Cedar County News earns national honors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Cedar County News was one of just three Nebraska newspapers to pick up national honors at last week’s National Newspaper Association Foundation convention.
Each year, the NNAF honors the best in community journalism in the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest.
Winners were recognized at the awards ceremony held Saturday, Sept. 30, during the NNAF’s 137th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Washington, D.C.
The News was honored with 10 national awards. This marks the 12th year in a row the Hartington newspaper has earned national recognition. Since 2001, the News has earned 50 NNA awards for its news and editorial writing, news and sports reporting, photography and digital communications.
In this year's contest, the News earned second-place plaques for: - Jeremy Buss’ photo of a pole vaulter going over the bar at a meet in Pierce.
- Kellyn Dump’s breaking news photo of the funeral for three victims of a Laurel quadruple murder.
- Trisha Benton, Kellyn Dump and Rob Dump’s social media reporting of a quadruple murder in Laurel.
- Mark Mahoney’s ag feature story on John Steffen and his transition from the dairy industry into the beef industry.
- A series of articles by Trisha Benton and Mark Mahoney concerning wind energy regulations in Cedar County.
The News also earned a third-place plaque for its sports section. Judges cited the great photos, sports column by Rob Dump and depth of reporting in the section.
The News also won Honorable Mention awards for: - Jeremy Buss’ photo of Cedar Catholic’s victory celebration after it won the state volleyball title.
- Rob Dump’s sports column about the end of Nebraska's coach Scott Frost era.
- Wayne Stroot’s editorial cartoon about the struggle fans, parents and players had with the joint boys-girls state basketball tournaments in 2022.
A National Ag Month special section published in March also earned national recognition for its reporting and advertising excellence.
The Stanton Register and the Antelope County News also picked up national honors at Saturday's banquet.
There were 1,312 entries in the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest and 195 entries in the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest for a total of 1,507 entries. There were 602 awards won by 92 newspapers in 33 states.
The Wyoming Press Association was awarded the fourth annual “Best of NNA” Award for its 83 winning entries, beating out California with 53 wins and New Mexico with 48 wins. This is its third award for excellence in editorial and advertising.
This year’s event was held in Washington, D.C., in order to give NNA members an opportunity to visit with the Congressional delegations on several key issues, including rising postal rates and declining service from the U.S. Postal Service.
Established in 1885, the NNA is the voice of America’s community newspapers and is one of the largest newspaper associations in the country.
The NNAF is the educational arm of the NNA. Its mission is to promote news literacy, protect the First Amendment and enhance the quality, role and capabilities of community newspapers and community journalists.