down that big of a position.” Crest Ridge (3-10, 0-2 I-70)...
CENTERVIEW — The last 1.9 seconds of an Interstate 70 Conference matchup between Crest Ridge and Concordia boys basketball couldn’t have been drawn up. Tied at 45, a foul was whistled against the Cougars, setting the Orioles up for a possible down-court for a last second game winner. Crest Ridge senior Corben Martin made sure that wasn’t needed, making a steal before turning around to put up a game-winning buzzer beater on Tuesday, Jan. 11. The Cougars won 47-45. “You definitely don’t draw stuff up like that,” Crest Ridge head coach Cooper Collier said. “They had it on the sideline...
Warrensburg wrestling fell to Marshall 63-15 on senior night at Warrensburg High School. The TIgers had two non-forfeit wins. Senior Mason Fritsch beat Brody Marquees by a 5-4 decision in the 132-pound match and sophomore Maddox Snyder beat Gabe Reyas by fall in the 138-pound match. Warrensburg competes in the MRVC Tournament Saturday, Jan. 15, at Odessa High School.
Warrensburg boys basketball fell to Southern Boone 65-58 in overtime 65-58 on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the California Tournament. The Tigers overcame a nine-point halftime deficit, tying the game late in the fourth quarter. The tie stuck until the 0:00 mark, sending the game into four minutes of overtime. There, Warrensburg was outscored 11-4. The Tigers were led by senior Derek Nicas, with senior Zach Munsterman second in line at 12. The win sends Warrensburg to the consolation side of the tournament. Due to COVID forfeits, there are only two teams remaining on the losers side. California has not updated...
WARRENSBURG — Several people with active warrants have been arrested after the Warrensburg Police Department started the “Most Wanted Monday” social media segment. The idea to make weekly posts was initiated by officers within the Investigations Unit. The department made the first post Dec. 27. “We thought we’d get it out there to the public so they could see some of the work that we do - what’s going on around here,” Lt. Mike Fidler said. Fidler said the Investigations Unit received several tips after the initial post was made on Facebook. Eric G. Miller, 34, was taken into custody...
The MIAA has announced an update to its recommendations for COVID protocols and policies for the remainder of the 2021-22 winter season and the spring 2022 season. Updates are based on guidance from both the CDC and NCAA. The recommendations still place COVID-10 prevention and management strategies for each individual school to the local level. This means all mask requirements may vary from institution to institution based on recommendation from local health officials. At the time of publication, the latest COVID-19 update from the University of Central Missouri still leaves masks recommended at the UCM Multipurpose Building. In terms of...
While the 2022 Get Fit Challenge will continue, the Sedalia Democrat and Warrensburg Star-Journal have decided to cancel the upcoming Get Fit Health Expo. The purpose of the Get Fit Challenge is to promote a healthy and happy lifestyle in Sedalia, Warrensburg and surrounding communities by offering unique opportunities and spreading the word of all things healthy in the area. “After taking a year off from the Get Fit Health Expo due to the pandemic, we were looking forward to bringing it back in 2022, but unfortunately, we are canceling the expo due to time constraints and interest levels,” Publisher...
WARRENSBURG — In a 3-1 split vote, the Warrensburg City Council voted to not approve the rezoning of land located at 618. W. Clark St. at the Monday, Jan. 10, meeting. The agenda item requested the rezoning of the land from a single-family residence district to a two family residence district. “I put a lot of thought into this,” Council member Tarl Bentley said prior to the vote. “I just want to go on record as saying that I did take a lot of time to think about this and the decision I’m going to make.” Mayor Scott Holmberg said...
Warrensburg girls basketball’s game with Lexington scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12 has been cancelled. The Tigers will return to the court at Holden Friday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m.
Tigers boys basketball will spend the week going back and forth between Warrensburg and California on U.S. 50 Highway Warrensburg is scheduled to compete in the California Tournament, beginning with the quarterfinal round on Tuesday, Jan. 11. The Tigers are the No. 5 seed, and will be looking to earn their first win of the new year. They lost to Lee’s Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 4, while their meeting with Excelsior Springs scheduled for Friday, Jan. 7, was postponed to Wednesday, Jan. 19. Below is a full breakdown of the California Tournament’s bracket. Tuesday, Jan. 11 Quarterfinal No. 1 Fulton...
Bobby L. Stewart, 32, was arrested Dec. 6 on a Warrensburg warrant and a warrant in another jurisdiction. Kendal E. Sinn, 46, was arrested Dec. 6 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Market Street. Sinn was arrested on a warrant in another jurisdiction and a charge of driving while suspended revoked. Jeffrey Flowers, 25, was arrested Dec. 6 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. Erica D. Plets, 31, was arrested Dec. 7 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of North Maguire Street. Plets was arrested on a Warrensburg warrant and...
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee Inc. has announced free Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are now available, by appointment only, to 12-15 year-olds at least five months after their second dose at Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations. In addition to this announcement, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also authorized the following: All individuals who completed a primary series (two doses) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can receive an mRNA booster dose (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) at least five months after their second dose, reduced from the previously authorized five months. Individuals ages 5-11 who...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, Jan. 11 Flu shots for those 65 and older from 9 to 11 a.m. and flu shots for those 6 months and older from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Johnson County Community Health Services, 723 PCA Road. No appointment...
Efforts in Missouri have stepped up over the last several years to prevent human trafficking in the state. With January being National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, state agencies have partnered to help combat the ever-increasing crime. January is the anniversary of the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Joining forces in the prevention of human trafficking are the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement. “Human trafficking remains a growing concern in Missouri, particularly along the interstate corridors,” MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna said in a media release on Friday. “That makes...
While playing a game not long back, a boy questioned how his team could have 11 points already as his father quickly pointed out it wasn’t 11 but two, in hash marks. That got me thinking about those different ways of depicting the number as the year’s ending numeral has changed from 1 to 2 and how that relates to life together with one another. Two can exist alongside each other either in harmony or in opposition — being as one or being one against one. We know which is best, but honestly, our relations with others can often be...
WARRENSBURG — With the 2022 theme, “Living the Dream: Live and in Color,” the University of Central Missouri will host a variety of special events in January on campus and in cooperation with local organizations to honor the legacy of civil rights leader and humanitarian Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser, Community Praise and Worship Service, and the annual Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Community Service Awards Luncheon are among these special events, in addition to other opportunities at UCM’s Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit campuses. For more than three decades, UCM has conducted activities specifically designed to...
HOLDEN — Eagles girls basketball didn’t have the best shooting performance against Lexington on Monday, Jan. 10. That ultimately didn’t matter come the fourth quarter, where Holden posted its best eight minutes of play en route to a 47-24 win. “I’m interested to see how many shots we took tonight,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said. “It seemed to be that our shooting percentage wasn’t really good. It looked like our shooting percentage wasn’t any good at all. Our defense, though, was really really good. That’s what we talked about.” The final frame began with back-to-back buckets from sophomore Rachel...
Moderate injuries reported in Jan. 8 wreck One person is reported to have moderate injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Jan. 8 on Highway 2 at Southwest 192st Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2010 Chevrolet, driven by Corbin T. Hall, 18, of Harrisonville, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. Hall is reported to have moderate injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Western Missouri Medical Center. Hall is reported to have not worn a safety device. The Chevrolet is reported to have moderate damage.
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Fire Department reported crews responded to a residential structure fire the morning of Monday, Jan. 10, at 700 W. Market St. Crews were dispatched at 6:11 a.m. and arrived on scene at 6:15 a.m. to find fire on the exterior and in the attic space. Crews were able to bring the fire under control by 6:26 a.m. The cause of the fire has been ruled unintentional and is believed to have started due to an electrical malfunction. Last units cleared the scene at 8:12 a.m. “Especially with the recent tragic residential fires in Philadelphia and New...
Leeton girls beat Wheatland 73-17 in the first round of the Skyline Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 8, in Urbana. The Bulldogs (11-0) limited the Mules to single-digit scoring in all four quarters. Senior Regan Shaffer led with 22 points, junior Bailey Fleming had 10, junior Jordan Crooks had 10 and freshman Jayden Parsons had 10. Leeton returns to action as it meets Fair Grove in the tournament semifinals on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
Crest Ridge girls basketball picked up its third win of the season as it beat Windsor 54-33 on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Windsor High School. The Cougars (3-9, 0-1 I-70) outscored the Greyhounds (1-11) in all four quarters, beginning with a 9-6 run in the first quarter. Crest Ridge proceeded to score 15 in each of the last three frames. Junior Karley Swope led Crest Ridge with 20 points while junior Cat Baker had 17. Crest Ridge returns to action Tuesday, Jan. 11, as it hosts Concordia.
Crest Ridge boys basketball lost to Windsor 42-29 on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Windsor High School. The biggest difference of the contest arrived in the second half, where the Cougars were outscored 21-14. They trailed 17-15 at halftime. Crest Ridge (5-6, 0-1 I-70) was led in scoring by freshman Wyatt Ducos, who had seven points. Senior Dalton Wilhite and senior Garrett Nimsgern each had five. Dalton Witherspoon led Windsor (4-7) with 21 points. Crest Ridge returns to action Tuesday, Jan. 11 as it hosts Concordia at 7 p.m.
Mules basketball returned to the win column on Saturday, Jan. 8, beating Nebraska-Kearney 77-66 in Kearney, Nebraska. Central Missouri (7-6, 4-5 MIAA) gained the lead for good midway through the first half, and built its lead as high as 13. It featured five different players in double figures, led by redshirt junior Gaven Pinkley’s 16, redshirt sophomore Trey Sides’ 13, redshirt junior Matt Todd’s 12, redshirt senior Koray GIlbert’s 12 and redshirt senior Cam Hunter’s 10. Redshirt sophomore Ikenna Okeke had eight. Nebraska Kearney (5-9, 1-7 MIAA) had just two in double figures, led by redshirt junior Parker Badding’s 29...
Holden girls wrestling competed in the Midwest Materials Seneca Girls Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Seneca High School. Sophomore Charlie Gregg and junior Alex Vanhooser highlighted the day, placing second in their respective weight classes. Gregg (17-1) was second in the 130-pound bracket and Vanhooser (9-13) was second in the 235-pound bracket. Junior Gigi Jones (8-12) finished third in the 149-pound bracket while junior Jordan Syvlester (9-15) placed sixth in the 159-pound bracket. Holden hosts Lafayette County and El Dorado Springs on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
Jennies basketball added a marquee win, topping No. 9 Nebraska Kearney 58-52 on Saturday, Jan. 8, in Kearney, Nebraska. Redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell, redshirt freshman Olivia Nelson and senior Nija Collier finished in double figures. Littrell had 22, Nelson had 19 and Collier had 13. Littrell also grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds. The Jennies’ (10-6, 6-3 MIAA) lead reached 14 points by the midway point of the third quarter. Perhaps the biggest difference in the contest arrived at the free-throw line, where UCM was 13-of-18 compared to Nebraska Kearney’s (12-2, 7-1 MIAA 3-of-11. Central Missouri returns to action as it...
Knob Noster boys wrestling earned two championships at the Butler Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Butler High School. Sophomores Levi Wilhelm and Trey Payne both won their weight class, walking away with titles. Wilhelm beat Diamond junior Braydon Pelt (20-3) by fall in the 106-pound championship. Sophomore Trey Payne (21-2) beat Lafayette County senior Micah Grett (5-6) by fall in the 195-pound championship. The Panthers also had a third-place finish from junior Payton Arnold (18-9) in the 126-pound weight class, a third place finish from senior Eric Bennett-Wade (13-12) in the 145-pound bracket, a third-place finish from Michael Martin...
Knob Noster girls wrestling won the Butler Invitational on Friday, Jan. 7, at Butler High School. The Panthers won five individual championships, coming from freshman Jayne Binder, freshman Kylie Miller, senior Haley Robles, freshman Zoey Schroeder, and sophomore Abby Sader. Binder (15-4) won the 110-pound championship beating Nevada senior Jade Feller (18-14) by fall, Miller (21-1) won the 115-pound match beating El Dorado Springs junior Annabelle Govoro (15-5) by fall, Robles (12-5) won the 120-pound match beating Liberty North freshman Kaydence Grass (11-6) by fall, Schroeder won the 125-pound bracket beating Warsaw sophomore Skylon Boone (11-2) by fall and Sader...
Sophomore Daylen Greene highlighted Holden boys wrestling’s day at the Butler Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Butler High School. Greene (18-2) topped the 120-pound weight class after beating Butler junior Baylor Myers (8-7) by fall. Other Eagles finishers included sophomore C.J. Reifsteck (12-9) placing third in the 170-pound weight class, freshman Graysen Theiman (12-13) placing fourth in the 106-pound weight class, sophomore Carson Moreno (18-2) placing fourth in the 113-pound weight class, freshman Aiden Christian (10-4) placing fourth in the 220-pound weight class, freshman Kale Tryon (9-3) placing fifth in the 126-pound weight class, junior Kody Conard (8-5) placing...
KNOB NOSTER — Fate was on Knob Noster boys basketball’s side late against Tipton on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Knob Noster High School. Three-straight buckets from sophomore Lucas Martin helped the Panthers tie the game barely inside the last 60 seconds of regulation. The Cardinals failed to make one last shot as it ran the clock to zero, sending the MRVC I-70 Crossfire's third-place game to overtime. There, it was Knob Noster’s time to earn a 68-62 win. “The boy showed a lot of grit and determination right there,” Knob Noster head coach Adam Easterwood said. “I’m impressed. My message...
KNOB NOSTER — Panthers girls basketball earned its second win of the season, topping Lexington 51-30 in the MRVC I-70 Crossfire seventh-place game Friday, Jan. 7. Knob Noster won the game in terms of its athleticism, making the moves needed to establish the lead it held the entire contest. “It was good to end the tournament with the win,” Knob Noster head coach Mike Riley said. “We’re 2-10 this season so far. Looking back to last season they had played two less games up to this point. They were also around 3-7 as well. We’re kind of on track to...
Both Leeton basketball teams are scheduled to travel to Urbana for the Skyline Tournament between Saturday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan. 15. The Lady Bulldogs are the girls tournament’s No. 2 seed behind No. 1 Skyline, while the Bulldogs are the No. 3 seed seed behind No. 2 Climax Springs and No. 1 Skyline. All games will be played at Skyline High School. Below is a full breakdown of the girls and boys brackets. GIRLS Saturday, Jan. 8 Quarterfinals No. 1 Skyline vs No. 8 Warsaw, 12:30 p.m. No. 4 Weaubleau vs No. 5 Climax Springs, 2 p.m. No. 2...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri’s Lifelong Learning Series will present, “Hiking Adventures” on Jan. 20. David Curtis, retired director of Warrensburg Parks and Recreation, will share what life is like on the hiking trail and how to manage it. The program will be at 6:30 p.m. in rooms B and C at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E Gay St. in Warrensburg. Curtis and his family moved to town from St. Louis in 1977 when he accepted the position of director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Warrensburg. What was originally planned to be a four-...
Both Chilhowee basketball teams will travel to Appleton City for the 40th Annual Appleton City Invitational between Monday, Jan. 10 and Saturday, Jan. 15. The Lady Indians are the No. 5 seed while the Indians are the No. 7 seed. All games will be played at Appleton City High School. Below is a full breakdown of the girls and boys brackets. GIRLS Monday, Jan. 10 Quarterfinals No. 1 Hume vs No. 8 Miami, 4 p.m. No. 4 Rich Hill vs No. 5 Chilhowee, 5:30 p.m. No. 3 Appleton City vs No. 6 Ballard, 7 p.m. No. 2 Osceola vs No....
WARRENSBURG — A Point-in-Time Count of the sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness will be Jan. 26. PIT Count Johnson County Coordinator Mary McCord is seeking volunteers to assist in the count due to an estimated increase in the unhoused population. McCord serves as a board member for Journey Home. “I need to find volunteers that will, on that night, … go with me to the three locations that we know the sheltered homeless people stay at night and help me count,” McCord said. “We have a brief survey where we interview them, so we make sure we don’t double...
Chilhowee girls basketball picked up its second Golden Valley Vernon County Conference win within the same amount of tries on Thursday, Jan. 6. The Indians topped Montrose 41-11. Senior Jill Skidmore led with 11 points and six rebounds, freshman Alexis Miller had nine points, six rebounds and three blocks, freshman Haley Lankford had seven points and two assists, while senior Laney Owsley had six points. Chilhowee (6-7, 2-0 GVVC) travels to Appleton City for the 40th Annual Appleton City Tournament on Monday, Jan. 10. The Indians are the No. 5 seed and will face Rich Hill in the first round.
WARRENSBURG — Volunteers, community members and legacy board members who have gone above and beyond were recognized during the annual Warrensburg Main Street Evening of Excellence on Thursday, Jan. 6. “Evening of Excellence is our opportunity, from Warrensburg Main Street, to recognize all of our volunteers and all of the people who have contributed to our partnership campaign,” Executive Director Jill Purvis said. “Everybody here has supported Warrensburg Main Street in some way or another over the past year and this is just our opportunity to thank you.” Main Street has been operating as a non-profit organization since 1994. Purvis...
Mules basketball held a nine-point lead at halftime of a contest with Fort Hays State on Thursday, Jan. 6, in Hays, Kansas. Twelve minutes into the second half, the game was no longer in their advantage.The Tigers outscored Central Missouri (6-6, 3-5 MIAA) by 14 points in the last 20 minutes. The final score was 64-59, handing UCM its third-consecutive loss. Fort Hays (11-2, 6-2 MIAA) made 8-of-12 three pointers during its second half run. The Mules made 11-of-28 shots in the second half overall. Koray Gilbert led the Mules with 17 points while Ja’Cor Nelson had 14. Fort Hays...
Crest Ridge girls basketball lost to Lone Jack 55-30 on Thursday, Jan. 6, at Crest Ridge High School. The Cougars (2-9, 0-1 I-70) were haunted by turnovers as they continue to work to improve their ability of handling pressure. The factor led to a 19-5 difference by the end of the first quarter. Crest Ridge scored six in the second and nine in the third. The Cougars return to action on Saturday, Jan. 8 as they travel to Windsor for a 4 p.m. tip.
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg girls basketball opened MRVC West competition exactly how it needed to – by earning a win. Warrensburg topped Excelsior Springs 70-24 on Thursday, Jan. 6, at Excelsior Springs, returning to the win column after two consecutive losses. “I thought they brought way better energy than they did last time,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “We’re still a young team, I don’t think we traveled very well (in our last game). That was our first bus trip.. The other trips we were riding in a van and we had a little bit of a different situation… I...
A 29-point third quarter from No. 3 Fort Hays State was too much for Jennies basketball on Thursday, Jan. 6, in Hays, Kansas. The frame was the tipping point in a 84-59 Central Missouri loss. Up until that point, the Jennies had managed to stay within the Tigers. The lead changed just twice in the contest, both occurring in the second quarter. Through halftime, the difference did not reach more than two baskets. Hot shooting in the third, where Fort Hays made 11-of-13 shots, lifted the floodgates. Also adding to the factor, the Jennies turned the ball over 25 times...
SEDALIA — Tentative plans to host the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival in Sedalia as a live, in-person event this year are well underway. Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation President Doug Freed and Vice President John Simmons spoke to the Sedalia City Council Monday night about the plans. The Sedalia Democrat reported that the city typically contributes ,000 each year to help sponsor the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, but those contributions were not needed in 2020 and 2021 as the annual four-day event was canceled due to the pandemic. Freed and Simmons said the board is planning for a...
With the 2022 Missouri legislative session underway, three local legislators talked to the Star-Journal about their bills and thoughts on the new session. As the Economic Development Committee chairman, state Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, said he’ll be focused on jobs, workers, and workforce development in rural Missouri. He has filed more than a dozen bills, including SB644, which deals with modifying provisions relating to agricultural tax credits such as wood energy, meat processing facilities, and agricultural production. It would extend the sunsets on those credits, several of which already expired. SB644 also proposes establishing the "Missouri Rural Workforce Development Act,"...
Bobby L. Stewart, 32, was arrested Dec. 6 on a Warrensburg warrant and a warrant in another jurisdiction. Kendal E. Sinn, 46, was arrested Dec. 6 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Market Street. Sinn was arrested on a warrant in another jurisdiction and a charge of driving while suspended revoked. Jeffrey Flowers, 25, was arrested Dec. 6 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. Erica D. Plets, 31, was arrested Dec. 7 when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of North Maguire Street. Plets was arrested on a Warrensburg warrant and...
SEDALIA — An idea to introduce art into the Pettis County Jail has snowballed into hosting an inmate art contest later this month. Chris Branstetter, Pettis County Jail kitchen administrator, said from the Sheriff's Office on Tuesday that inmates were allowed to create artwork about six years ago. Artwork from that project was hung in the jail lobby so it could be seen by visitors. From that idea, Branstetter decided to introduce an art contest, which was approved by Sheriff Brad Anders and Capt. Skyler Viebrock. “To kind of give them an incentive I thought about doing a contest,” Branstetter...
Moderate, minor injuries reported in Jan. 3 wreck One person has moderate injuries and one person has minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Jan. 3 in the 500 block of Southeast 251st Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2001 Dodge, driven by Shelia S. Stoneking, 55, of Leeton, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Stoneking is reported to have moderate injuries and occupant Karen A. Ridenour, 59, of Windsor, is reported to have minor injuries. Both were transported by Emergency Medical Services to Western Missouri Medical Center. Stoneking and Ridenour...
My Christmas wish came true this year! It all started 36 years ago. Darren and I started dating when I was 18. He already had a daughter who was 3 years old. Three years later, she would become my bonus daughter. When I was 24 we welcomed daughter number 2 and when I was 28 God blessed us with an 11-pound man-child. We watched and guided them as they grew, always believing in their hearts and abilities. In the back of our minds, we knew that the day would come when they would take flight out of the nest but...
SEDALIA — The new year may have just started, but the Missouri State Fair is already looking ahead to August. On Monday, the Missouri State Fair thanked its fans “for an amazing 2021” and announced the 2022 theme will be “Buckets of Fun.” “We are getting things ready to bring you Buckets of Fun in 2022,” information from the State Fair states. “Mark your calendar and make plans to start crossing things off your State Fair bucket list at the 2022 Missouri State Fair, Aug. 11-21 in Sedalia!” The Missouri State Fair was recently recognized for excellence in agriculture education,...
SEDALIA — The inaugural Miss Missouri Volunteer Pageant will be hosted over the weekend with Miss Sedalia Volunteer present. Brooklyn Bryant, 23, was crowned Miss Sedalia Volunteer on Dec. 3 after an interview, resume and essay submission. Bryant will be competing with other local winners in the first Miss Missouri Volunteer Pageant from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in St. Louis. “So what I had to do was submit my resume and show all the volunteer service I have done in the last two years, I also got to choose my own personal initiative...
Dear Editor: What has happened to Warrensburg? Warrensburg was once a nice town to live in. A place where you could leave your doors unlocked, windows down on your car, and let your kids roam to the park. None of these things are possible anymore. Why? There are a number of factors involved in the reasons why. Two primary factors are contributing to the problem. Methamphetamine use along with other drugs that have become all too common in every community. That, coupled with the way that law enforcement and our justice system handles drug offenders, are the primary reasons that...
MARSHALL 一 Diane Bartholomew, vice president of academic affairs for Missouri Valley College, has announced the fall 2021 dean's list. Senior Brandee Mannering, nursing major, and freshman Brandi Saunders, pre-nursing LPN to BSN major, of Warrensburg have been named to the dean’s list. The requirements for the dean's list are a 3.3 or higher GPA; at least 12 graded hours for the semester and no "D," "F," or "Incomplete" grades for the semester.
One thing I could never understand: when wine experts, gurus, aficionados and geeks get together, all they talk about are the great vintages of dry (not sweet) wines of the past, which many of them have never tasted but have only read about. They laugh at the moscatos, sneer at the blush zinfandels and refer to them as gaudy, common, unsophisticated or call them perfumed harlots; and yet, some of the most sought after and expensive wines are sweet. Have you ever heard of Chateau d'Ychem? It is the most famous of all the super sweet Sauternes wines of Bordeaux...
JOHNSON COUNTY — As of Thursday, Jan. 6, Johnson County Community Health Services reports there are 256 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County. In total, there have been 8,684 confirmed cases with 8,347 recovered. There have been a recorded 81 deaths from COVID-19 in Johnson County. The Johnson County COVID-19 Tracker, an online dashboard, is updated daily and can be found at johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-in-johnson-county. There are currently 7,400 cases in Jackson County, 1,489 in Cass County, 497 in Lafayette County, 191 in Henry County and 1,068 in Pettis County.
HASTINGS, Neb. — Elijah Nappe of Warrensburg, earning a 4.0 GPA, was named to the Hastings College dean's list for its fall 2021 semester. To be eligible, students must achieve a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA and be registered for full-time coursework.
JEFFERSON CITY – Last week, Gov. Mike Parson announced five judicial appointments to the 17th, 20th, 21st, and 38th Judicial Circuits. Kaitlyn Roach will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Johnson County in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Roach will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of Judge W. Sue Dodson. The appointment became effective on Jan. 3. Roach, of Warrensburg, most recently served as an attorney with the Lance A. Riddle Law Office. She has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central Missouri and a Juris Doctor from Mississippi College...
SAN ANGELO, Texas 一 Sadie Misner of Warrensburg, management major, has been named to the dean's list for Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. To be eligible for the ASU dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Warrensburg boys first MRVC West contest of the season, a home game against Excelsior Springs, has been postponed. The game was initially supposed to be played at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7. It will now be played at 7 p.m. Wednesay, Jan. 19. Warrensburg is still scheduled to compete in the California Tournament next week, facing Southern Boone at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11. A full look at the tournament’s schedule will be included in Tuesday’s edition of the Star-Journal.
Down 11 at halftime of a Stover Invitational consolation game, Holden boys basketball searched for a comeback against Jamestown. They were able to do just that, pushing through to a 68-63 win on Wednesday, Jan. 5, in Stover. Sophomore Aiden Morarity led the Eagles in scoring with 20 points. Holden moves on to meet Stover for fifth place in the tournament at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Stover Dome.
Knob Noster girls basketball lost to Concordia 68-36 in the consolation semifinal round of the MRVC I-70 Crossfire tournament on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Knob Noster High School. The Panthers were outscored in all but the third quarter, where they put 17 points. They had six in the first, seven in the seond and six in the fourth. Cocordia had two players finish with 24 points, senior Cate Cooper and senior Landry Yount. Knob Noster was led by freshman Peri Wark, who put up 13. The loss sends the Panthers to the seventh-place game, where they'll meet Lexington at 4:30...
LEETON — All Bulldogs girls basketball needed against Kingsville was a little bit of defense. Leeton overwhelmed the Tigers, winning 85-10 on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs made plenty of defensive stops in the contest, giving them opportunities to turn around and strike. Adding on, Kingsville (1-10) had its fair share of ball handling struggles, giving it right back to Leeton. The two factors meant plenty of buckets to go around for the Bulldogs (10-0). “The defense was really good, and it has been,” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “It was really good against Midway...
LEETON — Forcing Kingsville into offensive mistakes was key for Leeton as it earned a 72-29 win on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs (8-4) capitalized through its defense, forcing the Tigers into turnovers and self-inflicted shortcomings. The aspect turned a 20-10 first quarter into a 43-20 halftime difference. “We tried to hurry some things up early and we missed some easy shots,” Leeton head coach Rick Mills said. “Our press, we caused a lot of turnovers and had a lot of easy baskets. We talked about press and our transition game. Our transition game is really...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg School Board of Education has selected Holly Jennings to serve as the Warrensburg Middle School principal effective July 1. Jennings currently serves as the assistant principal at Warrensburg High School and current WMS Principal Jim Elliott is set to retire June 30. “(Administration) is really just an opportunity to affect change at a larger level than in a classroom,” Jennings said. Jennings graduated from WHS in 2003 and has a degree in secondary education social studies for grades 5-12 and a master’s degree in Secondary Administration from the University of Central Missouri and a doctorate in...
Warrensburg boys basketball lost to Lee’s Summit 72-28 on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Warrensburg High School. Warrensburg (4-7) hung in with Lee’s Summit through the first quarter, trailing just 17-13 at the end of the frame. It ended up being Warrensburg’s highest offensive output, scoring just five, six and four in the next three quarters. Lee’s Summit (7-1), on the other hand, proceeded to score 18, 27 and 10. Warrensburg was led in scoring by senior Zach Munsterman’s nine, all arriving in the first half. Sophomore Josh Thomas and junior Tony Farr were next in line at five a piece. ...
WARRENSBURG — Creeping cracks and building safety were discussed with the Johnson County Commissioners in a virtual meeting with Vice-President Trudy Faulkner of Strata Architecture Preservation on Tuesday, Jan. 4, Officials at the Johnson County Courthouse previously inquired about the work and cost of repairing the east, west and accessible entrances to the courthouse. Strata previously completed a report on the Old Johnson County Courthouse in 2003 and completed work on the Johnson County Courthouse in 2017-18. “What we’re looking at and what we found was a little bit more involved than what we anticipated,” Faulkner said. Faulkner discussed the...
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE — Whiteman Air Force Base has canceled the Wings Over Whiteman Air and Space Show, tentatively scheduled for June. Base officials canceled the event due to competing mission priorities. For now, Whiteman Air Force Base will focus its resources on executing nuclear operations and global strike. “This decision was not made lightly, as we know many of our service members, their families and our surrounding communities look forward to such an exciting event,” said Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “We plan to devote the next few years to creating the best possible airshow experience...
KNOB NOSTER — Defense was key for Panthers boys basketball in a 54-43 win over St. Paul Lutheran in the MRVC I-70 Crossfire quarterfinal round on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Knob Noster High School. The aspect was key to the Knob Noster (8-3) pulling ahead of the Saints (4-5) after the first quarter finished with a three-point difference. In order to do so, the Panthers had to look past St. Paul Lutheran’s size. “A lot of our momentum and intensity was set on the defensive end,” Knob Noster coach Adam Easterwood said. “They got some size that bothered us and...
WARRENSBURG — The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request by Evergy for a conditional use permit at the Monday, Jan. 3, meeting. The CUP is for a community utility facility and to construct a 90-foot structure in a light industrial district, located at 300 W. Pine St. Community Development Director Barbara Carroll said the site is commonly known as the Christmas tree disposal site and the three properties to the west are owned by the city. “Together we have made an application to the City of Warrensburg for a conditional use permit to construct a proposed substation on that...
Leeton senior Daniel Warner scored the 1000th point of his career in a 81-39 win over Midway on Monday, Jan. 3, at Leeton High School. Warner scored 29 points in the contest, also adding five assists and five steals. Sophomore Camden Uptegrove put up 19 points and four assists, while junior Cody Shackelford had 12 points, seven assists and five steals. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 31-14 lead in the first quarter thanks to 12 forced turnovers. It never looked back, leading 53-22 at the half. Leeton returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 5, as it hosts Kingsville.
Leeton girls basketball opened 2021 with a 73-16 win over Midway on Monday, Jan. 3, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs jumped off to five-straight threes to open the contest, spread between senior Rowan Schmidli and junior Bailey Fleming. Their efforts helped spark a 27-2 run in the first quarter. Leeton led 46-4 at halftime. Schmidli led with 16 points, Fleming had 13, senior Hailey Bingaman had 10, junior Jadeyn Johnson had 10 and junior Jordan Crooks had eight. The Bulldogs return to action Wednesday, Jan. 5, as they host Kingsville.
WARRENSBURG — After making its way through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Johnson County business community found its footing again in 2021. The Johnson County Economic Development Corporation put a new focus on improving its role as the Small Business Development Center for Johnson County. JCEDC has had a partnership with the SBDC at State Fair Community College in Sedalia for several years. “We’ve been steadily trying to figure out how to manage that here not only from a staff perspective but also making sure that we provide the highest level of customer service as...
WARRENSBURG — It wasn’t Mules basketball’s day as it hosted Emporia State on Monday, Jan. 3 at the Multipurpose Building. Central Missouri had its largest loss by deficit this season, falling 91-59. The first 13 minutes or so were back and forth, with the game featuring 11 ties and two lead changes. The time frame ended with a 19-18 Mules (6-5, 3-4 MIAA) lead disappearing. Emporia State (11-3, 6-2 MIAA) closed out the half on a 22-10 run, building itself up to a 12-point halftime lead. That’s when things really began to get out of hand. The Hornets sank two-straight...
WARRENSBURG — Emporia State redshirt sophomore Tre’Zure Jobe has never managed to shoot well against Jennies basketball. In her fourth-ever meeting with UCM, the trend stuck. Her teammates didn’t do too much, either, as Dave Slifer’s Jennies won 83-49 Monday, Jan. 3, at the Multipurpose Building. “Tre’Zure is just a heck of a player,” Jennies head coach Dave Slifer said. “She has had trouble against us. I hope she continues to have trouble against us.” Jobe finished the game 2-of-12 from the field, posting her second-lowest performance of the season with 10 total points. She typically averages 16.9 points for...
When Tyler Long first saw Emporia State men’s basketball’s 2021-22 schedule, the first thing he did was circle Jan. 3. Approximately six months after accepting an assistant coach position with the Hornets, the date finally arrived Monday. The importance: Long’s return to the University of Central Missouri Multipurpose Building. “All games are important, but it’s always more fun to come back home and have a chance to see a lot of familiar faces,” Long said. “I had a lot of family and friends in the crowd. It was definitely unique. It was different. It was a game I’ll never forget.”...
LEETON — A Camp Valor Outdoors warrior is helping to repair an electric wheelchair for a veteran who was confined to his home. CVO warrior Kyle Hookey first heard of CVO after joining the American Legion and then also from being from the local area. Hookey started out with one of the fishing trips that CVO hosted and then after that, he started going to camp and helping with stuff. “Then I help around the camp with whatever needs repaired, help with cooking stuff for events and stuff like that,” Hookey said. There were a couple of electric wheelchairs at...
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. 一 Steven Edwards, of Warrensburg, graduated from the University of the Cumberlands with a Master of Science in Justice Administration.
WARRENSBURG — Kysen Wade Reberry was welcomed into the world as the first baby of the new year at 3:07 p.m. Jan. 1 at Western Missouri Medical Center. Kysen weighed 7 pounds and measured 20.5 inches. Kysen is the third child for Toby Reberry and Katlynn Hounchell, of Blue Springs. All three children were delivered at WMMC with Lynn Birchmier, D.O. Aspyn and Keelan, born 10 months apart, are both 3 years old. Toby is the son of WMMC CEO Darinda J. Dick. WMMC Auxiliary President Sharon Franklin and Volunteer Services Supervisor Teresa Collins presented the family with a gift...
Warrensburg High School is in search of its next head volleyball coach. A listing for the position was published Dec. 16 on the school district’s job postings. The school will be replacing Bill Brooks, who led the program for two seasons. Under Brooks, the program compiled a 21-21-3 record. The Tigers were 13-14-2 in 2021, finishing with a 3-1 loss to Bolivar in the Class 4 District 10 tournament’s first round. Juniors Tenaia Maxwell and Kimberly Maxwell earned first team All-District honors, while junior Grace Hill earned second team All-District honors. Brooks was named as the head coach of the...
With temperatures dipping below freezing during overnight hours for much of the week, Missouri American Water is reminding homeowners to take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Following these tips in preparation for winter can protect home plumbing to prevent costly repairs and higher water bills. Before the cold sets in customers should do the following: Know how to shut off water. Most homes have a shut-off valve. Customers can also look for shut-off valves on faucets. Identify the home’s freezing points. Check for pipes in areas prone to freezing, such as crawl spaces, basements, unheated rooms, garages, and exterior walls....
Nearly one-third (30%) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January. With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly encourages everyone to keep the festive memories and remove the hazards by disposing of Christmas trees promptly after the holiday season. “As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “The longer Christmas trees remain in homes, the longer they present a risk.” ...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Tuesday, Jan. 4 Flu shots for those 65 and older from 9 to 11 a.m. and flu shots for those 6 months and older from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Johnson County Community Health Services, 723 PCA Road. No appointment...
Col. Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provided the following preliminary statistics related to the New Year’s holiday weekend: No one was killed in a traffic crash during the 78-hour counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30 and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2. There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2022 New Year’s holiday counting period. During the 2022 New Year’s counting period, troopers investigated 406 traffic crashes with 91 injuries and no fatalities. Troopers arrested 94 people for driving while impaired. Last year during the 78-hour New Year’s...
WARRENSBURG — Maxine Collins celebrated her centennial birthday Thursday, Dec. 30, with family and friends at her residence in Warrensburg. Collins (Bradshaw) was born Dec. 30, 1921, in Arkansas City, Kansas, where she grew up. “We moved her up here almost 11 years ago so she could be closer to family because most of the family that would be able to help take care of her moved away from the area down there in Kansas,” Russell Ward, Collins’ son, said. Collins was married three times and had three children. “After her and my dad were married, we moved around quite...
WARRENSBURG — Heading into the fourth quarter of a matchup between Central Missouri and Washburn women’s basketball, the score remained even. That’s when the Ichabods pulled forward to take their first lead of the second half, making 5-of-21 shots compared to the Jennies’ 6-of-7 The factor led to a 66-59 UCM loss to Wasburn on Friday, Dec. 31, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. “We started the second half going inside,” Jennies head coach Dave Slifer said. “Nija (Collier) had some pretty good looks. She made a couple and missed a couple. We got into some foul trouble and they’re a...
WARRENSBURG — Within the last two minutes and 15 seconds of a game with Washburn, Mules basketball saw an eight-point lead disintegrate. Beginning with two free throws from senior Jeremy Harrell at the 2:12 mark, the Ichabods began to chip away. The final say was an offensive rebound turned layup from sophomore Connor Deffebaugh moments before the buzzer, resulting in a 67-65 loss. “We didn’t handle the press very good,” Central Missouri head coach Doug Karleskint said. “We put them at the line and they were able to knock down some free throws with no time going off the lock...
As we look back on 2021, it can be hard to find the blurry line where 2020 ended and 2021 began. Many of the themes we experienced in the first year of a new decade carried over into this year. While the pandemic has continued into year two and is about to enter year three, it looks different this time around. The world slowly came back to life as events returned, athletics returned to full capacity, businesses kept their doors open consistently, and school was no longer virtual, although Zoom is now a standard business tool. We all started coming...
Johnson County athletes and teams saw plenty of success stories as the sports world returned to a sense of normalcy in 2021. Throughout the year, high school spring sports, University of Central Missouri spring sports and University of Central Missouri fall Sports returned to competition after a season away due to COVID-19. While doing so, any fan restrictions still in place were lifted, allowing the full gameday experience to make a comeback. Though the impacts of the pandemic are still affecting sports, teams and student athletes made the most of opportunities en route to memorable seasons. Here are the Star-Journal’s...
Knob Noster is set to open the new year as it hosts the MRVC/I-70 Crossfire Tournament Monday, Jan. 3 through Saturday, Jan. 8. The Panthers are the lone area school scheduled to participate. The tournament’s slate includes mostly teams from the MRVC East and I-70 Conferences. Tipton is the lone exception. Below are the full brackets for the tournament. GIRLS Monday, Jan. 3 Quarterfinal Tipton vs Concordia, 4:30 p.m.; Santa Fe vs Knob Noster, 6 p.m.; Wellington-Napoleon vs Lexington, 7:30 p.m.; Lafayette County vs St. Paul, 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 Consolation Semifinal Wellington-Napoleon/Lexington loser vs Lafayette County/St. Paul loser,...
And just like that, she’s 33. When did 33 years pass? How did they simply fly by? How did things change so that when I see her, she lives in a house and cooks dinner and does her own laundry? Ike Skelton told me once that he knew his son had become an adult when his son picked up the tab for dinner. Ike’s son had just turned 40. So even though I see our child’s now being an adult, we still have a few years to go. It’s hard to reminisce about a lifetime. Some days are more memorable...
JOHNSON COUNTY — A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Johnson County from late Friday night through Saturday evening. According to the National Weather Service, widespread wintry precipitation is expected across the region. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 8 inches and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch are possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. The watch covers portions of east central and northeast Kansas and central, north central, northeast, northwest and west central Missouri. Highest snowfall totals are likely along and north of St. Joseph to Chillicothe to Kirksville. Greatest ice accumulations are...
Spire Missouri Inc. has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to adjust the infrastructure system replacement surcharge (ISRS) on the bills of its Spire East and Spire West natural gas customers. The surcharge first appeared on Spire East and Spire West customer bills in 2004. Spire seeks the adjustment to reflect infrastructure replacement investments made by the natural gas company from June 1, 2021, through Nov. 30, 2021. Spire’s application includes pro forma ISRS costs for December 2021. These costs for natural gas pipeline replacements and relocations are not currently included in Spire’s rates. The current...
ADELPHI, Md. 一 The following local students were named to the dean's list for the fall term at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Jonathan Armenta, Ashlyn Holter, Jordan Lancaster and Mich l. Meckes of Warrensburg; Julianna Brooks, Jeremy Ellinger, Justin Ratcliffe and Sarah Rhew of Knob Noster; and Quintin Camp, Winisha Irvin and Cynthia Rockett of Whiteman Air Force Base. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5.
KANSAS CITY — For the second consecutive game, Warrensburg girls basketball struggled to establish consistent offensive power. This edition of the downside came in a 42-24 loss to Warrenton during Twelve Courts of Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 30, at Hy-Vee Arena. “It wasn’t a good night on offense for us,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “I’m not sure what went on there. Maybe we just weren’t focussed. Who knows what it was, but it’s not a good night for us.” Turnovers and missed shots added up for the Tigers (6-3), who were outscored in all but the first quarter...
COLUMBIA 一 Montana Mistler of Centerview, Nolan Jackson of Knob Noster and Meredith Palmer of Warrensburg have been named to the Columbia College dean's list for the fall 2021 semester. To be named to the dean's list a student must have completed 12 semester hours in a 16-week period and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale.
Compass Health Network announced a new opportunity for employees currently pursuing or interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the areas of counseling, psychology, or social work. The company is partnering with local colleges and universities across Missouri, such as Lindenwood University, University of Missouri-Columbia/St. Louis, and the University of Central Missouri, to provide an enhanced tuition benefit exclusively for Compass team members. Compass Health Network is working to establish additional educational partnerships in the future. The scholarship program will pay up to ,000 of tuition costs per academic year for Compass employees at the start of the semester. Students...
Have you ever had a wish that came true? Josh Cellars (is that the name of the winery or that of the winemaker) has released a fantastic affordable college-like course on wine based on the cabernet sauvignon which is something that has been needed for centuries but no one had ever had the nerve, guts or chutzpah to present it. Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most discussed, criticized, argued over and, although I checked carefully, there has never been any instance of a duel being fought over the variety; however, some bloody noses have occasionally been reported. What Josh Cellars...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Filing for the upcoming Municipal Election, scheduled for April 5, closed Tuesday, Dec. 28, The following cities and boards have released the names of candidates. City of Warrensburg Eddie Osborne, Bryan Jacobs, “Kit” David Christopher Lindsay, Peggy Lasater, Bruce D. Uhler, Anthony “Townie” Clevenger, Peter Zwally and Scott Holmberg are vying for two seats, each a three-year term, on the Warrensburg City Council. Warrensburg School District Matt Sergent, Julie Lewis, James Miller and Angela Tayloe are vying for two seats, each a three-year term, on the Warrensburg School Board of Education. City of Chilhowee Lois Morrison has...
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County Community Health Services (JCCHS) will continue providing WIC services for the surrounding communities. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has approved a signed contract to continue providing WIC services for federal fiscal year 2022. Under the terms of the contract, the JCCHS Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program will be able to serve 1,500 eligible people every month. WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. The primary services provided are health screening,...
WARRENSBURG — With the toll of the new year, Ken Jennings will take on the title of chief for the Warrensburg Fire Department. Jennings began in the fire service as a junior firefighter. “I officially started, had an actual recognized position/role, in the fire service as a junior firefighter with the Johnson County Fire Protection District,” Jennings said. Jennings became a junior firefighter in 1999 while in high school. “In 2002, I did a firefighter internship my senior year of high school through a work-study program through the high school,” Jennings said. “That’s when I started with Warrensburg, in that...
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE – The B-2 Spirit will fly over the Tournament of Roses, Jan. 1, 2022. Continuing a lasting relationship with the Tournament of Roses, the B-2 will kick off the events with a demonstration of precision airpower, while also launching the year-long celebration of the U.S. Air Force’s 75th anniversary. Rose Parade spectators will be able to view the first flyover at 8:04 a.m. when the B-2 Spirit soars over the parade route. Later, the B-2 kicks off the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and University of Utah Utes. “We are excited to...
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of both its customers and employees, Hy-Vee is introducing its new Hy-Vee Retail Security team to retail stores across its eight-state region. Hy-Vee Retail Security officers will be present in Hy-Vee stores during operating hours. These officers, many of whom come from a law enforcement background, are specially trained to defuse situations and equipped to protect the safety of both Hy-Vee customers and employees. The officers have been through training designed by Hy-Vee retail security leaders alongside law enforcement partners. Officers are in several stores now, and more...
KNOB NOSTER — On Jan. 1, Missouri State Parks will be hosting its First Day Hike at state parks and historic sites across Missouri. Participants can choose from free, guided hikes that range in difficulty from easy to moderate and offer breathtakingly scenic adventure for the first day of 2022. A press release from Missouri State Parks details the hikes. “The state is putting it out to around 34 other state parks in Missouri that will be hosting,” said Melissa Hall, Assistant State Park Superintendent at Knob Noster State Park, “and it's a pretty big annual thing. This is several...
Many gardeners put their houseplants outdoors in summer and bring them in when temperatures start to dip below 55 degrees. This means that many of you, like me, are now surrounded by an indoor jungle. This is great for our own health as plants release oxygen into our homes. Many plants, such as spider plants, palms, Boston fern and philodendrons, among others, help to remove toxins and clean our indoor air. Plants living indoors do require some care, especially over winter. Leaf drop will often occur when plants are brought in due to lower light levels. Your plants...
KANSAS CITY — Knob Noster boys basketball’s experience at Twelve Courts of Christmas began with an immediate 10-point deficit. The early deficit ultimately didn’t matter. The Panthers found their rhythm within the pace of opposition Warrenton, playing their way to a 65-49 win on Thursday, Dec. 30, at Hy-Vee Arena. “The boys held through and held their composure,” Knob Noster head coach Adam Easterwood said of the early deficit. "They did it without a timeout. They were able to chip away and got right back in it. We stubbed our toe a few times down the stretch, but we’re learning...
KANSAS CITY — Knob Noster girls basketball’s trip to Hy-Vee Arena to meet University Academy in Twelve Courts of Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 30, didn’t go as it would’ve hoped. The Panthers struggled to get much going against the Gryphons, falling 65-35. Knob Noster (1-7) was outscored in all four quarters, with University City (4-1) putting up an average 16.25 points per frame. The Panthers averaged 8.75, only reaching double-digit scoring in the final frame. The Panthers fell behind 18-9 by the end of the first quarter. The separation only grew from there. University Academy was led by freshman Anonda...
Moderate injuries reported in Dec. 27 wreck One person is reported to have moderate injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Dec. 27 in the 200 block of Northeast 191st Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2019 Polaris, driven by a minor, slid on a curve and the vehicle overturned. The juvenile is reported to have moderate injuries and was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital. The juvenile is reported to have worn a safety device. The Polaris is reported to have minor damage. MSHP was assisted by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Moderate injuries reported in...
SEDALIA — The holidays are times for good food and family. To many that also means tamales. Blue Ramirez, Catering Manager at El Espolon Mexican Restaurant, said tamales bring families together to pass the traditions. “Families come together,” Ramirez said. “That's when grandma or mom is teaching all the younger generations like their spices, their authentic ‘kick,’ or herbs, that they put into their meat. Everybody’s in the kitchen putting the masa on the corn husks and then wrapping them, so they're looking forward to eating the tamales.” Olga Rodriguez Castaneda, the owner of Taqueria Morelos, is selling a lot...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Police Department has started a new campaign via social media in hopes of finding wanted persons. Most Wanted Mondays began Monday, Dec. 27, with Corey P. Milak, Eric G. Miller, Edwin "Bill" W. Fischer and Steven R. Pope identified as having active warrants and believed to be on the run. WPD Chief Rich Lockhart said a WPD detective had the idea for the segment. “We’ve had some cases that have been difficult to apprehend the suspects and so we’re trying to use our social media platform to enlist help from the public and getting these people...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire Sunday, Dec. 26, in the 200 block of Southwest Business Highway 13. Crews responded at 3:35 p.m. to the report of an outside fire threatening a structure which became a fully involved structure fire. “It started on the outside of the trailer,” JCFPD Assistant Chief Dee Bennett said. “There was lumber piled up against the outside of the trailer. There was a pile of lumber, there was a pile of firewood.” The structure caught fire from the outside and the fire moved quickly through the structure. Crews...
Carly Russell made sure her name was inscribed in Stonehill College volleyball’s history this fall. The 2018 Warrensburg High School graduate capped off her career as a Skyhawk with a year that will go down in the school’s individual and team record books. “This year we just exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Russell said. “It was a lot of fun and being able to play with them was a lot of fun. It helps when you have other people around you to push you and make you better. This season was the best season we could’ve hoped for.” Individually, Russell played her...
WARRENSBURG — Located on the grounds of the Central Missouri Speedway just outside Warrensburg, Pub 13 offers burgers, sandwiches, and a full bar five days a week. The new business opened in August and is owned by Earl and Susan Walls, who have also owned the speedway for decades. Earl told the Star-Journal last week that he had speedway employees who wanted to work year-round and he was looking for a way to earn more income in the off-season, so the idea for a restaurant began. “This was kind of an attempt to help pay the taxes and keep people...
Col. Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provided the following preliminary statistics related to the Christmas holiday weekend. Eight people died in traffic crashes during the 78-hour counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23 and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26. Troopers investigated 310 traffic crashes involving 92 injuries and four fatalities. Troopers arrested 67 people for driving while intoxicated. Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, there were 746 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 10 were injured. During the 2020 Christmas holiday, troopers...
SEDALIA — The City of Sedalia wants residents to make plans to dine out in January 2022 at local restaurants with the chance to have their meal paid for by an area bank sponsor. Restaurant Month is a time to highlight the local restaurants around Sedalia and provide help during one of the slower months for restaurants. The new promotion is part of the Sedalia Shop Local effort started earlier this year as a partnership between the City of Sedalia and the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce. Joleigh Cornine, Planner and Downtown Specialist for the City of Sedalia, said this...
WARRENSBURG — After more than a year with an interim chief at the helm, Ken Jennings has been named the new chief of the Warrensburg Fire Department. The City of Warrensburg made the announcement on Facebook on Monday morning. “Please join us in welcoming Kenneth Jennings as our new Fire Chief,” the post states. “Chief Jennings has over 20 years experience in fire service and has served the Warrensburg Fire Department since 2002. We're excited about the next chapter for the Warrensburg Fire Department.” Jennings most recently served as a battalion chief with the WFD and a volunteer firefighter with...
SEDALIA — Located in a small nondescript building on East Broadway Boulevard in Sedalia, a store filled with a wide assortment of all new items has amassed clientele who love looking through and purchasing the shop’s ever-changing merchandise. Overstock Outlet Sedalia, 815 E. Broadway Blvd. in Sedalia, opened Jan. 1, 2021. The store’s owner, Stacey White, said business has been good for the shop that carries almost everything but the kitchen sink. On Monday morning, customer Misty Fender, of Florence, was shopping with her children. She said she first shopped at the store around Thanksgiving and she keeps coming back....
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.” This coming Friday, at the stroke of midnight, we will sing these “auld” familiar words to celebrate the beginning of a new year. New Year’s, of course, is a time when we all feel as if we have a new lease on life, another chance to do things right, to say “Out with the old and in with the new.”...
Alex R. Elliott, 36, was arrested Dec. 2 after officers responded to five incidents regarding a violation of protective order. Elliott was arrested on five charges of violation of order of protection for adult - first offense. Alexander J. Preston, 26, was arrested Nov. 29 when officers conducted a traffic stop at Maguire Street and U.S. Highway 50. Preston was arrested on charges of driving without a valid operator's license and driving while intoxicated - liquor. Charles D. Stephens, 32, was arrested Nov. 29 when officers responded to a report of stealing in the 200 block of East Young Street....
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Dec. 29 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday, Dec. 30 Alanon Family Groups meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 141...
Woman hurt in Johnson crash A Warrensburg woman suffered moderate injuries in a single-vehicle accident at 2:45 a.m. Thursday in Johnson County. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Catalina C. Soles, 18, was driving west on state Route Y west of Southeast 921 Road when her vehicle struck a deer. Soles, who was wearing a seat belt, declined medical treatment from the Johnson County Ambulance District. The 2011 Infiniti was totaled. Windsor man seriously injured in ATV accident A Windsor man suffered serious injuries in a single-vehicle accident at 12:22 p.m. Thursday in Johnson County. According to a...
Warrensburg boys basketball will compete in the annual Rolla Holiday Tournament from Tuesday, Dec. 28 to Thursday, Dec. 30. Games will be split between Rolla High School and Missouri S&T. Warrensburg will begin its bracket with a meeting with Hannibal (1-3) at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on the campus of Missouri S&T. Warrensburg (3-4) has not played since placing third in the MRVC West Tournament with a win over Pleasant Hill on Friday, Dec. 17. They’ll be guaranteed three games in the holiday tournament. Below is a full breakdown of the bracket. Tuesday, Dec. 28 Quarterfinals At Rolla High School Waynesville...
Former Mules football players have received attention from the national level as they work towards the goal of pursuing a professional career on the gridiron. Wide receiver Cam Saunders and safety Bryan Adkins recently received invitations to two separate events that give recent college football graduates the opportunity to show off their skills in front of scouts from professional football entities such as the National Football League. Saunders, a native of Orlando, Florida, is set to compete in the Tropical Bowl from Jan. 12-Jan. 15, in Orlando. The event gives the nation’s top college seniors the opportunity to present their...
Warrensburg girls basketball and both Knob Noster basketball teams will venture to compete in the inaugural Twelve Courts of Christmas shootout on Thursday, Dec. 30, in Kansas City. Their games will be played at Hy-Vee Arena, formerly Kemper Arena. The three teams are a part of day eight of nine for the festivities. A total of 136 varsity basketball teams from Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa make up this year’s field. There will be three games running simultaneously across three of Hy-Vee Arena’s twelve dedicated basketball courts. The Warrensburg girls and Knob Noster girls are scheduled to take the...
Both Holden basketball teams are slated to compete in the Stover Tournament between Wednesday, Dec. 29, and Saturday, Jan. 8. The tournament will be split between Stover High School and the Stover Dome. The Holden girls will begin their bracket against Cole Camp at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, while the Holden boys will begin their path against Versailles at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30. The semifinal and consolation rounds will pick up with the boys side on Tuesday, Jan. 4, followed by the girls on Wednesday, Jan. 5. Below are complete brackets for the tournament. GIRLS Wednesday, Dec. 29...
OATS Transit is open for regular transportation service. OATS Transit follows Federal Transit Administration requirements, which means face masks must be worn on public transit due to COVID-19 through March 18, 2022. Call the OATS Transit office at 660-827-2611 or 800-276-6287 to schedule a ride or find out about service in your area. People can also visit www.oatstransit.org and click on their county under the tab “Bus Schedules” to view local schedules. OATS Transit is available to the rural general public of any age, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. We also contract with a number of agencies to serve their...
Hy-Vee Inc. announced it will host its fifth “Best of Local Brands” summit in February to expand and enhance the product offerings at its more than 280 retail stores in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. One hundred new brands were selected from the first three summits combined and are available to Hy-Vee customers. The summit will consist of 15- to 30-minute virtual presentations from selected suppliers. The summit will take place from Wednesday, Feb. 16 to Friday, Feb. 18. Hy-Vee is accepting submissions for its “Best of Local Brands” summit online at www.rangeme.com/hyveebestoflocal22q1 in...
MARSHALL 一 Crystal Inman, of Knob Noster, graduated cum laude from Missouri Valley College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Alexandra Schafer, of Knob Noster, graduated with an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Studies. Inman and Schafer were among the 50 graduates whose degrees were conferred in December 2021.
Minor injuries reported in single-vehicle wreck Dec. 22 One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Dec. 22 on southbound Highway 13 south of Northwest 700 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2010 International, driven by Daniel L. Hansen, 42, of Windsor, traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the roadway and overturned. Hansen is reported to have minor injuries and was transported to Western Missouri Medical Center by the Johnson County Ambulance District. Hansen is reported to have not worn a safety device. The International is...
While families gather for the holidays, veterinarians like Chad McNeal, DVM at Thompson Hills Animal Clinic in Sedalia, warns there may be hazards in the holidays for pets. “Candies are probably at the top of the list,” McNeal said. “Chocolate, you know, people are baking, and they turn their back and next thing you know the dog’s on the table and then you’ve got to bring him in, and we have to make him vomit, so it's kind of gross but at least it doesn't smell so bad when it happens.” The Humane Society of Missouri offers tips for festive...
Many may wonder who built the Missouri State Fair Main Gate, especially since it is now undergoing renovations. The mystery was solved when the daughter of the late Paul Edward Roberts Sr. called to say her father created the ironwork on the historic gate in 1935. Charlotte Ramey, of Sedalia, is one of 11 children belonging to Paul and Georgetta Marie Roberts. Ramey along with her brothers Terry and Dennis Roberts recently reminisced about their father, a Sedalia welder and Pearl Harbor survivor, noting their large family was close and filled with love, much like the Waltons on television. An...
The WCVB 2022 grant program application deadline is Jan. 28, 2022. Applications and grant information can be found at VisitWarrensburg.com under the About Section. The Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau’s grant program was established to provide startup funding to nonprofits hosting events, programs and sporting events that promote the development and growth of overnight tourism in Warrensburg. The WCVB has awarded more than ,000 to area nonprofits in grant funding. For more information regarding the WCVB grant program, visit VisitWarrensburg.com or contact Marcy Barnhart at marcy.barnhart@warrensburg-mo.com, (660) 262-4611 or visit the Warrensburg Visitor Center at 407A East Russell Avenue, Suite...
The Missouri Department of Agriculture is offering 30 high school students representing 4-H clubs and FFA chapters as well as farm families throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture through the 2022 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA). MAbA is a competitive program for sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related degrees and careers. The students selected will have a yearlong opportunity to learn about the unique opportunities for careers in the Kansas City area, volunteer at the Missouri State Fair and learn more about the agriculture industry in Jefferson City. The 2022 schedule will be finalized in the spring and will...
WARRENSBURG — The City Council approved three resolutions at the Monday, Dec. 13, meeting. Homeland Security Grant The council voted to approve a resolution to accept the State Homeland Security Program Counter Terrorism Officer Equipment Grant. “This is a program through the State of Missouri,” Warrensburg Police Chief Rich Lockhart said. “One of our officers, Brandon Hargrave, was assigned to the Counter Terrorism Officer program. Doesn’t mean he has to leave here, he still works here, but they meet virtually, they share intelligence information.” Lockhart said the Warrensburg Police Department, in being part of the program, is eligible to annually...
The Missouri Press Foundation, in partnership with the Missouri School of Journalism and Reynolds Journalism Institute, announced the all-new Rural Missouri Newspaper Scholarship. A deadline of Jan. 31 has been set for the first applications to be submitted for consideration for the first year of funding, awarded for the 2022-23 academic year. A need-based award, the Rural Missouri Newspaper Scholarship will provide up to ,000 for qualifying students attending the Missouri School of Journalism for four years. Students chosen for the program must be pursuing a degree in journalism or strategic communication, and upon graduation students receiving the scholarship will...
Minor injuries reported in Dec. 15 wreck on 900 Road One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Dec. 15 on Southeast 900 Road at Highway WW. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2017 Toyota Camry, driven by Karen I. Stewart, 68, of Windsor, failed to stop at a stop sign, traveled through the intersection, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch and fence. Stewart is reported to have minor injuries and was transported by the Johnson County Ambulance District to Western Missouri Medical Center. The...
I have an ear worm: Placido Domingo’s “Once Again It’s Christmas Time This Year.” It circles round my brain unceasingly, probably because it seems impossible that another year has gone by – this one in fast forward. And yet it has. Tomorrow night, my little family will gather for the first time in our now-not-so-new living and dining room, and I will put the new kitchen to its first real test: dinner for 12 people. I have figured out where to put them all, and I have a game plan for putting together a simple dinner. Dessert, however, will be...
Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers are offering a reminder that every driver can help make roadways safer this holiday season. Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 746 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 310 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26. Drivers and occupants are reminded to wear a seat belt, pay attention while driving, and not drink and drive. Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns and that they...
The Martin Warren Chapter, Missouri Society Sons of the American Revolution (MOSSAR), presented the Emeritus Membership Certificate to Christian “Kit” Schwensen at the regular chapter meeting on Dec. 18. Emeritus membership is awarded to any member who has paid National Society dues as a Regular Member for 50 years, contiguous or not. An emeritus member is exempt from all annual dues payable to the National Society. Schwensen, a Warrensburg resident, is a Member-at-Large of the MOSSAR. Schwensen joined the NSSAR in about 1967 and his Patriot Ancestor is Christopher F. Burchartt, who was born in Maryland in about 1756. It...
A Warrensburg woman is the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians. Marla Tobin, MD, FAAFP, received the 2021 award at the Academy’s 73rd Annual Meeting hosted Nov. 12-13 at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale. A committee of family physicians chose Tobin from nominations made by patients, community members, and fellow physicians. According to a news release, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes members, nonmembers, and entities for their long-time dedication to advancing, contributing, and supporting the MAFP and the specialty of family medicine. “Dr. Marla Tobin from Warrensburg has shown long-term dedication...
In addition to gifts under the tree this weekend, Christmas 2021 is also bringing lower gas prices to Missourians. According to GasBuddy, an online fuel savings platform, the national average price of gasoline is down 10 cents per gallon since Thanksgiving. A news release from GasBuddy issued last week states that the national average on Christmas is projected to decline to .25 per gallon. This is a penny away from 2013’s Christmas tally of .26 per gallon, the priciest Christmas on record, but there remains a chance prices in 2021 could still land just above the previous Christmas record. While...
HOLDEN — Camp Valor Outdoors is bringing a little Christmas cheer to homeless veterans as it opens its first three tiny homes. Last weekend, CVO finished installing appliances and WiFi into the first three tiny homes in its Veterans Village project that plans to house and rehabilitate homeless veterans in the Johnson County area. Executive Director and Founder of CVO John Schwent said they found out in 2019 that 30 homeless veterans in Johnson County were relocated to other counties and they wanted to know why. According to Schwent, there wasn’t anywhere for the veterans to go in Johnson County....
SEDALIA — Taylor Burks came to Sedalia on Friday to speak to the Pettis County Pachyderm Club about his run for Congress. The decorated U.S. Navy Commander and first-time Republican Boone County Clerk sought to persuade the Sedalia audience with his rural Missouri bona fides. “I've taken a term limit pledge, I've said 10 years is my max,” Burks said. “If you can't do the job that people want you to do in 10 years you should probably let someone else try. My wife and boys are staying in the district so I'm gonna be one of those congressmen that...
JEFFERSON CITY 一 Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg approved livestock movement papers for nine reindeer. Mr. Santa Claus from The North Pole applied for the permit this week, providing proof of the healthy herd through a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed by licensed veterinarian Dr. Hermey Elf. Team leader, Rudolph, underwent additional testing to prove he’s the most famous reindeer of all. Although mischievous, Mr. Claus will be coordinating his deliveries to nice boys and girls with his scout elves sitting atop many Missouri shelves. “I’m excited to see so many deserving children...
WARRENSBURG — As of Monday, Dec. 27, all branches of Trails Regional Library will move into COVID Level Three: Open with Restrictions. Branches will continue to be open with full service, full staff and regular hours. Due to continued increased cases in Johnson and Lafayette counties, Director Jackie Hawes has made the decision to move library branches from Level Two to Level Three. This level still includes safety precautions without limiting access to library services. The COVID Level Plan includes five color-coded levels that are specific to each branch location. Any future level changes will be communicated on posted signs...
SEDALIA — SpoFest founder James Bryant has published his first chapbook featuring dark haiku. The book, “In the Dead of Night Vol. 1” was released on Amazon Kindle eBooks on Dec. 17. Haiku is a Japanese-style poem of 17 syllables in lines of five, seven and five that usually describes nature. Bryant said by phone on Monday he has conformed to the 17 syllables and five-seven-five format but has taken his work a step further creating a darker look at haiku. He added this is his first chapbook and noted it is “exhilarating” to finally have it published. Bryant said...
La Crema wines have been around for over 40 years and if a winery can be around for that long, they must be doing something right; and they most certainly are. Part of the secret to their success is that the La Crema vineyards are located in the region of California, called the Sonoma Coast, mainly because the only thing that is west of the region is the Pacific Ocean. This location allows for the cool pacific breezes to blow across the vineyards, keeping the grapes from getting too hot, which results in the grapes developing a higher sugar content. ...
As I write this on Christmas Eve Eve (“Friends reference, anyone?) in my office at the Democrat, things are pretty quiet. Only a few of us are at work today, with many of our coworkers starting the long holiday weekend early. Christmas music is softly playing on my laptop while I sip on a peppermint mocha from Ozark Coffee. I’ve been trying to think of what to write about with Christmas only single-digit days away, and not much has been coming to mind. Except for string. As kids, my younger sister and I received plenty of presents from Santa Claus,...
KINGSVILLE — The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe struck a cow after a 2010 Peterbilt hauling cattle crashed Tuesday, Dec. 21, in the 0 block of Route W. MSHP reports there are no injuries from the Peterbilt crash. Chevrolet driver Michael W, Candillo, 41, of Garden City, is reported to have minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The Chevrolet is reported to be a total loss. The Johnson County Fire Protection District #2 and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
Christmas is here. Are you happy? Or do you always end up feeling let down and depressed, surrounded by a sea of stale decorations and crumpled wrapping paper? Does it feel like a holiday? Or a disaster? Are you at peace? Or are you consumed with worry and anger about bills, COVID, politics, health, family, the nation? The world? Does all the work and waste and worry leave you wondering what you’re even celebrating? Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?! Ahem. Lights, please. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping...
Kerwin Urahan, the executive director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, is set to retire at the end of the 2021-22 school year after 16 years of service. Urahan has been at the helm of MSHSAA since 2006. He spent the first 15 years of his career within numerous teaching, coaching and administrative roles within school districts across the state before then. “I would like to thank the MSHSAA Board, present and past,” Urahan said in a release. “All my staff over the last 16 years that kept going in the right direction, thanks to all my staff...
Both basketball teams from Chilhowee and Kingsville will spend the final week of 2021 venturing back and forth between Johnson County and Drexel. The Indians and Tigers are scheduled to compete in the inaugural William D. Gordon Holiday Tournament between Monday, Dec. 27 and Thursday, Dec. 30, at Drexel High School. The basketball tournament is in honor of former Drexel superintendent William Gordon, who died in 2004. The Chilhowee (2-6) boys will kick things off at 3 p.m. Monday against KC Metro, followed by a battle between the Chilhowee (3-5) and Kingsville girls (1-6) at 4:30 p.m. The Kingsville boys...
The University of Central Missouri is currently tied for second in the 2021-22 MIAA Commissioner's Cup standings. The rankings factor point points earned from a school’s regular season finish in each sport recognized by the MIAA divided by the number of those sports sponsored by an institution. Central Missouri’s performance was boosted with the help of regular season MIAA Championships from Jennies soccer and Jennies volleyball. It was also supported from a second-place finish from Jennies cross country. UCM, the defending Commissioner’s Cup winner, is currently tied for second with Pittsburg State. Below are the full standings from the MIAA’s...
TRENTON — Utilizing depth has developed into a trend as of recently for Holden girls basketball. In a 43-30 loss against South Harrison at North Central Missouri College Holiday Hoops on Wednesday, Dec. 22, the factor showed. “We had the opportunity to get a lot of young girls a chance to play tonight,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said. “We’re going to need a lot of the young girls in the second half (of the year)… We just have girls playing out of position.” Holden (5-3, 2-1 MRVC East) was without its typical big in senior Liz Stout, who has...
WARRENSBURG — Donner and Vixen made a surprise visit Wednesday, Dec. 22, to HyVee, 410 E. Young Avenue. “I figured a lot of people would have Santa, so I wanted to do something different,” Store Director Brian Stevens said. Donner and Vixen, brothers, are four years old and are part of the herd from Show Me Reindeer LLC from Moberly. “We always bring two reindeer and our antique sleigh to various (events) whether it’s stores or city events or private parties,” Owner Kari Scull said. “You name it - during the holiday season - for people to be able to...
TRENTON — At halftime of Holden boys basketball’s meeting with South Harrison on Wednesday, Dec. 22, Holden head coach Nathan Martin defined the first half as boring. The Eagles made sure the second half didn’t end up that way as well. Behind a dominant second half from sophomore Aiden Morarity and junior Josh Taylor, Holden walked away from its first ever North Central Missouri College Holiday Hoops appearance with a 45-32 win. “We kept telling them every timeout and every quarter, when we got something out of our press that’s when we were able to play a little bit,” Holden...
Crest Ridge girls basketball lost to Lincoln 66-52 on Tuesday, Dec. 21, in Lincoln. Even down two starters, the Cougars were able to finish with two scorers in double digits. Both junior Cat Baker and senior Karley Swope had 17 points. Baker’s performance came from a career-high five three-pointers. The outcome was Crest Ridge’s highest offensive performance of the season. The previous high was 40.
KNOB NOSTER — Brian Kniskern recently retired after serving 24 years as the Knob Noster city marshall. Kniskern moved to Knob Noster in 1992, joined the Knob Noster Police Department in 1995 and became the chief in 1997. He won his first election for city marshall in 1998. Kniskern applied to be an officer in Knob Noster after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. “Looking around for a job, I went and worked at the university, at the time it was Central Missouri State University, now UCM,” Kniskern said. “I worked there for about a year and a half and...
Leeton girls basketball kept the ball rolling, beating Sacred Heart 67-25 on Monday Dec. 20, in Sedalia. The Bulldogs got a fast start with three-straight baskets off turnovers to open the contest and didn’t look back. They led 41-12 at halftime. Against the Gremlins’ 2-3 zone defense, Leeton was able to finish with a balanced offense. Junior Jadeyn Johnson led the way with 16 points, junior Jordan Crooks had 14 points, junior Bailey Fleming had 13 points and senior Rowan Schmidli had 12 points. Leeton finishes the 2021 portion of its season having won each of its eight games.
Jennies basketball’s Nija Collier has been named as the MIAA Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week. In a trio of games between Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, Collier averaged a team-high 25.7 points, 14 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. She shot 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from the three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line. Her performance helped Central Missouri beat Northwest Missouri 60-57 on Dec. 13, Missouri Southern 68-64 on Dec. 16 and Pittsburg State 70-61 on Dec. 18. During the period, Collier extended her double-double total to 10, recording 25 points and 12...
Leeton boys basketball lost a close battle with Sacred Heart 61-58 on Monday, Dec. 20, in Sedalia. The Bulldogs were down by eight at halftime, but were within two by the time the fourth quarter came around. Senior Daniel Warner led Leeton with 18 points and seven rebounds, junior Cody Shackelford had 15 points and sophomore Camden Uptegrove had 12 points, four steals and three assists. The loss marked the Bulldogs’ second to the Gremlins this season, the last in a 65-59 loss Dec. 11. Leeton closes the 2021 portion of the season having lost to nobody but the one-loss...
For those familiar with Christian scripture, the Annunciation is an oft-heard story around Christmastime. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and lets her know that she will give birth to the son of God. She is surprised and nervous, but by the end of their brief conversation, she declares, “I am the servant of Adonai; may it happen to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). When I have heard this story discussed, the emphasis is often Mary’s “yes” – which is indeed an essential piece of the story – but I think we skip too quickly over Mary’s fear...
SEDALIA — A mother and her two daughters have started their own online business called Wickz and Stones, selling crystals and candles. Jamie Webner said she has collected crystals ever since she was a little girl and has always been drawn to them. Once her daughter, Keegan Webner, 22, said she wanted to start making candles, she decided to turn both into a business. Over the last decade, Jamie started looking more into crystals and their metaphysical properties and learning more about them. Jamie thought about taking some courses for alternative healing and medicine; she is already a radiology technician. ...
CENTERVIEW — For a good chunk of its game with Tipton, Crest Ridge was able to hang within. When the fourth quarter arrived, a shift in tone took place. The Cardinals took over, beating the Cougars 48-36 on Monday, Dec. 20, at Crest Ridge High School. “We tried our best,” Crest Ridge head coach Cooper Collier said. “We’re just missing some offensive threats tonight. (Tipton) figured out how to get the ball into the middle of our zone and kind of just torched us there in that fourth quarter.” The two teams remained relatively even in competition through the early...
Both Holden basketball teams will travel northeast to Trenton to take part in the 17th annual North Central Missouri College Holiday Hoops shoutout on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at the Ketcham Community Center in Trenton. The Lady Eagles and Eagles will meet South Harrison in back to back games, beginning at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. It marks the first time Holden has competed in the annual event. “We are excited to have new schools joining us for the 2021 Holiday Hoops,” Holiday hoops committee member Mitch Dougan said in a release. “Having good match-ups is something we pride ourselves on...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire Monday, Dec. 20, in the 500 block of Northeast Highway 13. Crews responded to the report of a grass fire that had spread to two exterior buildings with a third structure at risk. Firefighters were on scene at 3:21 p.m. JCFPD Chief Larry Jennings said the fire began with a trash fire in a barrel that spread across the grass to an exterior shed and garage. The third structure was not involved in the fire. Jennings said the fire in the barrel was briefly left unattended and...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Dec. 22 American Legion Post 131 will host their monthly membership meeting at 6 p.m. at 733 E. Young Ave. All veterans are invited and a meal will be served. Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and...
USDA Rural Development has instituted a program that is beneficial to “very low-income” individuals and also seniors who need help with housing repair. Known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, it helps homeowners who need to repair, improve or modernize their homes through a loan or with a grant to remove safety and health hazards. Information provided by the USDA stated the program is available because it wants to help people stay in their own home and keep it in good repair. Owning a home and keeping it in good repair is beneficial to both families and their communities....
WARRENSBURG — A little more than a year after its founding, Journey Home hosted the inaugural Joy of Sharing Gala as a fundraiser and to provide an update on the year. The gala, featuring a dinner and silent auction, was Saturday, Dec. 18, at the White Rose Pavilion. “One of the things I’ve learned this last year is that homelessness really comes in many different forms,” Co-Director Melissa Werner said. Journey Home officially opened its doors in November of 2020 and provides individual case management and transitional housing for people who are unhoused. “One of the things through Journey Home...
SEDALIA — For a decade and a half, the Community Cafe has provided meals for those in need. What was started by a high school student continues through student leadership and community support. Kristen Allcorn, now known as Dr. Kristen Allcorn Killen M.D. of Springfield, opened Sedalia’s Community Café 15 years ago. Currently, Smith-Cotton High School teacher Jay Lutjen oversees the student-run project. Lutgen, who has supervised the Café for four years, noted on Thursday that SCHS student Anna Johnston is the coordinator for the project. Lutgen added besides students, a wide variety of groups are now involved with volunteering...
On Saturday, Dec. 4, Grover Park Baptist Church of Warrensburg presented a dramatic musical program, "Great Joy." The program was an annual outreach program and gift to the community, which celebrated the reason for the Christmas season, the birth of Jesus Christ. The program included five dramatic readings, four monologues, and eight songs by small vocal ensembles. The readings depicted Hope, Light, Peace, Love, and Joy. The dramatic scenes gave perspectives from Joseph, Mary's Mother, a Wise Man, and a Shepherd's Wife. The eight songs, accompanied by a live band, included: "Joy! He Shall Reign," "Come, Let Us Worship...
Mules basketball made it two-straight wins, beating Kim Anderson’s Pittsburg State squad 66-58 on Saturday, Dec. 18, in Pittsburg. The two teams battled back and forth with the first half, with the separation never reaching more than three points. Central Missouri (6-3, 3-2 MIAA) won the second half 41-33, including a 16-of-19 success rate at the free-throw line. Pittsburg State (3-9, 2-4 MIAA) only went to the line 10 times in the second period, making half. Redshirt junior Gaven Pinkley led the way with 24 points for the Mules, while redshirt senior Ja’Cor Nelson had 11 points and redshirt sophomore...
After three-straight two-possession MIAA finals, Jennies basketball finally found itself with a small amount of cushion in Pittsburg, Kansas. Central Missouri beat Pittsburg State 70-61 on Saturday, Dec. 18. It was supported by a 26-point day from redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell, a 25-point day from senior Nija Collier, a 12-point day from redshirt freshman Olivia Nelson and a seven-point day from redshirt freshman Kade Hackerott. The Jennies (8-4, 4-1 MIAA) garnered a game-high 42 rebounds, including 18 from Collier and 12 from Littrell. Central Missouri used 15 of the rebounds to score 16 second chance points. Pittsburg State (8-3, 4-2...
Leeton girls basketball built up its lead to a 72-14 win over Crest Ridge on Friday, Dec. 17, at Leeton High School. Turnovers and other factors limited Crest Ridge to single-digit points in each quarter. Leeton turned around and put points on the board, and finished with four in double-figures. Senior Rowan Schmidli had 12, senior Hailey Bingaman had 11, junior Bailey Fleming had 10 and senior Regan Shaffer had 10. Junior Jordan Crooks had nine. A 50/50 raffle for the family of Dennis Wilson raised ,400.
Chilhowee boys basketball fell to La Monte 57-26 on Friday, Dec. 17, at the W-K Holiday Shoot-Out at State Fair Community College. Chilhowee jumped out to a 8-7 lead in the first quarter before La Monte went on a 21-8 run in the second frame. Tanner Anstine finished with 21 points for Chilhowee. Logan Mahin had 25 for La Monte.
Warrensburg wrestling competed in the Harrisonville Christmas Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 18, at Harrisonville High School. The Tigers were led by ninth-place finishes from sophomore Maddox Snyder and senior Aiden Walker. Snyder (6-8) had his finish after beating Bishop Ward junior Adan Luna (9-5) in the 138-pound weight class. Walker (13-6) earned his finish after beating Webb City junior Hunter England (10-7) by fall in the 152-pound bracket. Senior Mason Fritsch (8-11) placed 10th in the 132-pound bracket, junior Daniel Stark Wroblewski (13-6) placed 10th in the 170-pound weight class, sophomore Jayden Welch (7-9) placed 11th in the 113-pound weight...
Cole Camp senior Gage Cross accounted for almost half of his team’s points in a 60-49 win over Crest Ridge on Thursday, Dec. 16. Cross scored almost all of his points on the inside, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Cole Camp also had a scorer with 18 and 10 points in the contest. Crest Ridge, on the other hand, only managed two scorers in double-digits. Senior Corben Martin had 11 while freshman Wyatt Ducos had 10. The Cougars fond themselves trailing 15-4 after the first quarter, before bouncing back to score double digits in the last three quarters.
Crest Ridge girls basketball lost to Cole Camp 50-24 on Thursday, Dec. 16, at Crest Ridge High School. The Cougars struggled to get good shots to fall, while Cole Camp found ways to excel. Crest Ridge was outscored in all four quarters. Junior Karley Swope led with 10 points while senior Amanda Toole had eight.
SEDALIA — Windsor was unable to dispatch Chilhowee on Friday, Dec. 17, the way the rest of its conference brethren have so far this year. The Lady Greyhounds kept pace in the first half but fell further behind in the second half in a 49-36 defeat at the W-K Holiday Shoot-Out at State Fair Community College. Chilhowee had just two points in the first 6:30 of the game until an old-fashioned 3-pointer by freshman post Lexi Miller and a conventional one by Kenzi Myers gave the Lady Indians an 8-7 lead to finish the opening quarter. The Lady Indians held...
Knob Noster girls wrestling had five championship match showings, resulting in two first-place finishes at the Brandon Invitational on Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18, at Branson High School. Freshman Zoey Schroeder, sophomore Abby Sader, freshman Kylie Miller, senior Haley Robles and senior Madison Henry competed for a tournament title in their respective weight classes. Schroeder and Sader were the only ones to finish on top. Schroeder (16-1) beat Marshfield senior Alissa Hughey (10-4) by a 5-3 major decision in the 125-pound weight class. Sader (14-1) beat Union sophomore Gianna Schreck (9-4) by fall in the 159-pound weight class. ...
Holden boys wrestling saw three post a top-five finish in the Battle at the Katy Trail between Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Mathison Center in Sedalia. Sophomore Daylen Greene (13-1) placed second in the 120-pound weight class after falling to Centralia junior Brayden Dubes (13-1) by a 3-1 decision. Sophomore Carson Moreno (13-1) finished fifth in the 113-pound weight class after beating Richmond sophomore Cayden Morris (9-3) by an 8-2 decision. Senior Logan Yoder (14-2) placed fifth in the 132-pound weight class after beating Lafayette County freshman Braxton Ernst (8-3) by fall. Freshman Graysen Thieman (7-12)...
Knob Noster boys wrestling had two top-five finishes in the Battle at the Katy Trail between Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Mathison Center in Sedalia. Sophomore Levi Wilhelm (17-1) led the way with a second-place finish in the 106-pound weight class, falling to Marceline freshman Drew Griffin (5-0) by an 8-1 major decision. Sophomore Trey Payne (16-2) finished fourth in the 195-pound weight class after falling to Richmond sophomore Hayden Happy (8-1) by fall in the 195-pound weight class. Junior Payton Arnold (14-6) finished seventh in the 126-pound weight class after beating Trenton freshman Mason Rongey...
Leeton boys basketball bested Crest Ridge 65-41 on Friday, Dec 17, in Leeton. The Bulldogs’ use of press led to 10 first quarter turnovers from the Cougars, resulting in a 25-7 difference after the first quarter. Leeton sophomore Camden Uptegrove led the way with 19 points, while junior Cody Shackelford had 16 points and senior Daniel Warner had 15. Senior Corben Martin led the Cougars with 16 points. Freshman Wyatt Ducos had 10.
Holden girls wrestling competed in the 2021 Lady Mustangs Christmas Clash on Saturday, Dec. 18, at Eldon High School. Junior Aubree Castaneda (14-7) led the way with a second-place finish in the 194-pound weight class, falling to Tipton junior Lilly Burns (19-1) by fall. Junior Alex VanHooser (7-11) placed third in the 235-pound weight class, junior Gigi Jones (7-11) placed third in the 235-pound weight class and junior Jordan Syvlester (7-13) placed 12th in the 174-pound weight class.
WARRENSBURG — One person is reported to have serious injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Friday, Dec. 17, on Business Highway 13 south of Cooper Boulevard near Simpson Drive. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, at approximately 12:40 p.m., the driver of a 1998 Ford F-150 experienced a medical event and the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. Driver Kelly A. Kerstetter, 61, of Sedalia, is reported to have serious injuries and was transported to Centerepoint Medical Center. Kerstetter is reported to have worn a safety device. No other injuries were reported. The...
CLINTON — Harrisonville proved to be too much for Warrensburg in the MRVC West Tournament championship game on Friday, Dec. 17, at Clinton High School. The Tigers fell to the Wildcats 47-32, finishing second in the conference tournament. They reached double digits in just one quarter, compared to Harrisonville’s four quarter double digit performance. “We didn’t get into our offense,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “That kind of cost us. I take the blame on that. I get to get my point guard going so I can get us where we need to be at. We’ll see (Harrisonville) again...
Unknown vehicle leaves scene in Dec. 8 wreck One person is reported to have moderate injuries from a two-vehicle wreck Dec. 8 on eastbound Highway 50 east of Northwest 671 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 1985 Chevrolet, driven by Ronald R. Proehl, 39, of Versailles, struck the rear of an unknown vehicle stopped in the roadway. The unknown vehicle then left the scene. Proehl is reported to have moderate injuries and was transported to Western Missouri Medical Center. Proehl is reported to have worn a safety device. The Chevrolet is reported to be...
KNOB NOSTER — Johnson County Board of Services Board of Directors approved Knob Noster Park Board’s funding application for ,000 to purchase and install a wheelchair-accessible Merry Go Round at Mitch Franklin Park in Knob Noster. “We want Knob Noster to be a place where everyone is welcome,” Knob Noster Park Board’s proposal stated. The Park Board proposal included justification for both children and adults with disabilities who want to enjoy their community and parks. “Our Board and staff are excited about this partnership,” JCBS Executive Director Melissa Frey said. “Our mission at Johnson County Board of Services is to...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Ambulance District Board voted to approve the 2022 budget at the Thursday, Dec. 16, meeting. The JCAD fiscal year aligns with the calendar year. “I still budgeted pretty conservatively on it, but just based on our run volume as it’s going today, not even what we could, we’re back into a normal-looking budget,” JCAD Director Shane Lockard said. Within revenue and income are categories for Emergency Management Services service revenue, organizational revenue and Training Center revenue. The budget shows total income as ,828,450 from the 2021 budget. EMS service revenue is .380,500, an increase of...
For the third–straight game, Jennies basketball found itself in the midst of a tight-knit MIAA opponent. The latest of the trio arrived in a 68-64 win over MIssouri Southern on Thursday, Dec. 16, in Joplin. Central Missouri (5-3, 2-2, MIAA) trailed the Lions by seven points with 7:52 remaining in the contest. By the 1:54 mark, they had the lead behind a 15-25 run. Free throws were key within the last swing of the contest, sinking 6-of-8 inside the last two minutes. Central Missouri sank 28-of-36 free throws compared to Missouri Southern’s (6-4, 3-1 MIAA) 11-of-16. Ninja Collier led the...
Mules basketball added its first road win over Missouri Southern since 2017, beating the Lions 97-57 on Thursday, Dec. 16. UCM was supported by a 32-of-26 shooting success rate, including 13-of-26 from the three-point range. Missouri Southern was 18-of-50, 19-of-30 from the arc. The Mules (5-3, 2-2 MIAA) were led by a 20-point day from Cam Hunter. Ja’Cor Nelson had 16, Trey Sides had 13 and Ikenna Okeke had 10. Nelson posted a double-double, also grabbing 12 rebounds (four offensive, eight defensive). The Mules jumped out to a 21-3 lead within the first eight minutes and didn’t look back. The...
HOLDEN — Eagles girls basketball looked a little different than normal in a 53-31 win over Knob Noster on Thursday, Dec. 16. Illness hit Holden this week, leaving the team without senior starters Brady Hinton and Liz Stout. It also impacted other members, including freshman Lilee Keller and junior Alli Iles. “A lot of people don’t know this, but a long time ago I coached guys,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said. “For my money, and I hate to say this because I’m a guy, but man, the girls on this team are tougher than some of the guys teams....
Mules golf coach Tim Poe is set to become a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Poe, who is in his 31st season at the helm, will be enshrined alongside 21 other members of the Class of 2022 on Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Poe’s Mules have made 27 straight NCAA postseason appearances,including six top-five finishes and a runner-up finish in 2010. Poe has also led the Mules to 15 MIAA Championships and seven regional titles. At Central Missouri, Poe has produced 96 All-MIAA golfers, 34 All-Region selections, 25 All-Americans, eight MIAA players of the...
Recently, reporters and I have heard from more than a few people who were upset due to a lack of coverage in a particular area. A grandparent emailed to ask why her grandchild’s high school athletic team wasn’t getting more coverage. An irritated community member called to ask why a holiday-related event didn’t make it in the paper. Unfortunately, there are some pretty simple answers to those questions: we didn’t know about it. When it comes to sports, we have one sports editor for the Sedalia Democrat and one for the Warrensburg Star-Journal. Joe and Bryan are some great employees,...
Both Chilhowee basketball teams will have the opportunity to play in the 20th annual W-K Holiday Shoot-Out at State Fair Community College’s Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center on Friday, Dec. 17. The Indians are a part of a field of 44 teams playing 22 games through the month of December. The event dates back to 2001, originating with Tom Knight, former Smith-Cotton High School athletic director. This marks the first running of the event since 2019. The W-K Holiday Shoot-Out was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19. “We implemented it in the spring and summer of 2001 and had...
Mules golf coach Tim Poe is set to become a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Poe, who is in his 31st season at the helm, will be enshrined alongside 21 other members of the Class of 2022 on Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Poe’s Mules have made 27 straight NCAA postseason appearances,including six top-five finishes and a runner-up finish in 2010. Poe has also led the Mules to 15 MIAA Championships and seven regional titles. At Central Missouri, Poe has produced 96 All-MIAA golfers, 34 All-Region selections, 25 All-Americans, eight MIAA players of the...
SEDALIA — As the COVID pandemic continues, its effect is being felt not only by those who get the virus but by those who have other illnesses and injuries, some as simple as a broken foot or ankle. It was this weekend that AFC Urgent Care and Primary Care found it was short on crutches. A Google search by owner Jorge Guevara showed they were not alone in this dilemma. Because of COVID, the supply pipeline for aluminum was backlogged and ordering crutches was out of the question. Guevara along with AFC Clinic Administrator Jessica Southard decided they would come...
SEDALIA — A family is seeking help in locating a Sedalia man who has been missing since late November. Jimmy D. “Guy” Collins is an ex-Marine who was last contacted by his brother, Tommy Collins, through Facebook messenger Nov. 2. “There are quite a few people that have talked to him right there at Thanksgiving, the week of, and he wasn't the type of guy to go missing without giving a phone call or something,” Tommy said Wednesday. Tommy forwarded a missing person poster to the Democrat created by Missouri Missing, a support and information group out of Jefferson City....
SEDALIA — Tim Jones went to Organic Remedies in Sedalia Tuesday to pick up some THC edibles like many chronic pain sufferers in Missouri have since medical marijuana products became legal over a year ago. “I've been through several major surgeries and they had me on pain medication,” Jones said, “And it’s just not good to be on that for an extended length of time. I was looking for alternatives.” Jones is what Organic Remedies manager Sierra Miller would classify as one of the cannabis shop’s typical customers. “The average customer is a medical patient in their middle age to...
The Midwest Missouri Chapter of the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS (KCRAR) recently raised ,550 for the Warrensburg-based homeless shelter, Refuge on Ming. The fundraising event ran through the month of November, and brokerages in the Midwest Missouri Chapter competed to find out who could raise the most funds. Old Drum Real Estate won the competition, raising a total of [post_excerpt],650 for the cause.
Officers from the Warrensburg Police Department help children find toys as part of Shop with a Cop on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Walmart, 301 E. Cooper Blvd. Agencies from across Johnson County volunteered to help, including the WPD, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Department of Conservation, Holden Police Department and Knob Noster Police Department.
WARRENSBURG — Demonstrating its continued confidence in President Roger Best’s leadership, the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors has extended the top UCM administrator’s employment contract through June 30, 2026. Board action was taken during its closed session on Dec. 10. Best’s new contract becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022. He became the university’s 16th president in November 2018, under an agreement established through Dec. 31, 2021. UCM Board President Stephen Abney stated, “The Board values Roger’s leadership and dedication to UCM and the communities we serve. His commitment to student success is evident in every decision he makes. In...
When I first began writing about wine, I was invited to a wine press luncheon with some Italian winemakers sponsored by a wine distributor. The required translator never showed up and, since I am fluent in Italian, I was asked to translate. During a quiet time between courses, my attention was called to two gentlemen at the far end of the table who were conversing in German, another language that I happen to be fluent in. I ask them in German, "what the heck were Germans doing at an Italian wine luncheon.” They explained, in Italian, that the province they...
KNOB NOSTER — The Knob Noster School District has begun hosting forums to discuss facility needs within the district. Superintendent Jerrod Wheeler said the district is hosting a 12-part communication series for the next three months as well as community forums for the next two months. “For about the last six years our board has been taking the steps forward to make decisions related to long-range and short-range facility plan,” Wheeler said. “Kinda taken the slow approach on that just to make sure when we do spend our funding that we do it in the right ways and the right...
Mr. and Mrs. O’Neal celebrated their 60th anniversary Dec. 16. Ken O’Neal and Betty Barnett were married on Dec. 16, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Warrensburg. After residing many years in Lenexa, Kansas, where they both worked for the Shawnee Mission School District, they retired and returned to Warrensburg in 1999. The O’Neals have two daughters, Melanie Tucker of Denver, Colorado, and Amy (and Ron) Holmes, of Warrensburg. They also have two grandchildren, Evan Holmes, of Jefferson City, and Cameron Holmes, of Warrensburg.
WARRENSBURG — A group of University of Central Missouri students met Nov. 15 with members of Powell Gardens’ Board of Directors and administrative staff to pitch their proposal for a special event they believe will appeal to a college-age audience. The group is comprised of five students in Assistant Professor Keira Solon’s Introduction to Events Management: EMM 3825 course within the Events Marketing and Management major. Scheduled for March 24, 2022, the proposed “Experience Delirium” is a pop-up night club-style activity that will coincide with the spring exhibition event. “Ultimately, this is a fundraiser,” said Kaylee Tieman, a senior events...
SEDALIA — State Fair Community College celebrated 53 Health Sciences students with a commencement, pinning ceremony and awards on Dec. 13 at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center on the Sedalia campus. Twenty-five students received their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (RN) degrees and 26 received Professional Certificates in Practical Nursing (LPN). These graduates attended classes on the Eldon and Sedalia campuses. Two students received their Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. Amber Taylor, of Warrensburg, and Holland Ross, of Jefferson City, were recognized as recipients of SFCC’s Practical Nursing Excellence Awards. Jolynn Johnson, of Eldon, and...
After writing my last two columns about the different waters that leave our homes and properties that the city of Warrensburg is responsible for (stormwater and wastewater) and how we as citizens can help the city manage the systems better, I decided I couldn’t leave the subject of water without some information and comments about the water entering our homes. The water entering our homes, because we use it for drinking, cooking and keeping ourselves clean, is usually the one we are most concerned about for our family’s health. This water is supplied to Warrensburg by Missouri American Water,...
A vehicle struck the west facing exterior wall of Aldi, 1115 N. Simpson Dr, on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The driver stated their foot slipped, pressing the accelerator rather than the break. Shoppers and employees were evacuated for their safety while the Warrensburg Fire Department and Building Official Brett Penrose investigated the damage. Penrose said the damage was concentrated to the exterior and did not affect the structural integrity of the building. The building was able to resume business the same day. No injuries were reported.
Knob Noster wrestling traveled to Wardsville for a quad with Blair Oaks, Palmyra and Fatima on Tuesday, Dec. 14. The Panthers beat Fatima 57-18, but fell to Blair Oaks 38-34 and Palymra 37-34. Knob Noster had 11 non-forfeit wins. Against Fatima, Michael Martin beat Chase Willis by fall in the 160-pound match, Trey Payne beat Landon Post by fall in the 195-pound match, Zayne Schroeder beat Malaki Nevins by fall in the 220-pound match, and Levi Wilhem beat Alex Tune by a 10-3 decision in the 106-pound match. Against Blair Oaks, Payne beat Dex Crane by a 6-3 decision in the...
Knob Noster girls wrestling swept its three duals at the Blair Oaks quad on Tuesday, Dec. 14. The Panthers beat Fatima 48-6, Blair Oaks 42-18 and Palmyra 48-6. Between the three matches, there were only five non-forfeit wins. Against Blair Oaks, Zoey Schroeder beat Brookelyn Meeks by fall in the 130-pound match, Katlin Martin beat Abby Winder by fall in the 135-pound match and Madison Henry beat Rylie Heckman by fall in the 235-pound match. Against Palmyra, Kylie Miller beat Anna Rager by fall in the 115-pound match. There was no match against Fatima.
WARRENSBURG 一 A Warrensburg man has been charged with more than a dozen sodomy and rape charges. Spencer A. Smith, 31, was arraigned Dec. 13 in Johnson County Circuit Court and pleaded not guilty to seven counts of unclassified felony statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy - person less than 14 years of age, one count of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy - person less than 12 years of age, seven counts of unclassified felony first-degree statutory rape or attempted statutory rate - person less than 12 years of age, one count of unclassified felony first-degree statutory rape or...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg School Board of Education voted Tuesday, Dec. 14, to amend the district’s COVID procedures, effective Dec. 15, that a student determined to be a close contact and asymptomatic will not be excluded from school. Assistant Superintendent John Finnane said parents and guardians will be notified by the school if a student is suspected to have been exposed. Parents and guardians will decide whether to keep students home or send them to school with or without a mask. The three percent metric currently used by the district will remain in effect but will only apply to positive...
Holden wrestling hosted Adrian and Lone Jack in a triangular on Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Holden High School. The Eagles beat Ardian 60-12 and fell to Lone Jack 42-34. Holden had six non-forfeit wins. Against Adrian, Daylen Greene beat Cody Ammerman by fall in the 120-pound match. Against Lone Jack, Graysen Thieman beat Ian Powell by a 12-4 major decision in the 106-pound match, Carson Moreno beat Christian Harris by fall in the 113-pound match, Logan Yoder beat Garrett Pap by fall in the 138-pound match, Conner Carver beat Riley Wooten by a 9-6 decision in the 145-pound match and...
KNOB NOSTER — Richmond boys basketball forced Knob Noster out of sync in a meeting between the two teams on Tuesday, Dec. 14. The result led to a 74-58 loss, marking the Panthers’ first downfall in MRVC East action this season. “A lot of times, we’re our own worst enemy,” Knob Noster head coach Adam Easterwood said. “This team has not played a lot of games together, as any coach would say. They’re going to try and find themselves and try to find other ways to score then our No. 12, Anthony Lopez. He’s a good scorer.” The Spartans (2-0)...
KNOB NOSTER — A coaching change took place within Knob Noster’s boys basketball program just before the regular season began. Adam Easterwood has been the Panthers’ head coach since the team’s first game arrived against Clinton on Nov. 23. Easterwood, who serves as Knob Noster High School’s assistant principal, takes over for Mike Baker. Baker was still the acting head coach at the Warrensburg Jamboree on Nov. 16. Knob Noster activities director Mark Carey told the Star-Journal that Easterwood will be the head coach through the entire season, as represented on MSHSAA.org and the team’s official roster. This would’ve been...
WARRENSBURG — Residential and commercial sewer utility rates will increase for effective Jan. 1. The Warrensburg City Council voted to establish a rate change at the Monday, Dec. 13, meeting. The charges were determined by the HDR Engineering Annual Rate Review. The sewer rate for residential accounts is a base rate of .00 per month with volume charge set at .72 for the first two hundred cubic feet and .53 for each following hundred cubic feet used. The sewer rate for commercial accounts is calculated by adding a base rate to the volume charge multiplied by actual hundred cubic feet...
WARRENSBURG — Airport Manager Benjamin West presented information regarding the master plan for the Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport at the Monday, Dec. 13, City Council meeting. West said an assessment from 2012 showed Skyhaven had 110 jobs with a .2 million payroll and about .4 billion in economic output for the region. “There currently is an economic study being performed right now from the state so hopefully in the future I’ll have some updated numbers so we can see how things have changed in the last decade,” West said. West said Skyhaven is classified as a regional business airport...
Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to view the complete conceptual development plan for Knob Noster State Park. The final plan can be viewed at mostateparks.com/cdp. Conceptual development plans guide the development of state parks and state historic sites. The plans outline site goals, development objectives, development research needs and project phasing while taking into consideration the significant natural and cultural resources of the park or site. Each conceptual development plan document consists of both a written and a graphically illustrated plan. Knob Noster State Park is located at 873 SE 10 Road in Knob Noster. For...
The winners for the Tiny Tim Soup Competition were announced during Dickens Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 4. First place tied with Poblano & Potato by Dave Neumann at Awesome Blossoms and Steak, Potato & Mushroom by Richard Schnakenberg at Checker Tavern Third place was awarded for Lobster Bisque by Robert Bowers at La Sous Terre.
Curtis L. Hoston, 29, was arrested Nov. 24 after officers responded Nov. 13 to a report of stealing in the 400 block of North Maguire Street. Hoston was arrested on a charge of stealing - motor vehicle parts. Matthew J. Brooks, 34, was arrested Nov. 17 after officers responded Oct. 18 to a report of property damage and stealing in the 700 block of South Washington Street. Brooks was arrested on charges of stealing - coin-operated machine and property damage - business. Matthew J. Brooks, 34, was arrested Nov. 26 when officers conducted a subject check in the 600 block...
The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at State Fair Community College will host a no-cost, three-session course on Customer Discovery: Unlocking the Mystery for Success. This training provides methods and tools that are relevant to for- and non-profits, community organizations, and small business owners and managers. Sessions will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 11, 25 and Feb. 1 in Fielding Center on the SFCC Sedalia campus. Registration is limited and required to participate. Early refinement of business strategies increases the odds for start-up and long-term success when discovery practices are diligently applied. Participants will develop a Business...
As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the American Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta variant cases significantly challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year, one of the largest year-to-year decreases. Locally, the Missouri-Arkansas Red Cross Region has experienced a 13.4% decrease in...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri hosted four commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate degrees Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11 in the Multipurpose Building.
The Missouri State Fair and the Youth in Agriculture Committee are accepting applications for Youth in Agriculture scholarships for Missouri high school seniors graduating in 2022. The application form can be found on the Fair’s website. Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by Feb. 1. Applicants must submit an original copy of their application and three additional copies. These scholarships are possible thanks to the contributions of many individuals and companies supporting Youth in Agriculture. A total of 46 scholarships amounting to ,500, the largest amount ever, will be awarded as follows: ●...
The Military Affairs Committee is hosting a cookie drive for the airmen at Whiteman Air Force Base. Drop off your solid-in-texture homemade cookies to the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. Holden St., Warrensburg, by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Military Affairs Committee members will deliver the cookies to Whiteman to be assembled into packages for the airmen in the dormitories. For more information or to schedule a drop-off, contact the Chamber at 660-747-3168.
The Johnson County Commission has announced the proposed 2021 Amended Budget for the County of Johnson is now available for public viewing. The budget may be viewed in the County Clerk's office during regular business hours. A public hearing will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 in the Commission Chambers to adopt the amended 2021 budget.
Leeton girls basketball beat Green Ridge 68-17 on Monday, Dec. 13, in Green Ridge. The Bulldogs held the Tigers, who field just five players, to single-digit scoring, in all four quarters. Leeton junior Bailey Fleming led the way with 12 points, while senior Regan Shaffer and junior Jadeyn Johnson had 11 each. Senior Rowan Schmidli was next in line with eight points. The Bulldogs return to action on Friday, Dec. 17, as they host Crest Ridge.
For the second-straight year, Knob Noster High School is in search of a new head football coach. A job posting for the position was listed on the school district’s website Tuesday, Dec. 14. The Panthers will be replacing Jonathan Schoonover, who spent just one season at the helm. Knob Noster finished the year with a 2-8 record, only beating winless Agape High School and winless Carrollton. Schoonover joined the Panthers after spending three seasons as a defensive coordinator at Warrensburg, a year as an assistant at Harrisonville and five run arounds as the head coach at North Andrew. He took...
Leeton boys basketball beat Green Ridge 72-31 on Monday, Dec. 13, in Green Ridge. Junior Cody Shackelford led the way with 20 points, seven assists and four steals. Senior Daniel Warner and sophomore Camden Uptegrove had 12 points each. The Bulldogs return to action on Friday, Dec. 17, as they host Crest Ridge.
WARRENSBURG — Jennies basketball faced the task of playing to the speed of Northwest Missouri State on Monday, Dec. 13. Through the majority of all four quarters, they did just that, beating the Bearcats 60-57 at the UCM Multipurpose Building. “They do a great job of controlling the tempo,” Central Missouri head coach Dave Slifer said. “We didn’t do anything to make them get out of it. I think the big key of the game was in the third quarter when we got some fouls racked up and finally got to the foul line.” The Jennies gained the separation needed...
WARRENSBURG — Students at the Warrensburg Area Career Center demonstrated how they would respond to an emergency situation for members of the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency on Friday, Dec. 10. The practical exercise is required for Community Emergency Response Team certification. The mock disaster exercise is a culmination of what students have learned in health sciences courses offered at WACC. WACC instructor Mike Wakeman said the WACC hosts the CERT exercise for one semester every other year. “This will get them CERT certification, it also teaches them a lot of first aid skills and triage and how to evaluate,...
SEDALIA — Sedalia artist Chester Lux has created nearly 200 aluminum cast art pieces in the last five years — 37 of those pieces are now in a solo show at the Hayden Liberty Center. Lux, also known by his artist name Trevor Mopletoplehead, said the show consists of both his newer abstract pieces, portraits he’s created of well-known celebrities plus a couple of three-dimensional chests. His work was highlighted Friday with an artist’s reception at the Liberty Center hosted by members of the Sedalia Visual Art Association. “This is a big step to have a show like this,” Lux...
WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri hosted four commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate degrees Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11 in the Multipurpose Building.
Christmas is a good time to question the existence of God. It is this holiday that claims the Incarnation – God becoming man. If God doesn’t exist, Christmas isn’t worth celebrating, so let’s look into the Bible’s argument for the existence of God in Psalm 19. This might not seem like a Christmas passage but it is a good place to find reasonable answers to the divine dilemma. While this song proclaims divine revelation, the reader will soon see that it is an argument based upon sound reason. The psalm begins with a declaration of God’s existence based upon the...
Curtis L. Hoston, 29, was arrested Nov. 24 after officers responded Nov. 13 to a report of stealing in the 400 block of North Maguire Street. Hoston was arrested on a charge of stealing - motor vehicle parts. Matthew J. Brooks, 34, was arrested Nov. 17 after officers responded Oct. 18 to a report of property damage and stealing in the 700 block of South Washington Street. Brooks was arrested on charges of stealing - coin-operated machine and property damage - business. Matthew J. Brooks, 34, was arrested Nov. 26 when officers conducted a subject check in the 600 block...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Dec. 15 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday, Dec. 16 The Johnson County Commission will host a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. in the...
WARRENSBURG — Almost immediately, Mules basketball found itself having to adjust to the No. 2 Northwest Missouri State’s fast-paced offense. As Central Missouri worked to tighten things up, its shots did not fall. The Bearcats, on the other hand, established their groove to a 77-53 win Monday, Dec. 13, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. The early stages of the game weren’t friendly to the Mules by any means. They fell behind 20-4 within the first 10 minutes. As they attempted to carve back, fouls began to be whistled against Northwest. The aspect brought Central Missouri to the free-throw line, where...
Crest Ridge girls basketball completed the I-70 Tournament with a 32-20 win over Orrick on Friday, Dec. 10, in Orrick. After scoring seven in the first half, the Cougars found their groove in the third and fourth quarters putting up 11 and 14 points. Junior Karley Swope scored a team-high 16 points, including four three-point shots. Sophomore Chesni Edwards added six points and five steals. Senior Amanda Toole also had six points.
Warrensburg wrestling competed in the Lee’s Summit North Invitational on Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, at Lee’s Summit North High School. Junior Daniel Stark-Wroblewski highlighted the tournament for the Tigers, placing fifth in the 170-pound bracket with a win by fall over Odessa junior Frank Sawyer (8-8). In the 145-pound bracket, sophomore Maddox Snyder (1-4) placed fourth after beating Bishop Miege junior Nik Blair (3-10) by fall. In the 160-pound bracket, senior Aiden Walker (304) placed seventh after beating Maiz South junior Jacob Gnagy (1-5) by a 5-2 decision. In the 138-pound bracket, Warrensburg senior Mason Fritsch (0-2)...
Four quarters wasn’t enough to settle the differences between the No. 20 Missouri Western and Central Missouri women’s basketball teams. After an overtime period, it was the Griffons who had the final say. They beat the Jennies 68-67. Within the last two seconds of overtime, Central Missouri (5-4, 1-1 MIAA) redshirt freshman Charlie Bovaird rebounded a missed three-pointer from redshirt freshman Kade Hackerott. What followed was an offensive foul whistled against redshirt freshman Brooke Littrell, sending Western (8-0, 4-0 MIAA) to the line with less than a second remaining. Griffons junior Connie Clarke did not make either free throw, but...
Central Missouri men’s basketball kept pace with Missouri Western for 15 minutes on Saturday, Dec. 11, in St. Joseph. Then the Griffons found their rhythm en route to a 79-65 win over the Mules. The Mules led by as many as three points in the early stages of the contest with the lead changing seven times before Western found its groove. Central Missouri made just 40.8% of its shots compared to the Griffons’ 50.9%. Redshirt senior Cam Hunter and redshirt junior Gaven Pinkley led the Mules with 17 points. The majority of Pinkley’s came from the field, hitting 5-of-10 shots...
A first place from sophomore Charlie Gregg in the 130-pound weight class highlighted Holden girls wrestling’s showing at the Lady Pirate Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 11, in Belton. Gregg (13-0) topped her bracket by beating Blue Springs junior Mandy Barker (11-1) by fall in the championship round. In the 125-pound bracket, junior MaRaya May (6-8) placed fifth by beating Stilwell freshman Trystah Bullock (3-4) by fall. In the 194-pound bracket, junior Aubree Castaneda (8-5) placed fifth after beating Harrisonville junior Ryleigh Strunkk (3-9) by fall. In the 235-pound bracket, junior Alex Vanhoosser (6-9) placed 10th after falling to William Chrisman...
PILOT GROVE — No deficit was too large for Sacred Heart to overcome against Leeton in the Pilot Grove Tiger Classic championship game. The Gremlins overcame a 13-point halftime difference Saturday, winning 65-59. “We started playing defense,” Sacred Heart head coach Steve Goodwin said. “We started talking and communicating a little bit. When you’re going against Rick (Mills), who is one of the best ever, if you don’t do everything right, you’re going to get embarrassed.” Sacred Heart (9-0) outscored Leeton 34-25 in the second half including a 27-9 run in the third quarter. The Gremlins hit 13 shots from...
WARRENSBURG — The battle of the Tigers didn’t disappoint. Smith-Cotton and Warrensburg fought through intense conditions Friday, Dec. 10, at Warrensburg High School. When it was all said and done, Warrensburg weathered the storm best, winning 48-34. “What a great atmosphere,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo said. “All the way around. From halftime of the girls game, it was electric in here. I think this is one of the louder games we’ve had in here.” The rivalry meeting certainly wasn’t free of physical drama. Both teams reached 10 personal fouls each in the first half, setting a battle of the...
Knob Noster boys basketball fed off inside success in a 67-51 win over Holden on Friday, Dec. 10, in Holden. The Panthers jumped out to a 25-13 lead in the first quarter and didn’t look back. Knob Noster senior Darion Kendrick scored a game-high 26 points, including 18 in the first half. Holden sophomore Aiden Morarity had the next-best performance, putting up 20 points. Knob Noster sophomore Lucas Martin and senior Anthony Lopez also had double-digit scoring, with Martin posting 13 and Lopez 12. Knob Noster returns to action as travels to Windsor on Thursday, Dec. 14. Holden has next...
WARRENSBURG — Hanna Sawyer and Juliana Taylor King were sworn in as officers with the Warrensburg Police Department in a ceremony Friday, Dec. 10. Hanna Sawyer is the daughter of Denise Sawyer who also serves as an officer with the WPD. Chief Rich Lockhart said this is the first time a mother and daughter have served with the WPD at the same time. King is a retired member of the U.S. Air Force.
Knob Noster wrestling split a triangular with Lexington and St. Michael the Archangel on Thursday, Dec. 9, at Knob Noster High School. The Panthers beat Lexington 48-38 but fell to St. Michael 54-30. Knob Noster had seven non-forfeit wins between the two matches. Against Lexington, Noah Barlow defeated Paul O’Brien by fall in the 138-pound match and Zayne Schroeder defeated Spencer Fox by fall in the 220-pound match. Versus St. Michael, Noah Barlow defeated Nathan Valdiviez by fall in the 138-pound match, Michael Martin defeated Trey Hoots by fall in the 160-pound match, Trey Payne defeated Joseph Rizzi by fall...
Warrensburg wrestling defeated Boonville 42-35 on Thursday, Dec. 9, at Warrensburg High School. The Tigers had four non-forfeit wins. Maddox Snyder defeated Chase Amos by fall in the 138-pound match, Aiden Walker defeated Eli Stock by fall in the 160-pound match, Daniel Stark-Wroblewsi defeated Gage Hodges by fall in the 170-pound match and Isaiah Williams defeated Drake Cottrell by fall in the 195-pound match. In extra matches, Landon Nau defeated Jacob Thoma by fall in a 152-pound bout and Elias McKinley defeated Christian Escamilla by fall in a 195-pound match. Warrensburg travels to Lee’s Summit North for the Lee’s Summit...
Minor injuries reported in Dec. 1 wreck involving four vehicles One person is reported to have minor injuries from a four-vehicle wreck Dec. 1 on Highway 13 north of Northeast County Road H. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2018 Jeep, driven by Lee R. Weirich, 30, of Warrensburg, was northbound and attempted a left turn onto County Road H. A northbound 2005 Dodge Caravan, driven by Karen M. Younce, 55, of Warrensburg, came to a stop and the rear was struck by a 2005 Lincoln, driven by Diana M. Anderson, 28, of Pleasant Hill....
Leeton boys basketball topped Sturgeon 68-51 in its second pool play of the Pilot Grove semifinal round on Thursday, Dec. 9. Camden Uptegrove had 16 pts, five steals and four assists, Cody Shackelford had 14 points and five boards, Dylan Shackelford had 10 points, Daniel Warner had nine rebounds, and five steals and Grant Harper six boards. Leeton is set to meet Sacred Heart at 5 p.m Saturday, Dec. 4.
Smith-Cotton girls basketball’s rally against Warrensburg came a mistake away from becoming complete. Down by two points with 2.9 seconds left, a travel was whistled against the Tigers in all white. The walk set the Tigers in all maroon up for a 59-55 win Tuesday at Smith-Cotton High School. “It’s just not good decision making during that time,” Warrensburg head coach Melvin Myers said. “We were shooting towards the end when we didn't need to. Just growing pains right there, I think.” The almost-complete rally wouldn’t have been possible without a 11-6 run in the fourth quarter. Smith-Cotton (1-5) senior...
Leeton girls basketball got its revenge — at least in terms of its 2020-21 loss to Tipton. The Bulldogs beat Tipton 72-44 on Thursday, Dec. 9, in Tipton. Both teams met 364 days prior in Johnson County, where Tipton won 53-43. Courtney Edwards scored a team-high 10 points and Myra Claas added eight in that victory. This one began on a similar trajectory as the Lady Cards (3-1) built an eight-point lead in the first quarter that looked nothing like the remainder of the game. “I think the kids got a little nervous about the big stage,” Leeton head coach...
OK readers, the time is finally here: Christmastime. Enough of me complaining about people celebrating too early (but really, if decorating for Christmas in October or November brings you joy, then go for it!) or urging you to give Thanksgiving a proper celebration. It’s time for Christmas trees and hot chocolate and cheesy made-for-TV Christmas movies and all of the other festive things that come with this season. This weekend I’ll be decorating our home for Christmas, in between doing some new homeowner chores, and you can bet that I’ll be doing it with a Christmas movie on TV and...
Christopher M. Wickern passed away on Sunday, Nov. 21. I knew him as a deacon and a friend, but you might know him as “The Real Santa Claus” of Sedalia. Chris and his wife Patsy acted as Santa and Mrs. Claus for hundreds, if not thousands, of local children. He will be greatly missed. Way back in 1897, 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon had a hard question. So her father told her to ask a trusted authority — in this case, the now-defunct newspaper The New York Sun. So she wrote in, and Francis P. Church, editor of the paper, wrote her...
WARRENSBURG — The Obstetrics Department at Western Missouri Medical Center earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Perinatal Care Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. The certification recognizes WMMC’s efforts to achieve integrated, coordinated, patient-centered care for clinically uncomplicated pregnancies and births. The certification uses standards, guidelines, and The Joint Commission’s perinatal care core performance measures for managing and monitoring aspects of perinatal care that are critical to improving and maintaining the health...
WARRENSBURG — The inaugural Joy of Sharing Gala will emphasize the impact of Journey Home for those in need. The gala will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the White Rose Pavilion, 107 Ming St. Journey Home provides individual case management for each client entering the program. “We are going to provide an update, just of the year that we have been operating, just based on the number of clients we’ve helped, the clients we’ve seen transition into permanent housing or transitional housing,” Co-Director Melissa Werner said. “We’ll have a testimony from one of our individuals that actually went...
WARRENSBURG — After a thorough review of video, photographs and other supporting materials, Guinness World Records has confirmed the University of Central Missouri now officially holds the title for the largest ridden parade of mules. This record-setting achievement was reached with the help of 50 mules and their riders during UCM’s Homecoming parade Oct. 23 in Warrensburg. “We are beyond thrilled to be named as the record holder for the largest ridden parade of mules,” Jackie Jackson, associate vice president for the UCM Alumni Foundation, said. Jackson helped organize the event. UCM was the first organization to attempt this particular...
I have always lived by an ancient Japanese motto, “take the obvious and reverse it,” and that is my suggestion for wine at your holiday celebration. Since sparkling wines are expected, how about some very nice sparkling wines from places that are not the same old standbys. I have recently found some sparkling wines that are not from the “usual places.” Much to my surprise, I discovered that Austria makes some very interesting sparkling wines called sekt and I had the privilege to sample some. Nigl Brut de Brut (.99) This sparkling wine has been made from the very...
SEDALIA — Although COVID has slowed progress on the Mercy Rest Stop this last year, plans are still moving forward with 0,000 raised and 0,000 needed to begin construction. The board is still seeking donors. The facility, to be built on the property of the Open Door Kitchen, will provide the homeless and nearly homeless with the “necessities of life” such as 24/7 sanitary restroom facilities, a 24/7 water source, showers, laundry, cooling and warming stations, and a place for resources and communication, plus a place to meet agency caseworkers to obtain assistance. “Our need is as strong as ever...
Jennies volleyball’s successful 2021 performance has led to national accolades for three athletes. Audrey Fisher, Ally Offerdahl and Hannah Engelken have each received All-American honors from the American Volleyball Association (AVCA). The three account for the most All-Americans UCM volleyball has had in a single season since 2015. Fisher led the way with first team honors thanks to her team-high .370 attack percentage, breaking down to 381 kills on 870 attempts through 120 sets. She added 122 blocks (23 solo, 99 assist), a team-best service aces and 60 digs. Offerdahl received third-team status after recording 1,156 assists, 85 kills on...
Kassie Newsom is a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American. The Jennies junior forward earned the accolade in a season that also included MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Division II Conference Commissioners Association Central Region Player of the Year Award. She led UCM with 19 goals, 16 assists and 54 points through 24 matches this season. She led the MIAA in assists and points, was second in all of NCAA Division II in total assists, third in total points and sixth in assists per match (.67). Newsom’s assists and points total are both program single season records, while...
Eight individuals and two teams will be featured in the UCM Athletics Hall of Fame’s 2022 induction class. The group of individuals includes one individual from the early era, six from the modern era and one special recognition. Kristie Tompkins played volleyball at UCM from 1988-1991. She was a four-time All-MIAA athlete and three-time All Region election. She was the MIAA’s Most Valuable Player in 1991. Tompkins is the holder of the UCM service aces record, with 282 service aces and .56 service aces per set. She also ranks fifth in career assists (5,320) and career assists per set (10.53). ...
WARRENSBURG — After five years with the City of Warrensburg, Rich Lockhart has accepted a position as the chief of police in Lawrence, Kansas. Lockhart’s last day with the city is Jan. 7, beginning his new position effective Jan. 16. Lockhart joined the Warrensburg Police Department in 2016, having retired from the Kansas City Police Department at the rank of major. “It actually was a really tough decision to decide to leave because I love Warrensburg,” Lockhart said. “We’ve made our home here, we have kids here and the people here are just fantastic.” Lockhart said Lawrence is about five...
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE — The Whiteman Area Leadership Council has been awarded a grant for a housing study by the Military Community Reinvestment Grant Program. The ,750 grant will pay for a study to assess the housing needs within a 30-mile radius of Whiteman Air Force Base, which includes Pettis County. “The Whiteman Area Leadership Council is grateful to receive this important financial assistance from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. With this grant, we can be proactive in identifying housing needs and confirming areas to be strengthened. We thank the Missouri Military Preparedness & Enhancement Commission (MMPEC) and...
WARRENSBURG — After opening in May, owner Jessie Yarborough celebrated her new business, Parlour Seven, with a Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Thursday afternoon. Parlour Seven, 105 E. Pine St., offers a variety of skin care services. “Facials, skin treatments, face and body waxing and special occasion makeup — bridal makeup, I do bridal makeup on location, and I’ve had lots of girls come in for family photo makeup and all kinds of stuff,” Yarborough said of her services. “And in addition to the facial treatments, we do facials, chemical peels, dermaplaning. So there’s an array of facial...
WARRENSBURG — With more than 900 students expected to participate, the University of Central Missouri will celebrate its 2021 Fall Commencement exercises with four ceremonies the weekend of Dec. 10-11. Graduates will not only become members of the Class of 2021 but also have the honor of being part of the 150-year class as UCM continues to celebrate its sesquicentennial. All commencement exercises take place in the Multipurpose Building and academic degrees will be conferred by President Roger Best. The commencement exercises include 265 graduate students and 547 undergraduates who have met their fall 2021 graduation requirements and are eligible...
WARRENSBURG — Growing up, the late Bruce Reed often frequented the area of West Gay Street and North Main Street. Sometimes, he’d visit the Old Davis Store to purchase miscellaneous sweets like candy bars, ice cream, bubble gum, pop and jawbreakers. On other occasions, he’d play baseball with family and friends. Those are some of the many memories discussed during a ceremony dedicating a photo mural in his honor Thursday, Dec. 9, at the intersection. “This is something, this is a dream come true,” said Bruce’s younger brother, Tim Reed. ”It’s something I never thought of. When my brother passed,...
WARRENSBURG — Beginning Monday, Dec. 13, all branches of Trails Regional Library will move into COVID Level Two. Branches will continue to be open with full service, full staff and regular hours.The COVID Level Plan was approved in August 2021 by the Trails Regional Library Board of Trustees. Due to increased cases in Johnson and Lafayette Counties, Director Jackie Hawes has made the decision to move library branches from Level One to Level Two. This level still includes safety precautions without limiting access to library services. The COVID Level Plan includes five color-coded levels that are specific to each branch...
Knob Noster wrestling traveled to Warsaw for a triangular Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Warsaw High School. The Panthers beat Warsaw 51-15, but fell to Versailles 48-27. Knob Noster had seven non-forfeit wins between the two duals. Against Warsaw, Mason Grosz defeated Donovan Campbell by a 5-0 decision in the 113-pound match, Payton Arnold defeated Michael Garrett by fall in the 126-pound match, Eric Bennett-Wade defeated Hudson Karr by fall in the 145-pound match and Zayne Schroeder defeated Jayden Culbertson by fall in the 220-pound match. Versus Versailles, Grosz defeated Drake Schmidt by a 5-0 decision in the 113-pound match, Arnold...
Knob Noster girls wrestling faced Versailles and Warsaw on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Warsaw High School. The Panthers won both duals, beating Versailles 39-18 and Warsaw 47-0. Knob Noster had six non-forfeit wins on the day. Against Versailles, Jayne Binder beat Stormy Drury by fall in the 110-pound match, Kylie Miller defeated Ella Dunklee by fall in the 120-pound match, Abby Wade defeated Frankie Shewmaker by a 7-5 decision in the 130-pound match and Madison Henry defeated Maris Ollison by fall in the 194-pound match. Against Warsaw, Zoey Schroeder defeated Skylon Boone by a 15-0 technical fall in the 125-pound...
Leeton girls basketball beat Lakeland 66-29 on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Leeton High School. The Bulldogs surrendered 20 points in the first half, before tightening things down through the last two quarters. Senior Regan Shaffer led the way with 27 points, shooting 12-of-16 on the day. Each other Leeton scorer was one basket away from double figures. Senior Hailey Bingaman, junior Jordan Crooks, senior Rowan Schmidli and junior Jadeyn Johnson had eight points each. Junior Bailey Fleming finished with seven. Leeton returns to action as it travels to Tipton for a battle of two undefeated squads on Thursday, Dec. 9. ...
Warrensburg girls swimming competed in a meet at Smith-Cotton on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Joseph W. Arbisi Memorial Pool in Sedalia. The Tigers had five top-three finishes in the meet, which also featured Smith-Cotton, Marshall, Sacred Heart, Battle, Father Tolton, Hickman and Rock Bridge, Below is each individual Warrensburg finish. 200 Yard Medley Relay Isabella Teaford, Julia Brown, Bailey Bromwell, McKenzie Jeffrey, 2:19.76. 200 Yard Freestyle Laine Bushmeyer, 2:38.8; 5. Claire Starbuck, 2:41.04; 6. Alana Osborn, 2:51.42; 9. Madison Chenault, 3:12.45. 200 Yard IM Julia Brown, 2:58.67. 50 Yard Freestyle Isabella Teaford, 27.63; 14. McKenzie Jeffrey, 30.77; 16. Kylie Brigman,...
HOLDEN — Turnovers added up for Holden girls basketball against Carrollton on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at Holden High School. Though the Eagles were still able to stay within, they fell 44-37 in their MRVC East opener. “Honestly, we didn’t take good enough care of the basketball to win,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said. “You can’t have that many turnovers and win.” Holden’s (2-2, 0-1 MRVC East) ball security security gave Carrollton (2-1, 2-0 MRVC East) plenty of chances to grow its lead, with the differential reaching up to eight points The fourth quarter contributed to the aspect as the...
Leeton boys basketball beat Otterville 72-55 in its first of two pool play games at the Pilot Grove Invitational on Monday, Dec. 6. Senior Daniel Warner led the way with 21 points, while sophomore Camden Uptegrove had 17 and junior Cody Shackelford had 15. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 21-10 lead and never looked back. They’ll meet Sturgeon in the second round of pool play Thursday, Dec. 9.
HOLDEN — Eagles boys basketball jumped out to a two basket lead against Carrollton on Tuesday, Dec. 7 It didn’t last long. The Trojans overtook the contest, leading to a 50-29 Eagles loss in MRVC East competition. Holden (1-4, 0-1 MRVC East) had four scorers, led by junior Garrett Smith’s 10, sophomore Aiden Morarity’s eight and senior Hunter Higgins’ eight. Sophomore Reco Jenkins also contributed three. Carrollton (1-2, 1-1 MRVC East) had three in double-digits, led by senior Treyton Bennett’s 15, senior Brice Eiserer’s 13 and junior Houston Varner’s 10. The Trojans outscored the Eagles in all four quarters. Holden...
WARRENSBURG — The Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation is hosting the annual Fire & Ice fundraising event 6-10 p.m. Jan. 28 at Milestones Barn, 380 Highway Business 13, with the theme Havana Nights. The event will feature classic casino games, including Black Jack, Texas Hold ‘Em, the Money Wheel, Let it Ride, CRAPS and Roulette. There will also be a live auction. Each ticket price includes a predetermined amount of tokens with additional tokens available for purchase. Tickets are 0 and includes an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and, in true Havana fashion, a champagne fountain. Seating is limited to 200...
Crest Ridge girls basketball fell to Sweet Springs 47-30 in the I-70 Conference Tournament’s consolation semifinal round on Monday, Dec. 6, in Orrick. The Cougars had single-digit scoring in three of the four quarters, but managed to add 11 in the third. Improvement continued to be a trend for Crest Ridge as it pieces together its younger roster. Junior Karley Swope led the Cougars with 15 points. Crest Ridge will play Orrick for seventh place in the I-70 Tournament at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 in Orrick.
JOHNSON COUNTY — Offices within the Johnson County government are participating in a friendly competition, ushering in holiday cheer and some early voting practice. County offices in the Johnson County Courthouse and throughout the county are decorating and are asking community members to vote which office is the best decorated for the holiday season. Pictures of each office will be posted and voting will take place on the county website. Participating offices were asked to contribute at least one canned item to be donated to the Food Center. Community members who want to see the decorations in person are welcome...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Dec. 8 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. Thursday, Dec. 9 Overeaters Anonymous meets at 10 a.m. Thursday in room 141 of the First...
A while ago, I thought of that quote from the movie “Legally Blonde” where Reese Witherspoon’s character says, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” I don’t know if this is an accurate statement or not, but I can say with certainty that exercise does not make me happy. In fact, there isn’t a single thing I like about it. Does anyone really want to be hot, sweaty, or out of breath 30 to 60 minutes a day? Nevertheless, four to five times a week I make sure my kids get on the bus then I head over to...
JOHNSON COUNTY — Filing for county, municipal and school board elected positions open Tuesday, Dec. 7, and will close Dec. 28 for the Municipal Election, scheduled for April 5. Operating hours will vary by filing location and school districts will be closed for winter break. The following positions will be available for filing. City of Warrensburg Two seats, each a three-year term, for the Warrensburg City Council will be on the ballot for the municipal election. The seats are currently occupied by Scott Holmberg and Nolan Brooks. Both are eligible for reelection. Candidates should file at City Hall, 102. S....
A long-awaited opportunity arrived Saturday night for Darian Weeks. The Sedalia native is making his octagon debut Saturday at UFC Vegas 44, headlined by a bantamweight fight between future hall-of-famer Jose Aldo and Rob Font. In a Zoom call Thursday from Las Vegas, Weeks, a Smith-Cotton graduate, said that his nerves ahead of the bout weren’t too out of sorts. “I’ve been anticipating this moment,” Weeks said. “It’s the opportunity I was eager to grab. I feel like I am where I’m supposed to be.” Unusual circumstances transpired to finally open the door for his first fight in the sport’s...
SEDALIA — Studio A Dance Conservatory’s annual Nutcracker ballet is branching out this season to include a local celebrity dancer, four Sedalia Fire Department firefighters and tea at the Hotel Bothwell. Anna Crumley Nelson, studio owner and director of “Suite Dreams: The Tale of the Nutcracker,” noted this week, after COVID, they are excited to be dancing at full capacity again. Her plans are to also incorporate the local community into the production over the next few years. Of the students, the youngest dancer this year is her daughter Aveline, 2, and the oldest Lauren Grupe, 17, who plays the...
SEDALIA — Christmas is often seen as a time of miracles, hope and goodwill. A time when the most unlikely and wonderful occurrences can happen. In 2019, a chance meeting of two Sedalia families, a little boy and a vintage tricycle was the catalyst for a heartfelt friendship seasoned with hope. Tom McCown, the owner of Cartillac Bike in Sedalia, met Mary Heather by accident while working at the Katy Depot in Sedalia. McCown is known in the area for restoring bicycles and creating unusual three-wheel bikes with baskets. Mary knew McCown worked on bicycles so she called him and...
WARRENSBURG — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-2 to approve a request to rezone the lot, located at 618 W. Clark St., during the Monday, Dec. 6, meeting. The request is to rezone the lot from a single-family residence district to a one- and two-family residence district. The lot is approximately one acre in size. The developer, Warrensburg Tires, developed duplexes to the west of the property. “I immediately bought that property, paid a pretty good amount for that property and got to looking and said ‘this really doesn’t work for the rental side,’” Daniel Spies of Warrensburg Tires...
WARRENSBURG — When the fourth quarter arrived between Warrensburg and Hogan Prep boys basketball arrived on Monday, Dec. 6, a switch flipped. The current powered on just wasn’t what the Tigers hoped. Ball security turned points in transition gave the Rams an extra boost, knocking Warrensburg off 71-53. “They hit some shots and we didn’t take enough care of the basketball,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo said. “Give them credit. They hit some shots.” Hogan Prep (1-2) put up 26 of its points in the last eight minutes, 15 arriving from the hand of senior Tere’yon Kirkwood. Kirkwood was one...
A photo mural in remembrance of Bruce Reed, Warrensburg’s hometown wrestler, will be dedicated Thursday, Dec. 9. The mural remembering Reed, known for his nicknames of “The Natural,” “Hacksaw” and “Butch Reed” is located on the Old Davis Store at 311 N. Main Street. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Before pursuing his pro wrestling career, the Warrensburg High School 1972 graduate played collegiate football at Northeast Oklahoma and Central Missouri. He briefly played for the Kansas City Chiefs before his path to his run through the wrestling world began. Reed died Feb. 5, 2021. The mural is the...
WARRENSBURG — Each game Mules basketball sets out to do one thing defensively: hold its opponent to a shooting percentage of 39% or less. Central Missouri was able to do just that in a 72-59 win over Lincoln on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Multipurpose Building. It marked the fourth time the Mules have done so in the five games its had thus far. “We have a big sign in the locker room that says 39% wins,” head coach Doug Karleskint said. “We have been doing that this year. Has it been perfect? No. But, we’ve still been contesting a...
WARRENSBURG — In the first half of Jennies basketball’s MIAA opener with Lincoln, the ball kept arriving to Nija Collier’s hands on the inside. On all but one attempt before intermission, her shot landed. Collier’s strength on the inside helped UCM to a 71-46 win Sunday, Dec. 5, at the UCM Multipurpose Building “Nija Collier kind of owned things inside,” Central Missouri head coach Dave Slifer said. “It was probably her most productive offensive night that she’s had since she’s been here.” Collier finished with a career-high 31 points, sinking 14-of-18 shots from the field. She was 9-of-10 in the...
Jennies soccer’s season reached an end with a 1-0 loss to Grand Valley State in the NCAA Division II Tournament’s quarterfinal round on Sunday, Dec. 5, in Allendale, Michigan. The Lakers scored the match’s lone goal in the sixth minute, with Catie Baronn scoring on a deflected shot. Outside of that miss, Central Missouri goalkeeper Sydney Daris had five saves. Central Missouri fired off 12 shots, just two on goal (Nayeli Gallo and Sydnie Leslie). Grand Valley had 15 total shots. The loss ended the Jennies’ season. They were the regular season MIAA Champion and NCAA Division II Central Region...
Crest Ridge boys basketball opened the I-70 Conference Tournament with a 57-25 win over Orrick on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Orrick High School. The Cougars limited Orrick to single-digit scoring in three of the four quarters. The Bearcats finished with seven in the first, four in the second, 10 in the third and four in the fourth compared to Crest Ridge’s 16, 10, 14 and 17. Senior Corben Martin led the Cougars with 15 points. Senior Chase Martin was second in line with 10. Senior Jackson Nimsgern had eight and senior Dalton Wilhite had six. Crest Ridge returns to action...
Knob Noster wrestling had a showing in five championship matches during the Ray Stockdale Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Knob Noster High School. Panthers sophomores Levi Wilhelm and Trey Payne each finished with individual titles, while junior Payton Arniold, senior Nathan McDonald and senior Zayne Schroeder were runner-ups. In the 106-pound championship, Wilhelm defeated North Callaway junior Tristan Young by fall. In the 195-pound championship, Payne beat Maysville sophomore Max Heintz by a 10-4 decision. Arnold lost to Marshall sophomore Trevor Bellamy by fall in the 126-pound championship, McDonald lost to Warsaw junior Nick Bagley by a 10-8 sudden...
Holden girls wrestling sophomore Charlie Gregg earned an individual title at the Steve Leslie Girls Invitational on Friday, Dec. 3, at Pleasant Hill High School. Gregg finished first in the 130-pound bracket, beating Excelsior Springs senior Paige Barber 3-2 in the championship match. Her performance highlighted the Eagles’ first tournament of the season, with junior Aubre Castaneda finishing 3rd in the 194-pound bracket. She beat Prairie View sophomore Glynda Campbell by a 2-1 decision in the third-place match. Junior MaRaya May placed seventh in the 125-pound bracket, junior GiGi Jones placed 7th in the 159-pound bracket, junior Jordan Slyvester finished...
Knob Noster girls wrestling finished with two championships at the Lone Jack Classic on Friday, Dec. 3, at Lone Jack High School. Freshman Kylie Miller and sophomore Abby Sader each completed the Panthers’ first tournament of the year with top-podium finishes in their weight class Miller topped the 120-pound weight class after beating Blair Oaks junior by fall. Sader was the champion in the 159-pound weight class, beating North Kansas City’s Paige Strauch by fall. Freshman Zoey Schroeder finished 4th in the 125-pound bracket, freshman Abby Wade finished 4th in the 130-pound bracket, Kaitlin Martin finished 4th in the 135-pound...
Holden wrestling traveled to compete in the Ray Stockdale Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Knob Noster High School. Sophomores Carson Moreno and Daylen Greene each earned first-place finishes in the tournament. Moreno defeated Richmond sophomore Cayden Morris by fall in the 113-pound championship match, while Greene beat North Callaway sophomore by a 4-2 ultimate tiebreaker in the 120-pound championship match. Senior Logan Yoder and sophomore C.J. Reifsteck also wrestled in first-place matches, but finished as the runner-up. Yoder fell to Richmond senior Conner Test by fall in the 132-pound championship, while Reifsteck fell to Butler sophomore Issac Rodriguez by...
Crest Ridge boys basketball beat Holden 50-38 on Friday, Dec. 3, at Holden High School. The Cougars jumped out thanks to an 18-5 start in the first quarter and never looked back. They were led by senior Corben Martin, who had 15 points. Holden sophomore Aiden Morarity was the only other player to cross double digits in the game, scoring 14. Holden junior Tyler Hankins was right outside with nine while Crest Ridge senior Jackson Nimsgern had eight. Crest Ridge opens the I-70 Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 4, while Holden returns to action as it hosts Carrollton, Tuesday, Dec. 7.
WARRENSBURG — After Washburn senior Kelsey Gordon layed down a game-winning kill in the NCAA Division II Central Region semifinal round, Central Missouri redshirt junior Audrey Fisher couldn’t help but smile. At that moment, the 3-1 season-ending Jennies loss Friday, Dec. 3, no longer mattered. It was all about reflecting on what the program was able to do en route to a 29-4 record. “There’s no other team I’d rather play with,” Fisher said. “We win together and lose together. Obviously you don’t want to lose. The amount of losses compared to the amount of wins, this has been a...
Leeton boys basketball’s use of press helped it to a 70-31 win over Appleton City on Friday, Dec. 3, in Appleton City. Senior Daniel Warner led the Bulldogs (2-1) with 15 points, sophomore Camden Uptegrove had 13 and junior Cody Shackelford had 10. Shackelford also contributed six steals and six rebounds. Uptegrove had five steals while Warner had three. Warner also contributed five rebounds and four assists. Leeton led 42-14 at halftime. The Bulldogs open up the Pilot Grove Tournament against Otterville on Monday, Dec. 6. Their pool play path will continue with a game against Sturgeon on Thursday, Dec....
WARRENSBURG — Floats and vehichicles, including a firetruck and ambulance, covered in string lights and decorations were part of the annual Holiday Parade on Friday, Dec. 3, in Downtown Warrensburg. The parade is organized by a committee headed by Dwayne Jackson in collaboration with the City of Warrensburg, Warrensburg Main Street and Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce.
WARRENSBURG — Chief Rich Lockhart resigned from his position with Warrensburg Police Department to accept the police chief role in Lawrence, Kansas. Lockhart has served the City of Warrensburg since April 2016. “It has been my greatest pleasure to serve as the Warrensburg Police Chief for the past five-plus years,” Lockhart said. “Making the decision to leave Warrensburg was difficult. I will miss the men and women of the Warrensburg Police Department, my colleagues with the city, and the members of this amazing community.” Lockhart’s last day with the WPD will be Jan. 7.
Jennies soccer is the NCAA Division II Central Region Champion. Central Missouri beat Bemidji State 4-1 in the regional title match on Friday, Dec. 3, at Grand Valley State Soccer Field in Allendale, Michigan. The Jennies first got on board in the third minute as freshman Sydney Leslie put the ball in the net following an assist from freshman Ashleigh Martin. Freshman Isa Yanes added a second in the 35th, thanks to an assist from junior Kassie Newsom. Martin had a goal for herself in the 60th minute, with Newsom capping off scoring in the 86th minute with a penalty...
SEDALIA — The Big Cheeze is a food trailer aiming to make mouths water across mid-Missouri. Recently purchased by Carrie Vaughn, The Big Cheeze was parked along South Ohio Avenue in downtown Sedalia last week, requested by Jammin’ Nuggets Music to support hungry shoppers on Black Friday. “The Big Cheeze is new to me, I actually bought it a couple of months ago,” Vaughn said. “The lady that owned it actually is from Sedalia. It’s been quite a job, I've never really been in the food industry and getting all the necessary documents, my food handlers license, learning that whole...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Ambulance District Training Center has been training emergency medication technicians since 2002 but is gearing up to graduate its first class of paramedics in March. The JCAD paramedic program has been issued a letter of review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions, indicating the program is on its way to becoming accredited. To earn accreditation, the paramedic program must graduate a class. “We are under a letter of review, meaning we are allowed to fully function as an accredited paramedic program but after the first class graduates,...
Holden girls basketball bested Crest Ridge 48-25 on Thursday, Dec. 2, at Crest Ridge High School. The Eagles (2-1) had double-digit scoring in all four quarters, anchored by 13 in the first and third. The Cougars (1-2) did not score in the second quarter, and had eight in the first, three in the third and 14 in the fourth. Holden returns to action as it opens MRVC East competition against Carrollton at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7. Crest Ridge travels to meet Santa Fe at Orrick in the opening round of the I-70 Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 5.
SEDALIA — Renovations are underway for the historic Main Gate on the Missouri State Fairgrounds with funds provided by the Missouri Bicentennial Commission. MSF Director Mark Wolfe announced last week that the restoration of the gate, built in 1939, was well underway. “The Historic Main Gate on 16th Street is an icon for the fairgrounds,” Wolfe said in a media release. “It is the first impression many fairgoers have when they enter the grounds. We were excited when the Bicentennial Commission told us they wanted to fund the renovation of the gate as a lasting project on the fairgrounds to...
Last week was my favorite holiday – Thanksgiving. This year, we did “Franksgiving,” as Emily couldn’t get home until late Thursday night. We ate on Friday. Food was plentiful and easier than I thought to prepare – after all, I have only one oven now and a cooktop with two fewer burners. I gave thanks that I had a place to prepare dinner! I was also thankful that we were able to be together to eat it. I was even grateful for the mess afterward. It felt, well, almost normal. More grateful than I, though, I’m sure, is Kevin Strickland....
Ella Mae Matthews will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house for family and friends Dec. 12. The celebration will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at 550 NE 201 Road, Warrensburg. Matthews is accepting cards and well wishes mailed to the same address. Matthews was born Dec. 15, 1931, in Warrensburg. Matthews married her husband, Lloyd, in 1950 and has two children, Karen and Jim. She has five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Just about the time that we relax after the overindulgences of Thanksgiving and battling through Black Friday, we realize that only phase one and two of the end of the year festivities have passed and the preparations for the mighty trio, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s, are about to begin. It is also the time of the year that we look to champagne and sparkling wines as our beverage of choice for the upcoming celebrations. In fact, just thinking about it, what is New Year's Eve without a sparkling beverage? I believe that you know where I'm headed. All Champagnes...
As I looked out of my window when I got up this morning, I saw leaves all over the ground; that yesterday was still clinging to the trees. It was mainly the product of the strong winds that came through the area overnight, but not all of it. I have to admit I haven’t picked up a rake this year, and as I looked out of that window this morning, I began to think of how to keep it that way. I had already used a sore back excuse to keep from bringing holiday things out of the attic, so...
WARRENSBURG — Demonstrating the quality of students’ academic preparation and skill in the area of cybersecurity, a team of University of Central Missouri students was recently ranked in the top one percent of college and university teams participating in the National Cyber League fall 2021 competition. In an event that evaluated student cybersecurity teams on nine different criteria, UCM finished 37th out of 3,910 teams nationwide. The university has competed every semester in NCL competitions since fall 2018. Since finishing in the top 30 percent during that first event, the team has continuously improved its standing and with this recent...
WARRENSBURG — By the time No. 1 seed Central Missouri’s time to play in its first NCAA Division II Central Regional Championships contest arrived on Thursday, the region’s No. 2 and No. 3 seeds had already lost. The Jennies had no interest in joining the statistic of top-seeded teams losing, sweeping No. 8 Arkansas Tech on Dr. Peggy Martin Court at the UCM Multipurpose Building. “It’s hard when you don’t play in a team in your conference season to get a feel by looking at film to get a feel of particularly the last two matches of how they played,”...
WARRENSBURG — The Salvation Army in Johnson County is asking for some help this Christmas season in its effort to raise funds for year-round use. This year, bell-ringing will take place every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 18, the weekend before Christmas, at Walmart, Walgreens and HyVee. Family Service Coordinator Karen Eagleson said she is still in need of bell-ringers. Volunteers for bell ringing could be anyone: individuals, families, churches, youth groups or civic organizations willing to help out for one to two hours, or more. “You can go to registertoring.com and you can register as an individual or group,”...
Come 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 3, Jennies soccer will be playing Bemidji State for the NCAA Division II Central Regional Championship at the Grand Valley State Soccer Field in Allendale, Michigan. UCM earned a spot in the championship after topping Minnesota State 4-3 on Sunday, Nov. 21, in Warrensburg. The Beavers, on the other hand, beat Emporia State 1-0 on Nov. 21, in Emporia. The Jennies enter the match with a 19-3-1 record while Bemidji State is 19-1-3. This is the second time the two have met for a regional championship, the last occurring in 2018. UCM won 2-0. The...
Leeton girls basketball beat Archie 48-25 on Thursday, Dec. 2, at Archie High School. Balls struggled to drop for the Bulldogs, especially beyond the arc, making 2-of-17 shots. The offense still maintained a balance and finished with two in double figures. Senior Regan Shaffer led the way with 17 points, while junior Jordan Crooks had 13. Leeton forced 25 turnovers defensively. The Bulldogs return to action Friday, Dec. 3, as they travel to Appleton City.
DETROIT, Michigan 一 Garrett Endicott, 22, of Warrensburg was sentenced Monday, Nov. 29, before United States District Judge Denise Page Hood of the Eastern District of Michigan. Endicott was identified as the sixth member of an international hacking group known to its members as “The Community” and was sentenced in connection with a multi-million-dollar Sim Hijacking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Saima Mohsin for the Eastern District of Michigan. This was the final defendant to be sentenced in the case, which was indicted in 2019. The following defendants have been previously sentenced in the Eastern District of Michigan, all pled...
WARRENSBURG — It’s the holiday season and the University of Central Missouri’s annual Holiday Market returned Wednesday, Dec. 1, with crafts and creations from faculty, staff and students. The Holiday Market was first introduced in 2008 as a way for faculty and staff to earn extra money in the weeks leading up to winter break. The market downsized last year due to the pandemic and had about half as many vendors as is usual. “Last year we had to go to half capacity because of COVID, so each table had to be six feet apart and that ment we literally...
Leeton boys basketball picked up its first win of the season topping Archie 70-48 on Wednesday, Dec. 1, in Archie. The Bulldogs had three players in double-figures, led by sophomore Camden Uptegrove’s 22, junior Cody Shackelford’s 18 and senior Daniel Warner’s 10. Shackelford led Leeton with eight rebounds, while Uptegrove had six and Shackelford had five. Leeton returns to action on Friday, Dec. 3, as it travels to Appleton City.
HOLDEN — Eagles girls basketball’s meeting with Oak Grove on Wednesday, Dec. 1 consisted of two phases. On one end, Holden put an exceptional defense on the court. On the other, it struggled offensively. When it was all said and done, the drawback had the final say. The Eagles lost 36-33. “They’re gritty defensively,” Holden head coach Ben Kiger said of Oak Grove. “I’ll give coach Toni (Leon) that. But the bottom line is, we’re 17-of-31 from the free-throw line.” Holden’s performance at the line broke down to a 54.8% success rate On paper, the percentage be at the 9-of-18...
Knob Noster girls wrestling edged El Dorado Springs 30-24 on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Knob Noster High School. The Panthers had non-forfeit wins overall. Kylie Miller beat Olivia Graves by fall in the 120-pound match, Zoey Schroeder beat Grace Kinnett by fall in the 125-pound match, Addy Wade beat Taylin Oberly by fall in the 130-pound match and Abby Sader beat Madison Garcia by fall in the 159-pound match. Knob Noster returns to action at the Lone Jack Tournament on Friday, Dec. 3.
Knob Noster boys wrestling swept a quad with Adrian, El Dorado Springs and Warrensburg on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Knob Noster High School. The Panthers had 19 non-forfeit wins, beating Adrian 60-22, El Dorado Springs 46-36 and Warrensburg 66-16. Against Adrian, Mason Grosz beat Landon Patterson by fall in the 113-pound match, Landon Wirtz beat Cody Ammerman by fall in the 120-pound match, Payton Arnold beat Brody Barnett by fall in the 126-pound match, Noah Barlow beat Justin Bybee by fall in the 138-pound match, Nathan McDonald beat Justice Vickers by fall in the 145-pound match, Reece Cruz beat Keegan...
CENTERVIEW 一 The Crest Ridge School District was recently awarded a ,500 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation after being nominated by local farmer Gary Scherer. Crest Ridge administration has stated the funds will be used for improvements to the middle school math department. Scherer attended elementary school in Crest Ridge but graduated from University High since Crest Ridge High School had not yet been established. “My kids all went to Crest Ridge High School and grade school and one of my daughters is a teacher there now and her husband, my son-in-law is a teacher there also,” Scherer...
WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg boys basketball experienced its first growing pains as it works to pave together its new identity on Tuesday, Nov. 30. In a tale of two halves, the Tigers fell to St. Pius X 67-61 in its season opener. “We got passive in attacking their zone,” Warrensburg head coach Chris Nimmo said. “You know, we’re very inexperienced in (terms of) young team. You can see we put a lot of time into our man offense, and we haven’t focused as much on our zone defense. It showed tonight. That’s our mistake as coaches and that type of thing.” ...
Warrensburg wrestling opened its season in a quad with Knob Noster, Adrian and El Dorado Springs on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Knob Noster High School. The Tigers fell in each dual, but had eight individual non-forfeit wins on the day. Two arrived against Adrian, with Mason Fritsch beating Justin Bybee by fall in the 138-pound match and Daniel Stark-Wroblewski beating Shawn Koehler by fall in the 170-pound match. Against El Dorado Springs, Jayden Welch beat Justin Brown by fall in the 120-pound match, Aiden Walker beat James King by a 7-0 decision in the 160-pound match, Daniel Stark-Wroblewski beat Preston...
Leeton girls basketball’s positioning in the first Missouri High School Basketball Coaches poll of the season isn’t surprising. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 2 in the inaugural Class 1 poll of the season, sitting below defending state champion Platte Valley. Leeton returns the bulk of its roster from its 2020-21 state runner-up squad including its entire top six of Bailey Fleming, Regan Shaffer, Jordan Crooks, Rowan Schmidli, Jadeyn Johnson and Hailey Bingaman. The Bulldogs opened their season with a 67-23 win over Lone Jack on Tuesday, Nov. 23. They are the lone Johnson County girls team to be named in...
WARRENSBURG — The Board of Adjustment voted to approve five points of variance for a property located at 300 W. Pine St. owned by Evergy. Information provided to the board states Evergy plans to develop the property, as well as three adjacent lots owned by the City of Warrensburg, as a new electrical substation. Community Development Director Barbara Carroll said the five points of variance include: To encroach 16.5 feet into the required 40-foot setback from the property line adjacent to Pine Street, for the purpose of installing transmission line structures An eight-foot tall fence within the 40-foot front yard...
Saint Paul Lutheran High has announced Leah Brandt, daughter of Aaron and Charlotte Brandt, of Knob Noster, as the annual Concordia Christkind for the 2021 Saint Paul Christkindlesmarkt. Brandt, a freshman, wrote two essays as part of her application: a statement of her Christian faith and the role of the Christkind in sharing the spirit of Christ in the community. Christkind, meaning Christ child, is a figure adopted after the protestant reformation and is often depicted as a sprite-like child and gift giver. Brandt's duties as Christkind at the 2021 Christkindlesmarkt will include leading the market’s grand opening processional at...
After a weekend of holiday shopping during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, it’s time for what’s at the heart of the season: giving. Giving Tuesday is a national campaign to encourage donations and volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations. Numerous Johnson County charities are in need of assistance. To have your organization’s information added to this list, email news@warrensburgstarjournal.com. Johnson County Board of Services The Johnson County Board of Services Foundation is doing a Year-End-Giving campaign. The organization needs financial support and has an online donation platform: pages.donately.com/jcbsfoundation. The goal is to raise ,000 through the Year-End-Giving campaign. The Foundation...
HOLDEN — Twenty teachers will receive funding through the Holden School Foundation for ,483.99 in educational/academic items from the Holden Foundation. In August, the Foundation awarded ,741 to 10 teachers through the seven Teacher Impact Grants that were submitted and approved. So far for the 2021-22 school year, the foundation has helped with ,224.99 for educational/academic needs that are above and beyond what the district’s budget can provide. All of these expenses are made possible through the generous donations made by Holden’s community members, businesses, and Holden Staff members. Hannah Andrews, middle school art, was awarded funds for yarn, glue...
Serious injuries reported in Nov. 24 wreck on Highway 50 One person is reported to have serious injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Nov. 24 on eastbound Highway 50 east of Northwest 271st Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a pedestrian crossed into the path of a 2014 Honda CRV, driven by Tyler L. Courtney, 21, of Oak Grove. Pedestrian Jessica A. Huckaby, 46, of Warrensburg, is reported to have serious injuries and was transported to Research Hospital in Kansas City. Courtney is reported to have worn a safety device. The Honda is reported to have...
Doesn’t it seem like Christmas comes earlier every year? I have been busy the whole month of November counting Christmas trees that I see in the windows of homes. It seems like Nov. 1 was the official start date this year as people made a mad dash to get their homes ready for the holidays. No one seemed willing to wait to get things started. In the Reformed tradition we call the season before Christmas “Advent.” It is a season of waiting and anticipation. We are looking forward to Christmas and the arrival of the Christ child in the world....
The Martin Warren Chapter, Missouri Society, Sons of the American Revolution (MOSSAR) conducted a Patriot Grave Marking on Nov. 20 for James DeMasters, a Patriot of the American Revolution. DeMasters, a native of Virginia, enlisted in the American Army at the age of 16 in 1779. He participated in several major battles including the Battle of Charleston, South Carolina, during which he was captured. DeMasters soon escaped and joined the forces of Gen. Francis Marion, known as “The Swamp Fox.” In May 1781 following the capture of Fort Friday, DeMasters requested and was granted a discharge by Gen. Nathanael Greene,...
The Heard Memorial Club House in Sedalia is busy baking cookies again this year. Order cookies for delivery on Dec. 4 by calling Judy at 660-827-3545 or buy cookies during the Sedalia downtown Christmas parade from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Heard House booth near the corner of Fifth Street and Ohio Avenue in front of the Fox Theatre Event Center. The cost is per box. All sales will benefit the historical Heard Memorial Club House.
WARRENSBURG — Plans are in place to extend the Spirit Trail into Knob Noster State Park. The park is planning to break ground for the trail in the summer of 2022 and the trail is expected to be completed in 2023. Funds for the project are through the Department of Natural Resources, which oversees all state parks. Spirit Trail Coalition Chair David Peerbolte said the trail serves as a recreation trail but also serves to connect communities. “Right now, it is a small trail that goes from Warrensburg, Business 13 essentially, all the way to the state park,” Peerbolte said....
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Dec. 1 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. Call 1-800-561-2250 for more information. The fourth annual UCM First Lady’s Charity Concert will begin at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Hall. A...
WARRENSBURG — The MU Extension has graduated another group from the Core Training Program for the Master Gardeners of Johnson County. The 13 graduates, as of Nov. 18, are now considered interns and have a year to complete 30 hours of volunteer service for the community within the local Master Gardeners chapter. “The training to become an Extension Master Gardener is 14 topics, so that’s anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks of three-hour classes,” MU Extension Field Specialist Kathi Mecham said. Classes are hosted in the spring and fall, meeting once a week. Topics range from plants in their environment,...
An integral part of the University of Central Missouri’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is the presentation of the MLK Community Service Award and the MLK High School Community Service Award. These awards are sponsored by the Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the UCM Student Experience and Engagement Office. The 2022 awards will be presented at the monthly Chamber luncheon Jan. 12 at American Legion Matthews-Crawford Post 131, 733 E. Young Ave. in Warrensburg. These awards seek to honor those in our community who exemplify humanitarianism, leadership and selfless service. The Community Service Award is open...
Two vehicles were involved in a fatal wreck Nov. 28 on Highway 58 north of Route F. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2010 Pontiac Vibe, driven by Vatina A. Gillespie, 52, of Kingsville, was southbound and began to pass another vehicle and struck a 2014 Lincoln MKS, driven by Bradley C. George, 18, of Chilhowee. Gillespie was pronounced dead at the scene by Johnson County Coroner Clark Holdren. George is reported to have minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Gillespie and George are both reported to have worn a safety device. Both vehicles...
WARRENSBURG — First-year Tigers girls basketball head coach Melvin Myers’ coaching experience extends through several different branches. Before joining Warrensburg at the beginning of the school year, Myers’ path mainly went through Jefferson City. A graduate of the school himself, he spent 17 years teaching while putting on several different hats in the athletics world. “I coached track for a long time, had some good success there and got a good program going,” Melvin Myers said. “I coached football for a long time, and I coached basketball for the whole time I was doing it with my young kids.I’ve coached...
After a year away from the girls basketball world at Knob Noster, Mike Riley is back as the program’s head coach. Riley took the helm from Renae Shippy this summer, adding another chapter to his coaching career. This marks his third year with the Panthers, but his resume spans much longer. The bulk of his experience comes as a football coach. “I’ve been around about nine years for basketball,” Riley said. “I started off at Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Blue Valley West, Cameron, Sunset High School in Texas. I’ve been to a few different schools, not as...
UCM Athletics has announced the schedule for the 2021 NCAA Division II Volleyball Central Regional. Jennies volleyball helped bring the tournament to Dr. Peggy Martin Court and the UCM Multipurpose Building after being named as the region’s No. 1 seed Monday, Nov. 22. Play will begin with the quarterfinal round Thursday, Dec. 2, continuing until the championship Saturday, Dec. 4. Tickets for the tournament are for adults and for seniors/students. The entire tournament will be available for free viewing at https://themiaanetwork.com/ucmmules/ As a result of the regional, the Jennies and Mules basketball MIAA opening doubleheader with Lincoln has...
As winter sports get into full swing, most basketball and wrestling teams have an idea of what they could face when district action comes mid-February. MSHSAA recently released classifications and district assignments for all winter sports, with the exception of girls wrestling. The overall composition remains the same from a year ago, with the exception of both Holden basketball teams dropping down to Class 3 while both Knob Noster and Leeton basketball teams shifted districts. The playoff path has also shrunk in Class 5 basketball and Class 6 basketball, with the elimination of the sectional round. This ultimately affects Warrensburg,...
State Fair Community College invites the community to its annual Jingle on the Green from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 on the Sedalia campus. The event is free, and parking will be available in all campus lots. At 6 p.m., SFCC President Dr. Joanna Anderson will give a welcome and opening remarks in Stauffacher Theatre. The free celebration features thousands of luminarias, lavishly decorated trees, musical performances, Christmas book readings, desserts and drinks, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and student and faculty technical demonstrations and displays. Rowdie the Roadrunner and Frosty will be spreading holiday cheer throughout the...
While some items may be hard to find this holiday season, the University of Central Missouri is the place to go for original and creative gifts at the annual Holiday Market. The event is planned for 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1 at the ballroom of the Elliott Student Union. Showcasing many different vendors from the UCM student, faculty and staff community, this will be an opportunity to peruse tables of unique gifts and crafts. The market will include more than 50 vendors ranging from gourmet food, arts and crafts, clothing and more. Santa's Workshop for kids, co-sponsored by...
WARRENSBURG — As part of a new initiative honoring accomplished alumni at Georgia College, University of Central Missouri President Roger Best was recently recognized as the 2021 Dr. John E. Sallstrom Honors College Alumnus of the Year. The first presentation of this award took place this fall in Milledgeville, Georgia, as the Honors College celebrated its 50-year anniversary. Brian Newsome, dean of the Honors College, said the awards program puts a public face on the pride that faculty, staff, students and alumni from the Honors College share toward the award recipients. “I hope their accomplishments inspire our students to see...
EASTON, Mass. 一 Carly Russell, of Warrensburg, a member of the Class of 2022, has been named to the spring 2021 dean's list at Stonehill College. To qualify for the dean's list, students must have a semester GPA of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered. The college engages more than 2,500 students in more than 80 academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences and pre-professional fields.
WARRENSBURG — Johnson County Community Health Services, in accordance with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services amended state’s standing order, is offering booster shots of both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech for all vaccinated adults. JCCHS offers first, second and booster COVID-19 vaccines from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays during a Walk-in Wednesday COVID Vaccine Clinic at 723 PCA Road. No appointment is needed. Times may change during the holiday season. Following federal guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DHSS has amended Missouri’s standing order for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine administration. Those who received either...
Naturally, Drew Belardo had high expectations in mind for his senior cross country season. Finishing the year as the No. 11 runner in the MSHSAA Class 4 Championships, he was able to knock a few objectives off the checklist. Along the way to his fastest showing at state, Belardo was able to win the Tim Nixon Invitational, Warrensburg Cross Country Invitational, MRVC West Invitational and Class 4 District 4 Championship. The races led up to the fastest finish of his high school career, a 5k of 15:46.60 at the state championship on Nov. 5 at the Gans Creek Recreation Area’s...
A year after losing every single game played, Holden football finished this season on the winning side of things. The reasoning behind the turnaround, from 0-8 to 6-4, can be attributed to numerous aspects, some of them more impactful than others. Of them: head coach David Diener. Back in March, the Holden High School administration gave Diener the opportunity to become a first-time head coach. In the period between then and Week 1 of the 2021 season, Diener managed to accomplish the most important aspect outside of x’s and o’s: get the student athletes to believe in themselves. The result...
Brookelynn Becker rarely missed a beat for Warrensburg softball in 2021. The junior shortstop played in all 26 games for the Tigers, contributing to the team’s second-straight run to a district championship in more ways than one. For that, she is the All-Johnson County Softball Player of the Year. In 78 at-bats, Becker singled 22 times, doubled 12 times, tripled twice and hit a home run three times. She drew a walk in 15 other trips to the plate. Becker’s success at the plate led to a .500 batting average, .581 on-base percentage and .821 slugging percentage. She contributed 37...
No matter the outcome, Warrensburg senior quarterback Luke Othic made sure to give it all on the gridiron in 2021. Othic went through the entire season battling an injury but still found a way to make key plays to keep the Tigers in contention for a win, whether it be on the ground or through the air. As a converted running back, his legs played a significant role in the Warrensburg offense rushing for 1,050 yards and 14 touchdowns on 182 carries. His arm was still reliable, though, completing 65-of-123 passes for 907 yards and eight touchdowns. In total, Othic...
Javier Talavera’s final season of high school boys soccer was one for the history books. Spending his senior year at Knob Noster, Talavera found a way to become the Panthers’ record holder for goals in a season. The senior completed the year with 21 goals, two more than the school’s previous record of 19. He broke the record in a 6-0 win over Green Ridge on Oct. 26. Talavera also had 11 assists on the year, helping the Panthers tie the program’s all-time best season of 8-14. He was also a part of the first-ever Knob Noster team to earn...
Holden volleyball’s season started a little later than other schools due to COVID-19 quarantines within the program. Once the Eagles got going, though, they found themselves on a roll. A part of the success came from senior Emma Lohe. Lohe broke several records at Holden this season including most kills in a match (30), most attack attempts in a match (74) highest service reception rating (2.02), highest kill average in a match (12.7), highest average of digs in a match (13.1) and highest blocks in a match (1.0). She led the team in kills (311), hitting efficiency (.241), total blocks...
Warrensburg senior swimmer Christian Lockard’s high school career ended with the opportunity to swim alongside the state’s best. Lockard swam in the MSHSAA Class 1 Boys Swimming Championships’ 100-yard butterfly Nov. 11. He finished 28th out of 32 swimmers in preliminaries with a time of 57.97 seconds, but was the lone Tigers runner to make the state cut. For that, he is the All-Johnson County Boys Swimmer of the Year.
Back in August, Warrensburg sophomore Reece Nimmo set out to make the cut for state for the second time. At the Class 2 District 4 Championships on Oct. 11, she was able to do just that. Nimmo was the district’s third-best golfer with a single round score of 93. She proceeded to finish 27th at state on Oct. 18-19, recording a two-round sum of 190 (100, 90), anchoring the Tigers’ team eight-place finish. For that, she is the All-Johnson County Girls Golfer of the Year. ALL-JOHNSON COUNTY GIRLS GOLF HONORABLE MENTION Junior Allie Phelps also qualified for state for a...
Jessica Snare didn’t get back to state as she might’ve hoped to do capping off the final season of her high school career. Still, she was able to be part of something special. Warrensburg managed to grasp both a MRVC West regular season and postseason plaque in 2021. In doing so, Snare was a part of a No. 1 doubles championship in the MRVC Tournament with junior Sydni Sabas. After the conference aspect was complete, Snare and the Tigers focused on districts. Though the results didn’t end as she would’ve hoped, Warrensburg finished the season with a 13-3 record. It...
Senior Allie Griffiths helped anchor Warrensburg girls cross country to a third-straight appearance at the MSHSAA State Championships in 2021. Griffiths was the fastest runner amongst the Tigers all season long and finished the Class 4 State Championships in 55th with a time of 20:22.5. The timing was her best of the season, beating her previous 2021 PR of 20:33.30. Griffiths’ finish at state was also the best amongst all Johnson County runners to compete in a state meet, making her the All-Johnson County Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. FIRST TEAM ALL-JOHNSON COUNTY GIRLS XC Allie Griffiths, Warrensburg...
Serious injuries reported in Nov. 19 wreck on Highway 50 One person is reported to have serious injuries from a single-vehicle wreck Nov. 19 in the 200 block of Northeast Highway 50. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2013 Toyota, driven by Carissa R. Peerson, 39, of Holden, overcorrected and traveled off the roadway. Pearson is reported to have serious injuries and was transported by Johnson County Ambulance District to Centerpoint Medical Center. Peerson is reported to have not worn a safety device. The Toyota is reported to be a total loss. Serious, minor injuries...
With the holiday shopping season officially underway, area organizations are reminding shoppers of the importance of supporting local businesses. Nov. 27 is Shop Small Saturday, a nationwide effort to support local businesses. In Warrensburg, Shop Small Week Hide and Seek is returning thanks to Warrensburg Main Street. A Shop Small heart will be hidden in various businesses from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3. If you find one, scan the QR code to be entered to win a prize package. Clues will be posted on Main Street’s social media. “You can also be entered by snapping a photo of your receipt...
WARRENSBURG — It’s been one year since Refuge on Ming opened its doors to help the homeless population in Johnson County. Since then, 150 people have sought shelter inside, whether for one night or months. The nonprofit opened Nov. 10, 2020, after several years of work to obtain, renovate and staff the home at 207 Ming St., Warrensburg, which is now a 20-bed shelter. According to Nick McDaniels, a member of the Board of Directors, 25 individuals were helped into long-term or stable housing. Refuge on Ming has partnered with Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, which has an office set...
I know that by the time Democrat and Star-Journal readers take a look at this column, Thanksgiving will be in the rearview mirror and thoughts of the Christmas season will be full steam ahead. But after the last year of ups and downs, I wanted to take a chance to share what I’m thankful for. There are plenty of things to be thankful for on any given day, but here are a few that are on my mind for Thanksgiving 2021. • Last year was a rough road for my health, and after a better start to 2021, this summer...
WARRENSBURG — The pre-demolition state of the Nattinger-Bradshaw Hall at the University of Central Missouri presented a unique training opportunity to the Warrensburg Fire Department. The UCM Board of Governors approved the demolition of the dorm in August, citing the cost of renovation outweighing benefit to the university, and WFD began training mid-November. In total, the department will have completed three weeks of training in the building. “This kind of training is exceedingly unique for us,” WFD Training Officer Matthew Soer said. “I would even dare say most departments.” Soer said the department reached out to UCM about using the...
In this modern world of internationalism, certain countries, because of climate, soil and/or geography have become famous for a specific variety of wine. For Germany it’s the riesling; New Zealand, the sauvignon blanc; Australia, the pinotage; Sicily, the Pinot Nero; Italy, sangiovese; Spain, the tempranillo; in the United States it is the zinfandel and in Argentina, the malbec. I saved the malbec for last because I was privileged to sample some Argentinian malbecs that were more than good, they were excellent. Malbec was once considered a ho-hum grape variety in France and was never able to compete with the mighty...
Dear Editor: What does it take to get trash service in this town and county? Many letters and complaints, no phones answered, no message returned, they are taking money and we are not getting service. Our streets and yards look like a dump trash is blowing everywhere. Does anyone know who or how to get this fixed. I will not pay for no or poor service this is plain stealing and fraud. Law enforcement, prosecutor or county please help us. We pay taxes and your pay checks, please get us some service, thank you. Steve Hamrick Centerview
WARRENSBURG — In this season of giving, the fourth annual University of Central Missouri First Lady’s Holiday Charity Concert, set for Wednesday, Dec. 1, will benefit Survival Adult Abuse Center Inc. UCM Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will perform at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Hall. A reception will precede the concert. The concert, featuring performances by UCM students and faculty, is free and open to the public. Donations can be made of items such as winter wear, gifts for Survival clients or financial contributions to the organization’s general operating fund. UCM First Lady Robin Best is working with UCM Bands...
Dear Editor: Whether you're a Republican, Democratic, or Independent, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will affect you! Three area elected congress representatives voted nay (no) for the H.R.3684 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on November 5, 2021. The "Act" passed because 13 Republicans crossed over to help the Democrats pass this once in a lifetime Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The three elected officials must not have read the “Act” and didn’t consider the needs for all of their constitutes. Missouri will receive .01B for highways, bridges, high-speed internet, and few other items mentioned in a fact sheet delivered...
WARRENSBURG — An honor that was awarded to 16 service members across the nation, Courtney Swoboda, director of Military and Veteran Services at the University of Central Missouri, was recently recognized as an Adopted Warrior by the Exercise Tiger Association, a national non-profit commemorative foundation. Swoboda and others who received this distinction were publicly honored the weekend of Nov. 12-13 during Military Appreciation festivities that occurred on the University of Missouri – Columbia campus. The ETA, which has one chapter in Missouri, annually hosts this program to promote and educate communities, students and citizens on the historic World War II...
More Missourians are expected to travel and gather together this year for larger Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations after a quieter holiday season in 2020 because of COVID-19. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is advising people to reduce the risk of fires as we enter the five-week period of elevated fire hazards. “Thanksgiving begins a five-week period of elevated fire hazards, with the three tops days of the year for cooking fires all occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day,” Bean said. “Candles and holiday decorations are also fire hazards, and the top three days of the year for candle fires...
Col. Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. Drivers should remain alert to changes along their normal route. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority. The counting period for the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public. Over the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 12 people were killed and 379 injured in 1,166 traffic crashes....
Chilhowee girls basketball picked up its first win of the season, beating Hardin-Central 64-52 on Tuesday, Nov. 23. The Indians had four players in double figures with freshman Alexis Miller at 16, freshman Haley Lankford at 16, senior Laney Owsley at 15 and senior Kenzi Myers at 12. Chilhowee shot 44% from the field, including seven made three-point shots. The Indians return to action at the GVVC Tournament on Monday, Nov. 29, in Hume.
LEETON — In the days leading up to its first contest of the season, returning MSHSAA Class 1 runner-up Leeton girls basketball began to get antsy. After focussing in at practice on Monday, Nov. 22, the Bulldogs turned around to beat Lone Jack 67-23. “We got out early (in the game),” Leeton head coach Travis Fleming said. “I was really pleased. I could tell my first five, we didn’t do a jamboree. My young kids battled in practice every day, but we kind of lost focus the last couple of days. We needed to see somebody else. I was a...
LEETON — Going up against defending Class 3 state quarterfinalist Lone Jack proved to be an obstacle for Leeton boys basketball Tuesday, Nov. 23. The Bulldogs were forced to play to Lone Jack’s pace in the first half, leading to several missed shots and turnovers on the court. The aspects led to a 69-44 loss. Lone Jack scored an average 17.25 points per quarter, including 22 in the first and 20 in the third. Leeton averaged 11 after reaching 27 in the first half and 17 in the second Mules senior Tanner Ward scored a game-high 16 points while junior...
Holden boys basketball came up short in its season opener, falling to Concordia 54-51 on Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Concordia. Sophomore Aiden Morarity led the Eagles with 22 points. Holden returns to action as Sherwood visits Tuesday, Nov. 30.
Kingsville girls basketball got its first win of the season, topping Crest Ridge 47-40 on Tuesday, Nov. 23 in Kingsville. The Tigers (1-1) outscored the Cougars (1-1) in all but the third quarter. It marked the first time Kingsville has beaten Crest Ridge since 2011. Kingsville returns to action in the annual Tigers Classic on Monday, Nov. 29, while Crest Ridge picks things up as it travels to Holden Thursday, Dec. 2.
Though sweet potato is one of the most widely served side dishes at Thanksgiving dinner today, it probably wasn’t on the menu at the first Thanksgiving in 1621, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. According to an account by Plymouth settler Edward Winslow, waterfowl, venison and seafood dominated the meal. He also mentions corn. “Everything else at the three-day feast is speculative,” Trinklein said. In his journals, Christopher Columbus records encountering sweet potato during his fourth voyage to Yucatan and Honduras, and he is credited with introducing it to Spain around 1500. Colonists took sweet potato back to...
SEDALIA — Sedalia Parks and Recreation will be opening Light Up Liberty again this year with some new displays to shine the Christmas spirit. Light Up Liberty will begin from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 25 so that guests can enjoy the downtown lights event at Hotel Bothwell before making their way down to Liberty Park. Special Events and Marketing Manager Savannah Lynde said there will be 10 new displays this year at the park along with a new Christmas Tree in the Liberty courtyard area and a new 30-foot light-up tree by the lagoon. “Another thing we added...
WARRENSBURG — The 48th annual Christmas Store, a community church-based mission, is once again working to provide a Christmas meal for those in Johnson County who struggle with food insecurity. The Christmas Store anticipates feeding more than 300 families this year. Recipients will receive vouchers to redeem for food at Warrensburg Hy-Vee. Voucher distribution will be 1-4 p.m. Dec. 16 and 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 18 at First United Methodist Church, 141 E. Gay St. in Warrensburg. To donate, make checks out to Christmas Store and mail to Christmas Store, 212 N. Main St., Warrensburg, MO 64093. Online donations...
While gas prices were predicted to be on the rise last week, they have now fallen in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. According to information provided by GasBuddy, last week predicted that only 32% of American drivers will drive to gatherings for Thanksgiving this year compared to 65% in 2019, and those who did choose to drive would be met with record gas prices. “The national average price of gasoline is projected to decline to .35 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day, still amongst the highest we’ve seen in over seven years,” GasBuddy noted. “But there remains a remote chance that should...
WARRENSBURG — Though the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future may not make an appearance, the annual Dickens Christmas festivities are set to include Scrooge Spirits as Downtown Warrensburg takes a step back in time. The event, organized by Warrensburg Main Street, kicks off with Father Christmas arriving by train at 9:30 a.m. and festivities will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 in Downtown. “We’ve added a new event this year, called Scrooge’s Spirit Stroll,” Main Street Director Jill Purvis said. “This is going to be just a few stops and it is going to be...
WARRENSBURG — Having been cast in film and television roles that include two hit CBS sitcoms, actor Brian Thomas Smith has an appreciation for the role his University of Central Missouri education played in his journey. As UCM engages in Giving Tuesday, Nov. 30, Smith will partner with his alma mater by hosting a student-led Zoom conversation the following day with individuals who support this annual fundraising event through their financial gifts. Giving Tuesday is an annual global day of philanthropic giving observed the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. A contribution of to UCM’s Central Annual Fund will enable donors to...
WARRENSBURG — The Johnson County Ambulance District approved the purchase of new ambulances, stretchers and PowerLoad systems at the Thursday, Nov. 18, meeting. Ned Clitton of American Response Vehicles spoke with the board about pricing and current logistical issues for ambulance manufacturing. The board approved three 2023 Dodge 5500 4x4 Type I ambulances, each at a cost of 6,580 for a total of 7,961. The board approved three Stryker Power Pro XT stretchers, each at a cost of ,000, and three Stryker PowerLoad systems, each at a cost of ,600. The total cost for the new equipment is 0,800. The...
WARRENSBURG — The Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation has announced they have reached a milestone of giving out more than 100 Employee Relief Funds to WMMC employees. Employee Relief Funds are 0 to [post_excerpt],000 grants given to WMMC employees during a time of need. “We don’t give out a certain amount a year,” Communications and Development Manager Jennie Snapp said. The money that is raised for these funds is coordinated through the C.A.R.E.givers Committee, which is the employee-giving branch of the WMMC Foundation. This group of employee volunteers oversees the C.A.R.E.givers Club, which all WMMC employees are eligible for starting...
The NCAA Division II volleyball Central Regional will go through Warrensburg. The Jennies were selected as the No. 1 overall seed in the region, therefore hosting its tournament It will be played Thursday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 5, on Dr. Peggy Martin Court at the UCM Multipurpose Building. UCM will play its first match against No. 8 seeded Arkansas Tech. Official time will be announced at a later date. The MIAA features four total teams in the tournament, including No. 5 Washburn, No. 3 Northwest and No. 6 Nebraska Kearney. The quarterfinal round is as follows: No. 1 Central...
WARRENSBURG — The clock faces in the uppermost portion of the Johnson County Courthouse are scheduled for repair and maintenance after the turn of the new year. The Johnson County Commission approved a contract with The Verdin Company for all four faces of the clock. The commission said the south clockface of the tower stopped a few weeks ago. Each face is connected to the same system but has its own mechanism. The commission voted to have all four faces serviced, rather than just the south face. “Each face has its own motor but the computer controls (them all),” Western...
WARRENSBURG — Jennies soccer didn’t necessarily have a poor first half against Minnesota State - Mankato in the NCAA Division II Central Region semifinal round. It just needed to find a way to finish things off. When the 43rd minute arrived, junior Kassie Newsom sent a pass from sophomore Nayeli Gallo into the back of the net. The score was exactly what the No. 1 seeded Jennies needed as they fought back from behind to a 4-3 win Sunday, Nov. 21, at the UCM South Recreation Complex. “That one right before half was the big one to get us back...
WARRENSBURG — Jennies volleyball wasn’t experiencing anything completely new when it found itself trailing Northwest Missouri State by two sets in the MIAA Championship game Saturday, Nov. 20, on Dr. Peggy Martin Court at the UCM Multipurpose Building. Back on October 8, Central Missouri trailed Nebraska Kearney 2-0. It ended up winning. 3-2. Fast forward 42 days, the Jennies rallied again, this time against Northwest Missouri State. The result gave them a MIAA Tournament Championship to go alongside their MIAA regular season title. “Having been through that, that really helped them,” Central Missouri head coach Flip Piontek said. “Even...
Warrensburg High School graduate Cooper Palmer and Knob Noster graduate Sam Wilhelm competed at the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships in St. Leo, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 20. Palmer is a freshman at the University of Central Missouri and Wilhelm is a freshman at the University of Alabama - Huntsville. Palmer finished the 10k race in 192nd with a time of 33:57.5 while Wilhelm finished in 108th with a time of 32:38.8. The two qualified for the championship alongside their teams. The UCM men’s team received an overall bid for the meet after regionals, while Alabama - Huntsville...
CENTERVIEW — Crest Ridge boys basketball lost most of its scoring from the last two seasons due to graduation. In a 58-32 win over Green Ridge on Friday, Nov. 19, the Cougars proved they have the ability to overcome. “We knew coming in we were going to have to play really good team basketball and we were going to have to play really solid defense,” Crest Ridge head coach Cooper Collier said. “We have some things to clean up there.” Crest Ridge began the game with starters senior Corben Martin, senior Dalton Wilhite, senior Jackson Nimsgern, sophomore Daniel Doak and...
CENTERVIEW — Things look different in terms of the starting personnel for the Crest Ridge girls basketball team this season. The Cougars lost four of their five starters from a year ago, returning just junior Cat Baker. In the season debut against Green Ridge on Friday, Nov. 19, Crest Ridge also started junior Jenna Shanks, junior Karley Swope, senior Jasmine Myers and senior Amanda Toole. The five accounted for the majority of the scoring in their 31-24 win. “There’s a lot of new faces to it,” Crest Ridge head coach Katie Woolsey said. “Amanda ran the point, she came in...
WARRENSBURG — Jennies soccer did at least one of the things it wanted to do against Southwest Oklahoma State in the NCAA Division II Central Regional quarterfinal round: win. No. 1 seeded Central Missouri topped the No. 8 seeded Bulldogs 1-0 on Friday, Nov. 19 at the South Recreation Complex. The lone goal arrived in the eighth minute, occurring through a strike from defender Lindsay Edmonds. Her shot was one of six that the Jennnies had on goal in the contest. They sent 14 in total, 10 more than Southwest Oklahoma had. Jennies goalkeeper Sydney had three saves, while Bulldogs...
Minor injuries reported in Nov. 17 wreck One person is reported to have minor injuries from a single vehicle wreck Nov. 17 in the 700 block of 1001 Road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred when a 2005 Dodge Durango, driven by Gregory S. Specker, 32, of Holden, struck debris in the roadway, slid into the southeast corner of a bridge, slid into the west side of the bridge and overturned. A juvenile occupant is reported to have minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Specker and the juvenile are both reported to have worn a...
Knob Noster boys basketball Mike Baker expects the shape of this year’s Panthers squad to be a nice blend of talent. The Panthers plan to field names like Anthony Lopez, Lucas Martin, Darion Kendrick, Caden Andrade, Tim Williams, Josh Hagle and Jason Jackson onto the court throughout the year. Each player adds a different aspect into the team that can be a threat in various areas this season. “We have a combination of a lot of experience with a lot of youth,” Baker said. “We can play different styles of basketball, we can get up and down the floor. We...
Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri recently received a generous ,000 donation from Shane and Phillip Smith, of Bothwell Peak Sport and Spine. The donation will help fund programs at BGC’s six outlying Club Sites, including Leeton, specifically programs designed to increase academic success, improve healthy lifestyles and introduce members to the dangers of drugs and alcohol, particularly opioids. “We are thankful to Shane and Phillip for this generous donation,” said Executive Director Gary Beckman. “Through our Neighborhood Assistance Program, which offers 70% tax credits for business owners, we are able to reap the rewards of local supporters...
WARRENSBURG — After staying inside during the pandemic, Warrensburg High School students return to the stage for “The Drowsy Chaperone”. “It is a fun show and after the pandemic theater was not really happening in theaters and so to get back into theater and producing to where we have an audience, for them to just escape from reality for a while, is kind of what the show is and what our main character, Man in Chair, kind of helps the audience escape for a while,” Theater Director Kayla Helms said. The narrator, Man in Chair played by Trevor Tart, plays...
Johnson and Pettis County residents may see delays on roads being plowed this winter due to operator shortage statewide. Becky Allmeroth, chief safety and operations officer for the Missouri Department of Transportation, said that being short operators is nothing new to Missouri, but it is more extreme this year. “We are dealing with just extremely high turnover and we have been for the last five years, which our turnover has been about 600 employees per year, average about 50 per month,” Allmeroth said. “This year, we’re going on seven straight months where we’ve lost 70 employees per month and then...
Most of Warrensburg girls basketball’s roster participated in one of the fall sports the school has to offer. That’s exactly what first-year head coach Melvin Myers encourages. Now three weeks into the winter preseason, two with a full unit, there’s plenty of positives to take away as the team develops. “We couldn’t work too much in the offseason because I like my girls out competing,” Myers said. “There were about five of them that weren’t in season that kind of got some work in. Now, we’ve got everyone together as the season starts. They’re all trying to gel.” Warrensburg finished...
It’s no secret that Warrensburg boys basketball graduated its key faces than led its squad by the end of the 2020-21 season. Heading into the new year, head coach Chris Nimmo and the Tigers are excited to connect the pieces together for the team’s 2021-22 look. “We’ve been really pleased with our work ethic,” Nimmo said. “Our kids are working hard. You know, we have some holes to fill. I don’t know what the exact numbers are, but I’d venture to say we lost 85 plus percent of our scoring from last year. We lost some really good defenders and...
Leeton boys basketball’s 2020-21 season ended just a few shots away from advancing past the Class 1 District Championship round. Losing three regular contributing seniors from the squad, the Bulldogs will look to piece together another season of success. “The team that we’ll have together this year is going to be a unit that we shoot the ball well but play good defense,” Leeton head coach Rick Mills said. “The thing I like about this team is they’re unselfish. They would give the ball up to make the team better.” Returners with significant varsity experience from a year ago is...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met Friday, Nov. 12 at RISE Cafe in recognition of Veteran’s Day. The program presented by Vicki Whitsitt was focused on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nov. 11 marked the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb three years after the end of WWI. Whitsitt traced the history of the Tomb from the Congressional Resolution to the approving legislation March 4, 1921. The remains to be interred in the Tomb were selected from an American cemetery in France and brought to Washington where...
SEDALIA — Missouri’s last surviving Tuskegee Airman and a survivor of the 1967 USS Liberty attack will be at W-K Chevrolet this Saturday along with military author Jeremy Amick for a book signing. Amick will sign his books “Together as One,” about Tuskegee Airman James Shipley, 98, of Tipton, who served during World War II; “Liberty’s Wounds,” which gives the account of Marine veteran Bryce Lockwood, of Stratford, who survived an attack on the ship in 1967; and “Show-Me Veterans” that highlights veterans throughout Missouri. Charlie Guthrie, a Navy veteran of Marshall and a friend of Amick, will also attend...
Things change for a myriad of reasons; what was once buying for Thanksgiving, has become shopping for Thanksgiving. The cost of everything from toothpicks to the big bird itself has increased so shopping to find the best prices is currently the rule. One area where there has seen little change in prices are the sparkling wines. Champagne, the queen of sparkling wines, is elegant, beautiful and usually quite expensive. There are, however, worthy alternatives; Italian prosecco and Spanish cava. Neither of these wines is an imitation of champagne but rather another version of the same theme. Most often, they are...
Depending on when you read this column, I’ll officially be a homeowner this weekend. After years of living in a dorm, the Sigma Kappa Sorority house, apartments and a rental house, I’m jumping into the world of owning a home for the first time. After nearly a year of searching for the right house, we finally found one back in October. We didn’t pick the best time to search for a new home with low inventory during an ongoing pandemic. Viable houses were on the market for barely a day before going under contract. Luckily I have a flexible schedule...
The recent warm days can make us forget that winter is heading this way. These warm fall days provide an opportunity to get our spring flowering bulbs in the ground. Most spring bulbs need a time of vernalization. Vernalization is a prolonged period of exposure to cold, which amounts to about 12 weeks for tulips and daffodils. In warmer climates, storage for 12 weeks in the refrigerator can give bulbs a fake winter. This period of cold brings on flowering in these bulbs. You can plant bulbs any time before the ground freezes. This time of year in Missouri...
Knob Noster girls basketball is coming off a successful 2020-21 season that resulted in a piece of the MRVC East conference title. In the eight months since the Panthers’ last season reached an end, there’s been a few changes to the program’s overall look. Of them include Michael Riley taking over at the helm for Renae Shippy. Even with the differences, everything seems to be going well for Knob as of the preseason’s third week. “I’m pretty impressed with how things have been going,” Riley said. “We’ve got a couple of key personnel out because of injury right now. We’re...
SEDALIA — Sam Childers, known as the Machine Gun Preacher, is returning to Sedalia to give his testimony of deliverance from drugs, crime and violence on Friday at Olive Branch Baptist Church. Childers spoke at the church in June 2019 and recently asked Pastor Jason McClain if he could return this November to speak again. He will talk about how he turned his life around and began rescuing children in war-torn eastern Africa. Childers’ story was captured in a Hollywood movie, “Machine Gun Preacher” starring Gerard Butler, and was based on his book, “Another Man’s War.” His early life was...
WARRENSBURG — Members of the Warrensburg City Council and Parks and Recreation Board met Wednesday, Nov. 17, in the first joint meeting since the approval of a joint resolution to discuss expectations for both parties, land exaction and the master plan. The council approved a resolution to separate in July 2020, citing inconsistencies in enforcing city policy. The joint resolution was approved by the council in September and board in August following several months of discussion about the relationship between the City of Warrensburg and the Parks and Recreation Department. City Manager Danielle Dulin said the purpose of this and...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Board heard a presentation from two University of Central Missouri students for a civil technology project at the Wednesday, Nov. 17, meeting. Troy Ollison, UCM Engineering Technology professor, introduced Brandon Bair and Tyler Courtney who presented their findings on the logistics and cost of redoing and improving the high-traffic areas in the Warrensburg Welcome Center parking lot. This was an information item and did not require a vote by the board. Electing a vice president and the gym floor refinishing project were also on the agenda but due to a lack of quorum...
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a Knob Noster resident was pronounced dead at the scene of a single-vehicle wreck Nov. 16 on Route HH at Cedar Drive in Pettis County. MSHP reports the wreck occurred when a 2021 Harley-Davidson, driven by Terry Randolph, 50, of Marshall, attempted to avoid a dog in the roadway, traveled off the roadway overturned, became airborne and crossed Cedar Drive, ejecting both occupants. Kari M. Robinson, 36, of Knob Noster was pronounced at the scene by Pettis County Deputy Coroner Brian Morely. Randolph is reported to have moderate injuries and was transported to Bothwell...
WARRENSBURG — The Warrensburg School Board of Education approved the dates to file for candidacy for the Municipal Election at the Tuesday, Nov. 16, meeting. Election The filing period is shorter than in previous years, opening Dec. 7 and closing Dec. 28. Perspective candidates are to file at the Central Office, 201 S. Holden Street. Filing may not occur when the office is closed, including inclement weather. The seats of Matt Sergent and Julie Lewis, each a three-year term, will be available. Consent agenda The board approved all items in the consent agenda. The board approved the bills for October...
WARRENSBURG — Mules basketball finally had the chance to mix its old and new faces together against somebody other than itself on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the UCM Multipurpose Building. That somebody was Grand View, a member of the NAIA. Central Missouri won 72-63, marking the first step of putting its 2021-22 identity together. “There were a lot of question marks with the new guys always meshing with the old guys,” UCM head coach Doug Karleskint said. “We just wanted to come out and play hard, execute what we’ve been working on since day one and play together. For the...
Care Connection has licensed navigators who can provide one-on-one, unbiased information and enrollment help for people interested in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment for the 2022 plan year began Nov. 1 and continues through Jan. 15, 2022. To get coverage by Jan. 1, you must apply by Dec. 15. Care Connection has several navigators who are specifically trained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help consumers, small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options through the Marketplace. Licensed navigators help people register on the online Marketplace; compare health plans that are...
Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is asking Missourians to help return unclaimed military medals and insignia held by the Treasurer’s Office. The Treasurer’s Office currently holds 251 military medals and insignia including five purple hearts, four bronze stars, and more than 100 other service medals. “As we honor and remember America’s military veterans, I want to remind Missourians of the over 200 military medals and insignia currently being held by the Unclaimed Property Division,” Fitzpatrick said. “It is the Treasurer’s Office policy to never sell or dispose of these medals—and it is a priority to return them to their rightful...
Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may be canceled or postponed. Please call the organization for information on cancellations. To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings hosted five days a week at 300 W. Second St. For more information, call 660-624-4132 and leave a message. Wednesday, Nov. 17 Narcotics Anonymous meetings at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 300 W. Second St. American Legion Post 131 will host its monthly membership meeting at 6 p.m. This is a change in the normal meeting date...
One of the books that I assigned my AP Literature class to read was “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. I wanted my students to read about war from the perspective of soldiers rather than the perspective of historians. This book of short vignettes tells the stories of platoon soldiers through the matrix of the things they carried. Some carried massive amounts of ordinance and while some were defensively heavy. A soldier would sacrifice much due to the physical weight of his equipment, however, it was the invisible wounds that he carried that were the heaviest, the most unbearable....
Theatre students from State Fair Community College will open a new play this week that gives the inside story about a certain bespectacled wizard (Mr. Potter) attending a certain wizarding school. Directing the play “Puffs” is SFCC Theatre Arts program coordinator and instructor Ryan Mahannah along with assistant director, SFCC student Elise Hawley. Mahannah said this week that 13 students are cast in the play with many performing more than one part in the fast-paced, two-hour production. The play takes in scenes from all seven Potter books looking through the eyes of the Hufflepuff House. Mahannah said the production looks...