State Journal Managing Editor Chanda Veno is the recipient of the Kentucky Press Association's second annual Jon Fleischaker Freedom of Information Award in the daily newspapers category.

The Press Association recognized Veno for her coverage of a controversy involving Franklin County Chief Deputy Jailer Kelly Rouse arising from allegations of sexual harassment.

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Veno pursued the story through a series of open records requests. The State Journal appealed the county's denial of Veno's requests. After the Office of the Attorney General issued a poorly written and poorly reasoned open records decision in favor of the county, the State Journal appealed to the Franklin Circuit Court.

Jeremy Rogers, a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl and co-director of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition, litigated the case to a successful conclusion, securing the records and attorney's fees and costs.

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Coalition co-director Amye Bensenhaver, who provided open records assistance as the story unfolded, congratulated Veno.

"The State Journal represents the best in local investigative reporting. It is a worthy recipient of the Jon Fleischaker Freedom of Information Award for its dogged pursuit of the Kelly Rouse story, its aggressive use of open records laws to expose the truth, and its refusal to stand down when litigation became its only option. I am honored to work with The State Journal's outstanding staff and management."