2010 Better Newspaper Contest — Community Service

Daily Division

1. Waxahachie Daily Light — “Complaints Against Health and Human Services Office.” This entry is a good example of a newspaper being the voice of the unheard in a community. Not only did this series of articles give these people a voice, it changed the way things were handled around the state. Great job!
2. Brownwood Bulletin — “Homeless Residents.” I like this entry for bringing to light the lives of people in the shadows, and then forcing or facilitating discussions on how to respond and serve. Very nice.
3. Galveston County Daily News — “Texas Public Information Act.” Sometimes a small change in the law can have far-reaching impact. Good job in ferreting out the story and getting others motivated to change the law.
4. New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung — “Swine Flu Fear.” Good job in keeping the community informed and ensuring that public officials share information with the public. Too much information does not cause panic, but not knowing what’s going on certainly does.

Semiweekly Division

1. Hood County News — “Support Our Troops.” A
great way of linking the community together, even when part of the community is half-a-world away.
2. Williamson County Sun — “Coats for Kids.” One of the most important roles a newspaper plays is in aiding the least among us. With the newspaper’s support this charity was able to provide for kids during one of the worst economic times. Job well done.
3. Beeville Bee-Picayune — “Illegal Dumping.” Shame should never go out of style! It’s a good motivator and the paper used it very effectively to motivate property owners and litterers to clean up their acts.
4. Boerne Star — “When Explosive Growth and Dwindling Water Resources Collide.” Good in-depth coverage of a serious, ongoing issue.

Weekly Division

1. Cameron Herald — “$20 on the 20th.” I really like this campaign, and I’m surprised that the mayor was so reluctant at first! It’s impressive that the paper devoted both editorial and advertising space to the campaign. That this program benefitted the community and not necessarily the newspaper makes it a clear winner in this category.
2. Bandera Bulletin — “Rabies Awareness.” Not only does this provide a community service, it’s also a compelling read. Good information presented in a way that people will learn a lot from.
3. Clay County Leader — “Pioneer Reunion and Rodeo.” It’s obvious the newspaper is fully invested in this event. Great coverage! And how nice for the people involved to have these issues to keep as a reminder of the reunion.
4. Muleshoe Journal — “Senior Living.” The paper changed its printing schedule and fully endorsed the Muleshoe EDC senior living program with a special section devoted to it. That’s what makes this entry a community service winner.