Weakley County Press team earns statewide awards

The Weakley County Press, like so many others in the industry, has had a shrinking pool of employees over the past few years. That decline hasn’t diminished the strong partnership of passionate contributors.

News Producer Sabrina Bates is firm in her beliefs of truth in journalism.

Graphic designer and political cartoonist Beth Cravens is politically-savvy and a talented artist.

Karen Campbell loves her community and tells stories with her passion shining through.

“We may not be strong in numbers, but everyone in the office knows the business, knows every department and can handle whatever comes at them,” Press General Manager Lynette Wagster shared.

“A shared passion, a solid partnership and respect for local news; that’s the Weakley County Press — your newspaper, she added.

That dedication to the community has garnered placement for three awards in the 2020 Tennessee Press Association’s News Editorial Contest. Each year, TPA partners with the University of Tennessee to judge entries from media outlets in various categories for coverage from the previous year. The Press learned recently it placed in three categories of the statewide contest for non-daily publications.

Bates earned placement for her editorial, “Batesville U.S.A.,” which emphasized her responsibility as a journalist and the community’s responsibility regarding social media. She earned a spot in the TPA’s Best Personal Column category.

Campbell spent half of 2019 as a staff writer at The Press, covering events and stories of local interest.

She set out last year on a Walk Across Weakley County mission during a national Read/Walk Across America event. Throughout the month of April, Campbell spent Saturday mornings walking from various libraries throughout the county and journaled her walk/read efforts each week in The Press.

Because of that community collaboration, Campbell earned an award in the Best Public Service TPA category. Campbell, later in the year, moved into a role with the Weakley County School System as Communications Director. Her passion has further strengthened the partnership between local media and the education system.

In the category of Best Special Issue or Section, The Press earned an award for its spotlight on the first responders of the county, which included graphics, images, local businesses, editorial pieces and complete listings of every first responder in the community. “Thank You First Responders” was designed by Cravens and was a comprehensive collaboration with emergency response agencies.

Award placement is expected to be announced later this year by the Tennessee Press Association.