Open Records/FOI Award ( Division E,Division D,Division C)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Valley Sentinel Entry Title: 'Arena Public Works superintendent resigns, rush to fill position internally leads to open meetings law complaints'; 'Complaints filed with DA against Arena officials, open meetings law violated - analysis' Entry Credit: Taylor Scott, Nicole Aimone, Gary Ernest Grass, esq. Judge Comment: This is an example of following up words with actions, which is sometimes an integral piece in the pursuit of transparency. Explaining the law and its benefits bring real value.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Ashland Daily Press Entry Title: Ashland paying superintendent more than $150K to go away; Ashland school leader still silent on super's resignation; Public deserves school explanation Entry Credit: Peter Wasson, Tom Stankard Judge Comment: Fascinating reporting using public records as a resource
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Lakeland Times Entry Title: Notice of claim: Man tried to alert Minocqua officer to woman’s need for help more than 68 times Entry Credit: Richard Moore Judge Comment: This lengthy presentation of facts shows the real value of open-records laws.
