The Warrensburg Star-Journal newsroom received five awards in the Missouri Press Association's 2025 Better Newspaper Contest for work published in 2024.
The recognitions were presented during the Missouri Press Association Convention on Saturday, Sept. 13, in Wildwood. The Star-Journal competed against other weekly newspapers of similar circulation size in Class 2.
“2024 was a year of transition for the Star-Journal for a number of reasons,” Editor Joe Andrews said. “Even with change, the Star-Journal’s goals of serving Warrensburg and the Johnson County community continue to remain the same. The recognition is a byproduct of the hard work put in by former editor Nicole (Cooke) Lyons, former news reporter Zach Bott, myself and the remainder of the team at the Star-Journal.”
Andrews received three awards for his sports coverage.
His story on Holden's Daylen Greene winning a state title on the wrestling mat finished second for Best Sports News Story or Package.
“Well-written article that, along with the pictures, captures the essence of Greene's achievements and dedication to his sport,” a content judge wrote.
Andrews’ story “Mule Club Post 131 claims the American Legion AA State Championship finished third in the same category.
“Effective use of both the replay of the winning game as well as the quotations which provide a more personal aspect to what the win means to both the American Legion post as well as the athletes,” a contest judge wrote. “Particularly good use of both the infographic quotation and the pictures to complement the article and make the experience come alive for the reader.”
Andrews' story on Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski repeating as the Harlon Hill Award winner finished third in Best Sports Feature Story.
“Strong story about an outstanding local athlete,” a contest judge wrote. “The design of the page helped with the entire package.”
The Star-Journal captured the third-place award in Best Online Newspaper or Website.
"A variety of news and information are well presented with different images drawing your eye to the stories,” a contest judge wrote.
The Star-Journal and Sedalia Democrat finished third in Best Special Section for its 2024 Veterans Day section. The supplement included stories from former news reporter Zach Bott, Sedalia Democrat news reporter Chris Howell, Sedalia Democrat news reporter Faith Bemiss-McKinney, advertising contributions from the Star-Journal and Democrat team and veteran photo submissions from community members.
"Very ambitious project, handled beautifully,” a contest judge wrote. “Nice work.”
Including the Veterans Day action, the Sedalia Democrat, which Andrews is also the editor of, tallied four awards in Class 2.
Jack Denebeim’s story "Historic Smith-Cotton boys state championship reunited after 50 years,” won Best Sports News Story or Package. The placement, along with Andrews’ second and third place showing in the category, means the Star-Journal and Democrat swept all three awards in Best Sports News Story or Package.
Denebeim’s article, “Gauge Young fighting his way to the UFC,” finished second in Best Sports Feature Story.
Chris Howell’s story “Cornerstone Baptist reopens 1897 church in Hughesville” finished third in Best Story About Religion.
