Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Post-Crescent Entry Title: The murder of Union Star Cheese Factory's owners rocked these Winnebago County communities. Jon Metzig is keeping the family business going Entry Credit: Rebecca Loroff, Katy Macek Judge Comment: An awe-inspiring tale of a son loyal to his murdered parents who keeps a century-old family cheesemaking company in business, thanks to the love and support of a small town. Makes you want to buy the company's cheese (Union Star) just as a hug for the story's hero, Jon Metzig, whose younger brother has been charged with killing their parents. Compelling use of quotations, such as this one from a family friend: "It was like someone killed my own parents." Then the quote kicker to end the story, this one from Jon about his ability to "keep going" at work: "It gives you something to focus on and be positive about. There's a future." Bravo to the reporters and writers, editors, photo staff and designers—you have produced a memorable piece of journalism that can take its place in Wisconsin history.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Wisconsin State Journal Entry Title: Scotty Rorek is a real-life Ghostbuster, and he has the car to prove it Entry Credit: Gayle Worland Judge Comment: This is a hilarious tale, tailor-made for its Halloween publishing date, about a real-life Ghostbuster, whose loving wife gave him the go-ahead to buy and rig up a car modeled after one in the 1984 movie, "Ghostbusters." Neighbors ask, "Who Ya Gonna Call?" and the answer is Scotty Rorek. "It's like magic," the tale begins, setting up a scene of onlookers taking pictures of Rorek and his car. This medium, who first saw ghosts when he was 5 years old, attracts an extra large crowd. The lede finds an excellent echo to end the piece with this quote from Rorek: "The cops have pulled me over in the Ecto. They want to take pictures." An excellent personality profile with a holiday feature story twist. Even the ghosts will like this one.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Wisconsin State Journal Entry Title: 'Running Man' a constant in Downtown Madison; once 440 pounds, he's now down to 180 Entry Credit: Samara Kalk Judge Comment: They say, "There are eight million stories in the naked city," and "The Running Man" is a great one—an inspirational and even educational tale that can appeal to just about any one of us making a New Year's resolution to lose weight. Dropping from 440 pounds to 180, however, puts Chris Line in a special weight class. Over five years he changed his diet, started walking, then jogging, and soon became a familiar figure shuffling along the center of town in Madison, Wisconsin. After detailing the ill effects of being overweight, the article hits this money line: "About 40% of American adults are overweight." The message is clear: If Chris can do it, you can, too—with the right attitude. The ending provides quite the kicker quote: "Any time that I don't have something going on, I just run instead. It's sort of my version of sitting on the couch watching TV." A well-written and researched piece with telling photos and design. Bravo!
