Staff at the South Whidbey Record and Whidbey News-Times once again won big in the statewide Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
Contest winners were announced at the convention in Bellingham over the weekend. A total of 48 newspapers competed in the contest, with 1,166 news entries and 280 photographs.
Whidbey writers and a photographer took home 11 awards in some of the most competitive and important categories.
For the South Whidbey Record, reporter Kira Erickson won first place in the Comprehensive Coverage category in circulation group 2 for her stories about a black bear that visited Whidbey Island.
“Any story with bear poop as the focus is a winner in my book,” a judge wrote. “Great job with superb writing and reporting.”
In addition, Erickson and editor Jessie Stensland won second place in Comprehensive Coverage with Multiple Writers across all circulation groups for stories and an editorial about the Deer Lagoon Grange. The judge wrote that it was “a very interesting — and important — package that impacted a lot of readers.”
Erickson won first place in History Feature in group 2 for the story “Picker finds a toolbox full of Pacific Northwest history.” A judge noted that Erickson “made old tools interesting, not necessarily an easy task.”
Erickson also won third place in Breaking News in group 2 for the story “Young seal rescued near Mutiny Bay.”
Photographer David Welton won second place in the Color Pictorial category for a photo of a rainbow and the ferry.
“Stunning shot — outstanding contrast, depth and composition,” a judge wrote.
For the Whidbey News-Times, Karina Andrew won first place in the Social Issue category in group 3 for the story “Cost, accessibility of child care raises concerns.”
“Informative, data-driven piece provides great overview of child care and workforce challenges,” a judge wrote.
Andrew also won third place in Short Personality Profile for “Veteran wins spotlight for ‘burrito walk’ photography.”
Stensland won first place in Investigative Reporting across all circulation groups for the story “Investigation clears school superintendent.”
Stensland won first place in News Story, Long in group 3 for the story “Outrage over firings at WhidbeyHealth.” The judge noted it was “an important story that is clear and well written” with “deep sourcing and an effective use of direct quotes.”
In addition, Stensland won third place for the editorial “Road projects show city’s priorities askew” and third place in the Health or Medical category for “Hospital board fires CEO as money woes highlighted.”
