Marking its commitment to recognize journalistic excellence each year, Missouri Press Association has selected four journalists from across the state to receive the William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist award. Beth Durreman, president of MPA, announced Sophia Bales of Richmond, Greta Cross of Springfield, Allison Kite of Kansas City and Samantha Tucker of Poplar Bluff will receive their awards Sept. 23, in St. Louis, during the Association’s 157th Annual Convention and Trade Show awards luncheon. “This is the 15th year for these awards and the 11th it has been named in honor of our late colleague, William E. James,” said Durreman, publisher of the Laclede County Record, Lebanon. “As we see a fundamental shift in how our profession operates, Missouri Press believes it is critical to recognize and celebrate young talent at every opportunity. “This year, we’re recognizing four individuals, two from daily newspapers, one from a weekly and another whose work with a web-based…