News & Awards
AWARDS
2024 Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest
1st Place – Spot News Photo – Weekly 2
Awarded To:
Dean Kotula – The Ellsworth American
Judges Comment:
Great shot! Good angle and just generally good photography
2013: Best Breaking News Photo
Dean Kotula! Once again, Dean Kotula has been recognized for his skills in photography. This time, the award comes from the National Newspaper Association. The judges' comments: Great timing, strong emotion wins out. The despair on the woman’s face as the blaze rages...
2013: Kotula Photo Takes 1st Place at NENPA Convention
Gallery owner, Dean Kotula, wins 1st place in the Spot News Photo category at the New England Newspaper & Press Association’s annual convention held in Boston February 8 and 9, 2013. The photo was originally published in the April 19, 2012 edition of The Ellsworth...
NEWS
Big Jim Dismantled
Gouldsboro's iconic "Big Jim" is dismantled piece-by-piece for the next chapter of his restoration project on March 29. At Belmont Boatworks in Belfast, the sign's paint will be stripped and aluminum panels restored. Big Jim is scheduled to be installed at the...
A portion of Dean’s work published over decades
A portion of Dean's work published over decades.
On the Front Page
Tomi Colson cradles her sleepy little one Dec. 14 at the fifth annual Community Christmas event at Me & Ben's Dairy Creme in Birch Harbor. This image appeared on the front page of the holiday edition of The Ellsworth American on December 25, 2025.
