The Pope County Tribune and Times received multiple awards at the 158th Annual Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) Convention & Trade Show, held at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park.

Contest winners are chosen by working newspaper professionals, journalists and journalism instructors.  This year, expert judges from Illinois reviewed nearly 4,000 entries from Minnesota newspapers that were published over the 2023-24 contest year

The Pope County Tribune & Times was awarded first place in the “Best Magazine” category, marking its ninth consecutive win in that category. The category includes entries from all weekly newspapers across Minnesota. Judges praised the magazine’s content and design. A judge highlighted the magazine’s photography and layout, stating that “each photograph felt like it had a place and gave great visual cues in relation to the topic at hand.”

The Tribune & Times also won first place in Best Magazine Design, Best Use of Photography as a Whole, and third place in Magazine General Reporting.

Additionally, the newspaper took home first place for its website in the weekly category for newspapers with circulations between 1,501 and 3,000. It also earned first place in Typography and Design in that category.

In the “General Excellence” newspaper category, the Tribune and Times secured third place, as well as third place in “Editorial Page as a Whole.” Judges commended the publication for its strong local news coverage, including weekly columns on community and state issues, letters from readers, and editorials. One judge noted, “Lots of news in every issue—from local government to local organizations and events. Readers also express their views in letters. Good work.” Another judge appreciated the color photography, calling it “a nice addition” to the newspaper.

Publisher/Editor Tim Douglass earned first place for a feature photo of local children playing at the Barsness Park Splash Pad.  He also won third place in the Photo Story category for a photo page about the Terrace Mill Bluegrass Festival. Judges said the images “stood off the page” and were among the competition’s best.

With these latest accolades, the Pope County Tribune and Times continues to be recognized for excellence in journalism, design, and photography within Minnesota’s weekly newspaper industry.

Douglass credited his dedicated staff for the awards and said the Tribune & Times staff are among the best in the state at what they do.  

“Awards are just a nice acknowledgment of what we do at the Tribune & Times week in and week out,” Douglass said.  “What is more important to us, is that we provide our local communities and our readers with a top-quality news and advertising product each week and each year.”