The Sedalia Democrat newsroom received four awards in the Missouri Press Association’s 2025 Better Newspaper Contest for work published in 2024.
The recognitions were presented during the Missouri Press Association Convention on Saturday, Sept. 13, in Wildwood. The Democrat competed against other weekly newspapers of similar circulation size in Class 2
“2024 was a year of transition for the Democrat for a number of reasons,” Editor Joe Andrews said. “Even with change, the Democrat’s goal of serving Sedalia and the greater region continue to remain the same. The recognition is a byproduct of the hard work put in by former editor Nicole (Cooke) Lyons, reporter Chris Howell, reporter Faith Bemiss-McKinney, sports editor Jack Denebeim, myself and the remainder of the Democrat’s team.”
Sports Editor Jack Denebeim’s story "Historic Smith-Cotton boys state championship reunited after 50 years,” won best sports news story or package.
"A rollicking piece focusing on not only the reunion but the many rousing adventures of the team," a contest judge wrote. "Brilliant use of quotes to make the reader visualize both the game skirmishes as well as the camaraderie still shared by this team. Nice emphasis on the relationships built that transcend the high school experience."
Denebeim’s story, “Gauge Young fighting his way to the UFC,” finished second in best sports feature story.
"Definitely a change of pace from the typical features of athletes seen on a sports page," a contest judge wrote. "Kudos to the author for branching out and highlighting this athlete."
Reporter Chris Howell’s story “Cornerstone Baptist reopens 1897 church in Hughesville” finished third in best story about religion.
"This article tells the story of a church's reopening with clear, engaging reporting and a keen eye for the effect on the community of having the presence of ministry there once again," a contest judge wrote.
The Democrat and Warrensburg Star-Journal finished third in Best Special Section for its 2024 Veterans Day section. The supplement included stories from Howell, news reporter Faith Bemiss-McKinney, former Star-Journal news reporter Zach Bott, advertising contributions from the Star-Journal and Democrat team and veteran photo submissions from community members.
"A very ambitious project, handled beautifully," a contest judge wrote. "Nice work."
Andrews, who is also the Star-Journal's editor and sports writer, claimed three awards for his sports coverage in Johnson County.
His story on Holden's Daylen Greene winning a state title on the wrestling mat finished second for best sports news story or package.
Andrews’ story on Mule Club Post 131 claiming the American Legion AA State Championship finished third in the same category.
Those two placements, along with Denebeim’s first-place showing in the category, mean the Democrat and Star-Journal swept all three awards in best sports news story or package.
Andrews’ story on Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski repeating as the Harlon Hill Award winner finished third in best sports feature story.
The Star-Journal website, WarrensburgStarJournal.com, finished third in Best Online Newspaper or Website.
