Western Wheel scoops four awards in Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association’s 2024 Better Newspapers Competition.

The Western Wheel picked up several awards last week at the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association’s 2024 Better Newspapers Competition.

In the General Excellence competition, the Wheel received second place in Best Overall newspaper in the 10,000 and over circulation category. The Lloydminster Meridian Source was first and the St. Albert Gazette was third.

The Wheel was also recognized with a first place award for Best Sports Page/Section, which is entirely produced by assistant editor Remy Greer, and third place for Best Editorial Page.

Wheel editor Ted Murphy won first place for Best Feature Column for his piece on how his late mother enjoyed birthday visits from an Elvis tribute artist.

The judge had this to say about Murphy’s column: “Ted Murphy’s writing is as smooth as Elvis’s singing as he recounts how much his late mother loved it when the King would come and perform for her birthday. Many who write columns about lost loved ones look back with sadness and regret, but Murphy’s piece radiates with joy from the lede to the kicker. This column serves as a beautiful reminder that even during dark times, there are still things to smile about.”