Because of your support and endorsement...

Thanks to the support of our readers, friends, and communities, The Paper hauled in 45 state and national 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place awards for journalism excellence this year.

The awards recognized virtually every part of the newspaper — news reporting, investigative and business journalism, sports, editorials, columns, design, and advertising.

The awards recognized virtually every part of the newspaper — news reporting, investigative and business journalism, sports, editorials, columns, design, and advertising.

The North Carolina Press Association awarded The Paper 36 honors in its annual News, Editorial and Advertising Contest, including first place for General Excellence, a category judging the newspaper as a whole.

“NCPA's contest continues to be one of the largest in the country with over 3,000 entries from over 100 newspapers and news organizations,” NCPA Executive Director Phillip Lucey said. Wisconsin Newspaper Association members judged this year's competition.

Nationally, The Paper received nine awards in the National Newspaper Association's competition, which drew entries from newspapers across the country.

Wisconsin judges’ comments reflected the caliber of The Paper’s work:

“Well written. Brief and to the point, but with just enough tease to draw the reader into the story. They quickly tell you what the story is about without subjecting the reader to a words marathon.”

“Story speculating on possibility, not certainty. AI center proposal’s effect on community covered with depth of sourcing and detail to provide readers with a comprehensive peek at 'what if' such a project lands in their community. Excellent writing, pros and cons included.”

“The three (editorial) entries do a good job cutting through the fat of the issues at hand. They concisely state the facts and present the lesser known aspects of situations clearly for the reader, while providing clear direction and suggestions for future reflection and discussion.”

“(The opinion) pages offer an excellent mix of editorials, columns, guest opinions and letters to the editor. The ragged right text and column heads give the appearance of an open page, even though it is filled with opinion pieces. Also nice to see color on the page – and not just the photos of the columnists. Selecting these as the best editorial pages was an easy choice.”

“This ad immediately captures attention with its bold illustration style, humor, and unforgettable personality. The creative concept perfectly matches the brand voice while delivering strong engagement and a lasting impression on the reader.”

“Rootin’est, tootin’est best trio in an outstanding top three. The curling piece is laugh-out loud hilarious, a brilliant description of a wannabe sport. Looney Tunes are awesome and no doubt resonates with readers who grew up with those characters. The bird feeder quest is absolutely hysterical. Readers of The Paper have a treasure in these three columnists and should be grateful. There are fewer and fewer of these English language spinners today."

Forty-five awards belong in the trophy case. The opportunity to keep doing the work belongs to the communities that made them possible.

Watch Gov. Josh Stein's congratulations speech.