By The Arkadelphian

The Arkadelphian was selected as a winner in features writing for online-only news publications by the Society of Professional Journalists — Arkansas Pro Chapter.

Publisher and editor Joel Phelps won first place for a feature titled ‘At 96, Charlie Payne brings the hurt on the golf course.’ The regional competition recognized journalism excellence among professionals and students from Arkansas and six bordering states.

This year’s competition for work published or broadcast in 2021 drew 379 entries in more than 80 categories, including Diamond Journalist of the Year and Outstanding New Journalist, the Robert S. McCord FOI Award, the Charlotte Tillar Schexnayder Public Service Award, and the Garrick Feldman Community Journalism Award.

Judges were members of the SPJ chapters in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Arkansas SPJ presented the winners at an awards ceremony on Thursday, June 30, at Diamond Bear Brewing in North Little Rock.