BLOOMINGTON – Illinois’ top newspapers were honored at the Illinois Press Association’s annual convention at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington on June 6. Nearly 100 daily and nondaily newspapers competed in 39 editorial categories.

The Minnesota Press Association judged the nearly 1,700 editorial entries for work done in 2023.

The Amboy News won three editorial awards in Division A. The News’ editor Brandon LaChance received second place in the Original Column category and the paper also took second place in the Special Section category for its 2023 Depot Days special section. About the Special Section, the judges commented, “Lots of interesting information about Amboy and its festival.” The other editorial award was fourth place in the General Excellence category. The judges said, “Lots of local content.”

The Amboy News captured two awards in the advertising contest.

Competing in Division G, the paper won first place in the Best Small Ad category for its Amboy Firefighters Association ad congratulating the Amboy Clippers for winning the Illinois 8-Man Football State Championship. The judges’ comments included, ‘Loved this one. Great choice of font, fun play on words. Just overall an outstanding ad. Great job.’

The News also took first-place honors in the Best One-Time Special Section category for the Clippers Win State section. The judges said, ‘Very nice job recapping the Amboy Clippers’ State Championship game and undefeated season. The recap of the Clippers’ undefeated 13-0 season was a very nice touch.’