Master Editor-Publisher
The Iowa Newspaper Association annually honors deserving individuals with two prestigious awards: the Master Editor-Publisher award and the Distinguished Service Award. Both awards are presented to recipients during the association’s annual convention in February.
Recipients were announced February 5 at the 2026 INA Awards Ceremony.
Each year’s honorees are selected by past recipients of the awards.
Master Editor-Publisher honorees are chosen based on the following criteria:
The nominee has worked hard, thought soundly, influenced unselfishly, and lived honorably.
This award may be given to any person who at the time of the selection is actively engaged in editing and/or publishing a newspaper which is a member in good standing of the Iowa Newspaper Association.
2026 Recipients
Janine Kock
Westside Observer & Manilla Times
Janine Kock is an exceptional individual who has dedicated her life to community journalism, education, and service.
She began her journalism journey in high school, co-editing the school newspaper and yearbook. Her
passion for storytelling and community connection deepened in college, where she served as editor of the campus newspaper.
After several years in education, Kock transitioned into the newspaper industry, purchasing two publications that—under her leadership—have become trusted sources of local news, fostering pride and unity within their communities. Her commitment to accuracy, thoughtful editorials, and engaging features has earned her more than 100 awards from the Iowa Newspaper Association.
She has championed education initiatives that celebrate and support students and alumni, and her mentorship has inspired countless young journalists to embrace the power of storytelling.
A pillar of faith and service, she has given her time and leadership to her church, local nonprofits, and youth programs—reflecting her deep commitment to the growth and well-being of her community.
Tonight, we honor her for a lifetime of dedication, integrity, and impact. Kock’s work has touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Jeff Grant
Sheldon Northwest Iowa Review
Jeff Grant understands that much of what makes a newspaper great doesn’t appear on the front page—or anywhere in print or online. It happens in the hours of careful, meticulous supervision at the editor’s desk. It happens when they encourage a reporter to make one more phone call, double-check their facts, and ensure every story is true and fair to the people it’s about.
Under his leadership, dozens of young reporters have sharpened their reporting, interviewing, and writing skills. Many have gone on to careers at newspapers across the state and beyond, often crediting the lessons learned under his guidance.
As the Iowa Supreme Court’s designated coordinator, Grant helps ensure journalists can continue to use cameras, audio recorders, and computers in court proceedings to inform their readers and viewers. The role requires organization, tact, and the ability to work closely with journalists, attorneys, and judges—helping each understand the vital role of a free press in Iowa’s courts.
Grant has been dedicated to his profession since day one—literally. He skipped his own college commencement ceremony to cover the state high school track meet for his new employer. That’s commitment. He also showed his deep belief in community newspapers when he proposed to his girlfriend with a full-page ad in the paper—and followed it up the next week with another full-page ad announcing, “She said yes.”
Grant leads by example, with an incredible work ethic and high expectations for himself and his newsroom. His low-key, ever-professional style has earned him wide respect. Throughout his career, he has served both the newspaper industry and the people of northwest Iowa with dedication, integrity, and excellence.
MEP RECIPIENTS
2026
Janine Kock, Westside Observer & Manilla Times
Jeff Grant, Sheldon N’West Iowa REVIEW
2025
Amy Gilligan, Dubuque Telegraph Herald
Anelia Dimitrova, Waverly Newspapers
2024
Randy Cauthron, Spencer Daily Reporter
Kent Thompson, Huboldt Independent
Carol Hunter, Des Moines Register
2023
Terry Christensen, Fort Dodge Messenger
Bruce Miller, Sioux City Journal
Karen Spurgeon, Bloomfield Democrat
Jeff Wagner, Sheldon N’West Iowa REVIEW
2022
Brad Swenson, Missouri Valley
Kristin Grabinoski, Armstrong
Zack Kucharski, Cedar Rapids
William E. Littler III & Connie Littler, Adair
2019
Marlys Barker, Nevada
Mark Spensley, Monticello
Mike Hodges, Wapello
2018
Paula Buenger, Spencer
Douglas Burns, Carroll
Dodie Hook, Akron
2017
LeAnn Larson, West Union
Ron Slechta, Kalona
Stuart Clark, Tipton
2016
Steve Delaney, Burlington
Charles “Scott” Campbell, Eldridge
2015
Charles Nixon, Coon Rapids
James Gargano, Humboldt
2014
Bill Haglund, Adel
Mark Rhoades, Missouri Valley
2013
Luann Waldo, Bayard
Jerry Wiseman, Sac City
Dave Stanley, New Hampton
2012
John Goossen, Iowa Falls
Gene Hall, Charles City
Doug Lindner, Solon
Mary Ungs-Sogaard, Dyersville
2011
Mike Finnegan, Clear Lake
Jane Podgorniak, Northwood
Mike Schlesinger, Marshalltown
2010
Amy Duncan, Indianola
Ron Peterson, Sioux City
Peter W. Wagner, Sheldon
2009
Lowell Carlson, Bellevue
Ken Chaney, Sigourney
Brian Cooper, Dubuque
Dennis Wilcox, Madrid
2008
Martin Bunge, Marengo
Gary Milks, Fort Madison
Howard Query, Mason City
2007
Rick Fromm, Decorah
Larry Bushman, Fort Dodge
2006
Art & John Cullen, Storm Lake
Connie Wimer, Des Moines
Dan DeBettignies, Montezuma
2005
Brad Hicks, Hampton
Bill Casey, Iowa City
David Allen, Lamoni
2004
Larry Woellert, Anamosa/Manchester
Mark Bowden, Cedar Rapids
Gary Lindsey, Leon
2003
David Paxton, Albia
Mike Simmons, Marengo
Dana Larsen, Storm Lake
2002
Dirk and Lee van der Linden, Belmond
Mary Rueter, DeWitt
Tom Yunt, Dubuque
2001
Bill Mertens, Burlington
Scott Gonzales, Guthrie Center
Roger Rector, Ida Grove
2000
Alan Mores, Harlan
Doris Vezina, Hartley
Bob Goodyear, Monticello
1999
Dorothy Pinder, Grinnell
H. Alan Smith, Mt. Ayr
Joe McDermott, Newton
Merle Kent Shawd, Woodward
1998
Michael Gartner, Ames
Jo Martin, Iowa Falls
Edward “Mike” Lyon, Mapleton
1997
Arvid Huisman, Creston
Dan Feuling, New Hampton
Darwin Sherman, Washington
1996
Donna Haight, Afton
Dan Field, Corning
Joe Roth, Hampton
1995
Ed Littler, Adair
Gary Gerlach, Ames
Bill Tubbs, Eldridge
Ed Rood, Slater
1994
Jim Wilson, Carroll
Ann Wilson, Carroll
Mark Hamilton, Iowa Falls
Dean Krenz, Sioux City
1993
Virgil Oakman, Lake View
Don Magdefrau, Benton Co.
Carolyn Cole Gage, Villisca
1992
Drake Mabry, Ames
Jim Lindvall, Griswold
Jerry Blue, West Union
1991
John Robertson, Cedar Rapids
Lloyd & Alice Madson, Northwood
Ed & Billie Robinson, Hartley
Jim Hodges, Wapello
1990
Burl Tiedemann, Adel
Mary Louise Robinson, Bayard
James Patton, Gowrie
Paul Bunge, Osage
1989
Gary Spurgeon, Bloomfield
Steve Mores, Harlan
Harris Honsey, Lake Mills
1988
Joe Hladky III, Cedar Rapids
Dave Norris, Marshalltown
Gary & Sharon Alban, Ogden
Ben & Lucy Colby, Rock Rapids
1987
Rick Morain, Jefferson
Jerry Bloom, Logan
Len Strasburg, Manchester
1986
John (Andy) Anderson, Spencer
Shirley Omer, Primghar
Forrest Kilmer, Davenport
Herbert Clark, Tipton
1985
Al Schafer, Eldora
Richard Gross, Council Bluffs
Carl Cassidy, Lime Springs
1984
Verle Burgason, Ames
John Field, Hamburg
Maury Noonan, Dyersville
John Sullivan, Cascade
1983
Charles Gonzales, Guthrie Center
Stuart Awbrey, Burlington
W. R. Vezina, Hartley
M. E. Messersmith, Riceville
1982
C. W. Wilcox, Madrid
W. E. Beck, Spirit Lake
Walter Stevens, Fort Dodge
1981
Ed Sidey, Greenfield
Robert Lyon, Schleswig
Frank Morlan, Sheldon
1980
Hugh Doty, Corydon
Gerald G. Moriarity, Mason City
Robert Parrott, DeWitt
Bruce A. Turvold, Cresco
1979
Dave Elder, Washington
Dick Knowles, Denison
Russ Waller, Algona
1978
Thomas H. Miller, Cherokee
Robert L. Caswell, Red Oak
John L. Morrissey, Montezuma
1977
Robert & Evelyn Reiste, Ocheyedan
John Anderson, Storm Lake
Frank Nye, Cedar Rapids
1976
Everett A. Streit, Clinton
Kenneth A. Robinson, Bayard
William Ferguson, Glidden
1975
Albert Pinder, Grinnell
John van der Linden, Sibley
Carter Pitts, LeMars
1974
Robert J. McCoy, Waterloo
William L. Lindsey, Leon
Prof. James Schwartz, I.S.U.
H. M. “Johnny” Jones, Monticello
1973
Benjamin F. Carter, Jr., Forest City
G. Wiley Beveridge, Williamsburg
Charles Davis, Iowa Falls
1972
Fred Grawe, Waverly
Robert Larson, Albia
E. J. Van Nostrand, Creston
1971
W. J. Carmichael, Webster City
John Baldridge, Charition
Wayne & Jeanne Davis, Seymour
1970
Joe F. Hladky, Jr., Cedar Rapids
Keith Hawk, Knoxville
Robert Melvold, Maquoketa
1969
Dwight Purcell, Hampton
F. A. Wortman, Malvern
A. M. Patterson, Mount Pleasant
1968
Reeves Hall, Independence
Deemer Lee, Estherville
John Feuling, New Hampton
1967
Hollis Nordyke, Ames
Neil Maurer, Laurens
Lew Kimer, Indianola
1966
Mrs. Harold Garvey, Boone
Dale Merrill, Ida Grove
Dick Westerfield, West Union
1965
Ken MacDonald, Des Moines
Phil Jarnagin, Storm Lake
Tom B. Powell, Jr., Anamosa
1964
Phil Adler, Davenport
Fred Morain, Jefferson
Leo Mores, Harlan
1963
M. B. Crabbe, Eagle Grove
Robert K. Beck, Centerville
Elmer E. Taylor, Traer
1962
Lew Warren, Oelwein
Karl Le Compte, Corydon
Carl Hogendorn, North English
1961
A.K. Walling, Oskaloosa
Carl Hamilton, Iowa Falls
Gordon Aasgaard, Lake Mills
1960
F.D. Simpson, Atlantic
Robert Burrows, Sr., Belle Plaine
Lloyd McCutcheon, Sibley
1959
Walter Merryman, Fort Dodge
John Burrows, Belle Plaine
J.C. Moore, Winterset
1958
Walter Williams, Fairfield
Charles Hacke, Sac City
George Carman, Buffalo Center
1957
C.W. Moody, Burlington
A.W. Hamblin, Bedford
Carl E. Sexauer, Ogden
1956
Harold V. Ellis, Marengo
Paul Norris, Marshalltown
Harry E. Taylor, Traer
1955
L. B. Watt, Grinnell
Lloyd O. Brewer, Newton
K. H. Sidey, Greenfield
1954
W. D. Archie, Shenandoah
Carl Caswell, Clarinda
Wm. Allender, Chariton
1953
Lee P. Loomis, Mason City
A. L. Frisbie, Grinnell
John Vanderwicken, Grundy Center
Don Reid, West Des Moines
1952
G.E. Whitehead, Perry
Will F. Lindsey, Leon
B.H. Shearer, Columbus Junction
1951
James Wilson, Carroll
Duane E. Dewel, Algona
David Sutherland, Sr., Montezuma
1950
John Huston, Ottumwa
Willis Overholser, Sibley
S.E. Tennant, Colfax
1949
Claude Campbell, Jewell
Ralph Shannon, Washington
Paul C. Smith, Rock Rapids
1948
James C. Gillespie, LeMars
Phil Hoffman, Oskaloosa
C.S. Walling, Oskaloosa
1947
Chas. A. Doxsee, Monticello
Hoge Howard Sadler, Pella
Justin Barry, Cherokee
1946
Paul A. Olson, Story City
John W. Haggard, Algona
W. Earl Hall, Mason City
1945
Fred W. Hill, Hamburg
Jas. McCutcheon, Mt. Vernon
Wm. S. Rupe, Ames
1944
F.W. Beckman, Knoxville
Stephen Goldthwaite, Boone
Ralph Overholser, Red Oak
1943
Don L. Berry, Indianola
Sherman W. Needham, Ames
Geo. C. Tucker, Webster City
1942
J.L. Papes, Marion
Leon S. Barnes, Northwood
1941
Chas. N. Marvin, Shenandoah
Frank Jaqua, Humboldt
E.P. Harrison, Oakland
1940
W.C. Dewel, Algona
Chas. Rogers, Mt. Pleasant
Paul C. Woods, Sheldon
1939
Jesse M. Beck, Centerville
John M. Grimes, Osceola
Scott Snyder, Adel
1938
Ward Barnes, Eagle Grove
Orville Elder, Washington
J.G. Lucas, Madrid
1937
Thomas W. Purcell, Hampton
E.P. Chase, Atlantic
Victor Lovejoy, Jefferson
1936
James R. Rhodes, Newton
K.F. Baldridge, Bloomfield
1935
John c. Hartman, Waterloo
M.A. Aasgaard, Lake Mills
1934
W. C. Jarnagin, Storm Lake
Wm. P. Moscrip, Marshalltown
Grant Caswell, Des Moines
Wm. P. Wortman, Malvern
1933
Ed M. Smith, Winterset
E.P. Adler, Davenport
W.G. Ray, Grinnell
1932
Joseph F. Grawe, Waverly
Harvey Ingham, Des Moines
Elmer E. Taylor, Traer