REPEAT BEST
Members of the Steele County Times accept 35 awards at last week’s annual Minnesota Newspaper Association banquet in the Twin Cities. The Times once again captured the Mills Trophy, which is awarded to the top weekly newspaper in Minnesota. Shown with the awards from left are Kay Fate, Rick Bussler, Alex Malm and Kyrie Bussler. Staff photo by Michelle Leonard
The Steele County Times has been named Minnesota’s best weekly newspaper for the second consecutive year. On top of the big honor, the Times also earned 34 other state journalistic awards of excellence.
The awards came during the annual Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Awards Banquet Jan. 29 in Brooklyn Park.
Capturing nearly three dozen awards was the most of any newspaper in this year’s contest, including weeklies and dailies. It’s also the most ever in a single contest for the Times. Of the onslaught of awards, the Times racked up 15 first-place awards for writing, advertising, photography and social media. The Times also earned 10 second place awards and nine for third place.
“This incredible showing confirms our ongoing commitment to providing quality local news for our readers,” said Publisher Rick Bussler. “We absolutely love our readers, and without them, we wouldn’t be able to produce the best newspaper in Minnesota.”
Bussler pointed out that the newspaper’s continued growth pushed the Times into a higher circulation category for this year’s contest. The Times competed in the 3,000 to 7,000 category.
The first-place awards were given to the Times for general reporting, use of photography, advertising excellence, best use of social media, best use of video, self-promotion/house ad, editorial page and typography and design. Individual awards were given for human interest story, business profile, business story, photography photo story, sports photo, local breaking news coverage and press photographers portfolio.
The Times won second place for best special section as well as individual awards in the following categories: business profile, self-promotion/house ad, human interest story, human interest news feature, social issues story, sports story, arts and entertainment story, local breaking news coverage and hard news coverage of court/crime.
Third place honors went to the staff for headline writing and special section. Individual awards were given out for Herman Roe Editorial Writing, best use of social media, photo story, local breaking news coverage, social issues story, use of color in advertising and arts and entertainment story.
Some of the comments shared by judges regarding the Times’ winning entries include:
• “Some really nice slice of life photos that capture the heart of the community.”
• “Very clean and organized layout. Nice big photos.”
• “The editorial pages offer a diverse range of commentary on local events, public services, current events, history and politics. Columnists Rick Bussler and Howard Lestrud have strong, distinct voices, and the paper's Our View commentary not only calls out the issues facing their community but lifts it up by highlighting positive events and initiatives. The Letters to the Editor also showcase diverse opinions, and the layout is easy on the eyes. A well-rounded editorial section that still includes local voices and not wire.”
• “This is well written and comes from the heart. Love it.”
• “This is an excellent example of how newspapers offer much more in depth news coverage than any other source.”
• “Outstanding use of digital communication. This well-branded, visually appealing newsletter stands out for its clarity, organization, and strong community connection. The engaging content and professional presentation make it a deserving first-place winner.”
Over the past 14 years, the Times has racked up 173 state awards and 68 national awards.