Lakota Country Times: Newspaper takes home top honors at NAJA

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Lakota Country Times publisher Connie Smith.

LCT dominates division at NAJA awards
By LCT staff

PINE RIDGE— In what some may have deemed an upset, Lakota Country Times put on quite a showing at this year’s Native American Journalists Association National Native Media awards.

The paper that has for many years delivered quality and timely local news to reservation residents in South Dakota burst on to the national stage this past week when NAJA dubbed LCT as Best in Show by awarding the paper with the first place prize in General Excellence and in Best Print Layout in its division.

“Lakota Country Times has provided a valuable service to reservation residents since its inception. Although the work done here had largely gone unnoticed, except by the local community, it was far past due that the team at LCT received the recognition they deserve,” said Brandon Ecoffey, LCT editor. “With the current talent assembled at Lakota Country Times the sky is the limit and we plan on reaching for it.”


Karin Eagle

Ecoffey was one of four LCT employees to take home individual awards. Ecoffey took home the first place prize for his sports series on the Lakota Nation Invitational. He was joined by correspondent Karin Eagle, who placed in the Best Editorial column, and owner/publisher Connie Smith who also placed in the Best Editorial column.

Entries were judged by the University of Omaha Nebraska , the Society of Professional Journalists, the Society of Environmental Journalists, The Circle, The Oklahoman, The University of Idaho, Western Kentucky University , University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Print - Best Sports Story
First Place
Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times
Lakota Nation Invitational Basketball Tournament

Print - Best Column
Second Place Karin Eagle
Lakota Country Times
Wicahpi Eyoyambya Olowan

Print - Best Column
Third Place
Connie Smith
Lakota Country Times
One Day at a Time

Print - Best Layout
First Place
Lakota Country Times

Print – General Excellence
First Place
Lakota Country Times

(Contact LCT at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com)

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