News | Star-Journal

Tim Reed reads his brother’s memorial plaque in Blind Boone Park on Monday, June 1. On June 19, he’ll host the community for the annual Bruce Reed Memorial Fund barbecue and fundraiser to unveil the park’s newest sign with the addition of Bruce Reed’s name. Tim Reed reads his brother’s memorial plaque in Blind Boone Park on Monday, June 1. On June 19, he’ll host the community for the annual Bruce Reed Memorial Fund barbecue and fundraiser to unveil the park’s newest sign with the addition of Bruce Reed’s name.

Bruce Reed Memorial Fund to unveil new sign at annual barbecue fundraiser

WARRENSBURG – Most folks around town probably know the name Bruce Reed. If not, odds are they know the Warrensburg native by his wrestling persona, “The Natural Hacksaw Butch Reed,” … more

By Hasina Shah hasina.shah@warrensburgstarjournal.com | 6/1/26

Missouri school districts have completed their first year with cell phone access by students during school hours prohibited under state law.

Phones down: Missouri schools adjust in first year of phone ban

As the final school bell rings, teachers around Johnson and Pettis counties are beginning to close down their classrooms and reflect on the past school year. Some teachers have reported noticeable … more

By Gavin Moore Special to the Star-Journal | 6/1/26

Leah Coombs has been selected as the recipient of a $1,000 college scholarship from the Secunda Club. The Secunda Club awards a scholarship each spring to a WHS graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service during their high school career. This year’s recipient is Leah Combs, who distinguished herself through academic achievements, community service, and strength of character. Leah plans to continue her education at Drury University where she will major in music therapy and minor in Spanish.

PHOTO: Coombs receives Secunda Club scholarship

6/1/26

Warrensburg area police reports for June 2

Shawn G. Lawrence, 48, was arrested May 4 in the area of Wren Way and South Mitchell Street for no proof of insurance improper registration, driving without a valid license and driving while … more

6/1/26

June Old Drum Open Mic scheduled for Thursday

Old Drum Open Mic (ODOM) kicks off with music, stories, poetry, and essays for its next program – Thursday, June 4, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Java Junction, 118 N Holden Street in downtown … more

6/1/26

MDC to host pond management course in Warrensburg

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites landowners and land managers to a free workshop on pond management on Saturday, June 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at the University of Central … more

6/1/26

Community Calendar for June 2 through June 8

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. … more

6/1/26

Warrensburg Park Board welcomes new member, receives support for Hawthorne Park Sensory Garden Trail

The Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Board received positive community news during its meeting on May 27, including the appointment of a new board member and grant funding support for the Hawthorne … more

6/1/26

New Theatre Guild Scholarship recipients, from left, Nathalia Cordero, Theatre Performance major; Emma Stevens, Theatre Design/Tech major; Brody Lafrentz, Theatre Design/Tech major; Anna Fletcher, Musical Theatre major; and Audrey Shepard, Musical Theatre major.

UCM Theatre & Dance presents scholarships, awards at banquet

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Division of Theatre and Dance celebrated its annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet on May 2 at the Highlander Theatre. UCM’s Alpha Psi Omega, … more

6/1/26

The proposal to replace the Missouri individual income tax with expanded sales taxes, sought by Gov. Mike Kehoe during his Jan. 13 State of the State address, will appear on the Aug. 4 primary ballot as Amendment 5.

Judge keeps Missouri plan to replace income tax with expanded sales taxes on Aug. 4 ballot

A proposal to replace the state individual income tax with expanded or increased sales taxes will be on the Aug. 4 ballot and voters will see the description written by … more

By Rudi Keller Missouri Independent | 6/1/26

The Herzog Foundation operates out of a newly built headquarters in Smithville, Missouri.

Herzog didn’t join defense of Vivek Malek’s oversight of Missouri voucher program

Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek’s office made a last-minute push in the closing hours of the legislative session to stop lawmakers from moving the state’s private school voucher program … more

By Annelise Hanshaw Missouri Independent | 6/1/26

A University of Utah clinic in Salt Lake City displays a sign warning about measles last year. Utah is among the states that already has more measles cases in 2026 than in all of 2025, when cases reached the highest annual level since 1991.

Measles, whooping cough spike amid low vaccination rates

Vaccine hesitancy fed by misinformation is causing new surges of measles and whooping cough, while COVID-19 hotspots persist in some states and a new threat looms from an Ebola outbreak in central … more

By Tim Henderson State Newsroom | 6/1/26

A young girl rides a white horse as she spins around the carousel. Knob Noster hosted its annual fair May 28-30, where community members celebrated a weekend of family fun.

PHOTOS: Knob Noster celebrates tradition with annual fair

5/31/26

After Roger Coleman read Mayor Bruce Uhler’s Facebook post about the University of Central Missouri’s solicitation to sell the Cheatham-Phillips House on South Holden Street, he started the “Save the Cheatham” sign campaign to spread awareness about the home’s removal from university grounds. On Thursday, May 28, Coleman gathered community members at the Trails Regional Library in Warrensburg to discuss concerns and potential solutions to the issue.

Community gathers to save Cheatham-Phillips House

WARRENSBURG – A group of community members met to discuss their concerns about the University of Central Missouri’s open solicitation to sell the Cheatham-Phillips House on Thursday, May … more

By Hasina Shah hasina.shah@warrensburgstarjournal.com | 5/29/26

Who, What, When, Warrensburg for May 29

By Hasina Shah | 5/29/26

From now through July 3, children ages 18 and under can receive free breakfast and lunch five days a week through Parks and Recreation’s annual Summer Food Service Program. Folks ages 60 and older can participate in the department’s new Senior Thursday program where access to the Warrensburg Community Center’s facilities are completely free for use.

Warrensburg Parks and Recreation offers free programs for youth, seniors

WARRENSBURG – Warrensburg’s Parks and Recreation Department is kicking off the summer with two free programs for children and seniors. From now through August 14, children ages 18 … more

By Hasina Shah hasina.shah@warrensburgstarjournal.com | 5/28/26

The UCM Heritage Scholarship presentation was held at the Guadalupe Center in Kansas City, Missouri on May 16, 2026

UCM Heritage Scholarship recipients recognized at Guadalupe Centers Event

The University of Central Missouri (UCM), the Heritage Scholarship Committee and Guadalupe Centers recognized four 2026 University of Central Missouri Heritage Scholarship recipients during a … more

5/28/26

Missouri is one of 23 states approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ban SNAP purchases of sugary or highly processed food and beverages. Less than half of those states have implemented the restrictions.

Missouri plans food benefit restrictions, but grocers say details remain unclear

As Missouri prepares to limit what low-income families can purchase with public food benefits this fall, grocers say they need to know which items to block at the register. The changes, planned … more

By Steph Quinn Missouri Independent | 5/28/26

A combine harvests corn on an Illinois farm in the fall

Trump struck a deal for China to buy $17B a year in US ag products. Farmers are skeptical

WASHINGTON — In a deal that could provide a major trade boost for American farmers, the White House said that during the recent summit, China committed to buying at least $17 billion in additional … more

By Rebecka Pieder Medill School at Northwestern University. | 5/28/26

Backward Glance for May 29

In this week’s Backward Glances , we take a quick stroll through hops and hometown spirits, a bustling three-day State Horticultural Society gathering and the rough-and-tumble beginnings of … more

By Johnson County Historical Society | 5/28/26

PHOTOS: Capturing the magic of Warrensburg's Once Upon a Homecoming parade

Warrensburg Schools Foundation presents $10,000 Nassif Fund donation to Warrensburg R-VI School District

Warrensburg area crash reports for Oct. 2

Warrensburg Mock Trial students explore legal careers at UCM