Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Oshkosh Herald Entry Title: State judicial ethics panel rarely acts on complaints Entry Credit: Bethanie Gengler Judge Comment: Bethanie Gengler offers a riveting report on what happened when a complaint about a Winnebago Circuit judge was filed, and of the judge's past alleged misconduct. After reading this report, one must ask: How could voters possibly keep this judge in office? Excellent reporting! Story didn't get front page placement but deserved it
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: News Graphic Entry Title: 'This was our last resort' Entry Credit: Christina Luick Judge Comment: It's not uncommon for volunteers to complain of poor conditions at animal sanctuaries and shelter, but clearly the problems at this farm in Cedarburg were atrocious. Luick describes a heart-wrenching situation with excellent context and sourcing.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Neenah News Entry Title: Domestic violence cases suffer when victims recant Entry Credit: Bethanie Gengler Judge Comment: This excellent in-depth report graphically describes the abuse of victims of domestic violence, and how those victims, under pressure from their partners, often recant their allegations. Readers benefit from knowing this pattern, and the trouble it causes victims and prosecutors.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Peninsula Pulse Entry Title: Alcohol Bill Puts Wedding Barns in Limbo Entry Credit: Myles Dannhausen Jr. Judge Comment: Alcohol consumption and sales have long been an obsessive issue in Wisconsin. Reporter Dannhausen does a great job explaining the complexities of the state's new alcohol sales regulations, and what they mean Door County. Great insights from local sources.
