Wick newspapers swept Better Newspapers awards banquet

Vail Sun and San Pedro Valley News-Sun Senior Reporter Thelma Grimes was named the Arizona Journalist of the Year by the Arizona Newspaper Association Saturday in Phoenix during the annual Better Newspapers awards banquet.

Thelma Grimes was named the Arizona Journalist of the Year by the Arizona Newspaper Association

With 63 newspapers entering the BNC contest, Grimes snatched the top honor for all non-daily newspapers in the state. Grimes was surprised by the honor, which she received for her work with the Vail Sun and the San Pedro Valley News-Sun in Benson. The nomination included several stories about issues facing the two communities located in Southern Arizona.

Among other awards, four Wick newspapers won general excellence in their respective circulation categories. The Nogales International and the San Pedro Valley News Sun won first and second places, respectively, among non-daily newspapers under 3,500 circulation. The Eastern Arizona Courier won third place it its circulation category, and the Sierra Vista Herald won second place among dailies under 25,000 circulation.

In Best Use of Photography, Wick newspapers swept the entire circulation category for non-dailies under 3,500 with the Nogales International, San Pedro Valley News Sun and Arizona Range News winning first, second and third places respectively. The Sierra Vista Herald won first place for best photography for dailies under 25,000 circulation. Wick newspaper also swept “Best Special Section, Supplement,” with the Parker Pioneer, first place; The Copper Era, second; and the Arizona Range News, third.

• First-place awards, issued in various newspaper circulation categories, also went to:
• Reporting and Newswriting Excellence: Nogales International, Eastern Arizona Courier, Sierra Vista Herald.
• Departmental News and Copywriting Excellence: San Pedro Valley News Sun, Sierra Vista Herald.
• Page Design: Nogales International, Sierra Vista Herald.
• Community Service/Journalistic Achievement: Arizona Range News.
• Best Web Page: Nogales International, Sierra Vista Herald.
• Best sports photo and best feature photo: Arizona Range News.
• Best column, analysis or commentary: Arizona Range News.

In the journalist of the year competition, judges look for the overall quality of the journalist’s published work and actions demonstrating significant impact on their community, their newspaper and/or the newspaper industry. Entries showcase a journalist’s dedication, thoroughness, talent, and reflect the reporter’s ability to go above and beyond.

“It was a very close competition for journalist of the year,” said judges. “But Grimes has shown the tenacity and spirit of a true journalist and it’s no surprise that not one, but two newspapers nominated her. She is a leader in her community and industry.”

Grimes has been a journalist for Wick Communications for just over nine years. She is the senior reporter and sports editor for the Vail and Benson newspapers.

Jane Amari, publisher of the Benson paper, said, “Thelma is the epitome of a community journalist. She knows everybody and everybody talks to her. People trust her, and as a result, she doesn’t miss much.”

In 2006, Grimes was named the Arizona Press Club Community Journalist of the Year, and for her work in Vail, was a runner up in 2007 for the same award.