Local journalism recognized: Rockton-Roscoe News brings home state press awards
Your local news outlet took home four awards for coverage of Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit.
Rockton-Roscoe News was among the honorees at the 2024 Illinois Press Association Editorial Awards, held during this year’s “Best of the Press” Convention on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino in East Peoria. The annual event celebrates outstanding journalism from across the state, with awards presented in 39 editorial categories.
Founder and editor Michael McGinnis received first place in the News Reporting Series category for his coverage of a fatal police shooting in South Beloit. He also earned second place in Best Investigative/Enterprise Reporting for his in-depth writing of the Chemtool disaster.
Associate Editor Alycia Dioneda Schneedle took second place in the News Reporting – Single Story category for her article, Book fair controversy at Prairie Hill sparks community debate over book selection.
Senior Correspondent Jean Seegers was awarded third place in the Feature Writing – Personality Profile category for her piece, Family tragedy leads to fulfilling career.
The 2024 contest drew nearly 1,700 entries from almost 85 daily and nondaily newspapers competing in 39 editorial categories. Submissions were judged by the Georgia Press Association and included work published between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
Rockton-Roscoe News competed in Division A, which includes nondaily newspapers. The Illinois Press Association represents more than 450 daily and weekly newspapers statewide and is the largest state newspaper association in the country.
The annual convention draws hundreds of newspaper professionals from across Illinois for networking, professional development, and access to new tools and resources shared by industry exhibitors. Publishers, editors, reporters, advertising directors, sales representatives, photographers, and designers all come together to exchange ideas and celebrate excellence in journalism.
Before the celebration dinner, first-place and sweepstakes winners were invited to a photo session. Attendees also received swag and copies of the official Best of the Press booklet, listing all statewide winners. The evening closed with dinner and cocktails, allowing attendees the chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the year’s work together.
The Illinois Press Association, which represents more than 450 newspapers across the state, plays an important role in supporting local journalism. For smaller, community-focused newsrooms like ours, the association offers tools, recognition, and advocacy that help us continue telling the stories that matter here at home.
See the full list of winners: www.illinoispress.org.
