The Cortez Journal received a total of eight awards in the Society of Professional Journalists’ annual "Best of Colorado" competition for the year 2000.

The Journal received two first-place awards. Staff writer Janelle Holden took top honors in the science/environmental reporting category for a story about the Environmental Protection Agency issuing a notice of violation to Dolores juice company Mountain Sun. Judges cited the story’s "enormous impact on people" and "its clear, concise, tight writing."

Photographer Bob Fitzgerald took first in feature photography for a shot of the red flames of the Pony Fire at night over Mesa Verde. "A clear winner," the judges said.

Other award-winners were:

• Second place — Jim Mimiaga, science/environmental reporting, for a story about approval of a loan for a Dolores Water Conservancy District Project; Gail Binkly, science-environmental features, for an article on the controversy over Canyonlands’ Salt Creek road; Wendy Mimiaga, feature photography, for a photo entitled "Colorful display" showing an Indian dancer in full regalia; Wendy Mimiaga, news photography, for a shot of two Mesa Verde park officials comforting each other during last summer’s fires.

• Third place — Suzy Meyer, editorial-writing; Bob Fitzgerald, feature photography, "Late lambs."