Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Oconto County Reporter Entry Title: 'You're wrecking my life': Solar farm opponents question plans in town of Morgan; 2 Brown County department heads are finalists for the Oconto County administrator position; An Oconto couple wants to use their property for outdoor weddings Entry Credit: Kent Tempus Judge Comment: Three excellent stories that were well written and easy to follow for someone getting first take of the issue. Ledes invited readers in, and once in they weren't disappointed. Well done.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Northwoods River News Entry Title: Council repeals Delta 8 ordinance; Outcry over fire department staffing leads to frank discussion; Council 'reluctantly' authorizes recruitment of new city administrator Entry Credit: Heather Schaefer Judge Comment: Interesting stories, especially Delta 8 ordinance. All three contained good background. Liked the plug in the one story for readers to check out the recording of the meeting.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Valley Sentinel Entry Title: 'Spring Green again takes up Kane dog boarding request after declining to appeal'; 'Local EMS directors respond to Marklein’s rural EMS bill as Evers issues a veto, expert weighs in'; 'No-Mow May adopted by Spring Green village board, experts weigh in' Entry Credit: Taylor Scott Judge Comment: Good reporting that went beyond meeting coverage. Getting that local reaction to government action is what important and you did that.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Sun Prairie Star Entry Title: City will pay $37,834 to attorney who resigned after alleged gun incident Entry Credit: Jennifer Fetterly, Christopher Mertes Judge Comment: Good reads, but would have liked to seen another issue or topic reported on. All three were about same person/issue so some copy was repetitive. Still good stories, tho.
Competition Comment: Second thru honorable mentions were tough to place. Solid entries and enjoyed reading them.
