Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Valley Sentinel Entry Title: Sauk Prairie Healthcare no longer in-network for some area patients as system, Anthem are at odds over costs, reimbursements Entry Credit: Nicole Aimone Judge Comment: Dedicated coverage over several months on the crucial issue of supporting rural EMS services. The writing is clear and the reporting is a thorough look into costs, budget impacts, and local political decisions. I appreciated seeing the follow-through on the story months later, and the editorial addressing the weight of the issue to the community.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Sun-Argus Entry Title: HSHS closures raise healthcare questions for Western Wisconsin Entry Credit: Cari Cornelius Judge Comment: Really important story, covered with the attention it required. Clear writing and solid reporting that worked to present both parties' statements in context to give readers a clear and balanced picture.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Crawford County Independent & The Kickapoo Scout Entry Title: Some ideas on habits that may lead to greater risk Entry Credit: Charley Preusser Judge Comment: Good reporting laying out the physical and financial impact on the community. Well contextualized and the writing was clear and informative.
