Several staff members of the Uinta County Herald had their email’s out of office reply turned on last week and for a good reason. They were attending the Wyoming Press Association Convention in Cheyenne. The Herald was recognized with several awards in the “Small Weekly Category” for its work over the past year.

Uinta County Herald publisher Mark Tesoro said, “I couldn’t be more happy for our team and am grateful for all their hard work and dedication.”

The Pacemaker Awards Luncheon was held on Saturday, Jan. 21. Herald reporter Hayden Godfrey won first place in the category of Spot News Story for his story “EHS grad and college teammate on road to recovery after grizzly attack.”

The judges said “What a horrific experience — and they lived to tell about it. Importantly, this had interviews with people affected and great detail about the team being in the woods to search for antlers. Loved the inclusion of U.S. Senator in town who used his comment to ask that grizzly bears be delisted. Just a gripping read from start to finish.”

Godfrey also received honorable mention in the category of Education Reporting for his story “Homecoming a hot topic for school board.”

The judges said “All stories showed readers how issues at local school affect their lives, which helps the readers engage with their schools, whether they have children of school age or not.”

Godfrey said of his awards, “It was unexpected... My next concern will be fending off the paparazzi,” he joked.

Herald reporter Kayne Pyatt won first place in the category of Outdoors-Environment Reporting for her story “Bees a benefit to all; here’s how to help.”

The judges said “Good coverage and writing on several engaging topics. Informative science writing, and coverage that is valuable to the state at large.”

Pyatt also won second place in the category of News-Feature Story for her story “National formula shortage causing local concern.”

The judges’ comments included, “A very informative and well written article. This is an ongoing problem that my family has personal experience with, and it is a national issue, not just one state! Great job getting some well researched information out!”

Herald Sports Editor Don Cogger won second place in the category of Sports Feature Photo for his photo titled “One of those days…”

The judges said, “Strong moment with context made for a quick read.”

Cogger also received honorable mention in the category of Sports Action Photo for The Kemmerer Gazette for his photo titled “KHS girls’ swimming 3rd at Evanston Invite.”

The judges said, “Seeing faces/expressions in the middle of a meet is delicious. And here, you feel very strongly for the place and her exertion.”

Tesoro said, “The team at the Herald are true professionals.”