UPDATED: Lakeland Times, Wisconsin State Journal named 2025 Newspapers of the Year

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association honored the work of newspapers across the state during its 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet on Friday, March 6, 2026 at The Madison Concourse Hotel in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

The 2025 Newspapers of the Year were The Lakeland Times, Weekly Division, and (Madison) Wisconsin State Journal, Daily Division.

“It’s always nice to get recognition from your peers for the work you do.  I’m very proud of my staff, and I appreciate the hard work they put in everyday to keep our readers informed with accurate and meaningful information,” said Gregg Walker, publisher of The Lakeland Times. 

“Now more than ever, relaying accurate information is critical. Between the misinformation on social media, and the AI revolution, one thing is clear: integrity in newspaper journalism is paramount,” Walker added. “I encourage young journalists to physically get out in their communities. Talk to people. Take photos. Seek the truth, no matter how difficult it may seem. Don’t allow AI or social media to take away the basic principals of journalism: who, what, where, when and why. It’s just that simple.”

“The Wisconsin State Journal staff works hard every day to cover the community and give people the information they need to navigate their daily lives,” said Wisconsin State Journal Executive Editor Kelly Lecker. “I’m proud of them and honored to see them recognized for their efforts.”

“Thank you to all for your continued commitment to local journalism and to the Wisconsin Newspaper Association,” said WNA President Jeff Patterson. “We are grateful for your engagement and your belief in the essential role of a free, strong, and responsible press.”

“Local journalism plays a vital role in democracy, accountability, and community life,” said Scott Peterson, President of the WNA Foundation. “It is demanding work, but it is meaningful work.”

The 2025 contest received 2,493 entries from 103 newspapers. Eligible entries were published between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, and were judged by members of the Colorado Press Association.

Best in Division winners were:

  • Division E (non-daily circulation of 2,249 or less): Northwoods River News, Rhinelander
  • Division D (non-daily circulation of 2,250 – 4,499): The Star News, Medford
  • Division C (non-daily circulation of at least 4,500): The Lakeland Times, Minocqua
  • Division B (daily circulation of less than 9,999): Sheboygan Press, Sheboygan
  • Division A (daily circulation of at least 10,000): Wisconsin State Journal, Madison

This year’s WNA Convention concluded with an awards luncheon, but also included the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame induction ceremony, high school and collegiate journalism award presentations and insightful presentations and panel discussions regarding key areas of the newspaper industry. 

Copies of photos available

Copies of photos taken during the 2026 WNA Convention are available from Digital Content & Communications Editor Chris Mertes via email at chris.mertes@wnanews.com.

About the WNA Foundation

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created in 1980 to support programs that foster excellence in journalism, engage current and future newspaper leaders and invest in our communities. The foundation solicits, manages and distributes funds and other resources for the benefit of Wisconsin’s newspaper industry.

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