SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joining hundreds of New York State newspapers in Saratoga Springs over the weekend, Editor Derek Kirk and Sports Editor Anthony Morgano represented the Sullivan County Democrat as the publication collected accolades in four different competitions in The New York Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

The two editors spent the weekend attending informative classes, receiving instruction on the most recent developments in local journalism — including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Awards won this past year included:

“Rookie” of the Year, second place — Alex Kielar, staff writer

Best Obituary, third place — Fred Stabbert III, Publisher

Classified Advertising, second place

Picture story - Division 2, second place

“I am honored to earn second place for “Rookie” Reporter of the Year,” Alex Kielar said. “Thank you to the judges and to my supportive co-workers and family for always pushing me to do my best in covering Sullivan County.”

“A huge thank you goes out to our loyal readers who support the many aspects of our publication,” Sports Editor Anthony Morgano said.

“Thank you and well done to everyone at the New York Press Association, competition judges, competitors and everyone involved in the conference and trade show this weekend,” Editor Derek Kirk said. “Local journalism is alive and well in New York and it shows, and we will strive to ensure that rings true in our own backyard.”