Once again the Battlefords Regional News-Optimist were winners in the annual Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Better Newspapers competition.
The News-Optimist took first place in the categories of News Story of the Year and Best Government Story.
For News Story of the Year, John Cairns and Josh Greschner shared first place for their series of stories on downtown harassment and related issues.
The judge’s comments were as follows: “Great coverage of a very important local topic. The article covers the magnitude of related issues related to the downtown revitalization. The articles navigate the issue well and provide the reader with a good overview. Good quotes and the articles are clear and concise. Well done!”
For Best Government Story, Cairns took first place for his series on the staff reductions at City Hall.
Cairns also earned second place in Best Business Writing for “New Holiday Inn will add to capacity to host more and larger events.” He also took third place for Best Health/ Healthcare Coverage series of stories for “SHNB management co. at centre of national controversy.”
Averil Hall finished second in the category of Photographer of the Year.
Joan Champ received second place in the category of Best Saskatchewan Arts or Cultural Series for “A fatal catastrophe at the Macoun Hotel.”
Our sister publication the Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald received several honours. Helena Long took first place for Best Headline Writing for her headline “Dying towns, living cemeteries.” She also finished third in the Best Sports Story category for her story “Canadian Challenge for new Cndn.” Also, Louise Robson finished third in Best Saskatchewan Recreation Story for “Quilt till you Wilt 2019.” Sherri Solomko placed third for Best Black and White Photo.
Like most things in 2020, the SWNA awards announcement had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards were originally scheduled to be presented at a banquet in the spring in Saskatoon, but that banquet was put on hold and delayed until the fall. Finally, with the pandemic restrictions not letting up, the live awards presentation was scrapped and organizers opted to do a virtual awards presentation online. That presentation took place Wednesday afternoon.
“I am so proud of the performance of the entire Prairie Newspaper Group, but in particular, that of John Cairns in the Battlefords,” said Gord Brewerton, publisher of the News-Optimist and lead for Glacier Media’s prairie newspapers. “John is one of the finest journalists in the country, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
