Democrat wins newspaper awards

The Sedalia Democrat won seven awards in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

The paper took first place in the feature story division for Dennis Rich’s profile of Ron Jennings, who retired last year after more than three decades as a reporter and columnist for The Democrat.

The paper placed second for editorial pages and third in the best editorial competition.

The Democrat took a third place for best design and an honorable mention for best front page.

The judges awarded honorable mentions to Sydney Brink  for best sports photograph and to Sarah Nail for best feature story, “Sight for Savannah.”

The contest was judged by Illinois Press Association members.

The awards were presented Saturday at the MPA’s annual convention in Columbia.