Local newspapers receive awards

South Dakota Newspaper Association’s contest to identify and spotlight the best work done by newspapers across the state last year took center stage during the association’s annual meeting in May.

Award winners in both advertising and editorial categories were announced during the 136th annual SDNA convention May 3-5 in Sioux Falls. Editor and Publisher of The Lennox Independent and Tea Weekly, Kelli Bultena served as president of SDNA this past year.

“It was an honor to serve as president of the South Dakota Newspaper Association this past year,” Bultena said. “Our state is fortunate to have some strong community newspapers across the state, and to see our two newspapers take home a total of 17 awards is a huge testament to the talented individuals that I’m privileged to work with.”

“We enjoyed a very informative convention this year,” added Independent Publishing L.L.C. partner Debbie Schmidt. “I’m very proud of the job Kelli did representing our state organization as president and our newspapers, The Lennox Independent and Tea Weekly.”

Journalists at newspapers in Maine judged this year’s contest.

SDNA Executive Director David Bordewyk expressed appreciation to the judges from Maine newspapers.

“This was the first time we have exchanged judging with Maine newspapers. We look forward to reciprocating later this year,” Bordewyk said.

“Once again, we heard from judges about the overall quality of work being demonstrated by newspapers in our contest,” Bordewyk said. “Maine judges said the quality of entries made for some very competitive and interesting categories.”

There were 1,407 entries in this year’s contest.

Winning entries for The Lennox Independent and Tea Weekly staff include the following:

Best Editorial Writing, 1st Place to Bultena (The Lennox Independent) for the From the Editor columns.