Backpack Journalism

  The University of Central Missouri’s Muleskinner student news outlet has relaunched the Backpack Journalism Project to cover Missouri by traveling the “Missouri River Runner”. Over the upcoming academic year, the Muleskinner will travel to cities across Missouri. The student journalists will use Amtrak’s “Missouri River Runner” route, spanning from Kansas City to St. Louis aiming to showcase the state’s history and perspectives. 

First Stop: Warrensburg, MO

 The Muleskinner’s coverage began in Warrensburg. The historic downtown Warrensburg is two blocks away from the University of Central Missouri and home to many small businesses and historic attractions. Just a block away from the Amtrak station is Java Junction, a locally owned coffee shop on the corner of Pine and Holden Street. 

  “It started off as a sandwich shop. As we went through, the passion for coffee overrode the sandwich business,” owner Art Ozias said. Java Junction offers a variety of made-to-order coffees, teas and pastries. 

  “I tell people we have good coffee because I have to drink it. That’s priority number one,” Ozias said. Ozias explains that over the years, he’s built connections with some of his regular customers. 

  “I’ve developed friendships with my customers. That’s part of the rewarding part of it,” Ozias said. Due to its location, Ozias believes the coffee shop often gets many customers from the Amtrak station.

  Warrensburg has a variety of small businesses that gather downtown on the weekends. From 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, from May to September, the Warrensburg Farmers Market is held outside of the Johnson County Courthouse. The Farmers Market is hosted by Warrensburg Main Street Inc., an organization aimed at supporting local businesses and preserving the downtown Warrensburg community.

  “It’s all around the courthouse, right at the heart of our downtown,” Jamie DeBaker, Executive Director of Warrensburg Main Street, said. “We really have a very wide and diverse group of vendors and they all offer something a little bit special.” 

  James Wilson, owner of Street Food and Catering, serves a variety of made-to-order American street food and uniquely flavored freshly squeezed lemonade.

“I’m going on my third year of running the business and also on my third year of the market,” Wilson said. In his time as a vendor, Wilson has gotten to know members of the community and has connected with a wide variety of people. 

“If I have a repeat customer that’s been here several times, I know what they want before they even get to my booth. That’s pretty rewarding knowing that I have repeat customers almost every weekend,” Wilson said. 

  Downtown Warrensburg is also home to Retrograde Charitable Toy and Video Game Museum. The museum is a non-profit organization that partners with local organizations aimed at providing resources for children in the Warrensburg community. This museum holds a wide collection of retro toy exhibits and an arcade available for patrons to enjoy. 

  “The museum that we have here is really like a love letter to childhood,” Brian Chamberlain, president of Children’s Community Charity and Retrograde Charitable Toy and Video Game Museum, said. “There are thousands and thousands of toys from all different areas. As far as my favorite piece is, it’s whatever we collect next.” The museum aims to connect the community around a common interest.

  “Eight years ago we set out to create an arcade and a video game museum that was wrapped around a charitable center,” Chamberlain said. “We wanted to be able to make people happy and give them that space to hang out and rub elbows with one another, but also have an effect on our community.”