CherryRoad Newspapers Earn Seven Missouri Press Association Awards

Courier-Tribune and Examiner recognized for excellence in journalism at annual state convention

WILDWOOD, Mo., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CherryRoad Media announced today that two of its Missouri newspapers, the Courier-Tribune and Examiner, received a combined seven honors at the Missouri Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest. The awards were presented Saturday, September 13, during the Association's annual convention at the Wildwood Hotel in Wildwood, Missouri.

Courier-Tribune Recognized with Five Awards

The Courier-Tribune, a weekly publication serving Kearney, Liberty, and Smithville in Clay County, earned five awards across multiple categories:

• First Place – Best Special Section, Magazine or Specialty Publication for Explore Liberty magazine. Judges praised the section as "a clean, eye-catching read that gives readers exactly what they need while emphasizing the abundance of fun to be had."
  
  
• Second Place – Election Story Writing awarded to Digital Content Director Amanda Lubinski for her reporting on reproductive freedom rights and Missouri's Amendment 3. Judges highlighted the story's "excellent exploration of a complicated ballot measure" and its innovative integration of digital and print.
  
  
• Third Place – Breaking News awarded to Lubinski for coverage of an Excelsior Springs couple and their dog tragically killed in a house explosion.
  
  
• Third Place – News or Featured Obituary Writing awarded to Editor Kellie Houx for her tribute to community leader and outdoor enthusiast Clay Lozier, praised by judges as "an inspirational life, well told."
  
  
• Third Place – Best Sports Story or Package awarded to Sports Reporter Wesley Miller for his in-depth coverage of a high school basketball player navigating legal challenges to play varsity.

Examiner Earns Two Awards

The Examiner, headquartered in Independence and covering eastern Jackson County, received two awards:

• Second Place – Best Humorous Columnist awarded to Editor Jeff Fox for his writing on everyday life, described by judges as "great storytelling with humor in just the right places."
  
  
• Third Place – Best Story About History awarded to Reporter Mike Genet for his piece comparing the assassination attempt on Independence native President Harry Truman with that of President Donald Trump, praised for its "smart tie-in between current events and little-known history."

"We love being part of our community conversation. That's our focus," said Examiner Editor Jeff Fox. "That said, it's always good to get recognition from your peers."

Leadership Perspective

CherryRoad Media CEO Jeremy Gulban congratulated the Missouri teams on their success.

"Their dedication to ethical, unbiased journalism ensures that every story we tell resonates with – and truly represents – our community," Gulban said. "Their hard work and commitment to keeping our neighbors informed is the heart of local journalism."

CherryRoad's Missouri Footprint

In addition to the Courier-Tribune and Examiner, CherryRoad owns 17 other publications across Missouri: Pike County News, Elsberry Democrat, Hermann Advertiser-Courier, Lake Gazette, Centralia Fireside Guard, Vandalia Leader, The Lincoln County Journal, Troy Free Press, The Savannah Reporter, The Moberly Monitor Index, Gladstone Dispatch, South Missourian News, The Marshall Democrat-News, Constitution-Tribune, Boonville Daily News and Linn County Leader. 

About CherryRoad Media

CherryRoad Media is dedicated to strengthening local communities through trusted journalism. With more than 90 publications across 19 states, CherryRoad's newspapers provide in-depth, unbiased reporting on the issues that matter most to their readers.

Media Contact:
Kate Cassidy
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
CherryRoad^®
[email protected]

SOURCE CherryRoad Media