By Edward Lynn, Editor
DES MOINES, Iowa – Mid-America Publishing had a remarkable showing at the 2025 Iowa Better Newspaper Contest, taking home multiple awards at the Iowa Newspaper Association’s annual convention in Des Moines on Thursday. The company’s journalists placed in nearly every category they entered, highlighting their dedication to local journalism and storytelling.
The contest, judged by the Kansas Press Association, featured about 3,200 entries across a wide range of categories, with newspapers competing in five circulation-based classes. Despite the steep competition, Mid-America Publishing’s staff excelled, earning top honors in several key categories.
Mid-America’s winners were:
- Jennifer Burnham and Matt Grohe, Hampton Chronicle – Best Use of Social Media, Class III, First Place
- Rebecca Peters, Garner Leader – Best News Feature Story, Class II, First Place
- Mandi Rink, Wright County Monitor – Best News Story, Class II, Third Place
- Mike Hohenbrink, Calmar Courier – Coverage of Court and Crime, Class I, First Place
- Casey Jarmes, Sigourney News-Review – Best Continuing Coverage, Class II, First Place
For Hampton Chronicle Editor Jennifer Burnham, the recognition was a testament to the hard work of her team. “I am just so dang proud of our team,” she shared in a Facebook post, later writing on the Chronicle’s page, “Thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t have done this without you!”
One of the most talked-about entries was Mandi Rink’s third-place winning article, “No Eminent Domain for Private Gain.” The article tackled the controversial issue of a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline planned to pass through Wright County near Eagle Grove, connecting to the CornLP ethanol plant in Goldfield. The piece explored the concerns of landowners opposed to the pipeline, bringing to light legal and ethical debates surrounding eminent domain.
Rink acknowledged the challenges of covering divisive topics but emphasized the importance of local journalism. “It was an incredibly proud moment,” she wrote in the Wright County Monitor, “not just because of the award but because it confirmed something I believe: local journalism matters, even when it’s not easy or fun.”
She further reflected on the role of reporters in serving their communities. “As I’ve written before, journalism isn’t about writing what is comfortable,” Rink said. “It’s about covering the issues that impact our community.”
The contest judge who reviewed Rink’s piece commended the depth of reporting and the courage it took to write such a story. “I’ve done such stories and gotten some very angry comments from the property owners and their friends,” the judge remarked, acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic.
Mid-America Publishing’s continued success at the Iowa Newspaper Association Awards clearly illustrates the strength of community journalism and its role in keeping local readers informed.
For a full list of contest results, visit https://inanews.com/convention/contestresults/. Rink’s award-winning article can be read at shorturl.at/6caDf.
