#United States #Courier-Tribune #Examiner #CherryRoad Media #Wildwood

CherryRoad Media Newspapers Shine at Missouri Press Association Awards

Recent accolades have been granted to CherryRoad Media's notable publications in Missouri, as the Courier-Tribune and the Examiner collectively garnered seven awards at the esteemed Missouri Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest. The recognition shines a spotlight on the exceptional journalistic endeavors of these two newspapers, reflecting their commitment to coverage that resonates within their local communities.

The awards were announced during the Association's annual convention held at the Wildwood Hotel in Wildwood, Missouri, on September 13th. This annual event serves as a platform to honor the achievements and dedication of newspapers across the state, validating the hard work of journalists who strive to inform and engage their readers.

Courier-Tribune's Resounding Success

The Courier-Tribune, serving the communities of Kearney, Liberty, and Smithville in Clay County, was the showstopper of the evening, securing five prestigious awards across various categories. Their impressive haul includes:

• - First Place for Best Special Section, Magazine or Specialty Publication for Explore Liberty. The judges lauded it as a “clean, eye-catching read” that adeptly showcases the exciting activities available in the area.
• - Second Place in Election Story Writing awarded to Digital Content Director Amanda Lubinski for her notable piece covering reproductive freedom rights alongside Missouri’s Amendment 3, praised for its insightful exploration of a complex ballot measure, merging digital and print content innovatively.
• - Third Place in Breaking News for Lubinski's coverage of a tragic incident involving a house explosion that claimed the lives of an Excelsior Springs couple and their pet.
• - Third Place in News or Featured Obituary Writing, with Editor Kellie Houx recognized for her emotional tribute to local leader Clay Lozier, whose inspirational life was beautifully narrated.
• - Third Place for Best Sports Story or Package awarded to Sports Reporter Wesley Miller for his in-depth reporting on the endeavors of a high school basketball player facing legal hurdles to compete at the varsity level.

Examiner's Recognition

On the other hand, the Examiner, which operates out of Independence and serves eastern Jackson County, received two accolades:

• - Second Place for Best Humorous Columnist, awarded to Editor Jeff Fox for his engaging narratives on daily life—his talent for infusing humor made his stories resonate deeply with the judges.
• - Third Place for Best Story About History, which went to Reporter Mike Genet for a compelling piece that draws parallels between the assassination attempt on Independence's native President Harry Truman and that of President Donald Trump, earning praise for its insightful juxtaposition of past and present.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Examiner Editor Jeff Fox remarked on the importance of community interaction, stating, “We love being part of our community conversation. That’s our focus. That said, it's always fulfilling to receive recognition from your peers.” This comment encapsulates the ethos of local journalism, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue and connection within the community.

CherryRoad Media's CEO, Jeremy Gulban, commended the Missouri teams for their accomplishments, highlighting the foundation of ethical and unbiased journalism they uphold. “Their dedication ensures every story told resonates with our community and represents our values,” he declared, reinforcing the significance of local reporting in today’s media landscape.

CherryRoad's Expanding Presence in Missouri

CherryRoad Media continues to strengthen its footprint in Missouri, managing a total of 19 newspapers statewide, including the notable Pike County News, Elsberry Democrat, and many others. This extensive network aims to facilitate informed communities through trusted journalism, a mission that remains at the heart of CherryRoad’s operations.

As CherryRoad Media expands its influence, it remains committed to delivering quality journalism that informs, engages, and empowers local communities—an ethos that has undoubtedly led to the recognition at this year’s Missouri Press Association awards.