Iowa Capital Dispatch receives Mark Witherspoon First Amendment Award

Iowa Capital Dispatch received an award Wednesday honoring its commitment to the First Amendment.

The Mark Witherspoon First Amendment Award, or the “Spoon Award,” was presented to Iowa Capital Dispatch Editor-in-chief Kathie Obradovich at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.

Witherspoon, known as “Spoon,” is retired as the longtime editorial adviser for the Iowa State Daily. He conceived and planned the Greenlee School’s inaugural “First Amendment Days” celebration in 2003.  The award, presented by the Greenlee First Amendment Committee, is awarded to “an individual or organization that shows commitment to the principles of the First Amendment,” and includes a $500 prize.

Gary Sawyer, associate teaching professor at Greenlee and chairman of the First Amendment Committee, said the Iowa Capital Dispatch was nominated and chosen for its “dedication to covering government and politics and use of public records” in its reporting.

The 23^rd annual First Amendment Days is underway through April 17. Activities on Thursday include Feast on the First from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Central Campus at Iowa State. The event features free First Amendment Day T-shirts, buttons designed by late Ames resident Richard Deyo and food prepared by student group Block & Bridle, according to the Greenlee website.