Farmington Daily Times wins journalism awards for best website, breaking news coverage

ALBUQUERQUE ― The New Mexico Press Association recognized the best of New Mexico's newspaper writing, photography and advertising at the Better Newspaper Contest banquet on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The Farmington Daily Times won one first place award and two second place awards.

Reporter Mike Easterling and News Director Jessica Onsurez received first place in Daily Class I breaking news-digital category for their coverage of the shooting death of Robert Dotson by Farmington Police officers.

Of the reporting judge's wrote: "Important pieces on police accountability."

More:NMSP investigate shooting by Farmington Police. Here's what we know

The two also received second place in the same category for coverage of the mass shooting that left three people dead and injured an officer.

More:Timeline of a tragedy: A minute-by-minute account of Farmington, New Mexico mass shooting

The Farmington Daily Times was also awarded second place in Daily Class I for best website. The Santa Fe New Mexican received first place in that category.

A newspaper from each division is awarded for General Excellence, the top award. This year's winners are: Albuquerque Journal, Daily Class I; Roswell Daily Record, Daily Class II; The Deming Headlight, Weekly Class II; Taos News, Weekly Class I.

The contest was judged by the Arizona Press Association.

The awards were handed out at the NMPA 114th Annual Convention held in Albuquerque.