Nevada Press Association The best in Nevada journalism since 1924
General Excellence
1. Elko Daily Free Press
This paper serves the community well with local news and good choices of wire copy. I loved the Pigskin Picks for high school sports.
2. Nevada Appeal
Good work for the newspaper in the state capital, but the papers did not have house editorials or even columns from the publisher. The paper does not have its own voice.
3. The Record-Courier
This paper provides balanced and good coverage of the community.
Community Service
1. Lahontan Valley News
Military events and profiles
2. Steve Ranson, Laci Thompson, Lahontan Valley News
The loss of life
3. Toni Milano, Elko Daily Free Press
Elko 100 Centennial Project
Best Breaking News Reporting
1. Marianne Kobak McKown, Elko Daily Free Press
Flooding breaks dam
2. Jeffry Mullins, Cynthia Delaney, Elko Daily Free Press
Medical flight crashes into parking lot
3. Fallon Godwin-Butler, Elko Daily Free Press
CEO killed crossing street
Solid writing in all entries. Well done.
Best Feature Writing
1. Lucas Thomas, Desert Valley Times
A lasting love: The story of Orn Hier and Methal Majorowicz
2. Steve Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
Grandma with an attitude
3. Marianne Kobak McKown, Elko Daily Free Press
A brothel ministry
Best Nonstaff Story
1. Jennifer Guerrero, Lahontan Valley News
A mother’s unconditional love
2. Lindsey Howell, The Humboldt Sun
Hougan’s legacy at Winnemucca’s Great Basin College
3. Adella Harding, Elko Daily Free Press
Historic ranch for sale
Best Business Spot News Story
1. Emily Havens, Desert Valley Times
Camel Safari is Virgin Valley’s hiddengem
Appreciated the multi-media. Great account of the Camel Safari.
2. Amy Alonzo, The Record-Courier
Industrial hemp farm coming to Valley
Great quotes and lede.
3. Mick Akers, Pahrump Valley Times
Historic Binion Ranch in Pahrump sold for $1M
Relevant information and straight to the point.
Best Business Feature
1. Aly Lawson, Lahontan Valley News
60 years in the making
The layout and design really captured my attention. Additionally the descriptive writing painted a very visual picture of the business’s new features after the expansion.
2. Mick Akers, Pahrump Valley Times
Paddy’s Pub now Pat’s Courtyard Bar after ‘Bar Rescue’
This was a very well written article that captured the changes that were made to the business after its appearance on Spike TV’s Bar Rescue. I appreciated the visuals, but wish more sources would have been used.
3. Molly Moser, Nevada Appeal
Carson City Boxing Club offers quality training for kids
This piece did an amazing job of describing the important role this has played in the community, particularly for those who attend.
Best Explanatory Journalism
1. Steven Ranson, Aly Lawson, Lahontan Valley News
Flooding preparation/mitigation
Really well-written series. I appreciated the use of photos, multi-media and sidebars. I thought it covered all of the information that would be relevant for residents.
2. Taylor Pettaway, Nevada Appeal
Carson City’s MOST program helps those dealing with some form of mental illness
This was a really well-written piece that addressed the problems a community can face when dealing with undiagnosed mentally ill people. Would have liked to see more photos or multi-media utilized.
3. Lucas Thomas, Desert Valley Times
Playing with fire: Need for EMS, firefighters is growing at ‘aggressive’ rate
The sub-heads made it much easier to read. Great quotes and pertinent information was included.
Best News Feature Story
1. Lucas Thomas, Jordan Allred, Desert Valley Times
Gold Butte: A new beginning in an old land
2. Fallon Godwin-Butler, Elko Daily Free Press
Group protests marijuana moratorium
3. Fallon Godwin-Butler, Elko Daily Free Press
Justice for Stephanie
Best Investigative Story
1. Lucas Thomas,Chris Caldwell, Desert Valley Times
Evicted: 99-year lease broken by struggling mobile park owner
2. Kurt Hildebrand, Aurora Sain, The Record-Courier
Last days of Douglas County Sewer District No. 1
3. Hasani Grayson, Jeffry Mullins, Marianne Kobak McKown, Fallon Godwin-Butler, Elko Daily Free Press
Examining marijuana
Best Local Column
1. David Henley, Lahontan Valley News
My Turn by David C. Henley
Fine examples of how waxing nostalgic and using personal experiences can lead to giving sound advice.
2. Steve Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
Uses years of journalistic experience to make acute examinations of the political and journalistic realm.
3. Kurt Hildebrand, The Record-Courier
Wish there was more to the story.
Best Local Non-staff Column
1. Larry Hyslop, Elko Daily Free Press
Larry Hyslop’s Nature Notes
Interesting way of using stats to enhance the point.
2. Jeanette Strong, Lahontan Valley News
By the Way
Calm and collective arguments that used solid examples to illustrate her points
3. Rick Seley, Lahontan Valley News
Almost Clever
Uses humor as a tool to get readers to think, laugh and shed a little tear. All of the entries showed a mastery of communication and word craft. This was a difficult category to judge. Well done everyone.
Best Sports Spot News Story
1. Michael Sciandra, Lahontan Valley News
Marriaga TKOs Robb in Fallon Fights
I gave Lahontan a high score because it brought me in in the first paragraph. Recaps can be tricky because they can become boring and repetitive and what the winner did was make sure the reader wanted to read the WHOLE article.
2. Anthony Mori, Elko Daily Free Press
Elko headed to state
3. Anthony Mori, Elko Daily Free Press
Nevada bull riding champ,
Best Sports Feature Writing
1. Anthony Mori, Elko Daily Free Press
Lesson learned
2. Thomas Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
The working man
3. Hasani Grayson, Elko Daily Free Press
Game changer football
Best Sports Column
1. Thomas Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
Behind the Plate
Congrats on earning first place! I want to point out a couple of things that I found as I read your article. Make sure when you introduce athletes that you say their entire first name when you introduce them (As well as their position. For example, “said third baseman Dallas Carroll.) Then anytime I refer to him after that, it is just (last name) “Carroll said.” I loved the title “State Championship Started Before High School.” That grabbed my attention, and I knew I wanted to read it. Cool story idea! Once again, nice job and congrats! Keep it up.
2. Darrell Moody, Nevada Appeal
The column you wrote on not running the score up was a strong opinionated column with great stats to back you up. It was cool to read your opinion on that topic. A couple of notes…. In your piece you said something about not knowing exactly what happened in the Hug game. Don’t admit that you don’t know what happened. Find out what happened so you can inform your readers and back yourself up, that is your job. On that Sportsmanship 101 piece, I understood you had a strong feeling on the topic, but always make sure you don’t go off the path. Stay focused on what the main point is you are trying to get across. On your Haniger piece, watch how many quotes you include. There were several quotes I feel you could have better put in your own words.
Your Raiders piece was nice. I thought it was a good read and some cool stories. Nice job!
3. Vern Hee, Pahrump Valley Times
A couple of things I wanted to point out that I found in your articles. There was a spot in your article where you said, “It’s hard to say where I’m going with this.” Don’t admit that to your readers. Figure out where you are going with what you are saying. Don’t say things like “I then asked the coach this ___.” Find a way to incorporate what you asked somebody into your article without saying the question straight up. That takes practice, but it makes articles run so much smoother. Overall, nice job! Keep up the good work.
Best Entertainment Writing
1. Marianne Kobak McKown, Elko Daily Free Press
Good local coverage of arts and music, it shows a real connection with what’s going on in the community.
2. Kirk Robertson, Lahontan Valley News
Soundings by Kirk Robertson
Nice to find a regular spot for arts and culture reporting.
3. Selwyn Harris, Pahrump Valley Times
Comedian Marty Allen returns to Pahrump Nugget on Saturday
Good interviews.
Best Editorial Writing
1. Jeffry Mullins, Elko Daily Free Press
2. Kurt Hildebrand, The Record-Courier
3. Steve Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
My one comment is on the use the phrase “blacks.” “African Americans” seems more appropriate.
Best Editorial Page
1. Lahontan Valley News staff, Lahontan Valley News
The layout was easy to look at, and that drew the reader in. The pieces were nicely written and gave the reader insight to the local thought.
2. Nevada Appeal
Good layout captured readers eyes. The writing was consistent and easily understood. I especially enjoyed the home-town flavor and nostalgia of “Past Pages.” This column kind of gave a new perspective to modern issues.
3. Elko Daily Free Press
Enjoyed the no-nonsense layout and approach to the writing. The writers craftily put the national issues in local frames.
Best Overall Design
1. Jessica Beaudoin, Pahrump Valley Times
Easy to read, and I like the clear hierarchy of stories. Art was used well throughout the paper. Nothing seemed crammed or shoehorned. Ads were attractive, used white space and served the customers well.
2. Nevada Appeal
Creative use of fonts to draw attention. You’re limited with the tab format, but still managed clean and uncluttered pages. I like the lively classified section.
Best Page One Design
1. Laci Thompson, Lahontan Valley News
2. Nevada Appeal
3. Elko Daily Free Press
Best Graphic Designer
1. Melissa Erny, Nevada Appeal
2. Laci Thompson, Lahontan Valley News
3. Jeffry Mullins, Elko Daily Free Press
Best News Photo Coverage
1. Jim Grant, The Record-Courier
15 minutes
The entire story is easily told just by this picture: we see a man in a bad wreck, the officer checking if he’s OK, and the firefighters assisting with the car (also pictured).
2. Jim Grant, The Record-Courier
Wreck
You have the crash, first responders, and helicopter all neatly in the frame. We can tell how stressful the situation was. A slower shutter speed would’ve blurred the helicopter blades for a cooler effect.
3. Brad Coman, The Record-Courier
Firefighters Shine
Fantastic framing and the sunstar makes it look more dramatic.
Best Feature Photo
1. Brad Coman, Nevada Appeal
Fire Training
2. Jim Grant, The Record-Courier
Snow
3. Brad Coman, Nevada Appeal
How’s that beer?
Best Multiple Photo Essay
1. Laci Thompson, Steve Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
Take chances – move forward
2. Jeff Mulvihill, Jr., Brad Coman, Adam Trumble, Taylor Pettaway, Molly Moser, Nevada Appeal
Nevada Day
3. Tony Erquiaga, The Humboldt Sun
Jeppsen claims high jump state title
Best Portrait
1. Jim Grant, Nevada Appeal
Day of Dead
Excellent lighting and framing. The art in the background adds to the photo.
2. Brad Coman, The Record-Courier
Horses And Humans
Adorable candid moment.
3. Brad Coman, Nevada Appeal
Pretty Young 4H Lady and Her Bunny
While I like the DOP and how her eyes look, I would’ve liked to see the bunny also. A tad bit underexposed as well.
Most of these are portraits in the sense that they’re supposed to be staged. Except for the winners, these photos are more newsworthy than portraits.
Best Illustrated Photo
1. Joe Plummer, Tony Erquiaga, The Humboldt Sun
Fall Sports Special Cover Shot
This one has a unique feel. Instead of having everyone pose in front of the camera we see them looking down. Clever way to tie the sport into it., The archers picture doesn’t feel like it fits in with the rest of them. That would’ve made an excellent news photo.
2. Joe Plummer, Tony Erquiaga, The Humboldt Sun
Spring Sports Cover Photo
We see the team at the bottom but are they looking up to the players above? Are they the star players? Little context needed.
3. Joe Plummer, Tony Erquiaga, The Humboldt Sun
Winter Sports Special Cover Photo
Generic sports team photo. Not a fan of the white on top.
Best Sports Photo
1. Brad Coman, Nevada Appeal
Release
2. Brad Coman, The Record-Courier
Finishline Joy
3. Jim Grant, The Record-Courier
Soccer
Best Special Section (Editorial)
1. The Record-Courier
Carson Valley Almanac
When I first looked at the 2017 Carson Valley Almanac, before I opened its highly professional semi-gloss pages, I was wowed by the magnificent photography and design of its cover, which I believe tells a story itself about the Carson Valley.
Once I opened the entry, I was wowed by the high quality of layout, writing and photo composition. Especially when it came to the stories A Day in the Life of Carson Valley and Hitting the High Spots. This publication is truly a credit to the publishers and well-deserving of first place in my opinion.
2. Heather Ruth, Arnold Knightly, Selwyn Harris, Daria Sokolova, Mick Akers, Pahrump Valley Times
Election 2016
Given the historic nature of the 2016 election cycle, no one can underestimate the historicity that a special section devoted to its coverage will have in years to come. That said, this entry from Pahrump Valley Times provided clear and concise copy, clean layout and a section devoted to election day information on the front page. Also, the focus on the District 36 race between James Oscarson and Dennis Hof was especially well written and deservedly placed as the lead story in the section.
3. Tony Erquiaga, Joe Plummer, The Humboldt Sun
Fall Sports 2016
The bright spot in this entry is the editorial content. The sports and editorial staff obviously did their research in coming up with the sports previews and the use of action photography was well thought out.
In terms of layout and design, the section has a flavor all its own and, while not ascribing to the cut-and-dried block look most similar sections use, it truly respresents the athletes it is covering in a modern and flashy way that athletes and their family will love.
Best Print Ad
1. Lizz Todd, Elko Daily Free Press
Gallagher Ford
Innovative, different, much more interesting than a normal car ad you see in a newspaper. I wonder what the response was. I like it.
2. Barbara Bridges, The Record-Courier
Letters to Santa – Carson Valley Medical Center
Great feel good ad. Focus on the kids, focus on the holiday. The background is nice with the hand-drawn pictures over the top. Good ad. Nice PR piece.
I appreciated the first place ad. When judging these competitions, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate from the entries – once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. But that one stuck out.
I also really liked the Record-Courier’s sponsored content. They are moving in a solid direction and if the competition were about innovation and change in advertising, they would have been right up there.
3. Kassidy Arbillaga, Elko Daily Free Press
Coldwell Banker – Roots Run Deep
This is a very nice ad. The message is great, the design is well thought out and easy to read. There are multiple elements that I really like.There’s also absolutely no call to action. In the world we live in, people can search for the firm, sure. But I would at least have something on there. I understand maybe a client’s desire to not do that, but a website at the very least is important.
Best Black & White Ad
1. Heather Ruth, Pahrump Valley Times
Saturday Youth Art Classes
2. Heather Ruth, Pahrump Valley Times
Mt. Falls Football Party
3. Heather Ruth, Pahrump Valley Times
Movies in the Park
Best Advertising Innovation
1. Nancy Streets, Kassidy Arbillaga, Betti Magney, Lizz Todd, Elko Daily Free Press
Creative Shapes
While wrap-around text isn’t exactly an innovation, the design of these really accentuates the shapes and makes them stand out.
2. Tony Dilger, The Record-Courier
Commitment to Community – Carson Valley Accounting
This is an attractive way to emphasize a featured advertiser on the web.
Best Ad Series
1. Barbara Bridges, Pat Bridges, Tara Addeo, The Record-Courier
Commitment to Community
These not only look good, they fulfill a community public service purpose and promote awareness.
2. The Record-Courier
Health and Healing
Really attractive and useful. I bet these get good readership and show how ads can provide valuable content.
Best Special Section or Campaign (Advertising)
1. The Record-Courier
Carson Valley Relocation Guide
2. Rob Fair, Lahontan Valley News
Visitors Guide
3. Brittany Shober, Joe Plummer, Rhonda Coleman, Amy Quiring, The Humboldt Sun
101 Things to do in Northern Nevada
Best-In House Promotion
1. Nevada Appeal staff
Sierra Nevada Media Group
2. Emily Swindle, The Humboldt Sun
Inside Northern Nevada house ad
3. Heather Ruth, Pahrump Valley Times
Holiday & Entertainment Guide
Best Niche Magazine
1. Nevada Appeal
Valley Home
Well laid out. Feels great in hands. The mix of editorial and advertising is nice. The editorial content feels useful.
2. Nevada Appeal
PeakNV
Content is appropriate to audience. Good mix of editorial and advertising, almost overwhelmed by advertising. The layout begins to feel very boring – all page spreads are virtually the same.
3. Nancy Streets, Betti Magney, Lizz Todd, Kassidy Arbillaga, Seana Chapman, Carol Mott, Elko Daily Free Press
Mining Quarterly
Lots of content – both advertising and editorial. There’s not a lot to draw attention to editorial save for the center spread. Seems like layout isn’t very creative. The content is extremely pertinent to the audience.
This competition felt difficult to judge with only single copies of each niche publication. I would have benefited from seeing different editions of each one.
Advertising General Excellence
1. Staff, The Record-Courier
2. Nevada Appeal
3. Nancy Streets, Betti Magney, Lizz Todd, Kassidy Arbillaga, Seana Chapman, Carol Mott, Elko Daily Free Press
Best Web Site
1. Elko Daily Free Press
2. Nevada Appeal
3. The Record-Courier
Best Digital Storytelling
1. Taylor Pettaway, Nevada Appeal
Video: A day in the life of a Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol
Best Platform Writing
1. Molly Moser, Nevada Appeal
Carson City historical markers: an interactive guide
2. RC Staff and contributors, The Record-Courier
The R-C Running Commentary
Best online ad
1. Tony Dilger, The Record-Courier
Commitment to Community – Carson Valley Accounting