IR receives Wyoming Press Association honors

The Thermopolis Independent Record won first place in major awards for Advertising Excellence in the Division B category at the 2024 Wyoming Press Association (WPA) convention held recently in Cheyenne. The IR also received an honorable mention in major awards for Typographic Excellence.

The awards were judged on papers dated November l, 2023 and October 3l, 2024. WPA’s Division B includes 12 Wyoming papers with circulation ranging from 1,400 to 3,000. Judging for the Advertising Excellence award is based on two issues picked by the WPA and one issue picked by the newspaper. A point system is used based on design and layout, creativity and impact, selection of type and use of illustrations. Judging for Typographic Excellence is based on photo reproduction, type reproduction, selection of type and design and layout.

IR staff members also won a number of Pacemaker Awards in Division B. Awards are given out for first, second, and at the judges discretion, honorable mention.

Photography

Jurri Schenck won second place in Spot News for a wildfire photo taken north of Thermopolis. Judges comments: “This is a photo that tells the whole story in just a moment’s time. It’s got great context, including background and foreground elements, all of which are in focus. Well done.”

Donna Pennoyer received an honorable mention for a photo taken near Anchor Dam. Judges comments: “Excellent use of shadow.” The IR staff received an honorable mention for Best use of Photos. Judges comments: “Great photos to go with your stories. Keep it up!”

Stories

Donna Pennoyer won second place in In-Depth Reporting for her Brucellosis story. Judges comments: “Well researched and put together, is knowledgeable and not too drawn out so the reader stays engaged.”

Advertising

Pennoyer received an honorable mention in Merchandise Ad for a Wyoming Whiskey ad. Judges comments: “Nice connection with the leaves -- pulled in the label and added some good color. Bold, easy to read, and draws in the reader -- plus, it’s an easy topic to like! ;)”

She won first place for her ad Certain Messages in the House Ad category. Judges comments: “This ad was not only very well designed and eye-catching, but also very effective in its message. Very well done to make it easily standout as the top ad in its division.”

For Best Use of Color, Pennoyer won a second place with her Wyoming Whiskey ad. Judges comments: “Man oh man, do those fall leaves stand out. Great choice that matches the bottle. Simple, clean ad. As a former Wyoming resident, makes me wonder why I haven’t tried this whiskey!”

Pennoyer’s Kirby Dirby ad earned the first place spot in Best Designed Ad. Judges comments: “Loved all your choices in this ad, from the art, to the color and typography!”

“I am very proud of all the IR staff. Donna has been with the IR since 1997. At the end of 2024, she retired but has offered to help us out when needed. Our ad manager, Amber Kimes, has been at the IR since 2012 and reporter/photographer Jurri Schenck started in December of 2019. Nadja Cavin recently joined our office staff. Daniel Powell and Abby Mead also contribute content to the IR. We strive to provide the community with a quality newspaper,” said editor/ publisher Lara Love.

She added, “Winning awards is not our primary goal, but they do help show we are putting together an award winning product and a great place for businesses and organizations to spend their advertising dollars,” Love has been with the IR since 1998. She was promoted to her current position in 2014.