PORTLAND, Maine (April 9, 2015) — The Maine Public Relations Council (MPRC) has announced it will be broadcasting its next professional development live between two locations in Maine.

On April 17, attendees will be able to learn everything about communicating under fire, from developing an emergency communications plan to handling the media and coordinating crisis responses.

Speakers include Chet Lunner, Homeland Security consultant, former editor, one of the original designers of the TSA and leading communication expert; as well as, Marnie MacLean, award-winning reporter, tornado chaser and New England news junky. The presentation will take place at the Husson University in Westbrook and be broadcasted real-time to the New England School of Communication in Bangor, with the ability to ask the speakers questions.

What: Crisis Communication: Staying Cool When Things Heat Up
Where: Husson University, 3 County Road, Westbrook
New England School of Communications, 1 College Circle, Bangor
When: April 17, 2015
Time: Networking and breakfast from 8am to 8:30am, program from 8:30am to 10am
Cost: MPRC Members: $20, Non-members: $35, Students: $10.
Networking and breakfast will be provided at both locations.

“Being able to provide sessions to public relations practitioners across the state has always been a priority for our organization,” said Kelly Barden, MPRC President. “We hope to be able to broadcast future sessions in Bangor, Portland and throughout the state.”

Professional development sessions and workshops are held on the third Friday of each month. For more information on this event and to register, visit www.meprcouncil.org.

About the Maine Public Relations Council
Now in its 39th year, with over 250 members statewide Maine Public Relations Council is a professional association of Maine public relations practitioners. MPRC is dedicated to the professional development of its members and a greater awareness of the role of public relations in the world today. It is a member of the Universal Accreditation Board. More information is available at www.meprcouncil.org.

With Bangor set to host this year’s Fall Conference, the MPA Board of Directors is looking ahead and shopping around for a site for 2016. As the board starts the process, it’s looking for members’ opinions, with the idea that a popular place will produce the biggest turnout. So, where in Maine would you most like to go for the conference? These poll results will help the board find the best venue possible.

[polldaddy poll=2409673]

2014 Better Newspaper Contest Winners

Photography/Design
NEWS PHOTO
Weekly 1
1. Stephanie Grinnell, The Camden Herald, “Spelling Bee”
2. Joe Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times, “Visit with Santa”
3. Mike Lange, Piscataquis Observer, “No Hands”

Weekly 2
1. Dominik Lobkowicz, Lincoln County News, “Waldoboro arson argument”
2. Jennifer Feals, York County Coast Star, “Reese heads home”
3. Dominik Lobkowicz, Lincoln County News, “Student gives Veteran flag”

Daily/Weekend
1. Michael G. Seamans, Morning Sentinel, “Fire and Ice”
2. Russ Dillingham, Sun Journal, “Puddle Jump”
3. Shawn Patrick Ouellette, Portland Press Herald

SPOT NEWS PHOTO
Weekly 1
1. Dwight Collins, The Camden Herald, “Three hospitalized after Route 1 crash”
2. Gloria Austin, Houlton Pioneer Times, “House Fire”
3. Ben Holbrook, The Republican Journal, “Man singed when motorcycle catches fire”

Weekly 2
1. Daniel Dunkle, The Courier-Gazette, “Firefighters rescue woman in quarry”
2. Dominik Lobkowicz, Lincoln County News, “Waldoboro mobile home fire”
3. Dominik Lobkowicz, Lincoln County News, “Friendship Road fire”

Daily/Weekend
1. Russ Dillingham, Sun Journal, “River Rescue”
2. Russ Dillingham, Sun Journal, “Yarmouth Explosion”
3. Michael Seamans, Morning Sentinel, “Homestead Fire”

SCENIC PHOTO
Weekly 1
1. Joe Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times, “Picturesque”
2. Tanya Mitchell, The Republican Journal, “Searsport observes Fourth of July”
3. Dwight Collins, The Camden Herald, “Windjammer Races”

Weekly 2
1. Dominik Lobkowicz, Lincoln County News, “Sheepscot sunshine”
2. Larry Peterson, The Ellsworth American, “It Was Smokin’ in Winter Harbor Monday”
3. Earl Brechlin, Mount Desert Islander, “An Eagle Lake’s Eye View”

Daily/Weekend
1. Michael Seamans, Morning Sentinel, “Thunder Hole”
2. John Ewing, Portland Press Herald, “Ice Bush”
3. Michael Seamans, Morning Sentinel, “Eagle Flight”

PEOPLE PHOTO
Weekly 1
1. Anne Berleant, Castine Patriot, “In vogue for a fancy tea party”
2. Sarah Reynolds, The Camden Herald, “Making maple sap into syrup”
3. Gloria Austin, Houlton Pioneer Times, “Puppy Love”

Weekly 2
1. Dominik Lobkowicz, Lincoln County News, “Rope challenge”
2. Robert Levin, Mount Desert Islander, “Fish on!”
3. Kathy McCarty, The Star-Herald, “You call this a horse?”

Daily/Weekend
1. Brian Feulner, Bangor Daily News, “Boys of Isle Au haut”
2. Michael Seamans, Morning Sentinel, “Coffin Maker”
3. Sean Patrick Ouellette, Portland Press Herald, “Don Gean”

PICTURE STORY
Weekly 1
1. Joe Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times, “Patten Pioneer Days keeps folks busy, fed, entertained”
2. Natalie De La Garza, Aroostook Republican, “Visit with Mr. Claus”
3. None

Weekly 2
1. Beth A. Birmingham, The Courier-Gazette, “66th Maine Lobster Festival now history”
2. Donald Eno, St John Valley Times, “Tapping into Spring”
3. Dick Broom, Mount Desert Islander, “Not your run-of-the-mill gardens”

Daily/Weekend
1. Troy Bennett, Bangor Daily News
2. Michael G. Seamans, Morning Sentinel, “Alewives”
3. Andy Molloy, Kennebec Journal, “Opiates”

FEATURE PHOTO
Weekly 1
1. Bill Kitchen, Machias Valley Observer, “Kidlovecheryl2”
2. Emily O’Connell, York County Coast Star, “Saving the seals”
3. Dwight Collins, The Camden Herald, “Crate race winner breaks record”

Weekly 2
1. Dick Broom, Mount Desert Islander, “Cold enough for ya?”
2. Eleanor Cade Busby, Lincoln County News, “Fire dancer”
3. Dagney C. Ernest, The Courier-Gazette, “Ninety years of movie magic”

Daily/Weekend
1. Gabe Souza, Portland Press Herald, “Frosty Window”
2. Derek Davis, Portland Press Herald, “Bridge Jump”
3. Linda Coan O’Kresik, Bangor Daily News

SPORTS PHOTO
Weekly 1
1. Joe Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times, “High Flying”
2. Ken Waltz, The Republican Journal, “Making waves”
3. Ken Waltz, The Republican Journal, “So close but….”

Weekly 2
1. Paula Roberts, Lincoln County News, “Diving Tag”
2. Ken Waltz, The Courier-Gazette, “Lobster crate race spill”
3. Jane Mayor-Small, The Star-Herald, “Hustle Play”

Daily/Weekend
1. Daryn Slover, Sun Journal, “Face Ball”
2. Gabe Souza, Portland Press Herald, “Celebration”
3. Michael G. Seamans, Morning Sentinel, “Class B”

ILLUSTRATION
Weekly
1. George Eaton, The Weekly Packet, Rules of the road: How to navigate a roundabout
2. None
3. None

Daily/Weekend
1. Eric Zelz, Bangor Daily News, “Stuck”
2. Susan Broadbent and Amber Waterman, Sun Journal, “Former ‘wild child’ stumbles in search of etiquette”
3. Susan Broadbent and Heather McCarthy, Sun Journal, “Waiting for the train”

GRAPHIC
Weekly
1. Chris Caston, Machias Valley News Observer, “You Are What You Eat Your Right To Know/GMS’s”
2. David Fickett, The Ellsworth American, “Wind Fall”
3. None

Daily/Weekend
1. Michael Fisher, Maine Sunday Telegram, “Andrew Jackson isn’t worth the paper he’s printed on”
2. Sharon Wood, Kennebec Journal, “Getting a Boost”
3. Eric Zetz, Bangor Daily News, “On Maine Street”

SPECIALTY PAGE DESIGN
Weekly
1. Laura Snyder Smith, York County Coast Star, “May 30, 2013”
2. Christine Dunkle & Dagney Ernest, Courier-Gazette, “Oct. 10, 2013”
3. Christine Dunkle, The Republican Journal, “Oct. 17, 2013”

Daily/Weekend
1. Heather McCarthy, Sun Journal, “June 23, 2013”
2. Eric Zelz, Bangor Daily News, “Feb. 22-23, 2014”
3. Eric Zelz, Bangor Daily News, “Nov. 6, 2013”

FRONT PAGE DESIGN
Weekly
1. David Fickett, The Ellsworth American, “Dec. 26, 2013”
2. Dave Dailey, The Camden Herald, “March 20, 2014”
3. Barbara Tedesco, Mount Desert Islander, “Feb. 27, 2014”

Daily/Weekend
1. Rebecca Bowden, Bangor Daily News, “May 22, 2013”
2. Rebecca Bowden/Eric Zelz, Bangor Daily News, “Sept. 13, 2013”
3. Sharon Wood and Kennebec Journal desk, Kennebec Journal, “Feb. 3, 2014”

Sections
EDITORIAL PAGE
Weekly
1. Staff, Mount Desert Islander
2. Staff, The Ellsworth American
3. Staff, The Courier-Gazette

Daily/Weekend
1. Staff, Bangor Daily News
2. Greg Kesich, Portland Press Herald
3. Staff, Sun-Journal

BUSINESS SECTION
Weekly
1. Joe Cyr & Gloria Austin, Houlton Pioneer Times
2. Kathy McCarty & Scott M Johnson, The Star-Herald
3. Staff, St John Valley Times

Daily/Weekend
1. Staff, Portland Press Herald
2. Robyn Burnham Rousseau, Journal Tribune
3. None

FEATURE SECTION
Weekly
1. Laura Snyder Smith, York County Coast Star
2. Laura Snyder Smith, The York Weekly
3. Staff, The Ellsworth American

Daily/Weekend
1. Heather McCarthy & Susan Broadbent, Sun Journal
2. Staff, Portland Press Herald
3. Staff, Times Record

Advertising/Circulation
LOCAL AD
Weekly
1. Staff, Houlton Pioneer Times, “Houlton Farms Dairy at 75”
2. Staff, The Ellsworth American, “Grasshopper Shop”
3. Heidi Anderson-Belcher & Jody McKee, The Camden Herald, “Fresh off the Farm”

Daily/Weekend
1. Bridget Cayer, Bangor Daily News, “Bike Maine 2013”
2. Callie Foster & Rebecca Young, Bangor Daily News, “Heros”
3. Michele Dwyer & Laurie Trifoso, Bangor Daily News, “Downeast Direct Cremation”

CAMPAIGN OR SERIES
Weekly
No Winners

Daily/Weekend
1. Pat Lemieux & Shelley Sund, Bangor Daily News, “Man Expo 2013”
2. Staff, Portland Press Herald, “Toy Fund”
3. None

SUPPLEMENT/SPECIAL SECTION
Weekly 1
1. Christine Dunkle & Design/Sales Staff, The Camden Herald, “Discovering Maine’s Lighthouses & Harbors”
2. Staff, York County Coast Star, “Christmas Prelude”
3. Staff, The Weekly Packet, “Blue Hill Fair Handbook”

Weekly 2
1. Staff, Mount Desert Islander, “Out & About In Downeast Maine”
2. Kevin Burnham & Staff, Boothbay Register, “The 51st Annual Windjammer Days Festival 2013”
3. Staff, The Ellsworth American, “Ellsworth 250”

Daily/Weekend
1. Staff, Portland Press Herald, “Sea Dogs Celebrate”
2. Leo Baillargeon, Sun Journal, Catholic Schools week
3. None

BEST SUPPLEMENT COVER
Weekly
1. Christine Dunkle, The Camden Herald, “Senior Living”
2. Staff, Boothbay Register, “Summertime 2014”
3. Michelle Snowden, Mount Desert Islander, “Out & About”

Daily/Weekend
No Winners—lost entries

BEST YOUNG READER ENGAGEMENT IDEA
Weekly
1. Staff, The Aroostook Republican
2. Staff, Houlton Pioneer Times
3. Staff, Piscataquis Observer

Daily/Weekend
1. Natalie Feulner & Erin Rhoda, Bangor Daily News, 2014 NIE Supplement
2. Stefanie Manning, Portland Press-Herald, “Stars & Stripes July 4 Contest”
3. Leo Baillargeon, Sun Journal, “Kidsville News 1st Birthday”

BEST CIRCULATION PROMOTION
Weekly
1. Staff, York County Coast Star, “What local looks like”
2. Staff, The Weekly Packet, “Put the Packet in your pocket”
3. None

Daily/Weekend
No Winners

SELF-PROMOTION
Weekly
1. Deborah Tucker, The Ellsworth American, “Meet our subscribers”
2. Staff, The Star-Herald, “Spring Business Card Catalog”
3. None

Daily/Weekend
No Winners

BEST NEW REVENUE IDEA
Weekly
1. Staff, The Ellsworth American, “Ellsworth 250”
2. Staff, Boothbay Register, “March Mainea”
3. Barbara Tedesco, Mount Desert Islander, “Kebo Valley”

Daily/Weekend
1. Staff, Morning Sentinel, “Downtown Quarterly”
2. Staff, Morning Sentinel, “MaineGeneral Medical Center Section”
3. Melissa Logan & Sandy Dyer, Sun Journal, “Shop Local for a Day”

SPONSORSHIP PAGE
Weekly
1. Jody McKee & Design Staff, The Camden Herald, “Christmas by the Sea”
2. Staff, Houlton Pioneer Times, “75th Sponsorship”
3. Karen Mehorter, Pam Schultz & Design Staff, The Republican Journal, “Maine Fare”

Daily/Weekend
1. Melissa Logan, Dot Gosselin & Sandy Dyer, Sun Journal, “Welcome Pirates”
2. Staff, Portland Press Herald, “Beach to Beacon”
3. Michelle Cote, Journal Tribune, “Artwalk”

Online
NEWS BLOGGER
Weekly
No Entries

Daily/Weekend
1. Seth Koenig, Bangor Daily News, “Seth in the City”
2. Chris Shorr, Bangor Daily News, “Fighting the Tides”
3. Mario Moretto & Christopher Cousins, Bangor Daily News, “State and Capitol”

SPORTS BLOGGER
Weekly
No entries

Daily/Weekend
1. George A. Smith, Bangor Daily News, “George’s Outdoors”
2. John Holyoke, Bangor Daily News, “Out There”
3. Kevin Thomas, Portland Press Herald, “Clearing the Bases”

FEATURES BLOGGER
Weekly
1. None
2. Daryl Conant, York County Coast Star, “Buff Daddy”
3. None

Daily/Weekend
1. Aislinn Sarnacki, Bangor Daily News, “Act Out with Aislinn”
2. John Golden, Maine Sunday Telegram, “The Golden Dish”
3. Alex Steed, Bangor Daily News, “Steed”

NEWS VIDEO
Weekly
1. Robert Levin, Mount Desert Islander, “POW Laid to Rest”
2. Steve Fuller & Stephen Fay, The Ellsworth American, “Birdsacre after the Fire”
3. Beth Birmingham & Holly Vanorse Spicer, The Courier-Gazette, “66th Maine Lobster Festival”

Daily/Weekend
1. Gabe Souza and Susan Kimball, Portland Press Herald, “Maine’s Heroin Crisis: A special report”
2. Amelia Kunhardt and Matt Byrne, Portland Press Herald, “Three shots on Roy Road”
3. Brian Feulner, Bangor Daily News, “Teaching Derek”

SPORTS VIDEO
Weekly
1. Jesse Groening, The Ellsworth American, “Bucksport native makes name in mixed martial arts”
2. Earl Brechlin, Mount Desert Islander, “Powerlifting at the MDI YMCA”
3. None

Daily/Weekend
1. Gabe Souza, Portland Press Herald, “New England Forest Rally”
2. Troy Bennett, Bangor Daily News, “Arm wrestling explodes in Maine”
3. Troy Bennett, Bangor Daily News, “The Secret Moped Death Race”

FEATURES LIFESTYLE/VIDEO
Weekly
1. Jesse Groening, The Ellsworth American, “Nervous Nellies”
2. Earl Brechlin, Mount Desert Islander, “Queen Mary 2 Departs Bar Harbor”
3. Liz Graves, Mount Desert Islander, “Winter Fishing”

Daily/Weeknd
1. Troy Bennett, Bangor Daily News, “Henna art blesses the body in transition”
2. Gregory Rec and Ray Routhier, Portland Press Herald, “Musicians perform for Nick Stanley”
3. Shawn Ouellette and Eric Russell, Portland Press Herald, “The Long Goodbye”

SPECIAL ONLINE PROJECT OR SECTION
Weekly
1. Earl Brechlin & Staff, The Mount Desert Islander, “Police Chief Hearing”
2. Lisa Kristoff, Boothbay Register, “What is domestic violence?”
3. None

Daily/Weekend
1. Portland Press Herald, “The Challenge of Our Age”
2. Bangor Daily News, “Six Miles Out”
3. Sun Journal and Bangor Daily News, “Affordable Care Act, 101”

Writing
NEWS STORY
Weekly 1
1. Laura Dolce, York County Coast Star, “Who Killed Mary Turner?”
2. Jennifer Feals, York County Coast Star, “Wright and wrong”
3. Stephanie Grinnell, The Camden Herald, “Stiehler recalls being hit by car”

Weekly 2
1. Juliette Laaka, The Courier-Gazette, “Mother speaks out about child choking incident”
2. Juliette Laaka, The Courier-Gazette, “Murder suspect said he did not intend to kill fellow inmate”
3. Jennifer Osborn, The Ellsworth American, “Selectmen compensation duties vary greatly”

Daily/Weekend
1. Craig Crosby, Kennebec Journal “Warden Service Finally Captures Christopher Knight”
2. Judith Meyer, Sun Journal, “Life at 105-111 Blake”
3. Lindsay Tice, Sun Journal, “Mainers using EBT cards for interesting things in some unusual places”

SPOT NEWS STORY
Weekly
1. Joseph Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times, “Boston Marathon bombing stuns local residents”
2. Anne Berleant and Faith DeAmbrose, Castine Patriot, “Communities rally as ice storm makes for a (mostly) dark Christmas”
3. Faith DeAmbrose, The Weekly Packet, “Structure fire levels storage building, triggers massive response”

Daily/Weekend
1. Staff, Sun Journal, “3 buildings destroyed”
2. Matt Byrne, Portland Press Herald, “Explosion Rocks Yarmouth”
3. Nick Sambides Jr., Bangor Daily News, “Man crushed by antique fire truck”

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
Weekly
1. Staff, Mount Desert Islander, “Popular access road closing for six weeks”
2. Staff, The Ellsworth American, “Why Does It Cost $15,756 Per Year to Educate a Child in Mount Desert and
3. Staff, Camden Herald, “Fire departments struggle to find, retain volunteers”

Daily/Weekend
1. Colin Woodard, Portland Press Herald, “The Lobbyist in the henhouse”
2. Lindsay Tice, Sun Journal, “Maine official says she was told to destroy documents”
3. Portland Press Herald, “Oversight of Maine restaurants diminishes, just as complaints rise”

Honorable mentions
HM: Chris Williams, Judy Meyer, Lindsay Tice, Scott Thistle, Sun Journal, “State labor workers say they were pressured to deny jobless benefits”
HM: Matt Byrne, Portland Press Herald, “Shots fired on Roy Road”

ANALYSIS
Weekly
1. Tanya Mitchell, The Republican Journal, “Couching Surfing”
2. Jennifer Osborn, The Ellsworth American, “Selectmen’s Compensation”
3. Robert Levin, Mount Desert Islander, “Housing agency, labs brace for more sequester cuts”

Daily/Weekend
1. Kelley Bouchard, Maine Sunday Telegram, “The Challenge of Our Age”
2. Lindsay Tice, Sun Journal, “Mainers are using their EBT cash for some interesting things”
3. TIE: Keith Edwards, Kennebec Journal, “Augusta officials, residents complain city gets more than its share of sex offenders” and David Hench and Eric Russell, Maine Sunday Telegram, “How safe are you on the road?”

CONTINUING STORY
Weekly 1
1. Jennifer Feals, York County Coast Star, “Funding for RSU 21 to fix schools”
2. Stephanie Grinnell, Camden Herald, “Fox Hill”
3. Natalie De La Garza, Aroostook Republican, “50-mile challenge”

Weekly 2
1. Jacqueline Weaver, The Ellsworth American, “RSU24: Stay In or Pull Out?”
2. Robert Levin, Mt. Desert Island, “NPS Rejects Acadia Corp.”
3. Kim Lincoln, The Courier-Gazette, “RSU13”

Daily/Weekend
1. Staff, Portland Press Herald, “The Challenge of Our Age”
2. Staff, Sun Journal, “Three buildings destroyed”
3. Lindsay Tice, Sun Journal, “Maine official told to destroy documents”

ARTS/LIFESTYLE FEATURE
Weekly 1
1. Laura Dolce, York County Coast Star, “Battle Buddies”
2. Anne Berleant, Island Ad-Vantages, “Jon Imber”
3. Sarah E. Reynolds, The Camden Herald, “Quartet out to win toboggan nationals in custom-built sled”

Weekly 2
1. Dick Broom, Mount Desert Islander, “Getting to the Point about Porcupines”
2. Scott Mitchell Johnson, The Star-Herald, “Sandusky takes successful dip in the ‘Shark Tank’”
3. Dominik Lobkowicz, The Lincoln County News, “Waldoboro police capture runaway gingerbread man”

Daily/Weekend
1. Bob Keyes, Maine Sunday Telegram, “Still He Paints”
2. Lindsay Tice, Sun Journal, “Blended Families”
3. Kathleen Pierce, Bangor Daily News, “Portland Violin maker blends use of Old World tools…”

FEATURE STORY
Weekly 1
1. Shelley Fleming-Wigglesworth, York County Coast Star “Becoming Brit”
2. Laura Dolce, York County Coast Star, “Who killed Mary Tanner?
3. TIE: Jennifer Feals, York County Coast Star, “Reporter caught in the headlights of history” and Dwight Collins, The Camden Herald, “Flesh-eating bugs are Rockport man’s passion”

Weekly 2
1. Kathy Onorato, The Lincoln County News “Wiscasset teen enjoying life after leukemia battle”
2. Liz Graves, Mount Desert Islander “Lobstering off shore in winter it’s only ‘rock and roll’”
3. Suzi Thayer, Boothbay Register “Alligators, Jimmy Carter and the Extraterrestrial Highway”

Daily/Weekend
1. Eric Russell, Portland Press Herald, “The Long Goodbye,” 10/6/13
2. Nick McCrea, Bangor Daily News, “Six Miles Out,” 3/5/14
3. Michael Shepherd, Kennebec Journal, “On a trail, many trials, for hikers and searchers alike,” 8/4/13

FOOD STORY/FEATURE
Weekly
1. Juliette Laaka, The Courier-Gazette, “Ruling the Roost at the Knox County Jail”
2. Steve Fuller, The Ellsworth American, “Food is where you find it”
3. Laura Dolce, York County Coast Star, “Sharing their strength”

Daily/Weekend
1. Meredith Goad, Maine Sunday Telegram, “More on his plate”
2. Mark LaFlamme, Sun Journal, “Lust for Bacon”
3. Mario Moretto, Bangor Daily News, “For big brands, coffee marketing Maine is ‘a dogfight’”

LOCAL COLUMNIST
Weekly
1. Kris Ferrazza, The Courier-Gazette
2. Sarah Reynolds, The Camden Herald
3. Tanya Mitchell, The Republican Journal

Daily/Weekend
1. Bag Lady and Shopping Siren, Sun Journal
2. Adrian Crawford, Kennebec Journal
3. Michelle Cote, Journal Tribune

CRITIC’S AWARD
Weekly
1. Nan Lincoln, Mount Desert Islander, “A Marriage Made in Heaven”
2. Stephen Fay, The Ellsworth American, “Cheers”
3. Don Cyr – St. John Valley Times, “Growing up in the St. John Valley”

Daily/Weekend
1. Emily Burnham, Bangor Daily News, “Maine album reviews: Ghost of Paul Revere, Rustic Overtones, Indigenous Immigrants”
2. Morton Gold, Journal Tribune, “Portland Symphony Orchestra and Munoz earn a standing ovation”
3. Jennifer Brewer, Portland Press Herald, “’Cinderella’ brings magical night of beautiful ballet”

FEATURE HEADLINE
Weekly
1. Earl Brechlin, Mount Desert Islander, “Cockadoodle-who?”
2. Laura Snyder-Smith, York County Coast Star, “Speed Read: Local racing legend tells all in new biography”
3. Letitia Baldwin, The Ellsworth American, “Peas be with you”

Daily/Weekend
1. Mark Mogensen, Sun Journal, “Buried pleasure”
2. Daryl Madore, Times Record, “Some can’t say ‘no’: Drug-affected babies born at alarming rate, even in Maine
3. Brian Robitaille, Portland Press Herald, “From your arms to theirs”

NEWS/SPORTS HEADLINE
Weekly
1. Staff, Aroostook Republican, “Caribou pup learns to lei down”
2. Stephen Fay, The Ellsworth American, “Wind fall”
3. Staff, The Courier-Gazette, “Deceitful kiss ruse to pass drugs thwarted”

Daily/Weekend
1. Matt Hongoltz-Hetling, Morning Sentinel, “Young boxer carries the weight of struggling hometown on his shoulders”
2. Kathryn Skelton, Sun Journal, “Battle for booze bucks”
3. Jessica Hall and Noel K. Gallagher, Maine Sunday Telegram, “High-tech hopes…Low-tech reality”

EDITORIAL
Weekly 1
1. Daniel West, The Republican Journal, “Portland hasn’t legalized pot, but Maine should”
2. Daniel West, The Republican Journal, “Fishermen deserve answers from Corps”
3. Laura Dolce, York Weekly, “York beach access discussion should be public”

Weekly 2
1. Sherwood Olin, The Lincoln County News, “On the precipice”
2. Earl Brechlin, Mount Desert Islander, “Pretty bridge: Ugly Truth”
3. Sherwood Olin, The Lincoln County News, “Move the question”

Daily/Weekend
1. Rex Rhoades, Sun Journal, “Toy pistol incident says a lot about guns”
2. Greg Kesich, Portland Press Herald, “Michaud’s news shows how far we have come”
3. Erin Rhoda, Bangor Daily News, “In memory of Bangor’s homeless who died this year”

OPINION COLUMNIST
Weekly 1
1. Joseph Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times
2. Mike Lange, The Piscataquis Observer
3. None

Weekly 2
1. Jill Goldthwait, The Ellsworth American/Mount Desert Islander
2. Bob Carter and Jan Dolcater, The Courier-Gazette
3. Tory Bonenfant and Donald Eno, St. John Valley Times

Daily/Weekend
1. Elliott Epstein, Sun Journal
2. Erin Rhoda, Bangor Daily News
3. Greg Kesich, Portland Press Herald

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST
Weekly
1. Glen Chadbourne, Lincoln County News
2. None
3. None

Daily/Weekend
1. Ernie Anderson, Sun Journal, “An Endless Source of Renewable Energy”
2. George Danby, Bangor Daily News, “Adopt a Lobster” and “Grin and Bear it”
3. None

ENVIRONMENTAL STORY
Weekly 1
1. Mike Lange, The Piscataquis Observer, “Proposed Somerset-Piscataquis wind turbine project draws mixed reaction”
2. Anne Berleant, Castine Patriot, “Mercury levels close mouth of Penobscot River to fishing”
3. Hillary Savage, Machias Valley Observer, “You are what you eat/Your right to know GMOs”

Weekly 2
1. Don Eno, St. John Valley Times, “Soda can savings”
2. J.W. Oliver, The Lincoln County News, “Damariscotta attorney, Somerville senator lead charge on labeling law”
3. Beth A. Birmingham, The Courier-Gazette, “Eel appeal nets big money”

Daily/Weekend
1. Matt Hongoltz-Hetling, The Morning Sentinel, “As alewife populations recover, a new economy emerges”
2. Kathryn Skelton, Sun Journal, “Reading the smoke signals”
3. Bill Trotter, Bangor Daily News, “Ocean surface temperatures off Northeast coast highest in 150 years”

BUSINESS STORY
Weekly
1. Robert Levin, Mount Desert Islander, “Acadia contract loss questioned”
2. Bill Pearson, The Ellsworth American, “Papermates”
3. JW Oliver, Lincoln County News, “Monhegan couple starts brewing company”

Daily/Weekend
1. Noel Gallagher and Jessica Hall, Maine Sunday Telegram, “High-tech hopes, low-skill reality”
2. Scott Thistle, Sun Journal, “L-A’S Calling”
3. Matt Hongoltz-Hetling, The Morning Sentinel, “Oakland Maverick bringing cutting edge to barber trade”

EDUCATION STORY
Weekly 1
1. Jennifer Feals, York County Coast Star, “What you should know”
2. Sarah E. Reynolds, Camden Herald, “Bahamian summer research program exposes students to ‘real science’”
3. Dwight Collins, Camden Herald, “New construction wins out over renovation of middle school”

Weekly 2
1. Jacqueline Weaver, The Ellsworth American, “Why does it cost $15,756 per year to educate a child in Mount
2. Scott Mitchell Johnson, The Star Herald, “The family that studies together, graduates together”
3. Kim Lincoln, Courier-Gazette, “A 21st-century classroom”

Daily/Weekend
1. Noel Gallagher, Portland Press Herald, “Crisis at USM Manufactured or Real?”
2. Bonnie Washuk, Lewiston Sun Journal, “Tackling Truancy”
3. Nell Gluckman, Bangor Daily News, “Bringing A Virtual Charter School to Maine”

HEALTH STORY
Weekly 1
1. Joseph Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times, “Houlton Regional Hospital plans changes to services”
2. Jennifer Feals, York County Coast Star, “Hoping for a miracle”
3. Jessica Brophy, Weekly Packet, “Understanding the affordable care act”

Weekly 2
1. Mark Good, Mount Desert Islander, “Unfit to Drink”
2. Steve Fuller, The Ellsworth American, “Fighting Cancer”
3. Juliette Laaka, The Courier-Gazette, “Obamacare for the average Midcoast resident”

Daily/Weekend
1. Lindsay Tice, Lewiston Sun Journal and Jackie Farwell, Bangor Daily News, “Affordable Care Act 101”
2. Lindsay Tice, Sun Journal, “Ticked off”
3. Jackie Farwell, Bangor Daily News, “Newly born and withdrawing from drugs”

Sports
GAME STORY
Weekly
1. Hugh Bowden, Ellsworth American, “Golden Bucks Win Second Straight Softball Title”
2. Carl Pepin, York County Coast Star, “Lakers Hold Off Warriors”
3. Stuart Hedstrom, Piscataquis Observer, “Foxcroft Comeback Bid Falls Just Shy in Battle of Unbeatens”

Daily/Weekend
1. Justin Pelletier, Sun Journal, “Pirates Slide Continues”
2. Kalle Oakes, Sun Journal, “Good Knight: No. 6 Poland Shocks No. 1 Greely for First Title”
3. Tom Chard, Portland Press Herald, “A Hard-Earned Trophy”

SPORTS NEWS STORY
Weekly
1. Mark Haskell, The Republican Journal, “Athletic director shakeup affects RSU 20 schools”
2. Mark Haskell, The Camden Herald, “It was really scary”
3. Jay Pinsonnault, York Weekly, “Undaunted, Fogg vows to run again”

Daily/Weekend
1. David Hench and Glenn Jordan, Portland Press Herald, “Mainers describe ‘war scene’, ‘chaos’”
2. Kalle Oakes, Sun Journal, “Maine’s caged craze”
3. Edward Murphy and Mike Lowe, Portland Press Herald “Pirates set sail for Lewiston”

SPORTS PROFILE
Weekly
1. Taylor Vortherms, The Ellsworth American, “Heart Attack Survivor Returns to Tournament”
2. Mark Haskell, The Courier-Gazette, “Terminally ill Rockland boy honored”
3. Holly Vanorse Spicer, The Camden Herald, “In spotlight, record-setting Leclerc steps onto fitness stage”

Daily/Weekend
1. Steve Solloway, Portland Press Herald, “Still fighting back after vicious attack”
2. Kalle Oakes, Sun Journal, “After the ashes”
3. Randy Whitehouse, Sun Journal, “Thirty-one years later Oak Hill remembers”

SPORTS COLUMNIST
Weekly
1. Ken Waltz, The Courier Gazette
2. Carl Pepin, York County Coast Star
3. Monique Labbe, St. John Valley Times

Daily/Weekend
1. Bob Conn, The Times Record
2. Steve Solloway, Portland Press Herald
3. Kalle Oakes, Sun Journal

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN
Weekly
1. Hugh Bowden, The Ellsworth American “Faces of high school tennis” May 2, 2013
2. Barbara Tedesco, Mount Desert Islander, “Perfect!,” Sept. 19, 2013
3. Ken Waltz, The Courier-Gazette, Nov. 7, 2013

Daily/Weekend
1. Mike Spath, Portland Press Herald, “Trojans take a big leap,” Feb. 18, 2014
2. Mike Spath, Maine Sunday Telegram, “Quality Times,” Aug. 4, 2013
3. Justin Pelletier & Susan Broadbent, Sun Journal, “Drive to Glory,” Nov. 23, 2013

SPORTS SECTION
Weekly
1. Ken Waltz, Mark Haskell and Holly Vanorse Spicer, The Camden Herald
2. Ken Waltz, Mark Haskell and Holly Vanorse Spicer, The Republican Journal
3. Staff, St. John Valley Times

Daily/Weekend
1. Mike Spath, Portland Press Herald, Feb. 18, 2014
2. Justin Pelletier, Sun Journal
3. Wil Kramlich & Cameron Dunbar, Journal Tribune

Special Categories

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Weekly
1. Kim Lincoln, The Courier-Gazette
2. Staff, Mount Desert Islander
Judge’s Note: Only 2 awards presented due to limited entries.

Daily/Weekend
1. Staff, Sun Journal
2. Staff, Portland Press Herald
Judge’s Note: Only 2 awards presented due to limited entries.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE—ADVERTISING
Weekly
1. The Ellsworth American
2. Mount Desert Islander
3. Karen Mehorter & Pam Schultz, The Republican Journal

Daily/Weekend
1. Portland Press Herald
2. None
3. None

GENERAL EXCELLENCE—DIGITAL
Weekly
1. Wiscasset Newspaper/Boothbay Register
2. The Courier-Gazette/The Camden Herald/The Republican Journal
3. York County Coast Star/The York Weekly

Daily/Weekend
1. Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram
2. Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel
3. Bangor Daily News

GENERAL EXCELLENCE—PRINT
Weekly 1
1. York Weekly
2. York County Coast Star
3. Boothbay Register

Weekly 2
1. Mount Desert Islander
2. Ellsworth American
3. St. John Valley Times

Daily
1. Portland Press Herald
2. Sun Journal
3. Kennebec Journal

Weekend
1. Maine Sunday Telegram
2. Sun Journal
3. Morning Sentinel

A full day of events is planned for the MPA’s Fall Conference on October 18 including informative sessions, Hall of Fame Inductee Luncheon, the annual Scholarship Auction, and The 2014 Better Newspaper Contest Awards Dinner & Banquet.

The day’s events kick off at 8:15 am with the Annual Business Meeting followed by advertising, editorial and photography/video sessions from 9:00 am to 11:45 am, and the Hall of Fame Luncheon at Noon. Catch up with your MPA comrades and friends at the Scholarship Auction at 5:30 pm for some lively bidding, then join us for The Better Newspaper Contest Awards Dinner and Banquet at 7:00 pm.

MPA Fall Conference Schedule of Events
8:00 am – 9:00 am Annual Business Meeting
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Photo & Video Help Desk
9:00 am – 10:15 am Reporting on Suicide: Safe Reporting Guidelines (editorial)
9:00 am – 10:15 am Keeping it Fresh Roundtable (editorial)
9:00 am – 10:15 am Keeping it Fresh Roundtable (advertising)
10:30 am – 11:45 am Going Digital: Managing Change in a 21st Century Newsroom (editorial)
10:30 am – 11:45 am What’s NOW and What’s NEXT! (advertising)
12:00 pm Hall of Fame Luncheon
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Scholarship Auction
7:00 pm Better Newspaper Contest Awards Dinner & Banquet

MPA Fall Conference Sessions

Reporting on Suicide: Safe Reporting Guidelines (editorial) 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Each year, approximately 200 people die by suicide in Maine and the past decade has seen those numbers increase. Sometimes the loss occurs in a manner or to a person that is newsworthy. How media reports on a suicide death can have a significant impact on the risk for suicide contagion in other vulnerable people. The recent death of Robin Williams presents us with a good example of such a newsworthy death by suicide. This session will look at suicide in Maine and recommendations on reporting suicide in a manner that increases help-seeking not additional suicides. Led by Greg A Marley, LCSW, Clinical Director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Maine and a well-known suicide expert in Maine. Marley has developed and presented suicide prevention and assessment education to multiple partners across Maine and the USA. He lives and reads the local media in Rockland.

Keeping it Fresh Roundtable (editorial) 9:00 am – 10:15 am
How many times can you cover the same meeting, annual event, or similar events, without boring yourself and your readers to tears? Do you cover the 4th of July fireworks with just a photo or do you ask some folks what they think is so special about the occasion? Been to your 100th Baked Bean Supper? Who there will share the secret family recipe? Town council fighting over the budget again? Hard to make readers care when the reporter obviously doesn’t. This session will collect concerns and frustrations from participants and share ways others have found to keep the pages of our papers and websites fresh and interesting. Moderated by Earl Brechlin, Editor, Mount Desert Islander.
Keeping It Fresh Roundtable (advertising) 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Tired of that same old special section? Can’t bear the thought of gearing up to sell another county fair bannered page? Come to this session to hear and share ideas on how to freshen up your approach to selling advertising. Bringing new ideas to customers is the best way to position yourself as a marketing expert and someone who cares about the results you generate for your customer.
Photo & Video Help Desk 9:00 am-Noon
The doctors are in! Have a nagging question about the best way to approach a visual assignment? Do wish you knew what all those buttons on your camera did? Do you need a better digital workflow? Wondering what’s the best way to get rid of ‘camera shake’ in your videos? Do you just want to talk shop and pick the brains of Maine’s best photojournalists? Now you can. Maine Press Association Vice President Troy R. Bennett has assembled a crack team of the Pine Tree State’s best shooters. They’ll be on hand all morning to answer questions, brainstorm solutions and shoot the breeze. If they can’t guide you to an answer, nobody can.
Going Digital: Managing Change in a 21st Century Newsroom (editorial) 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Do you sometimes find yourself saying, “there’s got to be a better way, I just don’t know what it is”? Newsrooms, and the way news is produced, is changing at a rapid rate. It’s no longer enough to create excellent journalism on a deadline. Considerations must also be made for print, web, social media, mobile apps and multimedia tie-ins when assigning and crafting a story—sometimes simultaneously. How are you navigating this change? Who is responsible for what? How has this changed the production process and what resources have you found to help you? What HAS worked in your newsroom—or better yet—what HASN’t worked? Come and share your experiences and learn from others who are also grappling with these issues. Moderated by Faith DeAmbrose, Managing Editor of Penobscot Bay Press, publishers of The Weekly Packet, Castine Patriot and Island Ad-Vantages.
What’s NOW and What’s NEXT! (advertising) 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Mobile, SEM, Audience Extension, E-mail, Social – With all of today’s choices what digital products are advertisers in Maine buying? What’s working and what’s next? Our panel of experts will look at the challenge and choice in today’s digital marketing landscape. Moderated by Mark Hardin, Digital Sales Manager at MaineToday Media. Panelists include Chris Stanley of Lamey-Wellehan Shoes; Abbie McGilvery, owner of Abbie McGilvery LLC; Hillary Dow, owner of Live Work Play Maine; and Jenika Pouliot, Marketing Director of Page One Web Solutions.

Bid early, Bid Often at the MPA Scholarship Auction
The MPA is seeking items for the ever-exhilarating annual auction to benefit its scholarship fund for journalism students at the University of Maine. Each year, the auction gives bidders a chance to buy items at a substantial discount off retail while supporting a good cause. Among the more popular items in past years are stays in Maine vacation cottages, whale watch tickets, passes for rounds of golf, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, ski lift tickets, as well as books, videos and promotional merchandise from member paper sway closets.
Auctioneer Earl Brechlin of the Mount Desert Islander notes the success of the auction depends entirely on the generosity of members and friends of the MPA. “It’s a great chance to help younger folks on the way up and have a lot of fun doing it,” said Brechlin.
Items can be brought to the conference so they can be displayed prior to the start of the live auction. Some larger items may be done by silent auction bidding.
The auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. prior to the annual banquet and awards, during the annual Fall Conference. If you have something to donate, please contact the MPA at mainepressmail@gmail.com.

Ellsworth, ME – The New England Newspaper & Press Association on Oct. 9 named The Ellsworth American the “Newspaper of the Year” among large-circulation weekly newspapers in New England. That announcement came later in the week after the National Newspaper Association (NNA), at its annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, named The American the second best large weekly newspaper in the country. The Taos (N.M.) News took first place in that competition.
Of The American, the NNA judges wrote: “This paper screams local. Great job covering all facets of your community. We can’t help but think that readers must spend hours with this paper every week. It’s packed with news.”
“It’s been a great week,” said Publisher Alan Baker. “We’re grateful. The distinctions are much appreciated. I can say only that the awards belong to the staff. We’re blessed to have so much talent and so many conscientious people doing their best, week after week, year after year.”
This is the fourth year in a row that The American has been named Newspaper of the Year by the New England Newspaper & Press Association.

A full day of events is planned for the MPA’s Fall Conference on October 18, including editorial and advertising sessions, plus a Photo & Video Help Desk. Here are the session details:

New Session! Reporting on Suicide: Safe Reporting Guidelines (editorial) 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Each year, approximately 200 people die by suicide in Maine and the past decade has seen those numbers increase. Sometimes the loss occurs in a manner or to a person that is newsworthy. How media reports on a suicide death can have a significant impact on the risk for suicide contagion in other vulnerable people. The recent death of Robin Williams presents us with a good example of such a newsworthy death by suicide. This session will look at suicide in Maine and recommendations on reporting suicide in a manner that increases help-seeking not additional suicides. Led by Greg A Marley, LCSW, Clinical Director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Maine and a well-known suicide expert in Maine. Marley has developed and presented suicide prevention and assessment education to multiple partners across Maine and the USA. He lives and reads the local media in Rockland.

Keeping it Fresh Roundtable (editorial) 9:00 am – 10:15 am
How many times can you cover the same meeting, annual event, or similar events, without boring yourself and your readers to tears? Do you cover the 4th of July fireworks with just a photo or do you ask some folks what they think is so special about the occasion? Been to your 100th Baked Bean Supper? Who there will share the secret family recipe? Town council fighting over the budget again? Hard to make readers care when the reporter obviously doesn’t. This session will collect concerns and frustrations from participants and share ways others have found to keep the pages of our papers and websites fresh and interesting. Moderated by Earl Brechlin, Editor, Mount Desert Islander.

Keeping It Fresh Roundtable (advertising) 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Tired of that same old special section? Can’t bear the thought of gearing up to sell another county fair bannered page? Come to this session to hear and share ideas on how to freshen up your approach to selling advertising. Bringing new ideas to customers is the best way to position yourself as a marketing expert and someone who cares about the results you generate for your customer.

Photo & Video Help Desk 9:00 am-Noon
The doctors are in! Have a nagging question about the best way to approach a visual assignment? Do wish you knew what all those buttons on your camera did? Do you need a better digital workflow? Wondering what’s the best way to get rid of ‘camera shake’ in your videos? Do you just want to talk shop and pick the brains of Maine’s best photojournalists? Now you can. Maine Press Association Vice President Troy R. Bennett has assembled a crack team of the Pine Tree State’s best shooters. They’ll be on hand all morning to answer questions, brainstorm solutions and shoot the breeze. If they can’t guide you to an answer, nobody can.

Going Digital: Managing Change in a 21st Century Newsroom (editorial) 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Do you sometimes find yourself saying, “there’s got to be a better way, I just don’t know what it is”? Newsrooms, and the way news is produced, is changing at a rapid rate. It’s no longer enough to create excellent journalism on a deadline. Considerations must also be made for print, web, social media, mobile apps and multimedia tie-ins when assigning and crafting a story—sometimes simultaneously. How are you navigating this change? Who is responsible for what? How has this changed the production process and what resources have you found to help you? What HAS worked in your newsroom—or better yet—what HASN’t worked? Come and share your experiences and learn from others who are also grappling with these issues. Moderated by Faith DeAmbrose, Managing Editor of Penobscot Bay Press, publishers of The Weekly Packet, Castine Patriot and Island Ad-Vantages.
What’s NOW and What’s NEXT! (advertising) 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Mobile, SEM, Audience Extension, E-mail, Social – With all of today’s choices what digital products are advertisers in Maine buying? What’s working and what’s next? Our panel of experts will look at the challenge and choice in today’s digital marketing landscape. Moderated by Mark Hardin, Digital Sales Manager at MaineToday Media. Panelists include Chris Stanley of Lamey-Wellehan Shoes; Abbie McGilvery, owner of Abbie McGilvery LLC; Hillary Dow, owner of Live Work Play Maine; and Jenika Pouliot, Marketing Director of Page One Web Solutions.

Don’t miss the tour!
One of the most highly anticipated events at this year’s annual conference in Lewiston-Auburn will be a lively tour of the Twin Cities during Saturday afternoon’s open session. Join us as we start with a Baxter Brewery tour and sampling, and end at Lisbon Street’s The Vault for a wine tasting. In between, our tour bus will take the group to view or visit several community highlights. Details to come, but they will likely include brief stops at Museum L-A, the Kora Temple Shrine and the Basilica at Saints Peter and Paul, the largest cathedral north of Boston.

The tour will begin at 2 p.m. at the conference venue, the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch, and end at about 5 p.m. After the wine tasting, the bus will return to the Hilton for the ever-popular Scholarship Auction and the evening’s festivities. The tour is free and open to the first 40 people to sign up. Contact Mark Mogensen at the Sun Journal at 689-2805 or mmogensen@sunjournal.com to register.

Going, going, gone? Auction items sought
The MPA is seeking items for the ever-exhilarating annual auction to benefit its scholarship fund for journalism students at the University of Maine. Each year, the auction gives bidders a chance to buy items at a substantial discount off retail while supporting a good cause.
Among the more popular items in past years are stays in Maine vacation cottages, whale watch tickets, passes for rounds of golf, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, ski lift tickets, as well as books, videos and promotional merchandise from member paper sway closets.
Auctioneer Earl Brechlin of the Mount Desert Islander notes the success of the auction depends entirely on the generosity of members and friends of the MPA. “It’s a great chance to help younger folks on the way up and have a lot of fun doing it,” said Brechlin.
Items can be brought to the conference so they can be displayed prior to the start of the live auction. Some larger items may be done by silent auction bidding.
The auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. prior to the annual banquet and awards, during the annual Fall Conference. If you have something to donate, please contact the MPA at mainepressmail@gmail.com.

Please join us at the MPA Fall Conference on October 18 at The Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch. Here’s a schedule of the day’s events:
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Annual Business Meeting
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Photo & Video Help Desk
9:00 am – 10:15 am: Reporting on Suicide: Safe Reporting Guidelines (editorial)
9:00 am – 10:15 am: Keeping it Fresh Roundtable (editorial)
9:00 am – 10:15 am: Keeping it Fresh Roundtable (advertising)
10:30 am – 11:45 am: Going Digital: Managing Change in a 21st Century Newsroom (editorial)
10:30 am – 11:45 am: What’s NOW and What’s NEXT! (advertising)
12:00 pm Hall of Fame Luncheon
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Tour of the Twin Cities
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Scholarship Auction
7:00 pm Better Newspaper Contest Awards Dinner & Banquet

AUBURN — Two distinguished Maine journalists will be inducted into the Maine Press Association (MPA) Hall of Fame at the group’s annual conference in October.
This year’s honorees are the late Robert Crocker, a long-time Associated Press state house reporter and Richard Dudman of Ellsworth and Islesford, retired St. Louis Post Dispatch correspondent and editorial writer for the Bangor Daily News.
“We are proud to be inducting such superbly-qualified candidates into this year’s Hall of Fame,” said MPA President Kelly Morgan of The York Weekly.
Mr. Dudman has been a lifelong newspaperman.
A high point of his reporting career was his capture in Cambodia while covering the Vietnam War for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He wrote an account for the newspaper and later expanded it into a book, “40 Days with the Enemy.” He wrote an earlier book, “Men of the Far Right.”
In 1978, he escaped death again in Cambodia when a terrorist fired at him.
In his 31 years with the Post-Dispatch, as a reporter and Washington and foreign correspondent, he covered the takeover of Cuba by Fidel Castro, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, secret preparations for the invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, the Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon’s resignation, the Iran-Contra scandal in the President Ronald Reagan’s administration, and numerous other wars and revolutions in Latin America, the Middle East and the Far East.
After retiring from the Post-Dispatch and moving to Maine, Mr. Dudman went back to work for the newspaper on brief special assignments. For nine years, he worked every winter as a managing editor for South-North News Service in Hanover, N.H.
In 1993, after learning the identity of the Vietcong officer who had captured him and later released him, Mr. Dudman visited the retired general in his remote village in the Vietnam delta for several day of interviews.
Honors include the 1993 George Polk career award, the New York Press Club’s award for best reporting from Asia, the Edward Weintal award for diplomatic reporting, and two fellowships in 1994 and 1996 as a media adviser under the Knight International Press Fellowship Program.
In recent years, he has written more than 750 editorials for the Bangor Daily News.
During his distinguished career, Bob Crocker proved to be the consummate professional both in the service of journalism and the American Newspaper Guild.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College in 1938 and later he joined the Lewiston Evening Journal as a reporter the following year.
Two years later he left Lewiston to join the Worcester, MA, Evening Gazette and returned to Maine in 1947 as the State House Correspondent for the Associated Press.
During his Augusta years, he was active as a member of the Wire Service Guild, a nation-wide local of the American Newspaper Guild, and served as its president. He also served as president of the Maine State House Newsmen’s Association.
He was prolific, filing several thousand stories each legislative session.
As a researcher, he was unparalleled. Most of it – legislative history, members, and controversial issues – was in his head, the product of more than 20 years covering Maine government.
When the Legislature issued its joint proclamation honoring him in 1967 it was fellow State House journalists who had started the ball rolling.
Governor Kenneth M. Curtis praised Mr. Crocker for his accounts of State House proceedings, and “his uncanny eye towards public impressions and public service…. He symbolizes those men of the Press who have given Maine citizens a light so they can act on governmental matters with some confidence when they enter their polling places.”
Mr. Crocker continued to serve the AP as its State House correspondent for two more years, after which he was elected in 1969 Secretary-Treasurer of the American Newspaper Guild in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Dudman and Mr. Crocker will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at a luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch.

We understand it’s been tough for MPA members to make decisions about who should attend the Fall Conference when we still have Better Newspaper Contest Judges yet to be heard from.

In the hopes of securing the majority of Judges decisions, we’re extending the Registration deadline for the Fall Conference to Friday, 10/3.

If you’ve already sent in your registration–thank you–but note you can add to it next week if necessary.

With regards to room reservations, the latest you can register is 10/1. The MPA has a special group rate of $129 a night, good for the nights of Oct. 17-18. To make reservations online, go to auburnriverwatch.hgi.com and use group/convention code: MEPRSS or call the hotel directly at 207-784-4433 and ask for the ME Press Association group rate.