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Arkansas’s open-meetings requirement remains in effect Guest Column:
Improving relations with city hall a twoway street By Jim Pumarlo
Arkansas Press Association
Publisher Weekly Vol. 15 | No. 12 | Thursday, March 19, 2020 | Serving Press and State Since 1873
Newspaper industry responds to coronavirus threat The Arkansas Press Association this week asked Gov. Asa Hutchinson to designate newspapers as essential businesses in the event the state or local governments in Arkansas implement restrictions on commerce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The APA joins other state newspaper associations across the country and the News Media Alliance in urging government officials to permit newspapers and their employees to continue to have restrictionfree ability to report the news and keep the public up to date. Journalists are critical for providing important health information in a time of crisis and for conveying to readers the steps taken by the government to keep the pandemic at bay. The APA requested Hutchinson list news publishers as essential businesses in any order or proclamation that would shut
down other, “nonessential” businesses. In other states where such orders have already been enacted, newspapers have been identified as essential, along with grocery stores, pharmacies and other businesses critical to public welfare.
recognize news publishing and reporting as ‘essential’ to public health and welfare. We also ask that you encourage state and local officials to make the same designation. Distribution of quality news and information is absolutely central to all efforts to get beyond the crisis.” Pence is head of the President’s Task Force on the Coronavirus. APA Executive Director Ashley Wimberley said the association is actively monitoring the government’s response to the crisis and will update members about any orders, postal restrictions or other changes in the days to come.
The News Media Alliance, in a letter to Vice President Mike Pence asked that “in any action by the Administration to limit commercial activity, the government
Meanwhile, both the News Media Alliance (newsmediaalliance.org) and National Newspaper Association (nna.org) have resources available for newspaper publishers on their websites.
Roby Brock of Talk Business & Politics jokingly sprays disinfectant before the start of the 2020 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Awards on Thursday. The ceremony was streamed on the internet after concerns about COVID-19 prompted last week’s luncheon to be postponed. (See full story on page 2)
APA Better Newspaper Advertising Contest winners named A promotional Christmas advertisement in appreciation of readers who benefit and provide the “Gift of Free Press” earned the Best of Show award in the 2020 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. The winning ad was produced by David Hancock of the Northwest ArkansasDemocrat Gazette. Hancock’s award and more than 80 other winners were announced Thursday via livestream on the APA’s Facebook page. The awards presentation, hosted by Roby Brock,
editor-in-chief of Talk Business & Politics, was recorded and can be viewed on Facebook. “This year’s award winners are truly the best of the best of our state, and we applaud them for their excellent approach to connecting advertisers with their audience in 2019. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding after this unprecedented health care crisis prompted us to postpone our awards luncheon last week,” APA Executive Director Ashley Wimberley said.
APA 2020 Sweepstakes award winners Smaller dailies: The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs, first place; Saline Courier, Benton, second place; Banner-News, Magnolia, third place
Spring River Chronicle, Hardy, second place; Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend, third place
Larger dailies: Arkansas DemocratGazette, first place; Texarkana Gazette, second place; Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, third place.
Larger weeklies: Madison County Record, Huntsville, first place; Hot Springs Village Voice, second place; Stone County Leader, Mountain View, third place
Smaller weeklies: AdvanceMonticellonian¸ Monticello, first place;
The contest was judged by members of the Kansas Press Association.
10A v WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019
∂ ∂
At this most joyous time of the year we are thankful for you, our readers, our advertisers & our community partners.
The Gift of s a Free Pres press is, and must
h and of the “The freedom of speec nment. al principle in every gover ever be, a fundament would this right, and how soon Repress the exercise of erous dang and demoralizing corruptions of the most t of our political tmen depar every de character perva of the and h speec of om freed administration. It is by devices is wrong, expose the press that we rectify what our public bring the conduct of of mercenary men, and and iny scrut c publi servants to the test of public opinion.” red November 26, 1835, From a sermon delive Church & Society to the Congregational pastor by David Root,
2020 Best of Show winning ad.
Hot Ideas Contest winners announced at APA Ad Conference
From left to right: Rusty Fraser of the Stone County Leader in Mountain View (3rd place), Kelly Freudensprung of the Saline Courier in Benton (2nd Place), APA Executive Director Ashley Wimberley and Vicki Kelly of the Advance-Monticellonian in Monticello (1st place).
Arkansas Publisher Weekly 2
March 19, 2020
FREEDOM OF
INFORMATION Arkansas’s open-meetings requirement remains in effect Handbook Government entities throughout Arkansas have taken steps to limit public access to buildings and restrict attendance at meetings. As a reminder, Arkansas’s Freedom of Information Act requires all meetings of governing bodies to be open to the public. The FOIA defines a meeting as “all meetings, formal or informal, special or regular,” of the governing bodies of municipalities, schools, counties and state agencies. Courts have determined that a quorum of members is not necessary for a gathering to be considered a meeting if the purpose of the gathering is to discuss public business. Meetings under FOIA may only be closed for the purpose of discussing a specific personnel matter. “There is no exception in FOIA for closing a meeting or restricting access because of a health emergency or quarantine,” said Ashley Wimberley, executive director
Arkansas Freedom of Information Act
of the Arkansas Press Association. “In Open records, open meetings, fact, it’s more important than ever during open government this time of crisis that our government for all Arkansas residents. officials be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.”
Co-Sponsors
Wimberley noted that the Arkansas Office of the Governor of Arkansas Supreme Office Court hasAttorney determined that of the Arkansas General Arkansas are Press Association governing bodies permitted to meet Arkansas Municipal League Arkansas Broadcasters Association by telephone conference call, as long as The Society of Professional Journalists — Arkansas Chapter the call isRelations open toof America the public. In Rehab Public Society — Arkansas Chapter Associated Press Broadcasters Association Hospital Services Corp. v. Delta-Hills Health Systems Agency Inc., the court said “a telephone poll, if conducted with proper notice, and if conducted with telephones
USPS pledges not to revoke periodicals permits for any missed issues due to virus
The U.S. Postal Service has agreed to maintain the periodicals permit status for newspapers even if a publication has to suspend a print issue because of quarantines or other matters related to the novel coronavirus. According to the National Newspaper Association, the USPS will accept a letter to the postmaster of the newspaper’s entry office advising the postal service of the newspaper’s revised publication plans. In other instances, a change in frequency requires a change in the permit.
available to the public and press, could have been an acceptable type of open meeting.” As recently as 2018, the Arkansas Attorney General opined that procedural rules proposed by a local city council were permissible because they would allow the public to hear discussion taking place on a conference call. At that time, the attorney general wrote, “It is permissible for a governing body to have a meeting by telephone conference if there is some means of ensuring that members of the public in attendance can hear the conversation.” Wimberley encouraged APA member newspapers to be vigilant in protecting the public’s right to know during the time when government offices may be closed and access limited. She reminded members that APA attorneys remain available to answer any specific questions.
Buying or Selling? I can help you with a new purchase or the sale of your publication.
LEWIS FLOYD Senior Associate
The letter should be on newspaper letterhead and should state that the newspaper will not be published per its stated frequency. The letter should identify which issues will not be published. Newspaper publishers are required to update the Postal Service as warranted.
(850) 532-9466 lfloyd@mediamergers.com
An important note to APA member newspapers: While the USPS has relaxed its permitting restrictions, the definition of a legal newspaper in Arkansas has not changed. Arkansas Code 16-3-105 defines a legal newspaper as “a publication bearing a fixed title or name, published at a fixed place of business, regularly issued at fixed intervals as frequently as once each week and having a secondclass mailing privilege being not less than four pages of five columns each.” Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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March 19, 2020
Little River Post Webinars to focus on metrics, sales halts printing As Americans shift to working remotely about a “team-based” sales model and and avoiding large meetings, in-person how team models can help with hiring in over virus training and conference opportunities are various markets. The second part, on April limited. However, newspaper industry 8, features lessons on how to build a talent concerns professionals have a couple upcoming acquisition program for the future. The
A newspaper startup in Little River County experienced a setback as a result of the onset of COVID-19.
The publisher of the Little River Post, David Lide, informed readers on the newspaper’s Facebook page that “to safeguard against COVID-19 and the spread of the coronavirus, we have made the difficult decision to postpone printing of Little River Post until further notice.”
The newspaper is the only one in Arkansas that has suspended publication, but many others have restricted public access to their offices or encouraged employees to work from home in efforts to try to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The Arkansas Press Association has also closed its offices to the public and given employees the option to work from home. Though the APA offices are not open to the public, at least one APA employee will remain onsite during normal business hours to answer phones and accept postal and package deliveries. APA employees are also available by email at info@ arkansaspress.org or by calling (501) 3741500.
INDUSTRY QUOTE “In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage, understanding and love.”
opportunities to engage in free workshops via webinar.
America’s Newspapers will provide a free, two-part webinar for its members on March 25 and April 8 on attracting the best talent to advertising departments, while the News Media Alliance will host a webinar
in conjunction with the American Press Institute on March 31 to help newspaper leaders learn and navigate the best ways to measure digital audiences. The America’s Newspaper webinar is free to members of that group, which was a result of the merger of the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association and the Inland Press Association. The online training seminar, “The Sales Team of the Future,” will be presented by Laurie Kahn, president and CEO of Media Staffing Network. She specializes in training businesses how to hire and retain more effectively.
The News Media Alliance’s webinar will be presented by the American Press Institute’s Metrics for News team and will
give publishers and newspaper leaders new ideas about what metrics to focus on and how to gauge success “through a serious of 11 lessons on using metrics on newsroom change.” The webinar’s hosts say participants “will learn how to prioritize which metrics they track and tips for leveraging the data-collection tools they already use.” Presenters are Liz Worthington, director of content strategy for the American Press Institute, and Katie Kutsko, partner development manager of Metrics for News. The moderator is Jennifer Peters, a reporter for News Media Alliance.
The two-part series will teach participants
The Tuesday, March 31, webinar is at 1 p.m. Register at newsmediaalliance.org.
IT’S NATIONAL SUNSHINE WEEK
LET’S GET SOCIAL
—Amit Ray Arkansas Publisher Weekly
Wednesday, March 25, webinar starts at 1 p.m. Register at http://www.newspapers. org/americas-newspapers/webinar-salespart1/
Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
@ArkansasPressAssociation
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@ARPressAssoc
March 19, 2020
Like you, we understand the value of information. In the news business, information is everything. So when it comes to the power company and the electric industry, tap the direct source — Entergy Arkansas. Our media coordinators are on call 24 hours a day for you. Call on us anytime for updates on storm restoration and outages, tips on electric safety and energy conservation or information about products and services for our customers. When you’re covering the power industry, give Entergy Arkansas a call. And put the power of information to work for you. Arkansas Media Line 501-377-4332 ARMedia@entergy.com
A message from Entergy Arkansas, Inc. ©2018 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Guest Column: Improving relations with city hall a two-way street By Jim Pumarlo A fire chief was suspended without pay after taking his nephew, and another firefighter off his shift, for a joy ride on the city’s fire boat. The city agreed to not voluntarily report the disciplinary action to the newspaper.
strengthen media relations: Be prepared to share the bad as well as the good news, the sensitive as well as the feel-good stories. A proactive stance can reap long-term dividends.
Three local firms were vying to become airport manager in what had become a contentious process. A committee, on a 4-3 confidential vote, recommended the existing vendor to the city council, even though the proposal exceeded the low bid by $100,000 over the five-year contract. City officials defended the secret ballot on the basis it was a sensitive issue.
The counsel is equally appropriate for reporters and news sources during Sunshine Week.
The two examples reinforce the message of Sunshine Week, March 1521, an annual nationwide observance underscoring access to public information to promote open, effective and accountable government. “Freedom of information” too often is posed as “us” versus “them.” Editors demand access to nearly everything, and government says hands off to lots of information that we argue is best revealed in the interest of the public. Pursuing stories in the private sector can be even more challenging. Private organizations – for sound reason – are not subject to the same laws as public bodies when it comes to meetings and release of information. At the same time, there are arguments – for example, both in terms of an employer’s and a community’s best interests – that certain information be shared. We resolved to get the complete stories in the two cases referenced during my tenure as editor of the Red Wing Republican Eagle. We were unabashed in our aggressive pursuit of local news. We published full details, then editorialized why readers deserved to know the facts. The reports generated far more coverage than if authorities had simply released the information from the start. My advice is straightforward when coaching individuals and organizations on how to
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
Media and government do not have to be adversaries. Newsrooms should continue to press for the full menu of news. At the same time, editors and reporters should be diligent in developing relationships with newsmakers who can be uncooperative in sharing “all the news.” Here are three tips for reporters and news sources to help break down the barriers. •Introduce yourselves: Reporters will be most successful in securing information – especially if the news is unflattering from the other party’s perspective – if they have established relationships with their sources. Likewise, individuals regularly in the news should get to know the players at the newspaper beyond during only times of confrontation. •Initiate coverage early: Lack of notice is a common reason for editors to turn down requests for news coverage. Newsmakers should familiarize themselves with newspaper operations – their deadlines and resources. At the same time, newsrooms – often fully aware of an event weeks in advance – should not wait to be spoonfed stories. Both sides will benefit from connecting early to explore substantive and fresh coverage. •Do your homework: Nothing’s more frustrating than newsrooms being pitched a story without really understanding its significance. The unfortunate result is that the individual or organization is dissatisfied with the coverage, and the newspaper misfires on an important story. Sources should understand they may have to educate reporters on complex subjects, and reporters should do their research in advance.
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These tips serve the dual purpose of improving relationships with newsmakers and providing solid content for readers. Don’t be misled, however. Despite the best efforts on both sides, relationships with newsmakers won’t always be rosy. Editors still will have legitimate reason to reject some requests, and reporters still will meet resistance in their pursuit of “bad” news. In a nutshell, newsmakers must learn to volunteer the bad news and the good news. And newspapers – even in their roles as government watchdogs – must be as receptive to covering the good news as they are to pushing for the uncomfortable news. Developing relationships is a twoway street. The process is neverending, and it’s best to take baby steps. So here’s a starter. Nothing is more complex, and has a greater impact on taxpayers, than a city budget. The document can take weeks to develop and be the size of a mini book. Yet, most newspapers likely receive the budget a few days in advance of – or even at – the meeting where it is formally presented and adopted. The result? Reporters, under the crunch of deadline, write a story full of numbers with little interpretation. The report does not meet the city staff’s expectations and, worse, means little to readers. Imagine the reaction if an editor today invited the city manager to explore ideas for meaningful coverage of a budget that will be adopted months from now. Both individuals might be surprised at where the conversation leads, and – most important – your readers stand to be the ultimate beneficiary.
Jim Pumarlo is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and former editor of the Red Wing Republican Eagle.
March 19, 2020
2020 Better Newspaper Advertising
Contest Winners Members of the Kansas Press Association selected winners from 7 daily newspapers submitting 350 entries and 16 weekly newspapers submitting 456 entries.
Best Single Ad – 10� & Under Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell, Kim Shaw SW AR Foot & Ankle Center
Second Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Vicki Kelly Music Warehouse
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Hostetler Dianne Roberts Art Studio
Third Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson Harbor Livestock
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Texarkana Funeral Home
Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Souls Harbor Church
Third Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Kennel Club of Texarkana
Third Place The Sheridan Headlight LeAnn Brown B&M Pool
First Place El Dorado News-Times Lori Birchfield Dr. Smart Now Accepting Patients
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Vicki Kelly The Woods of Monticello
First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jennifer Doyle Razor Run
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice J. Kendall Kegley Willis & Son Roofing
Honorable Mention Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Witter Aurora Fire Department
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Best Single Ad – Over 10” & Under Half Page Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs MerryLee Meeker, Pierce Lowery Lara’s Jewelry & Design
First Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson, Karen Sherrell GreeNorthwestay Day of Play Second Place Washington County Enterprise-Leader, Farmington Terri Frye Buddy’s BBQ
Second Place Banner-News, Magnolia Catherine Martin, Tina Sams Gunnels Mill Third Place El Dorado News-Times Lori Birchfield Elder House ADC
Third Place Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Jennifer Doyle 28 Springs
Larger Dailies
Honorable Mention Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Ozarks Classic Craft Mall
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debbie Melvin, Sandra Ward Searchlights Little Rock
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Brian Huntley No. 1 Liquor
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Huntsville HS Class of 2019 Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Ed Gary in Concert
Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jennifer Doyle David Adams Fine Jewelers
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Jordan County Line Liquor Honorable Mention Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Today’s Bank
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Best Single Ad – Half Page & Over Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Hostetler Amberwood Health
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Ivey Weiand Auto Auction
Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs MerryLee Meeker, Terry Hughes Capo’s Tacos
Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Cedar Glade Resort
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Wess Daniels, Hunter Campbell Arkansas Game and Fish
Second Place Hot Springs Village Voice J. Kendall Kegley Keith’s Roofing
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debbie Melvin, Tara Stevens Dean Dental Solutions
Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Shelby Rae Dotson Memorial Golf
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell, Pierce Lowery The Floor Store
First Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell, Carrie Johnson Mark Martin Powersports
First Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Merchant House
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis FNBNA Ribbon Cutting
Honorable Mention The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Jennifer Doyle Magnolia Place
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Best Ad Campaign Smaller Dailies
All Weeklies
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Kelly Freudensprung Montalvo’s Interiors & Apparel
Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Farm Credit Series
Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs MerryLee Meeker, John Carter Garland County Farmers Association
Third Place Hot Springs Village Voice Summer Benedict Southern Floor Co.
Larger Dailies
Honorable Mention Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Stone County Family Medicine
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell, Brooke Wingard First Step School
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Vicki Kelly Monticello Coffee
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Wess Daniels, Hunter Campbell Arkansas Game and Fish Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Staci Miller, Leanne Hunter Arnold Palmer Cup Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jeremy Lewis, Tracey Schlech LeafGuard
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Best Multiple Advertiser Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
First Place El Dorado News-Times Joanna Hill SouthArk Outdoor Expo
First Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson, Maryann Wegenke Breast Cancer Awareness Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson, Maryann Wegenke Trunk-or-Treat
Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Chris Meeks, Classified Sales Staff Happy Mother’s Day
Third Place Dumas Clarion Tracey Finch Flag Day
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Lisa McElrath Adopt a Shelter Pet
Honorable Mention Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Halloween Safety Tips
Larger Dailies
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debbie Melvin, Megan Raney Exquisite Homes of Central Arkansas
Larger Weeklies
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis 2019 Huntsville Eagles Football Season
Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debra Ballard Easter Celebration
Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Leader Staff Back to School Drive
Third Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Texarkana Gazette Dollar Stretcher
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Black Friday Christmas Open House
Honorable Mention Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander, Aaron Lewis Color Me Safe
Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Cross Country State Championship
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Best Use of One Spot Color Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell, Pierce Lowery St. John’s School
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Fuller Spring Outdoors
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Hostetler Northside Power
Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson TriCounty Medical Supply Graduates
Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell, Terry Hughes CJ Horner
Third Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson, Maryann Wegenke Pioneer Therapy
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debra Ballard Mermaid’s Restaurant
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Anstaff Bank
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Michael Hall, Tracey Schlech J. Pruitt’s
Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates H&R Block Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Pro Tire Automotive Repair Service
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Michael Hall, Cassandra Green City of Sherwood
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Best Use of Process Color Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Dollar Jeff Self Pools
Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson TriCounty Medical Supply Fall Savings
Third Place Banner-News, Magnolia Catherine Martin, Tina Sams Dudneywood Retirement Living
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Theresa Perrigen Seark Sod Farm Sale
Larger Dailies
Honorable Mention Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Monticello Ambulance Service
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Chris Meeks, Classified Sales Staff Baby’s First Christmas
First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Frontier Lanes Bowling
First Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Gymbox Fitness
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Rachel Jett Gigi’s Cupcakes
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice J. Kendall Kegley Fabulous Floors
Third Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander H&N Nursery
Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Sleepy Hollow Taxidermy
Honorable Mention Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jeremy Lewis, Michele Roush KRM Vacation and Travel
Third Place The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Rachel Jett Bella Vista Lutheran
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Best Special Section – General Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Art & Sales Staff Fall Home Improvement Guide
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Project Graduation 2019
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Lisa McElrath Easter
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Advance Staff Spring Inside Out
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies First Place
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Art & Sales Staff Back To School Guide
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Advance Staff Holiday Gift Guide
First Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander, Aaron Lewis Veteran’s Day
The Sheridan Headlight Millie McClain, LeAnn Brown Grant County 150th Birthday
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sarah DeClerk, Staff Explore Stone County
Second Place The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Catherine Ross, Creative Staff 2019 Spring Senior Expo
Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Brian Huntley, NorthwestADG Creative Staff 2019 Farm Family Salute
Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Back to School
Honroable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Alex Martin, NorthwestADG Creative Staff NorthwestAJobFinder.com Job Fair
Honorable Mention Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis 2019 Huntsville Seniors
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Best Special Section – Magazine All Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Cody Graves, Staff Where We Live
Second Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Advance Staff Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Courier Staff House to Home
Third Place Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Brian Huntley, Creative Staff 2019 Dogwood Festival
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sarah DeClerk, Staff Real Weddings in Arkansas
First Place Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Creative Staff John Brown University 100 Years
Larger Weeklies
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice Voice Staff HSVLife Fall 2019 Second Place The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Rachel Jett, Creative Staff BV Business Association Directory Third Place The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Terri Frye, Creative Staff 2019 Bella Vista City Guide
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Best Special Section – Sports All Dailies
All Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jennifer Ellis, Staff Football Preview
Second Place The Helena World Andrew Bagley, Michael Jones, Caleb Anderson 2019-20 Basketball Preview
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jennifer Ellis, Staff Diamond Roundup
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Advance Staff Play Ball 2019
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Courier Staff Salt Bowl
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Advance Staff GridIron Report 2019 Honorable Mention Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Terri Frye Siloam Springs Rodeo
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Best Special Section – Cover Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey How to Cook a Turkey
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Graduation 2019
Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs MerryLee Meeker Health & Wellness 2019
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Farm Family
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Leanne Hunter Life on Greers Ferry Lake
Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis 2019 Back to School
Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Brian Huntley 2019 Farm Family Salute
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Leader Staff 2019 Fall Visitors Guide
First Place Saline Courier, Benton Josh Briggs Salt Bowl
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Holiday Gift Guide
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Macie Lummus Explore Stone County
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Madison County Living 2019 Fall Edition
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Best Section Cover – Magazine All Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Terri Frye DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com
Second Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Health & Wellness
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Leanne Hunter Where We Live
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Advance Staff Visitors & Newcomers Guide
First Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey Here Comes the Bride
First Place Westside Eagle Observer, Gravette Rachel Jett 2019 Gravette Day
Larger Weeklies
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice Misty Castile HSVLife Spring 2019 Second Place The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Terri Frye, Brian Huntley 2019 Bella Vista City Guide Third Place Hot Springs Village Voice Misty Castile HSVLife Winter 2019
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Best Use of Original Photo All Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Wess Daniels, Michele Roush Sowell’s Furniture
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Westmoreland Farm Supply
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jeremy Lewis, Michele Roush Farmers Association
Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Fran Cavenaugh
First Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Kelly Freudensprung Everett Buick GMC
First Place Dumas Clarion Tracey Finch Griffin Funeral Home
Larger Weeklies
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Huntsville Hometown Christmas Second Place Hot Springs Village Voice J. Kendall Kegley Barkansas Pet Supply Third Place Hot Springs Village Voice Stephanie Highfill Solutions Home Entertainment
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Best Use of Clip Art Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Lisa McElrath Spring Home
Second Place Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Terri Frye City of Siloam Springs
First Place Banner-News, Magnolia Catherine Martin, Tina Sams Dudneywood Retirement Living
First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Joe DeCicco Leon’s Automotive
Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs MerryLee Meeker, Terry Hughes The Brookfield Senior Living
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Vicki Kelly Pine Bluff Arsenal FCU
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Staci Miller The Muses Broadway Cabaret
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Anstaff Bank
Second Place Texarkana Gazette Aaron Lewis East Funeral Home
Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Jordan County Line Liquor
Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jennifer Doyle Fayetteville Farmers Market
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates For Mother Earth Honorable Mention Hot Springs Village Voice J. Kendall Kegley Keith’s Roofing
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Best Newspaper Promotion Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Kelly Freudensprung 156 Years of Experience
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Honor Your Graduate
Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell Back To School Guide
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Savannah Reynolds Best Beard Contest
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander True Story
Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates It’s Time For Letters to Santa
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Staci Miller #ADGKNOW
Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis First Place Website Editorial Award
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs MerryLee Meeker OVERTIME
First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Everything goes up
First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette David Hancock Gift of Free Press
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice Stephanie Highfill Holiday Favorites Readers Recipes
Honorable Mention Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Merry Christmas
16
Most Original Idea Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Chris Meeks, John Carter Peter’s Flooring
Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell, Carrie Johnson The Buck Stops Here
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Hostetler Downtown Business Association
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Arkansas Ag Crossword
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Leanne Hunter, Staff 2019 Bridal Planner
Second Place Hot Springs Village Voice Stephanie Highfill O’Bryan Family Floors
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sarah DeClerk, Staff Downtown Little Rock
Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Pettigrew Storage
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Chris Meeks, Kim Shaw Gross Funeral Home
First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp The Lost Elf Treasure Hunt
First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Terri Frye, Brian Huntley Silver Dollar City Joy on Town Square
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Elite Lawn Care
17
Best Use of Humor Smaller Dailies
All Weeklies
Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Chris Meeks, John Carter, Harry Porter Arego’s Guns
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Fran Cavenaugh
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey Super Boss
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Savannah Reynolds Arkansas Ag
First Place Banner-News, Magnolia Kaci Rudd, Tina Sams Bubba’s Body Shop
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice Summer Benedict Fusilier Dental Group
Larger Dailies
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debbie Brooks, Peggy Morris Penny Rea Second Place Texarkana Gazette Aaron Lewis Shady Pines RV Center Third Place Texarkana Gazette Aaron Lewis Miller Bowie Supply
18
Best Festival – Special Event Ad Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Banner-News, Magnolia Catherine Martin, Tina Sams Festivals on the Rails
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Fran Cavenaugh- Sharp County Fair
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Courier Staff Saline County Fair & Rodeo
Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Mark Martin Automotive Christmas
Larger Dailies
Honorable Mention Dumas Clarion Clarion Staff Dumas Seed Cleaners Museum
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell, Terry Hughes Hot Springs Jazz Society
First Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson, Karen Sherrell Dogwood Days Festival
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Amanda Loggins, Ric DuVall Southwest Forest Products Expo
Larger Weeklies
First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Madison County Youth Hunt
Second Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander H&N Nursery
Second Place Hot Springs Village Voice Stephanie Highfill Raffaella Rose Thanksgiving Buffet
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Wess Daniels, Sandra Ward 43rd Annual Arkansas RV Show
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Mountains, Music & Motorcycles Festival Honorable Mention The Sheridan Headlight LeAnn Brown TimberFest
19
Best Single Supplement Ad Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Lisa McElrath Carter Farm Wedding Venue
Second Place Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Debra Ballard The Cafe Broadway
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey Ferguson Furniture
Third Place Washington County Enterprise-Leader, Farmington Debra Ballard Mattyson Marie
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Amanda Howell, Pierce Lowery Urban Skullz Salon & Spa
First Place Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Terri Frye Dogwood Quilters
Larger Dailies
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jeremy Lewis, Michele Roush Sink or Swim Pools and Spas
Larger Weeklies
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice Stephanie Highfill Daniell Heat & Air
Second Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Texarkana Funeral Home
Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Annual Turkey Giveaway
Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debra Ballard Rodeo of the Ozarks
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Cedar Creek Furnisings
20
Best Automotive Classified Ad Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Chris Meeks, Brooke Wingard Allen Tillery Auto
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Mary Kemp Wholesale Motors
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Dollar Harmon Auto
Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis, Joe DeCicco McClung Ford
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debbie Melvin, Hunter Campbell Allen Tillery
Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Whitson Morgan Sales Tax Paid
Third Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Robbins Toyota
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Mountain View Chevrolet
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Chris Meeks, Brooke Wingard Riser Ford
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Lucky’s Love
First Place Texarkana Gazette Lisa Alexander Robbins Toyota
First Place Hot Springs Village Voice Stephanie Highfill Riser Ford Best Truck
21
Best Real Estate Classified Ad Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs MerryLee Meeker, Brooke Wingard Crye-Leike Realtors
Second Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall Monticello Realty
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Hostetler Thomas Realty
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Theresa Perrigen Hope & Co Christmas
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
Second Place Texarkana Gazette Aaron Lewis Connie Eldridge, Griffin Realtors
Second Place Hot Springs Village Voice J. Kendall Kegley Susie Burns Remax
Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Wess Daniels, Megan Raney South Central Arkansas Realtors
Third Place The Sheridan Headlight LeAnn Brown Action Realty
First Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey, Linda Hostetler Thomas Realty
First Place South Arkansas Sun, Hampton Larry Killian Realty World Series - Hodnett Realty
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debbie Melvin, Peggy Morris Hot Springs Realty
First Place The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Rhonda Campbell Crye Leike
22
Best Employment Classified Ad All Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Debbie Melvin, Cassandra Green Specialized Services Transportation
Second Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Vicki Kelly City of Monticello
Third Place Saline Courier, Benton Pat Stuckey Cornerstone Montessori
Third Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Vicki Kelly Trinity Stethoscope
First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Michael Hall, Cassandra Green West Tree Service
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Kristie Nall, Vicki Kelly Help Wanted Clerical Position
Larger Weeklies
First Place The Sheridan Headlight LeAnn Brown ATeam Staffing Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Ed Coates Complete Access Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis Butterball, LLC
23
Best of Show Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette David Hancock Gift of Free Press Newspaper Promotion
Sweepstakes Award Smaller Dailies
Smaller Weeklies
(4 Papers, 143 Entries)
(10 Papers, 229 Entries)
First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs
First Place Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
Second Place Saline Courier, Benton
Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy
Third Place Banner-News, Magnolia
Third Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Larger Dailies
Larger Weeklies
(3 Papers, 207 Entries) First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
(6 Papers, 227 Entries) First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville
Second Place Texarkana Gazette
Second Place Hot Springs Village Voice
Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View
806 Total Entries from 23 Newspapers. Judged by the Kansas Press Association. 24