Joplin Globe takes top honors in Missouri Press contest

The Joplin, Mo., Globe received the general excellence award, competing against the largest daily newspapers in Missouri, in the Missouri Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest.

Judges cited the newspaper's attention to local news, especially in its coverage of the May 22, 2011, tornado that devastated the city.

“It would be easy to think of the judging of The Joplin Globe first as a nod to a community that suffered so heavy a toll,” the judges wrote in comments. "It’s not. The Globe’s coverage is meaningful, in-depth and focused.”

Globe reporter Emily Younker received the Missouri Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year award in a division for daily papers.

Nominated by Globe Editor Carol Stark, Younker was honored for her writing and attention to the ethics of journalism. Judges noted her work in telling the stories of those who died in the tornado.

In all, the Globe and its staff received 22 awards, including a public service prize for their coverage of the tornado. Awards were presented during the association’s 146th annual convention, held Sept. 20 - 22.