Nicole Carter, staff writer for the Advertiser Democrat, was honored in October with three Maine Press Association journalism awards. 

She earned first place in the weekly business/economics reporting category, a second place for scenic photography and third place in the courts reporting category.

“This is well-deserved recognition,” said Maine Trust for Local News’ Managing Editor for Western Maine Weeklies A.M. Sheehan. “Nicole covers a multitude of issues, many of which are contentious. She does it with balance and respect for the varying points of view.”

In June of 2024, Carter published “The secret to Norway’s economic success? Historic preservation,” a profile of the late Andrea Burns’ decades-spanning achievements in guiding Norway’s local, preservation-based economy. 

Burns had been honored by Maine Preservation for her individual preservation efforts and as part of Norway Landmarks Preservation Society, which saved the Gingerbread House from demolition and more recently established a fund to help others in Norway restore historic buildings.

“Excellent reporting … well done,” judges commented.

Demonstrating that her wildlife photography is a combination of luck and timing, Carter’s photograph of a blue heron on the hunt took second place in the Scenic Photography category. One judge confirmed this by remarking, “Good capture!”

Carter received a third-place award for her reporting in the weekly news courts category, “Terrorizing charge dropped against Paris mom.” This was a follow-up to her 2023 award-winning spot news story about a special needs parent pushed to the brink when her child was bullied on his school bus.

“Very good story. Clear, compelling details, good quotes,” said the judges.

“These (two) stories involved a concerning topic and emotional parent,” Sheehan said. “Nicole handled both with sensitivity and understanding of all the factors at play.”

Carter has been the lead reporter in Oxford Hills for the Advertiser Democrat, Sun Journal and the Maine Trust for Local News since 2019. She has also been recognized by the Maine Press Association for her community coverage of arts/lifestyle, education, news, health and for headline writing.