Yellowknife (May 11/05) - "A fun read" was how an Arizona newspaper editor described Yellowknifer, which finished second overall at recent Alberta newspaper awards.

It was one of three Northern News Services publications to do well in the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association General Excellence Awards.

Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson, and Inuvik Drum were named best overall newspapers in their classes.

Yellowknifer also finished third in the best sports page competition.

"I love all the photos and the mix of news, business, community and sports coverage," wrote John Conway, managing editor of the Ahwatukee Foothills News of Phoenix, Arizona.

"The reporters take the time to explain complicated issues and approach an issue from more than one viewpoint."

Deh Cho Drum also won second place for best front page. The judge was Don Sorchych, publisher of the Sonoran News, a weekly newspaper near Phoenix. "Good cultural coverage. Excellent photography. Good use of colour," wrote Sorchych.

In addition to winning the overall general excellence competition, Inuvik Drum also won the award for best front page. "Editor is not afraid of creative layouts on photo pages," wrote the judges.