Submitted Richmond News reporter Sophia Bales of Higginsville is one of four journalists from across Missouri to be named a Willam E. James Outstanding Young Journalist by the Missouri Press Association. The first experience Bales had with newspapers was in May 2022, fresh out of Missouri Valley College with a degree in entrepreneurship. Having started her own bounce house business in high school while at the same time competing as a state powerlifter, Bales showed early on she was motivated and willing to put in the work that local journalism requires. “She had no previous journalism experience but threw herself into the role and has never looked back,” wrote General Manager Sharon Donat in Bales’ nomination letter. “There is not an assignment she won’t tackle, from community events to drug busts. Sophia is not afraid to ask questions, do the research, and get the complete story.” As the Richmond News’ only full-time reporter, Bales is tasked each week with ensuring the newspaper…