Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Oconto County Reporter Entry Title: An Oconto County family built a memorial waterfall. Officials want them to knock it down. Entry Credit: Kevin Dittman Judge Comment: This story had my undivided attention from start to finish. it was well-written and flowed very nicely. It explained a variance process without being boring . . .which I know from experience is not easy!
With this kind of story it can be all too easy to take a side and ether pull at the emotions of hold someone up for seeking forgiveness rather than permission.
The reporter did outstanding work in gathering information and telling both sides of the story. Great job!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Ripon Commonwealth Press Entry Title: Community mourns Hansen's passing Entry Credit: Roger Mathews Judge Comment: This is a very nicely done tribute to a a community member. There's lots of great information and it flowed well. These stories can be hard to organize when someone has a multi-faceted life but the reporter handled this story well.
I really liked the use of quotes. Organization is strong. Fine work!
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Tribune Record Gleaner Entry Title: Chili fire hall/community center Entry Credit: Valorie Brecht Judge Comment: I really liked the lead! I really like how the story is told, of the quest for funding and the various setbacks along the way.
The story flowed well and was fun to read. Readers have no idea how many hoops these kinds of projects' planners must jump through.
Do watch run-on sentences.
I also liked that you explained the need for more than one groundbreaking photo. Good work!
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Kewaskum Statesman Entry Title: Carrying Tradition Entry Credit: Anne Trautner Judge Comment: This is a very nicely done story. I liked the organization the use of quotes and how the story flowed.
This was fun to read and really brought the event alive for the readers.
Pictures added a lot.
