Herald takes second in division at N.D. newspaper competition

Several Williston Herald staff members took first place in various events at the 124th annual North Dakota Newspaper Association's Convention in Fargo last weekend. Shown with their awards are, from left, Marcy Huber, Wanda Olaf, Carla Huravitch and Katie Pizza.

The Williston Herald finished second in the General Excellence category at the 124th annual North Dakota Newspaper Association's Convention held in Fargo last weekend.

Earning top individual advertising awards for the Herald in 2009 were: Carla Huravitch, who took first in three events (apparel ad, health care ad and agricultural ad); Wanda Olaf, who earned first and second place in the financial ad category; Sherry Kinsella, who finished first in the "use of color" category; and Marcy Huber, who earned first-place in the vehicle ad category.

Huravitch also earned one-second place finish (small space ad) and two third-place finishes (food ad and entertainment/liquor ad).

Olaf also placed second in two other categories (promotion of community and ad series) and was third in the promotion of newspaper (readership) category.

Kinsella also took second for outdoor/sports ad, and Huber finished second in the single ad category.

The Herald's Karen Swenson took second in the home and garden ad category, and Herald Publisher Mitzi Moe finished third for promotion of newspaper (advertising). The Herald also took second for its special advertising section "Talkin' the Bakken."

The Herald's newsroom staff also won several awards, including a pair of first-place finishes for Katie Pizza (personal column-humorous) and Alan Reed (editorial).

Reed, the Herald's former editor, placed second for best headline, agricultural coverage, editorial page, and third-place for best agricultural photo. He also received honorable mention for business news reporting and spot news photo.

Sports Editor Mark Jones took second in for best sports section and third for best sports photo.

Herald reporter Alta Mayhugh placed second for government reporting (series).

The Herald also took third place for best Web site.

The Herald annually competes with newspapers from around the state for the top advertisements, news articles and photos, with the winners being decided by out-of-state judges. The Herald competes in the 12,000 or less
(circulation) division.

"I am always proud of the staff at this newspaper," said Moe, the Herald's publisher. "They work hard each day to deliver a good community product to the door of our readers. Placing second in General Excellence is something for us to be proud of, and next year our goal is to be number one."