Times wins slew of state awards

The Sundance Times was the proud recipient of eight individual merit "Pacemaker" awards at the 2023 annual convention of the Wyoming Press Association.

Sarah Pridgeon won first place for her column "This Side of the Pond", which judges called "well written and witty".

She also won first place for Business and Energy Reporting for a package of stories about Neiman Sawmills receiving logs from a U.S. Forest Service fire prevention program in California; local concern over a planned bentonite mine near Pine Haven; and RER's permitting efforts for its demo plant in Upton.

Pridgeon was also awarded first place for Agriculture Reporting, for a package of stories about winter struggles for ranchers, a calf insurance issue tackled by the county commissioners and a case in which two local men are accused of marking 189 cows and six bulls belonging to their neighbor.

"Overall, solid writing that demonstrates grasp of local issues and is attuned to the audience," commented judges.

The Times took second place for Front Page Design, with judges commenting on the, "Powerful visuals and compelling narratives. Clear organization and consistent quality."

Pridgeon won second place in the Outdoors and Environmental Reporting category for a package of stories on the listing of the northern long-eared bat as endangered; CWD prevalence in this area and the Oconto River Kids lion hunt.

Pridgeon won second place in Government Issue Reporting for a package of stories covering the efforts of the Sundance Economic Development Committee to increase housing opportunities in the city.

Pridgeon also won second place for Arts, Entertainment and Culture Reporting for a trio of stories about the Sundance Winterfest, upgrades to the fairgrounds and the advent of wristband usage at the winter festival.

Pridgeon won third place in the General News category for her story "Act of revenge results in heap of trouble", regarding the case in which 189 cows were marked with bleach.