The Star-Journal newsroom received nine awards in the 2024 Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest for work published in 2023.
The recognitions were presented during the Missouri Press Association Convention on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Springfield. The Star-Journal competed against other weekly newspapers of similar circulation size in Class 2.
"I am very proud of our editorial team,” Publisher Jamila Khalil said. “Our small staff contains major talent so I am not surprised that they have won a number of awards this year."
The Star-Journal captured a first-place award in Best Online Newspaper or Website.
Sports Editor Joe Andrews, who is now the Interim Editor of the Star-Journal and Sedalia Democrat, took home first place in Best Sports News Story or Package for his coverage of Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski’s path to receiving the 2023 Harlon Hill Trophy.
Former Star-Journal Reporter Meliyah Venerable finished first in Best Breaking News Story, covering a single-vehicle accident in Kansas City involving the Johnson County Ambulance District. One person was killed, while two others were injured.
Star-Journal Reporter Zach Bott finished second in Best Military Story for his coverage of the 509th Bomb Wing’s celebration of the B-2 Spirit’s first landing at Whiteman Air Force Base.
Andrews placed second in Best News or Feature Obituary for his coverage of a celebration of life for longtime Central Missouri Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jerry Hughes.
Andrews’ photo of Leeton girls basketball’s Jordan Crooks comforting Jillian Mudd and Chezney Early following a loss to Platte Valley in the 2023 MSHSAA Class 1 Show-Me Showdown third-place game placed second as well.
Bott placed third in Best Business Story for his coverage of The Lost Art Taproom’s second anniversary and its entry into the brewery business.
Former Star-Journal reporter Annelia Nixon placed third in Best Story About Rural Life or Agriculture for her coverage of Christmas Tree Hill Farm’s final season.
The Star-Journal also received a third-place finish in Best Special Section, Magazine or Alternative for its 20 Under 40 Special Section.
