Missourian wins several awards in contest

The Southeast Missourian won a number of awards in the 2005 Missouri Press Association Foundation's Better Newspaper Contest, including a first place for general excellence.

Managing editor Sam Blackwell won first place overall for best serious columnist.

For the best humorous columnist, editor Joe Sullivan won second place.

The newspaper received third-place awards for best front page and best special section for its October 2004 centennial section, which covered the 100-year history of the Southeast Missourian.

Staff writer Mark Bliss won third place in the best news story category for his coverage of the Mississippi River bridge demolition. He also received an honorable mention for best coverage of government for his report on the dispute between Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers Community College.

Photographer Don Frazier received a third place for best feature photography. He was also awarded an honorable mention for best news photography.

Staff writer Matt Sanders won an honorable mention for best news story for his coverage of the proposal to cut Medicaid benefits.

For the best story about education, Callie Clark Miller received an honorable mention for her first-person account on substitute teaching.

Photographer Diane Wilson was awarded an honorable mention for best photo illustration.

The Southeast Missourian also received honorable mentions for best newspaper design and best sports page.

According to Lesa Litty, director of the contest, more than 1,700 daily newspaper entries were received. Entries were judged both across the board and according to circulation size.