From left: Amber Clark, website designer for The Lincoln County News, accepts a plaque for first place in Digital General Excellence from Maine Press Association Executive Director Diane Norton. (Photo courtesy Ben McCanna, Portland Press Herald)
The Lincoln County News collected 35 first-, second-, and third-place honors in the 2018 Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
The honors include first place in the General Excellence – Digital category for the newspaper’s website, lcnme.com. Amber Clark, the website’s designer, accepted the award.
The judges called the site the “clear winner” for its “well-organized information and pleasant design.”
The Lincoln County News launched the new website in July 2016, replacing an out-of-date site difficult for both employees and readers to use.
“We are proud of this recognition from the judges in a category that only grows more competitive as news organizations focus more and more of their efforts online,” LCN Editor J.W. Oliver said. “The site owes its appearance and ease of use to Amber’s creativity and talent as a designer, and we were glad to see her accept this honor.”
The newspaper captured 11 first-place certificates, nine second places, and 15 thirds, earning recognition for everything from its journalism to its design and initiatives to engage young readers.
The newspaper’s owners and staff received the honors during the Maine Press Association’s annual awards ceremony and banquet at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River in Newry on Saturday, Oct. 20.
The contest divides newspapers into three categories: dailies and large and small weeklies by circulation.
Wyatt Post scores a goal for the Medomak Valley Panthers in a 3-0 defeat of the Morse Shipbuilders on Sept. 1, 2017. Paula Roberts’ photo won first place in the Sports Photo category of the Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
The Lincoln County News competes in the category for the state’s large weekly newspapers. Industry professionals from outside Maine judge the entries. The judges of the 2018 contest work in South Dakota.
“This was a banner year for The Lincoln County News in the Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest,” said Maia Zewert, the newspaper’s marketing and engagement coordinator. “It just goes to show the breadth and depth of talent on the LCN team.”
The awards ceremony is the final event of the Maine Press Association’s annual conference, which includes a full day of workshops and talks about industry trends.
Maine Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Leigh Saufley was the keynote speaker.
Established in 1864, the Maine Press Association works to protect the freedom of the press and the public’s right to know, and to promote and foster high ethical standards in journalism.
A complete list of LCN honors with some of the judges’ comments follows:
First Place, Continuing Story: “Kendall Chick investigation,” J.W. Oliver
First Place, Feature Photo: “Black Light,” Jessica Picard
First Place, General Excellence – Digital: lcnme.com, Staff
First Place, Local Ad: “Moxie Days,” Megan Hyson
– “Great use of multicolored fonts and layers.”
First Place, Local Columnist (tie): Sarah Caton, “Paws for Thought”
– “Hilarious tales from an animal-loving pet-sitter. I’m planning to move to Lincoln County for no other reason than to have Sarah Caton watch and write about my cats.”
First Place, News Photo: “Firefighter Float,” Maia Zewert
– “Good angle for the shot and love the emotion on their faces.”
First Place, Religion/Spirituality Story: “Wiscasset couple celebrates 60 years of love,” Charlotte Boynton
– “A very nice article on a couple’s lasting 60-year marriage. The article talked about the role that God played in their marriage.”
First Place, Self-Promotion: “Open House,” Staff
– “This is a great overall campaign and a great idea for any newspaper office to use to engage with their community.”
First Place, Sports Photo: “Soccer Goal,” Paula Roberts
First Place, Sports Profile: “Bristol 12-year-old a tuna fishing legend,” Paula Roberts
– “Heartwarming father-son story of a 12-year-old boy reeling in a 400-pound tuna for the first time. Lots of colorful detail. Great job.”
First Place, Spot News Story: “Fire ravages Midcoast Orthodontics building in downtown Newcastle,” Maia Zewert
Bristol firefighters John Stolecki (left) and Breck Holladay spray the crowd with water during the Olde Bristol Days parade Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. Maia Zewert’s photo won first place in the News Photo category of the Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
Second Place, Best Digital Ad Campaign: “Coastal Car Wash,” Amber Clark
Second Place, Best Young Reader Engagement Idea: “GSB students investigate,” Amber Clark, Christine LaPado-Breglia, Maia Zewert
Second Place, Courts Story: “Police charge Wiscasset woman with murder of 4-year-old girl,” J.W. Oliver
Second Place, Critic’s Award: “Review: Michael Blaze Petan’s art pulls back the curtain on rural Maine,” Christine LaPado-Breglia
Second Place, Feature Photo: “Barbershop Regular,” Jessica Picard
Second Place, Picture Story: “Dance Recital,” Paula Roberts
Second Place, Self-Promotion: “Press Upgrade,” Staff
Second Place, Sponsorship Page: “Adoptable Pets,” Megan Hyson
– “Creative way for local businesses to help their local humane society – benefits everyone involved – well done!”
Second Place, Supplement/Special Section: Holiday Shopping Guide, Megan Hyson and Laurie McBurnie
Third Place, Arts/Lifestyle Feature: “Nobleboro filmmaker’s documentary shines light on mental health issues,” Christine LaPado-Breglia
Third Place, Business/Economics Story: “Newcastle business blends art, science in aquarium design,” Maia Zewert
Agnes Eddyblouin, 5, holds a “nebula in a jar” up to a black light to watch it glow during Skidompha Library’s “A Wrinkle in Time” event March 17. Jessica Picard’s photo won first place in the Feature Photo category of the Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
Third Place, Campaign or Series: “#LCNme365 Sponsors,” Amber Clark
Third Place, Continuing Story: “Lincoln Academy,” Alexander Violo and Maia Zewert
– “Gives readers and community residents good perspective and solid information they need to help make decisions.”
Third Place, Courts Story: “Former Nobleboro man admits to defrauding investors of $1 million-plus,” J.W. Oliver
Third Place, Critic’s Award: “Review: Portland filmmaker’s ‘The Home Road’ celebrates migration, tenacity,” Christine LaPado-Breglia
Third Place, Editorial: “We have it pretty good,” J.W. Oliver
Third Place, Editorial Cartoonist: Glenn Chadbourne
Third Place, Feature Story: “At 18, North Whitefield man survived kamikaze attack near Okinawa,” J.W. Oliver
Third Place, Food Story/Feature: “Osteria Bucci offers Italian soul food in Damariscotta,” Maia Zewert
Third Place, General Excellence – Advertising: Staff
– “Love the extra-wide page! Ads really stand out, even the smallest size – which I’m sure advertisers love. All around well done!”
Third Place, Local Columnist (tie): Christine LaPado-Breglia, “Lincoln County Artsbeat”
– “Outstanding and accessible art analysis. Very well-written pieces.”
Third Place, Scenic Photo: “Medomak River,” Alexander Violo
Third Place, Sports Columnist: “On the Trail in Lincoln County,” Paula Roberts
Third Place, Sports Photo: “Soccer Pass,” Paula Roberts
Third Place, Sports Section: Paula Roberts
