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Forum Communications Group Wins Big at Minnesota Newspaper Contest

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/07 .. oup-wins-big-at-minnesota-newspaper-contest.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 9:44 GMT by inforum
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

St. Paul, MN - The Forum Communications Group has once again cemented its position as a leading force in Minnesota journalism, taking home an impressive 24 awards, including the coveted General Excellence award, at the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) Better Newspaper Contest. The announcement was made Friday at the MNA's annual conference held in St. Paul, marking a significant achievement for the North Dakota-based media group.

The General Excellence award, widely considered the highest honor a newspaper can receive, recognizes the publication's overall commitment to journalistic quality, community coverage, and impactful storytelling. This win underscores The Forum's dedication to providing comprehensive and reliable news to its readership.

"This is a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of our team," stated Kelby Hathaway, Forum Communications Group President and CEO. "We are incredibly proud of everyone's contribution to delivering high-quality journalism that serves our communities."

Beyond the top honor, The Forum's accolades spanned a diverse range of categories, demonstrating the breadth of its journalistic expertise. From in-depth news investigations to compelling feature stories, captivating sports coverage, and visually striking photography, the awards acknowledge talent across all platforms--print, digital, and social media.

A Deep Dive into Award-Winning Journalism

The award-winning news reporting included second place for Dan Browning and Dave Olson's investigation into "The Rise of Hemp," highlighting the growing industry and its implications for the region. Chris Lindquist's third-place win for coverage of the "West Fargo City Council Election" showcases the group's commitment to local political reporting. These pieces demonstrate a focus on both emerging trends and the core issues impacting local governance.

Feature storytelling also shone brightly. Don Pohrer's first-place win for "The Quiet Resilience of a Firefighter's Wife" exemplifies the power of human-interest stories, delving into the emotional toll and often-unseen sacrifices made by families supporting first responders. Emily Berg's second-place feature, "What's Happening in Moorhead's Arts Scene?" spotlights the cultural vitality of the community.

Sports fans were equally well-served, with Michael Nilles securing a first-place award for "A Season of Struggle," presumably a poignant narrative of a local sports team overcoming adversity. Mike Christopherson's piece on "Moorhead's Swim Team" took third place, demonstrating a commitment to covering local athletic achievements. The photographic contributions were equally noteworthy, with Jeremy Hogan's "Fire in Fargo" capturing a dramatic "Spot News Photo" and Dave Thompson's "A Moment in Time" earning a second-place "Feature Photo" award.

Beyond the Headlines: Investigative and Specialized Reporting The awards also extended to critical areas of investigative and specialized reporting. Jeff Osterman's recognition in both Business/Financial Reporting and Consumer Reporting highlights the group's commitment to holding institutions accountable and protecting the interests of the public. Amy Lynn Smith's Education Reporting and Don Davis's work in both Government and Political Reporting emphasize the importance of informing citizens about crucial civic matters. Don Pohrer also earned recognition in the Religion Reporting category, showcasing a commitment to comprehensive community coverage.

Furthermore, the awards recognized excellence in opinion pieces, with Randy Oistad's Column Writing and Dave Thompson's Opinion Writing receiving praise. The Editorial Board's contribution to Editorial Writing demonstrates the group's ability to articulate informed perspectives on important issues.

Design, Presentation, and Future of Journalism

The acknowledgment of The Forum's Page One Design, Lifestyle Section Design (taking first place), and Online News Presentation signifies a dedication to presenting information in an engaging and accessible manner. The third-place award for Social Media Reporting indicates a growing sophistication in leveraging digital platforms to reach audiences and foster community engagement. Recognizing the Branding and Marketing efforts shows a commitment to long-term sustainability.

The MNA Better Newspaper Contest plays a vital role in upholding standards of excellence in Minnesota's robust community journalism landscape. The Forum Communications Group's strong performance this year serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of local news and its ability to connect, inform, and empower communities. As the media landscape continues to evolve, The Forum's dedication to quality journalism positions it well to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.