The 2025 Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence were announced Wednesday by KPA Executive Director Emily Bradbury. The Great Bend Tribune will bring home 25 awards, including seven first-place awards, from the 2025 KPA Convention and Awards Celebration which will be held June 5-6 in Salina.
When notified of the awards won by the Tribune staff, former Publisher Judy Duryee said, “I’m incredibly proud of the staff at the Great Bend Tribune. Their dedication, talent, and connection to the community continue to shine through, as evidenced by the consistent recognition they receive from the Kansas Press Association. From award-winning photography to in-depth sports, crime coverage, and thoughtful columns and editorials, our team truly understands what matters to our readers.”
Managing Editor Keith Lippoldt is also appreciative of the talent and experience of the staff.
“It’s really easy to come to the Tribune office every day knowing that I am working with an experienced, caring and dedicated staff,” he said. “My main duty is to stay out of their way and let them do what they do best.”
The awards are presented for news writing, sports pages, column writing, editorial writing, best ads, best ad series or campaign, best magazine, best use of photos, and special section. First-place awards included:
• Sports Pages - “Sports Sections,” by Jim Misunas
• Photo Illustration - “Warbirds,” by Judy Duryee
• Spot News - “Two Confirmed Dead - High Speed Chase,” by Dee Duryee
• Agricultural Story - “Overcoming Mental Health Stigma,” by Keith Lippoldt
• Best Furniture Ad - “Millers of Claflin President’s Day Sale,” by Tammy Mason and Karma Byers
• Best Hardware Ad - “JY Construction, three buildings,” - by Tammy Mason and Karma Byers
• Best Ad Series or Campaign - “Master Gardeners,” by Judy Duryee
Second-place winners included:
• Seniors Story - “Always and Forever,” by Susan Thacker
• Column Writing - “Three-Column Package,” by Keith Lippoldt
• Editorial Writing - Three-Editorial Package,” by Judy Duryee
• Best Environmental Story - “Cleanup Crews,” by Andrew Murphy
• Sports Photo - “A Long Time Coming,” by Hugo Gonzales
• Special Section - Editorial, “Slam Dunk,” by Tribune Staff
• Best Magazine - “Barton County Source,” by Tribune Staff
• Best Grocery Ad - B&B Quality Meats Beef Bundles,” by Doug Barrett
• Best Furniture Ad - Kustom Floor Let Us Make Your Dream a Reality,” By Doug Barrett
• Best Automotive Ad - “Marmies Road Ready Fall/Winter Special,” by Tammy Mason
• Best Entertainment Ad - “Air Show,” by Judy Duryee
Third-place winners included:
• Education Story - “Winner, Winner,” By Mike Gilmore
• Best Use of Photos - by Tribune Staff
• Special Section - Editorial - “Visit the Zoo,” by Tribune Staff
• Best Magazine - “20 Under 40 and Seniors Making a Difference,” by Tribune Staff
• Best Story Originating From a Public Notice - “Public Notices,” by Tribune Staff
• Best hardware Ad - “Eldridge Fencing New Grill For Christmas,” by Doug Barrett
• Best Agricultural Ad - “Gross Flying,” - by Doug Barrett
