WHEELING -- The Clarksburg Exponent and Telegram newspapers received 31 awards during the West Virginia Press Association banquet held Saturday night at Oglebay Park.
The newspapers' sister publication, The Bridgeport News, also received high honors, earning 12 awards in its first year of publication.
"We are pleased that our newspapers rank among the best in West Virginia," said Clarksburg Publishing Co. Vice President J. Cecil Jarvis.
The Exponent and Telegram won seven first place awards in Division II, which includes newspapers with a circulation of 15,000-24,999. They also claimed 11 second place awards, 11 third place awards and one honorable mention to finish second in Division II.
The 31 awards are the most ever received by the newspapers.
"We are extremely pleased to receive these honors from our peers," said Managing Editor John G. Miller. "The entire newspaper staff shares in these awards because it takes each and every one of us to make the company successful."
First place awards were presented to: James Fisher and Paul Leakan, governmental affairs reporting; Bob Shaw, news photography; Julie Lawson, best informational graphic; Chris Errington, sports feature writing; Lifestyles staff, best lifestyles pages; and staff awards for best newspaper design and best front page.
Second place honors went to: James Fisher, best news story; Troy Graham, enterprise reporting and business and labor coverage; Joedy McCreary, sports columnist; Bob Shaw, sports photography, feature photography and photo illustration; Julie Lawson, best informational graphic; sports staff for 10K special section; and staff awards for service to the community and millennium coverage.
Third place awards were earned by: Gail Marsh, enterprise reporting; Anthony Hanshew, sports columnist; Steven Wayne Rotsch, photo essay; Jacque Bland, informational graphic; Lifestyles staff, best Lifestyles pages; Julie Cryser, news story; and staff awards for best Sunday issue, best single issue, best front page, best business section and best special section.
The Bridgeport News claimed five firsts, three seconds, two thirds and one honorable mention to finish in Division 5 of the weekly newspaper competition.
Bridgeport News first place honors went to: Jeff Toquinto, sports feature writing; Steven Wayne Rotsch, photography feature; Jeff Toquinto, Bob Shaw and John Miller, sports pages; and staff awards for best front page and best single issue.
Second place honors were: Jeff Toquinto, editorial page; Bob Shaw and Derek Maxey, photo essay; and staff best newspaper design.
Third place honors went to: Jeff Toquinto, single editorial and sports featuring writing.
Honorable mention: Jeff Toquinto, single editorial.
