DES MOINES — The Newton Daily News, Jasper County Tribune and Prairie City News were recognized with Iowa Newspaper Association awards Friday.
The awards were announced at the association’s awards banquet during the INA 2016 Convention and Trade Show held Feb. 1-3 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel. Judged by the Colorado Press Association, thousands of entries in dozens of categories were judged by class, based on circulation. Daily Class 1 is for newspapers published daily with 9,999 circulation and less and Weekly Class 1 is for newspapers published weekly with 1,135 circulation and less.
The Newton Daily News won first place for Coverage of Business, first place for Best Special Section Advertising, second place for Best Editorial Page, second place for Coverage of Agriculture and second place for Community Leadership.
Newton Daily News Sports Editor Jocelyn Sheets won a first place award for Best Sports Photo and third place for Best Photo Story. Sports Reporter Troy Hyde won third place for Best Sports Columnist. Mike Mendenhall won a second place award for Best News Story.
The Jasper County Tribune won second place for Best Feature Page, second place for Best Use of Social Media, second place for Best Newspaper Website.
Prairie City News won second place for best sports section, third place for Best Feature Page, and third place Best Newspaper Website.
Mendenhall won a first place award for Best News Story. Hyde won second place for Best Sports Photo.
Mendenhall also received third place for Best Video, second place for best Feature Photo and third place for Best News Photo. Reporter Jamee Pierson won second place for Breaking News Photo in the Prairie City News.
Mendenhall and Alex Olp won first place for Best Breaking News Story.