OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
AWARD WINNERS PRESENTED AT THE OPA CONVENTION • JUNE 12, 2021
Honoring ‘Our Greatest Journalists’ since 1971
Thanks for what you do! The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame greatly appreciates your outstanding journalism and leadership. Please continue to fight for transparency, open records, open meetings and the First Amendment.
The deadline for nominations for the 2022 class will be Oct. 31. To submit a nomination, go to our redesigned website at okjournalismhalloffame.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS MILT PHILLIPS AWARD, Presented to Jeff Funk...................................................................... Page 2 ONF BEACHY MUSSELMAN AWARD, Presented to Mark Codner.......................................... Page 2 HALF CENTURY CLUB Inductees............................................................................................. Page 4 QUARTER CENTURY CLUB Inductees................................................................................. Page 4-5 BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST WINNERS
Sequoyah Award Winners................................................................................ Page 7
Division 1, Dailies, Circulation more than 4,700.............................................. Page 8
Division 2, Dailies, Circulation 3,000 – 4,700................................................ Page 10
Division 3, Dailies, Circulation less than 3,000.............................................. Page 12
Semi- and Tri-Weeklies.................................................................................. Page 16
Division 4, Weeklies, Circulation more than 1,700........................................ Page 18
Division 5, Weeklies, Circulation 1,176 – 1,700............................................ Page 22
Division 6, Weeklies, Circulation 900 – 1,175............................................... Page 24
Division 7, Weeklies, Circulation less than 900............................................. Page 26
College Newspapers...................................................................................... Page 28
ADDITIONAL AWARDS..................................................................................................... Pages 30-31 PERFECTA AWARD WINNERS............................................................................................... Page 32
2020-21 OPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT MIKE STRAIN, TULSA WORLD
MARK MILLSAP, THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT ZONELLE RAINBOLT, WESNER PUBLICATIONS
VICE PRESIDENT JOHN DENNY MONTGOMERY, THE PURCELL REGISTER
SHAUNA BELYEU, THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
TREASURER JEFF MAYO, SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES
SHEILA GAY, WOODWARD NEWS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT MARK THOMAS, OPA
DON MECOY, THE OKLAHOMAN SUZIE CAMPBELL, COUNTYWIDE & SUN
PAST PRESIDENT RAY DYER, EL RENO TRIBUNE
2020 OPA AWARD WINNERS
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OPA MILT PHILLIPS AWARD WINNER
JEFF FUNK Former Publisher, Enid News & Eagle
Jeff Funk, former publisher of the Enid News & Eagle, was named the Oklahoma Press Association’s Milt Phillips Award winner for 2021. Funk joined the News &
Eagle in 2001 as executive editor. He was then promoted to general manager and publisher. Prior to coming to Enid, he served in news management positions at five other daily newspapers: the Hutchinson News and Parsons Sun in Kansas, and in Nebraska at the Grand Island Independent, North Platte Telegraph and Beatrice Daily Sun. During his tenure as publisher at the Enid News & Eagle, the newspaper added several publications and events including Etown,
Enid’s lifestyle magazine; Candy Cane Cash, a popular shop-in-Enid promotion; breaking news text alerts; Ekids; Enid Newcomers Guide; Northwest Oklahoma Medical Directory and other specialty magazines. The newspaper also raised more than $10,000 each year for local charities and promoted the annual Pillar of the Plains recognition of local and regional volunteer leaders. As a senior publisher for Community Newspaper Holdings, Funk had administrative responsibility for up to
11 other Oklahoma publications. In addition to his publisher role, Funk has been active in community activities, serving as a board member or officer of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, Cherokee Strip Community Foundation, Enid United Way, David Allen Memorial Ballpark, Enid Rotary Club, Willow View United Methodist Church and Enid Public School Foundation. Funk served as president of the Oklahoma Press Association in 2014.
ONF BEACHY MUSSELMAN AWARD WINNER
MARK CODNER Publisher, The Newcastle Pacer
Mark Codner is the 2021 recipient of the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation’s Beachy Musselman Award. An award-winning journal-
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ist, known for professionalism, ethics and community building, Codner was recently named publisher of The Newcastle Pacer. His journalism career spans more than 30 years. He and his wife, Sherry, were publishers/owners of The Madill Record and The Texoman from 1994 to 2015. Before that, he worked in various editor positions at the Tulsa World, Yukon Review/ Mustang News, Collinsville News, Skiatook Journal, Coweta American and Purcell Register.
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
He is a 1988 graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in newspaper journalism. In 2016, Codner was named news editor of The Edmond Sun where he served until the newspaper closed in 2020. At the Edmond Sun, he implemented several new projects such as highlighting the Teachers of the Year, and a series of articles reporting the efforts behind raising awareness and money for Alzheimer’s research.
Codner is the recipient of numerous awards and has been a member of multiple community organizations including the Marshall County Economic Development Committee, Madill Lions Club and a board member of the non-profit Four Square Hospice. His passion for the newspaper industry is shown through his commitment to the many journalists he’s trained, and the communities he has been involved in.
Amendment I
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” U.S. Bill of Rights, Ratified Dec. 15th, 1791
The Lawton Constitution is proud to link its name to one of our nation’s most revered documents, the one that safeguards “Freedom of the Press.” Congratulations to all the OPA Better Newspaper Contest award winners and those who, with every edition, strive to make themselves worthy of our constitutional protection.
2020 OPA AWARD WINNERS
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OPA HALF CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEE JOHN M. WYLIE II
John M. Wylie II has picked up hundreds of awards in his 51-year career, including a share of a Pulitzer Prize. His investigative work and commentary have helped ban a pesticide, block development of a phony Biblical theme park, derail a gubernatorial campaign and expose a national political payoff scandal. In 1984, he and his wife, Faith, purchased the Oologah Lake Leader, a weekly newspaper in Oklahoma. Under their leadership, it was named the state’s best newspaper in its circulation division 17 times. After selling the Lake Leader, Wylie founded and became president of Wylie Communications, Inc., which provides crisis communications, public relations and political consulting on media and advertising issues. Wylie started his career as a correspondent in 1972 for the Des Moines Register and United Press International. He joined the Kansas City Star in 1974 as an intern and was named its first fulltime energy and environment writer in 1975. Wylie’s first Pulitzer Prize nomination in 1976 covered a series on pesticide misuse that led to a federal ban on one chemical and new restrictions on aerial pesticide applications in Kansas and Oklahoma. He was part of the Star team whose coverage of the Hyatt Regency skywalk disaster won a Pulitzer Prize in 1982. He was a charter member of the Society of Environmental Journalists, was president of three local chapters and deputy regional director of the Society of Professional Journalists, and is a member the Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Investigative Reporters and Editors and FOI Oklahoma.
OPA QUARTER CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEES RONNIE CLAY
Ronnie Clay began his career with The Journal Record in February 1995 as a legislative service proofreader before accepting a public notices position with the newspaper in June of the same year. He soon made his way to the newsroom, where he has worked for more than 20 years as a copy editor/web editor. His responsibilities include copy editing stories for The Journal Record and its special publications, updating the website and coordinating print layout with page designers.
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OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
OPA QUARTER CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEES ROB COLLINS
Rob Collins began his newspaper career at The Norman Transcript before serving as managing editor at The Edmond Sun and as editor-in-chief of the weekly Oklahoma Gazette. In 2012, he returned to his hometown of Enid to serve as executive editor of the Enid News & Eagle and was appointed editor of The Norman Transcript in 2020. He also served as a regional editor for CNHI. In January 2021, Collins joined the Local Media Association (LMA) as the project lead for the Oklahoma Media Center, a journalism collaborative of 20 state newsrooms.
PATRICK FORD
Patrick Ford, an Okmulgee native, began working for the Okmulgee Daily Times after graduating from Okmulgee High School in 1986. During his career with the newspaper, he has served as composing room supervisor, graphic designer, head photographer, sports editor, news reporter and assistant editor. For the past three years, Ford has served as a news editor of the Okmulgee Times.
KRISTI DAWN HAYES
Kristi Dawn Hayes worked freelance for the Panhandle Times while attending Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell. She moved to Ponca City in 1996 and was hired as the Education Editor at The Ponca City News. In 2008, she was promoted to managing editor and held that position until 2020. She is a graduate of Leadership Ponca City and recently completed a workshop offered through the Poynter Institute.
JESSICA DANKER MITCHELL
Jessica Danker Mitchell has spent her entire career with The Journal Record. She was hired as a staff reporter in 1994. In addition to reporting on the energy and banking industries, Mitchell served five years as wire editor, editing copy and designing pages for the daily newspaper. From 2002 to 2020 she served as special publications editor, overseeing production of more than 20 special publications a year. She also oversees research for The Journal Record’s Book of Lists publication, which is a compilation of businesses in various industries.
SCOTT RAINS
Scott Rains joined the staff of The Lawton Constitution as a staff writer and photographer in April 2005, where he remains today. Prior to that, he was publisher and editor of The Cyril News. Rains also worked as a pressman at the Edmond Evening Sun for three years. At the Lawton Constitution, Rains covers all of the southwest portion of Oklahoma but his primary duties are in the “cop shop” and courts. In recent months, he and another Constitution staff member have joined forces to produce the Redder Dirt: An OK Crime Cast true crime podcast.
2020 OPA AWARD WINNERS
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CHEERS to all the 2020 AWARD WINNERS.
We’re excited to be together this year to toast your achievements. The Oklahoma Press Association is proud to honor these award winners for their excellence and commitment to their communities.
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OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
SEQUOYAH AWARD WINNERS DIVISION 1
DIVISION 2
Dailies, Circulation more than 4,700
DIVISION 3
Dailies, Circulation 3,000 - 4,700
SEMI- & TRIWEEKLIES
Dailies, Circulation less than 3,000
DIVISION 4
Weeklies, Circulation more than 1,700
A 1Main
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
Young discusses Cowgirl tennis season, NCAA cancellations B1
Book
now:
Stillwater
By Janelle Stecklein
CLOSINGS How to Help: Our Daily Bread is asking for cereal items and any non-perishable breakfast items to pack into boxes. Can be dropped off Saturday, as well as 8 a.m. to noon, Monday-Thursday. Schools All Oklahoma public schools will be closed until April 6. OSU is going online for rest of semester MTC closed until April 6 NOC closed until March 30 Events: • All classes, meetings and events at the Stillwater Public Library are canceled • All meetings and events at the Stillwater Community Center are canceled • April 4: Blazathon, canceled • YMCA is closed in Stillwater • Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games, canceled • All OSU related events have been canceled or postponed. • All meetings at the Stillwater Community Center have been canceled or postponed
In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Kevin Stitt created a “Safer at Home” order for “vulnerable populations” until April 30, and ordered the closure of “non-essential businesses” in the 19 counties with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 for 21 days. The order to stay home is for all Oklahomans who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19
such as older people, people with underlying conditions or those immunocompromised. They would still be allowed to go to places like grocery stores and pharmacies. The business closures would include Payne County and surrounding Logan, Noble and Pawnee counties. Stitt said the difference between essential and non-essential businesses is based on federal guidelines, but highlighted closure
See Expanded, Page A2
ate Stillw
By Michelle Charles The economic impact of business shutdowns due to COVID-19 is going to take a toll on the City of Stillwater’s finances, City Manager Norman McNickle told the City Council on Monday night. When the meeting was originally scheduled, it was a study session where he and Finance
See Flux, Page A5
John.D..Montgomery.•.The.Purcell.Register
Heavy smoke damage
Purcell Firefighters found.heavy.smoke.billowing.out.of.the.attic.of. this.two.story.house.on.the.west.edge.of.Purcell.Tuesday.morning.
out. A window was broken and he was taken into custody and then to the hospital after sufAfter an hours-long standoff, fering an injury that occurred police apprehended a Stillwater during his apprehension. There man who was accused of mak- were two firearms recovered by ing threats and brandishing a police. rifle Tuesday night. Police received a call earlier Joseph James Pradia, 32, in the day about an intoxicated was taken into custody near man making threats in a parkthe 200 block of north Duck ing lot. SPD and OSU police Street after negotiations with both told residents to avoid the police over the phone made no area when the situation began. progress. Police also fired tear In addition to SPD, OSU police, gas into the apartment, but Emergency Management, the ASHLYND HUFFMAN/STILLWATER NEWS PRESS Pradia did not comply with negotiations team and tactical Police wait with their weapons drawn Tuesday during a situation involving porequests to by officers to come unit responded. tentially dangerous threats made by a man who allegedly brandished a rifle.
By Ashlynd Huffman
Jack Angel, notable 1945 graduate of Purcell High School, died Saturday in Thailand. There were no details about services but information obtained by The Purcell
Editor’s note: This is part one of a multi-part series detailing the stories of how each of the state’s 39 tribes wound up in Oklahoma.
Please see Angel, back page
By Addison Kliewer, Miranda Mahmud, Sarah Beth Guevara Gaylord News
Elijah Kaiser, 1, from Tulsa, and his grandpa, Barry Baker, 62 from Stillwater, are smiling because they were enjoying the sunshine and looking at the calves.
Fall back
Time change at 2 a.m. Sunday
MORE ONLINE
Hi: 81 Low: 59 Sun mixing with high clouds. – More on B6
THE FRONTIER – Despite efforts to boost testing, Oklahoma still dependent on scarce supplies from outside sources NORMAN – OU suspending ‘non-essential’ research activity as COVID-19 precaution EDMOND – Eviction notices, layoffs increasing
DIVISION 5
Volu me 100 | N u mb er 48 1 S EC T I ON , 20 PAG ES
75¢
ponents, including some law enforcement groups, anti-domestic violence advocates, and the state district attorneys association, say the measure is a misguided attempt to give repeat offenders multiple chances. In reality, they say, the measure is a get-out-of-jail card for career criminals who could return to their communities and commit more crimes. They say non-violent offenses could include domestic vioInside lence in the presence of a child, animal cruelty, home burglary, arson, DUI or soliciting sex from a minor using technology.
Inside
State Questions
would be used to get federal matching funds. Gov. Kevin Stitt, who opposed the Medicaid expansion, supports State Question 814 as a way to pay the state’s portion of Medicaid costs. A Constitutional amendment is required to change the settlement proceeds formula as voters earmarked the funds in 2000 by approving SQ 692 by nearly 69 percent. Some health groups, such as the American Cancer Society’s CanFind cer Action Network, oppose SQ 814 on the grounds that it diverts funding from programs that improve the health of all Oklahomans.
State Bound
Please see Walters, back page it...
Opinion.................4A
For more information about State Questions, see the Cross country’s Oklahoma State Election Board website at Society..................6A State Meet is www.ok.gov/elections/Election_Info/State_Question_info.html
An analysis of SQ 805 and SQ 814.
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
thisorweekend. the Oklahoma Secretary of State website at www.sos.ok.gov/gov/state_questions.aspx
Sports...................1B Obituaries...........10A
Pg..8A
Pg..1B
Classifieds............9B
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT PAID ADVERTISING.
Weeklies, Circulation 900 - 1,175
DIVISION 7
COLLEGE NEWSPAPERS
Weeklies, Circulation less than 900 75¢
Wednesday
CLEVEL
STATE QUESTION NO. 814 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 375
This measure seeks to amend Article 10, Section 40 of the Oklahoma Constitution (Section 40), which directs proceeds from the State’s settlements with or judgments against tobacco companies. Currently, Section 40 directs 75% of proceeds to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund (TSET Fund), where earnings may only be used for tobacco prevention programs, cancer research, and other such programs to maintain or improve the health of Oklahomans. Meanwhile, the remaining 25% of proceeds are directed to a separate fund for the Legislature (Legislative Fund). The Legislature can also direct some of that 25% to the Attorney General.
ATTENTION EDITORS: Use this analysis to provide your readers with a summary of the state questions appearing on the November 3 ballot. Use it as often as you wish.
DIVISION 6
Weeklies, Circulation 1,176 - 1,700
STATE QUESTION NO. 805 INITIATIVE PETITION NO. 421
This measure seeks to add a new Article II-A to the Oklahoma Constitution. This new Article excepts and does not apply to persons who have ever been convicted of a violent felony. It would prohibit the use of a former felony conviction to increase the statutorily allowable base range of punishment for a person subsequently convicted of a felony. Individuals who are currently incarcerated for felony sentences that were enhanced based on one or more former felony convictions, and whose sentences are greater than the maximum sentence that may currently be imposed for such felonies, may seek sentence modification in court. The new Article sets forth a detailed process for such sentence modification, including but not limited to requirements for a hearing, appointment of counsel for indigent petitioners, and
Interest running high in 2020 races
This measure amends Section 40 to reduce the percentage of proceeds that go notification of victims, and requires that the court impose a modified sentence nothe on election day Tuesday. secretary, compared cycle, hasthemailed into the TSET Fund fromthe 75% tooffice 25%. As a result, remaining 75% will go to greater than the current maximum sentence which may be imposed on a person the Legislative Fund and the Legislature may continue to direct a portion to the convicted of the same felonyinterest with no former felonyspike convictions, and results But so far more than 1,200 inwhichvoting out The 2,761 ballots –theausewhopAttorney General. measure would also restrict of the Legislative Fund. Ray Walters in no greater time served in prison than under the original sentence. It establish40 currently states only that the Legislative Fund is subject to legislative es an appeal procedure, provides effective date, and contains a severability McClain County voters have by anmail this year to theSection ping 119 percent more thanFund must be appropriation. If this measure passes, money from the Legislative clause. federal matching funds for Oklahoma’s Medicaid Program. JeanneGrimes returned marked mail-in numbers recorded in theused to getfour years ago. SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES FOR THE the PROPOSAL - YES ballots sent The Purcell Register absentee ballots to the elec2016 -Presidential election. Of 1,261 AGAINST THE PROPOSAL NO AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO tion board. Haley’s office out four years ago, voters SUMMARY: State Question 805 will be on the mailed Nov. 3 SUMMARY: State Question 814, referred to voters by When Ray Walters turned ballot after nearly 250,000 Oklahoma votersto signed an ini- in Karen Haley, McClain 1,261 ballots voters returned 1,048 the statemarked legislature, and changes the amount of money directed tiative petition. It was billed as a “smart on crime” measure to the state’s Tobacco Settlementof Endowment County Election Board This or 83.1 percent them. Trust (TSET 50, he made himself a promthat could result in up to $186 2016. million prison cost election savings. Fund) from 75 percent of the annual payments to 25 percent. ise – exercise more so when The measure prohibits Oklahoma judges from using previAs of 3 p.m. Monday, the payment Currently TSET receives 75 percent of the annual ous nonviolent felony convictions as a reason to increase and the remaining 25 percent is directed to the legislature he reached 60, he would be prison sentences for defendants convicted of new nonviolent and the Attorney General. Oklahoma voters created TSET physically fit. crimes. Current inmates who received enhanced sentences to manage smoking cessation, cancer research, obesity and for nonviolent felony convictions could ask the court for Now 62, it appears he may other healthy living programs from the 1998 master settlesentence reductions. If approved, new guidelines require the Please Voting, ment agreement between tobaccosee companies and 46 states. have exceeded his expectacourt to impose a sentence no greater than the current maxOnly earnings on the state’s accumulated $1.3 billion fund back page imum sentence given for a person with no former nonviolent are used each year. That amounts to between $70 million tions although the most he felony convictions for the same crime. The Constitutional and $75 million payments to divide between TSET and the will modestly claim is he’s in Amendment establishes a hearing process, appointment of legislature. A yes vote on Nov. 3 would let lawmakers redicounsel for indigents, notification of victims and an appeals rect TSET funds to pay for the current Medicaid program “fair” shape. procedure. Proponents say Oklahoma inmates convicted of and the expanded program Oklahoma voters approved when An avid cyclist, he’s pedaled property and drug crimes currently spend more than 70 perthey narrowly passed State Question 802 in June. If passed cent more time behind bars than the national average. OpNov. 3, the money from the Legislative portion of TSET his way across Oklahoma seven
4 COL (10P), 6.92” X 10.7”
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Vol. 113, No. 73
Ray Walters exceeds fitness expectations
Early Voting JeanneGrimes The Purcell Register In-person absentee voting in next week’s general election begins at 8 a.m. today (Thursday) at the McClain County Election Board office in the courthouse. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Precinct polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It’s that time of year. Again. Our clocks, if not our bodies, will return to standard time officially at 2 a.m. Sunday. In saying goodbye to daylight savings know that it is just a temporary parting and daylight savings will return at 2 a.m. March 14, 2021.
See Trails, Page A6
John.D..Montgomery.•.The.Purcell.Register
STATE QUESTION ANALYSIS
Jack Angel
the tribes with a removal the Native lands better than story. There are 39 tribes in the original inhabitants. This Oklahoma, five native to the “Indian problem” motivated state, that have stories to be settlers to strip Native people told – each with its own Trail of of their land and resources, conTears. stantly pushing tribal members Long before the removal pefarther west. riod, the federal government That pressure often resulted believed white people could use
WEATHER
Trees and other.foliage.in.Central.Oklahoma.sustained.extensive.damage.from. the.freezing.rain.that.fell.here.Tuesday.in.conjunction.with.the.second.wave.of.the. winter.storm.
Two state questions will appear on the November 3 general election ballot. State Question 805 was placed on the ballot by gathering signatures from citizens; State Question 814 was referred to a vote of the people by the Oklahoma Legislature. Each question is reprinted here as it will appear on the ballot followed by a brief summary.
MIRANDA MAHMUD/GAYLORD NEWS
Kevin Gover, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, stands in the museum and addresses the treatment of Native Americans throughout history on Sept. 25.
SMILE OF THE DAY
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Massive destruction
Please.see.Power,.back.page
Marathon effort
John D. Montgomery The Purcell Register
Trails to Indian country define Oklahoma
Removal of the Choctaw Nation commenced even earlier, in 1830. Like the Cherokees, they left behind their homes and a way of life developed over millennia to start over in an alien environment on the prairie. But the Cherokee and Choctaw nations are only two of
Power.was.knocked.out.in. many.parts.of.Purcell.including.the.downtown.area.and. numerous.housing.additions. Tuesday.about.9:40.a.m. Power. was. out. at. Lexington. until. at. least. 7. p.m.. when. crews. were. going. to. start.turning.on.customers,. city. manager. Deana. Allen. reported. Power. was. restored. at. 11:30.a.m..thanks.to.diligent. and.heroic.work.by.the.City. of.Purcell.electric.crews. The.lights.went.out.again. about. 30. minutes. later. totaling. 1. 1/2. hours. for. the. morning. The. outage,. coupled. with.the.inclement.weather,. brought.area.businesses.to. a.near.halt.in.many.areas. There. were. also. reports. of. spotty. outages. in. both. Wayne.and.Washington. Power.was.knocked.out.in.
Jack Angel dies in Thailand
ahuffman@stwnewspress.com
WASHINGTON – The Trail of Tears, the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma, was one of the most inhumane policy implementations in American history – but it was not an isolated incident. Nearly 16,000 members of the Cherokee Nation were forced under armed guard in 1831 to leave their native homeland in the southeastern United States to trek more than a thousand miles to what would eventually become the state of Oklahoma. Almost 4,000 Cherokees died along the way, never making it to the land designated by the U.S. government as Indian Territory.
75¢
John D. Montgomery The Purcell Register
Prepared budget a ‘springboard’ subject to COVID-19 impacts mcharles@stwnewspress.com
SCREEN GRAB
2019
Vol. 133 No. 50 • 3 sections • 38 pages
Freezing rain weighs down trees that affect power lines
stwnewspress.com
Gov. Kevin Stitt gave an update to state orders regarding COVID-19 on Tuesday.
purcellregister.com
Power out inandLexington Purcell
t secu ing \ Shor OK.comrt lwater po FlyStil r Regional Air
Standoff ends in Stillwater man’s arrest
Let us know what you would like to know about and have us cover concerning the novel coronavirus. Contact us on social media like Twitter and Facebook or email editor@stwnewspress.com
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COVID-19 Test Results Positive (In-state) 106 Positive (out-of-state) 2 Negative 735 Hospitalizations 25 Deaths 3 Area County Cases Cleveland 22 Logan 1 Oklahoma 41 Pawnee 4 Payne 3 Tulsa 12 Cases by Age Group 0-4 2 18-35 26 36-49 23 50-64 26 65-plus 29 Cases by Gender Male 56 Female 50 As of 7 a.m. Tuesday.
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Muldrow Man runs roadblock while trying to elude officers AMIE REMER Editor
A Muldrow man who reportedly ran numerous stop signs at speeds of up to 98 mph while allegedly trying to elude a Muldrow Police Officer has now been charged in Sequoyah County District Court. John L. Hamilton, 23,
was formally charged on Sept. 1 with felony counts of endangering others while eluding/attempting to elude police officers, running a roadblock and two counts of possession of controlled dangerous substance, and a criminal misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He
received a $6,500 bond and is now scheduled for an Oct. 7 felony disposition docket. Muldrow Police Officer Riley Brooks reported on Aug. 21 at around 11 p.m. that he was patrolling Main Street when he saw a Honda car traveling south with its bright see ELudE, page 3
Roland Police Seize nearly $150,000 in I-40 traffic stop AMIE REMER Editor
Photo courtEsy of Eric hELMs, district 27 dtf
Authorities with the District 27 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, and Muldrow Police
Department seized a total of 76 marijuana plants in various stages of growth from a Muldrow residence following a 5-month long investigation.
Cravens Now Charged in Illegal Grow Operation
Two officers with the Roland Police Department reportedly seized nearly $150,000 in U.S. currency following a traffic stop on U.S. Interstate-40 earlier this month. Two Little Rock, Ark. men, Anthony A. Bu-
rel, 43, and Tetus Jenkins, 42, are now facing felony charges of acquire proceeds from drug activity and possession of controlled dangerous substance, and a misdemeanor charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in Sequoyah County District Court.
Burel received an $11,000 bond and after failing to appear at his arraignment, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on Sept. 3. Jenkins received a $6,000 bond and is now scheduled for an Oct. 7 felony disposition docket. Roland Police Officer see PoLicE, page 3
After Agents seize 76 marijuana plants
Stand!
Force, Oklahoma Bureau was formally charged of Narcotics and Dan- on Aug. 28 with felony The name of a Muld- gerous Drugs, and the counts of cultivation of substance, row woman who was ar- Muldrow Police Depart- controlled rested for an illegal grow ment has been released maintaining place for conoperation following a in an affidavit after be- keeping/selling five-month investiga- ing charged in Sequoyah trolled substance and acquire proceeds from drug tion by District 27 Drug County District Court. Morgan Cravens, 31, and Violent Crime Task
AMIE REMER Editor
lf cannot stand.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
COOLING OFF AT FEYODI
100 A
eats.com
see GroW, page 8
Using her Wonder Woman powers, this young swimmer enjoyed splashing in the lake waters Saturday at Feyodi Park, just south of Cleveland. NATASJA KEMP PHOTO
CENTURY OF
Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen open to local students Jackie Plank, Sr. Vice This year’s theme is “Is President for VFW Auxil- This The Country The The Muldrow Vet- iary Post 8384 said Voice Founders Envisioned?” erans’ of Foreign Wars of Democracy is open Plank said there are and Auxiliary Post 8384 to students from grades cash prizes for first is offering two scholar- ninth through 12th and through third place winship contests and awards, is a speech recorded on ners locally, at district Voice of Democracy and a CD or audio flash drive and state level. Patriot’s Pen. 3 to 5 minutes in length. see VoicE, page 8
AMIE REMER Editor
HEADLINES
Can Trust
Accident leads to discovery of Stolen Vehicle AMIE REMER Editor
A vehicle involved in a traffic accident earlier this month in Muldrow has led to the discovery of a stolen vehicle from Arkansas. Brittany Guillory, 21, of Fort Smith was formally charged in Sequoyah
POINTS: Points in the first eight categories are awarded as follows. No points are awarded in categories 9 through 20.
EVENTS 1-3 1st Place 110 Points 2nd Place 80 Points 3rd Place 60 Points
County District Court on Sept. 1 with a felony count of possession of stolen vehicle and a misdemeanor count of driving under suspension. As of press time, she was scheduled to appear for a Sept. 16 felony disposition docket.
Muldrow Police Officer Mark Harkins reported on Aug. 29 he was dispatched to the intersection of Shawntel Smith and Redland Road to a traffic accident. After arriving on the accident scene the officer reported seeing a black Chevy Ta-
EVENTS 4-8 1st Place 100 Points 2nd Place 70 Points 3rd Place 50 Points
see VEhicLE, page 8
Photo courtEsy of roLANd PoLicE dEPArtMENt
Roland Police Officer Duwaine Chase, left, is shown with the department’s K-9 Joy and Roland Police Officer Steven Edwards after they seized a
total of $149,416 during a traffic stop earlier this month.
Each division’s Sweepstakes winner, which is determined by the amount of points accumulated in the first eight categories, receives the Sequoyah Award – the highest honor in the contest.
2020 OPA AWARD WINNERS
7
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST DIVISION 1 RESULTS, DAILIES, CIRC. MORE THAN 4,700 NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
The Norman Transcript
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
The Lawton Constitution
The Lawton Constitution
The Lawton Constitution
Enid News & Eagle
SECOND PLACE
Community Coloring Challenge
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
SECOND PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
SECOND PLACE
The Norman Transcript
Homelessness series THIRD PLACE
The Norman Transcript
Changes to city mask mandate after student house party coverage
PHOTOGRAPHY
LAYOUT & DESIGN
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Scott Rains The Lawton Constitution
The Lawton Constitution The Norman Transcript THIRD PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
FIRST PLACE
Sisters tell story
The Lawton Constitution
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Gary Reddin The Lawton Constitution
The Norman Transcript THIRD PLACE
No means no
Enid News & Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Alexander Ewald Enid News & Eagle
SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
Mask mandate passes
FEATURE STORY
SECOND PLACE
The Norman Transcript THIRD PLACE
ADVERTISING
The Lawton Constitution
FIRST PLACE
The Lawton Constitution SECOND PLACE
Enid News & Eagle THIRD PLACE
FIRST PLACE
The Norman Transcript
SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE
The Norman Transcript The Pet Issue
SECOND PLACE
The Lawton Constitution Shop Local. Shop Strong. THIRD PLACE
Enid News & Eagle Candy Cane Cash
8
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
Scott Rains The Lawton Constitution
Firefighter takes upper hand in fight for his life due to COVID-19 SECOND PLACE
Alexander Ewald Enid News & Eagle
Homelessness series: ‘Ruined for the rest of us’ THIRD PLACE
Scott Rains The Lawton Constitution
Brazzel celebrated at the end of his 45-year shift
SPORTS STORY
LARGE SPACE AD
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Glen Brockenbush The Lawton Constitution
Belinda Darnel and Kayla Durham The Lawton Constitution
Does Redskins decision signal change in OK?
Discount Foods Thanksgiving
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Bruce Campbell Enid News & Eagle
Kathy Young Enid News & Eagle
Hot start ... sudden stop; NOC’s Ambren Voitik
81 Ranch
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Cindy Wright, Debbie Sinderson and Toni Wilson The Lawton Constitution
Glen Brockenbush The Lawton Constitution Not everyone gets Kobe treatment
Classic Lawton Chevrolet Cares
FIRST PLACE
Billy Hefton Enid News & Eagle
Garber players celebrate state win SECOND PLACE
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE
(COMBINED WITH DIVISION 2)
Kyle Phillips The Norman Transcript
FIRST PLACE
Ashlynd Huffman Stillwater News Press
Protest for justice
Lack of prosecution for sexual assaults and rapes in Payne County
KU quarterback tries to leap over OU defense THIRD PLACE
Michael Pope The Lawton Constitution
Sunset at MacArthur v. Noble game
SECOND PLACE
Billy Hefton Enid News & Eagle Woman rescued by Enid Fire Department after tree crashes through trailer
SECOND PLACE
Kim McConnell The Lawton Constitution
Kyle Phillips The Norman Transcript
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
THIRD PLACE
Capital Improvements Program THIRD PLACE
Michael Pope The Lawton Constitution Fire destroys Cache houses
Alexander Ewald Enid News & Eagle
Enid mask mandate and related recall petition
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE
Jeff Mullin Enid News & Eagle SECOND PLACE
Dave Ruthenberg Enid News & Eagle THIRD PLACE
Gary Reddin The Lawton Constitution
SMALL SPACE AD FIRST PLACE
Luke Garis Enid News & Eagle Land Run Steakhouse SECOND PLACE
Belinda Darnell and Kayla Durham The Lawton Constitution Brady’s Design Center THIRD PLACE
Kathy Young Enid News & Eagle
FIRST PLACE
Michael Pope The Lawton Constitution
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
July 17
Little girl kisses her mini Hereford heifer
Michael Pope The Lawton Constitution
Full moon behind church before Easter THIRD PLACE
Billy Hefton Enid News & Eagle
Icicles hang from a Halloween skeleton
Sonya Bilovecky, Dee Ann Patterson and Cindy Wright The Lawton Constitution SECOND PLACE
Joe Malan Enid News & Eagle June 23
THIRD PLACE
David Christy Enid News & Eagle May 10
Rowdy Stickhorse
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
9
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST DIVISION 2 RESULTS, DAILIES, CIRC. OF 3,000 - 4,700 NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Muskogee Phoenix
The Shawnee News-Star
SECOND PLACE
2020 Wish You Were Here - Discover Shawnee
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Stillwater News Press
Stillwater News Press
Readers Choice Best of Stillwater
FIRST PLACE
Muskogee Phoenix SECOND PLACE
The Ardmoreite THIRD PLACE
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Stillwater News Press
FIRST PLACE
Stillwater News Press
PHOTOGRAPHY
Help for Stillwater Medical Center
LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise
The Shawnee News-Star
Best of Preps 2020 awards
SECOND PLACE
Muskogee Phoenix THIRD PLACE
NEWS STORY
The Shawnee News-Star FIRST PLACE
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise SECOND PLACE
Stillwater News Press THIRD PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
SPORTS COVERAGE
ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise SECOND PLACE
Stillwater News Press THIRD PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
FIRST PLACE
Stillwater News Press SECOND PLACE
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise THIRD PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
FIRST PLACE
Michelle Charles Stillwater News Press
Tumbleweed owner addresses Weedstock worries SECOND PLACE
Michelle Charles Stillwater News Press Waiting game
THIRD PLACE
Kim Archer Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
Bartlesville hospital’s front-line health care professionals get vaccine
10
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
FEATURE STORY
COLUMN WRITING
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Ashlynd Huffman Stillwater News Press
Cathy Spaulding Muskogee Phoenix
Coping with crisis; Coronavirus compared to Great Depression SECOND PLACE
Celebrating veteran on 100th birthday SECOND PLACE
Michelle Charles Stillwater News Press
FIRST PLACE
D.E. Smoot Muskogee Phoenix
High school color guard practices spins THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Cathy Spaulding Muskogee Phoenix
Ronn Rowland Muskogee Phoenix
Jason Elmquist Stillwater News Press
Blair remembered in words, in song
Man enjoys freedom with new prosthetic hand
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Edwyna Synar Muskogee Phoenix
Vicky O. Misa The Shawnee News-Star
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
Kayak Club: Activity picking up at Twin Lakes
LARGE SPACE AD
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Laura Watts The Journal Record
FIRST PLACE
Mike Tupa Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
Scissortail Waste Solutions
A remarkable man: Al Bunge SECOND PLACE
Jimmy Gillispie Stillwater News Press NCAA drops hammer on Cowboy basketball
FIRST PLACE
Jason Elmquist Stillwater News Press
Jesus House
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Laura Watts The Journal Record
Brian Johnson The Shawnee News-Star
Shawnee coach Arthur glad about long-awaited announcement of Sutton’s induction
SECOND PLACE
Laura Watts The Journal Record
Oklahoma History Center
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
SECOND PLACE
Jason Elmquist Stillwater News Press
Wrestler jumps into coach’s arms after winning championship THIRD PLACE
Jason Elmquist Stillwater News Press
Stillwater loses football game to Choctaw
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
(COMBINED WITH DIVISION 1)
FIRST PLACE
Tina Bridenstine The Shawnee News-Star
FIRST PLACE
Ashlynd Huffman Stillwater News Press
Lack of prosecution for sexual assaults and rapes in Payne County SECOND PLACE
Kim McConnell The Lawton Constitution
Capital Improvements Program THIRD PLACE
Alexander Ewald Enid News & Eagle
Spencer Sanders dives toward the end zone against Iowa State
December 12
SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE
Ashlynd Huffman Stillwater News Press
Tanner Holubar Stillwater News Press April 1
Standoff ends in Stillwater man’s arrest
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Tina Bridenstine The Shawnee News-Star
Jason Elmquist Stillwater News Press
Police officer talks with young man
February 28
THIRD PLACE
Cathy Spaulding Muskogee Phoenix
Racially insensitive post leads to apology
Enid mask mandate and related recall petition
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
11
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST DIVISION 3 RESULTS, DAILIES, CIRC. OF LESS THAN 3,000 NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
FIRST PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
SECOND PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
SECOND PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
Football Preview
McAlester News-Capital
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
The Ada News
Newcomers Guide THIRD PLACE
The Ada News
PHOTOGRAPHY
Readers Choice
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FIRST PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Angel Tree
SECOND PLACE
FIRST PLACE
The Ada News
The Ada News SECOND PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press THIRD PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
FIRST PLACE
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
SECOND PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
The Ada News
THIRD PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
Community Spirit, Everyday Heroes
THIRD PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE
The Ada News SECOND PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE
Jeff Cali The Ada News
The Claremore Daily Progress
Local restaurant wading through tough times
McAlester News-Capital
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Grant Crawford Tahlequah Daily Press
Tahlequah Daily Press
NHS loses residency program accreditation
THIRD PLACE
The Ada News THIRD PLACE
James Beaty McAlester News-Capital
Ekklesia of Oklahoma founder alleges Sen. Boggs threatened him
12
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
FEATURE STORY
SMALL SPACE AD
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Kevin Green The Claremore Daily Progress
Richard Barron The Ada News Fireworks of the Battle of the Kevins
Skinner speaks out about racial injustice
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
FIRST PLACE
James Beaty McAlester News-Capital
Jana Weddle McAlester News-Capital
Bebo: Schooling the blues
Alamo Liquor
Kevin Green The Claremore Daily Progress
Kujawa turns bodybuilding hobby into passion
Jill Hundley McAlester News-Capital Honey Beene
THIRD PLACE
SPORTS STORY FIRST PLACE
Kevin Green The Claremore Daily Progress
A loving gesture: Mike Darden gives daughter Kylee lasting sports memory
Preparing bags for Bookbag Giveaway THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Adrian O’Hanlon III McAlester News-Capital
Samantha Spears, LeaAnn Wells and Maurisa Nelson The Ada News
Grant Crawford Tahlequah Daily Press
River otter moves in at Three Forks
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE
Jay Lederman The Claremore Daily Progress
Platinum Custom Detailing LLC
Claremore senior makes an acrobatic catch between Pryor defenders
LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE
Jana Weddle McAlester News-Capital
SECOND PLACE
Southeast Clinic
Kevin Green The Claremore Daily Progress
SECOND PLACE
Samantha Spears, LeaAnn Wells and Maurisa Nelson The Ada News
Like father, like son: Matt, Scott Walton celebrate 25th anniversary of father-son racing program THIRD PLACE
Kevin Green The Claremore Daily Progress
Waddell Vineyards THIRD PLACE
Claremore track runners reflect on Moore tragedy
Jana Weddle McAlester News-Capital
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
Kennedy EyeCare
FIRST PLACE
Kevin Green and Duane DaPron The Claremore Daily Progress
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
Jeff Cali The Ada News SECOND PLACE
Cindy Byrd The Ada News
FIRST PLACE
April 1 FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
Samantha Spears The Ada News
Local football coaches’ thoughts on COVID-19 and its impact on football season
COLUMN WRITING
Vanoss coach celebrates overtime win against Latta
SECOND PLACE
Kevin Green The Claremore Daily Progress
‘More questions than answers’ after McGirt ruling
THIRD PLACE
Richard Barron The Ada News
December 12
SECOND PLACE
Derrick James McAlester News-Capital
Latta’s Collins breaks Bowen’s record for most wins
Dawnyal Hill McAlester News-Capital
Effect of COVID-19 on Rogers State University athletics
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Richard Barron The Ada News
Grant Crawford Tahlequah Daily Press Trump at the BOK
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Grant Crawford Tahlequah Daily Press February 28
Richard Barron The Ada News
2020: The Year in Pictures THIRD PLACE
Richard Barron The Ada News
Vanoss school students in masks
THIRD PLACE
Kevin Green The Claremore Daily Progress
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
13
Congratulations
Mark Codner!
2021 Winner of the Beachy Musselman Award The
Purcell
14
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
Register
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OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
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2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST SEMI- AND TRI-WEEKLY RESULTS NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
Yukon Review
FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune
SECOND PLACE
Sequoyah County Times
SECOND PLACE
Okmulgee Times
Woodward News
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Sequoyah County Times
Retirement Fair
SECOND PLACE
Okmulgee Times
The Duncan Banner
Focus Magazine THIRD PLACE
Woodward News Behind the Scenes
PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune SECOND PLACE
Woodward News THIRD PLACE
Yukon Review
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune
El Reno Tribune
El Reno Live
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Henryetta Free-Lance
Sequoyah County Times
THIRD PLACE
Pet Calendar Contest
Woodward News
THIRD PLACE
SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune SECOND PLACE
Okmulgee Times
Distanced Dining Sponsorships
NEWS STORY
Okmulgee Times THIRD PLACE
ADVERTISING
The Duncan Banner FIRST PLACE
Okmulgee Times SECOND PLACE
Henryetta Free-Lance
FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Roy Faulkenberry Sequoyah County Times
Woodward News
DA outlines concerns over McGirt ruling SECOND PLACE
Glen Miller and Staff El Reno Tribune
Floyd anger spills to El Reno THIRD PLACE
Dawnita Fogleman Woodward News
Schools rise to challenge: Sharon-Mutual using innovative techniques in distance learning
16
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
FEATURE STORY
SMALL SPACE AD
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Shonda Little The Elk City News
FIRST PLACE
Elk City mother tells harrowing story of premature birth
Glen Miller El Reno Tribune
3 stages of pelicans in flight
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Shonda Little The Elk City News
Glen Miller El Reno Tribune
Beckham County cowboy celebrates 74th birthday and remembers famous horse
THIRD PLACE
Smiling boy at Therapeutic Riding Program THIRD PLACE
Tamara Gregor The Duncan Banner
Patrick Ford Okmulgee Times
Local boy’s wish draws military crowd
Commissioner has enjoyed ‘tour of duty’
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
SPORTS STORY FIRST PLACE
Glen Miller and Staff El Reno Tribune
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Ross Seed: spring garden
Hub into the HOF
Glen Miller and Staff El Reno Tribune
El Reno remembers the Hall of Fame career lived by Hub Reed
Lyndsay Bayne and Erin Thompson El Reno Tribune SECOND PLACE
Crystal Childers The Duncan Banner DYO Pizza
FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Chris Day Sequoyah County Times
Lyndsay Bayne and Staff El Reno Tribune
THIRD PLACE
Glen Miller and Staff El Reno Tribune
Central High running back stiff arms Heavener player
Ross Seed: No bugs allowed
Robocop: El Reno policeman wins Strongest Man title
IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE
Glen Miller and Staff El Reno Tribune Hub into the HOF
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE
Lyndsay Bayne and Erin Thompson El Reno Tribune City of El Reno COVID resources SECOND PLACE
Staff El Reno Tribune
Lyndsay Bayne and Staff El Reno Tribune
COVID 19 coverage
Ross Seed garden workshop
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Charlene Belew The Duncan Banner Medicinal Marijuana Ordinance
COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE
Crystal Childers The Duncan Banner Powerhouse Academy
SECOND PLACE
Floyd protest photo essay
David Seeley Poteau Daily News
THIRD PLACE
Glen Miller El Reno Tribune
Volleyball player dives for ball in regional match against Glenpool
FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE
Glen Miller, Lyndsay Bayne and Staff El Reno Tribune SECOND PLACE
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Block in basketball game of Sallisaw v. Roland
February 2
Roy Faulkenberry Sequoyah County Times Linda Provost The Duncan Banner
Chris Day Sequoyah County Times
Glen Miller El Reno Tribune SECOND PLACE
Glen Miller El Reno Tribune
Charlene Belew The Duncan Banner June 20
THIRD PLACE
Patrick Ford Okmulgee Times January 31
Lineman works after ice damage THIRD PLACE
Johnny McMahan Woodward News Trailer house fire
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
17
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST DIVISION 4 RESULTS, WEEKLIES, CIRC. OF MORE THAN 1,700 NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
Lincoln County News
The Purcell Register
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Mustang Times
Mustang Times
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
OKC Friday
The Stilwell Democrat Journal
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE
Choctaw Times SECOND PLACE
Mustang Times THIRD PLACE
The Purcell Register
LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE
The Stilwell Democrat Journal
The Purcell Register Operation Christmas SECOND PLACE
The Eufaula Indian Journal Children during a pandemic THIRD PLACE
Choctaw Times Food Drive
NEWS STORY SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
John Small Johnston County Sentinel
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Purcell Register
THIRD PLACE
OKC Friday
Mustang Times
SECOND PLACE
The Purcell Register
Tempers flare during discussion of proposed park
THIRD PLACE
Mustang Times SECOND PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
Biosolid debate continues THIRD PLACE
SALES PROMOTION
ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE
OKC Friday
SECOND PLACE
The Purcell Register THIRD PLACE
Mustang Times
FIRST PLACE
Jessica Lane The Express-Star
Protest against racism, for love grows in Chickasha
OKC Friday
Celebrate Oklahoma SECOND PLACE
FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE
The Eufaula Indian Journal
Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal
Gridiron Guide
THIRD PLACE
Sophia loves horses
Choctaw Times
Hometown Heroes: A salute to essential workers
SECOND PLACE
Rose Lane OKC Friday
THIRD PLACE
Rebecca Carroll Marietta Monitor
Beasley’s recreation of painting featured in ‘People’
Trip of a lifetime... Langleys’ summer journey
18
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
SPORTS STORY
LARGE SPACE AD
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE
Joshua Small Johnston County Sentinel
Simple Simon’s Pizza
FIRST PLACE
Shalene White The Madill Record
Half of a crown makes one feel whole
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Shalene White The Madill Record
Rodney Haltom The Eufaula Indian Journal
SECOND PLACE
Dallas Cowboys lay out COVID-19 prevention plan
Kindra Blansett Lincoln County News
Bronc rider goes airborne at Eufaula Round-Up Club Rodeo
THIRD PLACE
Anthony’s Foods
Shalene White The Madill Record
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Lindsay Tesio Choctaw Times
Kingston teen named All-American in trapshooting
Juanita Lewis The Stilwell Democrat Journal
Choctaw and Booker T. Washington players in midair clash
Stilwell Spirits Christmas
IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Jason Turner Choctaw Times
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
Fans prepare to catch Harrah Homecoming Queen on court
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
Choctaw’s road plan
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
SECOND PLACE
John Small, Tom Lokey and Mary Lokey Johnston County Sentinel COVID-19 coverage
FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Brian Blansett Lincoln County News
John Small Johnston County Sentinel
Federal judge strikes down McCall railroad law
COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE
Traci Chapman Mustang Times SECOND PLACE
Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal
THIRD PLACE
Graduation parade wave SECOND PLACE
Kindra Blansett Lincoln County News
Flag-waving girl at playoffs THIRD PLACE
Brian Blansett Lincoln County News Chandler Rodeo bull rider
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
John Small Johnston County Sentinel
SMALL SPACE AD FIRST PLACE
David Stull The Purcell Register Purcell Chiropractic SECOND PLACE
David Stull The Purcell Register THIRD PLACE
Clark’s Floors & More
Juanita Lewis The Stilwell Democrat Journal Front Porch Fabrics
SECOND PLACE
Joshua Small Johnston County Sentinel
Red, White and BOOM! fireworks THIRD PLACE
Traci Chapman Mustang Times
Splash pad at Wild Horse Park
Sun sets behind the Choctaw Creek Park pond
FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times January 1
SECOND PLACE
Jeff Harrison and Traci Chapman Mustang Times February 19
THIRD PLACE
Juanita Lewis The Stilwell Democrat Journal December 16
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
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Your paper needs a little...
Introducing a fresh, new weekly kids’ activity page conceived last year, when elementary students began distance learning, as a way to keep them engaged in the learning process. Attract young readers (and their parents) to your newpaper with this weekly feature!
Whales
Half of all the types of whales migrate. They move from place to place following food and to have a safe place to have their babies. The humpback whale can travel as far as 3,000 miles each year.
The largest animals to live on Earth live in the ocean. The blue whale which is the largest can weigh up to 150 tons. That is equal to 300,000 pounds. Whales are mammals. That means they feed their babies milk and breathe air. Some whales have teeth and others do not. Whales with teeth have one blowhole and toothless, or baleen whales, have two blowholes. A blowhole is like a nose and whales use it to breathe. The blowhole is on the top of the head.
Blue whales are believed to be larger than the largest dinosaur. They can grow up to 95 feet long. The blue whale is a baleen whale. This means they have no teeth. Instead they have structures in their mouth that is made of something like the same material that makes horns. Blue whales eat krill. Krill is a small crustacean that looks like a shrimp and is about 2 inches long. To fill its belly a blue whale must eat 4 to 8 tons of krill each day. People used to hunt blue whales and they killed so many the blue whale is endangered. There are only about 25,000 in the world.
Australia Most whales sing or make whistling noises. Scientists believe this is actually whale language that helps them communicate with each other.
Another easy to identify whale is the killer whale. Just check out its black and white markings. The Orca is a toothed whale and likes to eat just any animal in the ocean like Australia isabout the only country in the fish, an seals even other whales. world that covers entireand continent.
Contact us for a
It is an island continent that is located south of the equator. When it is summer in the United States and other places north of the equator it is winter in Australia. When we think of Australia we think of Koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and the Great Barrier Reef but there is so much more to discover there.
!
free trial sample
antsnews.com pport@smartyp
su
No obligation, no commitment.
There are many amazing places to visit in Australia and a lot of things to do. The largest city in Australia is Sydney. It is home to the Sydney Opera house which is a national landmark and Bondi Beach which is one of the most famous surfing beaches in the whole world. A couple hours south of Sydney is Canberra the nation’s capitol. You can also visit the world’s largest monolith, or freestanding rock, named Uluru or Ayer’s Rock. One of the most popular places to visit is the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is located along the eastern coastline and is 1,615 miles long.
Crossword Australia Day is the official national holiday. It celebrates the founding of Australia as a British Colony in 1788. The national flag still has a small British flag on it in the upper left-hand corner. Australia became independent of the British empire in 1986 but the people there still celebrate the holiday and they do still see the Queen of England as their Monarch. They do many of the same things we do on the 4th of July. There are barbecues, beach parties and cookouts. Remember even though it is winter here it is summer in the southern hemisphere.
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ANIMAL BALEEN BLOWHOLE BLUE COMMUNICATE DOLPHIN ENDANGERED
ACROSS 2. A small crustacean eaten by whales 3. A unit of weight that equals 2,000 pounds 6. A person having expert knowledge on a scientific topic 8. To share or exchange information 9. A nostril of a whale or dolphin on top of its head 12. To move from one region or habitat to another 13. A living organism that feeds on organic matter 14. An individual animal, plant or single celled life form
DOWN 1. Whalebone 4. A large toothed black and white whale 5. A species of animal or plant that is at risk of going extinct 7. A mark or pattern of marks on an animal 10. A bony permanent outgrowth on animals 11. A large marine mammal 12. A warm blooded animal that has a backbone
is a publication of Cimarron Valley Communications, LLC © 2020, all rights reserved. www.smartypantsnews.com
HORN HUMPBACK KRILL MAMMAL MARINE MARKINGS
How did the octopus make the whale laugh?
MIGRATE OCEAN ORCA ORGANISM SCIENTIST TON WHALES The Aboriginal Australians, or the native people, were on the continent for thousands of years before the British arrived. The indiginous hunters used boomerangs and spears. Scientists say a boomerang ten tickles. found in 1973With is more than 10,000 years old. Just like Native Americans they have their own traditions, language, arts and foods.
What’s a kangaroo’s favorite type of music? A Whales Life by Sara Antill
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Australia is home to some of the world’s most amazing and deadly animals. The Great Barrier Reef is home to colorful fish, deadly sharks, sea turtles and whales. On land you will find kangaroos, wombats, camels, and wallabies. The kangaroo is recognized as the national animal. This country is also home to 21 of the top 25 deadliest snakes. Don’t forget to look up in the eucalyptus trees where you will most likely find a Koala munching away at the leaves.
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2. A water sport done in the ocean or sea 3. A curved flat piece of wood that can be used for hunting 7. A word used to describe half of the Earth 9. A small furry marsupial that eats eucalyptus leaves and it looks like a bear 11. An island continent that is home to the kangaroo 13. Free from the control of 15. A massive area of land that is separated from others by water or other land formations is a publication of Cimarron Valley Communications, LLC © 2021, all rights reserved. www.smartypantsnews.com
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OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
21
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST DIVISION 5 RESULTS, WEEKLIES, CIRC. OF 1,176 - 1,700 NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Countywide & Sun
Black Lives Matter Special Section
THIRD PLACE
McIntosh County Democrat
McIntosh County Democrat
Midwest City Beacon
Watonga Republican
Watonga Republican SECOND PLACE
The Cleveland American
THIRD PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
Domestic Violence Awakening THIRD PLACE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Countywide & Sun
FIRST PLACE
Pottawatomie Power
The Cleveland American SECOND PLACE
Countywide & Sun
LAYOUT & DESIGN
THIRD PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
Vian Tenkiller News SECOND PLACE
The Cleveland American THIRD PLACE
NEWS STORY
SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE
Countywide & Sun
Countywide & Sun SECOND PLACE
Tuttle Times
THIRD PLACE
The Cleveland American
FIRST PLACE
Brandi Ball The Cleveland American
Murder victim tied to Oklahoma cold case SECOND PLACE
Brandi Ball The Cleveland American
Execution delayed after attorneys contract virus THIRD PLACE
Thomas Martinez The Cordell Beacon
ADVERTISING
First wave of vaccines set to hit
FIRST PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
FEATURE STORY
SECOND PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Watonga Republican THIRD PLACE
Tuttle Times
SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE
The Cleveland American
Hot Summer Fun SECOND PLACE
Vian Tenkiller News Coronavirus Heroes
THIRD PLACE
Watonga Republican
Chalk Your Walk Contest
22
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
Shonda Little Beckham County Record The life and death of Staff Sargent Aaron Weaver SECOND PLACE
LaDonna Rhodes McIntosh County Democrat Vietnam veteran’s love letters THIRD PLACE
Thomas Martinez Watonga Republican Living with Tourette’s
SPORTS STORY
SMALL SPACE AD
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Bombers knock off unbeaten Panthers
SECOND PLACE
Jacob Factor Countywide & Sun
4-2 Spring sports seasons canceled THIRD PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Thomas Martinez The Cordell Beacon
FIRST PLACE
Jennifer Pitts Countywide & Sun
A Virtual Santa
Pottawatomie County Votes GOP
Flora Walters The Cordell Beacon
SECOND PLACE
Jennifer Pitts Countywide & Sun
Injury ends wrestler’s season
Thanks for your service at Woodland Veterans Park
Tecumseh First Assembly drive-thru egg hunt
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
THIRD PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Brandi Ball The Cleveland American
Murder victim tied to Oklahoma cold case
SECOND PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
Tatiana Ryland and Kimberly Jenkins Watonga Republican McCrary Veterinary Hospital
THIRD PLACE
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon
Graduation speech filming at Carl Albert
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE
Jennifer Pitts Countywide & Sun
SECOND PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
The Farmer’s Daughter SECOND PLACE
Kimberly Jenkins Watonga Republican
Who’s in charge of the Expo Center
A2Z Auto Parts
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Tatiana Ryland Watonga Republican
Brandi Ball The Cleveland American
Cimarron Electric: Hello Spring
Drive-by shooting trial
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon
Midwest City player reaches for touchdown against Carl Albert SECOND PLACE
COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE
Patti Poteete Countywide & Sun
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
Rusty Ferguson The Cleveland American THIRD PLACE
Connie Burcham Watonga Republican
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon
Carl Albert’s Kentrell Bizzell runs from Del City tackler THIRD PLACE
Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun
SECOND PLACE
Softball player dives for home against Bridge Creek
FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon
Nursing home visit through window SECOND PLACE
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon
Rose State student union ribbon cutting THIRD PLACE
Jennifer Pitts Countywide & Sun
Drive-through testing at three local sites
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Tatiana Ryland Watonga Republican July 29
SECOND PLACE
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon June 10
THIRD PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun February 27
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
23
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST DIVISION 6 RESULTS, WEEKLIES, CIRC. OF 900 - 1,175 NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
Owasso Reporter
FIRST PLACE
Owasso Reporter
SECOND PLACE
Owasso Reporter
SECOND PLACE
Wagoner County American-Tribune
Readers Choice
Wagoner County American-Tribune
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Marlow Review
THIRD PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
The Fairfax Chief
Marlow’s historic football season keepsake edition THIRD PLACE
Wagoner County American-Tribune
PHOTOGRAPHY
Hometown Guide
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE
Owasso Reporter SECOND PLACE
Wagoner County American-Tribune THIRD PLACE
Mustang News
FIRST PLACE
Owasso Reporter SECOND PLACE
Wagoner County American-Tribune THIRD PLACE
FIRST PLACE
The Marlow Review
Staff produced custom masks for school faculty
The Fairfax Chief
SECOND PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE
ADVERTISING
Owasso Reporter FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Wagoner County American-Tribune
Mustang News
SECOND PLACE
Durant Democrat
Mustang News
Trunk Show
THIRD PLACE
Mustang News Grace Home
NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat Sheriff’s deputy laid to rest
THIRD PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
SECOND PLACE
Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard The Marlow Review Community events address race relations THIRD PLACE
Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard, Judy Keller and Faith Leatherman The Marlow Review
Active shooter exercise helps agencies prepare
24
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
FEATURE STORY
SMALL SPACE AD FIRST PLACE
Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter
FIRST PLACE
Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief
Bows for the Blue: Woman rallies Owasso to support police, fallen Tulsa officer
Town of Fairfax
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief
Nicole Roberts The Fairfax Chief
First Osage Baptist Church
Streaming stickball skills THIRD PLACE
Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief
Wendy Ponca – our own masked superhero
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
(COMBINED WITH DIVISION 7)
THIRD PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News
Happy Birthday Basil Baker
LARGE SPACE AD
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief
The Christmas Star at Osage Nation Heritage Trail SECOND PLACE
Owen Hutcheson The Fairfax Chief
Variations from Swan Lake THIRD PLACE
Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief
Rising of the Milky Way
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Shawn Hein Owasso Reporter
Senior tribute: Owasso mothers honor athletes after spring season cut short SECOND PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Shawn Hein Owasso Reporter
Isabella Strong: Collinsville child battles cancer, inspires soccer team to title THIRD PLACE
Misti Rinehart, Annette Riherd and Brandi Smith Owasso Reporter Dale & Lee’s Service
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Shawn Hein Owasso Reporter
Angie Gentry Bristow News
Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard The Marlow Review
A surprise gift, an “unforgettable” game
IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE
Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief
Hospital bankruptcy and purchase
Western Heritage Days Rodeo THIRD PLACE
Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief
Tyler: Happy Howlidays
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter
Joseph Fasano Owasso Reporter May 27
Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton The Fairfax Chief
FIRST PLACE
Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat
Bruce Hadden The Fairfax Chief THIRD PLACE
Scott Wright Apache News
SECOND PLACE
Racial injustice protest photo essay
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat
FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Jim Redwine
Woodland’s spirited softball team leaves for final games
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
Owasso CVS Pharmacy fined $75,000, placed on probation
COLUMN WRITING
SECOND PLACE
Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief
Softball player lands on home base
SECOND PLACE
Wind farm litigation in Osage county
Owasso coach and swimmers cheer during Class 6A east regional
Melanie Allen Owasso Reporter January 8
THIRD PLACE
Joseph Fasano Owasso Reporter June 10
Daughter & children next to OHP Captain Jeff Sewell’s casket THIRD PLACE
Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat
Smoke and flames escape the windows during house fire
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
25
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST DIVISION 7 RESULTS, WEEKLIES, CIRC. OF LESS THAN 900 NEWS CONTENT
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
The Altus Times
Minco-Union City Times
SECOND PLACE
Helping Paw
Cushing Citizen
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Eastern Times-Register
The Hinton Record
Ahimsa Rescue Foundation THIRD PLACE
The Hinton Record
FIRST PLACE
Sports Scholarship Offered
Yale News
SECOND PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
NEWS STORY
THIRD PLACE
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Cushing Citizen
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
The Hinton Record SECOND PLACE
SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE
Drumright Gusher THIRD PLACE
Eastern Times-Register
Thomas Martinez The Hinton Record
Ice storm causes major damage
Eastern Times-Register
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Allie Prater Yale News
Cushing Citizen THIRD PLACE
Drumright Gusher
Car theft on the rise THIRD PLACE
Kevin Hilley The Altus Times
High-efficiency train loading capacity plan show great promise
ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
SALES PROMOTION
SECOND PLACE
Eastern Times-Register THIRD PLACE
Cushing Citizen
FIRST PLACE
The Geary Star
Geary Invitational Section SECOND PLACE
Cushing Citizen
Cimarron Christmas THIRD PLACE
Eastern Times-Register School Tabs
26
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
FEATURE STORY
SMALL SPACE AD FIRST PLACE
Kevin Hilley The Altus Times
FIRST PLACE
Brian Blansett Tri-County Herald
FIRST PLACE
Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief
Annual fall festival hosted at Martha Valley Farms
Meeker Tiny Cheer blows a kiss
Town of Fairfax
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief
Kevin Hilley The Altus Times Football player carves out her own path in Altus sports
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
(COMBINED WITH DIVISION 6)
Allie Prater Drumright Gusher
First Osage Baptist Church
Homecoming king and queen
THIRD PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News
THIRD PLACE
Todd Brooks The Comanche Times
THIRD PLACE
Kevin Hilley The Altus Times
Happy Birthday Basil Baker
Love for hunting turns into ingenuity
Cattle Stampede at Altus Air Force Base
LARGE SPACE AD
SPORTS STORY FIRST PLACE
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
Todd Brooks The Comanche Times
FIRST PLACE
Comanche finds lastminute replacement for homecoming; ‘Tweet’ success
Kevin Hilley The Altus Times
Volleyball player dives to keep the ball in play
SECOND PLACE
Todd Brooks The Comanche Times Big house bound; Indians blank Lindsay in season opener, 5-0
SECOND PLACE
Rick Hester Tri-County Herald Bound for state basketball coach hugs player
FIRST PLACE
Tatiana Ryland and Kimberly Jenkins The Geary Star
THIRD PLACE
Todd Brooks The Comanche Times
2020 Spring Livestock Show
Kooper Doucet wins Jr. High State in final attempt
SECOND PLACE
Kimberly Jenkins The Geary Star
COLUMN WRITING
Cimarron Electric: So much to celebrate! FIRST PLACE
THIRD PLACE
J.D. Meisner Cushing Citizen
Tatiana Ryland The Geary Star
SECOND PLACE
Jyl Hobbs Mountain View News
Congratulations Landon Holt
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
THIRD PLACE
Kevin Hilley The Altus Times
Navajo softball player at home base against Snyder
FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE
Tatiana Ryland The Hinton Record September 9
SECOND PLACE
Juanita Lewis The Westville Reporter
THIRD PLACE
Allie Prater Cushing Citizen
November 12
THIRD PLACE
Tatiana Ryland The Hinton Record FIRST PLACE
February 19
Allie Prater Drumright Gusher
School bus maintenance before school begins SECOND PLACE
Brian Blansett Tri-County Herald Y-M-C-A boy dancing THIRD PLACE
Brian Blansett Tri-County Herald
Hampshire hog shown in Meeker swine jackpot show
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
27
2020 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER RESULTS NEWS CONTENT
EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Northwestern News
FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Zoe Petersen Pioneer Oklahoma City Community College Employees claim college doesn’t protect from bad bosses
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Vista
Langston University
University of Central Oklahoma
The Gazette
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
SECOND PLACE
The Campus
Lea Houston The Gazette
Oklahoma City University
Cameron University
NASA visits Langston THIRD PLACE
Antonice Johnson The Gazette
LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
Bills, bills, bills
PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE
FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
SECOND PLACE
Northwestern News
Citlali Vazquez-Perez Pioneer
SECOND PLACE
Raquel: One woman, millions of stories (English & Spanish translations)
Northwestern News THIRD PLACE
The Gazette
SECOND PLACE
Zoe Petersen Pioneer
Breaking trends: ‘Bomaigii’ woman embraces independence THIRD PLACE
JaNae Williams The Vista
SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian SECOND PLACE
Northwestern News
28
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
Remembering Marissa Murrow
SPORTS STORY
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Anthony Mellendorf The Vista A three-decade old friendship spurs a new one SECOND PLACE
David Thornton Northwestern News
‘We have a chance:’ Coaches at Northwestern are keeping athletes motivated and conditioned
FIRST PLACE
Stacie Larsen The Cameron University Collegian Straw dam preparation at excavation site
THIRD PLACE
Cambron Alsbrook The Cameron University Collegian Beginning of the end: An interview with Preston ‘Ender_Blade’ Meek
IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE
Nick Dill and Kevin Ford Northwestern News University recycling programs
FIRST PLACE
Charity Whitson The Southeastern Southeastern Oklahoma State University Basketball player at free throw line
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Cici Simon The Vista
Cambron Alsbrook The Cameron University Collegian
Students sit six feet apart while studying in the Nigh
Cameron basketball players in Oklahoma Christian game
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
David Thornton Northwestern News
Na’Tianna Stocker The Gazette
Bob Ross painting event
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
Langston basketball guard goes up against Texas Wesleyan
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
SECOND PLACE
Leah Darnell and Logan Meriwether Northwestern News COVID-19’s impact on education
FIRST PLACE
COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE
Jordan Green Northwestern News SECOND PLACE
Amanda King The Cameron University Collegian THIRD PLACE
McKayla Holson Northwestern News
Jordan Green Northwestern News October sledding fall SECOND PLACE
Bailey Bussell The Vista
Getting glossed for Glamazon 2020 THIRD PLACE
Lea Killian The Cameron University Collegian Madison Lyda
FIRST PLACE
Na’Tianna Stocker The Gazette October 20
SECOND PLACE
Lea Killian The Cameron University Collegian November 9
THIRD PLACE
Madison Lyda The Cameron University Collegian February 3
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
29
ADDITIONAL AWARDS 2020 ONG EDITORIAL SWEEPSTAKES WINNER
2020 ONG COLUMN SWEEPSTAKES WINNER
DAVID STRINGER
JENNIFER PITTS
Legislature must stop police bill February 2020
Just Breathe April 2020
2020 OGE DAILY PHOTO OF THE YEAR
2020 OGE WEEKLY PHOTO OF THE YEAR
The Lawton Constitution
SCOTT RAINS
The Lawton Constitution
Countywide & Sun
HALEY HUMPHREY Yukon Review
Lawton firefighters in the bucket of a ladder truck work to contain a fire. July 2020 A sweet alpaca goes in for a holiday kiss. December 2020
30
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
ADDITIONAL AWARDS 2020 ONF JOSEPH H. EDWARDS OUTDOOR WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD
2020 ONF RAY LOKEY MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING
KELLY BOSTIAN
ASHLYND HUFFMAN
Tulsa World
Stillwater News Press
2020 DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS DAILY DIVISION
WEEKLY DIVISION
COLLEGE DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
The Lawton Constitution
Johnston County Sentinel
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star The Ada News
The Campus
Oklahoma City University
The Purcell Register El Reno Tribune
2020 OPA MAGAZINE CONTEST FIRST PLACE
The Lawton Constitution SECOND PLACE
Muskogee Phoenix THIRD PLACE
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
OPA CONVENTION AWARDS
31
2020 OPA PERFECTA
AWARD WINNERS The Perfecta Award honors OPA member newspapers that achieve 100 percent accuracy on advertising orders from Oklahoma Press Service in the calendar year.
The American (Afton) The Allen Advocate Alva Review-Courier The Anadarko Daily News Apache News The Ardmoreite The Black Chronicle (Oklahoma City) The Boise City News Bristow News Broken Bow News Buffalo Weekly News The Canton Times The Carnegie Herald The Chronicle (Elgin) The Country Connection News (Eakly) The County Times (Lawton) The Chelsea Reporter Choctaw Times Clayton Today Clinton Daily News The Comanche Times The Cordell Beacon Cushing Citizen The Cyril News The Davis News The Delaware County Journal The Dewey County Record Drumright Gusher The Duncan Banner
Eastern Times-Register (Roland) Enid News & Eagle Garvin County News Star Geary Star The Grove Sun Guthrie News Leader Harper County Leader The Healdton Herald Heavener Ledger Henryetta Free-Lance The Hinton Record The Hominy News-Progress The Hooker Advance Hughes County Tribune Hugo News The Kingfisher Times & Free Press Kiowa County Democrat The Konawa Leader The Lindsay News The Lone Grove Ledger Marietta Monitor McIntosh County Democrat McCurtain Gazette The Miami News-Record Midwest City Beacon Minco-Union City Times The Mooreland Leader Mountain View News Muskogee Phoenix Mustang News
Northwest Oklahoman (Arnett) OKC Friday The Okeene Record Okemah News Leader Owasso Reporter Pauls Valley Democrat Pawhuska JournalCapital The Pawnee Chief The Perkins Journal Perry Journal The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette The Prague Times-Herald The Purcell Register The Ringling Eagle Sand Springs Leader Sapulpa Herald The Sentinel Leader The Shawnee News-Star Skiatook Journal Spiro Graphic The Stilwell Democrat Journal Stroud American Sulphur Times-Democrat Tahlequah Daily Press Talihina American The Thomas Tribune The Tonkawa News
Tri-County Herald (Meeker) Tulsa Beacon The Tuttle Times The Valliant Leader Vian Tenkiller News The Vici Vision Vinita Daily Journal The Walters Herald Weatherford Daily News The Wewoka Times The Wilson Post-Democrat The Wynnewood Gazette Yukon Progress Yukon Review
Congratulations to the 2020 Perfecta Award Winners 32
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