Reporters from around the state were honored at the Eighth Annual Clarity in Reporting Awards presented February 22, 2005 by the Public Information Committee. Articles were submitted and judged in two categories; ongoing reporting and a single report. Any work published or broadcast during the 2004 calendar year was eligible for submission. The majority of the entrants were nominated by individuals within the Indianapolis Section who wanted to show their appreciation for the journalists work.

The Public Information Committee is proud to honor the reporters for their excellent coverage of water and environmental issues. The awards recognize excellence in environmental reporting relating to news, events and issues of water quality and contributing significantly to the public's understanding of such issues. Presentation of the awards was made at the Keynote Luncheon of the 97th Annual Meeting.

This year's recipients included:

Award of Distinction:
    Phil Wieland, The Northwest Times (Valparaiso)

Ongoing Reporting:
    Kevin Howell, Monticello Herald Journal
    Brendan O'Shaughnesy, The Northwest Times (Indianapolis)

Single Report:
    Terrence Bland, South Bend Tribune
    Nick Jaqua, Indianapolis NUVO
    Jeff Parrot, South Bend Tribune
    Tammy Webber, The Indianapolis Star

If you would like to see AWWA honor a journalist in your area for their thoughtful and objective reporting on water-related issues please do not wait until the end of the year to submit the article. The Public Information Committee is accepting entries for consideration in the 2006 Clarity in Reporting year-round. Send your submissions to Jerry Hill, Peerless-Midwest, Inc., 17110 Westfield Park Road, Suite 3, Westfield, IN 46074. The deadline for submission is January 13, 2006