Columbian staffers honored for work in regional competition

Staff members at The Columbian were recognized for their writing, photography and design during 2016 in a regional journalism competition sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists.

The honors included five trophies for arts and entertainment writing, comprehensive coverage, page design, sports column writing and sports video reporting. Staffers also received three runner-up certificates for sports column writing, general news photography and feature news reporting.

The contest recognized work done by print, broadcast and online journalists in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.

The winning entries among mid-sized news staffs included a trophy for comprehensive coverage to Brooks Johnson and Dameon Pesanti for their Oil Town series of articles on a proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver.

Scott Hewitt won a trophy for arts and entertainment writing for his story “Paul versus Paul,” comparing and contrasting Paul Simon and Paul McCartney.

Tim Martinez won a trophy for sports column writing for three columns, “Time to consider schools’ classification success in reclassification process,” “Special relay reminds us what prep sports are all about” and “Public schools vs. private, what do the facts say?”

Dave Magnuson won a trophy for page design for work he did for the Feb. 19, April 29 and Sept. 4, 2016, newspapers.

Ariane Kunze won a trophy among large news operations for sports video reporting for her piece “Vancouver rower aiming for 2016 Paralympics.”

Micah Rice won a runner-up certificate for three sports columns, “Sweet redemption for 2013 defeat,” “PSU football tempered by tragedy” and “State champion’s coach inspired him on deeper level.”

Lauren Dake won a runner-up certificate for short-form feature reporting on her story “Trump made approach to Cowlitz over casino plan.”

Amanda Cowan won a runner-up certificate for general news photography for her photo Crash victim thanks his saviors.”

The awards were announced Wednesday.