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Shaw Local News Wins Big at Illinois Press Awards

East Peoria, Illinois, USA,Saturday, June 6, 2026

A recent ceremony in East Peoria honored reporters from Shaw Local newspapers with a total of 45 trophies spanning multiple categories:

  • General Excellence
  • Photography
  • Writing
  • Design

These accolades showcase the dedication and hard work of journalists across Illinois.

Top Performers

Publication First‑Place Wins
Kendall County Record 3
Daily Chronicle 2
Bureau County Republican 2
  • Daily Chronicle finished second in overall excellence.
  • Bureau County Republican secured fourth place for a prestigious sweepstakes trophy.

Special Advertising Recognitions

Publication Award
Ottawa Times Best Niche Publication
Kane County Chronicle Best Community Focus Special Section

Highlighted First‑Place Stories

  • Payton FelixFreedom of Information story (Daily Chronicle)
  • Joey Weslo – News series (Kendall County Record)
  • Mark Busch – Spot‑news photo (Ottawa Times)

Additional certificates were awarded for outstanding work in editorial, investigative, and feature writing.

Event Overview

The gathering attracted editors, reporters, designers, and advertisers from across Illinois, fostering networking and professional growth. These awards underscore the commitment of Shaw Local staff to delivering meaningful journalism within their communities.

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