Vindy gets 14 nominations in Associated Press contest

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

The Vindicator received 14 nominations when finalists were announced in the Associated Press Society of Ohio’s 2010 newspaper competition.

The awards in order of finish — first, second and third places — will be announced at the APSO annual convention May 15 in Columbus.

The General Excellence, First Amendment and Special Recognition winners also will be announced at the meeting.

In Division IV, which features newspapers with daily circulation of 25,000 to 74,999, The Vindicator nominations included:

Best Online Photojournalist: Bill Lewis and Robert Yosay

Best Business Writer: Grace Wyler

Best Editorial Writer: Dennis B. Mangan

Best Sports Writer: Joe Scalzo

Best Photographer: Yosay

Best News Writer: Ed Runyan

Best Daily Sports Section: The Vindicator staff

Best General News Photo: Yosay, “Huge Loss”

Best Sports Photo: Yosay, “We Are State Champions”

Best Photo Essay: Geoff Haushchild, “Ohio Valley Teen Challenge”

Best Community Service: The Vindicator staff, “Child Care Package,” and Ashley Luthern, “Southside Youngstown”

Best Breaking News: Luthern, “Mistaken Identity”

Sixty-eight daily newspapers submitted 3,087 entries in the contest, which featured news and sports stories, features, editorials, columns, graphics and photos from 2010. Entries were judged by editors from Nebraska, West Virginia, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Colorado.

“It’s a rewarding process. We’re making enhancements to our print and online efforts as often as we can, and such distinctions recognize that,” said Vindicator Editor Todd Franko. “The neat thing about many of these honors is that several involved exceptional teamwork and extensive behind-the-scenes work from many staffers not named. The lesson: good planning, teamwork and execution can pay off.”