Kleffman’s story headlined “Fear and Loathing at Third and Lex,” about the tension and political intrigue surrounding Danville resident Jimmy Banks in the run-up to the 2010 city elections earned top investigative honors. “Compelling reading, well researched and well written,” the judges said.
Kleffman’s coverage of Brittany Miller’s attempted murder trial in Casey County, in which she was acquitted of trying to kill her grandfather with antifreeze, was best in the continuing coverage. “This coverage made for compelling reading on each story. The reporter found interesting ways to incorporate the background data so each story stands on its own, as well as part of a package,” the judges wrote.
Reporter David Brock won first place for best business/agribusiness story for his article covering the demolition of Farmers Tobacco Warehouse and the decades of memories of owner Jerry Rankin. The story left the judges speechless.
Designer Kasey Hill took home first place for best front page for three front page Advocate layouts submitted to the competition. “Good use of main art, played well. Nice, clean design, nice treatment on all of the pages, particularly9/11,” the judges said.
Doyle also won third place for best lifestyle page.
Former staffer Mandy Simpson garnered first place for best enterprise story for “Hard Times for Horses,” her profile of Garrard County horsewoman Julie Cooper’s efforts to take in horses abandoned by people who could no long afford to feed them. “This story rises to the top of a very difficult category because the reporter shows an unexpected consequence to the difficult economy,” the judges wrote.
Designer Ben Kleppinger earned second place for best graphic.
In sports, Mike Marsee took home second place for best sports story for a profile of Danville High School runner Kaitlyn Snapp and sports editor Larry Vaught earned a third place for best sports column.
Photographer Clay Jackson captured two honorable mentions — for best sports picture essay and one for best sports picture. Jackson also earned a first place and honorable mention from the Kentucky Newspaper Photographers Association for sports photography.
The Interior Journal won third place in general excellence among the state’s midsize weekly newspapers. Editor Michael Broihier earned first and third place awards for best general news stories, a first place for best spot news story and second place for best investigative story. Staffer Nancy Leedy earned first place for best headline and third place finishes for best sports story and best sports picture.
The Winchester Sun won first place in general excellence in the small daily division. The Jessamine Journal captured third place in general excellence in the large weekly division.
“Our employees work hard day in and day out to produce great content for our communities,” said publisher Scott Schurz. “The KPA awards were chosen by peers, but our staff really produced it for our audience. I couldn’t be more proud of our staff.”
