April 26 2016

The Haliburton County Echo took home several awards at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s Better Newspapers Contest on April 22.

In its circulation category the Echo placed first for general excellence which captures all aspects of the paper from commentary to classifieds photography to feature stories.

“The Haliburton County Echo is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when all members of a team are pulling in the same direction” the judges’ comments read. “From writing and photography to page layout and print quality the Echo demonstrates quality at every turn of the pages. Readers get a great look into the community the newspaper serves. Solid reporting insightful opinions useful information excellent photographs – I simply can’t find anything not to like about this newspaper.”

The Echo’s sister paper the Minden Times also won first in general excellence in its category.

Best Use of Process Colour an award category recognizing colour advertisement design went to the Echo as well for Andrea Hillo’s Cedar Winds advertisement.

“Simple and elegant – the image attracts the eye while the illustrations and colour palette reinforce the logo and messaging” the judge wrote.

Echo photographer/reporter Darren Lum came away with two third place plaques: one in the Photographer of the Year competition and the other for Feature/News Series for his “Where are they now?” series.

On Lum’s photography the judge complimented his creativity in taking a fun hair day at Archie Stouffer Elementary School and making it a whimsical feature photo; the judge also commented on Lum’s image of a kayaker at the Pan Am Games and an expressive news photo from an all-candidates meeting.

The “Where are they now?” series was called “well-realized” with “beautiful art.”

The Echo placed second for Best Front Page Layout with these comments: “This paper has a clean look which also includes the effective advertising that does not muddy up the front page.”

Steve Galea and Echo and Times columnist was awarded second place in the Humour Columnist of the Year category for his work with the Elmira Woolwich Observer.

“Good example of making writing look easy” the judge wrote.