Wright County Journal receives three Missouri awards

One week after receiving six national newspaper awards, the Wright County Journal wrapped up the industry’s award season this weekend by winning three state awards in the Missouri Press Association’s 160th Annual Missouri Press Convention & Trade Show held in Columbia.
Their top honor was a third place award for General Excellence in the Class 2 weekly newspaper division that features many newspapers with large staff sizes.
The Ste. Genevieve Herald earned the top spot this year and the Gasconade County Republican finished second.
“To have our publication earn a top three finish in Class 2 is an amazing honor as I believe Missouri newspapers in this class size are among the best in the entire country,” said Ron Schott, owner and publisher of the Wright County Journal. “For judges to pick our publication as the third best in this extremely competitive category is a little overwhelming. I’m just thankful God has allowed our publication to receive this distinction.”
Schott was also recognized with a third place award for Best News Photograph. His photo was taken in 2025 when the Missouri Vietnam Wall Run came through Mountain Grove. It featured a motorcycle rider displaying an American flag driving by flag-waving veterans standing outside American Legion Post  No. 30 in Mountain Grove.
Freelance reporter Sam MacPherson received a second place award for Best Business Story. He wrote an article on the Ozark Mountain Creamery celebrating their 15th anniversary.
A judge said, “Businesses like this keep small town alive.”
During the business meeting portion of the convention, Schott was approved to continue serving as an MPA Board of Director in 2027.