The Clarkston News was awarded in nine areas by the Michigan Press Association, who recently announced the winners of the 2006 ‘Better Newspaper Contest? and ‘Advertising Contest.?
The editorial department received four awards, including a second place ‘Special Section? award for the 75th Anniversary edition, which the judges called ‘a real keepsake for Clarkston.?
The Millstream section of the paper earned a first place award for ‘Lifestyles Pages,? which was better than the previous year.
‘It’s nice to see we grew. We took it a notch higher,? said former Clarkston News Editor Jenny Matteson. Matteson also expressed her enthusiasm for the News being awarded second place for ‘Editorial Writing.?
‘With it being my first it was very exciting,? she said. ‘It’s nice to get recognized for keeping editorials local and important.?
The judges agreed, remarking that the submitted editorial regarding the Clarkston school district’s non-homestead millage proposal ‘takes a stand on an issue that will directly affect its taxpaying readers. Gets readers involved by soliciting input through a clip-art survey.?
Andrew DuPont, Clarkston News staff writer earned recognition for his ‘Soapbox? opinion column, winning second place in the ‘Local Columnist? category.
‘You posed questions for readers, which is what a good columnist will do,? wrote the judges, who described DuPont’s column as ‘a nice read. Bold, with local appeal.?
DuPont was surprised but very excited about his award, saying ‘I never expected this, but recognition from the MPA means a lot to me. I really enjoy writing my column so it’s nice to know some people enjoy reading it.?
The advertising department earned five awards including a first place in ‘Best use of Newspaper Art Service? for an ad for Rudy’s Market. Advertising also received two second place awards ? one for ‘Best Spot Ad? for Clarkston Flower, another for ‘Best Multicolor Ad? for Associated Obstetrics ? and a third place award for ‘Best Ad Idea? for a POH Medical Center Ad.
‘The sales department at The Clarkston News takes pride in making sure our ads benefit our customers,? said Cindy Burroughs, Advertising Manager for The Clarkston News.
Lastly, for the second year in a row, the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Directory earned an award for ‘Best Special Section,? this year placing third.
‘We’re very pleased to see the section get recognized,? said Penny Shanks, executive director of the chamber. ‘It’s an excellent opportunity for the chamber to connect with the community. We’re looking forward to the new edition that comes out this month.?
The Clarkston News entries competed against other papers in the ‘Weekly Class D? category, which are defined as weekly papers with circulation under 4,001.
Assistant Publisher and Clarkston News columnist Don Rush, received an honorable mention for his enterprise feature stories, Let My Son Come Home, which ran in the News? sister paper, the Lake Orion Review. Rush is a 1981 Clarkston High School grad.