Appeal writers win award for fire coverage

Nevada Appeal writers F.T. Norton and Teri Vance won first-place honors from the Associated Press News Executives Council for their coverage of last summer's Waterfall fire, the organization announced Monday.

Appeal photographer Rick Gunn also won an award in the organization's annual contest, which is for Associated Press member newspapers in California and Nevada.

Norton, who covers police and courts news, and Vance, the Appeal's features editor, were recognized in the category for spot news among newspapers with circulation under 25,000.

They provided breaking-news coverage as the fire exploded July 14 on Carson City's west side, reporting on both the extent of the damage and the effects on residents.

"The fire was a challenge for the community and for the newspaper. It's nice to have them recognized for the hard work they put in," said Appeal Editor Barry Smith.

Guinn's second-place award was for a poignant portrait of a man published as part of photo essay of the photographer's bicycle tour of China.

Award winners were chosen by newspaper editors in Michigan from among more than 1,000 entries.

To read the award-winning stories and see the photo go to this story at nevadaappeal.com.

Waterfall fire stories:

https://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20040715/NEWS/107150011

https://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20040715/NEWS/107150045

Or go to the Wildfire section:

https://www.nevadaappeal.com/wildfire