Community newspaper publishers, editors, and staff from across the United States gathered in Washington D.C. from September 28-30, 2023, to address issues most important to the industry. Following meeting with House of Representative members, along with training sessions over a three-day period, newspaper representatives were treated to the annual National Newspaper Association awards closing program in which the hard work conducted by newspaper staff from across the country are honored.
The Village Reporter serving the greater Williams County – Fulton County areas of Northwest Ohio received five awards during the program including:
Column – Best Serious Column (Honorable Mention): The Village Reporter – Forrest R. Church, Publisher. Hospital Visit – Hidden Sugars In Food. Judge’s comments: I was very interesting to follow the writer through his health scare. At the end you feel like cheering as it appears the worst is over and good days are ahead. Well written and even though it was long, it was easy to follow. Nice work.
Photo – Best Sports Photo (First Place): The Village Reporter – Jacob Kessler, Writer/Photographer. Amazing Fall Scrimmage Catch. Judge’s comments: It was special enough to have a photo of a leaping one-handed catch at the football game, but to get the exact moment the ball hits the player’s hand is what vaults this to first place.
Best Special News, Sports or Feature Section or Edition (First Place): The Village Reporter – Jacob Kessler, Lindsay Phillips. Honoring Those Serving Locally (EMT, Police & Fire Annual Tribute). Judge’s comments: Picked the winner because of the number of local stories with great pictures.
Best Use of Social Media for Breaking News (Honorable Mention): The Village Reporter – Forrest R. Church, Publisher. North Central School Bus Accident – Kept the community quickly informed on a scary accident that involved minor children.
Story-Series – Best Sports Story In Photos (Third Place): The Village Reporter – Rich Harding. Quarterback Tug. Judge’s comments: Incredible! Photo told me everything.
