The dedication and hard work of the Editorial and Advertising Staff at the two county papers wrapped up a productive weekend at the West Virginia Press Association Convention by earning 23 awards in the annual contest.
Recognition of the awards was held during the two day convention held at the Four Points Sheraton in Charleston on Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10. The Wetzel Chronicle and Tyler Star News compete against other papers in Division 4.
Staff Writer Randy Rutherford was the big winner for the papers as he won first place in three different editorial categories claiming the top honor with the Best Sports Section. He added to that award by also claiming second and third place for a clean sweep in the category. Rutherford also took first, second and third place for his work in the Service To the Community section. Rutherford ended with a total of 10 individual awards including second and third place for his work on the Best Lifestyle Pages, third place for his work on the Best Sports Page and third place for his work on the Best Illustration, Cartoon or Graphic.
The Wetzel Chronicle picked up several editorial awards with Ed Parsons earning second and third place for his work in the Best Editorial Section. Parsons also was awarded third place with the Best News Feature and third place with Best News Columnist.
Staff Writer Chuck Clegg earned second place with his work as Best News Columnist. The Wetzel Chronicle Editorial Staff consisting of Parsons and Clegg received second place for Best Editorial Page and second place for their work on Best Front Page.
The advertising staff from the two county papers combined to bring home six total awards including a First Place Award for the Tyler Star News Staff’s Best Political Ad. The Wetzel Chronicle Staff won first place and second place with their work as Best Special Section-Sports. Tyler Star News won third place in the same category. Wetzel Chronicle won second place and Tyler Star News won third place with the Best House Ad.
“We are very pleased that the excellent work our staff did in 2023 has been recognized by peers within the industry,” said Eric Anderson, publisher of the Wetzel Chronicle/Tyler Star News.