VALE – The Malheur Enterprise was cited for “pure journalistic excellence” when a report on Anthony Montwheeler was named the state’s “Best Story of the Year” by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.
The investigative report – “Deadly Decisions” – revealed Montwheeler’s history as a man treated for 20 years as criminally insane but released by state officials after he asserted he had been faking his mental illness. Montwheeler was subsequently charged with the murders of Annita Harmon and David Bates and assault of Jessica Bates in January 2017.
The state award “recognizes one story as the most outstanding," according to judging criteria. The Oregonian was second in competition open to all Oregon newspapers and the Klamath Falls Herald and News was third.
The Enterprise picked up 20 awards in various journalism categories for work published in 2017.
“Our entire team . . .
