”Knife River,” the latest novel by bestselling mystery writer and longtime Kona resident Baron Birtcher, has been awarded the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

An annual awards program that recognizes excellence in Western literature and media, the Will Rogers Medallion has been awarded for over two decades. It honors writer and cowboy entertainer Will Rogers, whose work embodied and demonstrated the traditions and values of the American cowboy.

The awards ceremony will take place in October in Rogers’ hometown, Claremont, Oklahoma.

Birtcher’s “Knife River” won top honors in the Mystery category of the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

In addition, “Knife River” has been named a Finalist in the Foreword Indie Awards, as well as a Finalist for the Spotted Owl Award, which honors the best book of

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