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Meet the Tribune: News reporter Charles Dunlap on finding his groove in journalism

Charles Dunlap
Columbia Daily Tribune
Charles Dunlap

I was working on the copy desk of the St. Joseph News-Press nearly four years ago when I found a job listing at the Columbia Daily Tribune.

I was looking for an opportunity to "come back home." I use the quotes because I have moved several times in my life, never really setting down roots. At least that is the way I felt.

I was born in Des Moines, Iowa. By 3 years old, I was living in southwest Missouri in Aurora. Around seven years later, my family moved to eastern North Carolina. We were there for a three-year culture shock, multiple hurricanes and one flood that destroyed a majority of our belongings. I returned to Missouri in 2000 to Fulton for 13 years.

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These moves were due to my dad's job as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister. Moves since 2013 were because of my jobs.

I was in Concordia from mid-2013 to late 2016. I then lived in Kansas City from late 2016 to mid-to-late 2018. I had a short-lived job in Smithville for its newspaper before the Clay County newspapers were consolidated from three — Smithville, Kearney and Liberty — to one and the last people in were the first people out, i.e. me. I was on that job roughly four and a half months. I luckily was able to transition to the News-Press copy desk for about 18 months before coming to Columbia. 

I want to make Columbia my final home so that I can remain close to my family, who still live in Fulton, which is why I have made lateral moves within the Tribune.

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When I started with the Tribune on Oct. 1, 2018, I was reporter for the Mexico Ledger, which at that time was owned by the Tribune's parent company. After my editor left for a different position, I took on more of his role. After a reporter left the Tribune, I stepped into his role and now have made one further transition with my reporting duties. I now will focus more on local government and community stories, rather than reporting on breaking news and public safety, which includes the city's police and fire departments. 

I see this likely final change as an opportunity to finally get into a satisfying groove within this reporting niche. My reporting experience is better focused on features and more long-form pieces, and I hope to bring that the Tribune.

Why you went into journalism?

My interest in journalism and communications started in high school. I always was a competent writer and felt it was an outlet to continue that practice. 

Favorite thing about Columbia?

Columbia offers a variety of opportunities to try new things and experience new cultures without the airfare. Many events are back as people have learned to live with COVID-19 as a daily fact of life, so I'm pleased with the opportunity to support participants. 

Favorite moment on the job?

I really like my interactions with my colleagues in our newsroom and from other media outlets. Most often they happen at the courthouse when covering a trial. 

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Favorite story?

Whether it is award-winning or not, I think my favorite story has been looking at the impacts of Central Pantry moving from Big Bear Boulevard to the Business Loop sometime next year once rehabilitations are conducted at the former Moser's grocery store. While there are other pantry locations in Columbia and Boone County, Central Pantry was a major provider within decent walking distance of a bus stop. Once it moves to the Business Loop, this distance increases to more than a mile. So it brings about the question: What will the Food Bank of Central & Northeast Missouri and the City of Columbia do to address this change in access? The answer is not yet clear.

Favorite hobby outside of the office?

While atypical and it has been a while since I picked up the tools, I know how to crochet. I started working on a blanket, but I'm still fairly amateur, so may need to consult with more skilled crocheters to complete the project. I started it last year and now it is sitting in pieces in a box in my living room. I also enjoy cooking, but have gotten into a bad habit of ordering out. It's hard to cook for one without making enough for an army sometimes. I also enjoy the opportunities I have to connect with my friend group. While I cannot attend every meet-up, I try to attend a coffee morning roughly every two weeks.