Independent earns two awards in MPA Better Newspaper Contest

The Belleville-Area Independent won two awards in the 2019 Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
The awards were announced March 12.
Members of the Montana Press Association reviewed 3,500 entries submitted by 106 Michigan newspapers and individual members this year.
The competition is held to inspire all journalists to produce their best work, which in turn nurtures stronger communities.
A drone shot of the Toxic Algae in Belleville Lake by Independent Production Manager / Bookkeeper / Photographer James Otzman won third place in the News Photo division in the category Weekly/Class C, for newspapers from 3,001 to 7,000 in circulation.
The story “Teacher on porn site pulled from Edgemont class,” by Independent Editor Rosemary K. Otzman won third place in the Weekly/News Media C, Spot News Story division.
“We are pleased to present the best of the best from Michigan Press Association members from this year’s Better Newspaper Contest,” said Richard Lamb, president of the MPA and publisher of the Presque Isle County Advance and Onaway Outlook.
“The outstanding quality of work shows that the press is strong in Michigan and we are proud of the accomplishments of all the winners. Based on the judge’s comments, many categories had several entries worthy of first place. The effort by these journalists and community newspapers show that excellence is the standard for newspapers in our state,” he said.