Inland Press Association Awards
Record-Eagle staff writer Brian McGillivary won first place honors in the national Inland Press Association's journalism contest. Judges selected McGillivary's series, "Meijer's Secret Plan," first nationally in the Explanatory Reporting category for newspapers with paid circulation between 25,001-75,000.
The series is a compilation of stories from late 2007 and this year that detailed the Grand Rapids-based retail giant's illegal campaign to undermine Acme Township's elected officials during a zoning dispute. Read the entire series here »
Michigan Press Association Awards
Members of Pennsylvania Press Association studied over 3,781 entries submitted by 116 Michigan newspapers when they judged the 2008 Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. Complete results are available online at www.michiganpress.org.
The Record-Eagle competed in Class C, consisting of newspapers with circulation between 12,001-30,000.
2008 Newspaper of the Year, Traverse City Record-Eagle
This award is presented to the top newspaper in eight circulation classes based on points accumulated (100 for first, 70 for second and 40 for third – points are doubled in the General Excellence contest) in all Editorial contest categories.
General Excellence, 1st Place, Traverse City Record-Eagle
Judges Comments: "This paper is the most-polished, best-assembled of the class of papers. It also has the most news, local and non-local, the best use of photos and decent writing."
Design, 2nd Place, Traverse City Record-Eagle
Judges Comments: "Good typography. A distinguished looking newspaper. Eyecatching pages and quite consistent."
Editorial Pages, 3rd Place, Traverse City Record-Eagle
Judges Comments: "Editorials are driven by local news and issues, and are welldone.
Good assortment of op/eds."
Lifestyle Pages, 1st Place, Traverse City Record-Eagle
Judges Comments: "Great-looking layout. Local columnists, including a 'people/society' column. Lead stories are local, and on
surprising topics."
Spot News Story, 2nd Place, Dennis Chase
Judges Comments: "The collapse and death of U.S. marathon runner was big news
everywhere but especially northern Michigan, his home. Local
sports editor fashioned a wonderful story."
Spot News Story, 3rd Place, Victor Skinner
Judges Comments: "Well-handled report on the eviction of elderly woman, the last
resident of a state park."
Feature Story, 3rd Place, Sheri McWhirter
Judge's Comments: "Anniversary stories can be bland and pro-forma. This one isn't!"
Enterprise Reporting, 3rd Place, Brian McGillivary
Judge's Comments: "Using records and other reporting, reporter data is how a
judge's conflicts of interests results in a lawsuit and expensive
settlement."
Editorial Writing, 3rd Place, Mike Tyree
Judge's Comments: "A strong package, especially the "Funhouse" piece. Good detail, good questions asked. I would have liked to see stronger endings on the MADD and Interlochen shooting edits."
Editorial Writing, Honorable Mention, David Miller
Judge's Comments: "Three good edits, especially the Klan Flag edit - strong points made in it in lively prose."
Local Columnist, 1st Place, Kathy Gibbons
Judge's Comments: "The best of the columnists by some distance. Very readable style. Has a clear point of view. Column on young woman raped by step-brother was outstanding."
Local Columnist, 2nd Place, Bill O'Brien
Judge's Comments: "News-driven columns on local commercial, civic and political matters."
Sports Writing, 1st Place, Dennis Chase
Judge's Comments: "Great hustle with a sports tragedy on deadline. Story works as a narrative and isn't just a pyramid-style news piece."
Sports Columnist, 2nd Place, Jeff Peek
Judge's Comments: "The writer is quite adept at provoking an emotional response in the reader by making you feel the subjects journey. His stories flowed well and stayed strong until the end."
Sports Feature, 1st Place, Garret Ellison
Judge's Comments: "Terrific read. There is much great reporting and writing here. It's a taut narrative, very nice."
News Picture, Honorable Mention, Jan-Michael Stump
(No comment given)
Firefighters from Grand Traverse Metro spray water on a backhoe sitting next to a gas line that caught fire shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday. January 8, 2008. An underground gas line ignited while workers boring line for electrical wires were removing pipe on Monday afternoon along the south side of South Airport Road, just east of Racquet Club Drive, causing flames that leapt as high as 30 feet in the air. No one was injured.
Feature Picture, Second Place, Douglas Tesner
Judge's Comments: "Nice low angle, use of motion and light."
As thunderstorms move through the area on July 7, 2007, Cherry Festival-goers continue to enjoy amusement rides on the midway in downtown Traverse City.
Feature Picture, Third Place, Douglas Tesner
Judge's Comments: "Sometimes a photo just puts a smile on your face."
Larry Knight moves picnic benches at the Suttons Village Marina and Park in preparation for the marina's opening on May 14, 2007.
Sports Picture, Second Place, Jan-Michael Stump
Judge's Comments: "Strong game action shot."
Rochester goalkeeper Chris Stewart tips the ball away from leaping Traverse City West forward Casey Townsend as Rochester's Dennis O'Rourke defends in a an August 25, 2007 soccer match.
Sports Picture, Third Place, Jan-Michael Stump
Judge's Comments: "Captures the highs and lows of high school sports."
McBain and Kingsley players react after McBain's Emily Bronkema (not pictured) missed a free throw with no time left in the game for a 46-44 Kingsley win on Thursday, November 29, 2007.
