Arizona Daily Star reporter Stephanie Innes and photojournalist Mike Christy received top honors in this year’s statewide Better Newspapers Contest.

Innes was named Journalist of the Year and Christy was named Photographer of the Year in the Arizona Newspapers Association’s annual competition.

The Star also took first place in Best Use of Photography and Community Service/Journalistic Achievement.

This year’s winners, including Star reporters and photographers in several categories, were announced in Phoenix on Saturday.

Here is a complete list of the Star’s honors:

First place

Tim Steller, column writing (analysis or commentary).

A.E. Araiza, news photograph: “Trapped.”

Mike Christy, feature photo layout: “Divided by Law.”

Second place

Caitlin Schmidt and Joe Ferguson, investigative reporting: Tucson Police prostitution sting.

Yoohyun Jung, sustained coverage or series: Proposition 123.

Jon Gold, feature story: “Players meet again, 74 years after the big game”.

Kristen Cook, column writing (feature).

Perla Trevizo and Mike Christy, multimedia storytelling: “Divided by Law.”

Kelly Presnell, sports photograph: “Big Yell.”

Kelly Presnell, feature photograph: “Lightning strikes.”

Mamta Popat, feature photo layout: “El Tirabichi.”

Staff, special section.

Staff, web page.

Third place

Carol Ann Alaimo, investigative reporting: Problems at Brown-Mackie College.

Yoohyun Jung and Alexis Huicochea, sustained coverage: Arizona teacher shortage.

Jon Gold, sports story: “Marathon-running mom sidelined.”

Ron Medvescek, news photograph: “Firefighters get a break.”


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