The Clarkston News was recognized in the Michigan Press Association’s 2005 ‘Better Newspaper Contest? with four awards.
Receiving top honors with first place recognition for ‘Best Special Section? is The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Directory.
Of the directory, judges remarked, ‘Great cover. This directory was very well placed.?
Chamber Director Penny Shanks said Sherman Publications ‘always does a wonderful job for us.?
‘I think the directory is a valuable tool for our businesses and residents,? said Shanks. ‘The best part is that this reaches every home. This is truly a one-stop guide for the Clarkston area.?
The directory is designed and paginated by Clarkston News Assistant Publisher Don Rush, who himself was voted Best Local Columnist in the state.
Wrote the judges of Rush, ‘He’s funny, conversational and insightful.?
Rush, a 1981 graduate of Clarkston High School, said of the honor, ‘It’s nice to be recognized by your peers. Over the years, I’ve received honorable mentions, third place and second place, both nationally and in the state, but never a first place. It just goes to show if you write long enough, sooner or later somebody’s bound to like it. Now that I’ve reached the top, the only thing to do is fall down.?
In addition to these first place honors, The Clarkston News also received two third place awards in Sports Picture and Lifestyle Pages.
Sports Writer Noah Purcell received third place nods in the Sports Picture category for his photo ‘Jumpin’s Ahead.? The photo ran on the front of the Jan. 6, 2005 edition.
‘Though the Michigan Press Association incorrectly spelled my name as Nash rather than Noah, it is still quite an honor to receive recognition for the photo,? said Purcell. ‘The third place sports photo award is made especially sweet because I have no formal training in photography.?
Purcell gives credit to his trusty camera ‘Musket,? dubbed so because he only gets one shot at a time. Also, he said without pom pon team member Racheal St. Peter’s acrobatic skill, the photo would not be possible.
The ‘Millstream? section of The Clarkston News received a third place award with the comment ‘a lot of good material in a light package.?
‘We’re pleased the judges liked Millstream. This is the section where we truly highlight those stories that make Clarkston a great community,? said Clarkston News Editor Jenny Matteson. ‘We feature local citizens, current happenings, our Milestones and Religion pages, everything that makes a community a home.?
Finally, former Clarkston News Writer Don Schelske, now ‘Editor at Large? for The Davison Index, received an honorable mention in the Spot News category for his piece ‘Fire Leads to Arson Arrest,? Dec. 8, 2004.
The judges referred to Mr. Schelske’s piece as ‘strong, straight news.?
‘Being recognized by peers is a great honor. The judges know the realities of newspaper work, and this story was a challenge because the fire happened on our deadline day,? said Schelske. ‘Our local safety agencies also deserve thanks for their help with a breaking story.
‘We don’t wish for these emergency situations, but when they happen, I enjoy being in a position to provide fair and accurate reports to the community.?
Carrying through this theme, those on staff at The Clarkston News would like to thank the community for providing plenty of ‘news? everyday.