Daily Herald wins seven state AP awards
The Daily Herald received seven Illinois Associated Press Media Editors awards, including special recognition in the sports breaking news category for coverage of the Chicago Blackhawks 2013 Stanley Cup victory.
The first-place award went to Blackhawks beat writer Tim Sassone, who died March 25, and columnists Mike Imrem and Barry Rozner.
"As anyone would be, we're of course always pleased when our efforts are recognized," said Daily Herald Editor John Lampinen. "This year, we're especially pleased that the work of the late Tim Sassone is reflected in the awards. Tim was the dean of hockey writers in the Chicago area for many years, one of the best sports writers in the country, and it's fitting that his coverage of last year's Stanley Cup championship run by the Blackhawks is among the work being honored by the judges."
Additionally, Film Critic Dann Gire received second place for his story about the passing of Chicago newspaper icon Roger Ebert. Suburban Tax Watchdog columnist Jake Griffin received a second-place award in public service for his weekly columns about questionable tax spending and government accountability.
And the newspaper's website - dailyherald.com - received second place for overall quality and accessibility of the site.
Barbara Vitello placed third in entertainment writing for her review of a recently revised version of a play based on the Columbine High School shootings, "columbinus."
Photographer Rick West placed third in feature photography for his picture of a dentist trying to coax a reluctant patient into talking about her dental issues.
The newspaper was also recognized in the feature writing category with a third-place award for a series of stories on how towns along the Fox River have learned to embrace and use the waterway to lure visitors.
The winners were announced Wednesday and the awards will be presented at a banquet June 13 in Springfield.