The Durango Herald captured 16 press awards last weekend at the Colorado Press Association’s annual newspaper contest, including five awards for photography.
In addition to the individual awards, the Herald won a sweepstakes award for excellence in photography.
The Herald competed in the Class 2 category, which included 11 other publications, including Aspen Journalism, Longmont Times-Call, Steamboat Pilot & Today, The Denver Gazette, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, The Greeley Tribune, The Pueblo Chieftain, Summit Daily News and Vail Daily, which won the general excellence award.
The contest covered editorial, advertising, photography and design work published in 2023.
Of the 16 awards, 12 were awarded for journalism and four went to advertising. The Herald won eight first-place awards and eight second-place awards.
Among the first-place awards, the news staff was recognized for best daily newsletter and for Reuben Schafir’s environmental and agricultural reporting.
In advertising, the Herald won first-place awards for best print ad and best news media/house ad promotion.
Herald Photo Editor Jerry McBride won five awards, including three first-place awards and two second-place awards.
“Thanks to the readers and advertisers who make the Herald’s work possible,” said Richard G. Ballantine, chairman of the board of Ballantine Communications Inc., the parent company of the Herald. “We have excellent writers, editors, designers and ad sales representatives. But our work has to be read and appreciated by the community we serve.”
Best agriculture story: “Seeding a sustainable future,” about Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch using its water allocation to prepare for a dry future, by Schafir, first place.
Best environmental story: “Working with ‘good fire,’” about the evolving strategy federal land managers have adopted when responding to wildfires, by Schafir, first place.
“Wonderfully written and informative from start to finish,” the judge wrote. “It's rare to see such flow, especially with a conclusion and on a topic (fire) that is generally perceived as negative.”
Best news photograph: “Kitten rescued,” showing Durango Fire Protection District firefighters saving one of two kittens from a house fire, by McBride, first place.
“Powerful image evokes a profound emotional response, depicting the heroic efforts of firefighters working together to rescue a tiny kitten,” the judge wrote.
Best photo slideshow gallery or photo essay: “Singing with Santa,” a collection of photos from Durango’s annual Singing with Santa event, by McBride, first place.
“Enchanting photos that take the viewer along for a magical experience,” the judge wrote. “Nice variation of wide scene setters and tighter moments.”
Best photography: A collection of photographs shot in 2023 by McBride, first place.
“Strong demonstration of photographic skill across multiple assignment types, including hard news, features and sports,” the judge wrote of McBride’s work. “Good job capturing moments and using light and composition.”
Best newsletter: “Your morning updates,” by Herald staff, first place.
“Love the format. Excellent art. Easy to scroll through,” the judge wrote.”
Best breaking news, deadline reporting: “’Speed flyer’ crashes on Smelter Mountain in Durango,” about a paraglider who crashed on Smelter Mountain, by Shane Benjamin, second place.
“Love a reporter like the one in speed flyer who interviews someone in the hospital,” the judge wrote. “Excellent.”
Best business news, feature story: “What does independence offer Wolf Creek Ski Area?” about the family who runs Wolf Creek Ski Area and has remained staunchly independent from corporate influences, by Schafir, second place.
“Well-written piece that draws the reader in with a story about family to illustrate rugged individualism in contrast with ongoing commercialization of the mountains,” the judge wrote.
Best serious column writing: “Canada’s Columbia Icefield: Dispatch from a warming world,” about the rapid pace of glacial melting brought on by climate change, by Andrew Gulliford, second place.
“This entry stands out for its high-quality writing and the significant impact of its message on climate change,” the judge wrote. “The author's ability to vividly describe the subject matter while conveying its urgency resonates strongly with the audience.”
Best humorous column writing: For two columns, including “An open letter to Bigfoot – Come back,” and “Musings on job of vice president, better than commander in chief,” by Ann Marie Swan, second place.
Best news photograph: “Family car crash,” showing a family being rescued from a vehicle that was standing on its hood, by McBride, second place.
“The reader is drawn into this compelling image, it exudes a palpable sense of urgency, well composed to convey the intensity of the moment,” the judge wrote.
Best photo slideshow gallery or photo essay: “It’s rodeo time,” a collection of photos from the True Western Roundup rodeo in La Plata County, by McBride, second place.
“Wonderful mix of rodeo action photos, detail shots and beautiful silhouettes,” the judge wrote. “This photographer put in the work.”
Best print ad: “Eolus, Best of Durango, Thank you Durango!” by Shell Simonson and Tad Smith, first place.
Best news media/house ad promotion: “Local paper, local people,” by Jamie Opalenik and several staff members, first place.
“Local journalism is so vital to our communities,” the judge wrote. “Putting a face and name to ALL of the people who work to make our newspapers possible creates a more personal connection with the readers who support our efforts. This series did a fantastic job of creating those connections.”
Best print ad: “Southwest Colorado Hunting & Fishing Guide,” by Smith, Gabriel Glenn and Carter Reed, second place
Best digital ad: “Four Corners Eye Clinic, a clear call to action,” by Simonson and Smith, second place.
Southern Ute Drum takes 9 press awards
The Southern Ute Drum, a biweekly community newspaper owned by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, won nine press awards in the 2023 Colorado Press Association competition.
The newspaper won four first-place awards and five second-place awards.
First-place awards included:
Best photography portfolio: “Divine Windy Boy Portfolio.”
Best photo slideshow gallery or photo essay: “Durango to Silverton by rail,” by Divine Windy Boy.
Best news photograph: “Celebrating the 101st Southern Ute Tribal Fair: Rodeo,” by Jeremy Wade Shockley.
Best feature photograph: “Seneka Locklear Smoke Dance Showcase,” by Divine Windy Boy.
“Divine Windy Boy's seven-photo gallery captures everything a photo essay should,” a judge wrote. “Terrific angles, especially the partial shots of the landscape the train is navigating through!”
Second-place awards included:
Best photo slideshow gallery or photo essay: “Raising awareness through color,” by Krista Richards, Robert L. Ortiz and Fabian Martinez.
Best page design: “Southern Ute Bear Dance welcomes spring,” by Ortiz.
Best news photograph: “Jr. Womens Jingle Dress dancer, Zariah J. Whiteplume,” by Divine Windy Boy.
Best feature photograph: “Tribal Fair Baby Contest,” by Krista Richards.
Best environmental story: “US 160 Wildlife crossing a boon for big game migrations,” by Shockley.
“This article included good information that highlighted what was being done to protect the animals and humans in areas where there was a lot of wildlife crossings,” the judge wrote. “Good use of data – the numbers really emphasized the need for the safe crossings.”
The Drum competed in Class 8, which included five other publications, including Denver Urban Spectrum, Front Porch - Northeast Denver, Great Park Hill News, Washington Park Profile and Yellow Scene Magazine.
– Herald Staff
