Newspapers Win Awards In Contest

The Northern Plains Independent and Community News each won awards during the Montana Newspaper Association’s awards banquet in Miles City held on Friday, June 19.

The Community News competes in Division I, which includes weekly newspapers under 1,250 circulation. The Northern Plains Independent competes in Division II, which includes weekly newspapers with circulations from 1,251 to 2,000.

James Walling earned first place for best breaking news photo in Division I for his photo of a structure fire in Bainville on Mothers Day in the Community News.

Bill Vander Weele was awarded second place in Division I for best sports page layout with the Community News.

Darla Downs and Vander Weele received third-place honors in Division I for the Community News’ front page layout.

Downs earned second place in Division II for best black and white ad to sell or promote services. She also received third place in Division I for best color ad to sell or promote services and third place for best newspaper promotional ad.

The Community News won third place for best website in Division I.

Downs was re-elected vice president for the Montana Newspaper Advertising Services’ board of directors.