The Geauga County Maple Leaf managed a four-peat as “Newspaper of the Year” in the annual Osman C. Hooper Newspaper Contest this year.
The Geauga County Maple Leaf managed a four-peat as “Newspaper of the Year” in the annual Osman C. Hooper Newspaper Contest this year.
Results of the contest, which recognizes the best weekly newspapers in Ohio, were announced during the Ohio News Media Association convention held in Columbus on Feb. 6-7.
Competing weekly newspapers were divided into three divisions based on circulation information. This year, 45 newspapers submitted entries, 17 of them collegiate papers.
Hooper judges comprise professors of major journalism schools in Ohio, including Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati and Miami University.
The Maple Leaf competed in Division B against nine other weekly newspapers, taking home 10 awards in 19 categories.
Winning entries were recognized in the following categories: News Coverage, Best News Story, Best Local Feature, Best Local Profile, Best Newspaper Design, Best Page Design, Special Edition/Section and Best Website.
This year marks the fifth time in seven years the Maple Leaf has been recognized as the best newspaper in its class in Ohio.
“I am very proud of our amazing team for winning the Newspaper of the Year award in our division for a fourth straight year,” said News Editor Cassandra Shofar, adding she is also humbled given the fact the Maple Leaf competes against many great newspapers and entries each year.
“We have a small but mighty staff and many of us wear several hats, but we manage to put out a product for this wonderful county that we are truly proud of and grateful for, as we are for the support we receive from the community,” she added. “Thank you to all of our readers, advertisers and supporters. We couldn’t do this without you.”
John Karlovec, of Karlovec Media Group, which owns the Maple Leaf as well as the bi-monthly Chesterland News and monthly Kirtland Chronicle, received first place in the Best News Story category for his story “Familial DNA Leads to Alleged Geauga’s Child Murderer.”
“Nice execution of a heartbreaking story,” the judge wrote. “It provides both details about the crime and an overall context for the increasing use of DNA evidence by law enforcement.”
Reporter Ann Wishart received second place in the Best News Story category for her story “Judge Orders Chester Woman to Give up Abused Horses, Pay $14,373.”
Features writer Rose Nemunaitis received first place for Best Local Feature and second place for Best Local Profile for her stories “Riley’s Love Leaves Lasting Memories” and “Deputy Named Officer of the Year for Lifesaving Actions” respectively.
Editor Jamie Ward received first place in the Best Local Profile for his story “Remembering the Superintendent Who Helped Heal.”
“Writer deftly moves the reader back and forward in time while keeping the focus on the subject,” the judge wrote.
Production Supervisor Pam Molnar took first place in Newspaper Design.
“The format of the Maple Leaf is an advantage. The combination of restrained design, modular organization and consistent signposts aids in the reading of the newspaper. Story packages included a pulled quote, appropriate clip art and photograph that visually enhanced the story rather than distracting the reader,” the judge wrote.
Karlovec said the ONMA convention offers a great opportunity to meet publishers and editors of weekly newspapers throughout Ohio, and to discuss industry trends and best practices.
“We always come home loaded with ideas to improve our readers’ experience, both in print and online, as well as the value and exposure we can offer our advertising partners,” he said.
A strong local newspaper is critical to building an informed community and the Maple Leaf reigns supreme in the delivery of local news to Geauga County residents.
“Light news coverage will almost certainly lead to light readership, an uninformed citizenry and a discouragement of civic engagement,” said Karlovec. “Our goal is to keep our pages loaded with content of interest to our readers — local and community news, crime, high school sports, school districts — and to be paid appropriately by those who find us useful, whether they are reading our newspaper in their hands or on our award-winning website. Being recognized as the best newspaper in our class is a testament to our staff and pursuit of that goal.”
To subscribe to the Maple Leaf, call 440-285-2013 or visit www.geaugamapleleaf.com.
