The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) has recognized the Black Hills Pioneer Newspaper with the prestigious 2024 Communications and Outreach Experiences in Science (CORES) Award, celebrating the newspaper’s enduring dedication to making complex scientific research accessible to the public.
This annual CORES Award is bestowed upon an individual, group, business, or organization that consistently demonstrates exceptional STEM communication, bridging the gap between intricate scientific endeavors and general public understanding. The Black Hills Pioneer newspaper has been a pillar in this effort within South Dakota for many years.
Mike Headley, SDSTA Executive Director and the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Laboratory Director, emphasized the significance of the newspaper’s contribution. “For decades, the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper has delivered engaging and comprehensive science reporting, focusing on the groundbreaking research conducted at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), regional universities, and various institutions in the area,” Headley stated. He further added, “Our region is significantly enriched by the consistent dedication of the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper staff and their unwavering commitment to reporting on crucial community issues, prominently featuring the world-class science taking place at SURF.”
Letitia Lister, President and Publisher of the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper, highlighted the newspaper’s core values. “We firmly believe in the pivotal roles of education and science in fostering a thriving society. Informing the public about the vital, long-term work being carried out at Sanford across diverse scientific research fields has been a natural extension of this conviction, evident in our continuous reporting and special publications,” Lister explained.
Wendy Pitlick, a seasoned journalist at the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper, has been a key figure in the newspaper’s extensive coverage of SURF. Since 2007, the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper has published five special sections dedicated to in-depth explorations of the science and educational initiatives at the Sanford Lab, alongside crucial elements in the development of America’s premier underground laboratory. These special editions complement the newspaper’s routine coverage of the lab in its daily publications, a commitment that spans nearly 25 years.
Pitlick articulated her journalistic approach, stating, “My objective is to deliver accurate, factual information regarding the multifaceted impact of SURF and the numerous opportunities the lab offers at local, state, national, and global levels. I hope that the information disseminated through the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper fosters greater understanding and meaningful dialogue about the lab among our neighbors and community members in the Northern Hills.”
Established in 1876, the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper holds the distinction of being the oldest business in Western South Dakota. As a daily newspaper and comprehensive media source, the 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 newspaper during SURF’s Deep Talks event held on December 12, 2024, at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead, marking a significant recognition of their contribution to science communication and community engagement.
