Good morning, Netizens...

Detractors probably are muttering something (typically beneath their breath) about “it's only the Cowles”. However, it is difficult to support such a statement when the Spokesman-Review continues to win awards for excellence in reporting and photography year after year.

This year The Spokesman-Review brought home six awards from the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Association convention in Portland.

The paper won three C.B. Blethen Memorial Awards for Distinguished Newspaper Reporting, in the over 50,000 circulation category. Kevin Graman, Sara Leaming and Jody Lawrence-Turner share a second place award in the deadline reporting category for their coverage of the escape of mental patient Phillip Paul from the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Becky Kramer won second place in enterprise reporting for a story on the health effects of a Trail, B.C., lead smelter on the residents of Northport, Washington. Lawrence-Turner also won a second place in investigative reporting for her story on purchases made by the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit, in violation of city and state laws.

In the photo contest, Kathy Plonka took second place in the metro news category for her photo of Jacenta Bonagofski, grieving the death of her mother. Dan Pelle won third place in metro portrait, for a picture of Carissa Outen, an 18-year-old facing cancer. Pelle also won a second place award in the metro multiple category for his work photographing Outen’s story.

However, look as I might, I could not find an award category for excellence in Blog journalism. I do believe this is long overdue.

Congratulations to everyone who won awards for excellence this year.

Dave

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