HALDIMAND—The Haldimand Press was a top-three finalist in seven award categories at the annual Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Competition, with the award ceremony held on April 11, 2025.
Former reporter Tara Lindemann took first place in ‘Health and Wellness’ for the Dec. 14, 2023 story ‘MP Lewis, residents debate use of medical assistance in dying due to mental illness’. It was praised by judges for its coverage of both sides of the divisive issue.
The Press took home second-place honours in the category ‘Best Headline Writing’, including for the playful example ‘Life is batter with pancakes!’ in honour of Shrove Tuesday in the February 22, 2024 edition.
Under the category ‘Police/Court Story’, Press reporter and assistant editor Tamara Botting took home second place for her insightful May 16, 2024 article ‘Seeking answers in Dunnville Baby Doe case 2 years later’, while reporter and assistant editor Mike Renzella took third place in the category ‘Police/Court Series’ for a four-article series between October 2023 to August 2024 focused on the charges and subsequent court appearances of Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley in relation to mistakes made on her 2022 campaign finance statement.
Renzella also placed second in the category ‘Diversity Coverage’ for his June 20, 2024 story ‘PRIDE: spotlight shone on trans advocacy at Haldimand Abilities Centre’. In it, he shared the stories of trans advocacy as relayed during a HAC Pride event.
Botting’s fantastic photo of Caledonia centenarian Doris Young tossing her graduation cap after receiving her high school diploma at the age of 100 netted two awards, bringing in second place in the category ‘Feature photo circ. 8,000 and under’ and third place in the category ‘Most creative grip and grin photo’.
The Press received an honourable mention in the category of ‘General Excellence’, along with ‘Best Photo Layout’ for the April 11, 2024 edition highlighting the solar eclipse.
The Haldimand Press would like to thank its readers and advertisers for their continued support, which allows us to continue our mission of bringing Haldimand residents the news and happenings that matter to them.
