Mid-America Publishing wins big in Better Newspapers Contest!

Mid-America Publishing wins big in Better Newspapers Contest

Edward Lynn, Mid-America Publishing (Eagle Grove Eagle)

The talented and hard working staff of the nineteen Iowa newspapers published by Hampton, Iowa based Mid-America Publishing all routinely turn in top quality work. But the newspaper industry in Iowa is filled with talented and dedicated people, all playing their part in bringing local news to the communities they serve. So, to be recognized for excellence among such a field of competitors is truly a high honor.

Newspaper publishing is important work that is often thankless, and even a magnet for criticism. Sometimes those in this industry must take risks, and even face threats. And in the age of social media, cable news and blogs -- and all the confusion and division that they, and their lower standards have created -- local newspapers are at once more crucial than ever, and more at risk. And those tenacious newspaper workers who keep putting out the local news week after week aren't just going through the motions. They're bringing their creativity, skill, and determination to bear and putting out high quality reporting that supports their communities and, when they've earned it, sometimes earns the recognition of their peers. Even in the face of increased workloads, and often for lower pay than other industries pay for comparable work.

Working in the local news business is, for most of those who do it, a labor of love. It is more than just a job, it's a calling. It is performed in service to community, and democracy - a patriotic duty which falls to them because of their skills and talents. They are doggedly determined, and ever optimistic, always working to better their local communities, and to do their part in accurately informing the public.

Unlike so many blogs, magazines, television programs, podcasts, and internet influencers, newspapers are local. And that means that they not only tell the stories of their local communities, but it also means that the people who create the papers are locals, who are approachable. They aren't a far away voice in some far away city or even a distant country, they're right there in the counties, towns and cities they cover. Usually with offices somewhere downtown, open to the public five days a week. And that is invaluable to a community.

Mid-America Publishing currently publishes nineteen local newspapers, most of which serve multiple communities. And this year, eight staffers of seven Mid-America papers were recognized for their outstanding work in the Iowa Better Newspaper Contest, administered by the Iowa Newspaper Association (INA). Overall, the wins illustrate that Mid-America Publishing covers the communities we serve in the highest quality manner, and provides our advertisers with the highest quality service in the industry.

First Place Wins

Michael Hohenbrink, The Calmar Courier - Coverage of Courts and Crime.

Michael Hohenbrink, The Calmar Courier - Best Breaking News Story.

Megan Larsen, The Eldora Herald-Ledger - Total Newspaper Design.

Rebecca Peter, The Garner Leader - Best News Feature Story.

Jenny Seuntjens, The Holstein Advance - Best Ad Featuring Automotive- Boats- Aircraft- Tires- Gasoline- Etc.

Jenny Seuntjens, The Ida County Courier - Best Ad Designer.

Katie Phillips, The Sigourney News-Review - Best Advertising Series or Campaign Featuring Any Service or Merchandise Category.

Second Place Wins

Jenny Seuntjens, The Holstein Advance - Best of Class.

Jenny Seuntjens, The Ida County Courier - Best Use of Graphics

Katie Phillips, The Sigourney News-Review - Best Ad Featuring Automotive- Boats- Aircraft- Tires- Gasoline- Etc.

Katie Phillips, The Sigourney News-Review - Best Advertising Idea For a Community Promotion or Event.

Casey Jarmes, The Sigourney News-Review - Coverage of Government and Politics.

Third Place Wins

Kathleen Thul, The Buffalo Center Tribune - Best Ad Featuring Miscellaneous.

Michael Hohenbrink, The Calmar Courier - Coverage of Agriculture.

Brent Harm, The Ida County Courier - Coverage of Agriculture.

Jenny Seuntjens, The Ida County Courier - Best Ad Featuring Agriculture.

Congratulations to all our winners! And congratulations to all our peers in this crucial industry for their awards as well.

Jenny Seuntjens, The Ida County Courier - Best News Photo.

Note: All awards are in each newspaper's circulation class, and based upon the frequency of their publication (daily or weekly). Winners are listed alphabetically, by publication names and then by the staffer's names.

Congratulations to all our winners! And congratulations to all the winners at all the newspapers who demonstrated excellence in our field, as well.