**I am taking a break from the Big 12 blogging (I know during the peak of the season--Big 12 tournament), as I have been busy with exams and will be in Bolivar, MO during the tournament.**
I left Columbia on a cold muggy Thursday around 11 a.m. to begin by two-and-a-half hour drive to Bolivar, Missouri. I will be in Bolivar on a somewhat mini-internship with the Bolivar Herald-Free Press until Tuesday, when I head home.
The roads on the way to southwest Missouri aren't in the best condition to put it kindly. But then again, what roads in Missouri are in good condition? I made the trip without any problems, up until 8 miles outside of Bolivar where there was a mysterious road block in position, which forced an extra 20 mile detour. I arrived in lovely Bolivar--after some assistance from the Managing Editor/Owner, Dave Berry--around 2 p.m.
I was put straight to work upon arrival and given several assignments that, surprisingly, didn't seem overwhelming and was actually refreshing that I was going to be busy during my stay. Berry showed me around the newsroom and then took me out to show me around Bolivar. It is definitely a small town and has the trademark "drag" that every small town seems to have, but it has a safe, homey feeling to it.
I have been assigned to do a story on a lady who grew up in Bolivar and began cooking at Southwest Baptist University when she was 16--went to Culinary School--and is now back as a chef for the University. I will have an interview with her tomorrow at 1 p.m. I am also assigned to do a feature for the sports section called, "15 Questions," with the local golf pro at Bolivar Golf Club. That interview will also be tomorrow.
Lastly, tonight I went to the Bolivar city council meeting in the interest of doing a story on a semi-pro football team that is coming to town; the Southwest Missouri Venom. I will be meeting with the city administrator as well as interviewing the head coach of the club--date TBD.
In closing I had an eventful first day in Bolivar and it is a little surreal and different to be in an unfamiliar town all by myself. And even more surreal, I have to get up to go to work in the morning. However, anything to take my mind off of the Missouri Tigers basketball team right now sounds heavenly.
Until next time.
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