Inter Lake named Montana's best daily newspaper

The Daily Inter Lake was named the best daily newspaper in the state Saturday at the Montana Newspaper Association's 139th annual convention and awards banquet in Kalispell. 

The Inter Lake accumulated the most points in its division in the Better Newspaper Contest against the largest newspapers in the state to earn the coveted Sam Gilluly and General Excellence awards. 

"All credit for these accolades goes to our dedicated editorial and advertising teams who work tirelessly to provide our readers and local businesses with the trusted journalism our communities rely on and innovative marketing solutions for our local businesses," said Hagadone Media Montana Regional Publisher Anton Kaufer. "We appreciate the unwavering support of our subscribers and advertisers who enable us to continue our investment in top notch local news." 

Inter Lake photographer Casey Kreider earned the Mel Ruder Photograph of the Year award for his image of The Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica during its stop in Kalispell last year. Kreider's image was also selected for best news photo. 

"Casey's image was both visually stunning and emotionally impactful," commented Hagadone Media Montana Regional Editor Matt Baldwin. "His dedication to the craft is absolutely deserving of this highest honor in photojournalism." 

The newsroom also garnered multiple top awards for its podcast and video productions. Taylor Inman won two first place awards for her work on the Press Play concert series and the News Now podcast, while Josh Dugan was recognized for his in-depth coverage and analysis of the Brawl of the Wild football game. 

The Inter Lake editorial board also won first place in opinion writing. 

The advertising team placed first in multiple categories, including best marketing campaign, promotional ad, sponsor page, use of local photography and best special section for the popular Best of the Flathead publication. 

The newspaper was also honored with the top award for best website. 

The newsroom placed second in the competitive continuing news coverage category for its work detailing homelessness in the Flathead Valley. Reporter Kate Heston placed second in feature writing and Margaret E. Davis placed second for her bi-monthly column. Sports editor Fritz Neighbor placed second for his sports column "Full Count." 

All totaled, the Inter Lake news and advertising staffs earned 32 awards. 

Hagadone Media Montana's weekly newspapers Lake County Leader, Hungry Horse News and Whitefish Pilot also racked up a number of first-place awards for news and advertising. 

This year’s contest was judged by the Utah Press Association. 

The Thomas Dimsdale Award for the best Montana weekly newspaper went to the Choteau Acantha. The Flathead Beacon won top honors for best online news outlet.

At the convention on Friday evening, the Montana Newspaper Association recognized a slate of journalism stalwarts. 

Dave Worstell and Dennis Swibold received Master Editor/Publisher awards. Worstell is publisher/president for Lee Enterprises' Montana newspapers. Swibold was a journalism professor at the University of Montana for 36 years before retiring this year. 

The late Frank Datta, owner of the Wibaux Pioneer, was inducted into the association's Hall of Fame, and longtime Livingston Enterprise editor Dwight Harriman was given the Dick Crockford Distinguished Service Award.

    Visitors pay their respects at The Wall That Heals at the Glacier High School soccer fields on Thursday, June 22. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)