NLJ staff recognized for excellence

Amy Menerey
NLJ Correspondent
 
January weather can be harsh this time of year, but last weekend the News Letter Journal staff was fortunate to have only sunny skies and the usual Wyoming wind when they ventured to the 121st Wyoming Press Association’s Annual Convention Jan 24-26 in Casper, Wyo.
The annual convention gives an opportunity for newspapers throughout the state to gather, share ideas, and learn from a variety of presenters during seminars held throughout the weekend. 
“The convention gives our staff a chance to learn how to better serve Weston County through presentation of news that affects our community, as well ideas for promoting local businesses,” said NLJ Managing Editor Kim Dean.
Additionally newspapers celebrate their accomplishments and those of their peers during the annual awards in numerous categories for small weeklies, large weeklies, and daily newspapers.
The NLJ team landed 14 awards in the Small Weeklies category, including 13 pacemakers spread throughout the writing, design, advertising and online categories, and one major award, which was for second place in Advertising Excellence.
Seven awards were brought home in the writing category. Bri Brasher took first in Miscellaneous Specialty Reporting for “Politics.” Kim Dean and Alexis Barker received a first place Public Service Award for their coverage of “Mallo Camp,” with judges noting, “The details used were impressive. Articles were written in a concise, yet thorough manner. You gave citizens a good amount of information on this local camp that is near and dear to the community.” 
In column writing, Sonja Karp received first place for “Karpe Dogie” in the Sports Column category. Judges said, “These columns explore topics that are interesting and intriguing, and it is clear that the writer’s voice behind them brings experience and insight to the table. These pieces were both informative and enjoyable to read.” 
Pam Penfield brought home second place in Column writing for “Tradelines,” with judges writing, “timely calls to action and appreciation for the community you live in — a concise column.”
In the Outdoors/Environmental Reporting category, Alexis Barker received a second place, with judges noting her writing style is concise and effectively relays information to readers. Jen Kocher received a second place in Agriculture reporting as well as an honorable mention for “First thrill” in the Sports Feature category.
Sip the Hills, an NLJ publication in its fourth year, won first place in the Special Section category for Amy Menerey, Kara Sweet and Shane Sellers.
Bringing home a first place award in the online category was Alexis Barker for Best Story Promotion Using Social Media. NLJ staff also received a first place for Best Web Site in the Small Weeklies category, with judges noting the site is easy to read and navigate, and well organized.
Amy Menerey brought home three awards in the design and advertising category, receiving first place in Use of Graphic Elements for “Love of Lunacy,” second place Information Graphic for “Timeline of escape,” and honorable mention in Use of Color Ad category for “Perkins” with judges writing, “the use of color and design drew my eyes to this ad. Full color photos made me, the reader, want to stop in for a bite. Great job!”
Topping off the convention, on Saturday the NLJ staff joined in celebration after receiving second place in Advertising Excellence at the WPA Major Awards banquet.
“Kudos to our great team for their hard work and dedication, as well as their efforts all year long to produce the best possible weekly newspapers for our readers. And I’d like to thank the community for allowing us to tell their stories, promote their businesses and document history. These awards would not be possible without our faithful readers and we thank you,” Dean said.