The Battlefords Regional News-Optimist won seven awards at the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Awards (SWNA) virtual ceremony on May 9.
Lisa Joy took First Place for Best First Nations Coverage for her piece Have we learned anything from a racist past?
“What an amazing piece," said the SWNA Judge. "It was extremely thorough and took a look at the past and what needs to change for the future. In a very crowded field, this entry’s writing and thorough reporting put it above the rest.”
On the story, the judge gave Joy a perfect score of 100 points out of a possible 100 for quality of writing, clarity, impact to community, and content.
Joy won Second Place for Best Feature Story for the same in-depth story, Have we learned anything from a racist past?
“Lisa Joy takes the reader back 60 years to the killing of an Indigenous man in a racially motivated incident,” said the SWNA Judge. “The piece comprehensively looks at the act, the investigation, the court proceedings and the aftermath while not shying away from the underlying racism in the community at the time.”
Miguel Fenrich took First Place for Best Tourism Story for his piece Reconciliation shutters one of Sask’s oldest historic sites – The Fort.
He also scored a perfect 100 points out of a possible 100 for quality of writing, clarity, impact to community, and content.
The SWNA Judge didn’t comment on the entries individually only saying, “Congratulations to the entrants for their fine reporting! It’s great to read what’s happening in Saskatchewan communities to boost tourism post-Covid.”
Fenrich also placed second in three categories, including Second Place for Best Saskatchewan Arts or Cultural Series for his series of stories that included a piece entitled, SaskToday.ca’s editor (Jayne Foster) embraces change.
Fenrich got Second Place for Best Saskatchewan Arts or Cultural Story for his piece Last dance: Sugartop will play music to the end.
“Generally well-written, this article shares the journey of long-time musician Diane Skog Humble, from her development as a musician, her life as part of the band Sugartop alongside her late husband and her renewed interest in band life,” said the SWNA Judge.
“She shares the impact music has had on her as an artist, as well as its role of orchestras in peoples’ lives throughout Saskatchewan, including comments on the impact of immigration to shared music history.”
Fenrich also received Second Place for Best Health/Healthcare Coverage (story) for Todd Rennebohm’s road to recovery.
“An inspiring story of overcoming adversity,” said the SWNA Judge. “Compelling storytelling to examine mental health through a personal lens.”
For Best Advertisement, Candace Mack-Horton placed second for her ad “Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.”
The SWNA Judge said the ad was well designed and had an “Engaging photo and clever title” with clear information and great choice of typefaces.
