Bonanza earns top awards in national newspaper contest

Staff Reports
May 7, 2008

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The North Lake Tahoe Bonanza was honored as an outstanding publication by the Association of Free Community Papers. The Bonanza was given a third place award as an “Outstanding Publication” in the nation.

The Association of Free Community Papers represents publishers of nearly 3,000 free-circulation community papers, reaching nearly 45 million homes weekly.
“To be singled out among so many newspapers as one of the best community publications nationally is an honor for the Bonanza,” said publisher Terrie Drago. “We are proud of the awards we have earned, as we continue to do our very best in covering the Incline Village and Crystal Bay communities.”

The judges said about the Bonanza “lots of local news, photos. Living section is especially good. Well-designed calendar. Good paper.”

The Bonanza also earned three first-place awards in the newspaper contest.
A first place award was given to the Bonanza staff for its coverage of the inaugural celebration of Red, White and Tahoe Blue. The Bonanza’s coverage during the months preceding the event, as well as the special section published as a guide to the event, convinced the judges to present the Bonanza with the “Community Service/Editorial” first place award. The judges said of the special section, “Excellent special section showcasing the community’s inaugural celebration of Independence Day. Nice cover graphics.”

A first place in “Best Original Writing” was given to reporter Kyle Magin for his coverage of a car accident Oct. 2, 2007 when a driver crashed over an East Shore cliff and his car remained partially submerged in Lake Tahoe until a fisherman found him early the next morning.

“It was one of the most intense breaking news stories I’ve ever covered,” said Magin.
Aside from the news coverage, the judges also noted that there was “excellent layout with photos and graphic giving the reader the exact location of the crash.”

Finally, a first place was given to Carrie Richards for “Best Original Color Photography used in a Feature or General Interest Story” for her portrayal of the Great Reno Balloon Race.

Judges said, “Great simple 2D principles and composition.”