Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
Kyle Troutman and Geoffrey Woehlk were among the 12 recipients this year in the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors’ Golden Quill contest. The awards were presented July 12, at the ISWNE’s annual convention in Brookings, S.D.
Golden Quill entries reflect the purpose of ISWNE: Encouraging the writing of editorial or staff-written opinion pieces that identify local issues that are or should be of concern to the community, offer an opinion, and support a course of action.
Judge Dana Hess said of Geoffrey Woehlk’s editorial, Worth County shouldn’t change online property tax system: “This is a good airing of the need for accessible public records focusing on a local, searchable portal that lists property tax records. A fine case is made for keeping the portal open to the public, even though having tax records online makes some property owners uncomfortable. While taking to task the “Show-Me State” for its secretiveness with public information, the writer goes out of his way to applaud local officials who maintain the property tax portal.”
It was Woehlk’s third ISWNE award; he also won in 2022 and 2023. You can find the editorial in full here.
Also in the Golden Dozen was Kyle Troutman with his editorial, Part I: The new normal, about which Hess said: “This compelling column directs readers to educate themselves about the dangers youngsters face on the internet by watching a documentary offered by the local school district. Using troubling experiences from his own family, the publisher shows how something as seemingly innocuous as answering a wrong number can lead to harassment and abuse. This column is sure to open the eyes of any parent who doesn’t realize the dangers lurking in their child’s cell phone.”
Troutman also received his third ISWNE award; he also won in 2022 and 2024. His editorial is available here.
Find more information about ISWNE's 2026 Golden Quill editorial contest here.
