Statesman Journal awarded 3 first place awards in Oregon Newspaper Publishers contest

Cherrill Crosby, Salem Statesman Journal
·2 min read
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Photographer Brian Hayes took first place for best news photo in the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's 2023 contest for this image of protesters opposing COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates being refused entry into the Oregon State Capitol building without a mask on Feb. 1, 2022.
Photographer Brian Hayes took first place for best news photo in the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's 2023 contest for this image of protesters opposing COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates being refused entry into the Oregon State Capitol building without a mask on Feb. 1, 2022.

The Statesman Journal was recognized with three first place awards in the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's 2023 Better Newspaper Contest for best local column, best sports story and best news photo for the largest newsrooms in the state.

The Statesman Journal also was a finalist for the Baker Family Public Service Award for reporters Claire Withycombe and Dianne Lugo's investigation into the state of Oregon doing little to determine why nearly 100 people died in the 2021 heat dome. Oregonian reporter Mike Rogoway won the award for his investigation into Google's water use in The Dalles for its data centers.

The Statesman Journal also was recognized in the group that includes The Oregonian, The Register-Guard and the Bend Bulletin with five second- and six third-place awards. The entries for the awards which were presented Thursday evening in Gleneden Beach during the ONPA annual conference were judged by members of the Texas Press Association.

Outdoors reporter Zach Urness was awarded first place in the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's 2023 contest for the best local column.
Outdoors reporter Zach Urness was awarded first place in the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's 2023 contest for the best local column.

The first place awards were given to:

Best Local Column: For a selection of columns by outdoors reporter Zach Urness.

Best Sports Story: Edith Noreiga for her story about the impact of a shortage of referees on high school sports.

Best News Photo: Brian Hayes' image of protesters at the Oregon State Capitol Building.

Second place awards:

  • Best Coverage of Business & Economic Issues: Shannon Sollitt who previously coverage agricultural workers.

  • Best Education Coverage: Natalie Pate and Brian Hayes for a series on literacy in prisons.

  • Best Lifestyle Coverage: Whitney Woodworth, Dianne Lugo and Virginia Barreda for their reporting on poverty and homelessness with "The 'Invisible' Homeless" and homeless youth in Oregon.

  • Best Government Coverage: Claire Withycombe for her investigation into a former Oregon Department of Corrections superintendent.

  • Best Page One Design

Third place awards:

  • Best News Photo: Abigail Dollins

  • Best Sports Photo: Abigail Dollins

  • Best Web Project: Statesman Journal

Cherrill Crosby is the executive editor of the Statesman Journal and The Register-Guard. You my reach her at crosbyc@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Statesman Journal awarded 3 first place awards in ONPA contest