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The Springfield News-Sun won three first-place awards and one second-place honor at the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists Awards announced Monday.<\/p>\n
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Ohio SPJ for the work our reporters do covering the Springfield community,” said News-Sun Editor Ben McLaughlin. “Also important is the variety of work we’re receiving awards for, from breaking news to public service to best photographer and best reporter in Ohio.”<\/p>\n
The News-Sun took first place in Best Deadline Reporting for its digital and print coverage of the shooting death of Matthew Yates, a Clark County sheriff’s deputy who responded to a shooting call on July 24 2022.<\/p>\n
Initial coverage included reports from Sydney Dawes, Hasan Karim and Eileen McClory, plus photos and video from Bill Lackey and Marshall Gorby.<\/p>\n
The judge’s comment said, “Strong reporting complemented by quality photos and video rounds out the Springfield News-Sun’s winning breaking story.”<\/p>\n
Lackey won the Ohio Photographer of the Year award for the third time in his career. He has been at the News-Sun for 23 years.<\/p>\n
“Easy first place decision,” the judge wrote. \u201cSix totally different photos in six different situations, all solid. And the first two show the hardest thing to capture: humor. Together they show a great kaleidoscope of life.”<\/p>\n
McLaughlin said Lackey showcases many aspects of life in Clark County, capturing footage from breaking news, features and sports.<\/p>\n
Dawes, who is now with the News-Sun’s sister paper, the Dayton Daily News, was recognized as Ohio’s top reporter for his work in Springfield.<\/p>\n
“Sydney Dawes’ portfolio combines an impressive breadth of coverage with strong storytelling,” the judge wrote.<\/p>\n
Dawes also placed second in the Best Social Issues and Public Service Reporting category for her work on Springfield’s homelessness crisis, including stories about the multi-agency search for a solution, the removal of the tent city and the effort to buy a hotel to use it. as a refuge<\/p>\n
Competing against newspapers in the under-60,000 circulation category, the awards are for coverage in 2022.<\/p>\n
Credit: Springfield News-Sun<\/p>\n
Credit: Springfield News-Sun<\/p>\n