COURIER LANDS 2ND STRAIGHT TOP STATE AWARD

The current staff of the Carthage Courier display the top 2024 General Excellence Award from Division I in addition to three First Place Awards from last Friday’s University of Tennessee (UT) / Tennessee Press Association (TPA) State Press Contest held in Franklin. Standing from left: Austin Clay (5 years), Eddie West (40 years), Shea Haile (8 years), publisher Scott Winfree (39 years).

The Carthage Courier brought home a near-record 17 total awards — and once again the coveted top prize for 1st Place for General Excellence among Division I newspapers from across the state — in last Friday’s 2024 Tennessee State Press Contest Awards held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Franklin.

The annual awards marked the Courier’s second straight selection for the contest’s highest state press honor — with the 2024 and 2023 General Excellence Awards for Division I preceded by a 2nd Place finish in 2022.

The annual state press contests, rocognizing the most outstanding journalism and production efforts from newspapers from across Tennessee, are sponsored by the University of Tennessee (UT) and Tennessee Press Association (TPA).

Publisher Scott Winfree, editor/news reporter Eddie West, sports editor/designer Shea Haile and advertising manager/designer Austin Clay represented the Courier and accepted the 2024 General Excellence Award, (3) First Place, (4) Second Place, (5) Third Place, (2) Fourth Place and (2) Fifth Place awards from presenter Tiffany Carpenter, UT System Vice President of Communications and Marketing.

“Once again, our staff is grateful for this level of recognition and have our efforts acknowledged by our peers,” stated Winfree, now in his 39th year at Smith County’s weekly publication. “Newspapers have long been woven into the fabric of their respective communities and we take great pride in striving to represent our readership, citizens and businesses community with our best efforts. Consider this recognition as much yours as ours. Your support is most appreciated.”

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