Published: May 09, 2008 12:09 am            

TONAWANDA: News editors recognized by industry group

The Tonawanda News’ editorial staff has received two awards from the New York Newspaper Publishers Association.

Managing editor Eric DuVall was recognized for distinguished editorial writing for a 2007 editorial entitled “Attitude on canal concerts is pathetic.” It was written in the midst of the controversy over the Molson Canal Concert Series’ future in North Tonawanda.

Judges for the contest said the winning editorial “(stressed) the concern for local community problems, courage in taking a position regardless of the popular view, and originality of viewpoint and style.”

Former News features editor Laura Wahler was also recognized for her series of Lifestyles columns entitled “Mommy & Me.”

The series, written as Wahler and her husband took their first steps into parenthood, appears in the News’ Sunday Lifestyle section. She still writes the columns on a freelance basis while working for the American Automobile Association’s regional travel magazine.

Judges said the columns “(demonstrated) originality, wit, the capacity to illuminate events and the capacity to enhance readers’ understanding (of parenthood).”

Also, Tonawanda News reporter Neale Gulley was recognized for his page design work at the Plattsburgh Press Republican.

Members of the Tonawanda News staff traveled to Albany on Wednesday to attend the NYNPA’s annual awards banquet, where representatives of newspapers across the state gathered to view winning selections. Newspapers across the state compete against others of similar circulation.

        

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