Mitchell Republic wins 22 awards, claims sweepstakes in annual newspaper contest

The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
·2 min read

Apr. 28—HURON — The Mitchell Republic earned 22 awards, including six first-place honors, and was named the sweepstakes winner during the annual South Dakota NewsMedia Association conference.

The conference was held Thursday through Saturday in Huron. The Mitchell Republic competes in the highest division against all other daily newspapers and other media outlets that produce content daily. All of the work that was judged was compiled in the 2023 calendar year. The sweepstakes award goes to the newspaper that accumulates the most points by placing in individual categories. This is the second straight year the Mitchell Republic claimed the sweepstakes honor.

The Mitchell Republic took third place in the General Excellence category, which recognizes the newspaper's overall quality and commitment to journalism. The newspaper also was judged to have the third-best website in South Dakota among daily newspapers.

"This was another wonderful year to show off our staff's fantastic work," Mitchell Republic Editor Luke Hagen said. "Every person on our staff contributed to our successes to bring our readers quality content. From advertising to circulation and our newsroom, we care about the people who support us. It's an honor for us to be the best source of information in the region and bring great work while doing it."

The contest is judged by newspaper peers from another state. Here is a list of all the Mitchell Republic's awards:

Laura Fosness, third place, best two-column ad; second place, best single ad idea; second place, best use of color in an ad; second place, best use of local photography; second place, best digital ad idea/campaign.

Tom Stevens, third place, best digital ad idea/campaign; first place, best two-column ad; first place, best series ad idea.

Lorie Hansen, first place, best digital ad idea/campaign.

Sweepstakes award, Mitchell Republic staff.

General Excellence, third place, Mitchell Republic staff.

Best Website, third place, Mitchell Republic staff.

Landon Dierks, second place, best sports photo; third place, best sports column.

Jacob Nielson, second place, best sports reporting; third place, best sports series.

Adam Thury, second place, best portrait photo; second place, best feature photo.

Patrick Lalley, first place, best news columns.

Matt Zimmer, first place, best sports reporting.

Luke Hagen, first place, best sports columns.