Blade staffers win Ohio SPJ and outdoor writer awards

The Blade was once again recognized as one of Ohio’s best newspapers, winning two first-place and two second-place awards from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists.
■ Sarah Baird was named best newspaper graphic designer in Ohio for her Food and other features pages.
■ Liz Skalka won first-place in political reporting, for stories ranging from motherhood on the campaign trail to efforts by Democrats to make inroads in rural areas.
■ Allison Dunn won second-place for criminal justice reporting. The judges cited her series of stories about the domestic violence death of Melissa Shoop.
■ Javonte Anderson won second place in minority issues reporting for a story on the lingering effects of discriminatory housing policies on impoverished neighborhoods.

Out-of-state chapters do the judging, and entries reflect work published between June 2019 and June 2020.

Congratulations to each of these journalists for their recognition.

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Matt Markey won a series of awards from the Outdoor Writers of Ohio for work done in 2019.

■ First place, Best Travel Article for the story titled: “Marlin Fight Their Way into Memorable Family Fishing Trip”

■ Second place, Best Travel Article for the story titled: “Christmas Island Offers Local Anglers Ultimate Fly Fishing Holiday”

■ Second place, Best News Story for the story titled: “Toledo Native’s Legacy Gives other Quadriplegics a Shot at Hunting Success”

■ Third place, Best Environmental Writing for the A1 story titled: “Sunny Farms Stinking up Country Life in Fostoria”

In addition, Matt also was recognized by the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers.
■ In the Best of Newspaper Writing for stories on Boating, Travel & Camping: 3rd Place
“Rescue Provides Reminder of Lake Erie’s Dangers”

Congratulations Matt.