Daily Reporter staff reports
GREENWOOD — The Daily Reporter snagged more than two dozen first-place prizes over the weekend in the state’s primary competitions for newspaper journalism and advertising.
On Saturday, the newsroom staff won seven first-place plaques in the Hoosier State Press Association Better Newspapers Contest, including one for a photograph, made by Tom Russo, that was a nominee for HSPA’s Photo of the Year. The Daily Reporter also finished runner-up in its division in general excellence, a points-based honor scored on the total number of awards won.
In the advertising contest, results of which were announced at a gala Friday, the Daily Reporter won 18 first-place awards, including a Best of Show honor for a commemorative magazine celebrating New Palestine High School’s Class 5A state championship last fall.
Jane Barton, the Daily Reporter’s senior marketing manager, was named Indiana’s top sales representative.
The awards in both contests were presented during events held at the Nest conference center in Greenwood.
Here is a breakdown of the awards:
Journalism awards
First place
Best news coverage with no deadline: Caitlin VanOverberghe, “’I’ll go home alive’: Greenfield moms, kids rally for metal detectors.”
Best editorial writer: David Hill
Best short feature story: Ben Middelkamp, “Advocating for Asher.”
Best sports event coverage: Brian Heinemann, “Heart and pride: Marauders stun Dragons, win sectional title.”
Best general news photo: Tom Russo, “One last toast for Skip.” This photo also was a candidate for Photo of the Year.
Best portrait photography: Tom Russo, “Reflecting rehabilitation.” The photo was a study of a young woman who was staying at the Talitha Koum Recovery House.
Best editorial page
Second place
General Excellence, an overall award
Best business story: Ben Middelkamp “County feeling tremors over tariffs.”
Best sports commentary: Brian Heinemann
Best sports action photo: Tom Russo, “Pitcher’s light”
Best portrait: Tom Russo, for a portrait of artist Chris Sickels
Best sports section
Best design
Third place
Best headline writing: David Hill
Best in-depth feature: Kristy Deer, “Infamous history: Documents boost research on Dillinger family’s local ties.”
Best feature section: Just4Fun, edited by Christine Schaefer
Community service: Kristy Deer, Mitchell Kirk and Caitlin VanOverberghe for stories on fire protection.
Advertising awards
Indiana’s top sales representative: Jane Barton
First Place
Best of Show Publication: Amanda Waltz and Chad Sisk, New Palestine state champions football magazine.
Best Use of Graphics: Julie Daiker and Jane Barton, Life Choices Care Center
Best Publication Cover: Amanda Waltz, New Palestine state champions football magazine.
Churches and Nonprofits: Tina Ray and Chad Sisk, Bethel Baptist Church
Classified Advertising: Robert Wilson and Crissy Riley, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department
Fashion: Ashley Curry and Jane Barton, Penny’s Florist Home Decor & More
Medical: Robert Wilson and Erika Whittington, Hancock Regional Hospital
New Revenue Idea: Alana Lashaway and staff, Flag Wrap
Noninserted Niche Publications: Amanda Waltz and Chad Sisk, New Palestine state champions football magazine
Other Retail Advertising: Julie Daiker and Jane Barton, Life Choices Care Center
Political: Ashley Curry and Jane Barton, Brad Burkhart for sheriff
Real Estate: Ashley Curry and Erika Whittington, The Real Estate Loft
Self Promotion: Kyle Lewis and Jane Barton, Jane Barton promo postcard
Special Events: Jane Barton, Boots & Bourbon, Meals on Wheels fundraiser
Special Section Mini Tab or Smaller: Paul Hoffman and staff, Discover Fortville
Special Topic Page: Jessica Dell and Alana Lashaway, FFA 2019
Think Outside the Box: Amanda Waltz and Chad Sisk, Hancock County 4-H
Vehicle Dealerships: Robert Wilson and Phil Surratt, Stanley Chevrolet
Second Place
Education: Jessica Dell and Jane Barton, Little Blessings Preschool
Entertainment & Restaurants: Ashley Curry and Chad Sisk, The Landing
Lifestyle & Recreation: Ashley Curry and Jane Barton, Wilkerson Dance Studio
New Revenue Idea: Jessica Dell and Alana Lashawy, FFA Week
Noninserted Niche Publication: Paul Hoffman and staff, Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce Director
Personal Care: Robert Wilson and Jane Barton, Ye Olde Head Shoppe
Professional Services: Ashley Curry and Jane Barton, Dickmann Reason Bogigian & White
Residential Services: Robert Wilson and Erika Whittington, Ninestar Connect
Self Promotion: Amanda Waltz and Alana Lashaway, Sweet Deal Circulation
Special Section Mini Tab or Smaller: Amanda Cornelius and staff, New Palestine Chamber Directory
Third Place
Best Digital Product: Robert Wilson and Andy Wilkins, Hancock Wellness Center
Churches and Nonprofits: Ashley Curry and Jane Barton, Shirley-Wilkinson United Methodist Church
Garden, Yard & Farm: Kyle Lewis and Jane Barton, Dave’s Pools
Medical: Tina Ray and Erika Whittington, Hancock Health
New Revenue Idea: Kassi Hattabaugh and Alana Lashaway, Countdown to Christmas
Noninserted Niche Publication: Staff, Hancock Homes
Other Retail Advertising: Tina Ray and Jane Barton, Julie McKinley & the Cancer CUREsaders
Personal Care: John Cole and Jane Barton, Medicap Pharmacy
Political: Robert Wilson and Jane Barton, Dan Riley for city council
Special Events: Tina Ray & Jane Barton, Main Street Chalk Fest
Special Section Mini Tab or Smaller: Amanda Cornelius and staff, Hancock County 4-H Fair Handbook
Special Section Tab or Broadsheet: Staff, Ag Week
Special Topics Page: Kassi Hattabaugh and staff, Fall Family Fun
Vehicle Dealerships: Robert Wilson and Phil Surratt, Stanley Chevrolet
