The Advertiser Democrat of Norway has earned a prestigious George Polk Award for its in-depth report in October on poor living conditions in low-income housing in western Maine.

Polk awards are among journalism’s top honors. Winners announced along with the Advertiser Democrat on Feb. 20 included The New York Times, The New Yorker and the Wall Street Journal. The Maine weekly won for Local Reporting.

The award recognizes Editor A.M. Sheehan and Assistant Editor Matt Hongoltz-Hetling for their three-month investigation exposing dismal conditions in which residents who get Section 8 assistance lived in Norway and neighboring Paris.

The Maine State Housing Authority, an administrator of the program, began an investigation within a few hours of the piece’s publication on Oct. 27. Since then, oversight has improved and tenants have been relocated.

In notifying the paper of its award, John Darnton, curator of the George Polk Awards, said “it was an easy choice … judges agreed that your work was extraordinarily reported and written and carried a major impact.”

The 2011 George Polk Awards will be presented at a luncheon at The Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan on April 5. Read more in the Advertiser Democrat.

After publishing for 41 years, the Moosehead Messenger of Greenville put out its last issue on Feb. 9. The weekly newspaper ceased publication due to economic factors and the owner’s desire to pursue other ventures.

“We certainly do not view our decision to cease publishing the Messenger as a defeat, but as a personal choice for us,” said Publisher Aggie Purinton in a statement about the paper’s closure. “Our journey has not been without obstacles along the way and many of them were too difficult to overcome.”

The Messenger has been managed by Bangor-based Hometown Newspapers LLC since January 2011.

Robert Pushard, publisher of Hometown Newspapers, said, “While we hate to see any newspaper close, we understand Aggie’s position and support her 100 percent. … These are very tough economic times, and the advertising revenue to support two independent weekly newspapers in a market that small just isn’t there.”

A second weekly serving the Greenville area, Moosehead Matters, began publication in 2007.

Some of the Messenger’s popular features will be carried in Hometown Newspapers’ new Highlands Journal-Moosehead Times, which will debut Feb. 16, including the American Legion Post 94 column, Milt’s Mutterings, the Moosehead Service Directory and stories by award-winning writers Fran Emmons and Shelagh Talbot.

Jeff Ham has been named executive director of the Maine Press Association effective Jan. 1, 2012. Ham is returning to the position he held from 2002-2008 and replaces Andrea Nemitz, who recently announced her resignation to pursue other business interests.

Ham is well known to MPA members, and served on the board of directors for about seven years before stepping down in October. He has served on several MPA committees through the years in addition to being executive director.

After his hiring was approved by the board of directors at their meeting on Dec. 15, Ham said he looked forward to helping members meet the challenges facing the newspaper industry and working to strengthen the association.

“I can’t wait to get back at it,” Ham said.

MPA President Mike Dowd praised Nemitz for her efforts and welcomed Ham’s return as executive director.

“Andrea met several challenges head on and worked tirelessly this past year,” Dowd said. “I wish her well in her new endeavors. We are fortunate to have Jeff back in a leadership role at a critical time for our association. I look forward to working with him again.”

Maine Press Association 2011 Better Newspaper Contest Photo Winners

Judged by the Cape Cod Times photo department

 

Daily/Weekend Photo Story

Overall category was weak in story telling. First and second were clearly the best of the entries. First was a well-done black and white story with some very nice moments captured  Second had a nice selection of images representing the colorful event, the strongest being the opening image in prayer with the small boy sandwiched in between two men. 

First: http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/dw/ms_pic_story/large-8.html

Daily/Weekend Picture Story – Jaiden Logan Oakes

Second: http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/dw/pph_pic_story1/large-1.html

Portland Press Herald Daily/Weekend Picture Story – Eid al-Fitr –

Third: http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/dw/sj_pic_story2/large-1.html

Sun Journal Daily/Weekend Photo Story – Bridgeton Drive-In

 

Daily/Weekend Spot News

Very Strong category, it was very close among all the placed image, First was a nice tender moment at a news scene.  Second was well-composed and strong tense moment. Third was also well composed showing the juxtaposition of the aircraft and the field with the investigators.

First Place

Caption: Morning Sentinel Daily/Weekend News – Spring Street Fire – Amber Cobb consoles her neighbor’s child, Logan Eaton, at their Spring Street apartment residence that was damaged by a fire on Tuesday. Michael G. Seamans 20101103

Second Place

06.07.10Caption: Kennebec Journal Daily/Weekend Spot News – Overwhelming Force – TAKE DOWN: State Police officers arrest Sam Smith Wednesday morning outside of his apartment on Route 9 in Randolph. Police shut down the state road connecting Augusta and Randolph after Smith barricaded himself following a confrontation with Kennebec County Sheriff’s deputies, according to police. Smith surrendered peacefully just before 9 a.m. Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty said Smith is facing multiple charges. Andy Molloy 04.22.10

Third Place: Caption: Kennebec Journal Daily/Weekend Spot News – Miracle Landing – Rev. Todd Bell, right, speaks with Maine State Trooper Eric Verhille, left, as State Police Pilot Wayne Ireland speaks with the Federal Aviation Administration Tuesday after Bell set his plane down in a hay field in Farmingdale. Bell landed the plane that was experiencing engine problems beneath a set of power lines after gliding several thousand feet to the ground. Andy Molloy

HM:  Caption: Kennebec Journal Daily/Weekend Spot News – Going Down Hard – GOING DOWN: Off duty state police trooper Jon Leach, left, wrestles Jerry Larravee, center, to the ground with State Police Lt. Brian Scott Monday in Manchester. Leach, who is on sick leave following shoulder surgery, disarmed Larravee, 47, after he pulled a knife following an altercation about driving in the wrong lane of traffic, according to police. Andy Molloy 02/08/11

HM:  Caption: Sun Journal Daily/Weekend Spot News – Baby hit – United Ambulance paramedic/medical student Kyle Wescott carries a 2½-year-old girl from her home on Pierce Street after she was struck by a vehicle backing out of a driveway at 125 Pierce St. in Lewiston on Thursday. Russ Dillingham Jul 30, 2010

HM:  Caption: Morning Sentinel Daily/Weekend Spot News – Christmas Eve House Fire – Firefighters from multiple fire departments including Winslow, Albion and Clinton responded to a structure fire on Bog Road in Albion Friday evening. The family who lives in the double wide trailer were at a friends house out of state when the fire broke out. Michael G. Seamans 20101225

 

Daily/Weekend Sports Photo

Overall a very strong category with a lot of great images.  First was the clear winner, great moment captured.  Second was nice image from the routine of covering a game and third had very interesting composition for track and field coverage.

First Place

Caption: Sun Journal Daily/Weekend Sports Photo – Head over heels – Short stop Cody Hadley ends up on his head after catching the ball for an out during the Class A State Baseball Championship at St. Joseph’s College in Standish against the Biddeford Tigers Saturday. The Vikings won 1-0. Amber Waterman Jun 20, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Kennebec Journal Daily/Weekend Sports – Hung Onto Ball – Staff photo by Joe Phelan Richmond baserunner Bruce Carver collided with Valley second baseman Carrington Miller was back in time safely during a game Thursday in Richmond. Joe Phelan 5-13-10

Third Place: Caption: Bangor Daily News Daily/Weekend Sports Photo – Pole Vault – Old Town’s Mackenzie Bowen tries to clear 11 feet, 3 inches in the pole vault during a Penobscot Valley Conference and track and field meet in Orono on Saturday. Bowen missed the height but won the event by clearing 11 feet. Gabor Degre May 22, 2010 2-Pole-Vault.jpg

HM: Caption: Morning Sentinel Daily/Weekend Sports Photo – In Your Face – Bowdoin College’s Jill Henrikson, 11, facing, battles for the loose ball with Colby College’s Diana Manduca, 12, in the first half of womens basketball action at Wadsworth Gymnasium at Colby College in Waterville Saturday afternoon. Michael G. Seamans 20110116

HM: Caption: Bangor Daily News Daily/Weekend Sports Photo – Freestyle Swimmer – Bangor High School’s Emma Waddell competes in the Girls 200 yard freestyle during the penobscot Valley Championship in Bangor Saturday afternoon. Waddell won the event with a new PVC record of 1 minute 55.15 seconds. Gabor Degre February 12, 2011

Daily/Weekend Scenic

First is a lovely scenic, well composed and a beautiful moment.  Second is a very colorful and unique image with incredible detail.

First Place

Caption: Portland Press Herald Daily/Weekend Scenic – Rainbow Fishing – Wed. Nov. 17,2010. Fly fisherman Stephen Sparaco is framed by a double rainbow as skies clear over Sebago Lake in Standish. John Patriquin 11/18/10

Second Place

Third Place: Caption: Kennebec Journal Daily/Weekend Scenic – Double Take – A pair of Bald Eagles perch atop a maple tree Sunday along the Kennebec River in Gardiner. The raptors are commonly encountered roosting along the river during the winter searching for smelt. Andy Molloy 01/17/10Caption: Sun Journal Daily/Weekend Scenic Photo – Bug on Flower – A Red Admiral butterfly sits atop an echinacea flower, also known as a prairie cone flower, at Raymond Park in Lewiston on Thursday afternoon. The butterfly was sucking up nectar with its long tongue, curled here as it pauses. Russ Dillingham Jul 9, 2010

HM: Caption: Sun Journal Daily/Weekend Scenic Photo – Foggy Walk – Fog hovers over the Androscoggin River as a man walks across Longley Memorial Bridge between Lewiston and Auburn on Wednesday. Daryn Slover Oct 28, 2010

 

Daily/Weekend People

First Place

Caption: Sun Journal Daily/Weekend People Photo – In full swing – A group of youngsters do some high flying on the swings at Kennedy Park in Lewiston on Tuesday afternoon. From the back are Bill Hussein, 4, Hassan Hussein, 5, Nadifo Nur, 11, Fartun Hussein, 10, and Halima Hussein, 5. Jose Leiva Jun 23, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Kennebec Journal Daily/Weekend People – Gusts – GUSTS: Jennifer Voter, of Augusta, clutches her daughter, Maddalena, 3, while retreating from an impending storm Tuesday on the banks of the Kennebec River in Augusta. The threat of showers persists for the rest week with temperatures moderating. The Voters were playing together along the river when sudden gusts of wind when convinced them to head for shelter. Andy Molloy 05/05/10

Third Place: Caption: Portland Press Herald Daily/Weekend People – Nutcracker – Julia Bisson, left, Erin Bruce and Dorrie Pinchbeck watch as Jill Cass has makeup applied before the Saturday afternoon performance of the Maine State Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Saturday, December 4, 2010. Gregory Rec 12/5/10

HM: Caption: The Times Record Daily/Weekend People – Dancers – Aaron Redfern and Hanlon Kelley dance at the 21st annual Down East Friend’s of the Folk Arts’ Down East Country Dance Festival at the Mt. Ararat Middle School Saturday. For more information about the organization’s ongoing events visit www.deffa.org. Troy R. Bennett March 29, 2011

 

Daily/Weekend News

First grabbed us and made you look at the interesting image of the three trying to string up the deer.

Second was well composed and the best of a lot of entries from this event. Third was again well composed and a fun look at first day of school.

First Place

Caption: Sun Journal Daily/Weekend News Photo – First Day of Hunting – Mike Cote, left, of Turner gets help from his son Matthew, right, and family friend David Doyon of Greene while hanging the 175-pound, four-point buck that Cote shot during the opening day of deer season in Turner on Saturday. Cote left his back porch at 5:30 a.m. and headed into the woods behind his house before stopping on a rock ledge. Daryn Slover Oct 30, 2010

Second

Caption: The Times Record Daily/Weekend News Photo – Remember Vassalboro – Lisa Dibbern of Portland holds a sign referring to the topless coffee shop in Vassalboro which was burned down during an event billed as “Portland’s First Ever Female-Bodied and Allied Topless Adventure.” Participants, men and women, marched from Longfellow Square to Tommy’s Park Saturday afternoon. Troy R. Bennett April 5, 2010

Third: Caption: Portland Press Herald Daily/Weekend News – First Day – Shane Johnson, 5, looks apprehensive as he peers over a seat back during a trial bus run with his classmates on the first day of kindergarten at Gorham’s Narragansett School. Gordon Chibroski 8/31/10

HM: Caption: Bangor Daily News Daily/Weekend News Photo – Marine Funeral – Maj. Michael Henderson presents Vianca Popkowski, 8, the daughter of retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. James Popkowski, with a flag at the former Marine’s interment at Grindstone Road Cemetery. Popkowski died in a shooting involving law enforcement officials near the Togus VA Medical Center in July. Maine Attorney General Janet Mills will meet soon with members of Popkowski’s family before releasing the results of her office’s investigation of the shooting. Bridget Brown July 13, 2010

 

Daily/Weekend Illustration

Weak category, very little entries, only picked a first and second.Ffirst was interesting idea and illustrative, second was the best of the rest but set up an ethical discussion about an illustration looking real rather than set up.  It was selected on its quality and composition.

First Place

Caption: Bangor Daily News Daily/Weekend Illustration – Leggings – Leggings of all styles and colors have made a recent comebackand are a popular undergarment for short skirts or long tops. Bridget Brown April 22, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Bangor Daily News Daily/Weekend Illustration – Table Games – Could table games come to Bangor? The Legislature is likely to debate language of the law that may either allow table games at Hollywood Slots or force the company to pursue a referendum. Kevin Bennett November 16, 2010

 

Daily/Weekend Feature Photo

First place is a dramatic image, capturing the fury of the Igor’s waves and poise of the daring surfer.  Second is beautiful light and composition.

First Place

Caption: Portland Press Herald Daily/Weekend Feature – Igor Surf – A surfer takes advantage of large waves brought in by Hurricane Igor, at Higgins Beach, Scarborough, on Monday, September 20, 2010. Gregory Rec 9/21/10

Second Place

Caption: Morning Sentinel Daily/Weekend Feature Photo – Ballerina – Sarah Costello, 15, center, warms up with other cast members during the Bossov Ballet Theatre’s rehearsal of the Nutcracker at the Waterville Opera House Wednesday evening. Michael G. Seamans 20111209

Third Place: Caption: Portland Press Herald Daily/Weekend Feature – Beach Stripes – Pete Lamontagne searches the sands of Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk with his metal detector on Monday, January 10, 2010. Lamontagne said he had found a ring and a few coins on Monday but he searches the beaches because he likes to be outdoors. “The thing I find the most out here is serenity,” he said. Gregory Rec 1/11/2011

HM: Caption: Sun Journal Daily/Weekend Feature – Summer Street in winter – Ted Moore, front, of Summer Street in Auburn gets some help shoveling the sidewalk in front of his house Wednesday from his son, Joseph, 13, back, and friend Justin Macleod, center. Jose Leiva Feb 3, 2011

HM: Caption: Bangor Daily News Daily/Weekend Feature Photo – Ash Wednesday – A boy walks in the center aisle of St. John Catholic Church during an Ash Wednesday service in Bangor on Wednesday morning. ( Gabor Degre March 9, 2011)

 

Weekly 1 Picture Story

Weak category, only three submissions. First was a nice variety of images of the Obama vacation, but still too many sign photos  Second was only a few images but captured the event. 

First Place.Obama vacation. http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/w1/mdi_pic_story

Second Place:  Standing in honor- http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/w1/ar_pic_story

 

 

Weekly 1 Spot News

First Place

Caption: york weekly Weekly 1 spot new – white out – White out conditions and pelting snow and a bit of sleet made it challenging to walk down Moulton Lane in York Wednesday. The Seacoast got hammered once again by a winter storm which was expected to drop atleast 12 inches Wednesday. deb cram 02-09-2011

Second Place

Caption: Wiscasset Newspaper Weekly 1 Spot News Photo – Mutual aid at its best this past weekend – FIRE DEVOURS THIS TWO-STORY HOME at 64 Old Sheepscot Road in Wiscasset, belonging to Kim Lynch on Friday, February 11. Firefighters battled the blaze in freezing tempatures. The fire, which is believed to have started in the garage, quickly traveled through the home leaving it a total loss. The fire departments responded to the scene anda water had to be brought in by tankers as there was no nearby water source. JOE ORCHULLI/Wiscasset Newspaper Joe Orchulli, II February, 17, 2011

Third Place:  Caption: Wiscasset Newspaper Weekly 1 Spot News Photo – Mutual aid at its best this past weekend – FIRE DEVOURS THIS TWO-STORY HOME at 64 Old Sheepscot Road in Wiscasset, belonging to Kim Lynch on Friday, February 11. Firefighters battled the blaze in freezing tempatures. The fire, which is believed to have started in the garage, quickly traveled through the home leaving it a total loss. The fire departments responded to the scene anda water had to be brought in by tankers as there was no nearby water source. JOE ORCHULLI/Wiscasset Newspaper Joe Orchulli, II February, 17, 2011

 

Weekly 1 Sports

First Place

Caption: The Original Newspaper Weekly 1 Sports – Mt. Abram Soccer – The Mt. Abram Varsity and JV boys soccer teams traveled to Mt. Blue last Thursday for a preseason scrimmage. Here Mt Abram’s goal keeper Josh Beedy and Mt. Blue’s Blake Hart go head to head in the goal, while MTA’s Will London holds his own in front of them. The soccer season officially gets under way on Friday with the boys’ and girls’ Varsity teams traveling to Lisbon. Heidi Murphy September 1, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Aroostook Republican & News, Caribou Weekly 1 Sports Photo – Caribou goalkeeper – Caribou goalkeeper Morgan Swan gets a piece of the ball, but can’t make the save of a penalty kick taken during the second half of Saturday’s match in Falmouth. Jane Mavor Small Nov. 10, 2010

Third Place: Caption: Mount Desert Islander Weekly 1 Sports photo – On top of the worlds – ON TOP OF THE WORLDS … Skipper for Long Island Sound #1, Elliott Wislar, keeps the helm steady while his daughter, Machenzie, back, and Jennifer Leary, front, get ready to round the leeward mark on the first day of racing at the International One Design World Championships on July 26 off Northeast Harbor. See story and more photos inside on page 8. See an online gallery at www.fenceviewer.com. Jeff Walls 7/29/10

 

Weekly 1 People

First was a nice moment between father and daughter caught at a sporting event. Good eye.

First Place

Caption: Aroostook Republican & News, Caribou Weekly 1 People Photo – Washburn’s Carsyn Koch – Washburn’s Carsyn Koch giver her father, Peter, a hug following her finish in Saturday’s Eastern Maine Class C cross country championship meet. Kevin Sjoberg Oct. 27, 2010

Second Place

Caption: york weekly Weekly 1 people photo – monster_art – Internationally renowned artist Arthur K. Miller of York Beach, has created 19 pieces for his new exhibit: “Classic Horror: Movie Monsters From the Golden Era” now on display at the D. Pratt Framer in Kittery. rich beauchesne 08-27-2010

Third Place: Caption: Mount Desert Islander Weekly 1 Sports photo – On top of the worlds – ON TOP OF THE WORLDS … Skipper for Long Island Sound #1, Elliott Wislar, keeps the helm steady while his daughter, Machenzie, back, and Jennifer Leary, front, get ready to round the leeward mark on the first day of racing at the International One Design World Championships on July 26 off Northeast Harbor. See story and more photos inside on page 8. See an online gallery at www.fenceviewer.com. Jeff Walls 7/29/10

 

Weekly 1 News

First captured a prideful moment of a young boy with his pet rooster. Clearly the best in this category.  Second was another cute image.

First Place

Caption: The Original Newspaper Weekly 1 News – Feathery Fineru- Little farmer Bryce Wilcox, age 3, of Salem, holds his pet New Hampshire Red hen that he entered in the Kingfield Days Pet Parade Saturday. Bryce, the son of Josh and Natalie Wilcox, received the hen as a baby chick from his grandparents as an Easter present. The little farmer loves to carry the hens around and collect their eggs. He won 2nd place in the most feathers category. Tracy Bessey July 21, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Aroostook Republican & News, Caribou Weekly 1 News Photo – The 100 pounds – The 100 pounds of pop-tabs collected by Caswell sixth-grader Delaney Rossignol will go a long way as a donation to the Shriners Burn Hospital in Boston. Natalie Bazinet Dec. 29, 2010

Third Place: Caption: Mount Desert Islander Weekly 1 News photo – Packing for Vacation – PACKING FOR VACATION … Mike Webster of Presque Isle was among approximately 30 people who turned out for an open carry gun rally on Thompson Island in Acadia National Park on Sunday. The Maine Open Carry Association called the event to protest a change in Maine law that went into effect on Monday banning most firearms from the park. A federal law that went into effect this spring aligns local park rules with state law on the subject. That allowed firearms to be carried in plain sight. On Monday state law changed, banning all but concealed weapons carried by permit holders or active or retired law enforcement officers. Earl Brechlin 7/15/10

 

Weekly 1 Feature

First was a clear winner, good composition and fun, second was a nice color image with interesting detail.  Thy rest of the entries dropped off significantly but third was the best of the rest. 

First Place

Caption: The Original Newspaper Weekly 1 Feature – All Smiles – Shiane Bryant and her humongous jumper smile for the camera after competing in the Frog Jumping Contest Saturday at Phillips Old Home Days. Paula Roy August 25, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Aroostook Republican & News, Caribou Weekly 1 Feature Photo – Return of the Lupins – One by one, Lupins retake the County landscape for their aesthetic reign. Natalie Bazinet May 26, 2010

Third Place: Caption: Mount Desert Islander Weekly 1 Feature Photo – Spring Fling – SPRING FLING … A tom turkey struts his stuff while attempting to court a plastic pink flamingo in a yard in Otter Creek recently. After an extended period of tail fanning and gobbling, the spurned suitor gave up and returned to the woods. Jeff Walls 4/15/10

 

Weekly 2 Picture Story 

Very weak category; all were more groups of pictures rather than a picture story.  First did the best job with showing a variety of pictures.  Second actually had the first photo unrelated to the rest of the story. 

First Place: http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/w2/sh_pic_story

The Star-Herald, Presque Isle Weekly 2 Picture Story Honoring Veterans in Presque Isle Under Way — Presque Isle’s Memorial Day Parade got under way with perfect weather greeting specatators as parade entries made their way through downtown. Kathy McCarty June 9, 2010

Second Place: http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/w2/hpt_pic_story

Caption: Houlton Pioneer Times Weekly 2 Picture Story Turning of the tassels Eleanor McGary, right, gets a hug from her granddaughter Lauren McGary before SACS’ graduation ceremony Friday night. Gloria Austin June 9, 2010

Third Place: http://www.mysteryjig.com/mpa/w2/sjvt_pic_story

Caption: Tory Bonenfant tory.bonenfant@sjvalley-times.com St. John Valley Times Weekly 2 Picture story Can Am Photos 1 of 7, IMG_1279 in March 9 Elizabeth Deprey March 9, 2011

 

WEEKLY 1 Scenic

First Place

Caption: york weekly Weekly 1 scenic photo – nubble reflections – Holiday lights on the Nubble Light House, reflect on the calm water during sunset on a chilly November evening in York, Maine. deb cram 12-01-2010

Second Place 

Caption: The Original Newspaper Weekly 1 Scenic – Moon over Crocker – The moon sets over Crocker Mountain on a recent morning. Danielle London February 23, 2011

Third Place: Caption: The Original Newspaper Weekly 1 Scenic – Along the way – Ferns growing along the Appalachian Trail in Letter E Township. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, less than a third of the hikers who begin the 2,178 mile long trek from Georgia to Maine actually finish. Steve Mitman June 30. 2010

HM: Caption: The Original Newspaper Weekly 1 Scenic – Campfire Light – The moon illuminates campfire smoke near Taylor Hill Pond. Steve Mitman September 29, 2010

 

WEEKLY 2 Spot News

First is a solid news photo.  Second captured a rescue in a good image

First Place

Caption: The Ellsworth American Weekly 2 Spot News Photo Pair of Firefighters A pair of firefighters battles the blaze that broke out in the rear service bays at Jim’s Auto Repair Friday morning. No one was injured, but a portion of the garage was destroyed. More photos at www.fenceviewer.com. Cyndi Wood November 4, 2010

Second Place

Caption: The Bridgton News Weekly 2 Spot News Water rescue Bridgton firefighters and police rescue a young woman who went through the ice on Highland Lake. Lisa Williams Ackley March 10, 2011

Third Place: Caption: The Star-Herald, Presque Isle Weekly 2 Spot News A Massive Fire A Massive Fire raged at Lucerne Farms on the Conant Road on June 13. Ten departments sent crews, tankers and equipment. Kathy McCarty June 16, 2010

 

 

WEEKLY 2 Sports

First had nice composition and captured exhaustion of the skier. Second had nice peak action as did third with a great expression. HM went to inter juxtaposition of subjects.

First Place

Caption: St. John Valley Times Weekly 2 Sports photo Sports Highlight: Series will finish in Norway (in World Cup section) An athlete collapses after a hard sprint Thursday in Fort Kent. Monique Labbe Feb. 16, 2011

Second Place

Caption: The Star-Herald, Presque Isle Weekly 2 Sports Photo HIGH FLYER HIGH FLYER — Central Aroostook’s Vicky McIntyre, left, soars to the basket for a layup as Shead defender Kirby McPhail tries to block her shot during Saturday night’s Eastern Class D quarterfinal game at the Bangor Auditorium. The Panthers won, 74-38. Joseph Cyr February 23, 2011

Third Place:  Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 Sports Chad Carroll soars CHAD CARROLL soars to the basket past Dirigo’s Cody St. Germain (#14) during the third quarter of Thursday’s game. The sophomore Seahawk scored seven points and hauled down several defensive rebounds against the Cougars. KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register Kevin G. Burnham December 23, 2010

HM: Caption: The Bridgton News Weekly 2 Sports Photo Swimmer’s stamina To close out the Brigton Rec summer swimming program, youngsters swam across Highland Lake. Wayne E. Rivet Aug. 19, 2010

 

WEEKLY 2 Scenic

A really good category for this group, a number of great scenic images making the judging tough.  First was well-composed, subtle light and nice timing on the surf.  Second was beautiful scene and composition.

First Place 

Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 Scenic Photo LIFE GOES ON LIFE GOES ON at Ocean Point as Captain Herb Smith sails his schooner Eastwind toward Ram Island Lighthouse on Thursday, September 2. Smith has made the trip almost daily, carrying passengers out of Boothbay Harbor during the summer months for many years. Joe Orchulli II September 9, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 Scenic Even if something is left undone “EVEN IF SOMETHING IS LEFT UNDONE, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.” (Elizabeth Lawrence, 18th century English poet.) This autumnal Boothbay landscape at Wade’s Field, blends the autumn of today with autumns of yesterday. DIANE RANDLETT/Boothbay Register Diane Randlett November 25, 2010

Third Place: Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 Scenic The Masts of the Sherman Zwicker THE MASTS OF THE SHERMAN ZWICKER appear above a bank of sea smoke in Mill Cove, Boothbay Harbor during the morning of December 30. JOHN EDWARDS/Boothbay Register John Edwards January 6, 2011

HM: Caption: Houlton Pioneer Times Weekly 2 Scenic Photo FIERY DISPLAY FIERY DISPLAY — Fireworks bloom over the Houlton Community Park Sunday evening, capping a four-day extravaganza. Joseph Cyr July 7, 2010

 

 

WEEKLY 2 People

Winner was a great moment and great expression with the subject. 

First Place

Caption: Houlton Pioneer Times Weekly 2 People Photo Beating the Heat Aidan Thomas, 3, of Portsmouth, N.H. enjoys a splash in the sprinkler Thursday at the Just For Kids playground. He is the grandson of Fawner Thomas of Houlton. With temperatures soaring above 80 degrees for nearly two weeks, sprinklers and pools in the greater Houlton area have seen a lot of action as residents try to beat the heat. Joseph Cyr July 14, 2010

Second Place

Caption: The Ellsworth American Weekly 2 People Photo EHS Takes State Title Ellsworth High School Show Choir members sing their hearts out at the 2010 Maine State Vocal Jazz Festival last weekend at Houlton High School. Kelton Hallett April 15, 2010

Third Place: Caption: The Bridgton News Weekly 2 People Kiss for Dad At the finish line of the Great Adventure Triathlon held at Shawnee Peak, Brady Gates receives a kiss from his daughter. Wayne E. Rivet Aug. 26, 2010

 

Weekly 2 News

First was a fun photo and nicely shot to take advantage of color and leading lines.  Second was also a good way to cover the planned event through people watching.

First Place

Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 News Blow the man down “BLOW THE MAN DOWN!” Brown’s Wharf’s famed fisherman finally takes a well-deserved rest, thanks to Mother Nature. Sometime between Sunday and Monday, the 25-foot fiberglass statue was blown over during the rain and wind storm which featured wind gusts of nearly 60 mph. Ken Brown reported that the fisherman suffered damage to its legs and backside but he hopes to have it repaired and back up by the Christmas season. Power outages occurred throughout the state because of trees and tree limbs falling on power lines, utility poles breaking and other problems. KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register Kevin G. Burnham November 11, 2010

Second Place

Caption: The Star-Herald, Presque Isle Weekly 2 News Photo The Former Ashland Community High School The Former Ashland Community High School was leveled last week to make room for new soccer, baseball and softball fields. Scott Mitchell Johnson Aug. 18, 2010

Third Place: Caption: Houlton Pioneer Times Weekly 2 News Photo CELEBRATION CELEBRATION — Graduates of Houlton High School let loose with “silly string” and confetti after receiving their diplomas Thursday evening at the John A. Millar Civic Center. A total of 81 seniors bid farewell to friends and classmates in an emotional ceremony. Joseph Cyr June 16, 2010

 

WEEKLY 2 Illustration 

No award given, only one image and it was not illustrative, but a simple portrait.

 

WEEKLY 2 Feature

First looked like turkey’s blooming flowers, very interesting photo.  Second captured the lonely postal worker out on a nasty day in a good telling image.

First Place

Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 Feature Fan Dancing FAN DANCING. Turkeys strut their stuff in an open field in Newcastle. DIANE RANDLETT/Boothbay Register Diane Randlett April 22, 2010

Second Place

Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 Feature The Mail Must Go Through THE MAIL MUST GO THROUGH. A Postal Service worker delivers mail to downtown businesses about 1 p.m. on Monday as the snow falls and blows across the road. The entire Eastern Seaboard was nailed by a blizzard on Sunday and Monday as between 10 and 20 inches of snow fell and winds topping 60 mph pelted the East Coast. KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register Kevin G. Burnham December 30, 2010

Third Place: Caption: Boothbay Register Weekly 2 Feature Mouser Mount MOUSER MOUNT: Hunched on a stump across the road from Barrett’s Park, this young Maine coon cat basks in the late afternoon sunlight December 2 while also keeping its eyes wide open for possible prey. KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register Kevin G. Burnham December 9, 2010

Steve Mistler, State House reporter for the Sun Journal in Lewiston, is the 2011 Maine Press Association Journalist of the Year.

Mistler was honored Saturday during the annual MPA Fall Conference at Point Lookout in Northport.

Heather Steeves of the Bangor Daily News was winner of the Bob Drake Young Writer’s Award.

General Excellence awards went to The Portland Press Herald for daily newspaper of the year; the Sun Journal for weekend newspaper; The Ellsworth American for Weekly 2 newspaper; and Mount Desert Islander for Weekly 1 newspaper.

The Sun Journal was named winner of the 2011 Freedom of Information Award.

Three Maine journalists also were inducted into the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame: Beurmond Banville, longtime Bangor Daily News reporter; the late David Bourque, sports editor of The Times Record in Brunswick; and Seba Smith, founder of the Portland Courier, Maine’s first daily newspaper. Smith edited the newspaper from 1830 to 1837.

Mike Dowd, editor in chief of the Bangor Daily News, is the MPA’s new president for 2011-2012. New members of the board elected during MPA’s annual business meeting on Saturday are Mike Lange of Hometown Newspapers and Lisa Williams Ackley, staff writer for The Bridgton News. Lange is a former MPA executive director.

A complete list of MPA Better Newspaper Contest award winners will be posted this week.

registration2011

Join journalists and advertising representatives from across the state Saturday, Oct. 15, for the Maine Press Association’s fall conference at Point Lookout in Northport.

The day will begin with coffee hour at 8:30 a.m., followed by two concurrent workshops for writers and advertising representatives. The 9:30 a.m. writing workshop will feature first-place winners from this year’s contest and their insights on uncovering and reporting Maine’s top stories.

The advertising workshop will feature the best in advertising talent. Participants will have several minutes with a leader at each speed-coaching table then move on to cover a different topic with another pro. The session will end with a lively discussion of hot topics in advertising.

Featured guests will include:

Julie Clark, advertising manager from the Ellsworth American and the MDIslander, who will present ideas on how to snag special section/anniversary section advertising;

Cyndy Bell, advertising account manager at Current Publishing and last year’s MPA advertising person of the year, who will discuss the benefits of building strong community relationships;

Terri Mahoney, VP/associate publisher, VillageNet Media, who will lead a table discussion on selling online advertising for newspaper sites;

Longtime Bangor Daily News reporter Beurmond Banville, the late Times Record sports editor David Bourque and Seba Smith, founder of Maine’s first daily newspaper, have been selected as the 2011 inductees of the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame luncheon and induction ceremony will be held 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, at Point Lookout in Northport. The ceremony is held as part of the annual Maine Press Association Fall Conference.  To register for the ceremony or entire conference, contact mainepress@hotmail.com or call 866-275-3236.

For 36 years, Banville’s byline accompanied virtually every news story that came out of the St. John Valley and northern Aroostook County.

In nominating Banville, Bangor Daily News reporter Jennifer Lynds said her former colleague, “produced a constellation of stories telling the tales of life in the St. John Valley.  During each work day,” she added, “he would pump out an amazing volume of stories, sometimes as many as six a day. It was an honor to work with him.”

That “constellation of stories” included countless town council and school board meetings, the Allagash flood in 1990, labor unrest in the northern Maine woods, and the arsenic poisoning case in New Sweden.  Working close to the Canadian border also gave him the opportunity to cover the queen of England’s two visits to Canada, Pope John Paul II’s visit to Canada and a summit in Quebec City with Ronald Reagan and Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

Banville is a longtime community volunteer and currently serves on the Saint Agatha Board of Selectmen and Executive Committee of the Maine Municipal Association.  He is a director and past president of the University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association. In 2008, the university awarded Banville its Outstanding Alumni Award.  In 1993, he was named Frenchville’s Citizen of the Year.

Bourque served as sports editor of The Times Record for 37 years and in the process “brought honor to the profession, and embodied the most enduring values of community journalism,” wrote Times Record Managing Editor Robert Long.

Bourque died in November 2008. Shortly after his death, Bath native and Boston Globe sportswriter Chad Finn wrote, “In high school, Dave was the only sportswriter I knew personally, and so I watched and observed how he approached his job. It was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done.”

Another Times Record colleague, George Almasi, wrote, “He had a passion for local sports and cared deeply about the students, coaches and administrators.” One of Bourque’s columns, about alleged racism in Maine high school basketball, was reprinted in Sports Illustrated.

Smith, who was born in Buckfield and graduated from Bowdoin in 1818, began his career as editor of the Eastern Argus, a Portland weekly. His editorials in favor of Maine’s separation from Massachusetts are credited with advancing the cause of statehood.  Smith went on to establish the Portland Courier, Maine’s first daily newspaper, which he edited from 1830 to 1837.

While at the Courier, Smith covered the Maine Legislature.  He created the fictional character Jack Downing as a way of commenting on the proceedings in a way that was “both informative and entertaining,” wrote Hall of Fame member Jim Brunelle.  Smith’s writings were reprinted in a Boston newspaper and then became hugely popular on nationwide level.  “In many respects,” wrote Brunelle, a former political reporter and editorial page editor for the Maine Sunday Telegram, “modern political satire began with a Maine man – Seba Smith – one of our earliest newspapermen and one of our most influential writers.”

The Maine Press Association Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to honor newspaper journalists with Maine connections who have made outstanding contributions to the profession.  With the 2011 induction, the Hall of Fame will have 55 members.

Don’t forget the June 10 mailing deadline for MPA individual award nominations. These include the Bob Drake Young Writer’s Award, Advertising Salesperson of the Year, Circulation Person of the Year, Freedom of Information (daily/weekend and combined weekly). Please note Bob Drake award nominees must have less than two years of experience as of July 2010.

Nominations should be sent to Maine Press Association, MPA Awards, 1079 River Road, Buxton, ME 04093.

Nominations also are being taken for 2011 inductees to the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame. The deadline for nominations also is June 10. Candidates must be Maine newspaper professionals who have made lasting career contributions to their craft, in or out of the state. Typically, some of each year’s Hall of Fame class is inducted posthumously. A total of 52 journalists have been inducted since the Hall of Fame was established in 1998.

The MPA’s Hall of Fame Committee asks that names be submitted as soon as possible so they can be circulated among the committee members who will select the inductees. Each nomination should be accompanied by supporting material that will help committee members as they make their decisions.

Nominations can be sent to the committee chair, Bob Caswell, at caswell@usm.maine.edu, or USM Public Affairs, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04014. If you have questions, please call 780-4200.