The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News collected four awards in the Local Media Association 2011 editorial contest.
Reporter Monisha Martins came first in Circulation Class C (16,000-36,000 non-daily) for Best Feature Series (Is it out there: Quest for Sasquatch).
The News also earned third place in the same class for Best Editorial Writing and Best Editorial Page, while photographer/reporter Colleen Flanagan received honourable mention for Best News Photo (The Rescuers).
Formerly the Suburban Newspapers of America, the Local Media Association is a non-profit, professional trade association specifically serving the suburban and community newspaper industry in the U.S. and Canada. It has more than 2,000 members.
The News has also been nominated for a handful of other awards.
Reporter Robert Mangelsdorf is a finalist for Best Agricultural Writing for the Canadian Community Newspaper Association awards for his story on local farms finding innovative ways to stay profitable.
The News is also a finalist for Best Local Editorial Writing (Taking the fall) and Best National Editorial Writing (Sheriffs of shame), as well as Best Editorial Page.
The News also received a Blue Ribbon from the CCNA for overall general excellence.
CCNA winners will be announced April 26 in Toronto.
Flanagan has also been nominated for B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper Association editorial award for Best Black and White Feature Photo (Vigil for two young souls alike).
BCYCNA winners will be announced April 14.