Nebraska is experiencing a decline in small-town newspapers, with 10 weekly and daily papers closing in the past three years, leaving the state with 146 newspapers. This trend is part of a broader national issue, with an average of 2.5 newspapers closing each week and over 211 counties lacking local news coverage from newspapers.
Custer County has not been a part of that trend and is fortunate to have three newspapers within the county lines. Not only do our newspapers continue to provide local news stories, but they are also award-winning. The Nebraska Press Association (NPA) celebrated the best in Nebraska journalism during its April 25-26 annual convention in Kearney. The event brought together newspaper professionals from across the state to recognize outstanding work, lifelong achievements, and the industry’s future through prestigious awards and scholarships. Members of the North Carolina Press Association judged 1,983 separate entries.
The highlight of the NPA convention is the Better Newspaper Contest Awards. The Arnold Sentinel received a 1st and 2nd place. The Callaway Courier was honored with one first-place, two second-place awards, and four third-place plaques. The Custer County Chief garnered three first-place awards, six second-place awards, and four third-place finishes. For the fourth time in 6 years, the Chief received the Omaha World Herald’s “Service to Agriculture” award for their division.
Congratulations to the staff at our local newspapers. For more details on the awards, check out the stories in recent editions of the Arnold Sentinal, Callaway Courier, and Custer County Chief.
