Springfield News-Sun staff nominated for state awards

The Springfield News-Sun has received eight nominations in its division of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors’ 2016 newspaper contest.

Two News-Sun reporters were both named finalists for best public service.

Reporter Michael Cooper was selected in the category for his yearlong Healthy Springfield series that included more than 60 articles digging into efforts to improve Springfield's public health. Reporter Parker Perry was named a finalist for "Bethany's Story," several stories that examined what might have behind the suicide of an 11-year-old Champaign County girl.

RELATED: Bethany’s story: Bullying, suicide and an 11-year-old girl

Reporter Matt Sanctis received nominations as best business writer for his body of work that included stories on long-term joblessness and an increasing use of temporary workers in Clark County. He also was named a finalist for best investigative reporting on an outbreak of listeria linked to the Springfield Dole plant.

READ MORE: FDA: Dole knew of listeria in Springfield plant before outbreak

Photographer Bill Lackey received three nominations, including as photographer of the year for a body of work that included a photo from a funeral for a sailor who died in Pearl Harbor and whose remains were just recovered last year. He also was named a finalist for best feature photo and sports photo.

The Springfield News-Sun was also named a finalist for best digital presence.

“These awards recognize the hard work and commitment to local journalism of the Springfield News-Sun staff,” Editor Samantha Sommer said. “From a yearlong look at the community’s health to digging into what’s happening in the economy in Springfield, our reporters and photographers are telling the stories that matter and make a difference in Clark and Champaign counties.”

The awards in actual order of finish — first, second and third places — will be announced at the Ohio APME annual awards banquet May 21 in Columbus. The General Excellence and First Amendment winners also will be announced at the meeting.

More than 65 daily newspapers in Ohio submitted more than 2,000 entries in the contest, which included news and sports stories, features, photos and more from 2016.

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