CherryRoad newspapers win 7 Missouri Press Association awards

Courier-Tribune awards, seen here, consisted of first place for best special section, second for best election story and third in categories of breaking news reporting, best sports story and news or feature obituary writing. Amanda Lubinski/Courier-Tribune
WILDWOOD, Missouri – The Courier-Tribune and Examiner, CherryRoad Media-owned newspapers in Missouri, came away from this year’s Missouri Press Association Awards with seven wins. The results of the Better Newspaper Contest were announced Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Missouri Press Association convention at the Wildwood Hotel in Wildwood.
Courier-Tribune awards
The Courier-Tribune, a weekly publication located in Clay County that covers Kearney, Liberty and Smithville, took home five awards. The staff earned first place in the paper’s circulation class for best special section, magazine or specialty publication.
“A clean, eye-catching read that gives readers exactly what they need while emphasizing the abundance of fun to be had,” judges wrote of the Explore Liberty magazine that took first place.
Digital Content Director Amanda Lubinski earned second place in the election story writing category for a piece on reproductive freedom rights and the potential reversal of the state’s near-total ban on abortion with Amendment 3.
“Great job exploring the implications of a complicated ballot measure ahead of the vote, including not shying away from the controversial involvement of a regional religious leader who seems to have been spreading misinformation. Excellent idea to post the full letters online with the URL appearing in your legacy print product. Informative, and probably gave a boost to your online audience as well,” wrote judges.
Lubinski also placed third in breaking news for a story on an Excelsior Springs couple who died along with their dog in a house explosion.
Editor Kellie Houx won third place in the news or featured obituary writing category for recounting the life and legacy of Clay Lozier, an outdoor enthusiast who was dedicated to downtown preservation and parks in Liberty.
“He lived an inspirational life, well told,” said judges of Houx’s writing.
CT Sports Reporter Wesley Miller took home third in the best sports story or package category for a series he wrote on a local basketball player who was fighting in court for the right to play varsity basketball as a transfer student.
“An unusual and exceptional story focused on the quasi-legal challenges faced by a youth anxious to participate in high school sports, but is limited to achieve that goal due to ‘rules’ set out by the state athletics association,” said judges of Miller’s work. “Stimulating writing, well sourced.”
Examiner awards
The Examiner, a daily publication headquartered in Independence and covering eastern Jackson County, took home two awards.
Editor Jeff Fox earned second place in the best humorous columnist category for his musings over the inability to get the soft drink of choice from restaurants.
“Great storytelling on everyday live with humor in just the right places. I’d be a regular reader,” wrote judges.
Examiner News Reporter Mike Genet took third in best story about history for his work recounting the assassination attempt of Independence native President Harry Truman and that of President Donald Trump.
“Smart tie-in between current events and a little-known episode involving Missouri’s own Harry Truman. Nice contrast between the events to explain the historical differences between the two events. Readers come away understanding past and present much better,” wrote judges of Genet’s story.
“We love being part of our community conversation. That’s our focus. That said, it’s always good to get recognition from your peers,” said Fox of the Examiner’s wins.
CherryRoad CEO Jeremy Gulban said he is proud of the Courier-Tribune and Examiner teams.
“Their dedication to ethical, unbiased journalism ensures that every story we tell resonates with — and truly represents — our community,” he said. “Their hard work and commitment to keeping our neighbors informed is the heart of local journalism.”

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