The Clarkston News earned six Michigan Press Association awards in its 2009 Better Newspaper Contest.
Competing in Weekly Class D category, the News earned First Place in Editorial Writing. Judges commented, ‘kudos for not being afraid to call out the school district administration and township board’s actions. These were well thought-out arguments.?
Overall, our editorial pages earned Second Place, ‘As a tabloid it’s great,? judges said. ‘You devote two pages to opinions. Staff columnists do a great job. Emphasis on ‘letters? column results in good response from community.?
The News? Millstream section earned Third Place honors in Lifestyle Pages. Commented judges, ‘the writing and content were good, but it could use a change in layout or an added design element such as a cut-out or a pulled quote.?
Reporter Laura Colvin, now editor of the News? sister publication Lake Orion Review, pulled in three awards.
She earned First Place in Spot News Story, ‘Pineda Faces Long Prison Sentence.?
‘While I appreciated many of the news articles in this category, most were really not ‘spot? news,? judges said. ‘The lead hooked me in this story. Well-written and concise considering it wasn’t your typical interview, but taken from court testimony.?
Her column ‘Out Loud? earned first place for Local columnist. ‘Your columns are bold and thought-provoking. You make good arguments, have interesting topics and I’m guessing create reaction in readers,? judges said.
Colvin’s picture story, ‘Racing For The Finish,? Aug. 6, earned Third Place: ‘Nice variety of shots. Good crops. Zooming in could help two larger scenes and could have overtaken 2nd place in category. Photographer made effort to seek out fresh photos.?