Johnson County Fire Protection District trucks drive under a flying American flag during the procession honoring fallen JCFPD Captain Vernon Collett on Friday, March 14, on Missouri 13 Highway in Warrensburg. Collett passed away on Saturday, March 8, after responding to a controlled burn.

PHOTOS: Procession held in honor of late JCFPD Captain Vernon Collett

Warrensburg man arrested for possession of child pornography

Michael Rodd, 19, was arrested on Thursday, March 13, by the Warrensburg Police Department for possession of child pornography.

Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service

Red Flag Warning in place for region Friday, storms possible in afternoon

The entirety of the region, including Johnson County, is under a Red Flag Warning between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, March 14.

Governor Kehoe orders flags at half-staff in honor of Captain Vernon Collett

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff from dusk till dawn on Friday, March 14, at government buildings in Johnson County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City and firehouses statewide in honor of Johnson County Fire Protection District Captain Vernon Collett.

Crash Reports for March 14

Three from Holden injured in Johnson County crash

Johnson County Community Health Services Board of Trustees candidates prepare to answer questions at the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Municipal Election Candidate Forum on Wednesday, March 12, at the Matthews-Crawford American Legion Post 131.

April candidates speak at Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce forum

WARRENSBURG - The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce its Candidate Forum for the April 8 Municipal Election on Wednesday, March 12, at the Matthews-Crawford American Legion Post 131.

Monte Leigh Jr. has been walking from New Mexico to upstate New York with his dog Lola. Leigh has been on the road for eight months.

Photo by Chris Howell | Democrat

Cross-country camper and dog slowly traverse the Show-Me state

Camped along Missouri Highway 13 south of Warrensburg, Monty Leigh Jr. and his dog Lola are homeward bound.

JCFPD announces procession route for Captain Vernon Collett

The Johnson County Fire Protection District will honor the life and service of Captain Vernon Collett with a procession on Friday, March 14.

Warrensburg man faces multiple charges after arrest in Henry County

Blake A. Hyatt, 31, was arrested on March 7, for resisting arrest, first-degree property damage, first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and second-degree kidnapping in Clinton.

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Warrensburg City Council approves emergency operation plan, public safety resolutions

WARRENSBURG - Warrensburg Fire Chief Kenneth Jennings and Warrensburg Police Chief Andrew Munsterman each presented a resolution to the Warrensburg City Council on Monday, March 11.

Police Reports for March 11

Ethan K. Jenkins, 23, was arrested on Feb. 10 for driving without a valid license and Platte County warrants. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Jenkins’ vehicle in the 700 block of Maguire Street. He was booked at the Warrensburg Police Department and then was transported to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office where he was placed in jail in lieu of bond.

A wreath was placed outside the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in honor of Captain Vernon Collett on Monday, March 10 in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Johnson County Fire Protection District honors death of Captain Vernon Collett

JOHNSON COUNTY - Captain Vernon Collett died in the line of duty on Saturday, March 8, while responding to a natural cover fire.

Crest Ridge School District issue seeks funds for district improvements

CENTERVIEW - Citizens of Centerview will have the opportunity to approve or deny an issue titled Proclamation K.I.D.S. (Keep Improving District Schools) at the 2025 April Municipal Election as the Crest Ridge School District seeks to complete various improvement projects across the district.

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WMMC’s ECHO Camp returns for 2025, application window opens April 1

House fire leaves two residents, two firefighters hurt

Community Calendar for March 11 through March 17

JCFPD captain dies in the line of duty

Local legislatures provide updates at Legislative Luncheon

Facebook

Area roundup: Wilhelm named GSC Indoor Track Athlete of the Year, again

University of Alabama in Huntsville junior Sam Wilhelm crosses the finish line at the Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championships on Oct. 21, 2023, at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama.

University of Alabama at Huntsville senior Sam Wilhelm has been named the Gulf Shore Conference Indoor Track Athlete of the Year for the third-consecutive season.

Four Mules set to represent UCM Wrestling at NCAA-II Championships

Redshirt junior Damon Ashworth, redshirt senior John Ridle, senior Jakason Burks and sophomore James Wright all punched their ticket to represent No. 15 Mules wrestling at the 2025 NCAA-II Wrestling Championships Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis, Ind.

UCM track & field has five earn USTFCCCA All-Region Honors

University of Central Missouri track & field had five student-athletes garner United States Track …
Tobol picks up regional, MIAA player of the week honors

Central Missouri baseball redshirt senior left fielder Vance Tobol picked up National College Baseball …
Central Missouri women's golf competes in Emerald Coast Collegiate

No. 18 Central Missouri women’s golf finished seventh out of 18 teams in the Emerald Coast Collegiate, …

UCM softball splits doubleheader with Lincoln

Central Missouri softball split its doubleheader with Lincoln on Tuesday, March 11, at the UCM …
No. 4 Central Missouri baseball sweeps Arkansas Fort Smith

No. 4 Central Missouri baseball finished off a sweep of Arkansas Fort Smith with a 14-4 win in …
UCM softball opens MIAA play on road

Central Missouri softball closed the opening weekend of MIAA play with a 3-2 loss to …

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Business

PCMR transitioning to IT business service

The PCMR storefront was formerly at 107 E Culton St. and closed on Friday, January 31. It opened in 2022 and would have celebrated its third anniversary in April.

WARRENSBURG - After over two and a half years in downtown Warrensburg, PCMR announced the closure of its downtown office at 107 E. Culton Street, as the company shifts towards 100 percent remote operations and focuses on business IT services.

More Business News

Birdies & Brews owner Brandon McQuillen poses for a photo behind a bar on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 1125 N Simpson Dr. Suite I in Warrensburg. McQuillen first took interest in golf simulators last year and decided to open his own.

Birdies & Brews helps Warrensburg golfers avoid weather and improve their game

WARRENSBURG - Golf in West Central Missouri is a hobby for some and a way of life for others.

Tractor Supply Co. celebrated the grand opening of its Warrensburg location Saturday, Jan. 4. Construction began for the store in June.

Warrensburg Tractor Supply to host pet tasting event

Tractor Supply Company is hosting a pet treat tasting event here in Warrensburg. Planned for Feb. 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., this event will give pets the chance to sample a variety of pet treats available at Tractor Supply Company.

PLAYERS Restaurant and Lounge owner Leo Kostas holds a whiskey bottle that congrats him on 40 years of business on Sunday, Feb. 2, at the restaurant's 40th anniversary party.

PLAYERS Restaurant and Lounge celebrates its 40th anniversary

WARRENSBURG - A month after its official 40th anniversary in Warrensburg, PLAYERS Restaurant and Lounge finally had the opportunity to celebrate the occasion with family, friends, former employees and community members on Sunday, Feb. 2, in the restaurant’s banquet hall.

Love What's Local announces Foodie February

The Love What's Local committee is excited to bring back Foodie February to Warrensburg and the surrounding areas in Johnson County.

Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce announces networking events for February

The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce some of their fantastic opportunities for community members and local businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow together. These February events are designed to foster relationships, share resources, and celebrate our local community.

Police & Crash Reports

Crash Reports for March 7

Two from Warrensburg hurt in Johnson County mishap

Police Reports for March 4

Starlet M. Perry, 46, was arrested on Feb. 3 for domestic assault in the 300 block of East Market Street. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance between Perry and a known male subject. She was arrested, booked and released with a signed summons.

Crash Reports for Feb. 25

Five children from Knob Noster injured in Johnson County rollover

Police Reports for Feb. 25

Avery T. Dennis, 41, was arrested on Jan. 27 for driving while suspended after an officer conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle in the 500 block of Market Street. He was also cited for defective equipment, improper registration and no proof of insurance. He was transported to the Warrensburg Police Department, processed and released to the Johnson County Jail in lieu of bond for a probation and parole violation warrant.

More Reports

Community

- Journey Home spends over $70,000 in grants in 2024, hoping to receive more in 2025
  
  WARRENSBURG - Over the past year, Journey Home has spent over $70,000 helping those less fortunate pay for their rent, utilities and other …
- Community Calendar for March.4 through March 10
  
  To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123.
- JoCo BBBS WAFB board receives $1,000 in 2024, hopes for continued growth in 2025
  
  WARRENSBURG - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County has a little-known partnership with Whiteman Air Force Base that it hopes to expand in …
- Jesus Saves Pentecostal Church holds 39th Annual Black History Month Celebration
  
  WARRENSBURG - The last Sunday in February holds a reserved slot every year at the Jesus Saves Pentecostal Church, as it celebrates Black History …
- Community Calendar for Feb. 25 through March 3
  
  To have your event or meeting listed or changed, send details to news@warrensburgstarjournal.com or call 660-747-8123.

More Community News

Education

A message board shows the opportunities and staff found at the Welch-Schmidt Center on Monday, March 3, on the University of Central Missouri campus. The center was started in 1971 and has continued to grow over 50 years later.

UCM’s Welch-Schmidt Center helps communication thrive

WARRENSBURG — Located in Room 34 on the ground floor of the Martin Building, the University of Central Missouri’s Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders serves as a beacon of light for children and adults struggling with speech and language differences.

Holden's ScrapHeads 21485 robotics team poses for a photo after winning the Inspire Award and qualifying for the Missouri/Kansas FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship for the second year in a row. The championship will be held on Saturday, March 8, at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, Missouri.

ScrapHeads 21485 robotics team preps for 2025 Missouri FTC State Championship

HOLDEN - Some things are so nice, that you have to try them twice.

Warrensburg School District lays out plans for April bond issue to City Council

WARRENSBURG — Warrensburg R-VI School District Superintendent of Schools Steve Ritter gave a presentation to the Warrensburg City Council on Monday, Feb. 24, detailing the district’s plans if its April Municipal Election bond issue passes.

February Warrensburg Board of Education meeting held on Zoom due to inclement weather

WARRENSBURG - The Warrensburg Board of Education held its second meeting of the calendar year on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

More Education News

Columnists

B-21 is costly, but highly capable

While Whiteman Air Force Base will be the second base to get the B-21, it will have to wait awhile before that happens.

Wines to consider for Passover

At sundown on Saturday, April 12, the Jewish holiday of Passover begins.

The numbers are adding up

My husband and I were born five years and two days apart in March. Since it’s birthday season again, here are 52 things I’ve noticed about turning 52.

Praying without ceasing

A few years ago, I was driving to work and stopped at an intersection, wondering if I should go straight or turn.

Different isn't the same as wrong

When our three college kids are home for a visit and we go out to eat, we follow a protocol. We usually ask for a big booth and slide into it in a particular order – with our two left-handed kids sitting together. Over the years, we’ve learned that when a lefty sits to the right of a righty, elbows collide. So, we’ve learned to arrange ourselves to give everyone room to move, no matter which hand holds the fork.

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Letters

Letter: Offering gratitude for Veterans Day hospitality

Letter: Thank you to those who made UCM's Homecoming a success

Retired Sheriff offers stance on Missouri Amendment 6

Letter: Am I an enemy within?

Enough with divisive politics

During National Foster Care Month, you can help

General Assembly should continue funding public libraries

More letters

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PHOTOS: Procession held in honor of late JCFPD Captain Vernon Collett

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JCCHS 50th Anniversary Celebration

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