Mercer Island Reporter staff took home two awards at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s annual event on Oct. 15.

Staff writer Katie Metzger won second place in Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue or Series for her article, “Mercer Island citizens petition to protect parkland.”

“Fantastic chronicling of a debate that struck a chord in the community,” wrote one judge of Metzger’s reportage. “It’s fair and balanced, giving both sides a chance to explain themselves.”

Sports writer Joe Livarchik won a third-place award in Best Sports News Story for his article, “State Champs: Islanders overcome controversial call to win first state championships.”

All in all, Sound Publishing publications brought home over 320 awards, with 118 of those being first place.