The Starkville Daily News, the oldest print newspaper in Oktibbeha County, saw the work of its staff honored over the weekend with annual awards from the Mississippi Press Association.
In total, the Starkville Daily News won eight awards in its class in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest. Of those eight awards, two were for first place.
The judging period covers stories published in print from Jan. 1, 2017 until Dec. 31, 2017.
The SDN’s sister newspaper, the Daily Times Leader in West Point, also won two third place awards for best front page and general interest column by Steve Rogers.
“I am so proud of the staff at the Starkville Daily News and Daily Times Leader,” publisher Stacia King said following the awards. “They are immensely talented and it’s great to see them recognized for their hard work.”
The awards were presented at the annual MPA conference in New Orleans on Saturday.
Judges’ comments were also included for first place honorees.
1ST PLACE AWARDS
• Best News Package - “A Community of Service” by Charlie Benton, Logan Kirkland, Ryan Phillips and Mary Rumore.
- “This entry shows a lot of planning and thought into the presentation of the jump pages, as well as A1,” judges said.
• Personality Portrait - “Trail blazer: Allen becomes first female SFD firefighter in 22 years” by Logan Kirkland.
- “Great job capturing this firefighter's personality. Shallow depth of field emphasizes firefighter's face, while also showing her truck,” the judges commented. “Top in a competitive class of entries.”
2ND PLACE AWARDS
• General News Story - “Family discovers piece of Miss. WWII veteran's legacy in England” by Ryan Phillips.
• In-Depth Investigative Coverage - “Making The Cut: Lack of mental health funds posing problems for many in Mississippi” by Ryan Phillips.
• Personality Portrait - “American Gent Barbershop: Shaping Gentlemen of Starkville” by Logan Kirkland.
• Best Front Page - “No Denying: Vols state champions” by Jason Cleveland, Robbie Faulk and Danny P. Smith.
• Editorials - “Piety vs. Progress” by Ryan Phillips.
3RD PLACE AWARDS
• General News Photograph - “Livingston wins chancery clerk runoff” by Logan Kirkland.