The Homer News and Peninsula Clarion took home 10 statewide awards from the annual Alaska Press Club conference, held in Anchorage from April 10-12. Four of the awards were first-place wins.
Homer News general assignment reporter, Delcenia Cosman, won first place in best arts reporting for her story “Homer Theatre under new ownership,” first place best arts and culture criticism for “Off the Shelf: Nutcracker novel sets a darker stage,” second place in best sports or outdoors column for “Out of the Office,” and third place in best reporting on government or politics for her story “Libraries face uncertainty in wake of funding cuts.”
Nick Varney also received a first-place win for best sports or outdoors column for his “Reeling ‘Em In,” fishing column.
The Peninsula Clarion’s Jake Dye won first place in best short feature for his piece “Moose Pass rallies behind free spay and neuter clinic.” He also earned a second-place win for his photograph, “Evolve or die,” and a third-place win in best arts reporting for “Seward in ‘Wonderland.”
Former Peninsula Clarion reporter Ashlyn O’Hara placed third in best profiles with her piece “In Juneau, making laws is a group effort.”
Clarion Sports Editor Jeff Helminiak placed second in the best sports reporting category for his story, “Brantley Jr. runs record to 160-9 to take over top of Alaska football wins list.”
The 2025 Alaska Press Club awards honored statewide news contributions from 2024. Judges were comprised of both former and current journalists, editors and writers from across the state.
A full list of awards given by the Alaska Press Club for work produced in 2024 will be available online at alaskapressclub.com.
Reach reporter Chloe Pleznac at chloe.pleznac@homernews.com.
