The Hamilton County Herald was named Tennessee’s best newspaper for its circulation size Thursday by the Tennessee Press Association.
The newspaper also won first-place awards in three categories:
• Best education reporting: David Laprad and Kathy Carlson for collective efforts
• Best single feature: For Laprad’s humorous look at the souvenirs and knickknacks displayed in the offices of Chattanooga-area attorneys. Story
• Investigative reporting for Tom Wood’s look at how downsizing minor league baseball would affect Chattanooga and other cities in East Tennessee. Story
Second-place awards were collected for:
• Business coverage: Laprad, Jim Myers, Hollie Deese, Joe Morris and Sheila Burke
• Best single feature: Laprad’s story about attorney Martin Lester’s immigration practice and shifting immigration policies. Story
• Community lifestyles: Laprad's collective efforts
• Investigative reporting: Laprad’s story about John Pudelski’s 20-year quest to be cleared of killing his 12-day-old daughter. Story
Joe Rogers won third and fifth-place awards for editorials and best single editorial.
“We are so pleased for the Hamilton County Herald team and for David Laprad, in particular,” said Lyle Graves, associate publisher/executive editor of the Herald, Nashville Ledger and Knoxville Ledger. “David is, in so many ways, the face of the Herald, and it’s gratifying to see him recognized for his work.
“I know his readers, especially in the legal and real estate communities, share in our congratulations.”
The Knoxville Ledger also took top honors in its category, winning first-place awards for best business coverage, best education coverage, best news reporting, best graphics and/or illustrations, best sports reporting community lifestyles and headline writing.
The Nashville Ledger finished first in its category in business coverage, single feature and headline writing.