Joanna Miller, a staff writer for the Prior Lake
American, was named the Southwest Newspapers Journalist of theJoanna
Miller
Year on Jan. 11.

The award recognizes outstanding contributions by the
nearly two dozen reporters and editors employed by Southwest
Newspapers.

Miller was cited for her contributions to the company’s
newspaper Web sites, niche products such as Let’s Go!, and the weekly
newspapers, as well as her work to acquire multimedia reporting
skills.

Among her recent works has been coverage of the Prior
Lake-Savage Area School District, including the resignation of its
superintendent of schools and a fired district employee’s election to the School Board.

The winner of the annual journalism award is chosen by
the reporters and editors of Southwest, as well as a team that reviews writers’
best work.