AWARD WINNERS
Presented June 9, 2024
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
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.
DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
The deadline for nominations for the 2025 class will be Oct. 31. All nominations are held for 10 years. To submit a nomination, go to okjournalismhalloffame.com.
Honoring ‘Our Greatest Journalists’ since 1971 Thanks for what
do!
you
OF Mass Communication
OPA Magazine Contest; ONF Joseph H. Edwards Outdoor Writer of the
ONF Ray Lokey Memorial Award for Excellence in Reporting; Perfecta Award Winners
PRESIDENT SHEILA GAY Woodward News
TREASURER
DAVID STRINGER The Lawton Constitution VICE
OPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SHAUNA BELYEU The Eufaula Indian Journal
EXECUTIVE
ERIN DYER THOMPSON El Reno Tribune ED
SUZIE CAMPBELL Countywide &
CONNOR CHOATE Marietta Monitor OFFICERS
Muskogee Phoenix
BRETT WESNER Wesner Publications
SHAUN WITT Oklahoma Watch
TABLE OF CONTENTS MILT PHILLIPS AWARD, Presented to James O. Goodwin Page 2 ONF BEACHY MUSSELMAN AWARD, Presented to Bruce Willingham Page 2 HALF CENTURY CLUB Inductees Page 3 QUARTER CENTURY CLUB Inductees ................................................................................................ Page 4 ADDITIONAL AWARDS...................................................................................................................... Page 6-7
Winners;
Year;
BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST WINNERS Sequoyah Award Winners ............................................................................................................. Page 10 Digital Categories Page 11 Division 1, Daily and Online-Only Publications, Population more than 40,000 ............................ Page 12 Division 2, Daily and Online-Only Publications, Population less than 40,000 .............................. Page 14 Division 3, Semi- and Tri-Weeklies Page 16 Division 4, Weekly Publications, Population more than 19,000 .................................................... Page 20 Division 5, Weekly Publications, Population 7,000 – 19,000 ........................................................ Page 22 Division 6, Weekly Publications, Population 3,300 – 7,000 Page 24 Division 7, Weekly Publications, Population 2,000 – 3,300 .......................................................... Page 26 Division 8, Weekly Publications, Population less than 2,000 Page 28 College News Media ..................................................................................................................... Page 30
ONG Column and Editorial Sweepstakes Winners; OGE Photo of the Year
2023-24
PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
VICE
MARK THOMAS OPA
ZONELLE RAINBOLT Past President Wesner Publications
Sun
CHOATE
DIRECTORS
OPA MILT PHILLIPS AWARD
JAMES O. GOODWIN
JAMES O. GOODWIN began in journalism at 6, as a “printer’s devil” apprentice, cleaning the shavings and ink around the Linotype
machines at The Oklahoma Eagle. Owned by his family since 1936, it is Tulsa’s only Black-owned newspaper.
Goodwin is an accomplished attorney, public healthcare pioneer, and has been the Eagle’s publisher since 1979.
He laid the foundation for the reconstruction of the Historic Greenwood District, known for its history before and after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Goodwin was born in Tulsa in 1939. At 9, he became an amputee, when
AWARD WINNER AWARD
Publisher, The Oklahoma Eagle
he lost his right arm in a horseback accident.
He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Tulsa College of Law.
He married Vivian Palm, a childhood friend. They had 5 children. She died in 2012.
Goodwin specialized in civil rights and social justice law. He successfully challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court and Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals the constitutionality of a state statute and city ordinance regarding freedom
ONF
BEACHY MUSSELMAN AWARD
BRUCE WILLINGHAM
BRUCE WILLINGHAM has held his city and county officials accountable in McCurtain County for more than four decades.
Willingham studied at the
University of North Carolina, then moved to McCurtain County in 1979 to work at the Broken Bow Tribune followed by the Broken Bow News. He joined the McCurtain Daily Gazette as executive editor in 1985. Bruce and his wife bought the Gazette and Broken Bow News in 1988.
Willingham has covered about 100 murder trials in McCurtain County since 1980.
Under his leadership, the Gazette has written investigative pieces including the Oklahoma City bombing; extreme nepotism at
of speech. He was co-counsel on reparations for survivors of the Race Massacre.
Under Goodwin’s stewardship, the Eagle remains vigilant on issues involving human rights, civic equality and engagement, economic enfranchisement, education and judicial reforms.
Goodwin has won many awards, including the Tulsa Press Club Print Icon Award.
The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame inducted him in 2015.
Publisher, McCurtain Gazette
Kiamichi Youth Services; the county treasurer exempting elected officials from tax penalties, leading to removal by grand jury; the removal by membership of the entire Board of Choctaw Electric Cooperative; the Emergency Medical Services director; various corruption in the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office; and illegal meetings of the McCurtain County Board of Commissioners.
In 2023, Willingham suspected McCurtain County commissioners of conducting business after meetings adjourned. The shocking conversation Willingham
recorded and published made national news as it revealed racist remarks and threats made against him and his son, longtime Gazette reporter Chris Willingham.
The threats came after the Gazette’s coverage of multiple problems in the sheriff’s department.
Willingham has served on the Idabel Chamber Board, Idabel Industrial Development Board, Idabel Board of Education and McCurtain Hospital Management Board.
2 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
WINNER
OPA HALF CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEES AWARD WINNERS
JOHN FERGUSON
John Ferguson has been a reporter, photographer and editor in the Tulsa metropolitan area for most of his journalism career.
After graduating from the University of Tulsa in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Ferguson joined the Enid News and Eagle as an assistant sports editor. A short time later, he joined the Tulsa World.
Ferguson worked as a full-time photographer from 1984 through 1987 at the World, and then returned to the sports department
At the World, Ferguson served as a full-time photographer from 1984 through 1987, before rejoined the World’s sports department.
He retired in 2009, but two years later went back toward as a reporter and later editor at the Broken Arrow Ledger.
His next stint was as a reporter at the Wagoner County AmericanTribune, but he was laid off due to COVID cuts in 2019.
In 2022, Ferguson was rehired by the American-Tribune as editor, a position he still holds.
SUSIE GLASSCOCK
Susan Bellatti Glasscock began her career in the newspaper industry throwing a paper route split between her and her siblings when she was 9 years old. Growing up in the industry with her father and uncle as owners, Susie began working inside the Stillwater News Press at age 16.
She learned classifieds and began working in the accounting office while attending Oklahoma State University. She received her bachelor’s from OSU in 1978. After graduation, she held positions at the paper as both classifieds manager and then found a permanent home in the business office.
The News Press was sold in 1997 and Susie was promptly promoted to business manager. She is currently the head of the business office as Office Supervisor and assists the entire staff with her leadership and knowledge of the community.
Throughout the years, Glasscock has served on several non-profit organizational boards and has served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at her church.
“I am so proud that the Stillwater News Press is an award-winning daily that continues going strong. I hope and pray for its continued success. I know my grandfather, father and uncle would be proud of what the paper is continuing to do today with our coverage of our town and beyond,” Glasscock said.
JOE HIGHT
Joe Hight, endowed chair of journalism ethics at the University of Central Oklahoma and director of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, began his newspaper career in 1974 at the Guthrie Daily Leader.
After graduating from Central State University, now the University of Central Oklahoma, he worked at the Daily Leader, The Lawton Constitution and Shawnee News-Star before joining The Oklahoman, where he spent 27 years.
At The Oklahoman, Hight was victims’ team leader of the Oklahoma City bombing coverage that won two national SPJ awards, a Dart Award for Excellence in Coverage of Violence and many others.
In 2012, Hight became editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs and was editor when it won the Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting.
When he returned to Oklahoma in 2014, he began writing the “Oklahoma Joe” column for The Journal Record and continues in that role today.
Hight served for two terms as president of the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, and now serves as chair of the board of Oklahoma Watch, on the board of Freedom of Information Oklahoma where he is a past president, and is president-elect of the Leadership Oklahoma City Alumni Board.
Hight was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2013 and was named director in 2016.
JEFF MULLIN
Jeff Mullin, a former editor of the Enid News & Eagle, is a native of Philadelphia. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1975. While in college, he worked for the student newspaper, the Daily O’Collegian.
His professional journalism career began in January 1976 as a sportswriter for the Manhattan (Kansas) Mercury. In June, he was hired as a sportswriter with the Enid News & Eagle. He became sports editor in 1978 and held that position until the spring of 1993, when he took over as city editor. He soon transitioned to news editor and was later named senior writer and lead columnist. His duties as senior writer included covering Vance Air Force Base and editing the base newspaper, the Vance Scoop.
Mullin was selected to attend a seminar on terrorism and the media in 2005, which was conducted by the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland.
He has received a number of awards for sports writing, reporting, feature writing, column writing and editorial writing.
In 2018, he was presented the Beachy Musselman Award by the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation. The award annually recognizes a journalist for his or her contribution to the field of print journalism.
Mullin retired from the Enid News & Eagle in 2017 after more than 41 years with the paper. He continues to serve on the paper’s editorial board and writes a weekly column.
OPA AWARD WINNERS 3
OPA QUARTER CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEES
MARK CARSON
Mark Carson, publisher of the Woods County Enterprise, is a native of Waynoka.
After graduating from OSU Tech in Okmulgee, Carson joined CSPI, Inc., a subsidiary of TG&Y, where he held various roles. When the company later merged with a Houston-based company, Carson took on leadership roles.
Returning to Waynoka in June 1997, Carson and his wife, Karen, purchased the Woods County Enterprise. For about seven years, they worked as owner/publishers/ editors of the weekly newspaper.
In 1999, Carson began working as a pressman with CSC, Inc. In 2004, he formed a partnership of the Woods County Enterprise with Tim and Jeff Schnoebelen, reintegrating the Woods County Enterprise into the CSC, Inc. family.
STEVE COULTER
Steve Coulter’s newspaper career started in 1999 after he was hired by Randel Grigsby to work at the Mustang News.
Grigsby taught Coulter how to sell advertising and was so impressed with his sales that he promoted him to advertising director.
When the Mustang News sold in 2004, Coulter, along with his friends Steven Kizziar and Jeff Edwards, started the Mustang Times. A year later they launched the Minco-Union City Times, then opened the Choctaw Times in 2009 and purchased the Tuttle Times in 2012.
In 2014, the trio purchased the Capitol Hill Beacon and moved its legality to Midwest City to start the Midwest City Beacon.
Coulter and his partners continue to own, print and publish all the newspapers every week.
JEFF SCHNOEBELEN
Jeff Schnoebelen, co-publisher of The Mooreland Leader, was born into the newspaper business. He grew up working in the backshop of The Leader while the newspaper was still produced by linotype and sheets of newsprint were hand fed into the printing press. He has seen the production of the paper go from hot type to the production of today.
He works in the same building where his great-grandfather, Omer F. Schnoebelen; grandfather, Omer N. Schnoebelen, and father, Tim Schnoebelen, spent their days working on issues of The Leader.
Jeff moved to the Dallas, Texas, area after graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and worked there as an accountant from late 1988 to spring 1996 before coming back to work at the newspaper the family has owned since 1903 when Omer F. established the paper before statehood.
He and his wife, Jennifer, have four children.
Jeff is a retired volunteer firefighter; former youth basketball, football, soccer, baseball and softball coach; past officer of Mooreland Economic Development Organization and Mooreland Youth Sports Organization; and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mooreland.
MATT SWEARENGIN
Matt Swearengin began his newspaper career in January 1996 when he was hired as the editor of the Bryan County Star in Durant. His late parents, Bob and B.L. Swearengin, had previously owned the newspaper in the 1970s.
Swearengin accepted a job as a staff writer and photographer at the Durant Democrat in February 1997.
He was promoted to senior staff writer in the early 2000s and to editor in 2008.
Swearengin bought the Democrat from Graystone Media in October 2020 and operated it until November 2023 when he sold it to Brett Wesner. Swearengin stayed on board as editor, writer and photographer. He also contributes stories and photographs to The Madill Record, also owned by Wesner.
He has won numerous awards in writing and photography through the years, including for sports photography three years in a row in the Oklahoma Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
In addition to his photojournalism, Swearengin enjoys travel photography as a hobby.
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS
4 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
AWARD WINNER
OPA is pleased to honor its members and individuals with a variety of awards for their many achievements. Nomination & Entry Information for all awards is available at OkPress.com/awards or call 405-499-0020 (1-888-815-2672 toll-free in Oklahoma) for more information.
OPA AWARD WINNERS 5 THANKS to the SPONSORS of the 2024 OPA CONVENTION
ONG
SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS
2023 ONG EDITORIAL SWEEPSTAKES AWARD
KIM POINDEXTER
Tahlequah Daily Press
McCurtain episode should be punished April 2023
OGE PHOTO OF THE YEAR WINNERS AWARD WINNERS
2023 OGE DAILY, SEMI- & TRI-WEEKLY PHOTO OF THE YEAR
RICHARD R. BARRON
The Ada News
East Central’s Claudia Garcia (16) and Abbie Morris (10) battle with a pair of Oklahoma Baptist defenders for the ball in action at Tiger Field.
October 2023
2023 ONG COLUMN SWEEPSTAKES AWARD
JENNIFER SHARPE
The Journal Record
On the Streets of Philadelphia April 2023
2023 OGE WEEKLY PHOTO OF THE YEAR
KYLE LOMENICK
The Perkins Journal
Perkins-Tryon senior Cutter Greene soars way above Cushing receiver Lane Wood for a pass interception during fourth quarter action.
September 2023
6 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
FIRST PLACE
Stillwater News Press
SECOND PLACE
The Duncan Banner
THIRD PLACE The Lawton Constitution
AWARD WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023
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 Allen Advocate
Alva Review-Courier
The American (Afton)
The Anadarko Daily News
The Antlers American
Apache News
Atoka County Times
Blackwell Journal-Tribune
Bristow News
Broken Bow News
Buffalo Weekly News
The Cheyenne Star
Clayton Today
The Cleveland American
Clinton Daily News
Coalgate Record-Register
The Comanche Times
The Delaware County Journal
The Dewey County Record
Eastern Times-Register (Roland)
El Reno Tribune
The Eufaula Indian Journal
Frederick Press-Leader
Garber-Billings News
Garvin County News Star
The Grove Sun
Harper County Leader
The Healdton Herald
The Herald-Democrat (Beaver)
Holdenville News
The Hooker Advance
Hughes County Tribune
Johnston County Sentinel
Kiowa County Democrat
Latimer County News-Tribune
The Lawton Constitution
The Lindsay News
The Madill Record
The Marlow Review
McCurtain Gazette
McIntosh County Democrat
Miami News-Record
The Mooreland Leader
Mountain View News
Mustang Times
The Newcastle Pacer
Northwest Oklahoman (Shattuck)
Nowata Star
OKC Friday
The Okeene Record
Okemah News Leader
The Oklahoman
Owasso Reporter
The Pawnee Chief
The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette
The Ponca City News
The Purcell Register
The Ringling Eagle
The Rush Springs Gazette
Sequoyah County Times
Sand Springs Leader
Sapulpa Herald
The Sentinel Leader
Skiatook Journal
Spiro Graphic
Stigler News-Sentinel
The Stilwell Democrat Journal
The Thomas Tribune
The Tonkawa News
Tulsa Beacon
The Tuttle Times
The Valliant Leader
Vian Tenkiller News
The Vici Vision
Woods County Enterprise
The Wilson Post-Democrat
Woodward News
Yale News
Yukon Progress
OPA AWARD WINNERS 7
2023 ONF JOSEPH H. EDWARDS OUTDOOR WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD CONNOR CHOATE Marietta Monitor 2023 ONF RAY LOKEY MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING CLIFTON
The Frontier
ADCOCK
ADDITIONAL AWARDS AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA MAGAZINE CONTEST
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OPA AWARD WINNERS 9
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST AWARD WINNERS
10 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION SEQUOYAH
DIVISION 1 Daily and Online-Only Publications, Population more than 40,000 DIVISION 2 Daily and Online-Only Publications, Population less than 40,000 DIVISION 3 Semi- and Tri-Weekly Publications DIVISION 4 Weekly Publications, Population more than 19,000 DIVISION 5 Weekly Publications, Population 7,000 – 19,000 Turnipseed leaves Sooners’ program OU FOOTBALL B1 Visit www.normantranscript.com for breaking news Smartphone Newspaper Crossword ...B5 Opinion .........A4 State.............A6 INDEX WORD OF THE DAY Page A3 (n) mi-as-ma [mahyExample: “The impassable swamp was known for suffocate travelers.” INSIDE OU: SCOTUS decision won’t affect school U.S. are responding to how landmark decision by the down affirmative action, but the school isn’t likely to be Supreme Court’s conservative majority ruled Friday that wants design wedding webThe court ruled 6-3 for Colorado law that bars disCourt rules for designer who doesn’t want to make wedding websites for gay couples Lorie Smith, Colorado, right, Waggoner, left, AG says no evidence of criminal acts against sheriff STATE A6 WASHINGTON — sharply effectively killed President Joe Biden’s $400 billion plan cancel or reduce of Americans. “This fight not over,” tive justices in the majority, said the authority with the plan, and leaves borrowers on the hook for repayments hand and discussed the matter on was wrong and accused Republicans tion needed Congress’ endorsement program. The majority rejected arguknown as the HEROES Act, gave “Six States sued, arguing that the Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for sent, joined by the court’s two other Court rejects plan to wipe $400B in student loan debt A SUPREME SHIFT IN LAW Jose Luis Magana Associated Press college admissions, saying race cannot be factor. See LOANS on A2 shows students how to draw liquid into syringe Energy’s Geology Summer Academy at Sarkeys Energy interactions with geologic STEM elds addition to giving them real feel for Kyle Phillips The Transcript WA-OU GEOLOGY CAMP College Earth and Energy’s Geology Summer Academy at Sarkeys Energy Center. Tuesday, January 24, 2023 $1.25 TA DA HLEQUAH ILY PRESS INSIDE, 3A: THS club promotes Native culture, identity SPORTS, 1B: Tigers fall short, but Lady Tigers victorious Inside Today’s Edition: Facebook.com/TDPress @TahlequahTDP BE A PART OF THE TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS COMMUNITY Submit story ideas: Email: news@tahlequahdailypress.com Phone: 918-456-8833, ext. 20 Sign up for email alerts: www.tahlequahdailypress.com Top stories, breaking news alerts Local 3A Opinion 4A Education 5A-6A Sports 1B-2B Comics 3B Classifieds 4B-6B Sections 12 pages Vol. LVII No. 16 Aplain the benefits getting pets outside, even in chilly weather, as January NationalWalkcan Humane, the winter when comes to being especially with pet. “Dogs need plenty of exercise throughout the to take them for regular walks.WalkYour Dogfor you and your furry best friend,” Humane Society on its dogs were found to be overweight, which can decrease their life expecWALKING THE DOG Especially during cold weather, pets need exercise By KERI GORDON kthornton@tahlequahdailypress.com See PETS, page 2A luncheon, announced plans to invest an additional $5 million into area Boys of the nine BGA programs in the reservation Bartlesville, Pryor, Tahlequah, Nowata, Chelsea, Tulsa, Adair County, –CN set to give $5M in funding, grants to Boys & Girls clubs Bydents have been chosen for the All-State Band, making the first time “We just have a lot of very talented students has always been very successful, and that’s because it’s based on group effort, and it’s one The All-State competition is held Oklaround the first weekend of November. “They basically take Oklahoma City the first weekend of December,” said Allen. “Then theytiple rounds and they get the top 2% or 3% of instrumental music received this honor Karsen Jefferson, Isaac Allen, Ryann Lee, and schools are lucky to have All-State, which THS has accomplished almost every year. Due to the offer, he said most students who make and All-Statepant for the past three years, said the competition has been an eyeFour THS students receive All-State recognition By SKYLER HAMMONS shammons@tahlequahdailypress.com STUDENTS, page 2A See FUNDING, page 2A Emergency respond-ing into car early Monday evening, Jan. 23, at Grand Avenue. A bystander on thevehicle T-boned a Volkswagen car. The emergency vehicle was carryof the crash. so First Flight could land the Volkswagen and the original patient in theEmergency vehicle crashes into car; injuries reported FROM STAFF REPORTS Some of the Tahlequah High School students who made the All-State Band pose for photo. From left are: David Jacques, Isaac Allen, and Karsen Jefferson. Not pictured Ryann Lee.portunity to elect new members of the city’s body, as well as changes the city’s proposed changes, and to vote for mayor One of the proposed changes to inBy kthornton@tahlequahdailypress.com City voters to get a chance to mull ballot initiatives See VOTERS, Keri Gordon Daily Press Toni Bailey and her rough collie, Phil, worked on click training Monday afternoon. El Reno Tribune SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2023 ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM USPS NO. (170-780) ONE DOLLAR All rights reserved Instagram Sunday’s Weather 102 76 Partly sunny and hot Full forecast on Page news and INSIDE Reno to guide wrestling program AWARD Organizers said last week’s El Reno Blessing Baskets Festival of the Trees, Christmas in July was helped raise more than $60,000 for the local organization, said Donna Dyer, Blessing Baskets we raised over $60,000, everyone had fun for an awesome cause,” said Dyer. El Reno Mayor Matt White provided auctioneer services, helping move “That’s lot of auctioning,” Dyer Dyer said the evening had numerous sponsors and Blessing Baskets “is grateful all the sponsors and purchased auction items.” Marilyn Arnold donated the food and catering services, while said. Blessing Baskets helped more than 6,000 individuals this past year won the OU softball autographed by Sooners head coach Patty Gasso. /Courtesy) Festival of the Trees raises over $60,000 El RenoNews Calm during the storm Amy Neathery had her work cut constituents were in a panic. Hollywood wanted to shut down part of the downtown to film scenes the biggest movie coup parts of Rain Man were filming could take as long as June and July are some of their best Neathery said she had no other “Downtown part of my ward and these people are my friends. shop at their stores,” Neathery said. Ward councilwoman helped ease concerns while Twisters rolled through city Reno last month for the lming Twisters, the sequel while several vacant buildings were transformed (left) into aftermath real rainstorm that hit the city during lming. Tribune photographer El RenoNews STORM, Page organizer David Bearshield said the state’s oldest powwow expected to draw This will be the 33rd year for the Indian Nation powThe event will open RESPECT Gym Concho. as well as three-point shooting contest will fill Friday, along with begins at 8 a.m. with the Buffalo Run, starting in the parking lot at Lucky tournaments will be held along with volleyball and youth water slides. basketball contests. A golf scramble at tournaments will continue, Oklahoma Indian Nation Pow-Wow returning to Concho C&A TribesNews POW-WOW, Page 16 LOCAL InsidetheBeacon Lady Titans get ready Carl Albert’s volleyball team See page 1B SPORTS AUGUST 2, 2023 VOL. 117, ISSUE 48 SOMBR Fundraiser Run set for Sept. See page 2A Managing Editor The Midwest City Council welcomed familiar face last week. Rick Dawkins was appointed as the Ward councilmember during the July 25 council meeting. The longtime Midwest City resident fills vacancy that was created when former councilwoman Megan Bain resigned. Dawkins is no stranger to city hall,havingpreviouslyservedon the city council and other committees and boards. He recently was member of the planning commission but resigned to serve on the city council. Dawkins will serve portion of Bain’s unexpired term until an the upcoming general election ling period for the election will be approved by the council in an upcoming meeting. If multiple candidates fi the Ward seat, an election will the unexpired term from April 2024 April 2026. A regularly held for candidates in Wards 2, By Jeff Harrison Managing Editor A study of the sewer system on the east side of Midwest City rmed what city leaders suspected. Experts say the city needs to upgrade its sewer system to acdevelopment on the east side. They identify nearly $30 million projects over the next two decades, including expanding capacity at lift stations and installing new sewer lines. Freese and Nichols, Inc. was hired by the city in spring 2022 study the sewer infrastructure on the east side and create plan for future expansion and maintenance. Clay Herndon with Freese and Nichols presented the ndings during the July 25 city council meeting. Herndon said they evaluated data about the current system and placed temporary itoring develop hydraulic model. They calibrated the hydraulic model using population and wastewater ow projections, manhole surveys and inspections, and ow monitoring analysis. Herndon said the hydraulic model helped identify deficiencies the current system, priority projects and triggers. The east side the fastest growing area in Midwest City with numerous ongoing and planned developments. The area identified the study had population of about 10,540 in 2022. That number projected to grow to 10,955 (2025), 12,078 (2032), and 17,331 (2047). The area is served by nine collection lifts stations that help carry wastewater over ridgeline and to the sewer plant. Herndon highlighted two lift stations that are currently over capacity. The East I-5 lift station, 11246 City Sewer study warns of capacity issues Consultant says east side in need of major upgrades to sanitary sewer system Council Rick Dawkins (Left) sworn in by Mayor Matt Dukes (Right) as the Ward City Councilmember. The former Dawkins filling the gap Housing Development creates quandary for city council By Jeff Harrison Managing Editor residential developer will have to wait little longer for an answer on his proposal to build on the city’s east side. The Midwest City City Council last week tabled request to replat property on Friendly Rd. that would allow the parcel to be divided into eight buildable lots Bryan Funderburgh and Sycamore Custom Homes plan to build eight single family homes on the property with another empty lot as common space. Councilmembers and city staff were apprehensive about the request due recent report that ed capacity issues with the sewer system in the area of the proposed housing development. Thecityhasheldoffdevelopment in the area pending results of the Eastside Sanitary Sewer Study. the impact of the houses, and we also worry about the precedence that what eight houses could be 200 houses,” said Brandon Bundy, Midwest City director of engineering and construction services. Don Maisch, city attorney, urged caution approving any type of development in the area included in the Eastside Sanitary Sewer Study. Councilmembers questioned the city could set limit of approval of eight houses. Maisch said that would set an arbitrary Community By Jeff Harrison Managing Editor Autumn House Independent Living is getting fresh look. The Midwest City senior housing complex, 500 W. Adair Blvd., undergoing project to replace the siding and windows on the three-story apartment building. Each of the apartment units in the building had large glass windows about the size of door. The windows were difficult for residents open Autumn House gets a face lift Midwest City uses COVID grant funds to replace windows and siding at senior housing See SEWER, page 12A See HOUSING, page 12A Rick Dawkins thanks his family and the city for the opportunity to See DAWKINS, page 12A See GRANT, page 12A By Ryan Horton Managing Editor changes, the city manager can spend up to $25,000 on supplies, materials, equipment, or contractuservices without city council approval. The city Additionally, the city manager can pay for public improvements with cost the city up to $50,000 without taking the action before the city council. “We’re amending three did an analysis of the standard is out there, and that helps us to manage our day to day,” said city manager Brian Linley. Those new limits would “That change authorizes the city clerk, director, director, and myself to be able to sign checks,” explained Linley. The dated ordinance ed by the agenda item that Inside the Times Choctaw celebrates volunteers LOCAL Jackets dominate invitational SPORTS See Page 1B City offi reception for city boards. See Page 2A City Council Abts to retire after nearly three decades of service two individuals seeking able to attend. be able to make tonight. ‘My work schedule has changed due to the weathAs a result, Dengler had the entirety of the scheddistrict and to field questions from those in attendance. Forum hosted for school board candidates Choctaw-Nicoma Park Government young judo player prepares to face much taller opponent the Oklahoma Judo State Championships in Harrah, March 4. By Van Mitchell Contributing Writer an Jeannie Abts knew if Choctaw was going to grow, the city would have to have something that kept people shopping local. The result was the city all that before anything Abts, who retiring from the City Council. “We got that shopping center complishment she played part in was the adding the Bouse Sports Complex. retire following the retirements Mayor Randy Ross, and Ward Councilman Steve Krieske, who moving to Mon“The mayor, Steve, and were the last three coungrowth. You would shop est City or go Oklahoma City. We stuck our necks out and bought be anything there we See VOTE, Page 12A City ups manager’s spending budget State Championships See CITY, Page 12A Choctaw City honors Coleman Some young judo players ght at the State Championships recently hosted at Harrah See SCHOOL, Page 12A Divided Choctaw City Council authorizes $25,000 purchases By Ryan Horton Judo players of all ages Judokas throw down in Harrah See JUDO, Page 12A DIVISION 6 Weekly Publications, Population 3,300 – 7,000 Thursday, October 5, 2023 75¢ News Source for The Heart of Oklahoma The Purcell Register Opinion 4A Society Sports Classifieds 11B Record Big game Despite challenges, positive. ■ Deadlines 12 noon, Tuesday ■ Contact us 405-527-2126 purcellregister@gmail.com The Purcell Register October Operation Christmas preparation Christian, long-time volunteer, set up toy and canned goods drop-off location at the Purcell Library. Librarians Becky Roberts and Karen Fielder will be happy to help way we know is because PeggyChristianisalready gearing up for another run food and toy donations.in by November 28 with the designated “give out” Applications may be circle October 12 on theirthere will be an important meeting to discuss Goldby’s water systems. at 100 E. Center Road 7:30 p.m. the opportunity get in“Your input vital ensure the continued safety, qualThe meeting will be question and answer style meeting addressing current challengesandwhatofficials are going to address issues. 288-6675. Water discussion at Goldsby Town Hall Water rationing continues for commercial and residenthe proclamation noting the proclamation be posted 10 prominentplacesintheTown circulation. Herrin was heeding the water system saying usage under the proclamation are wateringoflawns grounds, or washing sidewalks, driveways,parkingareasandother paved surfaces.ings and filling or refilling swimming pools.gram. Homes whose address ends an even number may to 11 p.m. oddnumberedcalendardays. The proclamation will be for 30 days ending near theAlso related to the current drought situation, McClaincourthousetoextendtheburn ban for another 14 days. StacyHarjo,47,oneofthree plea McClain County District Court Monday. the death penalty, and Joshua Finkbeiner, who received two April 29, 2018. On count she received life without parole, count sentences to run concurrently. Harjo enters plea Gets life without parole Fatality While riding his motorcycle Saturday night, 40-year-old The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports 40-year-old Bailey Turnpike last Saturday night.106 one mile east of Honda Motorcycle driven by Edward C. Tabor for by Kayte D. Madero, 31,gers her vehicle including Logan K. Madero, 34, of Tecumseh, three-yearold and one-year-old.vehicles left the roadway to the left, coming to rest OHP: Purcell man killed Columbus Day Holiday It’s mixed bag who will have 3-dayweekendcomingFederal workers, McClain County employees and city staff in Purcell, Lexington, The Post Office will be Purcell, Lexington, Washington and Wayne. McClain Bank and FirstPurcell Register will be open. curbside pickup for the time have brush and limbs at the Brush pickup Applications for Operation Christmas now AvAilAble Goldsby residents on odd-even watering days Motorcycle accident on H.E. Bailey Norman Spur back page Please see Brush back page back page By Jacob Sturm news@mustangpaper.com beverage consumption on Sundays following the Canadian County Commissioners actions taken on Monday morning. Tomas Manske, Tracey Rider discussed placing the matter up “Throughout the two years ask me about getting this on the ballot,” Manske said. “I’ve had lot businesses call me, catch me when I’m out doing business. And I’ve had businesses say ‘we probably won’t build there unless this gets on the ballot for the people decide’.” “So, the way think about it the board to say whether or not this can happen,” Manske said. “As to whether or not they can change these bills think needs to be vote of the people.” Rider agreed with Manske, stating she didn’t believe vote of the people to make the stipulations on the ballot. Members of the Yukon Chamber of Commerce, the December 14, 2023 Vol. 18, Issue 30 INSIDE Minco Schools Minco!! As 2023 comes to an end and 2024 begins, we can these days seems quite chaotic because is. In some ways is fair to say that times are not right, but in the midst of the challenges and frustrations, let us reflect on the blessings we have. am grateful especially our students. We truly have tremendous place of learning for Minco’s our staff of dedicated teachers, leaders, coaches and support staff. Day in and day in our students. It is real joy of mine to see blossom the year progresses. So much on performance and are so much more than wins or losses or about building people but assure you that we care about our Merry Christmas 2023!! Kevin Sims Minco Schools County officials talk renovation of county property at meeting By Jayson Knight editor@tuttletimes.com Canadian County’s current health Monday morning. During the meeting, county officials David Anderson, Tomas Manske and Tracey Rider discussed the topic alongside the proposal from the “We’re point where they are asking us to engage contractor and get some estimates together, and then space to them for,” Anderson said. “The space that we’re talking about on the bottom floor, and is along explained that DHS would take about third of the bottom floor and provide an access into their space while leaving two-thirds of the floor for the county. Anderson said he didn’t feel comfortable moving any farther forward with the plans without Alcoholic beverage sales on Sunday to be on ballot for March 5 election Canadian County Commissioners fund Union City sewer project Infrastructure Union City will benefit as result Canadian County board of commissioners meeting on Monday morning. and Tracey Rider were busy on Monday morning, addressing many potential projects, incorporating the public decisions regarding alcoholic beverage consumption at on-site venues on Sunday mornings and assigning money to small cities through have earmarked major cities water, service provider categories and rural water districts as possible places for the county to distribute funding. Assistant District Attorney Tommy Humphries “I’ve reviewed their application,” Humphries said. “It’s sewer improvement project for Union City.” Both sewer and water projects fit in the ARPA fundingcategory.UnionCityrequested$178,599.29 agreed to allocate the funding for the project. That left roughly $150,000 for the commissioners to allocate afterward, according the discussion between Humphries and the commissioners. as of yet. David Anderson, Tracey Rider and Tomas Manske discuss adding alcoholic beverage sales By Jayson Knight Four candidates have declared their bid for Herrell, Jared Rumley, and Paige Teel. A primary election will be held Tuesday, February General Election to be held Tuesday, April 2, will be featured at later date. Here letter Rumley Rumley. My wife, Bria and are both graduates of Minco High School. raised in this great town We have kids who go to school here in Minco basketball, track, and baseball. Ryker, 2nd grader, who also plays all sports and loves wearing Lyla, she’s in Prek and loves to cheer on her big Bulldogs. She can’t wait have worked the natural gas industry for the last years. have also served on the planning committee at Minco First Baptist Church. In my professional career, currently serve on the Oklahoma and all my peerstomake betterwork environment and come up baseball, and assist with basketball here in Minco. anywhere else. love that Minco still prays before football games and love teachers in this school are all so great. They have always been there for my As school board member, wouldn’t come in with any type of agenda. would take my main goal is making sure the teachers, coaches, and other faculty have everything they need to want to represent my community the best voices everyone in this and that’s what strive for! Rumley running for Minco School Board Seat No. 4 Minco Schools See ALCOHOL, page 10A Canadian County www.aggiecentral.com Monday, October 23, 2023 Volume 109 Issue 6 T C U Collegian journey Page 2 Taylor Swift's movie Page Making run Country Page JUSTICE for all: Featuring: Mark Woodward Brittney Payette Managing Editor The attendees learn about the nexus of organized crime and the marijuana industry in Oklahoma from Mark Woodward. From 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 McMahon Centennial Complex, the Department of Social Sciences legislative liaison. He talked about the nexus between organized crime and the marijuana industry. Senior Instructor Rick Lowe All lectureship series that focuses on important criminal justice topics. am teaching organized crime class this semester," Lowe said. "And many of my criminal justice different than many other states organized crime at some level." Lowe said that people who is harming lot (of people)," He said. "Not only just the tax payers but those legitimate marijuana businesses as well." Woodward said that he is part of one of the things that we do the (OBN.) Now, this also includes the enforcement of the prescription drug laws, dealing with fentanyl, (and) trafficking,” he said. "The same groups that are bringing drugs people because people do not run Woodward said the organized "There something unique that has happened here in Oklahoma that has not happened in these other 40 states (who have passed medical According to Woodward, there are 6,400 marijuana manufacturers in Oklahoma, which is down from 9,400 from last year. There are 2,200 "All we ask is that you follow the law. That is our one responsibility … Like any other business, whether you’re marijuana business or you’re that falls under our jurisdiction guarding against theft and diversion," he said. Woodward also said that the Oklahoma marijuana law simple. why there are so many dispensaries in Oklahoma because of its cheap marijuana license and the amount owner" structure wherein lawyers/ foreign investors buy and also find Oklahoma residents become the owners of marijuana license for illegally. primary crimes associated with the marijuana laws in Oklahoma which include out of state product sold organization down," Woodward said, “which is the money coming in, using the lawyers and the bringing in the workers who grow marijuana. They’re tied both to Woodward said that the OBN just found semi truck couple "That is one truck," he said. "And multiple trucks from that one warehouse are leaving everyday out of Oklahoma City from marijuana collected on these farms all over people, are calling the shots on these He said that what some people do not understand is that there are cracking down on these criminal organizations. "We’re now putting every owner (and) every worker under paperwork and that’s how we’re tying these farms together." He said that he has no problem with people in the marijuana industry who have done everything right," Woodward said. "And they’re getting punished because of these criminals who are just absolutely killing the legitimate He said that future topic ideas depends on the students and determining what some of the involved shootings, we’ve dealt with human trafficking, elderly abuse, domestic violence, all those types of issues. We’ll be watching and the Justice for All lectureship series, email Lowe rlowe@cameron. about the OBN call (405) 521-2885. POINTS: Points in the first eight categories are awarded as follows. No points are awarded in categories 9 through 25. EVENTS 1-3 1st Place 110 Points 2nd Place 80 Points 3rd Place 60 Points EVENTS 4-8 1st Place 100 Points 2nd Place 70 Points 3rd Place 50 Points 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. DIVISION 7 Weekly Publications, Population 2,000 – 3,300 DIVISION 8 Weekly Publications, Population less than 2,000 DIVISION 9 College News Media
AWARD WINNERS
AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
DIGITAL CATEGORIES
FIRST PLACE
DIGITAL MEDIA DAILIES
Tahlequah Daily Press
SECOND PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
THIRD PLACE The Frontier DIGITAL MEDIA
FIRST PLACE The Newcastle Pacer
SECOND PLACE The Purcell Register
THIRD PLACE The Shawnee News-Star
FIRST PLACE The Trend University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
SECOND PLACE The Gazette Langston University
THIRD PLACE The Cameron University Collegian
DIGITAL MEDIA COLLEGES
FIRST PLACE
Shaun Witt Oklahoma Watch NewsMatch Fundraising
SECOND PLACE
Scott Rains and Johannes Becht The Lawton Constitution
FIRST PLACE
Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter
Familiar Strangers: Photo series spotlights people’s struggles, successes
SECOND PLACE
Dylan Goforth The Frontier
THIRD PLACE
Ted Streuli, Whitney Bryen, Jennifer Palmer and Keaton Ross Oklahoma Watch
OPA AWARD WINNERS 11
WEEKLIES
VIDEO JOURNALISM / MARKETING ALL DIVISIONS
ONLINE PROJECT ALL DIVISIONS
OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS OPA is pleased to honor its members and individuals with a variety of awards for their many achievements. Nomination & Entry Information for all awards is available at OkPress.com/awards or call 405-499-0020 (1-888-815-2672 toll-free in Oklahoma) for more information.
AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
DIVISION 1 RESULTS
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
The Lawton Constitution
SECOND PLACE
The Norman Transcript
THIRD PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
The Norman
Transcript
SECOND PLACE
The Lawton
Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
SECOND PLACE
The Lawton Constitution
THIRD PLACE
The Norman
Transcript
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
SECOND PLACE
The Norman Transcript
THIRD PLACE
Stillwater News Press
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE
The Lawton Constitution
SECOND PLACE
The Norman Transcript
THIRD PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
The Norman Transcript
SECOND PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Stillwater News Press
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
The Norman Transcript
Public Art Guide
SECOND PLACE
Stillwater News Press
THIRD PLACE
The Lawton Constitution
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
Oklahoma Watch
Lessons from the Mansion: If I were Governor Today
SECOND PLACE
The Lawton Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Enid News & Eagle
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Brianna Bailey
The Frontier
A man’s death in jail was ruled a homicide. Family and friends are still waiting for someone to be charged.
SECOND PLACE
Scott Rains
The Lawton Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Keaton Ross
Oklahoma Watch
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Kayla Branch
The Frontier
For those too sick for the homeless shelter, few options in Oklahoma City
SECOND PLACE
Jennifer Palmer
Oklahoma Watch
THIRD PLACE
Yasmeen Saadi
Oklahoma Watch
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Marcus Trevino
Stillwater News Press
How much further can culture carry the Cowboys?
SECOND PLACE
Jason Elmquist
Stillwater News Press
THIRD PLACE
Bruce Campbell
Enid News & Eagle
12 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
DAILY
ONLINE-ONLY PUBLICATIONS, POPULATION
&
MORE THAN 40,000
A g h e e o h w n a e u w h e e n � e s W S S A R A N A L @ a n m 8 M C M A U E A man s death in ail was ru ed a homicide Family and friends are still waiting for someone to be charged Convert web pages and HTML files to PDF your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API Printed with Pdfcrowd.com une 202 p b d b k k b h g p d g g A h AY A RANCH Re d ng m 9 M N Po ed n HEA H T h h y h h d t B h y h h T ddy 2 h p t h p t y d dh h p p g g g b h B d h G h b Z h R For those too sick for the homeless shelter, few options in Oklahoma City Convert web pages and HTML files to PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API Printed with Pdfcrowd.com
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Clifton Adcock and Allison Herrera
The Frontier
Gov. Kevin Stitt paid more than $1.9 million in legal fees for gaming lawsuits with state money
SECOND PLACE
Clifton Adcock
The Frontier
THIRD PLACE
Clifton Adcock
The Frontier
EDUCATION STORY
FIRST PLACE
Jennifer Palmer
Oklahoma Watch
Elite Oklahoma high school plagued by complaints of sexual harassment
SECOND PLACE
Jillian Taylor and Ari Fife
The Frontier
THIRD PLACE
Lionel Ramos
Oklahoma Watch
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
FIRST PLACE
Whitney Bryen
Oklahoma Watch
Mentally ill jail deaths
SECOND PLACE
Jennifer Palmer
Oklahoma Watch
THIRD PLACE
Andrea Hancock
The Norman Transcript
COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE
David R. Stringer
The Lawton Constitution
SECOND PLACE
Joey Goodman
The Lawton Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Jeff Mullin
Enid News & Eagle
AWARD WINNERS
SMALL SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Jennifer Jepson
The Norman Transcript
Green Feather Book Company - poetry night
SECOND PLACE
Belinda Darnell and Toni Wilson
The Lawton Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Abigail Hardin and CJ Dailey
The Lawton Constitution
LARGE SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Kathy Young
Enid News & Eagle
Dude’s Men Store - Cool trends
SECOND PLACE
Abigail Hardin and Toni Wilson
The Lawton Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Debbie Sinderson and Toni Wilson
The Lawton Constitution
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Scott Rains
The Lawton Constitution
Mock collision
SECOND PLACE
Billy Hefton
Enid News & Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Kyle Phillips
The Norman Transcript
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Billy Hefton
Enid News & Eagle
Splash pad cool
SECOND PLACE
Scott Rains
The Lawton Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Scott Rains
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Kyle Phillips
The Norman Transcript Gymnastics celebration
SECOND PLACE
Billy Hefton
Enid News & Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Jason Elmquist
Stillwater News Press
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Scott Rains
The Lawton
Constitution
Live fire exercise
SECOND PLACE
Scott Rains
The Lawton
Constitution
THIRD PLACE
Scott Rains
The Lawton
Constitution
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Sonya Bilovecky
The Lawton
Constitution
Aug. 4
SECOND PLACE
Joe Malan
Enid News & Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Dee Ann Patterson
The Lawton Constitution
The Lawton Constitution
OPA AWARD WINNERS 13
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
Muskogee Phoenix
SECOND PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
THIRD PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
SECOND PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
THIRD PLACE
The Ponca City News
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
SECOND PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Tahlequah
Daily Press
SECOND PLACE
Muskogee Phoenix
THIRD PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE McAlester News-Capital
SECOND PLACE
Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise
THIRD PLACE The Ada News
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
Muskogee Phoenix
SECOND PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press
THIRD PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press Newcomers Guide
SECOND PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
Tahlequah Daily Press Homelessness and the plight of the imprisoned SECOND PLACE
McAlester News-Capital
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
James Beaty McAlester News-Capital Protesters held hope until the end
SECOND PLACE
Andy Dossett Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
THIRD PLACE
Andy Dossett Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Andy Dossett Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise
A family’s quest to demystify Gravity Hill
SECOND PLACE
Andy Dossett Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise
THIRD PLACE
Denton Thomason Vinita Daily Journal
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Jake Sermersheim
Tahlequah Daily Press
Jeanes: ‘Hard to leave’ position as Hulbert pitching coach
SECOND PLACE
Jeff Cali
The Ada News
THIRD PLACE
Jeff Cali
The Ada News
14 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
AWARD WINNERS
DAILY & ONLINE-ONLY PUBLICATIONS, POPULATION LESS THAN 40,000
DIVISION 2 RESULTS
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Andy Dossett
Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise Price Tower sold to Copper Tree
SECOND PLACE
Richard R. Barron
The Ada News
THIRD PLACE
Derrick James McAlester News-Capital
EDUCATION STORY
FIRST PLACE
Skyler Hammons
Tahlequah Daily Press
Strike up the band: Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps
SECOND PLACE
Andy Dossett
Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise
THIRD PLACE
Derrick James McAlester News-Capital
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
FIRST PLACE
Andy Dossett Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise
Single mom sentenced to a year in Oklahoma jail over $138 fine
SECOND PLACE
Derrick James and Adrian O’Hanlon McAlester News-Capital
THIRD PLACE
Andy Dossett Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
AWARD WINNERS
COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Kim Poindexter Tahlequah Daily Press
SECOND PLACE
Jeff Cali
The Ada News
THIRD PLACE
Richard R. Barron
The Ada News
SMALL SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Phyllis Hurlbut McAlester News-Capital Indianola Senior Center Valentine’s dinner
SECOND PLACE
Chris Barnhart Tahlequah Daily Press
THIRD PLACE
Heather Ruotolo Tahlequah Daily Press
LARGE SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Ashley Theodoran
The Ponca City News Evans and Associates
SECOND PLACE
Ashley Theodoran The Ponca City News
THIRD PLACE
Connie Poole McAlester News-Capital
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Richard R. Barron
The Ada News Tornadoes kill 2 in central Oklahoma
SECOND PLACE
James Beaty McAlester News-Capital
THIRD PLACE
Andy Dossett
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Richard R. Barron
The Ada News
Haunted Hayride zombie
SECOND PLACE
Derrick James McAlester News-Capital
THIRD PLACE
Andy Dossett Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Madalyn Nix McAlester News-Capital Kamryn Wilkett tags out a Glenpool runner
SECOND PLACE
Richard R. Barron
The Ada News
THIRD PLACE
Jake Sermersheim
Tahlequah Daily Press
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Derrick James McAlester News-Capital Funeral of Police Officer
Joseph Barlow
SECOND PLACE
Derrick James McAlester News-Capital
THIRD PLACE
Richard R. Barron
The Ada News
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Dawnyal Hill McAlester News-Capital Oct. 31
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
SECOND PLACE
Dawnyal Hill McAlester News-Capital
THIRD PLACE
Nick Theodoran
The Ponca City News
OPA AWARD WINNERS 15
AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
DIVISION 3 RESULTS
SEMI- AND TRI-WEEKLY PUBLICATIONS
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune
SECOND PLACE
Sequoyah County Times
THIRD PLACE
The Duncan Banner
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune
SECOND PLACE
Sequoyah County Times
THIRD PLACE
Okmulgee Times
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Claremore Daily Progress
SECOND PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
THIRD PLACE
Sequoyah County Times
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune
SECOND PLACE
The Duncan Banner
THIRD PLACE Woodward News
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE Claremore Daily Progress
SECOND PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
THIRD PLACE Okmulgee Times
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune
SECOND PLACE
Okmulgee Times
THIRD PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
El Reno Tribune
Gifts for the Yanks and quilt auction
SECOND PLACE
The Duncan Banner
THIRD PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Ray Dyer
El Reno Tribune
Couple seeks out accountability from agencies they feel allowed abuse of young relatives to linger for months
SECOND PLACE
Charlene Belew
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
The Duncan Banner Gridiron Guide 2023
SECOND PLACE
Sequoyah County Times
THIRD PLACE
The Shawnee News-Star
The Duncan Banner
THIRD PLACE
Johnny McMahan Woodward News
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Lynn Adams
Sequoyah County Times
60 years in retrospect: At 71 Billy Wood retires from Times
SECOND PLACE
Lynn Adams
Sequoyah County Times
THIRD PLACE
Ray Dyer
El Reno Tribune
16 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
AWARD WINNERS
SPORTS STORY
(Combined with Division 4)
FIRST PLACE
Glen Miller
El Reno Tribune
Breaking up the glass mat: Duo seeks to become EHS’ first female state placers in wrestling
SECOND PLACE
Kevin Green
Claremore Daily Progress
THIRD PLACE
Kelly Wray The Duncan Banner
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Lynn Adams
Sequoyah County Times
Cookson Hills Connect begins Phase 2 of fiber optics plan
SECOND PLACE
Tamara Gregor The Duncan Banner
THIRD PLACE
Tamara Gregor The Duncan Banner
EDUCATION STORY
FIRST PLACE
Lynn Adams
Sequoyah County Times
Campus Cruelty: What are schools doing about bullying?
SECOND PLACE
Lynn Adams Sequoyah County Times
THIRD PLACE
Tamara Gregor The Duncan Banner
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
FIRST PLACE
Lynn Adams Sequoyah County Times
Municipal landfill
SECOND PLACE
Vicky O. Misa
The Shawnee News-Star
THIRD PLACE
Kim Morava
The Shawnee News-Star
COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Lynn Adams
Sequoyah County Times
SECOND PLACE
Kevin Green
Claremore Daily Progress
THIRD PLACE
Linda Provost The Duncan Banner
SMALL SPACE AD
(Combined with Division 4)
FIRST PLACE
Aubrey Patton El Reno Tribune
Haunted Barns & Trail of Terror
SECOND PLACE
Aubrey Patton El Reno Tribune
THIRD PLACE
Crystal Childers The Duncan Banner
LARGE SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Aubrey Patton El Reno Tribune
Advantage Insurance: Back to School
SECOND PLACE
Christina Walker The Shawnee News-Star
THIRD PLACE
Aaron McDonald The Shawnee News-Star
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
(Combined with Division 4)
FIRST PLACE
Jacob Sturm Mustang Times Chamber Cardboard Boat Regatta
SECOND PLACE
Sara Acosta Woodward News
THIRD PLACE
Glen Miller El Reno Tribune
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Jay Lederman
Claremore Daily Progress
Bronc riding at Will Rogers Stampede
SECOND PLACE
Kelly Wray
The Duncan Banner
THIRD PLACE
Glen Miller
El Reno Tribune
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
(Combined with Division 4)
FIRST PLACE
Johnny McMahan
Woodward News
Softball players celebrate win in 15-inning marathon
SECOND PLACE
Art Haddaway
Owasso Reporter
THIRD PLACE
Kelly Wray
The Duncan Banner
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Jay Lederman
Claremore Daily
Progress
19th Century baseball
exhibition game
SECOND PLACE
Jay Lederman
Claremore Daily Progress
THIRD PLACE
Johnny McMahan Woodward News
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Lynn Adams, Amie Remer, Leslie Mendoza and Jan Herod
Sequoyah County Times
June 7
SECOND PLACE
Charlene Belew
The Duncan Banner
THIRD PLACE
Lynn Adams, Leslie Mendoza and Amie Remer
Sequoyah County Times
OPA AWARD WINNERS 17
3B S o O & The Reach Higher adult degree completion program at Rogers State University offers a flexible schedule that allows working adults to earn their degree, boost their earning power and advance their careers. YOU GET On-campus and online class options < Affordable eight-week courses Five enrollment periods per year Financial aid for qualified students PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: Be at least years old < Have at least 72 hours of college credit Ha mini 2.0 GPA from previou college edits 19TH CENTURY BASEBALL Last Saturday, the spirit the 19th century came alive the Will Rogers Memorial enthusiasts gathered to witness unique exhibition game. Honoring the legendary the rules and regulations that governed the sport during that time. The game, played on the spectators back simpler time when baseball was in its nascent stages and yet to pastime today. Adding the historical ambiance, Wayne McCombs, respected Claremore local atmosphere of 19th century baseball. View full gallery online.
THANK YOU!
To all of the Oklahoma Press Association staff for their hard work and continued effort to advance and protect the future of newspapers in Oklahoma.
OPA staff:
• Mark Thomas
• Jeannie Freeman
• Scott Wilkerson
• Lisa Sutliff
• Alexis Martin
• Rod Serfoss
• Jennifer Gilliland
• Austin Anderson
• Wilma Newby
• Landon Cobb
• Cindy Shea
• Keith Burgin
• Jennifer Cates
• Sharon Beuchaw
Love County’s Trusted Newsource Since 1895.
18 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
OPA AWARD WINNERS 19 Jessica and Austin! Thank you for all your hard work!
AWARD
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
SECOND PLACE
Mustang Times
THIRD PLACE
The Oklahoma Eagle
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
The Oklahoma Eagle
SECOND PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
THIRD PLACE
Mustang Times
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
OKC Friday
SECOND PLACE
Mustang Times
THIRD PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
The Oklahoma Eagle
SECOND PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
THIRD PLACE
Mustang Times
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
SECOND PLACE
Mustang Times
THIRD PLACE OKC Friday
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
Midwest City Beacon
SECOND PLACE
Mustang Times
THIRD PLACE OKC Friday
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
The Edmond Way Edmond High Schools Football Preview
SECOND PLACE
Mustang Times
THIRD PLACE OKC Friday
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
FIRST PLACE
Midwest City Beacon Food Drive
SECOND PLACE
The Oklahoma Eagle
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Gary Lee
The Oklahoma Eagle
Tulsans unite to oppose bid for takeover of the city’s school system
SECOND PLACE
Gary Lee
The Oklahoma Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Gary Lee
The Oklahoma Eagle
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Gary Lee
The Oklahoma Eagle
Tulsans remember Tina Turner, a down-to-Earth rock star
SECOND PLACE
M. David Goodwin
The Oklahoma Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Eric Oesch OKC Friday
20 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
WEEKLY PUBLICATIONS, POPULATION
WINNERS DIVISION 4 RESULTS
MORE THAN 19,000
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Gary Lee
The Oklahoma Eagle
All The Fixins:
Welcome to Black Wall Street’s new eatery
SECOND PLACE
Kimberly Marsh
The Oklahoma Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Sam Kozlowski
The Edmond Way
EDUCATION STORY
FIRST PLACE
Gary Lee
The Oklahoma Eagle
Tulsa educators who overcame the pandemic’s challenges
SECOND PLACE
John Neal
The Oklahoma Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Jacob Sturm
Mustang Times
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
FIRST PLACE
Mike W. Ray
Southwest Ledger
Hand sanitizer fires & issues in Chickasha
SECOND PLACE
Gary Lee
The Oklahoma Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Jeff Harrison and Alyssa DalleySchofield
AWARD WINNERS
COLUMN WRITING
(Combined with Division 5)
FIRST PLACE
John Neal
The Oklahoma Eagle
SECOND PLACE
Kimberly Marsh
The Oklahoma Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Jacob Sturm
Mustang Times
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
(Combined with Division 3)
FIRST PLACE
Jacob Sturm
Mustang Times
Chamber
Cardboard
Boat Regatta
SECOND PLACE
Sara Acosta
Woodward News
THIRD PLACE
Glen Miller
El Reno Tribune
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
Carl Albert wins
first wrestling title in 31 years
SECOND PLACE
Art Haddaway
Owasso Reporter
THIRD PLACE
Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
(Combined with Division 3)
FIRST PLACE
Johnny McMahan
Woodward News
Softball players celebrate win in 15-inning marathon
SECOND PLACE
Art Haddaway
Owasso Reporter
THIRD PLACE
Kelly Wray
The Duncan Banner
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Basil Childers and Ross D. Johnson
The Oklahoma Eagle Revivalists envision future for All-Black towns
SECOND PLACE
Rose Lane
OKC Friday
THIRD PLACE
Sam Levrault
Midwest City Beacon
The Oklahoma Eagle
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Ross D. Johnson
The Oklahoma Eagle
Aug. 25
SECOND PLACE
Ross D. Johnson
The Oklahoma Eagle
THIRD PLACE
Rose Lane
OKC Friday
OPA AWARD WINNERS 21
AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
DIVISION 5 RESULTS
POPULATION 7,000 - 19,000
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE Choctaw Times
SECOND PLACE
The Tuttle Times
THIRD PLACE
The Newcastle Pacer
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE Choctaw Times
SECOND PLACE
The Tuttle Times
THIRD PLACE
The Newcastle Pacer
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
The Newcastle Pacer
SECOND PLACE
Cushing Citizen
THIRD PLACE
The Tuttle Times
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE Cushing Citizen
SECOND PLACE Choctaw Times
THIRD PLACE The Newcastle Pacer
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE Choctaw Times
SECOND PLACE The Newcastle Pacer
THIRD PLACE The Tuttle Times
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE The Tuttle Times
SECOND PLACE Choctaw Times
THIRD PLACE The Express-Star
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
Cushing Citizen About Us
SECOND PLACE
The Newcastle Pacer
THIRD PLACE Choctaw Times
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE Choctaw Times
Holiday with heroes: First responders take 200 children holiday shopping
SECOND PLACE The Newcastle Pacer
THIRD PLACE Cushing Citizen
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Sam Kozlowski Guthrie News Leader Two-time Super Bowl champion leads honorees at Oklahoma Territorial Capital Sports Museum
SECOND PLACE
Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat
THIRD PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Kathleen Guill The Altus Times
October is Breast Cancer Awareness
month: Local family discusses losing their mom to the disease
SECOND PLACE
Jessica Lane The ExpressStar
THIRD PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
22 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
WEEKLY
PUBLICATIONS,
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Kevin Farr
Durant Democrat
End of an era:
Billy Jack Bowen announces coaching retirement
SECOND PLACE
Austin Litterell
The Express-Star
THIRD PLACE
Austin Litterell
The Express-Star
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Jayson Knight The Tuttle Times
Smokin Joe’s opening location in Tuttle
SECOND PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
THIRD PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
EDUCATION STORY
(Combined with Division 6)
FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
Under construction:
District begins work on bond projects
SECOND PLACE
Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
AWARD WINNERS
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
(Combined with Division 6)
FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
Teen killed at football game
SECOND PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
Toni Hopper
The Marlow Review
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
(Combined with Division 6)
FIRST PLACE
Kathleen Guill
The Altus Times
High winds and soaring
temperatures don’t deter jump school students from earning wings
SECOND PLACE
Matt Swearengin
Durant Democrat
THIRD PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Kathleen Guill
The Altus Times
Don’t pet the fluffy cows
SECOND PLACE
Austin Litterell
The Express-Star
THIRD PLACE
Jessica Lane
The Express-Star
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
No. 1: Peyton
Hand makes history as 4-time wrestling champion
SECOND PLACE
Austin Litterell
The Express-Star
THIRD PLACE
Kathleen Guill
The Altus Times
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Jayson Knight
The Tuttle Times
Home for the holidays
SECOND PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
THIRD PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
Aug. 9
SECOND PLACE
Paula Bichsel Guthrie News Leader
THIRD PLACE
Paula Bichsel Guthrie News Leader
OPA AWARD WINNERS 23
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
The Purcell Register
SECOND PLACE
Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
The Marlow Review
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
The Marlow Review
SECOND PLACE
The Eufaula Indian Journal
THIRD PLACE
The Stilwell Democrat Journal
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
The Eufaula Indian Journal
SECOND PLACE
Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
The Purcell Register
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Countywide & Sun
SECOND PLACE
The Purcell Register
THIRD PLACE
The Eufaula Indian Journal
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE
The Marlow Review
SECOND PLACE Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
The Purcell Register
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
The Purcell Register
SECOND PLACE
Eastern TimesRegister
THIRD PLACE
The Marlow Review
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
The Purcell Register
Football Preview
SECOND PLACE
The Madill Record
THIRD PLACE
The Eufaula Indian Journal
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
Countywide & Sun
Domestic violence awareness
SECOND PLACE
Eastern TimesRegister
THIRD PLACE
The Purcell Register
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Shalene White
The Madill Record
Mayhem in McCurtain County
SECOND PLACE
Shalene White
The Madill Record
THIRD PLACE
Toni Hopper
The Marlow Review
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Denton Thomason
Nowata Star
A life changing experience
SECOND PLACE
Denton Thomason Nowata Star
THIRD PLACE
Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun
24 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
AWARD WINNERS
WEEKLY PUBLICATIONS, POPULATION
DIVISION 6 RESULTS
3,300 - 7,000
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Toni Hopper
The Marlow Review
A journey of endurance and inspiration
SECOND PLACE
Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
Natasha Dunagan and Julie Talton Countywide & Sun
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun
Past to present marketplace owners recount experiences
SECOND PLACE Bristow News
THIRD PLACE Bristow News
EDUCATION STORY
(Combined with Division 5)
FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
Under construction:
District begins work on bond projects
SECOND PLACE
Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
(Combined with Division 5)
FIRST PLACE
Ryan Horton Choctaw Times
Teen killed at football game
SECOND PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
Toni Hopper The Marlow Review
AWARD WINNERS
COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Kathleen Guill
Frederick Press-Leader
SECOND PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
Julie Talton Countywide & Sun
SMALL SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Angie Gentry
Bristow News
Bristow Easter Egg Hunt
SECOND PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News
THIRD PLACE
Shalene White
The Madill Record
LARGE SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News City-wide community prayer
SECOND PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News
THIRD PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
(Combined with Division 5)
FIRST PLACE
Kathleen Guill
The Altus Times
High winds and soaring temperatures don’t deter jump school students from earning wings
SECOND PLACE
Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat
THIRD PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Kathleen Guill
Frederick Press-Leader
High winds and soaring temperatures don’t deter jump school students from earning wings
SECOND PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News
THIRD PLACE
Angie Gentry Bristow News
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Kathleen Guill
Frederick Press-Leader Roundup for Jesus Rodeo
SECOND PLACE
Rodney Haltom
The Eufaula Indian Journal
THIRD PLACE
Brian Blansett
The Madill Record
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Toni Hopper and Dee Dodson
The Marlow Review
Duncan Noon Lions Open Rodeo
SECOND PLACE
Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun
THIRD PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun June 8
SECOND PLACE
Bristow News
THIRD PLACE
Stacey Neal Frederick Press-Leader
OPA AWARD WINNERS 25
AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
DIVISION 7 RESULTS WEEKLY PUBLICATIONS, POPULATION
2,000 TO 3,300
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
The Lincoln County News
SECOND PLACE
The Cleveland American
THIRD PLACE
Marietta Monitor
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Marietta Monitor
SECOND PLACE
The Keystone Gusher
THIRD PLACE
Watonga Republican
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
The Keystone Gusher
SECOND PLACE
The Cleveland American
THIRD PLACE
McIntosh County Democrat
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
The Lincoln County News
SECOND PLACE
The Keystone Gusher
THIRD PLACE
Johnston County Sentinel
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE
The Cleveland American
SECOND PLACE
The Lincoln County News
THIRD PLACE
Stigler NewsSentinel
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
Marietta Monitor
SECOND PLACE
McIntosh County Democrat
THIRD PLACE
The Lincoln County News
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
McIntosh County Democrat
Gridiron Guide
SECOND PLACE
The Keystone Gusher
THIRD PLACE
Stigler NewsSentinel
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
Johnston County Sentinel
Coleman School election
SECOND PLACE
Marietta Monitor
THIRD PLACE
The Keystone Gusher
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Mike
McCormick
The Lincoln County News
Judge investigated
SECOND PLACE
Connor Choate Marietta Monitor
THIRD PLACE
Mike McCormick
The Lincoln County News
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Joani Hartin Marietta Monitor
Lost and found: North Dakota woman returns to Love County for cat
SECOND PLACE
Emily Kalka
The Lincoln County News
THIRD PLACE
Gary Jackson
Marietta Monitor
26 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Gary Jackson
Marietta Monitor
Indians have a new voice: Culwell returns as game day announcer
SECOND PLACE
Mike McCormick
The Lincoln County News
THIRD PLACE
Joani Hartin and Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Joani Hartin
Marietta Monitor
Local develops and markets drink mix
SECOND PLACE
Tom Lokey
Johnston County Sentinel
THIRD PLACE
Brooklynn Peek
The Cordell Beacon
EDUCATION STORY
FIRST PLACE
Joani Hartin and Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
Final day for Greenville Public Schools
SECOND PLACE
Joani Hartin
Marietta Monitor
THIRD PLACE
Tom Lokey and Mary Lokey
Johnston County Sentinel
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
(Combined with Division 8)
FIRST PLACE
Joani Hartin and Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
Rural churches series
SECOND PLACE
John Small
Johnston County Sentinel
THIRD PLACE
Carol Conner
The Fairfax Chief
AWARD WINNERS
COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Connie Burcham
Watonga Republican
SECOND PLACE
Brian Blansett
The Lincoln County News
THIRD PLACE
Willis Choate
Marietta Monitor
SMALL SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Brooklynn Peek
The Cordell Beacon
Cordell Nursing & Rehab:
Feel like a kid again!
SECOND PLACE
Brooklynn Peek
The Cordell Beacon
THIRD PLACE
Brooklynn Peek
The Cordell Beacon
LARGE SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Brooklynn Peek
The Cordell Beacon
Vote for Kliewer
SECOND PLACE
Joshua Small
Johnston County Sentinel
THIRD PLACE
Anabel Ulloa and Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
In remembrance
SECOND PLACE
Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
THIRD PLACE
Brian Blansett
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Brian Blansett
The Lincoln County News
Friday night fun
SECOND PLACE
LaDonna Rhodes
McIntosh County Democrat
THIRD PLACE
LaDonna Rhodes
McIntosh County Democrat
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Mario Holland
The Lincoln County News
Meet of Champions hurdlers
SECOND PLACE
Rick Hester
The Lincoln County News
THIRD PLACE
Mario Holland
The Lincoln County News
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Brian Blansett
The Lincoln County News
Chandler Open Rodeo
SECOND PLACE
Connor Choate, Jason Harrison and Reece Norton
Marietta Monitor
THIRD PLACE
Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Connor Choate and Josh Meo
The Lincoln County News
Marietta Monitor
Dec. 29
SECOND PLACE
Connor Choate, Linda Hicks and Anabel Ulloa
Marietta Monitor
THIRD PLACE
Brian Blansett
The Lincoln County News
OPA AWARD WINNERS 27
AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
DIVISION 8 RESULTS
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
SECOND PLACE
The Comanche Times
THIRD PLACE
Vian Tenkiller News
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
SECOND PLACE
The Thomas Tribune
THIRD PLACE
Yale News
ADVERTISING
FIRST PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
SECOND PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
THIRD PLACE
Yale News
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
SECOND PLACE
Yale News
THIRD PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
SECOND PLACE
The Fairfax Chief
THIRD PLACE
Yale News
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
Vian Tenkiller News
SECOND PLACE
The Dewey County Record
THIRD PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
SALES PROMOTION
FIRST PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
Holiday Living Guide
SECOND PLACE
The Dewey County Record
THIRD PLACE Yale News
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
Yale News
Student scholarship from sports sponsors
SECOND PLACE
Vian Tenkiller News
THIRD PLACE
Minco-Union City Times
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Suzanne Mackey
Garvin County News Star
County residents oppose recycling facility for oil field waste
SECOND PLACE
Suzanne Mackey Garvin County News Star
THIRD PLACE
Todd Brooks
The Comanche Times
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Joe Conner
The Fairfax Chief
Reign of TerrorLasting effects
SECOND PLACE
Joe Conner
The Fairfax Chief
THIRD PLACE
Carol Conner
The Fairfax Chief
28 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
WEEKLY
PUBLICATIONS, POPULATION LESS THAN 2,000
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Suzanne Mackey
Garvin County News Star
Maysville golfer to play in TGR JR Invitational at Pebble Beach
SECOND PLACE
Todd Brooks The Comanche Times
THIRD PLACE
Todd Brooks
The Comanche Times
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Carol Conner
The Fairfax Chief Cushing snags first new refinery in 50 years
SECOND PLACE
Jayson Knight
Minco-Union City Times
THIRD PLACE
Arianna Parkinson
The Thomas Tribune
EDUCATION STORY
FIRST PLACE
Arianna
Parkinson
The Thomas Tribune
Terrier Treats to hit halls
SECOND PLACE
Arianna
Parkinson and Whitney Marshall
The Thomas Tribune
THIRD PLACE
Carol Conner
The Fairfax Chief
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
(Combined with Division 7)
FIRST PLACE
Joani Hartin and Connor Choate
Marietta Monitor
Rural churches series
SECOND PLACE
John Small Johnston County Sentinel
THIRD PLACE
Carol Conner
The Fairfax Chief
AWARD WINNERS
COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Joe Brown
The Fairfax Chief
SECOND PLACE
Joe Conner
The Fairfax Chief
THIRD PLACE
Todd Brooks
The Comanche Times
SMALL SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Sherry Stinson
The Fairfax Chief
Pawnee Marble and Granite: Telling the story…
SECOND PLACE
Sherry Stinson
The Fairfax Chief
THIRD PLACE
Sherry Stinson
The Fairfax Chief
LARGE SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Sherry Stinson
The Fairfax Chief
Kraft Pest Control: holiday mouse
SECOND PLACE
Arianna Parkinson
The Thomas Tribune
THIRD PLACE
Arianna Parkinson
The Thomas Tribune
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Owen Hutcheson
The Fairfax Chief
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Sherry Stinson
The Fairfax Chief
Grayhorse procession of paying for the drum
SECOND PLACE
Owen Hutcheson
The Fairfax Chief
THIRD PLACE
Arianna Parkinson
The Thomas Tribune
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Austin Smith
The Dewey
County Record
Wildcats avenge title loss against Laverne
SECOND PLACE
Tim Billy
The Thomas Tribune
THIRD PLACE
Allie Prater
Yale News
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Owen Hutcheson and Joe Conner
The Fairfax Chief Osage Nation
Sovereignty Dance
SECOND PLACE
Joe Conner, Carol Conner and Owen Hutcheson
The Fairfax Chief
THIRD PLACE
Austin Smith
The Dewey County Record
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Arianna Parkinson
The Thomas Tribune
Aug. 3
SECOND PLACE
Arianna Parkinson
Woodland seniors throw graduation caps
SECOND PLACE
Owen Hutcheson
The Fairfax Chief
THIRD PLACE
Arianna Parkinson
The Thomas Tribune
The Thomas Tribune
THIRD PLACE
Sherry Stinson
The Fairfax Chief
OPA AWARD WINNERS 29
AWARD WINNERS
2023 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
COLLEGE NEWS MEDIA
NEWS CONTENT
FIRST PLACE
Northwestern News
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
SECOND PLACE
The Gazette Langston University
THIRD PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
LAYOUT & DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Northwestern News
SECOND PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
THIRD PLACE
The Campus
Oklahoma City University
EDITORIAL WRITING
FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University
Collegian
SECOND PLACE
The Campus
THIRD PLACE
The Trend University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University
Collegian
SECOND PLACE
The Trend
SPORTS COVERAGE
FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
SECOND PLACE
The Trend
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
FIRST PLACE
The Cameron University Collegian
Disaster in the dorms
NEWS STORY
FIRST PLACE Luisa
Clausen
The O’Colly
Oklahoma State
University
A second chance: Partnership between OSU and Payne County Jail prepares female inmates for success
SECOND PLACE
Jordan Green
Northwestern News
THIRD PLACE
Bella Casey
The O’Colly
FEATURE STORY
FIRST PLACE
Gabriel Trevino
The O’Colly
Strawberry Fields Forever: Kenny G’s heart behind OSU’s rise in softball
SECOND PLACE
Jordan Green
Northwestern News
THIRD PLACE
Davis Cordova
The O’Colly
SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Braden Bush
The O’Colly
Family, friends, former teammates soaking in Johnson III’s success at OSU
SECOND PLACE
Gabriel Trevino
The O’Colly
THIRD PLACE
Gabriel Trevino
The O’Colly
30 OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
BUSINESS STORY
FIRST PLACE
Luisa Clausen
The O’Colly
Frayed relations: Insurance issues coming to a head
SECOND PLACE
Samuel Gichohi
The Gazette
THIRD PLACE
Luisa Clausen
The O’Colly
AWARD WINNERS
SMALL SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Derrick Galindo
Northwestern News
Holder Drug’s Christmas open house
SECOND PLACE
Derrick Galindo
Northwestern News
EDUCATION STORY
FIRST PLACE
Kennedy
Thomason
The O’Colly
Accessibility issues: Students call on OSU to ‘do more’
SECOND PLACE
Brittney Payette
The Cameron University Collegian
THIRD PLACE
Alli Schieber
Northwestern News
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
FIRST PLACE
Rebecca Wagner, Mallory
Paruszewski, Kristen Kirtley and Gavin Mendoza Northwestern News Adulting in 2023
SECOND PLACE
Ashton Slaughter
The O’Colly
THIRD PLACE
Cade Kennedy, Gavin Mendoza, Ely Noble and Connor Gray Northwestern News
COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE
Joe O’Shansky
TCC Connection
Tulsa Community College
SECOND PLACE
Victoria White
The Cameron University Collegian
THIRD PLACE
Gabi Merchen
The Trend
LARGE SPACE AD
FIRST PLACE
Derrick Galindo
Northwestern News
Delta Zeta: Enchanted Dance
SECOND PLACE
Derrick Galindo
Northwestern News
THIRD PLACE
Kelten Weaver
The Northeastern Northeastern State University
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Alli Schieber
Northwestern News
Digging up the mall
SECOND PLACE
Brittney Payette
The Cameron University Collegian
THIRD PLACE
Brittney Payette
The Cameron University Collegian
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
Austin Judkins Northwestern News
Tanner Meier competes in NWOSU rodeo
SECOND PLACE
Haylee Key
The Cameron University Collegian
THIRD PLACE
Brittney Payette
The Cameron University Collegian
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
FIRST PLACE
J.D. Eddy
Northwestern News
Men’s basketball vs. OBU
SECOND PLACE
Laura Barrios Bardi
The Trend
THIRD PLACE
Jimm Alley
The Cameron University Collegian
PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE
FIRST PLACE
Emily Loughridge
The Trend Hale yeah’ shouts freshman orientation
SECOND PLACE
Emily Loughridge
The Trend
THIRD PLACE
Sam Levrault Connection
FRONT PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE
Brittney Payette
The Cameron University Collegian Oct. 23
SECOND PLACE
Brittney Payette
The Cameron University Collegian
THIRD PLACE
Brittney Payette
The Cameron University Collegian
OPA AWARD WINNERS 31
Congratulations to all the Award and Contest Winners. Your recognition is well deserved.
Oklahoma Press
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