The Yukon News finished on top in six categories at the annual Canadian Community Newspaper Awards this week - double the first-place finishes of any other newspaper.
The paper was named the best all-round newspaper in its circulation range, and also won first-place for best editorial page in its circulation range.
Al Pope was named outstanding columnist for the second year in a row.
Jesse Winter won for outstanding reporter initiative for “Down and out in Robert Service Campground,” a story and photo essay that resulted from the three weeks he spent living among the Yukon government social assistance clients who are housed at the campground each summer.
Editor John Thompson’s editorial on the re-election of controversial Liard First Nation Chief Daniel Morris, “New meaning to low standards,” was named best local editorial.
Publisher and former photo editor Mike Thomas’s shot of a snowboarder in mid-air at the Yukon snowboard championships won for best sports photo.
The News also picked up eight second- and third-place awards, for a total of 14 prizes this year.
The paper finished second in its circulation class for best front page. Jesse Winter’s images from his three weeks in Robert Service Campground placed second for best photo essay. Mike Thomas’s photo of a child sledding at Shipyards Park placed second in the feature photo category.
The News Christmas special placed second for best holiday edition. Jacqueline Ronson’s story about the Great Dawson Film Find of 1978 took second-place in the historical category.
A package of stories about the declining Chinook salmon run by Jacqueline Ronson and Meagan Gillmore placed third in environmental writing.
John Thompson’s editorial about the federal Reform Act, “Free our MP: support the Reform Act,” placed third for best national editorial, and the News also placed third for best headline writing.