Opinion | Star-Journal

Is a blank stare an anti-aging strategy?

The children are afraid. Terrified, in fact. But you’d never know it by looking at them because they’re too scared to move a muscle, especially the ones around their eyes. What are … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 5/22/25

Progressing through connection

Being in the garden reminds me that things are always progressing. The earthworms have been hard at work aerating and fertilizing the soil, right alongside the little weeds that dedicate … more

By Angela Palmer Contributing Columnist | 5/22/25

Finding affordable domestic wine

Just in case you haven't noticed, spring has finally arrived. The flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, the birds have returned and from the condition of my automobile, their aim has … more

By Bennet Bodenstein, Contributing Columnist | 5/22/25

What the wind can’t blow away

A year ago, a tornado hop-scotched through our town. It was past midnight, and I was watching a movie at home with our teenagers. When our phones screamed a long, loud beep, we switched to local news … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 5/15/25

Saluting the screw top bottle

Let us start with a wine history lesson. For centuries, the closure of preference for a wine bottle, even as far back as the ancient Greek amphora, was the ever popular cork. With a cork stopper … more

By Bennet Bodenstein, Contributing Columnist | 5/15/25

WOTUS: The Rule that Keeps Coming Back

You may wonder as to how we could be talking about “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) again. The new administration under President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are trying to … more

By Kayden Guymon Guest Columnist | 5/15/25

Serving God by serving others

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." ~ 1 Peter 4:10-11 Over the last year, I have had … more

By LuRae Shreves Warrensburg Church of the Brethren | 5/12/25

How our journey was hatched

When I first heard of the 4-H and MU Extension’s Hatching Chicks program, I immediately wanted to give it a try. As a homeschool mother of three young children, I always keep an eye out for fun … more

By Jamie Bendorf Guest Columnist | 5/8/25

Score one for the fidgeters

I used to be a fidgeter. I'd tap on things and bounce my leg so fast that Tom would sometimes reach over and put his hand on my knee as if to say, "Enough. That's driving me nuts." Fidgeters don't … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 5/8/25

Wines to watch as tariffs reshape the market

This is the time of year that is the most interesting in the wine industry, the releasing of the latest vintages. With a certain rise in wine prices probable due to the impending tariff in which wine … more

By Bennet Bodenstein, Contributing Columnist | 5/8/25

Use fenceline weaning to improve calf postweaning performance

“Postweaning calf performance is important to cow calf operators and future calf owners,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Optimum performance is achieved by … more

5/8/25

Finding faith in loss

This week I’m preaching on Leviticus 10, a famous passage in the Old Testament. Maybe I should say, “Infamous!” Last week in Chapter 9 the first worship service in the … more

By Robin Dale, Pastor, Elm Spring Baptist Church | 5/6/25

What I’ve learned in waiting rooms

I have a long relationship with waiting rooms. I’ve attended medical appointments for three kids, two dogs, one cat, and one husband. For nearly a decade, I also waited in rooms with my dad, … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 5/1/25

LETTER: Local parks make a difference

Dear Editor, I’m a high school student and a Scout in Warrensburg, and I wanted to share a few thoughts on something that’s often overlooked but really important—our local … more

5/1/25

A garden record

Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father of the United States and our third president. He was also a plantsman and a gardener. He recorded detailed notes about what plants went into the … more

By Susan Burch, Contributing Columnist | 5/1/25

The legacy of Dr. Konstanin Frank

In the world of wine, the name Dr. Konstantin Frank's name must rank near the top. Frank's work with grapes proved that fine wine grapes could be grown in upstate New York and by corollary, in … more

By Bennet Bodenstein, Contributing Columnist | 5/1/25

Building connections for Earth Week

UCM’s Earth Week is wrapping up, and CEA is honored to have participated. We decided to take a more action-oriented approach this year and planned several interactive events for our … more

By Angela Palmer Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

How to stop an anxiety spiral

A windsock shaped like a hot air balloon with a spiral tail is suspended above our backyard deck. When the wind blows, the balloon spins, and the spiral twirls below it, catching my eye when I walk … more

By Gwen Rockwood Syndicated Columnist | 4/24/25

Diving into the Rosé variety

Among the first signs of the approaching warm weather seasons are the appearance of the rosé wines on dealers' shelves. Let us begin by exploring any misconceptions concerning the … more

By Bennet Bodenstein, Contributing Columnist | 4/24/25

A study of Resurrection

The Western Christian church just celebrated Easter Sunday which is the highest Sunday of the year. On that day we tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and we look forward to … more

By Rev. Heather Jepsen Warrensburg First Presbyterian Church | 4/21/25

Sunset Hill Cemetery flag placement honors fallen veterans

Retiring WHS Principal Bret Pummill reflects on tenure

Artists take downtown for second Third Wednesday Art Walk

Local Briefs for May 23