Nevada Appeal takes home awards

The Nevada Appeal was honored with 12 awards at the Nevada Press Association's 2008 "Better Newspaper Contest," announced Saturday night at the newspaper organization's annual convention in Mesquite.

The Appeal competes in Class I, daily newspapers with circulation of 15,000 or more.

Here is a list of the awards and comments from the judges:

- Story of the Year

Honorable Mention: "Imprisoned by Meth" " Teri Vance, Nevada Appeal

- Best Spot News Story

2nd Place " "Canine land shark" " F.T. Norton, Nevada Appeal

"This is the essence of spot news reporting " a quirky event, reported immediately and well with great writing."

- Best News Feature Story

2nd Place " "You just don't steal from the dead" - F.T. Norton, Nevada Appeal

"Shocking. Greed and embezzlement always make a good news feature. But when the crime involves a county administrator it becomes a NEWS feature. Nice use of short, hard driving paragraphs that pounded nail after nail into the case."

- Best Investigative or In"depth Story or Series

3rd Place " "Imprisoned by meth" " Teri Vance, Nevada Appeal

- Best Local Sports Feature

2nd Place " "Kelvin's journey" " Mike Houser, Nevada Appeal

"Really close to being first; another very well presented story; writing is solid, but a little wordy in spots but overall very nice."

- Best Spot News Photo Coverage

2nd Place " "Parking lot shooting" " Brad Horn, Nevada Appeal

"This set of photos makes you heart pound and your palms sweat. Good for Brad Horn for getting the shots, as tough as they may be to look at."

- Best Feature Photo

1st Place " "Bear 'Chug'" " Chad Lundquist, Nevada Appeal

"In a tough and competitive field of photogs, this was the shot I kept coming back to. It's a once in a lifetime picture, really, and one I have never seen. Thank goodness you chose this particular route to work, and it is a good thing you had your camera. A true winner. Ever think of sending it to Pepsi?"

- Best Special Section (Advertising)

1st " "2008 Health and Wellness Directory" " Nevada Appeal

"Beautifully designed. Great layout. Great information. Information for all ages. Great color. Easy to read. Very creative. Very impressed."

2nd " "Sierra Nevada Boomers" " Nevada Appeal

"Fresh ideas! Great layout. Good information. Appealing ads. Beautiful color. Great cover."

3rd " "The Great Reno Balloon Race" " Nevada Appeal

"Beautiful glossy cover. Great color. Entertaining. Good information. Great layout."

- Best In"house Advertising Promotion for Circulation, Advertising or Editorial

3rd Place " "Classified promotion: You've got it. Somebody wants it." - Lynette Cameron and Joanna Vernarecci, Nevada Appeal

"Very thought"out campaign. I liked the multi"media approach; simple message but well conveyed."

Honorable Mention:

"Community Awards contest" " Lynette Cameron and Betty Jo Heaton, Nevada Appeal

"What a unique service to your community. Nice ads promoting the event."