WTE staff members earn 18 national journalism awards

Nov. 4—CHEYENNE — Wyoming Tribune Eagle staff members have earned 18 national awards from the National Newspaper Association Foundation, including second place for general excellence among daily newspapers.

Of that award, the judges said: "Broad state coverage using what appears to be a shared-story network with other state newspapers. Generally good coverage of community news-making institutions and people. Good classified section with legal notices. Doubtless local sport coverage of readers' interests. ... Opinion focus features local political voices."

Other awards presented to the WTE recently by NNAF were:

First place

WTE staff, Best Special News, Sports or Feature Section or Edition (Daily and Non-daily Division, circulation 10,000 or more), "Yellowstone National Park 150th Anniversary." The judge said: "Superb, comprehensive special section. Balances useful, shorter, event-oriented information with longer features on history, etc. I especially liked the personal stories/memories of YNP. Uses photography and layout/graphic design to its fullest. Great job."

Jeremiah Johnke, Best Informational Graphic (Daily and Non-daily Division, circulation over 10,000), "2022 All-Laramie County football team." The judge said: "A well-designed infographic that showcases the all-star players and their schools on a swatch of the school colors. Very readable and attractive."

Hannah Black, Best Reporting on Local Government (Daily Division), "Anti-bias law may be rarely used. For some, that's OK." The judge said: "Meticulously researched and very well written. Covers all bases, including legal, constitutional and legislative intents, hurdles and potential conflicts. A complex story told in a clear and authoritative manner."

Brian Martin and WTE Editorial Board, Best Editorial (Daily Division), "No surprise: Legislators fail the budget session test." The judge said: "Well thought out points presented in a logical fashion with backup information. Well done."

Brian Martin, Best Editorial Pages (Daily and Non-daily Division, circulation 6,000 or more), for pages published Dec. 16-17, 2022. The judge said: "Solid pages with good, relevant variety, robust letters section. Point/counterpoint feature is excellent. Attractive and inviting page design. Very difficult, competitive category."

Second place

WyoSports staff, Best Special News, Sports or Feature Section or Edition (Daily and Non-daily Division, circulation 10,000 or more), "UW Basketball 2022." The judge said: "A truly professional special section that is just excellent. Useful and interesting, it's something fans (casual and not so much) will keep and use as a reference. Photography and design are also outstanding."

WyoSports staff, Best Sports Section/Page (Daily and Non-daily Division, circulation more than 10,000), "Wyoming Tribune Eagle Sports Section." The judge said: "The local stories anchor these sections, and the featured local photos are outstanding."

Alyte Katilius, Best Sports Photo (Daily Division), for a photo titled "Down, but not out" that shows a mutton-busting competitor at the Laramie County Fair. The judge said: "An unusual sports photo. Photographer got a great storytelling image."

Jasmine Hall, Best Investigative or In-Depth Story or Series (Daily Division), "Wyoming GOP at a crossroads." The judge said: "Wyoming is a political uniparty state, this entry suggests, and the writer focuses on GOP sources to examine the key message: The future of the Republican Party in Wyoming. ... the writing is excellent; enjoyed reading."

Jeremiah Johnke, Best Sports Story (Daily and Non-daily Division, circulation 15,000 or more), "'Better late than never:' Girls wrestling sanctioned by WHSAA." The judge said: "Extremely well researched story on past, present and future of girls wrestling. Well researched, well written = Nice job!"

Jeremiah Johnke, Best Sports Feature Story (Daily and Non-daily Division, circulation more than 10,000), "On the rise: Colgan undefeated in MMA." The judge said: "Great story. I especially appreciated the background or 'beginning,' as I believe it was subtitled."

Brian Martin and WTE Editorial Board, Best Editorial (Daily Division), "We need 'Wyoming's doctor' to fight for our health care needs." The judge said: "Thorough and well thought out call for opinion and action for the people."

Third place

Alyte Katilius, Video Journalism (Daily and Non-daily Division), "Riding for Raylan." The judge said: "A story that is both sad and heartwarming. I learned something. Well shot and edited."

Jasmine Hall, Best Investigative or In-Depth Story or Series (Daily Division), "Will Wyoming turn a deeper shade of red?" The judge said: "Jasmine Hall is an excellent writer!"

Hannah Black, Best Profile Feature Story (Daily Division), "Riding for Raylan." The judge said: "Heartwarming story of dedication and passion for family through a medium such as cycling."

Honorable mention

Alyte Katilius, Best Feature Photo (Daily Division), for a photo titled "What's taking them so long?" that shows a girl on horseback with an impatient look on her face.

Jasmine Hall, Best Education/Literacy Story (Daily Division), "Officials ready to fight sexualization in schools."

The awards were presented Sept. 30 during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.