t

Kent Reporter, Steve Hunter, Ben Ray receive newspaper coverage awards

At Better Newspaper Contest presented by Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

The Kent Reporter and reporters Steve Hunter and Ben Ray received awards at the 2024 Better Newspaper Contest presented by the Washington Newspapers Publishers Association (WNPA).

The Kent Reporter received third place in the General Excellence category for Group 4 (papers of circulation of 6,500 or more). The Wenatchee World took first place and the Key Peninsula News (Gig Harbor area) placed second. Each paper had to submit issues from April 16, 2023; Aug. 13, 2023; and one of publisher’s choice.

Hunter took first place in Crime & Court Story for “Officer fired for telling residents to seek ‘street justice.’” He also took first place in Sports Feature Story for “Candlelight vigil honors Kent Little League catcher.” Hunter took second place in Business News Story for “Space Summit puts Kent front and center.” He also took second place in Government Story for “Neighbors seek pedestrian upgrades along street.”

Ray took second place in Sports Feature Story for “Kentwood senior and father form super combo.”

Those recognized for the General Excellence honors were Hunter, Ray, editor Andy Hobbs, multimedia sales manager Marie Skoor and digital advertising director Elvira Anderson.

The awards were given out at the 137th WNPA convention Oct. 5 at the Indian Summer Golf and Country Club in Olympia. The convention is held each October. This year’s contest was judged by the Arizona Media Association. The contest period ran from April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024.

Fifty papers across the state participated in the competition. There were 41 entries for General Excellence and 913 News article entries.

The WNPA is an advocate for community newspapers, freedom of the press and open government. The association is dedicated to helping members advance editorial excellence, financial viability, professional development, and a high standard of publication quality and community leadership.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

t
Bezos’ Kent-based Blue Origin enters presidential endorsement controversy

Company leaders met with Trump shortly after Bezos’ Washington Post decided against any endorsement

Best of Kent 2024 winners announced!
Best of Kent 2024 winners: See the list here

Check out the Kent Reporter’s special section.

Paul Raftis (right) of Paolo’s Italian learned how to cook from his mother, Darlene Risse Raftis (left). Courtesy photo.
Vittoria! Paolo’s Italian wins big

It’s been a good month for Paolo’s Italian Restaurant in Kent —… Continue reading

The Hardys also were able to visit Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland while escorting a client’s European trip, summer 2024. Courtesy photo.
From Alaska to the Rhine, Jennifer Hardy has your travel needs in mind

When it comes to planning a cruise trip with the family, fewer… Continue reading

Darren, Ryan and Launice Malmassari and Becca Pimentel all work at Kent East Hill Nursery as a family. Courtesy photo
Kent East Hill Nursery continues to grow

When the Malmassari family took over the Kent East Hill Nursery in… Continue reading

t
Maggie’s on Meeker owner receives state Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Honor given to Raman Arora at statewide conference in Walla Walla for bringing Main Streets to life

t
Kent-based Blue Origin completes 27th mission to space

Company debuts second vehicle in efforts to meet growing customer demand to board flights

(Photo from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library)
Health insurance premiums to rise for WA small businesses

This marks the highest increase for small employers in the last decade.

t
Top Pot Doughnuts opens new production facility in Kent

Company plans to open cafe at site in early 2025

Voting is underway for the Best of Kent 2024!
Best of Kent 2024: Vote for your local favorites

Vote today for your favorite Kent businesses, restaurants, people and more!

Dick’s Drive-In is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with parties at its locations, including 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, Dick’s Drive-In
Dick’s Drive-In plans special anniversary celebration in Kent

Restaurant started 70 years ago in Seattle; party in Kent from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16