Your Local Paper Brings Home State Press Awards

July 08, 2026

by Staff Reports

Brittany Maine, editor and co-publisher of The Waldron News, is pictured with fellow Arkansas newspaper owners recognized with first-place honors at the 2026 Arkansas Press Association state press awards during the summer convention in Eureka Springs.

When a local newspaper is recognized, the honor does not belong to the paper alone. It belongs to the people who trust us with their stories, welcome us into their meetings, send us their photos, call with questions, save clippings, buy subscriptions and still believe there is value in seeing Scott County documented in print.

The Waldron News attended the 2026 Arkansas Press Association Summer Conference this past weekend in Eureka Springs, joining newspaper professionals from across the state for work sessions, industry discussions, debates and the annual Better Newspaper Editorial Awards luncheon.

Nearly 1,300 entries were judged this year in categories recognizing reporting, writing, photography, editorial work, columns, sports coverage and overall newspaper excellence.

The Waldron News was honored to be recognized in several categories by the state press association. The award-winning work was completed during Brittany Maine’s first year serving as editor of The Waldron News. Maine now serves as editor and co-publisher alongside Roby Brock.

Maine received the following awards for her work with The Waldron News:

1st place - Best Feature Story
2nd place - Best Education Story
3rd place - Columnist of the Year
3rd place - Sports Feature Photo
3rd place - General Excellence
3rd place - Best Editorial
3rd place - General Interest Column

Mansfield sports reporter John Mackey was also recognized for his work, receiving:

1st place - Best Beat Reporter
2nd place - Best Sports Feature

These awards are encouraging, but they also remind us why this work matters. A local paper should help you know what happened, understand why it matters, and feel a little more connected to the place you call home.

To our readers, advertisers, subscribers, contributors and neighbors, thank you. Your support has helped make this first year one of growth, learning and renewed purpose. We are grateful to keep telling the stories of Waldron, Mansfield, Scott County and the surrounding communities.