The Times News has garnered several awards through the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

The newsroom won several awards for work published in 2023.

Graphic artist Dave Rowe won honorable mention in feature page design for “Through a designer’s eye.”

Now-retired sports editor Emmett McCall won first place in sports feature for “Sebelin was a fast learner,” a story about Palmerton tennis player Justin Sebelin.

Patrick Matsinko earned honorable mention for “Tigers’ Yost captures PIAA gold,” about Northwestern Lehigh’s Faith Yost.

Donald R. Serfass won first place in lifestyle beat for the shaping of coal region life and honorable mention for the feature photo “Night Train.”

The Lehigh Valley Press also had a strong showing. Bethlehem Press Editor George Taylor of Tamaqua and his staff won 12 awards plus the specialty Reader Initiative.

Carrier of the Year

Times News newspaper carriers Debbie Zinck and Lois Pettit won first place and third place honors, respectively, in the PNA Foundation’s 2024 Newspaper Carrier of the Year contest.

The carriers received an award certificate and a cash award.

Zinck received $350 for first place. Pettit won $150 for third place.

Zinck, whose route includes Lehighton, had comments from several of her customers.

Sandy Miller of Lehighton said, “Debbie Zinck is a consistently good paper carrier. She arrives at the same time, on time every day. If I have a special request as to where to put the paper, etc. She texts me right back without delay.”

David Mohr of Lehighton described Zinck as the “best carrier I ever had! Consistently on time and very polite and friendly.”

Christine Campbell, director of Circulation & Community Outreach, said, “Debbie Zinck is another one of our carriers who leads by example. She is very friendly and personable although, like many, she has many difficulties in her life. She supports herself as a single person, but is always upbeat and positive.”

Pettit, a Slatington carrier, had comments from customer Elaine Ahner.

“Lois goes above and beyond for me. I have a walker so it is hard for me to get down to the box. Although I told her it is not necessary to do it, Lois drives up, gets out of her car and places my paper on my porch,” Ahner said. “She also delivers at the same time every day, so I know when it is there. Since I struggle with walking, knowing when my paper will be there prevents me from making multiple trips to the porch to check.”

Campbell said, “Lois Pettit leads by example. She is never afraid to take on more routes at the last minute for us. She is always courteous at the dock, and doesn’t think the dock is a place to stand around and socialize with the other drivers.

“She is a great communicator and lets us know about issues that arise immediately.”

Hall of Fame

Times News Publisher Emeritus Fred Masenheimer was one of 100 people inducted into the 2024 class of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Hall of Fame. The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have performed outstanding and distinguished service on behalf of the news media industry in the commonwealth. Hall of Famers have supported PNA, the PNA Foundation and/or MANSI Media, making a positive impact on the mission of these organizations through personal, professional and financial contributions.

The ceremony took place during the gala to mark the 100th anniversary of the organization.

Advertising

The Times News won the Sweepstakes award for Division IV in the PNA Foundation adverting contest with 10 awards.

The awards included: Small Space Ad, second place for Leiby’s Ice Cream House Restaurant, and Honorable Mention for the Lehighton Miller Charm Farm.

In the Ad Campaign or Series, first place for Lehighton Blocker Collision Center, second place for Picnic Woods Alpacas and honorable mention for the Lehighton American Legion ad.

In the multiple advertiser category, the Times News won first place for the Trick or Treat ad and second place for Women in Business.

In the publication category, the Times News won first place for the Times News 35th Annual Cookbook and second place for the Readers Choice edition.

In the self-promotion division, The Times News won first place for the “We Cover Your Community” campaign.