Writing for a newspaper is anything but a 9 to 5 job - reporters often have to cancel evening plans to cover a social function or sport event, spend countless hours in less-than-fascinating board and council meetings, and sacrifice their weekends for rodeos, fairs, or special events.All of this hard work and dedication was recognized April 16 at the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association's 2011 Premier Awards banquet.News-Optimist reporters John Cairns and Tara Scaglione, sports reporter Trent Cey, editor Becky Doig, feature writer/layout artist Jayne Foster and 2010 summer intern Michelle Berg were all nominated for a total of eight awards.The six headed to the Sheraton Cavalier in Saskatoon for a night of celebration and revelry.Best Sports Story went to Trent Cey, for his article, Haffords' underdogs turn into competitive Mustangs, which the judges called a "compelling story told in a compelling way."Best Tourism Series was taken by Jayne Foster, Trent Cey and John Cairns for a series of articles written about Table Mountain, which the judges called "and excellent series of stories."Best Research Story was won by Tara Scaglione for her article, Hi-tech feed research comes to NW, which the judges said was "clearly laid out and is written in a way that makes it very accessible to readers."Michelle Berg received third place for Best Colour Photo and Becky Doig received third place for Best Black and White Photo.Jayne Foster came in third for both Best Educational Coverage and Best Research Story, while Tara Scaglione came in third for Best Agriculture Story.It was a wonderful way to cap off another successful year in the journalism business and to celebrate their successes together.
