The 2018 Baker-Dean Media Award was presented during a special presentation held at the Cherokee County Historical Museum on Thursday evening. This year’s recipients were longtime WEIS Radio Sports personality Kenneth “Tater” Stinson and Anne Shumaker who is known locally for her columns in the Cherokee County Herald.

Cherokee County Sports Editor Shannon Presented Stinson with his award –

 A veteran sports writer for the Cherokee County Herald, The Gadsden Times, The Anniston Star and the Birmingham Post Herald, lifetime resident Kenneth Stinson earned the opportunity to interview some of the states most prominent local and statewide public figures.  Among those he had the privilege of writing stories about University of Alabama coaching legend Bear Bryant, former Auburn Coach Shug Jordan and former Georgia coaches Wally Butts and Vince Dooley.

On a local level, Stinson covered the careers of state hall of famers Dale Welsh, L.D. Bruce and Roy Knapp in his 16 year career.

Cherokee County Herald Editor Terry Dean presented Anne Shumaker with her award – 

Anne Shumaker has been involved in a little bit of just about everything in the community, she has been writing her columns since 1968 and each week pours her heart and soul into her writings. Anne is an active member of the Centre Lions Club and is involved in quite a bit of international travel with her husband Al.

Anne is also an active member of the Centre First Baptist Church where she is a church clerk and teaches a Sunday School class among numerous other responsibilities.

The Baker-Dean Media Award is presented bi-annually to a member of Cherokee County’s local media who has demonstrated outstanding coverage to the community as well as having a minimum of five years of service.

The award is also prominently displayed in the museum’s sports room.