Arkansas Press Association PUBLISHER
2025 Better Newspaper Advertising Contest Winners
Harrison’s Sheri Keeton takes Best in Show in APA ad contest
APA
When selling a product or service, it’s essential to have a positive attitude when visiting with a potential customer.
Sheri Keeton, advertising director at the Harrison Daily Times, takes that approach into her local marketplace.
“I just love newspapers,” Keeton said. “I think they are very important to any community. I think it’s great how we get news out to our readers and advertising messages to customers.”
With that in mind, it is appropriate that Keeton won the “Best of Show” award at the Arkansas Press Association’s Better Newspaper Advertising Contest last week in Little Rock.
Keeton’s winning entry promoted Pappy’s Burgers, recently selected as Best Burger and Best Food Truck in the Best of the Best special section voting by Daily Times readers.
Keeton studies newspaper advertising from various sources to come up with solid ideas.
“I just like to do whatever looks good, and in this case, it was important for the burger to
Better Newspaper Editorial Contest now open for entries
Editorial work published during the 2024 calendar year is now being accepted for entry in this year’s APA Better Newspaper Editorial Contest.
This annual contest showcases the work of APA members and media member editors, reporters, designers and photographers both in print and online. Contest categories include News Story, Feature Story, Investigative Series Reporting, Beat Reporting, Sports News Story, Sports Feature Story, Sports Column, Editorial, News/Political Column, General Interest Column, Humorous Column, Freelancer Recognition and Headline Writing.
There are also categories for the best layout and design, photography and digital news coverage, including social media and podcasts.
Enter at www.newspapercontest.com/arkansas. Please call APA if you need assistance.
The 2025 Better Newspaper Editorial Awards winners presentation will be made at the conclusion of the 2025 Tri-State Press Convention on June 28 at the Hilton Memphis.
Sheri Keeton, advertising director at the Harrison Daily Times, holds her Best of Show Award presented by APA Executive Director Ashley Kemp Wimberley at the recent APA Advertising Conference in Little Rock last week.
Advance-Monticellonian
, Stone County Leader, Northwest
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
take Sweepstakes Awards
APA hosted its 2025 Advertising Conference last week at its headquarters in Little Rock. At the close of the conference, the winners were announced in the 2025 Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. In this year’s contest, 610 entries were judged from 21 newspapers around the state by the Tennessee Press Association.
The Sweepstakes Awards were presented to newspapers in each division that accumulated the most points, which were given based on the total number of other awards won by the newspaper. For each first place award, the newspaper is given 10 points, second place is worth six points, third place is worth three points and honorable mentions are one point.
Keeton
Continued from page 1
be in the ad and that it look good,” she said with a laugh.
“It is important to build relationships with your customers in the community and for them to trust you,” Keeton said.
“You can still make people believe in the newspaper. Of course, it is important to have a good editorial staff and lots of local content. I believe our newspaper is still important in our community.”
Keeton has worked on the advertising staff at the newspaper for
For the smaller newspapers division, the Advance-Monticellonian took home the first place in the Sweepstakes Awards followed by the Pacesetting Times in Horseshoe Bend at second, Pocahontas Star Herald at third and Washington County Enterprise Leader in Lincoln earning an honorable mention.
In the medium newspapers division, the Stone County Leader in Mountain View won first place, Hot Springs Village Voice took second and the Herald-Leader in Siloam Springs won third place.
The larger newspapers division was won by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, followed by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in second place and LaPrensa Libre AR in third.
She also oversees advertising at the neighboring Newton County Times in Jasper. Part of the Heartland Group, the Harrison and Jasper publications, along with the Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home and the West Plains Quill in Missouri, are owned by Carpenter Media Group, based in Natchez, Mississippi.
Keeton majored in accounting at School of the Ozarks in Hollister, Missouri, and worked as a purchasing agent for the National Park Service at the Buffalo National River for about 15 years. She later owned a pre-school center before accepting the newspaper position.
“I like this a lot better than accounting,” she said. “I really like to get out and meet people and make that connection with businesses rather than sitting at a computer,” she said.
Keeton admits to being something of a newspaper junkie, as she always wants to pick up copies in news racks when she travels.
“There is also a lot of personal satisfaction for me, especially when businesses tell me they are getting really good response and feedback from customers with their advertising,” she said.
Keeton said there is, of course, lots of competition in the market but she works to develop print and digital packages that can work for local businesses.
Special sections and magazine products are important, such as a Relocation Guide the staff is doing in cooperation with the local chamber of commerce. “That hasn’t been done in about 10 years in our market, and it is turning out to be fun,” she said.
Keeton has three children and three grandchildren. Her two grown children live within 30 to 40 minutes, and she has a 12-year-old son at home. She enjoys supporting his sports activities and they attend a lot of Razorback games together. She also enjoys kayaking and hiking and just being outdoors.
Keeton’s award-winning ad for Pappy’s Smash Burgers in the Harrison Daily Times
1. Robin Yarborough of the El Dorado News-Times, Banner News in Magnolia and the Camden News, Ashley Kemp Wimberley, Andrew Bagley of the Helena World and Rhonda Overbey of the Saline-Courier finish panel at the APA Advertising Conference.
2.Sheri Keeton and Brittany Vandegrift of the Harrison Daily Times speak with Summer Benedict of the Hot Springs Village Voice Friday during a break in the ad conference.
3. Brian Huntley from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette displays numerous awards to take back Northwest Arkansas.
1. The view of Dickey-Stephens Park from the skybox rented for the advertising conference on Thursday, April 10.
2. Britt Talent, Ashley Kemp Wimberley and Andrew Bagley take in the Travelers baseball game versus the Tulsa Drillers.
3.Sabrina Blankenship, Ashley Frazier and Eric Rodgers hold up awards for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette at the advertising awards ceremony.
Helena World Co-Owner Chuck Davis and his wife Cindy with Publisher and CoOwner Andrew Bagley proud with the newspaper’s first place win.
Ashley Hogg, publisher of the Advance-Monticellonian, holds first place award.
Louis Mongillo, multimedia sales executive at CherryRoad Media displays awards won by CherryRoad newspapers.
Summer Benedict, multimedia sales executive of the Hot Springs Village Voice with the newspaper’s awards.
1. Brian Huntley and Ashley Hogg hold up the Sweepstakes Awards for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Advance-Monticellonian.
2. Brittany Vandegrift and Sheri Keeton of the Harrison Daily Times display their awards from the ad contest, including Keeton’s Best of Show Award for Pappy’s Smash Burgers.
World Press Freedom
Day set for May 3
World Press Freedom Day, which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluates press freedom around the world and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession, is set to be celebrated on Saturday, May 3.
World Press Freedom Day was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration. UNESCO works with its member states and other partners to organize World Press Freedom Day on May 3 each year, highlighting the critical importance of independent journalism as a key pillar of democracy and human rights.
This year the World Press Freedom Day global commemoration will focus on the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence on journalism and media under the theme: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.
AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation and fact-checking, and allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility and improved data analysis. However, these advancements also bring risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation and surveillance threats to journalists. Additionally, AI’s role in the media business model raises concerns about fair remuneration for journalistic content and media viability.
Learn more about planned World Press Freedom Day events and programs at https://www.unesco.org/en/days/pressfreedom.
Arkansas Press Women to host award ceremony June 21 at Central Baptist College
Arkansas Press Women is set to host a luncheon on Saturday, June 21 to recognize award winners in its 2025 Professional Communications Contest. The luncheon will be held in the Community Room of the Mabee Student Center at Central Baptist College from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With a total of 321 entries, all first, second, third place awards and honorable mentions will be presented at the event. First place
winners are eligible to compete in the national tier of judging by the National Federation of Press Women.
Winners in the national contest will be honored during the 2025 NFPW Conference in Golden, Colorado Sept. 11-13. For more information about the NFPW Conference, visit https://www.nfpw. org/2025-conference-golden-colorado.
$20 attendance for the award presentation is payable at the door in cash, by check or with debit/credit card.
To attend, RSVP to APW Treasurer Richard S. Plotkin by June 6 at 501-920-9429 or rsplotkin@conwaycorp.net.
Advance notice is required while any special dietary needs should be made known to Plotkin.
NMA State of the States brief set for April 24
The News/Media Alliance will hold their regular virtual “State of the States” member briefing next Thursday, April 24 at noon EDT. The meeting is for alliance members only and will cover “top state legislative trends impacting the news, magazine and digital media industry,” according to a release.
Speakers will include News/Media Alliance officials such as Senior Vice President of
Government Affairs Greg Orlando, Senior Vice President of Policy News Neil Quinter, Vice President of Government Affairs Emily Emery and Vice President of Government Affairs Holly Lubart
For more information, visit https:// email.newsmediaalliance.org/ c/12y4lEowEfBOXjoIdmI9z4YAiBAZ4v Member login required.
SAVE THE DATES
Sportswriter Scott McDonald of Harrison dies following illness
Longtime sportswriter John Scott McDonald of Harrison died Tuesday, April 8, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. He was 56.
McDonald was born in Memphis to George
Aubrey McDonald and Shirley Annette Creely McDonald. A 1987 graduate of Valley Springs High School in Boone County, he obtained his journalism degree from Columbia School of Broadcasting. He began writing at an early age and had a passion for sports reporting and journalism from the start of his career.
Starting as a stringer at the Harrison Daily Times in 1990, McDonald covered high school sports in North Central Arkansas, reporting for the The Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home, the Batesville Guard, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas in Springdale and The Courier in Russellville. He rejoined the staff of the Harrison Daily Times as a general assignment reporter in 2023.
McDonald was also the founder of the
Arkansas Sports Media polls for high school football and basketball, which replaced the Associated Press polls in the state when the A.P. ceased their polls several years ago. McDonald was preceded in death by his parents and a half sister, Florence Lawrence. He is survived by his daughter Christina Moore of Mountain View, stepdaughter Marissa Delvalle (Justin) of Mountain Home, siblings Kim (Mike) Eddings of Hasty, Cheryl (Larry) Henson of Mount Judea, Becky (Ernie) Campbell of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Martha Carman and Barry (Teresa) McDonald, both of Memphis and Dair (Harry) Kimball of Jacksonville, Florida, two grandchildren, an aunt and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held this past Monday, with the staff of the Harrison Daily Times named as honorary pallbearers.
APW past president named 2025 Communicator of Achievement
Kristin Netterstrom Higgins, immediate past president of Arkansas Press Women, was named the recipient of the 2025 Communicator of Achievement Award. It’s the organization’s highest honor. According to a release by APW, the award “recognizes members who have distinguished themselves professionally and through service to the community.”
She will be recognized during the Communicator of Achievement reception on September 13 in Golden, Colorado, by the National Federation of Press Women — the national organization that Arkansas Press Women is affiliated with. At the ceremony, she will compete for the national COA award against honorees from around the country.
“Kristin has been an incredible asset to Arkansas Press Women, serving in nearly every leadership capacity possible,” said Angie Faller, APW president. “Her dedication to the organization and to the field of communications is unmatched, and we are honored to recognize her with this award.”
Netterstrom Higgins is a program associate and leader of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Extension Public Policy Center. She oversees the Arkansas Ballot Issue Education Program, assisting voters as they navigate complex election issues through “neutral, accessible resources.” She joined the Public Policy
Center in 2012 after a decade as a journalist covering local government and crime.
She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in agricultural education and extension from the University of Arkansas and is currently seeking a Ph.D. in public policy.
“The Extension Public Policy Center, one of the most lauded and trusted programs in Arkansas,” said Emily Lane Smith, community engagement specialist with the Arkansas Research Center. “It provides fact-based, nonpartisan information about ballot issues and local elections, empowering Arkansans to make informed decisions in the voting booth. In a time when misinformation runs rampant and public trust in media is fragile, Kristin’s ability to distill complex issues into understandable, objective materials has become an invaluable service to our state. Her work is regularly referenced by journalists, civic organizations, county agents, and everyday voters alike.”
Netterstrom Higgins has held several leadership positions in APW and the National Federation of Press Women. She served as APW president for seven years while serving as the organization’s state contest co-director. She’s the NFPW secretary and previously co-chaired the annual national conference put on by the organization.
“Being president of APW has already been such an honor, so I’m floored by this additional recognition from my friends in APW,” Netterstrom Higgins said. “Looking at the long list of incredible women who served before me—Jamie Jones, Charlotte Schexnayder, Dorothy Stuck, Brenda Blagg, Maudine Sanders, and so many others—it’s truly humbling. Then, seeing the much shorter list of COAs— wow. I am deeply honored that APW members see something in me worthy of this recognition. Their continued belief in me propels me forward. It’s both flattering and humbling, and this is a major milestone.”
Kristen Netterstrom Higgins, photo by Ben Krain
Each morning when I start my work day, the first thing I do is check my work email.
And Wednesday (April 9), I got a punch to the gut when doing so.
I, along with a lot of other sports media types in Arkansas, received an email from Rich Sanders through our thread for voting on the Arkansas Sports Media football rankings. It was to tell us all that longtime sportswriter and journalist Scott McDonald had died late Tuesday night. He was 56.
Guest Column: Friend, colleague will be missed tremendously
By Mark Buffalo, Log Cabin Democrat
Scotty Mac, as we all called him, seemed to have worked for or written sports for every publication in Arkansas. I think I first met him about 25 years ago when he was working for the Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home.
Scott had several stints there, working for and with Sonny Elliott and Neal Denton. Scott also had a long stint working with the legendary Paul Glover at the Batesville Daily Guard before Paul retired and Scott took over when the Guard was still locally owned. His last two stops were working for the Russellville Courier and the Harrison Daily Times. During his career, Scott often freelanced for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
If you were Facebook friends with Scott, you definitely knew of his sense of humor. For some of us, behind the scenes, we’d have a text thread between several of us media types. Needless to say, I can’t really divulge any of that.
One of Scott’s favorite words to use was “Choad.” Not exactly what that meant at the time, but its use was definitely one to elicit a laugh anytime I saw it.
After seeing the email about Scott, I teared up. I knew I wanted to make a social media post, which I did. I used a photo of Scott
and Neal that I took at the all-star basketball games in the summer of 2018. That is the picture I’m using with this column. I had brought my daughter Emmy with me to the games and let her shoot some photos. Scott and Neal wanted their picture with her. I “reluctantly” took one. (I knew those guys were harmless). It’s definitely a photo I will always treasure.
Scott always liked hanging out with us media people at the state finals, even if he didn’t have a team there to cover. I believe it was in 2023, I had three state-title basketball games to cover. Scott was there. He and I, along with Rich Sharp, hung out and just shot the bull, so to speak, while watching some basketball. It’s those kinds of moments I will always remember.
I don’t know how long ago that Scott started the Arkansas Sports Media basketball and football polls, but it’s been a while. It was something that we needed to help highlight the great football and basketball teams that we had each season. There were numerous times I would text him, asking who in the world would vote for a particular team that wasn’t very good! It was a fun time for sure.
Scott leaves behind a daughter and lots of family and friends for sure. Please remember him fondly with a laugh. I truly believe that is what he would have wanted.
Mark Buffalo is the sports editor of the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway, the Batesville Guard and the Grand Prairie Herald in Hazen. He has been working as a journalist in Arkansas, primarily as a sportswriter and photographer, for the past 30 years. He is a 1990 graduate of Carlisle High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Longtime sportswriters Scott McDonald, left, and Neal Denton, right, are pictured with Emmy Buffalo, the daughter of Log Cabin Democrat sports editor Mark Buffalo, during the all-star basketball games, held at the Farris Center in Conway in June 2018. McDonald died Tuesday after dealing with various health issues the past few years. Photo provided.
2025 Better Newspaper Advertising Contest Winners
ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
4131 Zion Rd • Van Buren • 479-414-3438
Catholic
CENTRAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
3631 Jenny Lind Rd Fort Smith • 479-646-9431
CHAFFEE CROSSING BAPTIST CHURCH
813 Fort St • Barling • 479-551-3403
www.chaffeecrossingbaptist.com
CORNERSTONE CHURCH
2201 Dallas St • Fort Smith • 479-782-5800
www.cornerstonefsm.church
Best Black and White Ad
ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC CHURCH
1025 Pointer Trl • Van Buren • 479-471-1211
www.stmichaelvanburen.com
Christian
EAST SIDE BAPTIST CHURCH
2710 Massard Rd • Fort Smith • 479-452-1481
www.myeastside.tv
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
1302 Independence St • Fort Smith • 479-646-8626
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BARLING
602 Church St • Barling • 479-452-2566
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FORT SMITH
4813
www.fortsmithfirst.org
FREEDOM TEMPLE APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH
1320 N 32nd St • Fort Smith • 479-782-1611
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH
4001 Brooken Hill Dr • Fort Smith • 479-646-1177 www.gracefs.com
HOME CHURCH
1900 Church St • Barling • 479-452-3337 www.homechurchcc.com
IGLESIA CATEDRAL DE FE
4224 High St • Fort Smith • 479-392-0376
KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
1900 N 62 St • Fort Smith • 479-434-5320 www.life.church/fortsmith
NEW COVENANT INTERNATIONAL 4400 N N St • Fort Smith • 479-782-7567
www.newcovenantfs.org
NEW LIFE CHURCH 9000 Dallas St • Fort Smith • 479-484-4411
www.newlifechurch.tv
THE BRIDGE CHURCH 6115 Hwy 271 • Fort Smith • 479-522-0172
www.thebridgefs.com
VINEYARD FORT SMITH 5211 S 29th St • Fort Smith • 479-646-6229
www.vineyardfortsmith.com
MEDIUM & LARGER NEWSPAPERS
VITAL CHURCH 3515 Gate Nine Rd • Greenwood • 479-996-2496 www.myvital.church
4711 Kelley Hwy • Fort Smith • 479-494-5618
First Place
2520 Alma Hwy • Van Buren • 479-474-1186 www.vbnaz.com
KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES 1641 Hwy 282 • Van Buren • 479-474-5485
PARKVIEW ALLIANCE CHURCH
1400 Grand Ave • Fort Smith • 479-788-6100
www.fsfbc.org
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
904 Pine St Van Buren 479-474-9380
PLEASANT VALLEY CHURCH OF CHRIST
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH RATCLIFF
21 Church St • Ratcliff • 479-631-7276
www.fbcratcliff.org
Monticello 2nd Chance Rummage Sale
FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
3110 Kelley Hwy • Fort Smith • 479-783-8878
Adrien Richard
6020 Kibler Rd • Van Buren • 479-474-5866
www.pleasantvalley.website
RENA CHRISTIAN CHURCH
1402 Rena Rd Van Buren 479-474-7774
www.renachristianchurch.weebly.com
RENA ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST
Second Place
100 Rena Rd • Van Buren • 479-474-6527
www.renaroadchurchofchrist.com
VAN BUREN CHURCH OF CHRIST
Pocahontas Star Herald
711 Access Rd • Van Buren • 479-471-1915 www.vbcoc.org
FOREFRONT CHURCH
10300 Jenny Lind Rd • Fort Smith • 479-646-3452
www.forefront.church
GRAND AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
3900 Grand Ave • Fort Smith • 479-783-5161 www.gabc.church
GREENWOOD FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
19 N Adair St • Greenwood • 479-996-2166 www.greenwoodfbc.com
Pocahontas Express Car Wash
Episcopal
Jenny Tyson
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
918 N 9th St • Van Buren • 479-474-3144
trinityvanburen.weebly.com
Methodist
Third Place
CITY HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1002 Fayetteville Rd • Van Buren • 479-474-1547
www.cityheightsumc.org
HAVEN HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH 7701 Hwy 271 S • Fort Smith • 479-646-7266 www.havenheights.com
HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH
4600 Jenny Lind Rd • Fort Smith • 479-646-3746 www.hbcfortsmith.com
LAO LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH
3201 Walnut St • Fort Smith • 479- 420-9982
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
HERITAGE CHURCH
1604 E Pointer Trl • Van Buren • 479-474-6424
Freeman Construction
www.heritage.church
KIBLER GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH
LIVING FAITH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 12515 Hwy 253 • Fort Smith • 479-648-7300 www.livingfaithmbc.com
MASSARD MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Carrie Johnson, Laura Sherrell
19 E Kibler Hwy • Van Buren • 479-632-4433
www.kiblermethodist.org
Non-Denominational
Honorable Mention
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH
1514 Construction Way • Van Buren • 479-262-2516
www.communitychurch.com
The Helena World
CROSSPOINTE CHURCH
3304 Kibler Rd • Van Buren • 479-474-3588
Ridge City Roasters
JUBILEE CHURCH
7901 Massard Rd • Fort Smith • 479-452-6447
www.massardmbc.weebly.com
NINTH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
1023 N Ninth St • Fort Smith • 479-782-0055
OAK CLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH 3701 Gary St • Fort Smith • 479-646-3891 www.oakcliffbaptist.com
PALESTINE BAPTIST CHURCH 1207 Young Ridge Rd • Greenwood • 479-650-5432
RYE HILL BAPTIST CHURCH 11501 Hwy 71 • Fort Smith • 479-646-1044 www.ryehillbc.org
1901 Liberty Ln • Van Buren • 479-474-8088
www.jubileevb.com
Rick Kennedy
MERGE CHURCH
332 Cloverleaf Plaza • Van Buren • 479-279-0209
www.merge.church
NEW LIFE CHURCH
3624 E Pointer Trail • Van Buren • 479-471-0071
www.newlifevb.org
RIDGELINE CHURCH
330 Rudy Rd • Alma • 479-709-2314
www.ridgelinealma.com
Pentecostal
43 ASSEMBLY OF GOD
3839 Pine Hollow Rd • Van Buren • 479-471-1110
www.43assemblyofgod.com
SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH 1119 Division St • Fort Smith • 479-782-8316
SOUTHPOINTE CHURCH
1101 Cavanaugh Rd • Fort Smith • 479-646-7431 www.southpointechurch.com
SPRADLING BAPTIST CHURCH
3515 N 50th St • Fort Smith • 479-782-4659 www.sbcfortsmith.org
ST JAMES MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 4225 High St • Fort Smith • 479-782-5756 www.stjamesbc.org
TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH
5100 S 31st St • Fort Smith • 479-646-1241 www.templebaptistfs.org
NINTH STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST
First Place
1930 N Ninth St • Fort Smith • 479-783-1261
NORTHSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST
1240 W Center St • Greenwood • 479-996-2626 www.northsidechristians.com
PARK HILL CHURCH OF CHRIST
Pentecostal
CALVARY ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1700 Jackson St • Fort Smith • 479-646-7482 www.calvaryfortsmith.com
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville 810 Billiards
CALVARY TEMPLE 47 Ware Rd • Greenwood • 479-996-4673 www.ctupc.net
Debra Ballard
3536 Grinnell Ave • Fort Smith • 479-782-2415 www.parkhillchurchofchrist.com
RIVER VALLEY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 2401 Savannah St • Fort Smith • 479-646-2671 www.rivervalleynaz.org
Second Place
RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH
7700 Wells Lake Rd • Fort Smith • 479-226-2058 www.rvcc.tv
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
8712 Horan Dr • Fort Smith • 479-926-0403
CHURCH OF GOD SEVENTH DAY 3915 Massard Rd • Fort Smith • 479-462-6444 www.cog7fortsmith.org
CLIFF TERRACE CHURCH 3301 S 66th St • Fort Smith • 479-452-5734 www.cliffterrace.church
EVANGEL TEMPLE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1201 Towson Ave • Fort Smith • 479-782-9121 www.excitinget.com
Stone County Leader, Mountain View Camping For Christ VBS
VALLEY VIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST 724 Church of Christ Ln • Greenwood • 479-996-6040 www.valleyview.churchofchrist.info
Ed Coates
VICTORY CHURCH
FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD 5001 N O St • Fort Smith • 479-782-5513
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD BARLING 108 Church St• Barling • 479-452-8982 www.firstagbarling.org
GENESIS CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 2301 N 34th St • Fort Smith • 479-785-0874
Third Place
3912 Brooken Hill Dr • Fort Smith • 479-646-3102 www.victorychurchfs.org
WEST ARK CHURCH OF CHRIST
900 N Waldron Rd • Fort Smith • 479-452-1240 www.westark.org
Episcopal
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Hot Springs Village Voice Learn to play cribbage
GLAD TIDINGS FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER 1400 N Albert Pike • Fort Smith • 479-783-0471
GREENWOOD FIRST ASSEMBY
Jennifer Allen
2701 Old Greenwood Rd • Fort Smith • 479-783-2101 www.stbartsfs.org
ST JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
215 N Sixth St • Fort Smith • 479-782-9912 www.stjohnfs.org
Honorable Mention
Lutheran
BETHEL LUTERAN CHURCH
5400 Euper Ln • Fort Smith • 479-452-1521 bethelfortsmith.org
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
1115 N D St • Fort Smith • 479-785-2886
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Cremations Only Debra Ballard
18218 Hwy 71 S • Greenwood • 479-996-7747
SAINT LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH
5401 Free Ferry Rd • Fort Smith • 479-452-2385 www.stlukelutheranfs.org
SAINT LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH
5401 Free Ferry Rd • Fort Smith • 479-452-2385 www.stlukelutheranfs.org
Stone County Leader, Mountain View Foothills Baptist Church, “We Will Testify” Ed Coates
Methodist
ASBURY CHURCH
10 West Denver St • Greenwood • 479-996-6397 www.asburychurch.com
BARLING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
308 E Church St • Barling • 479-452-4643
Best Single Ad – Under Half Page
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Westside Eagle Observer, Gravette
Gravette Farmers Market
Debra Ballard
Second Place
The Helena World No Place Like Home Festival
Rick Kennedy
Third Place
Pea Ridge Times
Pea Ridge School District, School’s In
Creative Services Staff
Honorable Mention
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Artisan Grill
Carrie Johnson, Laura Sherrell
Westside Eagle Observer, Gravette
Gentry Tire
Debra Ballard
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs
Country View Animal Care Center, Supporting Youth
In Agri
Creative Services Staff
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Home Plate Café Thank you
Summer Benedict
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Jordan County Line Liquor, We have what you need
Ed Coates
Honorable Mention
Harrison Daily Times
Good Guys Pizza, Merry Christmas
Sheri Keeton
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
HPerry Jewelers, Countdown to Father’s Day
Terri Frye
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Richard Mays Law Firm
Sabrina Blankenship, Delia Thessing
Third Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Cave City School District
Tara Stevens, Wess Daniels
Adleigh Munise, Logan 4-H, Market Goat Aiden Holt, Centerton 4-H, Meat Goat Alyssa Chamberlin, Logan 4-H, Grand Champion Market Goat Annie Janes, Decatur FFA,
Bloomfield 4-H, Dairy Goat
Schortzmann, Bloomfield 4-H, Meat Goat
Maysville 4-H, Meat
Belvia Powers, Bentonville 4-H, Dairy Goats
Holt, Centerton 4-H, Meat Goat Brooks Haley, Town & Country 4-H, Meat Goat
Caleb Perry, Bloomfield 4-H, Reserve Champion Breeding Meat Goat Daycee Petree, Gravette FFA, Meat Goat Declan Powers, Bentonville 4-H, Grand Champion Dairy Goat
Embree Cloud, Maysville 4-H, Reserve Champion Dairy Goat
Emilia Holder, Bentonville 4-H, Grand Champion Dairy Goat
Esther Millsap, Bloomfield 4-H, Grand Champion Dairy Goat
Faelan Powers, Bentonville 4-H, Dairy Goats
Faith Perry, Bloomfield 4-H, Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat
Garrett Haley, Town & Country 4-H, Reserve Champion Market Goat
Isabell Carnahan, Battlefield 4-H, Grand Champion Meat Goat
Josiah Millsap, Bloomfield 4-H, Reserve Champion Dairy Goat Kaci McGarrah, Maysville 4-H, Meat Goat
Logan Carnahan, Maysville 4-H, Meat Goat
Best Single Ad – Half Page & Over
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Pea Ridge Times
Kendal King, Pea Ridge Homecoming 2024
Debra Ballard
Second Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
1st Choice Healthcare
Jenny Tyson
Third Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
St. Bernards Medical, We’re here to help
Jenny Tyson
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Harrison Daily Times
Pappy’s Burgers, Best of Harrison
Sheri Keeton
Second Place
The Courier, Russellville
Tribute to Jimmy Armstrong
Danielle Millsaps
Third Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Legacy Pest
Summer Benedict
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Fayetteville Chamber Award Banquet
Debra Ballard
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
48th Annual Arkansas RV Show
Delia Thessing, Tara Stevens
Third Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Buffalo River Watershed Alliance
Tessa Koteras, Wess Daniels
Bnknq OZfd
Best Ad Campaign
ALL NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
The Muses
Summer Benedict
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Village Home Care
Kendall Kegley
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Deals and Steals Home Furnishings
Ed Coates
Ken Goodman, Emcee.
HSV Area Chamber of Commerce ing guests to the Awards Banquet.
Best Multiple Advertiser
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Westside Eagle Observer, Gravette
Benton County Farm Family of the Year
Terri Frye
Second Place
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
West Washington County Christmas Festivities
Creative Services Staff
Third Place
Pea Ridge Times
4-H Week
Creative Services Staff
Honorable Mention
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
Farmington Homecoming
Creative Services Staff
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
20th Annual Red White & Blue Holiday Extravaganza
Ed Coates
Second Place
Harrison Daily Times
Small Business Saturday
Sheri Keeton, Brittany Vandegrift
Third Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs Homecoming
Creative Services Staff
Honorable Mention
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs
Christmas Parade
Creative Services Staff
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
A Salute to Engineers
Cassandra Green, Jennifer Ellis, Wess Daniels
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Farm Family of the Year County Sponsors 2024
Cassandra Green, Eric Rodgers
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
March Mania
Creative Services Staff
Best Use of Process Color
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Butler Furniture
Carrie Johnson
Second Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
Enon Baptist Church Homecoming
Adrien Richard
Third Place
Pea Ridge Times
Pea Ridge Homecoming
Debra Ballard
Honorable Mention
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
Carters Flowers
Terri Frye
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Smoker’s Den, The Simple Things Are Always Best
Ed Coates
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Village Walk for Cancer Research
Kendall Kegley
Third Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Village Home Care, Grandparent’s Day
Kendall Kegley
Honorable Mention
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
NAFS Co-Op, Happy Mothers Day
Ed Coates
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Spartan Adventure Park
Debra Ballard
Second Place
LaPrensa Libre AR
La Huerta Mexican Food
Debra Ballard
Third Place
LaPrensa Libre AR
Diana Ambia, Keller Williams Market Pro Realty
Debra Ballard
Best Advertising Special Section – General Newsprint
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln Graduation 2024
Creative Services Staff
Second Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Hometown Reflections Staff
Third Place
Pea Ridge Times
Christmas Greetings
Creative Services Staff
Honorable Mention
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Izard County Farm Family
Carrie Johnson, Laura Sherrell, Karen Sherrell
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View 2024 Fall Visitors Guide Staff
Second Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Best of Siloam
Creative Services Staff
Third Place
Harrison Daily Times Best of Harrison Staff
Honorable Mention
The Saline Courier, Benton Bryant Special Edition
Courier Staff
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Farm Family Salute Creative Services Staff
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock 2024 Best of the Best FINAL
Jennifer Ellis, Karen Laskey, Tennyson Douglas, Sabrina Blankenship
Third Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock 2024 Best of the Best TOP 5
Jennifer Ellis, Karen Laskey, Tennyson Douglas, Sabrina Blankenship
Best Advertising Special Section – General Magazine
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln West Washington County Directory Brian Huntley, Debra Ballard
Second Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Visitors’ & Newcomers’ Guide Staff
Third Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Health & Wellness and Financial Fitness Staff
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Dogwood Festival Creative Services Staff
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice Life December 2024 Village Voice Staff
Third Place
The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista Bella Vista City Guide Terri Frye
Honorable Mention
The Saline Courier, Benton The The Saline Courier, Benton Readers’ Choice 2024 Winners Courier Staff
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Sevier County Fair Creative Services Staff
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Downtown Little Rock 2024
Jennifer Ellis, Karen Laskey, Tennyson Douglas, Sabrina Blankenship
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville NWA Food Bank Creative Services Staff
Best Advertising Special Section – Sports
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Play Ball - Spring Sports Staff
Second Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Pirate Field Guide Staff
Third Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello Grid Iron Report Staff
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
The Saline Courier, Benton Salt Bowl Minimag Courier Staff
Second Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs Westside Football Preview Creative Services Staff
Third Place
The Saline Courier, Benton 2024 Under the Lights Courier Staff
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock 2024 All Arkansas Preps
Jennifer Ellis, Karen Laskey, Tennyson Douglas, Amanda Copley, Sabrina Blankenship
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock 2024 Diamond Roundup
Jennifer Ellis, Karen Laskey, Tennyson Douglas, Sabrina Blankenship
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Greenwood 6A Champs Creative Services Staff
BENTONSALT2024BOWLXXVPANTHERS v.BryantHornets
Best Advertising Special Section Cover
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Westside Eagle Observer, Gravette
Gravette Day
Terri Frye
Second Place
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln West WACoDirectory
Brian Huntley, Debra Ballard
Third Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
The Cater Family
Kristie Nall, Jeff McDonald, Joanna Poole
Honorable Mention
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
Tales of Valor
Kristie Nall
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista
Bella Vista City Guide
Terri Frye
Second Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs
Hometown Siloam Springs
Creative Services Staff
Third Place
The Weekly Vista, Bella Vista
Spring Senior Expo
Creative Services Staff
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Basketball Preview
Stephanie Schumer-Vandeven
Second Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Sevier County Fair Creative Services Staff
Third Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock 2024 Explore Arkansas
Jennifer Ellis
Gravette Day
Best Use of Photo
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
The Helena World Conference Tournament
Rick Kennedy
Second Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
McClung Equipment, Congratulations Carrie Johnson, Karen Sherrell
Third Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Greenway, Congratulations Sharp County Farm
Family
Carrie Johnson, Karen Sherrell
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
NAFS Co-Op Happy Father Day
Ed Coates
Second Place
Harrison Daily Times
Harrison Hogs Tunnel
Sheri Keeton, Brittany Vandegrift
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Mountain View Chevrolet, Chevy’s Super Car
Ed Coates, Rusty Fraser
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Terri Frye
Barton hosting 2A-6 Conference Tournament
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Natural State Pain and Wellness
Wess Daniels, Sabrina Blankenship, Tara Stevens
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
North Arkansas Livestock
Debra Ballard
couldn’t be happier about the opportunity to take another step forward next week with the conference tournament on their home court. He said, “Getting a chance to win a championship on your home court is really special and it’s my job to get the team ready
Best Use of Clip Art
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
Baker’s Thank You
Kristie Nall
Second Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Knockout Inc. Exterminators
Carrie Johnson
Third Place
The Helena World
New Haven Car Wash
Rick Kennedy
Honorable Mention
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Sabco Insurance
Carrie Johnson
Pocahontas Star Herald
Want a Wash Car Wash, Now Open
Jenny Tyson
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Shop Early! Shop Local!
Jennifer Allen
Second Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Smith’s Plumbing
Ed Coates
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Gammill Transport, Merry Christmas
Ed Coates
Honorable Mention
Hot Springs Village Voice
Village Walk for Cancer Research
Kendall Kegley
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Richard Mays Law Firm
Sabrina Blankenship, Delia Thessing
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Faulkner-Van Buren Library System
Sabrina Blankenship, Delia Thessing
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Family of Letta Webb, Happy 100th Birthday
Debra Ballard
Best Newspaper Promotion
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
Advance Graduation
Kristie Nall
Second Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Sleigh that gift this year!
Carrie Johnson
Third Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
20 Under fifty
Jenny Tyson
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
The Saline Courier, Benton Comeback Special!
Courier Staff
Second Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs
Local News You Need To Know
David Hancock
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Have a New Addition
Ed Coates
Horoable Mention
The Saline Courier, Benton
Good Neighbors needed
Courier Staff
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Let’s Eat
David Hancock
Second Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Know Your Community
David Hancock
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Kid’s Magazine
David Hancock
Most Original Idea
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Buck Stops Here
Carrie Johnson, Laura Sherrell
Second Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
Chef’s Thank You
Kristie Nall
Third Place
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
Farmington Schools
Terri Frye
Honorable Mention
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Veterans Page
Carrie Johnson, Laura Sherrell
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Flashing Red - Kids Ahead School Bus Safety
Ed Coates, Lori Freeze
Second Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Support Your Local Volunteer Fire Department
Ed Coates, Lori Freeze
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Mountain View Chevrolet, Over the River
Ed Coates
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock 2024 Wedding Planner
Jennifer Ellis, Amanda Copley, Sabrina Blankenship
Second Place
LaPrensa Libre AR Herrera Law
Debra Ballard
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Spartan Adventure Park Creative Services Staff
Love, Tenley
Dear Santa, I want a John Deere Combine.
Love, Hazen
This Christmas,
This
am
Best Use of Humor
Dear Santa, I want a pink vehicle and maybe a ball. I want to tell Santa that I will leave him a bunch of yummy cookies by my Christmas tree.
I have been good. What I would like most this Christmas is some makeup and Elsa high heels. And I promise to leave out milk and cookies for you. Say hi to Rudolph for me! Merry Christmas, Santa!
Love, Alannah
like some sticky earrings. I will have milk and cookies for you and a gift! Merry Christmas Santa!
Love, Alfay
deer? There will be milk and carrots for you guys. Happy New Year!
Love, Hazel
Second Grade
Mrs. Lay
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
Love, Emerson
First Place
Dear Santa, I want race track.
Love, Gunner
Dear Santa,
RURAL SPECIAL
Legend Realty Lincoln Rodeo
This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all year. What I would like most this Christmas is makeup and a doll. And I promise to leave out cookies and milk for you. Say hi to Rudolph for me! Merry Christmas, Santa!
Dear Santa, I have been good this year for my mom but not my sister. Only sometimes am I good for her. I want a PS5, PS4, PS6, and other toys like some dinosaur ones and maybe another Nintendo Switch. Do you really live at the North Pole? I will leave cookies and milk in the kitchen for you. Merry Christmas!
Love, Ross
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
Rhonda Campbell
Love, Blakely
Dear Santa, I am Lydia. I love Christmas. I have been a good girl. How have you and Rudolph been? This is what I would like: a phone and squishmellows. Merry Christmas Santa!
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Love, Lydia
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Place
Mrs. McBroom
Mrs. Blair
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Dear Santa,
This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been very good. What I would like most this Christmas is a puppy and toys. And I promise to leave out cookies for you. Say hi to the elves for me! Merry Christmas, Santa!
Carrie Johnson
Third Place
Dear Santa, My name is Savvy and I am seven years old. Do you want cookies? I want a figure of your hat, an art kit and a toy vet kit with a stuffed animal. Merry Christmas Santa!
Marlsgate Egg-Stravaganza
Tara Stevens, Delia Thessing
Second Place
Love, Savvy
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Neighborhood Fresh Market, Hot Summer Meat Sale
Dear Santa,
Love, Jimmy
Dear Santa, I have been good good this year. I would love to get a dirt bike that comes with a helmet and safety gloves. I may also need the hand, knee, and elbow pads. There’s a Nerf gun that comes with ten bullets that I want. I will leave you some cookies and milk for you. I love you Santa!
Dear Santa, I don’t know if I have been bad or good. I still want to ask for some RD lights from Wal-Mart that cost a lot of dollars and some diamonds and emeralds because they are beautiful. I also would like some Robux cards that are for games. I will not leave pickles because I like to eat them but I will leave you some Chips Ahoy with Oreos and milk and water in case you need it for the road because you are cold. Safe travels, Kamden
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Love, TJ
AJ’s Automotive & Diesel Repair
This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a tablet and a painting set. And I promise to leave out cookies and milk for you. Say hi to Mrs. Claus for me!
Carrie Johnson
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
On Call Tire
Delia Thessing, Tessa Koteras
Third Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Funky Town Mall
First Place
Merry Christmas, Santa!
Love, Brenda
Dear Santa,
This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been so good! What I would like most this Christmas is a Real Life Pet and a big yellow bouncy ball I can bounce on. I promise to leave out a lollipop for you. Say hi to Rudolph for me! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Aloura
Dear Santa, I have been really good this year. I would like to have some farming toys, an Xbox, and a battery for my electric four wheeler. It is broken and needs a new one. Can you tell me how the reindeer are? I will leave carrots for the deer and cookies and milk for you like I do every year. It will be by the tv. Merry Christmas!
Dear Santa, I think that I have been really good because it’s not always that bad. I would like a blue iPhone Pro 13 because I am not old enough for a 16. I would also take a toy car that you can actually move like a Batmobile. If you can also give me $10 that would be cool. Are you still doing good and giving people presents? I will leave you some pictures like I did before with a note. You can take a break Santa and have a Merry Christmas.
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Sabrina Blankship, Delia Thessing
Love, Triton
Duct Doctors, Dont Let This Happen To Santa Again
Ed Coates
Second Place
Harrison Daily Times
Dear Santa,
Love, Mcrae
Worley Tire Breast Cancer Ad
This Christmas, I am 5 years old. I have been good this year. What I would like most this Christmas is a dog and a computer. And I promise to leave out cookies for you. Say hi to Mrs. Claus for me! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Luke
Brittany Vandegrift
Third Place
Dear Santa, I have been very good this year and have been thinking about what I want. I think I would like a cotton candy maker and new case for my phone. Some coloring sheets with new Sharpies, a mirror, and a shirt that says Be Happy and Kind would be nice. How is Mrs. Claus doing? Are the reindeer good like Blitzen? I will leave you milk and cookies. Merry Christmas, Lexi
Dear Santa, I have been kind of good this year. I would like to ask for a drone to fly, a little side by side that is pink, and a little Bluey chair and house for my bedroom. I also need the Bluey car. How are the deer? There will be cookies and milk out for you on the chair by the door for you. The door will be locked so please knock and my dad will let you in.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Myla
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Dear Santa,
Box Drop, Santa Is So Happy
Ed Coates
This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good all year. What I would like most this Christmas is a fart blaster and a 22. And I promise to leave out cookies and milk for you. Say hi to the elves for me! Merry Christmas, Santa!
Love, Lyndon
Dear Santa,
This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good all year. What I would like most this Christmas is a tablet and a fort. And I promise to leave out milk and cookies for you. Say hi to Rudolph for me! Merry Christmas, Santa!
Love, Stone
Dear Santa, I am sure that I have been good this year. I would like to ask for a Play Dough set and some paint. I would like to know how you are. If you like some cookies I will leave them out for you. Have a good year!
Love, Oaklyn
Dear Santa, I have been really good this year. For Christmas I would like a dirt bike, Ipad, and rubiks cube with games on it. I would also like two pairs of Crocs and five pairs of Santa and Reindeer pajamas. I would also like a four wheeler. How are the reindeer doing? I will leave you a Santa face cookies with milk and carrots for the reindeer. Have a happy Christmas Santa!
Love, Henry
Dear Santa, I have been kind of good, a little good anyway. I have been trying to be good. I would like to have an iPhone, Xbox, ipad, and a Lamborghini. A case for my new phone will be nice and a tv. How good do I have to be to get these things? How are the reindeer? I might leave you chocolate brownies. Have a happy New Year and be safe.
Love, Alex
Dear Santa,
Dear Santa, I have been kind of good
Best Special Events & Festivals Ad
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Westside Eagle Observer, Gravette
Christmas Parades Decatur
Debra Ballard
Second Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Dogwood Days Festival
Carrie Johnson
Third Place
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
Christmas Parade
Debra Ballard
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Stone County Agriculture Appreciation Day
Ed Coates
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Mountainside Methodist Church Craft Fair
Summer Benedict
Third Place
Harrison Daily Times
Harrison Happenings
Sheri Keeton
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Ms. Arkansas Senior America
Creative Services Staff
Second Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville FSIFF
Creative Services Staff
Third Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Big Buck Classic
Leah Elliott, Wess Daniels
Best Single Supplement Ad
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
Farmington School District
Terri Frye
Second Place
Westside Eagle Observer, Gravette
Gentry Tire
Debra Ballard
Third Place
Pea Ridge Times
McDonalds
Debra Ballard
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Harrison Daily Times
Little Bears Basketball
Brittany Vandegrift
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
HSV Travel Club - Gift of Travel
Kendall Kegley
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Holiday Mountain Resort
Ed Coates
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Whole Hog
Shelby Riley, Wess Daniels
Second Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville ARMO Railroad
Rhonda Campbell
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
IV Hydration
Debra Ballard
Honorable Mention
LaPrensa Libre AR
La Huerta Mexican Food, Slam Dunk
Debra Ballard
Best Automotive Ad
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
Cavenaugh Chevrolet Service Ad
Jenny Tyson
Second Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
Cavenaugh Dodge Service Ad
Jenny Tyson
Third Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Ivey’s Automotive
Carrie Johnson, Karen Sherrell
MEDIUM & LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Mountain View Chevrolet, Colorado Summer Sale
Ed Coates
Second Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Mountain View Chevrolet, Vacation Time Service
Specials
Ed Coates
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Mountain View Chevrolet, Sweetheart Deals
Ed Coates
Best Real Estate Ad
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
Archer Realty
Jenny Tyson
Second Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
Carter Realty
Jenny Tyson
Third Place
Monroe County Argus
Christopher Homes
Rick Kennedy
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
ReMax, How to Choose a Real Estate Company
Kendall Kegley
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
ReMax, How To Choose A Realtor
Kendall Kegley
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Diamond G Realty, Open House
Ed Coates
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Little Rock Association Realtor, Awards of Distinction
Susan Webb, Wess Daniels
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Keller Williams Realty Little Rock - 2024 awards
Susan Webb, Eric Rodgers
Third Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty, Congratulations
Debra Ballard
Best Employment Ad
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
Glisson Waste Management
Jenny Tyson
Second Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
ESA Staffing, Time for a new job
Kristie Nall
Third Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Early Horizons
Carrie Johnson, Karen Sherrell
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Village Home Care, Now Hiring Caregivers
Kendall Kegley
Second Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Silica Transport, Truck Driving Jobs
Ed Coates
Third Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Superior Senior Care, Care Givers Needed
Ed Coates
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
B. Braun Medical
Debra Ballard
Second Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Express Employment
Debra Ballard
Third Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Middleton Heat & Air
Cassandra Green, Delia Thessing
Best Single Ad - Half Page & Over
Sheri Keeton, Harrison Daily Times
Pappy’s Burgers Thank You
Best of Show Sweepstakes Award
SMALLER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Advance-Monticellonian, Monticello
Second Place
Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend
Third Place
Pocahontas Star Herald
Honorable Mention
Washington County Enterprise Leader, Lincoln
MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Stone County Leader, Mountain View
Second Place
Hot Springs Village Voice
Third Place
Herald-Leader, Siloam Springs
LARGER NEWSPAPERS
First Place
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville
Second Place
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock
Third Place
LaPrensa Libre AR
Members of the Tennessee Press Association judged a total of 610 entries from 21 newspapers.