2017 BNC Awards of Excellence Winners

Presented June 2018

Sue Gawlak Best Local Editorial Sponsored by: St. Albert Gazette

1. St. Albert Gazette for "Detailed dysfunction"
   Credits: Trevor Howlett, Carolyn Martindale
2. Town & Country News for "Apparently, you're not reading this"
   Credits: Rebecca Dika
3. Taber Times for "Elections let democracy start anew"
   Credits: Trevor Busch, Greg Price

Best Feature Story by a Local Writer Sponsored by: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

1. Olds Albertan for "Cannabis: A growing industry"
   Credits: Michelle Bartleman
2. Town & Country News for "Beaverlodge remembers the remarkable Mr. Gingles"
   Credits: Brad Quarin
3. Fort Macleod Gazette for "Macleod man beat fentanyl addiction"
   Credits: Frank McTighe

Higher Education Writing Award Sponsored by: University of Alberta

1. Edmonton Examiner for "Ex-Alta 1 collects data on major space storms"
   Credits: Mitch Goldenberg

Excellence in Education Writing Sponsored by: Lethbridge College

1. Westlock News for "Women Studies class creates firestorm"
   Credits: Olivia Bako
2. High River Times for "Trustee remembered for his dedication to education"
   Credits: Paul Krajewski
3. St. Albert Gazette for "STEAM-powered fun"
   Credits: Kevin Ma

Best Habitat Conservation Story Sponsored by: Ducks Unlimited Canada

1. Okotoks Western Wheel for "Protecting the Mountain Bluebird"
   Credits: Krista Conrad
2. Cochrane Eagle for "Fishers warned about whirling disease"
   Credits: Lindsay Seewalt
3. Bow Valley Crag & Canyon for "Johnson Lake"
   Credits: Spencer Van Dyk

Best Special Sections and Supplements Award Sponsored by: Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.

1. St. Albert Gazette
2. Ponoka News
3. Taber Times

Healthy Communities Journalism Award Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Rocky Mountain House Mountaineer for "A good match"
   Credits: Laura Button, Devadosan Sugirtharaj
2. Camrose Canadian for "Meaningful Music brings spark back to seniors"
   Credits: Josh Aldrich
3. St. Paul Journal for "'I had to be a stronger person not just for me, but for my kids'"
   Credits: Janani Whitfield

Gordon Scott Memorial Award for Best Feature Column by a Local Writer Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Camrose Canadian for "Stopping bullying starts at home"
   Credits: Josh Aldrich
2. Cochrane Eagle for "Countering bigotry with Stoney wisdom about shared humanity"
   Credits: Warren Harbeck
3. Rocky View Weekly for "Women are sick of being scared"
   Credits: Jessi Gowan

Arts and Culture Writing award Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Jasper Fitzhugh for "Standing easy at Jasper's Legion"
   Credits: Craig Gilbert
2. Rocky Mountain Outlook for "Wigs, makeup and the frantic inspiration that syncs Morley Pride"
   Credits: Jordan Small, Aryn Toombs
3. Olds Albertan for "Local artists do battle with brushes"
   Credits: Michelle Bartleman, Noel West

Best Environmental Writing Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Rocky Mountain House Mountaineer for "Staying ahead of the mountain pine beetle"
   Credits: Laura Button
2. Rocky Mountain Outlook for "Bear 148 highlights human-wildlife issues"
   Credits: Cathy Ellis
3. Cochrane Eagle for "Eco company sets up headquarters in Cochrane"
   Credits: Amy Tucker

Sports Writing Award Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Rocky Mountain Outlook for "Biathlon community remembers respected coach"
   Credits: Justin Brisbane
2. Athabasca Advocate for "One tough 'Cookie'"
   Credits: Allendria Brunjes
3. Sherwood Park News for "Meeting McDavid a dream"
   Credits: Shane Jones

Best Agriculture Supplement Sponsored by: Genome Alberta

1. Taber Times
2. Three Hills Capital
3. Rocky View Weekly

Excellence in Creative Advertising Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Jasper Fitzhugh for "Jasper Christmas Revue"
   Credits: Melissa Morris
2. Lac La Biche Post for "Have Your Say Forum"
   Credits: Rob McKinley
3. Taber Times for "4-H ... 100 Years"
   Credits: Erin Lickiss, Meg Noguchi

Creative Use of Colour in Advertising Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Jasper Fitzhugh for "Women in Politics"
   Credits: Melissa Morris
2. Taber Times for "Horizon Implements - V-Cool System"
   Credits: Chris Mykytiw, Meg Noguchi
3. Airdrie City View for "Airdrie pink shirt day"
   Credits: Cameron Christianson, Rod Songhurst

Ad Campaign Award Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Wainwright Star/Edge for "Armstrongs Clothing - Not Just the Classics"
   Credits: Carrie Baumgartner
2. Claresholm Local Press for "Legacy Dodge"
   Credits: Amanda Zimmer
3. Provost News for "Anti-Drunk Driving campaign"
   Credits: Jill Sherring, Ruth Holmes, Rich Holmes

Best Local News Story Sponsored by: AWNA

1. Athabasca Advocate for "Municipal Affairs hands down report"
   Credits: Allendria Brunjes
2. Bonnyville Nouvelle for "Victims of crime left with more than just picking up the pieces"
   Credits: Meagan MacEachern
3. Hanna Herald for "Bindloss ready for battle after blaze"
   Credits: Jackie Irwin