The Jefferson City News Tribune received 19 awards at the KC Press Club's Heart of America annual awards banquet. The group recognizes excellence in reporting over the previous year.
Before the awards ceremony, special recognition was given to Shelley Gabert, former editor of HER Magazine, who passed away in January. A moment of silence was held to remember Gabert's contributions to journalism. Gabert later received two Gold Awards, one for her feature story on HALO's Rebecca Welsh and another for "Act of Faith", a story on the battle of a woman overcoming kidney disease and getting a donor.
Reporter Michelle Brooks received a Gold Award for investigative reporting on "Stories from the graves." She also earned Silver Awards for a profile story, "Capitol Couple," and beat reporting for her "Landmark" series. Brooks received Bronze Awards for her work covering the faith community in Mid-Missouri and for a profile story, "Full home, full hearts." Brooks also earned Honorable Mention awards for a feature story, "People helping people," and a profile story, "Light as a feather in dance and work."
Brooks and fellow reporter Bob Watson received a Gold Award for general reporting on the 150th anniversary of Lincoln University.
City Editor Rebecca Martin received two Gold Awards, one for beat reporting on business in Mid-Missouri and the other for business reporting on the Truman Hotel Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan. She also earned an Honorable Mention for general reporting on the late-night culture surrounding a former hookah lounge on High Street and Jefferson City government's reaction to it.
Reporter Brittany Hilderbrand received a Silver Award for an arts and entertainment story, "Sequins, fringe, lace and tulle featured in fashion show." She also received a Bronze Award for a feature story, "Teen's research leads to diagnosis."
Former reporter Madeleine Leroux received a Silver Award for investigative reporting on "City Hall deals with low morale."
Reporter Jeff Haldiman received a Silver Award for spot news reporting on "Cole County Commission decides not to lower flags." He also received an Honorable Mention for beat reporting on public safety issues.
Haldiman and reporter Shelby Rowe earned a Bronze Award for their coverage of the civil discrimination trial Pat Rowe Kerr v. the Missouri Veterans Commission.
The entire News Tribune staff received a Gold Award for public service series "A Christmas Wish."