Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: West Now Entry Title: 99.1 The Mix host Elizabeth Kay has a near 60% chance of developing breast cancer. She's taking 'proactive' measures to prevent it. Entry Credit: Cathy Kozlowicz Judge Comment: This story is very well written, well organized, and is an easy read. Using a local celebrity to highlight the issues of breast cancer and providing great health information for readers makes this an excellent public service story as well.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Oshkosh Herald Entry Title: Couple warns of potential birth injury dangers Entry Credit: Cheryl Hentz Judge Comment: This story is poignant and well-written. It provides valuable information readers can use to, perhaps, save another child and family from this preventable situation.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: West Now Entry Title: Family of a Muskego 3-year-old with a terminal illness is raising $1 million for a chance to save her life Entry Credit: Cathy Kozlowicz Judge Comment: This is a heart-breaking story that still is so hopeful. Using this family's tragedy to help others is the definition of grace. The story is very well-organized and contains information people can use for themselves.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: The Lakeland Times Entry Title: PFAS a growing concern Entry Credit: Beckie Gaskill Judge Comment: This series of stories is very good, tons of research went into this, making the reporter an expert on the topic of PSAS.
That being said, the story, while extremely informative, was a bit too textbooky. I'd prefer to have seen maybe a bit more on the local fauna, more interviews with hunters, that type of thing.
Competition Comment: The Cudahy Health Department story was informative and quite good, but it didn't take the deep dive on topics like the other entrants in this category did.
