Staff Reports
The Republic received 15 awards in the Hoosier Better Newspaper Contest for 2021, including taking the General Excellence Award among the largest newspapers in Indiana.
The Republic received the top award in Division 4, representing all papers in Indiana with a circulation of 6,000 or more. General Excellence Awards are given to one paper in each of the circulation divisions based on a point system. Winners in this category exemplify excellence in all aspects of newspaper publication, including mechanical excellence, editorial content, layout and general appearance, according to the Hoosier State Press Association.
Other AIM Media Indiana newspapers winning general excellence awards in their circulation categories were the Daily Journal in Franklin in Division 3 and the Brown County Democrat in a tie for Division 2.
This year’s competition results were announced by email Friday by the Hoosier State Press Association.
The Republic staff and staff members who received awards included:
Best editorial writer: Jordan Morey, third.
Headline writing: The Republic staff took second and third. Among the winning headlines were “This little piggie went to…I-65?” and Pomp and cyberspace: BCSC preps virtual graduation.
Best general news photo: Mike Wolanin, third, for “Close Pass,” a photo from the Birds and Brews at the Columbus Municipal Airport.
Best sports action photo: Mike Wolanin, second, for “Contested Catch,” from a Columbus North vs. East football game.
Best multiple picture group: Mike Wolanin swept the category winning first, second and third, first place for “Loss of a Colleague,” photos of the tribute to paramedic Scott Gordon who died from COVID-19; second for “Patient Parade,” for photos of Rosemary Albright watching a parade of friends past her home during the pandemic; and third, “CEO for a Day,” photos from Toyota Material Handling North America’s Make A Wish event for a 12-year-old Indianapolis boy fighting cancer — Michael Haley became CEO for the day.
Best sports section: Republic Sports staff Ted Schultz and James Pence, second.
Best feature section: The Republic’s GO! second received second and the Faith section received third.
Best special section: The Republic’s “SALUTE!” section received first.
Community service: Andy East received first place for a comprehensive look at infant mortality in Bartholomew County and Julie McClure received third place for stories about the shooting death of Derek Henderson on Jan. 3 after three sheriff deputies were suspended and demoted for failing to carry out an emergency detention order that was issued.
