The Austin Daily Herald's Profiles 2011 won the award for best special section at the Minnesota Newspaper Association banquet last week. Look for the publication, now called Progress, on Sunday, Feb. 26.

The Austin Daily Herald claimed first place at the annual Minnesota Newspapers Association banquet last week for special sections.

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The Herald’s 2011 Profiles claimed the top award for special sections among all daily newspapers in Minnesota, meaning it was up against special sections from newspapers three, four or five times the size of the Herald.

“This is a truly outstanding special section — well-designed, well-written — a true joy to read,” a judge wrote. “This staff should be extremely proud of producing such a wonderful publication.”

Look for this award-winning publication, now called Progress 2012, publishing Sunday, Feb. 26.

The trade association hands out awards for first and second places in each category in its Better Newspaper Contest.

Southern Minnesota magazine, which is published by the Herald, also took home the award for Best Advertisement.

The ad, produced by Stacey Bahr, was for the 2011 Venus edition of Southern Minnesota magazine. The judges wrote, “Clean, visually stunning ad. Great play on a movie poster.”