Behind the Times

Congratulations Clinton and Lancaster!

Posted on February 11, 2007 by kraus2686
Filed Under Newsroom news, Noah's posts |

There’s something about that pat on the back — that “well done” — that we all love. The Times & Courier received several this weekend, and I’d like to pass them along to you all.

Each year, hundreds of newspapers from across New England meet at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston as part of the New England Press Association’s annual convention and awards banquet. I’m proud to announce that out of more than 6,000 submissions of newspapers from across the region, the staff of the little ol’ Times & Courier pulled in four awards this weekend. But they’re your awards, too. Judges from the American Press Institute were impressed with the stories and goings-on here in Clinton and Lancaster. But they’re your stories — we just tell it like it is. Here they are:

Investigative reporting

Times & Courier reporter Patrick Brodrick received a second place award for investigative journalism for his story last year on Clinton Health Agent James Gardiner. For months Patrick dogged the rumors that Gardiner was the “ghost of Town Hall” — a man several in town accused of being more of a pay check than a presence. Patrick’s story develed deeply into why this feeling persisted, it was packed with research and provided some solid evidence in Gardiner’s defence.

Social Issues Feature

The Times & Courier pulled in first place for its three-part series last January on the baby boomer generation as the first boomers turn 60. Judges loved the the local impact and importance of the story combined with broader information that impacts our society as a whole. In a hall filled with more than 500 people Saturday night, a bigger than life slide of the Times & Courier was displayed in the Imperial Ballroom of Park Plaza. Our two little towns were front and center for people from across New England to see.

Front Page

The Times & Courier also pulled in third place for front page. The Clinton graduating Class of ‘06, a group forming to fight Wal-Mart in Lancaster and the search for a new water source in Lancaster were the top stories of that issue.

General Excellence

Probably one of the most coveted awards in the contest is that of general excellence — it’s pretty self-descriptive. The award recognizes the top papers that are just all around great. The Times & Courier again pulled in second place.

I just got back from the convention this morning and am filled with the recognition of what a couple of fabulous towns we cover. They’re simply fascinating — but you already know that. It’s fun to earn some bragging rights for the coming year, but they’re your bragging rights, too. Be proud Clinton and Lancaster. The rest of New Enlgand is watching you.

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