Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Ashland Daily Press Entry Title: Ashland to consider homeless shelter permit; Ashland homeless shelter moves forward; Homeless shelter aims for Dec. opening; Homeless shelter seeks volunteers; Community shelter now available for homeless; Homeless shelter expanding; Ashland motel becomes Entry Credit: Tom Stankard Judge Comment: This was a very engaging series covering the city's numerous efforts and pitfalls in providing housing for the homeless. I loved the way the writer began so many stories in the series with relatable subjects that brought the story to life. This series is a winner with great writing, fabulous quotes, and memorable storytelling.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: NEW Media Entry Title: Ann Retzlaff's court battle Entry Credit: Lee Pulaski Judge Comment: This continuing coverage of Ann Retzlaff’s battle with the courts has got to be one of the most bizarre, interesting, and entertaining series of articles that I have ever read. The writer paid great attention to details, easily explaining the numerous legal situations while highlighting Retzlaff’s most memorable quotes. This competition was a tough decision, but this entry was a strong second place.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Star News Entry Title: Sparks fly at county; County seeks solutions for veterans concerns; Veterans service officer files harassment complaint; Committee OKs veterans parking, waiting area; Call for answers; Tensions climbing; Veterans officer quits, claims harassment Entry Credit: Brian Wilson Judge Comment: This was a great series of articles full of plot twists, turns, and colorful quotes. I appreciated the great details, from the ornery yet fierce loyalty of the veterans to the unusual harassment complaints. I was always left wondering what would happen next.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Lake Geneva Regional News Entry Title: South Street trail expanding; Controversy over South Street trail continues; A plea to stop South Street trail; City moves to halt controversial trail Entry Credit: Dennis Hines Judge Comment: The expansion of a bike trail to a future YMCA site seems like a good idea in theory, but there are always two or more sides to a story. The writer quickly and thoroughly exposed the many concerns of the frustrated residents of South Street and the city’s plans to move full steam ahead to utilize the grant secured for the trail. The writer did an excellent job exploring this controversial community issue.
