Dear readers,

EO Media Group newspapers once again had a fine showing at the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

The ONPA held its annual convention July 18-19 in Redmond, where it announced contest winners.

The contest separates newspapers into groups based on factors such as frequency of print publication. And there are a range of categories for entries, from business reporting to lifestyle features to sports photography. Newspapers in a different state judge the contest and pick the winners.

Sure, this is a moment for newspapers to pat themselves on the back. But I also see this as showing our newsrooms out here continue to strive to be the best. Not “the best we can be,” not “the best under these circumstances,” but the best. Full stop. We work toward that everyday.

Here is the breakdown of the winners for EOMG newspapers on the east side of the state.

Baker City Herald

Best Coverage of Business — first place, Jayson Jacoby

Best Coverage of Business — second place, Jayson Jacoby

Best Lifestyle Coverage — third place, Jayson Jacoby

Best Sports Story — first place, Jayson Jacoby

Best Writing — first place, Jayson Jacoby

Best Government Coverage — first place, Justin Davis

Blue Mountain Eagle

General Excellence — second place

Best Special Section — second place for Explore Grant County

Best Educational Coverage — third place, Justin Davis

Best Enterprise Reporting — second place, Neil Nisperos

Best Feature Story — first place, Neil Nisperos

Best Personality Feature — first place, Neil Nisperos

Best Lifestyle Coverage — third place, Bennett Hall

Best Local Column — first place, Justin Davis

Best Sports Story — first place, Justin Davis

Best Writing — first place, Bennett Hall; third place, Neil Nisperos

Best Page One Design — first place, Randy Wrighthouse

Best Photo Essay — second place, Neil Nisperos

East Oregonian

Best Coverage of Business — second place, Berit Thorson, John Tillman, Dakota Castets-Didier

Best Editorial — third place, Andrew Cutler

Best Educational Coverage — first place, Berit Thorson

Best Personality Feature — second place, Yasser Marte

Best Local Column — second place, Tammy Malgesini

Best Local Column — Andrew Cutler

Best Sports Story — third place, second place, first place: Annie Fowler

Best Spot News Coverage — second place, Dakota Castets-Didier

Best Government Coverage — third place, Phil Wright

Best Page One Design — first place, Andy Nicolais

Best Feature Photo — second place, Yasser Marte

Best Sports Photo — third place, Yasser Marte

The Observer (La Grande)

Best Feature Story — first place, Isabella Crowley

Best Local Column — second place, Karrine Brogoitti

Best Page One Design — second place

Wallowa County Chieftain

Best Coverage of Business — third place, Bill Bradshaw

Best Editorial — third place, Mike McInally

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As always, if you have comments or questions about the East Oregonian, or want to pass along a story idea, send me an email at this address: editor@eastoregonian.com.

And of course thank you to East Oregonian’s subscribers: We simply would be unable to do this vital work without your support.

Phil Wright is the managing editor of the East Oregonian.