For the Manitou Messenger the past year has been an exciting one. The weekly newspaper of St. Olaf College has accomplished a variety of feats to bring the publication up to the 21st century. In addition to creating an online version and adding color to the front page, the Messenger has received statewide recognition. Just last month, the Messenger won three awards from the Minnesota Newspaper Associations' (MNA) Better Newspaper Contest.

In the category of general excellence, the Messenger won first place. The newspaper also received second place in the typography and design category. In addition to these awards, Design and Layout Editor Greta Norlander won second place for best photographer's portfolio.

The Messenger last received an award nearly a decade ago. From 1985 to 1992 the newspaper won six awards in the Associated Collegiate Press general excellence category.

The MNA judges, composed of newspaper professionals from around the country, commented that the Messenger "is a newspaper with a wide variety of topicsŠ well written and well done." The judges were impressed with the appearance and layout of the newspaper and appreciated the directory of topics on the front page.

The St. Cloud State University Chronicle won the award for general excellence in 1999.

The awards were presented at the MNA's annual convention held January 23-27 at the Radisson South Hotel in Bloomington, Minn. The MNA is a 133-year-old trade group that represents 370 weekly and daily newspapers statewide.