Klemann
COLUMBUS — The Lima News was recognized as the top newspaper in the state for the second time in the past three years, according to judges for the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors annual contest.
The newspaper staff learned it won 23 awards total in Division IV for work published in 2022, including seven other first-place honors, during a ceremony Sunday afternoon. The Lima News shared first place for general excellence with the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram this year.
“It’s so gratifying for our staff to be recognized for the hard work they do every day on behalf of our readers,” said David Trinko, editor of the newspaper. “The best part is every area of our newspaper was honored, showing our staff’s commitment to balanced coverage.”
Judges recognized Mackenzi Klemann as the best news reporter in the state for the second year in a row. Klemann also received first place for best investigative reporting for her “Foster failure” story, about sexual abuse by a pair of former foster parents. She also won the top prize in the investigative category for her work in 2020.
“Regular readers already know Mackenzi is one of the best reporters in the state,” Trinko said. “This confirms it, in the eyes of the judges.”
Craig Kelly, the newspaper’s metro editor, won a pair of first-place honors, one for best illustration and one for best video.
Richard Parrish took first place for best sports photo. Parrish also won second place for best new photo and third-place plaques for best photographer and best feature photo. He also shared third place with designer Jordan Bishop for best full-page design for the cover of the 2022 high school football preview section.
Matt Childers won first place for best digital project for the “Lima Land Hoops & History” podcast.
Trinko landed in first place for best graphics artist. He also finished second for best illustration or informational graphic, best video and best explanatory reporting. He took third place for best editorial writer and best headline writer.
Jim Naveau won second place for best digital project for the “BuckEyes Podcast with Jim Naveau.” Naveau also picked up a third-place finish for best sports columnist.
The Lima News sports staff won second place for best daily sports section. The sports department also won third place for best special sports section for “High School Football 2022.”
LimaOhio.com won second place for best digital presence.
Sarah Shrader finished in third place in the state for best columnist.
