The South Dakota Newspaper Association is accepting nominees for the 2012 SDNA Eagle Award.
Established in 2002, this award is given to recognize an individual, group or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts to protect and enhance openness in government.
“This award champions those who truly believe in open government,” said Maricarrol Kueter, chair of the SDNA First Amendment Committee and executive editor, Argus Leader Media, Sioux Falls. “We’ve honored judges, county commissioners, state officials and private citizens over the years. What they share is a belief that the activities of government at all levels should be open to the public.”
The free flow of information between government and the people, commonly referred to as “the people’s right to know,” is central to the principle of democracy and includes access to government proceedings and records.
The first SDNA Eagle Award was given to the 2001 South Dakota Supreme Court for its efforts helping open the Supreme Court to media cameras starting in August 2001.
Recipients of SDNA Eagle Award also include Mitchell School Board member Rodney Hall (2003), South Dakota States Attorney Larry Long (2004), Yankton County Commissioner Brian Hunhoff (2005), Codington County State’s Attorney Vince Foley (2006), state Sen. Jason Gant and the staff of the South Dakota State University Collegian (2007), state Sen. Nancy Turbak Berry (2008), state Sen. Dave Knudson (2009) and Sioux Falls resident Gordon Heber (2010).
Any individual, group or organization who had demonstrated commitment to the ideals of open government in South Dakota is eligible to be nominated.
Nominations for the 2012 SDNA Eagle Award should be submitted in writing and sent to: SDNA Eagle Award, South Dakota Newspaper Association, 1125 32nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2012. Contact SDNA General Manager David Bordewyk for more information.
The award will be presented during the 130th annual SDNA convention April 27-28 at Cedar Shore Resort, Oacoma.
