Times racks up 13 national awards

It was the best year ever for the Steele County Times in a national competition as the local newspaper racked up 13 national awards for journalistic excellence.

Publisher Rick Bussler accepted the awards on behalf of the newspaper at the National Newspaper Association’s annual convention in Washington, D.C. Sept. 30.

Of the 13 awards, the Times earned six first place, three second place, three third place and one honorable mention. The Times competed in various categories, including some where the local newspaper went up against daily newspapers. The Times is a weekly newspaper with circulation under 3,000.

The first-place awards included: best sports section (competing with dailies), best local news coverage (competing with dailies) best use of a double-truck, best sports feature story (Rick Bussler), best health story (Rick Bussler) and best breaking news story (Kay Fate).

In presenting first place to the Times for best local news coverage, the judges commented, “Lots of local news. The veterans features are solid. School coverage, too. Fantastic job.”

For best sports section, judges remarked, “Dynamic coverage and eye-catching, clean layouts bring this entry to the top. Terrific Sept. 28 (2022) front, with great football photo, unique Homecoming story and cutout, personal column on Twin Cities marathon. Really liked the graphic element of the line scores in football, along with stat details. Strong sections, great for the readers.”

Coverage of an Owatonna church in turmoil over sexual abuse allegations provided Fate with first place in the best breaking news category. Judges said, “Well done with multiple stories touching on a complicated situation. The timeline also gives the reader an overview of the events.”

Bussler’s front page story featuring “A survival story of child abuse” by former Exchange Center Director Mandie Kender earned first place. Comments from the judges: “A well written, emotionally charged, unusual story about a kind of reconciliation that rarely happens. Telling this family’s story, especially the father, shows depth in abuse related stories that you never see.”

The layout and design of the child abuse story also earned the Times first place for best use of a double-truck (newspaper terminology for two-page layout). The judges commented, “Nice big headline and main photo. Good layout with symmetry. Good use of pull quotes and in-story subheads. The headline doesn’t go all the way to the far edge of the story. Overall clean layout.”

Bussler also earned first place with a sports feature story, “Immersed in trapping,” which profiled Lyle Bohlman of Owatonna. Judges said, “Great example of a subject allowed to tell his story. Good detail to give the reader an inside look at his passion for trapping. Had to be a fun interview.”

Second place honors went to Johnnie Phillips who was named Rookie Reporter of the Year, Kay Fate for communication in crisis and Bussler for best feature photo.

Judges commented about Phillips: “Very impressive. Strong, crisp writing; very readable. The seasonal sports tab is well done; a terrific package. This is clearly one hardworking reporter/editor.”

Production coordinator Jenine Kubista earned third place for best newspaper promotion while Bussler received third for best breaking news story. The newspaper also captured third for best editorial page.

Honorable mention went to Bussler for best photo essay, which featured photos from the 2022 Steele County Free Fair.

“While some of these awards went to individuals on our staff, it’s truly a team effort that has propelled us into being such an award-winning newspaper,” said Bussler. “None of this would be possible without the great support we get from our readers and advertisers. They've allowed us to provide the highest quality newspaper possible.”

Over the past 12 years, the Times has won 44 national awards on top of 93 state awards.