National Better Newspaper Contest winners announced

Columbia Gorge News received five awards. Reporter Nathan Wilson took second in best health story for his piece on radon, titled “Invisible, odorless and likely inside your home.” He also took fourth in rookie reporter of the year, which was judged based on the following stories: “Bureaucratic backlog and rural opportunities in Oregon’s renewable energy sector;” “Overwatch Imaging helps wildfire response from above — way above;” “The Klickitat River Delta: Lyle’s ongoing conundrum;” “Efforts to end global plastic pollution collapse, Sen. Merkley explains why;” and “Invisible, odorless and likely inside your home.”

Managing Editor Trisha Walker took second place in best localized national story for “Alzheimer’s Association creates Wasco Co. plan.”

Columbia Gorge News staff took third place in best local news coverage, daily and non-daily division, circulation of 3,000-5,999. “I appreciate the spirit your paper brings — the pacing and variety of content really do bring a sense of identity to the paper, and a sense of community to the reader,” reads the judge’s comments. “Excellent work!”

Staff also took a fourth in general excellence, non-daily division, circulation of 3,000-5,999. “There was so much great competition in this category,” reads the judge’s comments. “One thing that stood out in your paper is the extensive sports coverage, which some otherwise top choices lacked. Overall, a great paper, great job!”

“I am proud of our staff for taking second, third and fourth places in this national competition,” said Walker. “I’m especially pleased that Nathan Wilson was recognized in his first year as a reporter; we’re lucky to have him on our team.”

There were 1,546 entries in the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest and 196 entries in the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest for a total of 1,743 entries. There were 712 awards won by 102 newspapers in 33 states.

Judging was performed primarily by active community newspaper editors and publishers, as well as retired university journalism professors and retired or former newspaper professionals. A judge said, “Stories like this remind readers why newspapers continue to play an important role in their daily lives.”

Awards will be presented in Minneapolis in October.