Times Wins News Award

YAKIMA - The Times Publisher Imbert Matthee was honored with a second place award for his story about a marijuana bust in Dayton in August 2011 at the Washington Newspa- per Publishers Association convention in Yakima l ast weekend.

The piece, "It Just Kept Going and Going," was awarded in the "Best News Story - Long" category at the conference. Matthee's story revealed all of the details on the biggest marijuana bust in Washington during 2011.

The grow operation dis- cussed in Matthee's story stretched for more than 600 yards along the Eckler Mountain area of the Umatilla National Forest. The eradication team discovered more than 25,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $25.7 million.

"It just kept going and go- ing and going," said Jeff Jen- kins, the Columbia County sheriff's deputy and narcot- ics specialist.

Matthee's story explored the recent background of cannabis cultivation and the networks of grunt workers being hired and dropped off to manage and maintain the plants as well as how the workers attempt to avoid detection.

Association judges for the 2012 conference were members of the New York Press Association. The judges left comments for submissions, noting why each piece was selected as a finalist.

"Thorough and dynamic story on a wide-ranging pot raid, certainly of great interest to the community," the judge's comments said. "Very well done."

Washington newspapers were awarded for adver- tisements, special sections, news stories, photography, web design and general excellence.

Awards are offered for creativity, design and even humor in different catego- ries. Awards also spotlight news, feature and sports writers of the year as well as a photo and advertisement of the year.

The Times staff dedicates time and energy every week to bringing the commu- nity news that matters. And while the occasional nod of approval or letter of rec- ognition is all we have ever needed in response from readers, this award helps reassure us that the work we are doing maintains journalistic integrity.

For one weekend every year since 1887, newspaper publishers and ambitious journalists have gathered from across the state to be honored for their work at these conferences.

For two days, Times staff- ers Matthee and Morgan Smith attended presentations and seminars to help them hone and improve their work.

Presentations covered many facets of publishing, from photography and writ- ing to online content and how to keep our advertisers and employees happy.

At the end of the day, the Times staff hopes to maintain high standards for our work while bringing the community accurate, timely news and keeping com- munity leaders honest and transparent.

The Washington Newspa- per Publishers Association conference allowed the staff to see how it can continue to improve and continue to be an asset to the readers and communities.