The Snoqualmie Valley Record was recognized Oct. 18 at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s 2025 Better Newspaper Contest awards banquet. This year’s contest was judged by the Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Press Association (MDDC Press). The Valley Record won the following awards.

• Crime and Courts Story: 2nd Place, Grace Gorenflo, “Teen’s attorneys give possible defense in Fall City shooting.” Judges’ comments: “A hard story to write with so many victims all with the same last name and differing accounts of what happened. Yet this reporter navigates these complexities adroitly.”

• Business News Story: 2nd Place, Grace Gorenflo, “Camlann Medieval Village looks to grow under new leadership.” Judges’ comments: “Beautifully written news story. It was compelling reading.”

• Health or Medical Story: 2nd Place, Grace Gorenflo, “How to navigate the bird flu in Snoqualmie Valley wilderness.” Judges’ comments: “The writer makes a timely and well-written appeal preparing area residents for what could be the next medical calamity. This report is well researched and offers timely and specific tips to its audience.”

• Business Feature Story: 3rd Place, Grace Gorenflo, “Small businesses brace for higher minimum wage.” Judges’ comments: “Good explanation of the economic impact the minimum wage requirement has on local business.”

• Multiple Advertiser ad: 3rd Place, William Shaw, “Wineries and Breweries in and around the Snoqualmie Valley.”