The Colorado Sun won eight awards, including four first-place recognitions, in the Colorado Press Association’s 2021 Better News Media Contest.
The Sun was entered in the Class 3 category, along with the state’s largest newspapers and outlets. The results were announced on Saturday. The Sun also shared an additional first place with our partners at the Highlands Ranch Herald.
Sun team editor David Krause also won a number of awards for his work at his previous job as editor of the Aspen Times.
Earlier this year, The Sun won more than two dozen awards in the four-state Top of the Rockies journalism contest, receiving more recognition than any other Colorado news organization in its category.
Here are the results from Saturday’s CPA awards:
Best Agricultural Story
First place
Colorado ranchers are selling off cattle to survive another year of dried-up grass and parched soil. By Jason Blevins, Michael Booth and Jennifer Brown.
Second place
How is Colorado’s new farmworkers’ rights bill being received by migrant farmworkers? With a shrug. By Nancy Lofholm.
Best Business News/Feature Story
First place
New Mexico marijuana legalization poses a serious threat to Colorado’s lucrative border-town pot shops. By Jason Blevins and Jesse Paul.
The judges said: “Good reporting and story idea. I learned a lot about the Colorado border towns and beyond.”
Second place
What it’s like to hunt for a job in Colorado when you’re over 50. By Tamara Chuang.
Best Feature Story
First place
A Colorado family tried to save their cattle ranch by betting big on rare birds. It’s paying off. By Michael Booth.
The judges said: “Just a fantastic piece of journalism that any publication would be proud to have published.”
Second place
Three family members tried to avoid coronavirus in their Colorado home. It found and killed them all anyway. By Jesse Paul.
The judges said: “Tragic story told well.”
Best Health Enterprise/Health Feature Story
First place
Tragedy often begets more tragedy. Denver’s coroner wants to break the cycle by offering families help. By John Ingold.
The judges said: “This was an amazing piece. Just spectacular work. Found myself thinking “OMG!” and “Holy Cow!” as I read it. Drew me in and wouldn’t let go. In an incredibly deep category this was a standout.”
Best News Photograph
Second place
Marshall Fire. By Jeremy Sparig.
The judges said: “Great photo of a fire scene, the firefighter looking on, it is a what can you do except watch and pray. … This was a tough choice, so many great images that capture true human emotion.”
Best Editorial Collaboration and Investigative Story
First place (Class 6)
Colorado Center for the Blind Investigation. By David Gilbert, The Colorado Sun and the Highlands Ranch Herald.