NILES — Leader Publications and its affiliate news products has been recognized by the Michigan Press Association with 17 awards, including first place prizes for best special section, best columnist and best sports photo.

Products included in the contest included the Niles Daily Star and Dowagiac Daily News in the Daily D Newspaper category, and Cassopolis Vigilant and Edwardsburg Argus in the Weekly D Newspaper category.

Daily D Newspaper

• First place: Best special section, “Horizons” — Staff
• First place: Best columnist — Ambrosia Neldon
• First place: Sports photo, “Bobcats hold off late Niles rally for a victory” — Scott Novak
• Second place: Best Editorial, “Buchanan school board owes it to educators, community to listen” — Ambrosia Neldon and Sarah Culton
• Second place: Best special section, “Niles Chamber Guide” — Staff
• Second place: Best page or pages design, “Pigging out” — Ambrosia Neldon
• Second place: Business/Agriculture, “Modern manufacturer” — Kelsey Hammon, Emily Sobecki
• Second place: Government/education news, “Balancing act” — Kelsey Hammon
• Second place: Sports photo, “Distracted Niles still routes Wildcats — Scott Novak
• Second place: Spot news story, “Murderer Robert Leamon III has resentencing hearing — Beau Brockett Jr.
• Honorable mention: Feature story, “Finding family” — Sarah Culton
• Honorable mention: Best page or pages design, “high spirits” — Ambrosia Neldon

Weekly D Newspaper

• Second place: Best page or pages design, “’Paws’itive appreciation” — Emily Sobecki
• Second place: Government/education news, “Paws of justice” — Sarah Culton
• Third place: Best page or pages design, “Operation Thanksgiving” — Ambrosia Neldon
• Third place: Best special section, “Edwardsburg State Championship Magazine” — Scott Novak, Ambrosia Neldon, Emily Sobecki
• Honorable Mention: Sports photo, “Edwardsburg wins state title” — Kelly Sweeney

 

“Our goal is to publish newspapers that engage with and inform southwest Michigan using creative storytelling and page design and top-notch reporting,” said Ambrosia Neldon, general manager. “As we revel in the excitement of these awards, we are inspired to continue improving to make even better products for our loyal readers.”

All entries in the contest were published between late 2018 and late 2019.

“I feel blessed to be among a team of exceptional journalists, photographers, designers and marketing experts, and feel honored to tell southwest Michigan’s stories,” Neldon said.