Patrick Grego, editor-in-chief of the Herald, won awards for four of his stories — including two first-place honors — in the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest.
The NYPA presented the awards for 2025 at its spring convention on April 23 and 24 in Saratoga Springs. Members of the Michigan Press Association judged 2,732 entries from 150 publications across 67 categories, with 389 submissions receiving honors.
“These four awards are a fitting recognition of the dedication and talent Patrick brings week in, week out,” said Hank Hersch, president of the Herald’s board. “He not only runs the newsroom and manages our volunteers, but also keeps our community well-informed by writing and reporting at a consistently high level.”
“I’m honored by this recognition, but more than anything, I’m proud that these awards reflect the Herald’s mission to report seriously and carefully on the people, institutions, and issues that shape life across our rural service area of Pine Plains, Ancram, Gallatin, Milan, and Stanford,” Grego said. “Each of these stories grew out of listening closely to the community.”
Grego won first place for Health, Health Care and Science Story in Division 1 — for small-circulation newspapers — for an August 2025 article examining newly released data on Dutchess County’s supplemental ambulance service and continued gaps in rural emergency medical coverage.
“Important, impactful community reporting,” the judges wrote.
He also earned first place in Division 1 for Feature Story, Lifestyle, Human Interest or Personality Profile for a profile of Wendy Burton, who was stepping down in December after six years as Stanford’s town supervisor.
“During a time when politics so deeply divide at the upper levels of government, it is refreshing to read this profile of a beloved local elected official who listened to and worked for all constituents,” the judges wrote.
Grego received second place in Division 1 for Business, Financial and Economic News Story for an August 2025 story on the generational handoff reshaping Thompson Finch Farm, and third place in Division 1 for Feature Story, News, for a story about the decline and closure of Peck’s Market, Pine Plains’ only grocery store.
The Feature Story, News category drew 105 entries, making it the most competitive category in the contest.
“This one stuck with me,” the judges wrote. “Great voice.”