Mesquite Local News took home two second-place awards and two thirds at the Nevada Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, which were announced Saturday at the NPA’s annual convention held in Ely.

Barbara Ellestad took a second place in the combined Intermediate and Community Division for local columnist. The judge said, “Barbara touches on the personal and political in her opinion writing. She is equally adept at telling a heartwarming tale of community or taking local politicians to task.”

Ellestad also had a second place award in Breaking News Reporting – Print in the Community Division for an article titled “Restraining order denied, Hospital OB unit closes.”

Linda Faas took a third in the combined Intermediate and Community Entertainment Writing category for a series of stories. The judge said, “Good local reporting on local events.”

Mesquite Local News also took a third place for the Editorial Page in the combined Intermediate and Community category. The judge said, “If I were a bad guy, I wouldn’t want Barbara Ellestad writing about me. She’s an important voice in Mesquite. She understands the issues and isn’t afraid to call people out, but with fairness and professionalism. Every community needs a Barbara Ellestad.

As part of the convention, three people were inducted into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of the Fame: Vail Pitman, a former Nevada governor and owner of The Ely Daily Times, was honored post-humorously.

Also inducted were Holly Rudy-James, former general manager of Winnemucca Publishing and two-time president of the Nevada Press Association, and C.J. Hadley, publisher of Range Magazine and former editor of Nevada Magazine.