Our Scott Hunter received the Miles Turnbull award for excellence in journalism.

Turnbull was the publisher of the Leavenworth paper and later executive director of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

He is deceased, but remembered for his dedication to the principles of journalism.

Miles traveled around the state visiting the various newspapers and was always asked for tips on how to run a newspaper more efficiently, especially a need in today’s marketplace.

The award is given periodically to an outstanding publisher who beats the odds in a shrinking newspaper market.

Scott was cited as a leader, both in the state newspaper field and here at home in the coulee.

He has held a number of state positions and has been head of the chamber of commerce here and also president of the Rotary Club, all the time while running The Star newspaper.

Few people really understand the role Scott plays in keeping up on local news and reporting it so residents here have an idea on what is going on. 

Currently, Scott is the lone report for The Star.

Newspapers have fallen on tough times in later years.  The community paper in Ephrata recently shut down.

Newspapers are supported by advertising revenues and circulation monies. Without good receipts from these sources it would be impossible to publish a newspaper.

It is a harsh reality that all small community papers face.  Once gone, they likely will never publish again.

It’s a reminder and a warning locally, use it or lose it.

Scott is a beacon for other journalists. He is fair, open to change, and a generous person to work with and for. He is well known here and respected by all who know him.

Scott came into the newspaper business by chance.

He took on a project while in high school. It always lingered in his mind, apparently, because he later  got back to writing.

When the sirens sound, when community groups meet, and when other things happen, you will find Scott Hunter there.

His influence and interest in his community is only one of the reasons Scott has been recognized for the Miles Turnbull award for excellence in journalism.