This photo by Valley Courier staff writer Jefferson Geiger, featuring Peter Martin from New Castle shaving at a mobile bathroom during the 23rd annual Bicycle Tour of Colorado rest stop in Alamosa in June 2017 was one of a group of photos winning first place in the best photo essay category for newspapers of similar circulation during the Colorado Press Association convention this past weekend in Colorado Springs. The judge commended Geiger on the variety of images from the event. Geiger also won first place in best photography portfolio, which featured numerous photos throughout the contest year.

Geiger also won second place for best news photograph of his photos during the solar eclipse event and second place in the best photo essay category for his photos of Centauri High School’s 2017 graduation.

Courier Editor Ruth Heide won second place in the best serious column category for Still Waters columns entitled “Protest with respect” and “Friendly fire casualties in the war on drugs.”