BISMARCK — North Dakota’s top newspapers were honored in an annual contest aimed at recognizing excellence in various aspects of newspaper journalism for the 2021 year. The Dickinson Press was honored with the General Excellence award for best newspaper of its size in the state.
The North Dakota Newspaper Association announced their awards for 2022 on Friday, May 6, and The Dickinson Press garnered 50 individual awards and the top staff award of General Excellence. The Press continued their 138 year storied legacy of recognition by providing outstanding news and advertising services to southwest North Dakota.
The General Excellence category evaluates newspapers on everything from news writing and photography to layout and ad design, and judges from Montana praised the work of the winning newspaper Dickinson Press.
"Very well done newspaper. Great headlines. Photos are terrific. Sports coverage is best in the division," one judge noted of The Press product.
"Every day we strive to edify our community, support our local businesses and deliver hyper-local news and information with a focus on quality storytelling and photos — all with the digital and social elements our readers expect and enjoy at the forefront," James B. Miller, Jr., Editor of The Press, said. "We strive to produce journalism that truly matters to southwest North Dakota’s Western Edge, with our highest priority being to serve our public by shining light on issues that deeply affect the lives of our readers. We hold local and state governments and institutions accountable with a small newsroom ready to spotlight the news and views that matter most to our local communities."
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Miller, Jr. added, "It takes more than a publisher, editor and advertising director to make a product, we have a dedicated staff. I am so very proud of our staff as they have continued that great legacy of The Dickinson Press. It has not been an easy road, it never is, but we do it because we know our community appreciates our hard work each day."
In capturing the General Excellence award, The Press has won a top-tier award three times in four years.
Competing against daily newspapers across the state in their size category, The Press scored high against their competition with individual awards as well. The awards were near evenly divided between the editorial and advertising departments, but the edge would go to the advertising department who garnered 27 individual awards to the editorial staff's 23.
"I am so incredibly proud of our team at The Dickinson Press. Being recognized as the winner of General Excellence at the North Dakota Newspaper 2022 annual convention is a testament to the people I am blessed to call my team," Joy Schoch, Publisher of The Dickinson Press, said. "They are actively engaged in this community, they are reliable, honest and responsible. Our team actively listens and are respectful. Every single day they inspire me with their exceptional work. When I look at my team, I'm reminded of a quote by Helen Keller, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.'"
A total of seven staff members at The Press were individually recognized with awards for outstanding editorial or advertising content, with Advertising Director Jenn Binstock leading the charge by claiming 15 individual awards — the most by a member of the staff.
"I am beyond thrilled that The Dickinson Press has been recognized for the quality work we put out every day, both in editorial and advertising," Binstock said. "To be chosen as the best of the best by others in the newspaper industry is truly amazing. I am so proud and thankful for each staff member and for what they contribute to make The Dickinson Press what it is today."
Other award winners included:
12 awards for Cindi Wallner, Advertising
10 awards for Jackie Jahfetson, News
3 awards for Josiah C. Cuellar, Sports
1 award for Jason O'Day, News
The 2022 performance comes on the heels of a 2021 outing that witnessed The Dickinson Press lead all small multi-day newspapers in North Dakota with the most awards received.
