Provance wins April 2020 Eddy Award

Just like last month, we’re doing something different with our Eddy recognitions.

For the month of April, we’re exclusively honoring the fine work of our Columbus bureau chief, Jim Provance.

Many of you have never met Jim, but I know you’re hearing him on the daily Ohio news briefings.

Our readers are hearing and responding to him as well. We know this because they call for him, send him emails, and otherwise recognize his fine work.

A man from Cleveland sent this to the city desk email:
“I live in the Cleveland area, but I appreciate your reporter asking pointed questions and not fluff questions.” The reader then suggested a timely question for Jim.

While attending the daily briefings, Jim has been shuffled around to new rooms in the process. From the early stages, he’s donned a mask from behind the scenes.

Jim is quick as well, as he sent in news that Tom Noe was on a list to be released from prison before the governor even mentioned Noe by name. We broke the news online, and Jim was the first reporter to ask about it. Countless people have told me Jim’s question was how they learned about Noe’s pending release.

We thank our 20-year veteran for being such an important part of The Blade. And we’re certainly thankful to be a paper with a state bureau chief.

Jim will receive a $100 gas card.