HPT staff earns state accolades

    FREEPORT — The Houlton Pioneer Times staff was recognized with nine achievement awards during the Maine Press Association’s annual banquet Oct. 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
    The MPA “Better Newspaper Contest” awards included: Joseph Cyr earned first-place honors in the people photo category, for his photo of a “Sock Hop” event at Crest View Manor nursing home.
    Cyr also won third place awards in the news and scenic photo divisions, as well as  a third place honor in the investigative story category for his piece on the Jerry Cardone cleanup.
File photo
PHOTO AWARDED — Houlton Pioneer Times photographer Joseph Cyr won first place in the people category at the Maine Press Association’s annual awards for this photo showing Crest View Manor resident Earnestine Charette, right, dancing with administrator Tracy Tarr.
    Gloria Austin placed second in the picture story division for her collection of photos from the Fourth of July Fair.
    Austin and Cyr shared a second place award for the business section.
    The full Pioneer staff also earned a third place award in the  best new idea, for its “Turn the Page” special section; sponsorship page, third place; and second place in the Newspapers In Education category.
    In other press association business, managing editor Mark Putnam stepped down from the board of directors after serving four terms.