While attending the 2025 Better News Media Contest in Biloxi, Mississippi, The Clarke County Tribune walked away with 22 editorial awards Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Awards won were as follows:
First Place – Brittney Mangum for her planned series Honoring Vietnam Vets.
“Well written. A lot of work. Very interesting.” – judges.
First Place – Brittney Mangum for her sports feature story Dubose and Ratcliff are Mississippi Track Stars.
“A profile feature about two high school track stars and how competition made them better athletes. Well done.” – judges.
First Place – Belinda Allen for her feature photo Inside Bel Air.
“While the subject itself is still, the image doesn’t feel static. The framing is intentional and draws the viewer in, and the use of color adds a richness that makes the scene visually compelling.” – judges.
First Place – Belinda Allen for her personality portrait Bridgett Peters Cover.
“Nice clean shot.” – judges
First Place – Brittney Mangum for her magazine feature story Clippers and Community.
“What a fascinating story! I wish you used ‘said’ instead of all the other words – expressed, remembered, etc. I wish we had a client or two included in the story. It would have definitely added dimension to it.” – judges.
First Place – Brittney Mangum for her headline Different Engineers to Start Submitting a Dam Plan.
“This was the best of a competitive headline group. I kept laughing about Dam Plan in the headline and story. Great job!” – judges.
Second Place – Brittney Mangum for her lede in Different Engineers to Start Submitting a Dam Plan.
Second Place – Brittney Mangum for her magazine feature story Pickleball.
Second Place – Belinda Allen for her feature photo Nova.
Second Place – Brittney Mangum for her sports feature story Jaliel Cameron All Star Game.
Second Place -- Brittney Mangum for her feature story Pleasant Hill Celebrates 175 Years.
Second Place – Brittney Mangum for her sports news story QHS Girls Power Lifting Has Got the Power.
Second Place – The Clarke County Tribune in Advertising Excellence.
Third Place – Brittney Mangum for her sports news story Lady Bulldogs Win State Championship.
Third Place – Brittney Mangum for her planned series Lineman Spotlight.
Third Place – Brittney Mangum for her feature story County Mourns Loss of the Dancing Garbage Man.
Third Place – Belinda Allen for her photo series 1955 Bel Air.
Third Place – Belinda Allen for her personality portrait Bridgett Peters Cutting Hair.
Third Place – Belinda Allen for Graphic Designer of the Year.
Third Place – The Clarke County Tribune in General Excellence.
Honorable Mention – Belinda Allen for her photo series Ford Model A.
Honorable Mention – Belinda Allen and Brittney Mangum in special section for Clarke Magazine.
“We are your community hometown newspaper and will continue to serve Clarke County,” stated Publisher Belinda. “I am so thankful for the support the community the provides and for allowing us to tell your story. We couldn’t do what we do without you, so thank you! I also want the thank Brittney Mangum for her hard work composing award winning stories for our readers.”
Founded in 1866 and now in its 160th year, MPA is a trade association representing Mississippi newspaper media.
