Las Cruces Sun-News wins three New Mexico Press Association awards

ALBUQUERQUE ― The New Mexico Press Association recognized the best of New Mexico's newspaper writing, photography and advertising at the Better Newspaper Contest banquet on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The Las Cruces Sun-News won three second place awards.

Las Cruces Sun-News reporter Algernon D'Ammassa won second place in the Daily Class 1 Breaking News category for his reporting on the murder of Kim Yancone.

Of his work the judges said: "Two detailed, well-reported features on a terrible murder, coupling coverage of the police investigation with deep background and context. A damning narrative quickly emerges regarding domestic violence and the inadequacy of New Mexico's 'red flag' firearms law. Excellent, important work."

Read the winning reporting: Forghedaboudit owner Kim Yacone killed, husband and chef Bob Yacone charged with murder

Trending Reporter Leah Romero received second place in the Daily Class I Obituary News category for her coverage of the legacy of Las Cruces music teacher William Clark.

Read the winning reporting: Las Cruces remembers long-time music educator William Clark

In the Daily Division category for explanation of news operations or newspaper Sun-News reporter Damien Willis received second place for "The Reporter's Notebook."

"An innovative approach to engaging the readers and web viewers on another level," the judges wrote of Willis' work.

A newspaper from each division is awarded for General Excellence, the top award. This year's winners are: Albuquerque Journal, Daily Class I; Roswell Daily Record, Daily Class II; The Deming Headlight, Weekly Class II; Taos News, Weekly Class I.

D'Ammassa is now editor of the Deming Headlight.

The contest was judged by the Arizona Press Association.

The awards were handed out at the NMPA 114th Annual Convention held in Albuquerque.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces Sun-News wins NMPA awards in breaking news, obit reporting