Among the awards, Elaine Walker, the American's News Editor, picked up a First Place award in the Best Government Reporting category for her story "Staying Power." Judges said, "An excellent, in-depth story, with many quotes from a variety of sources. The sources provide a number of perspectives on the mayor and his policies and leadership style over the years. Excellent attention to detail."
Reporter Kimberly Jacobson won a First Place award in the Crime & Courts category for her story, "Policing Plus." Judges commented, "Gave a good look at the changes that are happening in police work."
Elaine and Kimberly jointly won First Place for Best Education Story with "Downsizing a District." Judges said, "Well-done package explaining the myriad effects of declining enrollment. When I finished, I felt well-informed."
Winners, chosen from 2,481 entries from about 77 newspapers, were announced at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association convention last weekend. WNPA represents about 130 community newspapers in Washington state.
Congratulations to the staff at the American.