The Independent

The Independent has won five national awards including best news website.

Judges from the Canadian Community NewsMedia Association said the design of the site, with headlines scrolling across the top and a “visually engaging hover effect” turning photos from black and white to colour, stood out from the others. “Most importantly, it offers strong local content that reflects the community.”

Heather Wright also won first place for Best Sports Photo for a picture from the Alvinston Pro Rodeo and third for Spot News for coverage of a fire in Marthaville.

The Independent’s story on a local farm family whose sheep are keeping the grass down around a solar farm won first place in the Agricultural Story competition.

The paper’s 150th Commemorative edition placed third in the competition of community newspapers across the country with judges saying it is “informative and innovative presentation with clear buy in from the local community.”

The Independent’s sister paper, The Herald serving Thamesville, Dresden and Bothwell was named best newspaper with circulation under 1,499. “The Herald had excellent reporting on several key community issues such as environmental concerns about a landfill, political coverage, strong editorials and excellent local reporting. It was a strong read, with fantastic relevant stories for readers.”