The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Better Newspapers Competition awards are recognizing the stellar work of News-Optimist staff and contributors.
John Cairns, who has been working non-stop to bring readers up-to-date coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic at newsoptimist.ca, was uplifted to receive news he has been nominated in four categories.
In the News Story of the Year category Cairns and former reporter Josh Greschner are nominated for their coverage of the Valley View Towers II resident complaints that surfaced in June.
In Best Business Writing, Cairns is nominated for “New Holiday Inn will add capacity to host more and larger events” published in May.
Cairns’ ongoing coverage of construction problems at the new Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford has earned a nomination in the Best Health/Healthcare Coverage Series of Stories.
A story informing readers of extensive cuts to staffing at North Battleford City Hall has been nominated in the Best Government Coverage category.
“John Cairns is well-known and respected in the community, having covered local news in the Battlefords for more than a decade,” says editor Jayne Foster.
“His insight and connections serve the News-Optimist and its readers well. His abilities are diverse, which is an important talent in the community news industry. From sports to politics, business to entertainment, we count on John, our ‘rock star,’ to keep our readers informed, and he never fails us. He is fully deserving of whatever accolades come his way.”
Averil Hall is nominated as the SWNA Photographer of the Year. She was also uplifted by the news, as she provides coverage of the pandemic. Readers are familiar with, and appreciate, the quality of her contributions.
Also nominated is Railway and Main columnist Joan Champ in the Best Saskatchewan Arts or Culture Series of Stories for “A fatal catastrophe at the Macoun Hotel.”
Sister newspaper, the Unity Wilkie Press Herald, also under the supervision of News-Optimist editor Jayne Foster, is also being recognized.
Press Herald nominations are: Best Black and White Photo – Sherri Solomko; Best Headline Writing – Helena Long; Best Sports Story – Helena Long; Best Sports Photo – Helena Long; and Best Recreation Story – Louise Robson.
"I am proud of our small but mighty team," says publisher Gord Brewerton.
