Fulton student grows as city intern

Joe Garner tells Fulton City Council members about his experience this summer as an intern with the city. He got the position through the Callaway County Youth 180 program through the Missouri Job Center.
Joe Garner tells Fulton City Council members about his experience this summer as an intern with the city. He got the position through the Callaway County Youth 180 program through the Missouri Job Center.

On Tuesday, Joe Garner was a jack-of-all-trades intern for the city of Fulton.

He worked in every department, saying he dreaded the sewer treatment plant the most - but then found appreciation for the job those workers perform.

On Wednesday, he resumed his former role.

"Tomorrow, I have to go to school," he told City Council members and staff at their Tuesday evening meeting.

Garner is a senior at Fulton High School, a bit reserved and shy, but able to quickly overcome those traits.

"When he started, he was timid and quiet," city clerk Courtney Crowson said. "I spent his last hour (as an intern) with him. Now I can't get him to stop talking."

Garner enjoyed learning about technology - specifically, computers - and he was prompted to tell council members about his future plans after high school.

"I'm hoping for an Ivy League like Harvard," he said. "But I would also consider a small college like Westminster."

He was so impressed with working for a city government that he would perhaps make that his career.

"I'd like to work in city government where I'm helping people directly," Garner added.

He said he felt all the Fulton city employees were very nice.

"I'm glad you had a positive experience with us," Mayor LeRoy Benton said.

Garner's internship was through the Youth 180 program, managed by Cliff Atterberry at the Missouri Job Center. This program helps young adults ages 14-24 with employment and education goals.