Wright County Journal recognized with 12 state awards

The Wright County Journal won 12 total awards in the Missouri Press Association’s 2025 Better Newspaper Contest. The awards were presented during the final day of the 159th Annual Convention and Trade Show held in Wildwood on Sep. 13.
Freelance writer Sam MacPherson, who has periodically written articles for the local newspaper while attending Mountain Grove High School and during his time at Missouri State University, won four awards.
MacPherson earned a first place plaque for Best Sports Feature Story on fisherman Jacob Wade. The judge said, “This was an interesting story that captured my attention in the first sentence. Well done.”
He earned third place in three other categories.
The Ross’s Goose story was honored in the Best Story About The Outdoors. A judge said, “Engaging story that reminds readers that sometimes hunting is necessary to keep invasive species in check too. Keeps in the forefront that most people who hunt do so for meat, not only sport. Well done.”
In the Best Health Story, a story on therapy pigs was honored. A judge said, “Short and sweet. A quick, easy, pleasant read.”
MacPherson’s article on mills in the Ozarks was recognized in the Best Story About History category. No judges comments were provided.
“Sam has been a blessing to the local newspaper for many years and I’m excited to see his work get recognized at the state level,” said Ron Schott, owner and publisher of the Wright County Journal.”
Schott was credited for eight awards during the annual BNC contest.
In the photo illustration category that merged weekly newspapers for Class 1-2, the Wright County Journal earned both first and second place honors.
Schott’s graphic for APR scores earned him a first place plaque. A judge said, “The photo illustration uses classic school imagery, a chalkboard, to share scores in an easy-to-digest format for readers.”
His Republicans divided graphic earned him a second place finish. The judge said, “The photo illustration gives a visual representation to the heart of the article.”
Schott’s photo of the solar eclipse was awarded second place in the Best News Photograph category. The judge said, “Wow! Great shot capturing the eclipse.”
A photo taken of Norwood’s girls basketball team celebrating a district championship earned Schott a third place award in the Best Sports Feature Photograph category. The judge said, “Great moment caught by photographer…”
A story about Pearl Hartley returning home earned Schott a third place award in the Best Feature Story category. The judge commented, ‘A story worth telling and this is what happened here. Very complete piece that makes you feel the ups and downs the family realized as it worked its way to a good ending. Very good work.”
Schott’s story on the Civil War veteran receiving a gravestone at the Hillcrest Cemetery was the third best in Class 2 weeklies. The judge said, “A powerful story showing a family’s dedication to honoring their Civil War veteran ancestor.”
Known for its sports pages, the Wright County Journal’s were recognized as the second best in the state among Class 1-2 weekly newspapers.
As for Best Overall Design, the Wright County Journal earned a third place honor.
The judge said, “Stories well packaged, photos varied in the size allowing reader to recognize the hierarchy of importance. Clean. “
“All of the glory and credit goes to God for these awards,” Schott said.
During a Missouri Press Association business meeting, Schott was also approved last week to continue his three-year term with the state’s Board of Directors.