Newspaper staff wins awards

The South Reporter won four awards in the 2018 Better Newspaper Contest Editorial Division.

The recipients were announced during the Mississippi Press Association Summer Convention earlier this summer in Biloxi.

The South Reporter competes in Class D, the largest circulation category for weekly newspapers in the state.

Editor Barry Burleson won a pair of awards – third place in General Interest Column and third place in Spot News Photograph. His weekly newspaper column is featured on page 4 and is entitled “Fielder’s Choice.” The spot news photo was taken when law enforcement was searching for a shooter and blocked Highway 72 in north Marshall County.

Staff writer Sue Watson won second place in Spot News Photo for a photo taken when a suspect fled law enforcement in the City of Holly Springs and the vehicle overturned.

Photographer DeMill Dixon won second place in Best Sports Photo for a picture of Holly Springs High School basketball Cori Bell soaring to the goal for two points.

“It is always nice when the newspaper is recognized for the quality of its work,” Burleson said. “We have a small staff but one that is dedicated to putting out an excellent product each week.”

The South Reporter is one of the oldest weekly newspapers in the state. It’s in its 154th year, having gotten its start in 1865.

“This newspaper has a long legacy of outstanding service to Marshall County,” Burleson said. “Our content is all local – community first; that’s the key.”