InkBlots

Independent paper Aspen Daily News (motto: “If you don’t want it printed, don’t let it happen.”) sent a reporter to Pearlington, MS to see how the region is faring nine months after Hurricane Katrina.

Writes Andre Salvail: “The common complaint of everyone I interview is that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has virtually pulled out of Pearlington — save for picking up the center’s monthly electric bill. Not only did FEMA officials leave, they took a lot of important stuff with them, such as a portable building that contained several shower stalls. The community does not have a municipal water system. When FEMA took its showers out, the center marshaled its forces and installed a new shower building for about $30,000.”

Several Mississippi newspapers were lauded recently in Biloxi during the annual Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Managing Editors Association Awards. The winners include:

The Mississippi Press in Pascagoula was honored with first place awards for commentary column and lifestyles coverage.

The Sun Herald was lauded for design and spot news reporting.

The Clarion-Ledger took first for business coverage of the beef plant debacle and Rick Cleveland’s sports commentary.

The Greenwood Commonwealth placed first for interpretive coverage of the Emmett Till case and for graphics and headlines.

A veteran Toledo, OH, reporter got the axe last week for anonymously penning a letter critical of the paper’s Pulitzer Prize entry. The Toledo Blade called the actions of George Tanber “dishonest” in a story explaining the paper’s decision to give the 14-year employee the boot.

From the features desk at the Glasgow (KY) Daily Times comes this great community calendar snafu:

The annual Tracy Cemetery fundraiser will begin at 5 p.m. at Tracy United Methodist Church. Remnant and For God So Loved will provide special music. Hot dogs, hamburgers and drunks will be available, along with a cakewalk.