The Independent has won two provincial awards in the Ontario Community Newspaper Association Better Newspapers Competition.
The Petrolia-based newspaper placed second in the Best News Story category for its investigation of a firefighter who fell through the floor of a burning building. “The pressures small town papers are under to not report these stories, makes this one even more significant,” wrote Judge Jennifer Thuncher .
The Independent also placed second in the Best Photo Layout category for a series of photos showing the night Hollywood came to Petrolia to use Sunnyside as a backdrop to the movie Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
“Great story telling in Heather Wright’s choice of photos. It took all your readers right into the middle of the filming,” said Judge Joyce Webster.
Publisher Heather Wright is pleased to be recognized by the industry for the work The Independent does keeping Central Lambton informed.
“It’s been our goal from the beginning to tell the important stories in our community as well as reflect what happens on a daily basis; these awards show we’re doing that well and that inspires us to continue.”
The awards were handed out online Friday. The OCNA’s conference and awards gala usually held in April was cancelled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.