Smoky Mountain News
Division D
3rd Place
Editorial
Smokies Life/Holly Kays
Hellbenders
3rd Place
Editorial
Kyle Perrotti
Putting in the Work
In a category filled with excellent journalism, this one places because of the extensive detail in the reporting. Also appreciated the paragraphs to debunk the social media misinformation. Readers needed to know the facts, and this piece delivered.
3rd Place
Editorial
Chris Cox
Lighter columns
He has an easy writing style. Nice job.
3rd Place
Editorial
Staff
Down The Road
What a great niche publication. Interesting stories and photos.
3rd Place
Editorial
Cory Vaillancourt
Of truth & trust
This reporter really knows how to dig for and then interpret the facts. Great work.
3rd Place
Editorial
Cory Vaillancourt
Farmers
Many excellent entries focused on the impact of Hurricane Helene. This one looked into agriculture and the storm's impact. Good job of bringing into focus the challenges that industry will face win recovery.
2nd Place
Editorial
Staff
Welcome to Western North Carolina
Beautiful design and photography. The stories are good mix of well-written info articles and engaging eateries about people or businesses.
2nd Place
Editorial
Burt Kornegay
Lighter columns
Well-written slices of life. And you learn things, too.
2nd Place
Editorial
Cory Vailancourt
WNC at the RNC
Congratulations on 2nd place! This was in 1st until I read the other article. This was packed with a variety of information that will remain interesting and valuable. Thank you for your dedication and contributions to journalism.
1st Place
Editorial
Jeffrey Delannoy
Golden age
The color balance is off a bit, and the publication placed a text overlay in a dead spot of the photo. But the looks on faces makes this a compelling photo.
2nd Place
Editorial
Cory Vaillancourt
Whose future?
1st Place
Editorial
Cory Vaillancourt
NCGOP
Opening grabbed my interest, even after reading more than 2 dozen entries in this one category. Well written, plenty of sources, stats, valuable quotes, combined with an attractive design layout, drop caps to break up the paragraphs and visual static. Supported by the images, pushed this past other possible 1st place picks. Congratulations on 1st Place, Cory V., you are a skillful election and politics reporter.
1st Place
Editorial
Cory Vaillancourt
Terry Ramey Rebuked
1st Place
Editorial
Hannah McLeod
'Affrilachia: Testimonies' : New book documents black experience in Appalachia
Well-written, interesting, and captivating, the writer did an excellent job sharing "Affrilachia Testimonies" and those behind the stories.
3rd Place
Advertising
Maddie Woodard, Jack Snyder
Sunburst Rentals
Having the photo be the entire background, and matches the name of the organization, is really nice
2nd Place
Advertising
Staff
Green Home & Living Guide
The special section was informative and well-curated-it packs real value while keeping readers hooked. You had strong advertiser participation, and it didn't feel like fluff-instead, it added real-world relevance. Excellent integration of content, advertising, and the GBA member directory into one cohesive package. It felt seamless and thorough.
2nd Place
Advertising
Amanda Bradley, Jessica Murray
Sophisticut
First time that I can remember seeing photos of the different type of hair colors in an ad. Great touch.
2nd Place
Advertising
Greg Boothroyd, Jack Snyder
Billy Case
Love the way the beautiful setting is portrayed with this photo and with the lights on inside it makes me want to see more of the house!
1st Place
Advertising
Amanda Bradley, Jack Snyder
City Lights Bookstore
Beautiful design, a lot to look at but isn't overwhelming
1st Place
Advertising
Micah McClure
SMN Storytellers Summer Series
1st Place
Advertising
Maddie Woodard, Jack Snyder, Jessica Murray
Soul Sisters Depot
Wow, this store looks great. We need this store where I live. My wife would love it. Appreciate the QR code, great photos tell the story of the vibe that you can find at Soul Sisters Depot!