Independent Record named best small weekly

For the first time since 2008, the Thermopolis Independent Record has been named the best newspaper in the small weekly category of the Wyoming Press Association.

The IR won second for typographic excellence and for advertising excellence.

The Casper Star Tribune and the Jackson Hole News & Guide also received the General Excellence award for daily and large weekly papers.

The awards were presented during the annual convention in Casper last weekend.

Staff members of the IR won several Pacemaker awards in individual categories including:

First place

News Feature Story, ”Thermopolis women reflect on emotional Vegas shooting,” by Cindy Glasson. Judges’ comments: “Not only did this piece do an excellent job of localizing a national tragedy, but also brought the reader right into the horrific scene these women experienced.”

Small Ad, “John Roberts,” Dennis Nierzwicki. Judges’ comments: “Nice use of the photo - clean and open ad - readable.”

House Ad, “Not sure why business is slow?” Donna Pennoyer. Judges’ comments: “Perfect - it is what we tell our advertising clients all the time.”

Best Designed Ad, “Gottsche,” Dennis Nierzwicki. Judges’ comments: “Good use of art. I like the photos of smiling staff. The copy provides information about the services offered without being too wordy. Very nice overall.”

Spot News Photo, “Chilly morning rescue,” Lara Love.

General News Photo, “A Prehistoric Event,” Mark Dykes.

Portrait/Personality Photo, “Devastated,” Cindy Glasson.

Second place

Column Writing, Mark Dykes. Judges’ comments: “A great dose of positivity and down to earth writing...refreshing!”

Front Page Design, staff. Judges’ comments: “Your dominant photos are excellent. They really set the tone for the page. You would have won, except your front page doesn't really look like a front page with its short-story-as-part-of-the-masthead.”

Institutional Ad, “Hospitality and customer service workshop,” Dennis Nierzwicki. Judges’ comments: “Nice ad - the handshake is just the right touch.”

Merchandise Ad, “Days Inn,” Donna Pennoyer. Judges’ comments: “Cute - love the play on the words. Only thing would make this better would be color.”

Honorable mention

Best Special Section, “Eclipse,” staff. Judges’ comments: “Just missed placing in the top two - great cover, lots of information about a one time event.”

General News Photo, “Snow showers,” Mark Dykes.

Feature Photo, “Get to the bucket piggy,” Dennis Nierzwicki.

“We work hard at the IR to cover the news in Hot Springs County and enjoy serving this great community. It is thrilling to be named the best small weekly in the state, but we couldn't do it without the support of our advertisers, readers and community members,” said IR publisher Lara Love.

Love added that having former editor and publisher of the IR, Pat Schmidt, inducted into the WPA Hall of Fame was an extra special treat this year. “I am proud to have learned so much from one of the best,” said Love.

Entries in the 2017 WPA awards were reviewed by members of the South Dakota Newspaper Association, editorial writers from South Dakota, New York and North Carolina and photographers from South Dakota and Colorado.

The Wyoming Press Association is a trade association that represents all 44 of Wyoming's legal newspapers in areas including education, public relations and lobbying.