Freeman (S.D.) Courier news editor awarded Daniel M. Phillips Leadership Award by NNA

Jeremy Waltner

Jeremy Waltner, news editor of the Freeman (S.D.) Courier, was given the Daniel M. Phillips Leadership Award on Oct. 3 during the National Newspaper Association’s 129th Annual Convention & Trade Show in St. Charles, Mo. The award honors Daniel Morris “Dan” Phillips, "an award-winning writer, photographer and assistant publisher of the Oxford (Miss.) Eagle, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 47," states NNA. "This award is presented to an individual 23-40 years old who is well respected in his or her community, of good reputation and integrity, provides active leadership in the newspaper industry and is active in his or her state press association and community and whose newspaper is a member of NNA."

Brian J. Hunhoff, contributing editor to the Yankton County Observer in Yankton, S.D., nominated Waltner. Hunhoff said, “Jeremy Waltner has continued a family tradition of leadership in the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. In 2007, at age 30, Jeremy served as the youngest president in ISWNE’s 60-year history. He also helped his father and Mobridge Tribune Publisher Larry Atkinson, organize the 2007 ISWNE Conference in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In 2003, from a pool of 144 entries, Jeremy won ISWNE’s Golden Quill award for best editorial. He remains one of the lynchpins of ISWNE.”

The James O. Amos award and the Emma C. McKinney award "are presented to a working or retired newspaperman and woman who have provided distinguished service and leadership to the community press and their community," states NNA. They are "recognized as two of the highest and most distinguished tributes in community journalism . . . presented to a working or retired newspaperman and woman who has provided distinguished service and leadership to the community press and his/her community."

Bill Tubbs, owner of the weekly North Scott Press in Eldridge, Iowa, was named the recipient of the Amos award. Barbara “Barb” A. Walter, of Hennessey, OK, was presented with the McKinney Award. Walter, who became managing editor of the Hennessey Clipper in 1978, was later named co-publisher by her husband, Bill Walter.