The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) has honored the Black Hills Pioneer, a cornerstone of local journalism, with the prestigious 2024 Communications and Outreach Experiences in Science (CORES) Award. This accolade recognizes the Black Hills Pioneer‘s sustained dedication to making complex scientific research accessible and engaging for the general public.
The CORES Award is presented annually by the SDSTA to acknowledge outstanding contributions in STEM communication. It celebrates individuals, groups, businesses, or organizations that consistently bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding. For the year 2024, the Black Hills Pioneer stands out as a beacon of such commitment in South Dakota.
“For decades, the Black Hills Pioneer has been instrumental in delivering engaging and thorough science reporting, particularly highlighting the groundbreaking research conducted at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), our esteemed local universities, and other key institutions in the region,” stated Mike Headley, SDSTA Executive Director and SURF Laboratory Director. He further emphasized, “Our community is significantly enriched by the unwavering dedication of the Black Hills Pioneer staff and their profound commitment to reporting on the diverse issues that matter to our community, not least of which is the world-class science taking place at SURF.” This award underscores the vital role the Black Hills Pioneer plays in keeping the public informed about scientific advancements.
Letitia Lister, President and Publisher of the Black Hills Pioneer, expressed the newspaper’s deep-seated belief in the importance of education and science for societal progress. “We firmly believe that education and science are fundamental pillars of a thriving society. For us, educating the public about the crucial, long-term work being carried out at Sanford in various scientific fields has been a natural extension of this core belief. This is reflected in our continuous reporting efforts and dedicated special editions,” Lister explained. This CORES Award is a testament to the Black Hills Pioneer‘s proactive approach to science journalism.
Wendy Pitlick, a seasoned reporter at the Black Hills Pioneer, has been a pivotal figure in the newspaper’s extensive coverage of SURF and related scientific endeavors over the years. Her dedicated reporting exemplifies the Black Hills Pioneer‘s commitment to in-depth science journalism.
Since 2007, the Black Hills Pioneer has published five special sections specifically designed to provide detailed insights into the scientific research and educational initiatives at the Sanford Lab, as well as crucial developments in establishing America’s premier underground laboratory. These special sections are in addition to the Black Hills Pioneer’s consistent coverage of the lab within its daily newspaper, a commitment that spans nearly 25 years. This long-term dedication highlights the Black Hills Pioneer‘s role as a reliable source of science news in the region.
Pitlick articulated her mission in science reporting: “My goal is to deliver accurate, factual information about the multifaceted impact of SURF and the numerous opportunities the lab offers at the local, state, national, and global levels. I sincerely hope that the information we disseminate through the Black Hills Pioneer fosters a greater understanding and encourages meaningful discussions about the lab amongst our neighbors and the wider Northern Hills community.”
Established in 1876, the Black Hills Pioneer holds the distinction of being the oldest business in Western South Dakota. As a daily newspaper and comprehensive media outlet, the Black Hills Pioneer serves numerous communities across Lawrence, Butte, and Meade counties in South Dakota, providing vital local news and information.
The CORES Award was officially presented to the Black Hills Pioneer during SURF’s Deep Talks event held on December 12, 2024, at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead. This event served as a fitting stage to recognize the Black Hills Pioneer‘s enduring contribution to science communication and community engagement.
