The Houston Herald captured more awards Saturday than any weekly newspaper in south-central Missouri in the Missouri Press Foundation’s contest that highlights journalism excellence.
The announcement came during the 158th annual Missouri Press Convention and Tradeshow in Springfield.
A panel of out-of-state judges reviewed the entries from newspapers across the state. Of the 34 awards won by publications throughout southern Missouri, the Herald alone took home about one-third of the prizes. The contest period covered work in 2023.
“I am incredibly proud of the team’s dedication to journalistic excellence, and it’s an honor to see our hard work recognized among the best in Missouri,” said Isaiah Buse, editor. “A lot of the awards go to editors and reporters, but the work of everyone in the organization makes these things possible.”
The Herald’s work won in 10 categories, taking first and third place in the state for “Best Photograph Packages” for work depicting the annual Emmett Kelly Festival (first place) and the Texas County Fair by Doug Davison (third).
The Herald’s Davison won first place for “Best Story about Rural Life and Agriculture.”
The story – “A Miracle in White” – describes the birth of a rare white bison in Texas County.
White-BisonThe newspaper also won second place for “Best Health Story” for a series of articles highlighting the arrival of a new surgery center at Texas County Memorial Hospital and what it means for healthcare in the county. It was written by Isaiah Buse.
“Best Story About History” went to Davison about the history of a cannery in Houston. Davison’s white bison story also took second place in the “Best Story About the Outdoors.”
“Best Front Page,” third place, went to Isaiah Buse.
Davison took third place for “Multi-media Reporting” for sports. The Herald broadcasts some games live and a component involves texting and social media, as well as its print edition coverage.