Editor Mark Gibson, who passed away in June, received a first place for Best News Photo at the 2023 ONPA awards. Gibson was additionally awarded a third for Best Spot News Coverage and a third for Best Editorial.
THE GORGE — Columbia Gorge News received six first-place awards at the 2023 Better Newspaper Contest announced at the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association convention Sept. 28-29.
Columbia Gorge News Editor Mark Gibson, who passed away in June, took first in Best News Photo with his coverage of the Port of The Dalles marina fire. Jacob Bertram, who left Columbia Gorge News in May, took first in both Best Writing (a compilation of three of stories) and Best Feature Photo for “High Flier.”
Alana Lackner took first in Best Feature Story — General for her story “Maupin resident’s company allows ranchers to provide wool to Olympics,” and Flora Gibson a first in Best Lifestyle Coverage for the series “Oregon Bee Atlas: Joining forces for Oregon bees.”
The paper additionally took first in Best Special Section or Issue for its annual "Visitor Guide."
Noah Noteboom took second and third for Best News Photo, and Editor Trisha Walker second for Best Writing. Mark Gibson was additionally awarded a third for Best Spot News Coverage and a third for Best Editorial.
“Mark always came home with awards for his excellent work both in photography and journalism, so it was not a surprise knowing he’d once again won in several categories,” said Chelsea Marr, Columbia Gorge News owner and publisher. “His spirit in the newsroom lives on. We have a younger staff of writers and I enjoy seeing each one become even better as the years progress, continuing to bring home awards for their unique and creative work.”
“It was bittersweet, hearing Mark’s name announced during the awards ceremony,” Walker said. “Mark was not only a fantastic photographer, he was also a dedicated and talented reporter. We miss him dearly.”
Columbia Gorge News staff also took third place in General Excellence.
“It always feels like your hard work has been rewarded with General Excellence,” Marr said. “I am very excited to see we came back this year for this win.”
“I am particularly proud of the General Excellence award, as that is a reflection of every single staff member’s work,” said Walker. “This award is based on the newspaper as a whole — from the stories to the layout, letters to the editor to advertisements. To be three years old and win against more established newspapers is really humbling.”
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