A new writing contest will honor the work of a longtime local journalist.

The Friends of the Powell Branch Library and the Powell Tribune are partnering for a journalistic writing contest in March in memory of Gib Mathers.

Young writers ages 12 to 14 — and adult writers aged 15 and above — are eligible to win cash prizes and have their work published in the Tribune.

“The Friends of the Powell Branch Library would like to recognize and honor Gib Mathers, a constant and caring member of the Friends board,” said Sandra Frost, an organizer of the writing contest with the Friends of the Powell Branch Library.

Mathers was a professional journalist who wrote for the Tribune at the time of his death in 2017.

Mathers worked at the Tribune for more than a decade and was known in the community for his unique and descriptive writing style.

“Gib was an individual we could count on to gather information and re-tell the story with the pizzazz that only he could deliver,” said Toby Bonner, general manager of the Tribune. “He made readers feel as if they were present with him. He had a unique ability to create word pictures in the minds of readers with his descriptive style.”

The contest recognizes Mathers’ contributions and professionalism. The Friends of the Powell Branch Library also seeks to foster great writing and critical thinking, while offering amateur and young authors incentive to get involved in journalism.

Contestants must reside in the Big Horn Basin. Text and at least one photo are required.

Entries are due by March 15. An honorable mention winner and a grand prize winner for each category will be chosen by a panel of judges. The Powell Tribune will publish the entries by the grand prize winners, who will also receive a cash award from the friends group.

For contest criteria and further details, visit the friends’ webpage at parkcountylibrary.org/friends-of-the-powell-library/.