Journal nominated for four Ontario newspaper awards

Journal Staff The Sarnia Journal has been nominated for four Ontario Community Newspaper Awards – three for news coverage and one for Best Special Section produced in 2020.

Journal Staff

The Sarnia Journal has been nominated for four Ontario Community Newspaper Awards – three for news coverage and one for Best Special Section produced in 2020.

Reporter Cathy Dobson was nominated for a second straight year, this time for best feature/news series.

In two installments, Dobson described the plight of Toni Conroy, 93, and husband Gordon, 94, who, despite promises to the contrary, were separated by the rules of Ontario’s long-term care system after entering a retirement home.

The coverage helped spur action that resulted in a tearful reunion for the couple.

Reporter Troy Shantz also earned a second straight nod – this time for education writing.

His story, Higher earning: How Lambton College is reaping the benefits of international education, revealed how the successful recruitment of students from India, Mexico, China and elsewhere generated a $25-million budget surplus for the college and cash-in-hand of $125 million.

Reporter Tara Jeffrey was nominated for best sports and recreation reporting.

Jeffrey told the heart-warming tale of Tara Antle, a Corunna mom of two who wasn’t about to let a COVID-cancellation of the St. Clair River Run derail her quest. With her family’s love and the support of honking, cheering friends and community members, Antle completed a solo run from Sombra to Corunna on July 25, her first half-marathon.

Finally, The Journal was once again recognized in the category of Best Special Section.

The 24 pages of Sarnia Remembers: A Special Tribute to our Local Heroes were filled with previously untold stories of Sarnia’s military contributions here and around the world in recognition of Remembrance Day.

The Ontario Community Newspaper Association said today the first, second and third-place winners will be announced during a virtual presentation Friday, April 23.