STAFF REPORT
Employees of the Hays Free Press and its family newspaper, News-Dispatch, were happy with results of this weekend’s South Texas Press Association convention, where they were named best newspaper in south Texas in its class.
The staff won in several categoris – from news writing, to its lifestyle/community pages, to sports photos and design.
The contest was judged from newspapers in Louisiana.
The judges complimented the Hays Free Press in Lifestyle Pages, where the newspaper took first place.
“Well organized and engaging. This entry has something for every reader. It’s a true lifestyle section without other coverage mixed in,” the judges wrote.
The Hays Free Press took second place in Editorial writing, Humorous columng writing, and Headline writing.
Of Clint Younts in the humor column, the judges wrote, “Pure comedy. Great voice.”
On editorials, the judges commented, “Good job bringing to light community issues that should be handled differently.”
The overall newspaper was given a boost with comments in the General Excellence reward, for which it took first place.
“Nice layout, engaging stories, good mix of stories and advertising.”
For the News-Dispatch, which covers Dripping Springs and Wimberley, reporter Ashley Sava took first place for her story on the Mandola restauranteur dispute. “Great story, clearly written,” judges said.
And for Sports photos, Wayland Clark took first place for his photo of the Longhorn baseball player in utter dejection after losing a game. “Good capture of emotion, good composition,” judges wrote.
