Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Gazette Entry Title: City must share, as soon as possible, potential GM costs Entry Credit: Karyn Saemann Judge Comment: Many newspapers can create compelling editorials based on national headlines, relying on the zeitgeist to help contextualize their points. Few newspapers can use the same amount of space to write compelling editorials that explain local issues just as well. The Gazette Editorial Board is setting the bar, and high.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Cap Times Entry Title: Cap Times Entry Credit: John Nichols, Dave Zweifel, Steven Elbow Judge Comment: Bright, approachable language and a quick cadence makes these editorials compelling. Readers will head into any dinner party feeling like they understand a topic better—and as though they're empowered to have an opinion on it.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Leader-Telegram Entry Title: Leader-Telegram editorials Entry Credit: Matt Milner Judge Comment: These editorials get directly to the point, and make good use of a small space. Approachable language and clear opinions on local topics—all tenets of a strong editorial team.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Wisconsin State Journal Entry Title: Really? 4 years, 10 months and 17 days more of Senator 'No'? Entry Credit: Scott Milfred Judge Comment: Strong editorials that become stronger the more local they get, such as the piece "Tailgate the state spelling bee."
