Rambler Texas Media journalists earn statewide honors in Texas Better Newspaper Contest

Dallas — Journalists and photographers with Rambler Texas Media earned multiple honors in the 2025 Texas Better Newspaper Contest, including a fourth-place Feature Writing award for the Lindale News. Awards were announced during the Texas Press Association Convention and Trade Show held at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, June 18-20.

The annual competition recognizes excellence in reporting, writing, photography and other aspects of community journalism among member publications of the Texas Press Association.

Rambler Texas Media publications received recognition across several categories, highlighting reporting, feature writing and photography from communities throughout Texas.

Lindale News earns feature writing honor

The Lindale News earned fourth place in Feature Writing, Division 9. The award required submission of two articles.

Arden Terry was honored for her story “Vietnam veteran surprised with home renovation,” written published Sept. 3. The article chronicled Vietnam veteran Frank Cranston’s emotional surprise when the nonprofit Vettes for Vets announced it would renovate his home at no cost.

Also included in the submission was “Athletes arm-wrestle for special kids,” created by Arden Terry and John Starkey and published Oct. 16. The story covered the 12th annual Pulling for Special Kids Arm-Wrestling Tournament in Lindale, which raised funds for the Smith County Special Olympics.

News writing recognized

The Rambler, which covers eight cities in Dallas County, received three honors.

In the News Writing category, Division 6, reporters Zach Freeman and Mark Zeske earned second place. 

Freeman was recognized for “Parents push back as school faces closure,” published Oct. 3. The article examined Coppell ISD’s consideration of closing Town Center Elementary as district leaders worked to address an $8.5 million budget deficit.

Zeske’s article, “Irving voters decide DART’s future in May,” published Nov. 14, was also part of the winning entry. The story was among Rambler Texas Media’s earliest reports on a proposed election that would have allowed Irving voters to determine whether the city should withdraw from Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The election was later canceled after city and DART officials reached an agreement.

Feature writing earns recognition

The work of journalist Arden Terry received second place in the Feature Writing category, Division 6. The award recognized two feature stories submitted to the contest.

One of the award-winning entries, “E-bike riders push legal limits,” published Oct. 10, explored the growing popularity of electric bicycles and scooters and the challenges they pose.

The second story, “Irving family survives flood: Man recounts harrowing escape from deadly Hill Country flood,” published July 11, detailed Tad Dupree’s account of how his family survived catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River near Hunt.

The article recounted how rapidly rising floodwaters engulfed the family’s home, forcing relatives to break through a loft wall and seek safety on the roof as the floodwaters surged around them.

Photography honored

Rambler also earned third place in News Photography, Division 6, for a portfolio of five photographs showcasing community events.

Zach Freeman was recognized for photographs accompanying the articles “Furry Fashion Takes Center Stage” and “Battle of the Bands Returns,” both published Oct. 18, as well as “Culture Shines at Fiestas Patrias,” published Sept. 26.

Photographer John Starkey earned recognition for his image published with “Red Bull Flugtag DFW Blends Stunts, Spectacle,” which appeared Sept. 19.

Maya Gayler was honored for her photograph accompanying “Carnival Supports Tri-City Animal Shelter,” published Nov. 22.

Other Rambler Texas Media publications honored

Recognition extended to other Rambler Texas Media publications.

The Ozona Stockman received second place in Feature Writing, Division 10. Journalists Carlie Ramos and Jim Fish each contributed stories to the winning entry.

Ramos’ article, “Lions’ Christian Villarreal leads record season,” published Nov. 13, highlighted Ozona High School senior running back Christian Villarreal’s standout final football season.

Fish’s story, “Discovering buffalo wallers near Eldorado,” published June 12, reflected on his childhood memories of learning about buffalo wallows, remnants of the massive bison herds that once roamed Texas, from his Uncle Frank.