The Austin Daily Herald was recognized Thursday night with three awards in the Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest. The Herald received first place awards among daily newspapers with circulations of 10,000 or less in Advertising Excellence and Typography and Design. The Herald also took second-place in Sports Reporting.

The purpose of this annual contest is to recognize excellence in the various aspects of newspaper journalism to advance the practice and profession in Minnesota, according to the MNA.

A judge on Advertising Excellence quoted in a special awards publication complimented the classifieds section as well as the church and service directories, while saving the most praise for the Herald’s Business Review feature, saying that it “brought this over the top.” It’s a good and smart idea when done well, the judge said.

This award recognizes overall excellence in locally prepared display and classified advertising. Judges weigh ad quality, effectiveness and design; the number and variety of advertisers; and general appearance including presswork.

The Typography and Design award recognizes excellence in the appearance of the newspaper. Judges consider design of the entire newspaper including use of photos; headlines and body types; quality of reproduction; use of information graphics and graphic illustrations; and overall appearance.

Regarding the Herald’s first-place award, a judge commented: “The designers do an excellent job of packaging multiple stories on the page with a clear hierarchy to news value. The use of different headline weights is effective to create eye movement across the page. Use of lead art is dynamic and engaging. Supporting graphic elements are used at appropriate sizes.”

No judges comments were available for the Herald’s second place award in Sports Reporting.