Volume 83 October 2019 No. 4

INSIDE Family ownership changes for Enterprise and Banner SUBMITTED The sale marks Kenneth Kee, of McKenzie, along Esposito to retire from Tri-County Publishing, McKenzie a milestone in with other pressmen, still operate Adams, Daily Times September 6, 2019 the life of Jeff that press. Kee has printed the En- Page 2 The ownership changed in Washburn, as terprise and Banner for sixty years. September for Tri-County Publish- he mostly retires Jeff is the mayor of Dresden, the Daniels: TPA, TPAF enable ing, Inc. (TCP), the publisher of from the news- city judge in McKenzie, owner of member training the Dresden Enterprise and The paper business, Poppi’s Pizza in Dresden, and a Page 3 McKenzie Banner. Joel and Teresa in which he had law partner in the fi rm of Wash- Washburn of McKenzie, purchased worked since the burn and Hutcherson in Dresden. Tracks the stock of Jeff and Jennifer Joel Washburn age of nine. For His many obligations are in great Page 3 Washburn, of Dresden, in the fami- 45 years, seven part why he chose to sell the pub- ly-owned business. months and two days, Jeff served lishing company. Foust: Sales in left-brain, For 71 years, the Washburn fami- as the managing editor of the Dres- Jeff wrote, “During my career right-brain world ly has been involved in the publica- den Enterprise, a position he held here, I have seen, written about, Page 4 tion of the Dresden Enterprise and with pride as he traveled through- and edited literally thousands of The McKenzie Banner. out Weakley County covering the stories about the good, bad, and TFP’s Hassman family James Loyd Washburn started events and people of the county. ugly of the everyday occurrences Submitted, Dresden Enterprise donates $25M to school as a printer’s devil in 1948, shortly He began his newspaper career involving the residents of this after returning from occupied in McKenzie, working in the print- Jeff Washburn holds a recent copy great county. This job has afforded Page 5 Japan immediately following World shop, writing news stories, and of the Dresden Enterprise. me the opportunity to celebrate Use video to grow revenue War II. doing photography. up close and personal the great James died in 1985, leaving He was later tapped to work community newspapers, including accomplishments of our citizens Page 6 the business to his wife, Ramona, at Associated Publishers, Inc. in Dresden and McKenzie. and likewise grieve with individ- majority owner, and sons, Jeff 1973, when the new web press was In 1973, Jeff and Kenneth Kee uals and families in times of loss New paper in Houston and Joel. The brothers purchased installed at Huntingdon. were the press operators for a new Ramona’s shares in 2015. That sister company printed nine fi ve-unit web press. See WASHBURN Page 2 County Page 11 Obituaries Main Street Media launches new local papers in Clarksville, Nashville Pages 11, 12 SUBMITTED Campbell Cou- Media of Tennessee. “Montgomery Main Street Media of Tennessee TPA Member Showcase Main Street Media of Tennessee rier, the offi cial County is growing so quickly, and publishes 11 weekly newspapers, Page 12 September 1, 2019 weekly newspa- we believe readers will enjoy our websites, magazines and social Main Street Media of Tennessee, per of the Fort brand of local news in Main Street media pages throughout Middle Gallatin, a publisher of community Campbell Army Clarksville. Tennessee. Titles include The newspapers, websites and social installation since “The Courier has been the Murfreesboro Post, Wilson Post, media pages serving six counties 1963. The Couri- offi cial newspaper of Fort Camp- Gallatin News, Hendersonville across Middle Tennessee, has er’s fi rst edition bell for 56 years and it’s going to Standard, Robertson County Con- expanded into Montgomery and in partnership be an honor to publish that paper nection, Portland Sun, Cheatham Davidson Counties. Gould with Main Street and serve the families of the Fort County Exchange, Dickson Post, Main Street Nashville: East Media of Tennes- Campbell community. We believe Main Street Clarksville, Main Street launched Wednesday, Aug. 28 with see published Friday, Sept. 6. a combination of Main Street Nashville: East, Fort Campbell Cou- a focus on Donelson, Hermitage Corresponding websites – www. Clarksville and the Courier will rier and Main Street Preps. and Old Hickory. The following day, mainstreet-nashville.com, www. give advertisers a great opportunity In 2018, Main Street Media Main Street Clarksville debuted in mainstreetclarksville.com andw- to reach that market. earned 58 Tennessee Press Associ- Montgomery County. Both weekly ww.fortcampbellcourier.com - went “We are equally excited about ation awards including fi rst-place papers will cover local news, sports, live on the day of each publication’s Main Street Nashville: East. This awards for best public service people and events in the area. launch, and all three can be found will be our fi rst weekly paper in journalism and best editorials. Two Mailed subscriptions will be free for on social media. Davidson County, and we have of its newspapers, the Gallatin News two years for in-county addresses. “We are excited to be bringing talked to numerous people in Do- and Hendersonville Standard, took In addition, Main Street Media very locally-focused newspapers nelson, Hermitage and Old Hickory home General Excellence awards for of Tennessee has entered into an to these communities,” said Dave who tell us local news is very best newspapers in the state in their agreement to publish The Fort Gould, owner of Main Street important in that area.” respective circulation categories. Page 2 • The Tennessee Press • October 2019 Esposito set to retire from Adams, Daily Times

SUBMITTED more than four is knowing that Adams Publishing Group decades of corpo- two great leaders (USPS 616-460) September 13, 2019 rate newspaper in Paul Mauney Published monthly by the Carl Esposito, publisher of The leadership and and Bryan Sand- Daily Times (Maryville/Alcoa) for community meier will carry TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, INC. nine years and regional president involvement. He on our tradition 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403 for Adams Publishing Group for currently serves of customer Knoxville, Tennessee 37923 nearly three years, will retire on the boards of and community Telephone (865) 584-5761/Fax (865) 558-8687/www.tnpress.com effective Nov. 1, Adams Publishing the Tennessee focus across our Group announced in a September Mauney Press Associa- Sandmeier Tennessee/North Subscriptions: $12 annually press release. tion and the Southern Newspaper Carolina/Virginia group opera- Periodicals Postage Paid At Knoxville, TN Paul W. Mauney, general man- Publishers Association tions and at The Daily Times.” ager of The Greeneville Sun and Gregg Jones, APG’s executive Mauney joined Adams Pub- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tennessee Press, APG’s chief revenue offi cer for the vice president and president over lishing in June after managing 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 Tennessee/West- the company’s Eastern United multiple properties as regional ern North Caroli- States Division, said he was “ab- publisher of Gatehouse Media’s The Tennessee Press is printed by The Standard Banner in Jeff erson City, Tenn. na/Southern Vir- solutely thrilled” when he hired North Carolina newspapers in the ginia region, will Esposito in October 2010. The central part of the state. He began Carol Daniels ...... Editor succeed Esposito Daily Times then was owned by his newspaper career in 1987 as Mike Towle ...... Managing Editor as regional pres- Jones’ family. district sales manager at The Shel- Robyn Gentile ...... Production Coordinator ident for Adams’ Said Jones, “My expectations by Star in North Carolina and then Tennessee/North were great, given that my respect held circulation and advertising Carolina/Virgin- for Carl came not just because he positions at North Carolina news- The Tennessee Press Esposito ia group. was one of the fi nest newspaper- papers The Henderson Dispatch is printed on recycled paper Bryan Sand- men I had ever known, but be- and The Enquirer-Journal in Mon- and is recyclable. meier, general manager of The cause of his decades-long demon- roe; and at Tennessee newspapers Daily Times, will be promoted to strated commitment to producing The Daily News Journal in Mur- TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION publisher. wonderful newspapers that refl ect freesboro and The Review Appeal/ Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press ...... President Before coming to Maryville, Es- and engage their readership, his Brentwood Journal in Franklin; Daniel Richardson, Carroll County News Leader, Huntingdon ...... Vice President posito was Media General’s senior dedication to fi ghting for progress then back to several North Caroli- Darrell Richardson, Th e Oak Ridger ...... Vice President executive for its Tennessee/South- in the communities he serves and na newspapers. Joseph Hurd, Th e Courier, Savannah ...... Secretary west Virginia properties, which in- his strong integrity.” Mauney was also publisher of Eric Barnes, Th e Daily News, Memphis ...... Treasurer cluded the Pulitzer prize-winning “I am so grateful for the The Recorder/Noticiero Semanal Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville ...... Immediate Past President Bristol Herald Courier, CBS affi li- opportunities I’ve had with The in Porterville, Calif. from 2004-06, Carol Daniels ...... Executive Director ate WJHL-TV, websites TriCities. Daily Times and Adams Publish- and then served as General Man- com and SWVAToday.com, and six ing Group” Esposito said. “And ager of the Newspaper Division of DIRECTORS paid-circulation weekly newspa- perhaps the most gratifying part Scott Critchlow, Union City Daily Messenger ...... District 1 pers. Esposito will retire following as I prepare to complete my career See ESPOSITO Page 3 Keith Ponder, Th e Daily Herald, Columbia ...... District 1 Daniel Williams, Th e Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... District 1 Maria De Varenne, Th e Tennessean, Nashville ...... District 2 WASHBURN from Page 1 our efforts on wrapping up that children.” Jack McNeely, Herald-Citizen, Cookeville ...... District 2 agreement as quickly as possible. In conjunction with the owner- Amanda Hill Bond, Pickett County Press...... District 2 and suffering. I have been tremen- September 6 (was) the day when ship change, the Dresden Enter- Carl Esposito, Th e Daily Times, Maryville ...... District 3 dously blessed by God as he has I will no longer be an owner of prise has a new design and a new Dale Gentry, Th e Standard Banner, Jeff erson City ...... District 3 afforded me the good fortune to Tri-County Publishing and each fl ag – the nameplate at the top of Sara Jane Locke, Th e Herald-News, Dayton ...... District 3 come to know and love Weakley day reporting for work at the news- page 1. Upon the transfer of owner- Countians from east to west and paper offi ce. ship in September, Joel Washburn TENNESSEE PRESS SERVICE north to south. “In my new role of helping my issued the following statement: Dave Gould, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin ...... President “Over the past few months, as brother work to build a better “The Dresden Enterprise will Jana Th omasson, Th e Mountain Press, Sevierville ...... Vice President I approached my 65th birthday, I newspaper for Dresden and Weak- continue as a community newspa- Ralph C. Baldwin, Cleveland Daily Banner ...... Director began to realize and accept that the ley County, I have the good fortune per serving Weakley County. David Critchlow Jr., Union City Daily Messenger ...... Director time was right for me to begin get- of getting to be selective about my “My brother, Jeff and I have been W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon Courier ...... Director ting some of my irons out of the fi re assignments and number of hours in the publishing business for more Michael Williams, Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... Director as many people have often told me worked per week. I will no longer than 40 years. Carol Daniels ...... Executive Vice President that I have too many irons in the fi re. have the burden and stress of “I thank Jeff for his many years “My brother, Joel, and I began seeing that the newspaper makes it of service to the community and TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION talking about me selling my inter- to the newsstands and subscriber the industry. I will rely on his Victor Parkins, Th e Milan Mirror-Exchange ...... President est in Tri-County Publishing, Inc. mailboxes week in and week out. continued support to improve your Mike Fishman, Lakeway Publishers, Morristown ...... Vice President and other publishing-related assets “This new opportunity also community newspaper. Richard L. Hollow, Knoxville ...... General Counsel to him. The corporation publishes will allow me to sleep later in the “I hope to build on the tradition Carol Daniels ...... Secretary-Treasurer the Dresden Enterprise and McKen- morning and spend more time of the printed newspaper and add zie Banner newspapers as well as at home at night with my wife, new online offerings. CONTACT THE MANAGING EDITOR operates a commercial print shop Jennifer. “A community newspaper relies TPAers with suggestions, questions or comments about items in The Tennessee Press are welcome to contact the managing editor. Call Mike and sells advertising specialties. “I also will have more opportuni- on the support of local citizens and Towle, (615) 293-5771; send a note to 118 East Kingwood Drive, Suite F16, “Just this week we reached an ty to serve the citizens of Dresden businesses. We thank you for your Murfreesboro, TN 37130, or email [email protected]. The deadline for agreement for that transaction as mayor by working to make our support in the past and hope to the December issue is Tuesday, November 5. to take place and we focused city a better place to live and raise earn your support in the future.” October 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 3

TPA, TPAF enable new members’ training and support FOR YOUR CALENDAR

By the time you are reading the Tennessee Coalition for Open a hotline for member papers with OCTOBER this, the Tennessee Press Associa- FROM THE Government (TCOG). fi rst amendment questions. Last 3-5: 2019 National Newspaper tion will have just completed a se- The legal hotline has been a year was the fi rst Bar Association Association’s 133rd Annual- ries of training sessions at member EXECUTIVE valuable resource for decades, and Reporters Workshop, this two- Convention and Trade Show. newspapers towns across the state. the number of calls that Richard day, fully-paid workshop is open DIRECTOR The Pfi ster Hotel, Milwaukee, I hope all who attended the Gener- Hollow answers is proof enough to all newsroom staff who apply. Wisc. ational Strategies training learned how much our members need and Because of the popularity of this some ways we can better serve CAROL DANIELS use this service. program, a selection committee 6-8: Southern Newspaper our readers and our advertisers. TCOG‘s Executive Director determines the fi nal class partici- Publishers Association (SNPA) I look forward to your feed- new ways that we can bring Deborah Fisher is an invaluable pants. Last year, several staff from - Inland Annual Meeting, J.W. back on both the content and the benefi ts to our members, and we resource and partner during the TPA member papers attended and Marriott Chicago, Chicago., Ill. format. We want to make training LOVE to hear from you with ideas legislative session. TCOG is also a found it very benefi cial. 6-12: National Newspaper Week, more accessible to all our mem- or suggestions. The Chuck Under- great resource for members with Your TPA team is always look- sponsored by Newspaper bers, which I hope we did with wood training was a direct result questions about open meetings, or ing for ways we can bring services Association Managers, Inc. this seminar. We offered four of a discussion with a member. open government. and training to our members. If Theme: “Think F1rst - Know consecutive days at four different As you know, the Tennessee Two of the new sponsorship you have any suggestions or ideas Your 5 Freedoms.” locations across Tennessee so that Press Association Foundation recipients are the Free Speech you would like us to explore, 8: TPA Generational Training your advertising and editorial helps fund projects from which Center at MTSU and the Tennes- please reach out and let us know. folks had shorter distances to TPA members can benefi t. This see Bar Association Reporters Workshop, Jackson drive, and a half-day training class year the foundation board added Workshop. TPA will be working Thank you, 9: TPA Generational Training, was possible for all members. two grant recipients; both will with the Free Speech Center this Carol Workshop, Nashville We are hoping we can offer benefi t our member papers. year to bring an ad campaign to 10: TPA Generational Training, similar training opportunities like The new recipients add to the all local members focusing on Carol Daniels is the executive Workshop, Chattanooga this in the future. services funded by the foundation, the fi rst amendment. The Free director of the Tennessee Press 11: TPA Generational Training, TPA is always striving to fi nd including the legal hotline and Speech Center will also be starting Association. Workshop, Morristown NOVEMBER RACKS Oct. 31 - Nov. 3: College Media T Association Fall National Col- lege Media Convention 2019, Atkinson is new cle in Crossville, Coast Newspapers & Courier will be more interaction with the in conjunction with Associ- Tennessee. Pub- Publications, Crescent Publish- community and consumers. Star publisher lishers oversee- ing, in Mid-Coast and Downeast “I would like people to view ated Collegiate Press, Grand Veteran newspaper executive ing more than Regions of Maine and Baldwin The Meridian Star as a friendly Hyatt Washington, Washing- Bill Atkinson is the new pub- one publication County, Ala. Previously, he was face. In time of need they can ton, D.C. lisher of The Meridian Star. His has become group general manager of the come to us and we’ll help them.” 7: TPA Board of Directors Meet- appointment was announced in common in Lone Star News Group and pub- Atkinson was among a rotation ing, Nashville Public Library, September by Donna Barrett, the newspaper lisher of the Cleburne Times-Re- of publishers who had been help- 1:00 p.m. president and CEO of CNHI, LLC., industry, Barrett view in Texas. He began his ing at The Star since Alexander DECEMBER The Star’s parent company. Atkinson Gould resigned in May. said. newspaper career in 1983 in the 31: Deadline TPA Public Notice “We knew for Meridian he was Atkinson has advertising department of the “He fell in love with the town a good guy and he is going to experience as publisher of group Crossville Chronicle. and the people,” Barrett said. Journalism Contest do the right thing for Meridian,” newspaper sites. Before being “People should expect improve- The Meridian Star FEBRUARY 2020 Barrett said. named publisher in Crossville ments and new products, and September 1, 2019 12-13: TPA Winter Convention, Atkinson also retains his role as in June 2017, he was group maybe reworking of some old DoubleTree Nashville Down- publisher of the Crossville Chroni- publisher for nine years of Gulf products,” Atkinson said. “There See TRACKS Page 4 town Hotel, Nashville 21: Deadline: UT-TPA State Press ESPOSITO from Page 2 addition to The Greeneville Sun.” Salina (Kan.) Journal, held sever- past nine years, Bryan already Contests Mauney said. ”I look forward to al positions at the Racine (Wisc.) pretty much has the publisher’s 28: Deadline: TPA Ad/Circ Ideas Freedom Communications before working with all the fi ne asso- Journal Times, and also worked job down pat.” Contest moving to Burlington, NC as ciates throughout the group and as distribution manager at The With 30 daily newspapers, 17-19: 2020 Key Executives publisher in 2008, where he even- their communities.” Bismarck (N.D.) Tribune. more than 100 non-daily news- Mega-Conference, Southern tually became regional publisher, Sandmeier, a North Dakota “Carl’s retirement is a huge loss papers and other enterprises Newspaper Publishers Associ- adding The Asheboro Courier-Tri- native, has been circulation to the Adams Publishing Group, operating in 20 states and the ation, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, bune and Lexington Dispatch to director of The Daily Times since The Daily Times and the com- District of Columbia, Adams his responsibility. 2008 and took on the dual role munities we serve,” Sandmeier Publishing Group describes itself Fort Worth, Tex. “Paul brings with him a wealth as general manager in January said. “But I am determined to do as “fi rst and foremost a fami- MARCH 2020 of experience and expertise, 2017. him proud as his successor at The ly-owned community newspaper 5-8: 2020 Investigative Reporters which I am confi dent he will put From 2002-08, Sandmeier was Daily Times.” company, which is driven to pro- and Editors (IRE) Computer- to good use for APG’s newspa- circulation director at the Man- Of Sandmeier, Gregg Jones vide high quality products and Assisted Reporting (CAR) pers, associates and the commu- hattan (Kansas) Mercury; from said he was the “natural person services that make a positive dif- Conference, New Orleans, La. nities they serve,” Jones said. 2000-02, he was circulation direc- to jump into Carl’s big shoes as ference in the lives of its constit- “I’m incredibly thankful to tor at the Jonesboro (Ark.) Sun; in publisher of The Daily Times. uents, which are, in prioritized APRIL 2020 have this expanded opportunity 1999 and 2000, he held the same In fact, having acted as general order: its readers, its customers/ 17-18: Journalism Education to serve the Adams Publishing position at the Times-Record in manager of The Daily Times advertisers, its communities, its Association National Con- Group newspapers in Tennessee, Fort Smith, Ark.. He was circula- since Jan. 1, 2017, and having Associates (employees) and its vention, Gaylord Opryland, North Carolina and Virginia, in tion director for 12 years at The had Carl as his mentor for the shareholders.” Nashville Page 4 • The Tennessee Press • October 2019 Sales fl exibility needed in left-brain, right-brain world Diane was telling me about her Diane explained that these When I meet with two or more they can make the same presenta- early days in selling. “One day traits are clearly evident in adults. people, I make sure to include tion to everybody. That just doesn’t stands out in my mind,” she said. “We’ve all been in conversations information for both types.” work. We have to make adjust- “I had back-to-back appointments AD-LIBS® where the other person seems What about the ads themselves? ments and do everything possible with two different prospects to talk to be on a completely different “It’s interesting to study ads that to connect. We shouldn’t expect about a special section. The fi rst wavelength. That could be due to deliberately take thinking styles into them to adapt to us. We have to person was interested in what his ad different thinking styles. One of the consideration,” Diane said. “Look adapt to them.” would look like and the importance JOHN FOUST key principles of selling is to ‘know through a technical publication and Diane makes a good point. It’s of selecting illustrations to project your audience,’ which goes beyond you’ll see ads that are fi lled with not always about right and wrong. there is a lot of truth in the right the right image. The second person knowing their company history product specs and statistics. The Sometimes it’s a matter of right and brain-left brain concept I had heard jumped right into the numbers and and marketing motives. We have to same advertisers would have to take left. so much about. The left side is the wanted to know the details of rates get in step with the other person’s a different approach in a publication and tracking systems. logical, mathematical side and thinking style, too. which appeals primarily to right- (c) Copyright 2019 by John “Both people bought ads, but it the right side is the emotional, “During a sales presentation, brain readers. But in a general-inter- Foust. All rights reserved. fascinated me that they arrived at creative side. Of course, no one is I try to adapt to the other per- est setting – like a newspaper – it’s John Foust has conducted their decisions in such different 100 percent on either side, but most son’s style. When I’m talking to smart to include ad elements that training programs for thousands of ways. Both cared about the appear- people have a natural tendency to- left brainers, I focus on facts and appeal to both types. newspaper advertising profession- ance of their ads, but the fi rst per- ward one side. Tendencies usually fi gures – and I use testimonial “All of this has convinced me als. Many ad departments are us- son cared more. Both people cared show up in childhood. Left-brain examples with lots of statistical that fl exibility is one of the most ing his training videos to save time about numbers, but the second children are better at math and evidence. When I talk to right important traits of an advertising and get quick results from in-house person cared more. right-brain children are better at brainers, I concentrate on creative professional,” she explained. “Too training. E-mail for information: “That’s when I realized that creative writing.” strategy, with similar testimonials. many people in this business think [email protected]

TRACKS from Page 3 radio programs/ in addition to his Independent welcomes Sherrill named editor at podcasts. previous duties, Patterson to staff Tullahoma News Jenkins joins Sun, Jenkins, who as he assumed Reneau departs was born and oversight of the The Chester County Indepen- Veteran editor and journalist raised in Oak Hill, newsroom of the dent, Henderson, welcomes Duane Sherrill has taken the the Michael S. Reneau, who had W. Va., has spent TimesNews in newly hired staff writer, Kendall reins as editor of the Tullahoma served as editor of The Greeneville the last 23 years Burlington. Patterson to its staff. Patterson News, according to News publisher Sun since 2015, has departed from in a variety of “I’m a fi rm hails from Corinth Miss. He is an Brian Blackley. the Sun and was replaced in early newspaper roles believer in the Ole Miss print journalism grad, The move was announced in September by Scott Jenkins. Jenkins Reneau specializing in public relations conjunction with the departure of in North Caroli- importance of Jenkins is an award-winning with a minor in digital media. long-time reporter and managing na. As a reporter community journalism and its newspaper editor who had most Patterson in- editor Kelly Lapczynski. early in his career, Jenkins covered mission to inform and empower recently worked in North Carolina virtually every beat possible, includ- terned with the “Replacing Kelly Lapczynski readers with news they need and as regional executive editor of the ing government, crime and politics. Daily Corinthian will be no easy task, but I’m con- enrich their lives with stories about Times-News of Burlington and After six years as a reporter with the in addition to fi dent that we picked the right The Dispatch in Lexington. newspaper, in 2005 he began a stint the great things happening around working as staff person,” Blackley said. “Duane is Reneau left to become deputy as night editor of the Salisbury Post them,” Jenkins said. writer and pho- an old school community news- editor of WORLD News Group, in Salisbury, N.C. Two years later Reneau joined the Sun in No- tographer at the paper journalist, a Christian national news outlet the newspaper named him assistant vember 2013 as assistant manag- Daily Mississip- but he loves the that publishes WORLD Magazine, managing editor, before he became ing editor. Less than a year later, pian. He enjoys new technology web-exclusive content and several news editor in 2009, a role he fi lled then-Editor John M. Jones Jr. Patterson photography and that allows us to for seven years. promoted him to managing editor. poetry, and loves bring our stories In 2016, The Dispatch in Lexing- Then in 2015, when Jones retired, all things superhero. to the commu- RECENTLY CHANGED ton, N.C., tapped Jenkins as its ex- Reneau became editor. “I hope to make an impact nity in new and YOUR RATES, ecutive editor. Earlier this year he The Greeneville Sun personally with people’s lives and exciting ways.” AD SPECIFICATIONS or became regional executive editor August 3, 2019 with the paper to make my mark,” Sherrill, a Patterson said. “I am looking Sherrill long-serving PUBLICATION DAYS? forward to events and sports I will newspaperman, cover, theater programs and more.” began his career in 1990 at The Don’t forget to update your Tennessee Press Service Patterson intends to reach out Southern Standard in McMinn- Tennessee Press Service Advertising Placement through technology, among other ville. He served as a crime and team! venues, to younger generations courts reporter before moving to Snapshot and beyond. “I plan to keep (the The Smithville Review as editor It’s as simple as emailing the Independent’s) social media up to in 2017, a newspaper in the same new info to Earl Goodman ROP: Networks: date, using my digital media skills group as The Standard. for the community,” he said. “I want to make The News a [email protected] August 2019 $108,483 $7,231 “I am pleased to have Kendall must-read publication each and ev- join our team,” said publisher ery edition,” Sherrill said. “I want Year* as of August 30 $1,060,651 $122,940 Scott Whaley. it to be the fi rst thing you open up Chester County Independent, when you go to the mailbox.” * The TPS Fiscal Year runs Dec. 1 through Nov. 30 Henderson The Tullahoma News July 31, 2019 September 10, 2019 October 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 5

TFP publisher Hussman and family make Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date $25M donation to UNC journalism school The Tennessee Press 616 _ 460 09/27/19 4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price BILL BOWDEN published every Public trust in news media monthly 12 $12.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®) Contact Person Arkansas Democrat-Gazette day in all 10 of at ‘low level’ Robyn Gentile September 10, 2019 WEHCO Media’s 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, Knox, TN 37923 Telephone (Include area code) 865 584-5761 The Hussman family, which daily newspa- “Journalism is a noble profes- 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) owns the Chattanooga Times Free pers, including sion,” he said. “But something is 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923

Press, is giving $25 million to the the Times Free wrong when we see the public’s 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) journalism school at the University Press. trust in the news media at such Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hussman a low level. Some politicians and Carol Daniels, Tennessee Press Association, 412 N. Cedar Bluff Rd., Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 The school will be renamed the said he hopes even some in the news media itself Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Walter E. UNC Hussman School of Journalism other schools of regularly attack the ‘mainstream Carol Daniels, Tennessee Press Association, 412 N. Cedar Bluff Rd., Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 Hussman Jr. and Media, said Dean Susan King. journalism will media.’ There is little we can do Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) follow the lead when criticism comes from outside It’s the largest donation in the Mike Towle, 118 Kingwood Drive, F-16, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 journalism school’s history, King of UNC with their own statements our profession. But there is some- 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the said. of core values, as that could help thing we can do by re-examining names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of “Obviously, this is a major restore some of the public’s trust in our own standards, principles and each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) news reporting. journalistic values. We need to be Full Name Complete Mailing Address historic moment for our school,” Tennessee Press Association (a not-for-profit trade 412 N. Cedar Bluff Rd., Ste. 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 she said. “I think for journalism King said Hussman drafted the honoring those time-tested best association owned by the Tennessee general circulation to have someone at this moment core values after meeting with her practices which had earned the of such cataclysmic disruption one night in February 2017. When trust and respect of the public over newspapers that are members.) and lack of trust to say journalism she read it, she told him it should many decades.” is so important that he wants to be etched in stone. Besides adding the Hussman invest in the future for the pipeline And it will be. name to the school, UNC will make 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box x None of great journalists and media The core values will be chiseled another change to the name of its Full Name Complete Mailing Address leaders — that is the most optimis- into a stone wall in the lobby of School of Media and Journalism. Carroll Hall, where the journalism “We’re having them reverse that tic thing I have felt in a long time. ௘7D[6WDWXV(For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) We are very, very excited about school is located, she said. and put journalism fi rst,” Hussman The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: x Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months this.” The First Amendment to the U.S. said. “Everybody was enamored Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) The donation is being made Constitution already is displayed with the term ‘media’ until ‘media’ PS Form 3526, July 2014 [Page 1 of 4 (see instructions page 4)] PSN: 7530-01-000-9931 PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com. personally by the Hussman family in the lobby. It guarantees, among came to include something else — 13. Publication Title 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below — Walter E. Hussman Jr., publisher other things, that Congress will social media.” The Tennessee Press September 2019 of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette make no law abridging freedom of The Hussman family has donat- 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single and the Times Free Press, wife Ben the press. ed to the UNC journalism school Each Issue During Issue Published Hussman, son Palmer Hussman The statement of core values before, including a $667,667 do- Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date and daughters Eliza Gaines and appears on Page A2 of the Times nation to establish a professorship a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) 850 850

Free Press each day. The values named for Walter Hussman Sr., the (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid Olivia Ramsey. distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) 537.75 533 Walter Hussman is also the include impartiality, credibility and father of Walter Hussman Jr. After b. Paid Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid Circulation (2) chairman of the board of WEHCO thoroughness. a match by the state, the professor- (By Mail distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) 27.42 27 and “To provide the most complete ship is now worth more than $1 Outside Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Media, which owns the Times (3) the Mail) Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® 0 0 Free Press. He said none of the report, a news organization must million, King said. Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (4) money is coming from company not just cover the news, but uncov- The Hussman family bought (e.g., First-Class Mail®) 0 0 funds. er it,” Hussman wrote in the core the Arkansas Democrat in 1974 F௘7RWDO3DLG'LVWULEXWLRQ[Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)] 565.17 560 “They are all 100 percent in values. “It must follow the story and won a high-profi le newspaper d. Free or (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 186.92 174 favor, which pleases me to see the wherever it leads, regardless of any war against the Arkansas Gazette Nominal Rate preconceived ideas on what might in 1991. Gannett shut down the Distribution (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 0 fourth generation of our family is (By Mail and be most newsworthy.” Gazette, and Little Rock Newspa- Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS so committed to journalism,” said Outside (3) (e.g., First-Class Mail) .33 0 Hussman, referring to his three The truth isn’t always clear pers Inc. bought the newspaper’s the Mail) (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) adult children. when reporters begin working on a assets. Hussman began publishing 6.83 6 story, wrote Hussman. The role of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette the e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)) 194.08 180 journalists is to “report as com- following day. Hussman is UNC graduate pletely and impartially as possible WEHCO Media bought the Chat- f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) 759.25 740

UNC has one of the best journal- all verifi able facts so that readers tanooga Free Press in 1998. He then g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) 90.75 110 ism schools in the country, said can, based on their own knowledge purchased the Chattanooga Times Hussman, who graduated from and experience, determine what and merged the newspapers, with h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) 850 850 that school in 1968 before earn- i. Percent Paid they believe to be the truth.” the merged edition under a shared (15c divided by 15f times 100) 74% 76% ing a master’s in business from For some people, social media has nameplate debuting on Jan. 5, 1999. * If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3. Columbia University in 1970. blurred the lines between news and If all goes according to plan, the Hussman’s two daughters and his opinion. Hussman said the differ- print edition of the Arkansas Dem- 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership sister, Marilyn Augur, are all UNC ence needs to be clearly delineated. ocrat-Gazette would cease by the x If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed Publication not required. October 2019 graduates. “The public has lost trust in the end of the year, except for Sundays, in the ______issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Date Hussman said the main rea- media in America,” Hussman said. Hussman said. Sept. 27, 2019 son the donation is being made “To reestablish that, I think people Hussman is providing Apple iP- Carol Daniels, Editor is because the UNC journalism need to go back to these core val- ads to Democrat-Gazette subscrib- I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form school has decided to endorse and ues that really were the bedrock of ers so they can read a replica of the or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). adopt the statement of core values journalism in our country. newspaper online. Page 6 • The Tennessee Press • October 2019 How to use video to develop revenue: Start with listening Editor’s note: This past summer, for Innovation in Focus, Reynolds Journalim Institute (RJI) was RJI speaking with news organizations GUEST that are exploring new, emerging or unique revenue models. Alabama COLUMN Media Group launched Red Clay Media in 2017 as a video-driven KAT DUNCAN revenue stream. It began with videos created in the newsroom that inspired engagement from their started to take off, we saw the readers. Today it is a thriving video opportunity for the southern brand arm with three distinct brands that and the revenue opportunity focus on feel good, inspirational and we realized this should be and comedic southern content. treated as a separate division of Author Kat Duncan spoke with Eliz- the company. It sits totally outside abeth Hoekenga Whitmire, senior of the newsroom because we are director of audience development thinking about revenue and didn’t for Alabama Media Group and Red want to have gray areas. Clay Media, to learn more about Duncan: How is your revenue how they’ve conquered what many generated? newsrooms are still struggling with - Whitmire: Pre-roll, mid-roll on making money with video content. videos. Instant Articles on Face- Duncan: How would you de- book. Sponsorship, you’ll notice scribe each of the brands under many of our videos are sponsored. Red Clay Media? Custom-branded content, which Whitmire: “It’s a Southern is when we create custom con- Thing” is funnier, it’s going to tent with a brand in mind. And joke a lot more when we share merchandise is a big part of it. I content. “This is Alabama” is just a think that’s been one of the more really positive, excited voice. And surprising areas. We’ve really been “People of Alabama” is interest- able to develop a line that speaks ing because it’s not so much that to that southern experience, and what I think has worked really the brand has a voice but many Photos courtesy of Red Clay Media different ones that are the voices of well is that we’ve incorporated it the stories we’re telling. The peo- into our content. Catherine May and Lauren Musgrove fi lm in the Cahaba River for “This is Alabama. “ ple are speaking for themselves. Duncan: What revenue streams If I had to describe those voices are the most successful for you? Whitmire: Facebook is defi nitely compared to where you are today? you feel that knowing what your collectively, I’d describe them as Whitmire: It is primarily split where we have our largest audi- Whitmire: It started with a small voice was and what you wanted inspirational. between the sponsorships, custom ence, almost 3 million followers staff in the newsroom, we had two to build upon is what made you Duncan: How did you decide content and merchandise. We’ve on Facebook between our main full-time video producers working successful? that video was the platform you also started experimenting with Facebook page and our watch on “This is Alabama,” but every- Whitmire: Yes, defi nitely. We wanted to build upon? development. I believe we were the page. That’s where we’ve been one else staffed around that brand started with the audience opportu- Whitmire: We saw a lot of fi rst local media company to sell a able to build the biggest audience was already doing something in nity. We were creating this content potential in high quality video, show to Facebook news, that was quickly. But it isn’t necessarily our the newsroom. Then when we in the newsroom and seeing a lot especially during a time when the our “Chasing Corruption” series. primary focus, we’re very invest- launched Red Clay Media, we of people engaging and sharing focus on video was more of ‘take Duncan: What does a sponsor- ed in YouTube and we’ve quickly started with 12 people but today these southern experiences. It your cell phone out and let’s just ship look like for your brands? grown a lot on Instagram. We’re we are closer to 20. was listening to the audience capture something’ to have a video Whitmire: The straight sponsor- continuing to fi gure out what the Duncan: Do you try to bring that led us to this place. For any element. We really saw an oppor- ship is simply aligning the brand Twitter voice for our brand is. Just your Red Clay Media audience to newsroom who is thinking about tunity to tell stories through video with the content. For example as we’re interested in diversifying your main editorial content or do trying something similar, that is so and create experiences that people on Facebook, we use the brand- our approach to revenue, the same you let them be separate? important - listen to your audience would want to share. And to focus ed-content tool. The business’s goes for our audience. Whitmire: We see them as two and fi gure out what the experience on social, more than trying to get page is tagged, their logo is in We’re thinking social, we want completely different audiences. is in your community that is bring- people to come to a website. We the video and they’re getting the to meet people where we are but at We’ve never approached social ing people together. changed the way we thought about association with videos that are the same time we don’t want to put that way. We’ve always thought Duncan: How do you measure video to focus on the engagement getting millions of views. For the everything we have into social. We about distributing our content in success? Is it revenue? Comment- piece. custom videos, we will actually do care about building traffi c to different spaces that makes sense ing? Other types of engagement? Duncan: Though it is a sepa- write something with the sponsor the website, we care about news- for that content. So even the news Whitmire: It’s both revenue and rate arm, the revenue from these in mind, but we don’t do that as letters and we’d like to experiment content, going back to fi ve years audience. For audience, it really is brands supports the traditional frequently as the straight sponsor- with texting. We’re always looking ago, we saw it as engagement and engagement that is what has made editorial newsroom? ship. for new ways to reach people and another way to interact with our us successful. People talking about Whitmire: Yes, it originally Duncan: Is Facebook the most have those conversations. audience - not necessarily as a tool us, sharing our content, recom- launched in our newsroom. At the successful social media outlet for Duncan: It looks like you’ve to convert them to our website. mending us to their friends. We time I was the director of Social your content? What works best grown a lot over the past two Duncan: For newsrooms that Media. When “This is Alabama” for you? years. What did you start with want to try something similar, do See VIDEO Page 7 October 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 7

VIDEO from Page 6 Duncan: What is something content that isn’t back to that audience piece, what that has surprised you from this comedy. So that’s are the topics that your audience are always looking at commenting experience? the next phase for will rally around, listening to and sharing. Whitmire: We had numbers to in- us, thinking about the audience is key. Once you’ve Merchandise is really interesting dicate that there was huge audience programming that fi gured out what those topics because it has the revenue com- interest, but you never expect to goes beyond com- should be, and I understand this is ponent but also the engagement grow millions of followers in a short edy. diffi cult and everyone has limited component. We are creating these period of time, so that was a pleas- Duncan: Are you resources - but giving people the products directly from some of the ant surprise. And certainly seeing sticking to web- space to focus on building brands conversations we are having with how different types of content based video or are like this is so important. I think our audience and from the content have taken off. We had one video you considering we were successful because we that is speaking to our audience. about how grandmothers choose other options like were able to fully focus on build- When they respond and are inter- their grandmother name, deciding TV, radio? ing these brands, not trying to do it ested in the product, to me, that whether you want to be Grandma Whitmire: We are on the side while also helping run really shows how invested they are or Mimi, etc. Many of us were defi nitely looking day-to-day content in the news- in the relationship with the brand sitting around talking about what into development. room. If you treat it as a side gig, and speaks to our authenticity and our mothers decided they wanted Adam Schwartz and Luke Porter fi lming an epi- We actually recently the results are probably going to ability to connect with them. to be called. Again, it’s going back sode of “So True, Y’all” for “t’s a Southern Thing” started working refl ect that. Duncan: What is one of your to that shared experience, we had in Birmingham, Alabama, with actors Talia Lin, with a Hollywood But listening to your audience is most popular products? a conversation in the offi ce and so Leah Luker and Gina Miller. management fi rm to going to tell you what your thing Whitmire: It’s so strange but many people chimed in - whenever launch a production is. We paid attention to what was one of our most popular products a conversation happens like that revenue streams - what is next for development arm. really resonating with people and is a button that says, “Bless your it’s always a good sign. But that your company? We’re very interested in making what people were identifying with heart.” You literally hit the button video just took off. On Facebook I Whitmire: Defi nitely expanding programming for TV and stream- and went from there. Starting with and it’s one of our characters, a think it had 100 million views and in what we offer in our current ing services. As we head into our listening is going to lead you to the very southern woman, from our you never go into it thinking you’re brands, especially “It’s a Southern next phase, that’ll be a big part of right place. videos saying, “Bless your heart.” going to get 100 million views on Thing.” We are looking at launch- it. That’s something that only makes something, so those are always ing several new series. So far our Duncan: What are the fi rst Kat Duncan is a senior editor in sense if you have that southern pleasant surprises. most popular content has been steps for those that want to try a the RJI Innovation & Futures Lab. experience, and that’s really what Duncan: Are you still looking sketch comedy and we’ve really similar venture? She produces the series Innovation we’re going for. at expanding, more brands, more seen some interest in cultural Whitmire: The fi rst step is going in Focus, which explores emerg-

NEWS Gerber named to so they can demand the best of timely public notices, etc. after The Daily Beacon cut down With the shift to a digital focus, from our democratic institutions. NNW is sponsored by Newspa- from publishing a print paper Hubbard said it allows student NLA board; ASNE and News Leaders Association, per Association Managers, Inc., daily to twice a week. Print ad- journalists to “explore all paths of APME merge Columbia, Mo. the consortium of North Ameri- vertising sales journalism,” including photo and Alison Gerber, editor of the Aug. 30, 2019 can trade associations represent- have declined video. Hubbard said she hopes this Chattanooga Times Free Press, ing the industry. in recent years change will encourage students to has been named membership National Newspaper Newspaper Association and “people are implement those elements more Managers, Inc. looking to digi- frequently. Bush said students at initiatives offi cer for the new- Week is Oct. 6-12 ly-formed News Leader Associa- Sept. 15, 2019 tal” to advertise, the Beacon are “producing more tion, which was recently formed National Newspaper Week 2019 Hubbard said. videos and digital content than it by the merger of The American will be observed Oct. 6-12. The UT student paper to The Beacon ever has before.” Society of News Editors (ASNE) 79th annual celebration marks focus on digital, reduce pays its staff It will be “a change in mentali- and the Associated Press Media the impact of newspapers in their with advertising ty,” but Hubbard said she thinks it Hubbard Editors (APME). communities. print editions revenue, and will be for the best. In a state- This year’s theme is “Think The University of Tennes- Hubbard said “It gives more opportunity,” ment, NLA says F1rst - Know Your 5 Freedoms.” see-Knoxville’s student-run news- that will continue. Hubbard said. “Even if it seems it aims to foster Material, including editorials, paper, The Daily Beacon, is cutting Hubbard, a former News Sentinel like less, it’s more.” and develop cartoons, promotional ads and back print production to once a intern, said by cutting back on The Daily Beacon is editorially the highest more, is now available to CNPA week in an effort to focus more on print, they will also be able to print independent, meaning the univer- standards of Members on the NNW site,Natio- its digital presence. longer editions of the Beacon each sity has no oversight in what is trustworthy, nalNewspaperWeek.com. The change was announced in week. The Knoxville News Sentinel published. UT-Knoxville has had a truth-seeking Please plan to celebrate Nation- a letter from the Beacon’s current press prints The Daily Beacon. student newspaper since 1871. journalism; to al Newspaper Week by download- editor-in-chief, Kylie Hubbard. The “We’ve been eight pages for Hubbard said the support from Gerber advocate for ing these materials and devoting paper will now publish weekly on most of our issues,” Hubbard said. Student Life and the UT-Knoxville open, honest as many column inches as possi- Wednesdays. In addition, the stu- “We’re hoping for 12 to 16 pages community has allowed the Bea- and transparent government; ble to reinforce the importance of dent media group will now focus and hoping to do more with print con to continue publishing, both to fi ght for free speech and an Newspaper to your communities. more on publishing on its website, as well.” online and in print. independent press; to nurture the Please also make it local by video production and production Jerry Bush, director of student “Student media is so important next generation of news leaders editorializing about your newspa- of Honey Magazine. media, said the decision to print and we’re really fortunate that we committed to spreading knowl- per’s unique relevance. This can “Cutting back on print won’t once a week was unanimous- get to produce this content that edge that informs democracy. be about your duties as govern- really change The Daily Beacon,” ly passed last semester by the some student media doesn’t get at Their stated goal is for all citi- ment watchdog, your role as a Hubbard said. “I think it honestly Student Media Board, the deci- all,” Hubbard said. zens to be informed by accurate, community forum and coverage propels us forward.” sion-making board for student Knoxville News Sentinel truthful, independent reporting of community events, publication The change comes two years media at UT-Knoxville. Aug. 21, 2019 Page 8 • The Tennessee Press • October 2019 Stories come to life when reporters fi nd ‘real people’ Bart’s note: Hopefully this column tion program. Approach them for interviews, or details that can inject life into your will encourage people to rely less • Trade groups, community ser- get names and cell numbers and copy, such as how someone looks, on offi cial sources and to fi nd “real BETTER vice providers and non-profi ts that call them later. how they act, how they speak, people” who live closer to where WRITING work directly with memberships • Once you reach a “real person” and how they interact with others. stories really reside. or the people they serve are a great source, try your best to meet them Ask specifi c questions and avoid Police, government offi cials and WITH BART outlet. Sources arranged this way in person, and even better while generalities. Record details in your experts have a lot of knowledge are often predisposed to speak to they are undergoing activities notes to avoid errors. If you’re and are easy go-to sources for you. A church that counsels former related to the story. Don’t meet a wondering about something, ask BART PFANKUCH reporters working in understaffed inmates was critical to my search farmer at a coffee shop; instead, them about it. newsrooms with multiple dead- for mothers who were addicted visit their farm and interview them • Greater sensitivity is required lines and requirements to publish into the viewpoints of people who to methamphetamine and were while they work. Personal inter- with “real people” sources. It on multiple platforms. are directly affected by a problem working toward sobriety. action breeds openness and also helps build trust and openness by But those same sources tend to or who are living with an issue • Leaving the offi ce and creates opportunities for photos, being open and honest with them have agendas, ways of controlling every day. traveling to places where people video and audio recordings. about the story you’re exploring, messages and high-level views of Here are some tips to fi nd “real live, work or seek help provides • Be patient with “real people” how and when the material will issues that can sometimes mis- people” sources, to interview them a super opportunity to approach sources. Give them time to think appear and what you are likely to state, mischaracterize or obscure and to use their voices in your and interview people who know through their answers and to use in the piece. As non-offi cials, what is really happening to people pieces in an effective way. the truth or have a story to tell. articulate how they really feel. these types of sources deserve on the ground. • Social media provides modern My best source on a recent story Remember, this may be their fi rst more sensitivity on the reporter’s While most offi cials are well-in- reporters with an indispensable about childhood hunger, a mom time ever speaking to a reporter. part to ensure they are not further tended and try to help reporters tool for fi nding people on the front who agreed to an interview, a • Ask probing questions but be harmed by an article. fully inform the public about lines of an issue. Scrolling through photo and even a video, came prepared to accept rejection. I often • Finding and quoting “real peo- important topics, we in the media Facebook or other online outlets from hanging around at a local tell these sources, “I’ll ask any- ple” sources heightens your credi- must recognize that complex can provide names, faces and a food bank. Speaking with the food thing that comes to mind, and if bility. Offi cial sources will become issues almost always look differ- point of messaging with people bank director and receptionist also you don’t feel comfortable answer- less likely to B.S. reporters who they ently from the bottom up. A full or who are directly affected by an paid dividends. ing, it’s OK.” know are willing to dig deep to fi nd fuller understanding can only be issue. Publishing a post specifi cal- • Reports, testimony, archived • Don’t forget the basics: full people who may confi rm, or contra- obtained by fi nding non-offi cials, ly calling out for people directly legislative hearings and other name, age, occupation, marital dict, the impression of an issue they interviewing them and sharing involved in an issue has worked paper or digital documents often status or other basic details that want the reporter to accept. their input in articles. wonders recently for my colleague contain names of people who have are relevant to the story but easy Almost every news story im- who reported on college grad- shared information about them- to forget to ask while in the fi eld. Bart Pfankuch is a 30-year proves when reporters take the uates with overwhelming debt, selves and know a topic from the Get cell phone numbers of all reporter, writer and editor who now extra step — and undergo the hard people who fl ed our state for more inside. At meetings, watch for peo- sources in case you need to clarify serves as content director for South work — of moving past the obvi- lucrative jobs and those who faced ple who show up in the audience something. Dakota News Watch. Reach him at ous or the easy, and delve instead sanctions from a state debt-collec- and fi nd out why they are there. • Be on the lookout for telling [email protected]. TPA/TPS/TPAF offi cers and board members announced for 2019-20 Free webinars STAFF REPORTS County News Leader, Hunting- the board for one year as immedi- TPS offi cers for TPA members Tennessee Press Association don, re-elected vice president for ate past president. Also continu- September 1, 2019 non-daily newspapers; Darrell ing on the Board as directors are Directors of the Tennessee Richardson, publisher of The Oak Amanda Bond, publisher of the Press Service (TPS), business Chris Sherrill Vass, public editor Ridger, elected vice president for Pickett County Press, Byrdstown; affi liate of TPA, elected to three- Oct. 18 years terms during the July 19 of the Chattanooga Times Free daily newspapers; Joseph Hurd, Maria De Varenne, executive ed- The Community’s Press, is the new president of the publisher of The Courier, Savan- itor of The Tennessean, Nashville Stockholders Meeting are David Tennessee Press nah, re-elected secretary; and Eric and Jack McNeely, publisher of Critchlow, Jr. co-publisher of the Perception(s): State of Association Barnes, publisher of The Daily the Herald-Citizen, Cookeville. Union City Daily Messenger and U.S. Print Weekly (TPA). News, Memphis, elected treasurer. The TPA Board of Directors Jana Thomasson, publisher of TPA is the Directors re-elected for two- elected trustees to serve on the The Mountain Press, Sevierville. Newspapering in the trade association year terms representing District Tennessee Press Association Foun- Continuing as TPS directors 21st Century of the state’s dai- One are: Dale Gentry, publisher dation (TPAF) Board of Trustees are Ralph Baldwin, Cleveland ly and non-daily of The Standard Banner, Jefferson for three-year terms. Re-elected Daily Banner; W.R.(Ron) Fryar, Visit newspapers. It is City; Carl Esposito, publisher of trustees are: Nate Crawford, Doug Cannon Courier, Woodbury; www.OnlineMediaCampus.com composed of 24 The Daily Times, Maryville and Horne and Janet Rail. Dave Gould, Main Street Me- daily newspapers Sara Jane Locke, publisher of The dia of Tennessee; and Michael to register for webinars. Vass and 105 non-dai- Herald-News, Dayton. TPAF offi cers Williams, publisher of The Paris ly newspapers. Directors re-elected for two-year Post-Intelligencer. Contact [email protected] Vass succeeds Doug Horne, terms representing District Three TPAF offi cers elected at the At the July 18 TPS Board of for the coupon code. owner of Republic Newspapers, are: E. Scott Critchlow, co-publish- July 12 TPAF Board of Trustees Directors Meeting, Dave Gould; Knoxville. er of the Union City Daily Messen- meeting are Victor Parkins, pub- Main Street Media of Tennessee, 300 archived webinars Other offi cers elected at TPA’s ger; Keith Ponder, publisher of The lisher of The Mirror-Exchange, Gallatin; was re-elected president are available Business Session during the annu- Daily Herald, Columbia; and Dan- Milan, elected president and R. for a one-year term, and Jana al Summer Convention, July 18, in iel Williams, business manager of Michael Fishman, publisher of Thomasson, The Mountain Press, Chattanooga were Daniel Rich- The Paris Post-Intelligencer. the Citizen Tribune, Morristown, Sevierville, was re-elected vice ardson, publisher of the Carroll Doug Horne will continue on elected vice president. president for a one-year term. October 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 9 Newspapers will survive and fl ourish long-term, if you are committed PETER W. WAGNER evolve into tomorrow’s most-read, often not credible, choosing to doing so because the management 16 percent since 2016, says the N’West Iowa Review most-trusted local news source. share large doses of opinion with is driving them in that direction, Pew report. September 1, 2019 Newspapers will, more than ever, scraps of both worthy information believing they can cut costs and So, yes, current times are diffi - I’ve said it before, and I’ll say be the glue that holds thriving, and uninvestigated misinforma- increase reader numbers with a cult. The culture is changing. But it again: Any eighth-grader can changing communities together. tion. stronger online presence. there is still a strong future for the launch an information and opin- But to do so, community news- Finally, a newspaper covers the According to a recent Pew printed word. Newspapers are not ion website from a computer in the papers must think local and be entire life of the community and Research Center report, paid dead and need to be in commu- corner of his bedroom. But it takes local. As recently as the mid-twen- clearly reports all that is import- circulation was down 8 percent nities where someone is champi- fi nancial backing, wise manage- tieth century, hometown papers ant to the local reader. The neatly weekdays and 9 percent Sundays oning their value and producing ment, committed professional were still reporting who visited edited and attractively presented this past year. an interesting, informative and writers and editors, and a printing who and what was going on at material, all in one easy-to-hold Due perhaps to most papers worthwhile publication. press to produce a credible news- the school, all the local church- publication, makes keeping in- having increased subscription and paper. es and the Odd Fellow’s hall. formed simple. That same reader single-copy pricing, circulation Looking for good local sales If the strength and holding-pow- Community papers concentrated would have to check a dozen local, revenue has held steady this past training for your paper or group, or er stand out in the printed word on local names and happenings independent, websites to even year. But unfortunately, display for a direct-to-the-point program to – if their printed paper is what never covered by outside media. begin to obtain such knowledge advertising dollars were down 13 recommend to your group or press makes them unique in their mar- They concentrated on the details and wisdom. percent. association manager? Contact Peter ket – why are so many publish- of the American Legion baseball Content is everything. The Meanwhile, digital ad revenue W. Wagner at (cell) 712-348-3550 or ers betting their future on their game, who entered the hospital number of editorial pages are not has grown exponentially, but the [email protected]. Wag- website? and the success of the summer rec as important as the quality and majority of all profi ts have gone ner is founder and publisher of the Sure, any wise publisher is program. originality of the stories printed to Facebook and Goggle and not award-winning N’West Iowa RE- going to have a website presence, Newspapers must still provide on those pages. In order to survive much to newspaper publishers, VIEW and 13 additional publica- but he’s going to stake his future the much-appreciated local news today’s cultural change, news- says the Pew report. What small tions. This free monthly GET REAL on his printed publication. to survive and eventually grow. papers have to deliver (get the increase there has been in local newsletter is written exclusively for Family-owned neighborhood Print can do local information double meaning of deliver?) news digital revenue has not been near- state and national press associa- groceries, once a staple, were better than the radio station. Local and information the reader wants ly enough to cover the loss of once tions and distributed by them to replaced by modern supermarkets radio has neither the air time nor and might share around the water empowered print-display income. their members. To get Wagner’s free the middle of the last century. But reporting staff to report much cooler that day. Most important, however, as we PAPER DOLLARS email newsletter those neighborhood grocers were beyond the headline of any story. But we have a diffi cult time view the continued importance for publishers, editors and sales eventually replaced by today’s Local bloggers, independent ahead of us while waiting for of the printing press, traffi c to all managers, email him at pww@ convenience stores. websites and other digital formats others to recognize the need for, websites has seemed to level off. iowainformation.com. The two The same will be true of the never reach the broad audience of and importance of, the communi- Individual time spent on these monthly email newsletters contain hometown paper. The newspa- a subscription-based or free-distri- ty paper. Newspaper circulation websites has declined as well. The information completely different per of today, attempting to be all bution newspaper. across the nation continues to average number of minutes per than found in Wagner’s monthly things to all people, will eventually And independent websites are decline. But many papers are visit to digital news sites is down Publisher’s Auxiliary column. The day women broke the rules and wore pants in the newsroom

Who won the right for women daughter, Carla, who was a little Finally, Harlow declared: “I know in the editorial department of the GUEST over a year old. I dressed her in a what I’ll do. I’ll just ignore them.” Knoxville News Sentinel to wear culotte. I didn’t want her to miss And because he did, Aug. 26, pantsuits to work? COLUMN out on anything either. 1970, became the day that women Who else? By the time I arrived, it seemed won the right to wear what they It was the summer of 1970 like it was normal to wear pants. wanted in the News-Sentinel and pantsuits were the latest fad. GEORGIANA VINES It was business as usual, all the newsroom. All the women in the newsroom women staffers were doing their wore dresses or skirts (along with jobs and it was obvious from what This column originally appeared blouses) to work, but some wanted sary of the amendment to the U.S. they wore they had not been sent Aug. 26, 2019 in the News Sentinel. to wear the latest fashion. There Constitution that gave women the home to change their clothes. I Georgiana Vines is a retired News was some doubt whether it would right to vote. asked if there had been any prob- Sentinel associated editor. She now be acceptable, so Charla Sear, gen- Everyone agreed to do it, even lems and was told no. writes a bi-monthly column and eral assignments reporter, decided Ruth Thompson (a key copy desk It was not until several years occasional stories for the News to fi nd out. staffer running the rim). The only later I learned how Harlow took Sentinel. Vines was inducted into She asked Harold Harlow, the exception was Dot Wright, the this “insubordination.” the Tennessee Press Associaton’s 50- paper’s managing editor, whether editor’s secretary, but we decided Duncan Bennett, who sat across Year Club in 2016. It should also be it would be allowed. He said no. she didn’t count. from Harlow as news editor, said noted, in the spirit of this column, She decided there was only one The only thing I didn’t like when the fi rst woman arrived in that when Vines gave birth to a Submitted photo way to disregard his wishes – If about it was that it was my day a pants suit, Harlow said, “I can’t child in 1969, the News Sentinel ALL the women in the department off — the day was after covering believe it.” Duncan said when the didn’t have a family leave policy, I came down in a two-piece outfi t agreed to wear pantsuits or pants a city council meeting. I didn’t next woman arrived, Harlow said so she was forced to resign from the featuring slacks. I also brought my of some kind to work on the same want to miss anything like that, the same thing. Then Harlow began paper so she could stay home and daughter, Carla, who was a little over day. She organized the effort and so sometime during the day, I shaking his head with each utter- take care of her newborn daughter a year old. I dressed her in a culotte. the day chosen as pants day was came down in a two-piece outfi t ance and lighting another cigarette. -- although she ended up back at I didn’t want her to miss out on Aug. 26, 1970 — the 50th anniver- featuring slacks. I also brought my This went on for several hours. the paper about six months later. anything either. Page 10 • The Tennessee Press • October 2019 Things that a good designer should never say

I’ve been consulting since June business of bringing meaning to good piece and we have to fi t it in.” 1989. Thirty years is a long time BY readers’ lives. Never. Edit . . . edit . . . edit. The and it’s time for me to retire and “There are no rules.” Oh, yes story has not been written that shift my attention to Julia, family, DESIGN there are. Lots of them. And you’d can’t be cut. grandkids and guitar. better know what they are before “Let’s jazz it up.” Design is not Over for the next few months, I’m you can even begin to think you’re about “jazz.” It’s about organizing offering some of my best columns ED HENNINGER ready to break them. content and giving that content from the past few years. “Times is a good typeface for quality display. This one focuses on things a good “Let’s play with the design.” text.” No. It’s not. “Readers want more stories, not designer should never say. Nope. Design isn’t play. It’s hard “It’s OK to write long stories. more photos.” Oh, yeah? Then why Throughout my career as a work. If you’re not ready to do that Readers will take the time to read is it that research shows time and consultant, I’ve heard managers, hard work, then you’re not ready them.” No. They. Won’t. More now again that the fi rst thing readers who do, don’t care. editors – yes, even designers – say to be a designer. than ever, readers want their infor- look at on a page is the photo (or “It’s OK to miss deadline.” No. things that disappoint me. “We have color on every page mation in smaller pieces. They will other visual)? It’s not. Ever. I made up my mind many years now. Let’s use as much color as we take the time for a longer story – If “Body text should be set jus- ago to avoid saying those things, can.” No, let’s not. Many things are you take the time to break it into tifi ed.” Sez who? More and more Ed Henninger, director of Hen- and I hope that you’ll put them on still said better in black and white. shorter chunks. newspapers (and other publica- ninger Consulting. E-mail: edh@ your list of things you’ll never say. “We’re in the business of writ- “It’s OK to make the text just tions) use fl ush left text. Most henningerconsulting.com. Phone: Here they are: ing.” No we’re not. We are in the a bit smaller on this story. It’s a readers don’t notice—and those 803-325-5252. Case of independent contractor mis-classifi cation remains pending NLRB Independent they will not have liability under the determination of the unfair referred to as the “Voluntary Rec- the NLRA for simply misclassify- labor practice charge. This often ognition Bar.” Under current law, Contractor status update LEGAL ing their workers. delays the election for months and a voluntarily recognized union Former NLRB Counsel Richard UPDATE even years. As the Board noted is entitled to a presumption of Griffi n (Obama appointee), in a NLRB Proposes in the NPRM, it “is inclined to majority support for a reasonable strategy of legal adventurism, took believe, subject to comments, that period of time. The Board defi nes the position that mis-classifying Rulemaking to Protect the current Blocking Charge policy a reasonable period of time as someone as an independent con- L. MICHAEL ZINSER Employee Free Choice impedes, rather than protects, no less than six months from the tractor was an independent, stand- On August 12, 2019, the NLRB employee free choice.” parties’ fi rst bargaining session, alone violation of the National La- individuals were found to be majority published a Notice of The NPRM proposes to replace but no longer than one year. bor Relations Act. A case brought employees instead of independent Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). the current Blocking Charge policy The NPRM states that volun- by General Counsel Griffi n contractors. That issue has always The rules amend NLRB rules and with a vote and impound proce- tary recognition will not bar the pursuing his theory, Velox Express been decided on a case-by-case regulations that govern employee dure that allows the election to processing of an election petition Inc., has been pending before basis. In November 2018, I predict- choice and elections. NLRB Chair- go forward. Under this proposed unless (1) the employer and union notify the regional offi ce that the NLRB since 2018. The NLRB, ed that the current NLRB would man John Ring and Members change, NLRB Regional Directors recognition was granted; (2) the because of the importance of the reject the assertion that classifying Marvin E. Kaplan and William J. would continue to process the employer posts a notice provided issue, invited interested parties to someone as an independent con- Emmanuel voted to propose the election and conduct an election if by the regional offi ce that informs fi le amicus briefs. Signifi cantly, tractor is independently, stand- Amendments. The three are Re- the charge has not been resolved. employees recognition has been President Trump’s newly appoint- alone a violation of the National publicans appointed by President If the charge has not been resolved granted and that they have the ed General Counsel, Peter Robb, Labor Relations Act. Trump. Board Member Lauren before the election, the ballots right to fi le a decertifi cation or ri- parted company with former On August 29, 2019, the Nation- McFerran (Democrat appointed by would remain impounded until val union petition within a 45-day General Counsel Griffi n. General al Labor Relations Board held that President Obama) dissented. the Board makes a fi nal determi- Counsel Peter Robb argued that companies do not violate the Na- nation regarding the charge. This window; and (3) 45 days pass after 1. Vote and Impound Proce- the posting without a properly misclassifying an employee as an tional Labor Relations Act solely dure replaces Blocking Charge change in the Blocking Charge independent contractor, standing by misclassifying employees as in- Rule will ensure that elections supported petition being fi led. Policy – A Blocking Charge is an This change is designed to allow alone, does not violate the Act. dependent contractors. The Board are conducted at a time that truly unfair labor practice charge fi led employees to express their free Unions hate independent con- majority held that a company’s refl ects employee free choice in by a party to a representation choice on unionization through a tractor status. The National Labor communication to its workers of accordance with the purposes of proceeding that alleges conduct prompt and impartial NLRB-con- Relations Act was specifi cally its opinion that they are indepen- the National Labor Relations Act. that would interfere with employ- ducted secret ballot election. amended by the 1947 Taft-Hartley dent contractors does not, standing 2. Voluntary Recognition Bar ees’ free choice when they vote. 3. Section 9(a) Recognition Amendments to expressly exclude alone, violate the National Labor – The NLRB has long rec- Blocking Charges occur most often Changes in the Construction Industry – independent contractors. U.S. Relations Act if that opinion turns where a union is facing a decertifi - ognized the lawfulness of volun- Section 8(f) of the National Labor Supreme Court decisions have out to be mistaken. Bottom line, cation petition and is likely to lose tarily recognizing a union without Relations Act allows Construction made clear that the NLRB is to the decision to classify an individ- the election. It has been common an NLRB-conducted secret ballot Industry employers and unions to use the usual common law test to ual as an independent contractor for a union to fi le an unfair labor election. The big issue is how long set terms and conditions of em- determine independent contrac- rather than an employee will not, practice charge and then claim the employees must wait before they ployment in a Collective Bargain- tor status. No Court Decision has by itself, subject an employer to election cannot go forward until can challenge majority status of a ing Agreement without showing ever held it was an independent liability under the National Labor the charge is resolved. In the past, voluntarily recognized union. The a majority of support for the violation of the National Labor Relations Act. After Velox Express, the NLRB has held the decertifi ca- period of time during which such Relations Act if, after litigation, companies can rest easy knowing tion petition in abeyance pending challenges are not permitted is See ZINSER Page 11 October 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 11 Launch of Houston County Herald community newspaper announced DANNY PEPPERS Thursdays. After many requests business many at The Leaf-Chronicle newspaper Standard, asking me to do a paper Houston County Herald from people in Houston Coun- years. I graduat- in 1998, and started at the Paris, for Houston County. I want this September 1, 2019 ty, we have decided to start ed from Austin Tenn. newspaper in 2012. Each paper to be all about the people this weekly newspaper here, Peay in 1998 experience was a valuable learn- and places in Houston County. Editor’s note: The following and make it all about Houston with a Bachelor ing opportunity, without which Liz Buttermore, who lives in article, which is edited for length, County, much like we did in of Science in this would not be possible. I can Cumberland City and attends Erin was originally published in the Stewart County four years ago. Mass Commu- only thank God for the many Church of God of Prophecy, will Houston County Herald and My mission statement in the nications and a blessings I have received, people be the person you will probably serves as Owner aand Publisher beginning was to honor God and minor in Jour- He has put in my path, and much see most around town and at our Danny Peppers’ announcement help others. It hasn’t changed and Peppers nalism. I wrote more. offi ce. She will be the offi ce man- to his readers of the newspaper’s applies to both papers. This is the for the APSU I graduated from Stewart ager for the Herald. Our graphic launch. fi rst issue of the Houston County Newspaper, the All-State and was County High School in 1984, my designer is a Houston County girl, If you live in Houston County Herald community newspaper. published in Capsule, the campus wife Carrie in 1986. I love this who has truly been a blessing and magazine. and have a mailbox, you should My name is Danny Peppers area and I have been approached See PEPPERS Page 12 get this newspaper each week on and I’ve been in the newspaper I started working in advertising by many people since starting the OBITUARIES Louise Knight their parents were sent there for Army veteran, serving in the mili- portraits. Pat Anglea Empson; son, Mike the war effort. tary from 1956-58 and later became After his Scruggs (Debbi) of Collierville; Louise Knight, age 93, former- She is survived by two daugh- a decorated and devoted journalist. retirement from daughter, Peggy Scruggs Patterson ly of Oak Ridge, passed away on ters, Ann Lindsay (John) and He worked for 37 years at the The The Tennessean, (Danny) of Westmoreland; brother, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 peacefully Carolyn Swindle (David). She also Tennessean, Nashville, as a pho- Empson and Dr. William Empson (Betty) of at home. She was a member of the leaves four grandchildren and fi ve tographer and chief photographer. his wife, Pat, Hermitage; step-daughters, Beth Livingston Church of Christ and great-grandchildren. Empson’s achievement including traveled and he Anglea Leftwich (Gary) of White Livingston Civic The family wishes to express a photographing eight presidents, two also worked as House and Gail Anglea Stroud of Garden Club. special thank-you to the River Oaks world fairs, the fi rst non-stop ightfl a part-time pho- Franklin; grandchildr en, Corey Louise was Place, Lenoir City, the nurses, aids to England and numerous football Empson tographer for the (Austyn) Scruggs, Jonathan (Caro- preceded in and staff of University of Tennessee games and other sporting events. Portland Leader lyn) Scruggs, Sara (Geoff) Lorenz, death by her par- Hospice nurses and staff. “He was aware that he had pho- for eight years, mainly working as Julia (John) Bell, Erin (Greg) ents, Hoyt and Submitted tographed many historical events a sports photographer. Carter, Amy (David) Miller, Forest Mary Belle Hold- Sept. 1, 2019 and was always willing to speak “It’s like Portland Panthers sports (Daniel) Petroski, Max Dorris and er Blanks and to groups using his photography and Frank were synonymous with Ayva Dorris; step-grandchildren, her husband of for educational purposes,” former each other. Frank and Curtis Marlin Cara West, Cala (Craig) Ballentine, 59 years, Richard Frank Delano Empson Knight Portland Leader staff writer Bonnie were always there covering Port- Catie (Matt) Bailey, Coleman (Lind- F. Knight. They Longtime photojournalist and Fussell said. “His photography of land sports,” said former Leader say) Stroud, Amber (Nathan) West, were co-owners Portland resident Frank Empson the civil rights movement in Nash- editor Sonya Thompson. and Brandon (Angel) Leftwich; and of the Livingston Enterprise and died on Sept. 3 at home. He was 85. ville is invaluable. His contagious Empson was preceded in death many great grandchildren. Jackson County Sentinel Newspa- Empson was born in Gallatin, on smile an love of people will be by his wife, Peggy Scruggs Emp- The Portland Leader pers in Middle Tennessee before May 20, 1934 to the late Ward Emp- missed.” son; daughters, Sue Scruggs Hoyal Sept. 11, 2019 selling and retiring to Oak Ridge, son and Evelyn Graves Empson. He, also, had passion for sketch- and Barbara Empson Dorris. where they originally met when Empson was a United States ing, drawing, and loved painting Empson is survived by his wife, See OBITS Page 12

ZINSER from Page 10 port from a majority of employees that recognized the private prop- The Musicians fi led an Unfair passory means “may include in an appropriate unit. erty rights of employers. The case Labor Practice charge claiming newspapers, radio, television, bill- union. Section 8(f) states that an This third change also refl ects involved the San Antonio Sym- that the Tobin Center had violated boards, and other media through Agreement signed under Section the current NLRB’s efforts to phony Musicians. The Musicians their Section 7 rights because it which is transmitted the ordinary 8(f) does not bar a petition for a protect employee free choice under typically perform at the Tobin refused to allow the distribution of fl ow of information that character- Board election. Current law allows the National Labor Relations Act. Center for the Performing Arts. handbills on their property. izes our society.” a Construction Industry union to The Symphony does not own The NLRB ruled that off-duty This new case means that convert an 8(f) relationship into a Future Predictions the Tobin Center. Rather, it has a employees of a contractor (the off-duty employees of an on-site 9(a) relationship based on contract license to use that facility for some Symphony in this case) are tres- contractor may be excluded from language alone without any other I believe that employers can ex- of its performances. The dispute passers that are entitled to access the worksite by the property own- evidence of a showing of majority pect the NLRB to continue to focus arose when Symphony employees for Section 7 purposes only if “the er in most cases. In today’s world of support of the employees. on revising the existing election wanted to distribute handbills and property owner cannot show that of social media and other forms of The NPRM reverses this current procedures including revisions to leafl ets on the sidewalk in front they have one or more reasonable easy publication, such contractor law and states that contract lan- the “Quickie Election” rule that of the Tobin center. That sidewalk alternative non-trespassory chan- employees would have a number guage alone cannot create a 9(a) became effective in April 2015. is private property owned by the nels of communicating with their of effective alternatives to trespass- relationship. Under the new Rule, Tobin Center. target audience. If there is at least ing on the employer’s property. a union would have to show posi- NLRB Moves to Respect The Tobin Center told the Mu- one such channel… the property tive evidence, apart from contract Property Rights sicians they could not distribute owner will be free to assert its fun- L. Michael Zinser is president language that the union unequiv- handbills or solicit on its premises. damental property right to exclude of The Zinser Law Firm, P.C., in ocally demanded recognition, the On August 23, 2019 the National The employees then moved across without confl icting with federal Nashville, Tenn. He can be reached employer accepted it, based on a Labor Relations Board reversed the street and continued to publi- labor law.” at 615.255.9700 and contemporaneous showing of sup- precedent and issued a decision cize their dispute. The NLRB stated that non-tres- [email protected]. Page 12 • The Tennessee Press • October 2019

TPA MEMBER COVERAGE SHOWCASE: The Jackson Sun Medina’s population booms, but business growth hasn’t kept pace BRANDON SHIELDS to Mayor Vance Coleman. That General, McDonald’s, Sonic, a cou- The Jackson Sun growth is expected to continue ple of small clinics and a gym. March 17, 2019 with more development underway. A crowd gathered in February to Mayor: ‘We do our celebrate the grand opening of The Rapid growth, but busi- best to help’ Nail Place in Medina. nesses haven’t kept pace Jenna Cooper has worked for Coleman said communication different nail salon places in Jack- While housing developments between incoming businesses and son — even the previous occupant surrounding a district full of the city differs from case to case. of the space her business now new schools has attracted more “A lot of times we’ll know from occupies — but she felt it was time residents, mainly from Jackson, the the time they start that they’re to start her own business. business district of the town hasn’t here, but other times, like when “I’ve been around long enough grown as quickly. Fred’s came, they’d already bought and see how these businesses suc- Coleman was in attendance for the land before they came to us ceed, and my husband, Tyler, and I The Nail Place’s grand opening at a about opening up here,” Coleman fi nally decided to make the jump,” small strip mall on Highway 45. said. “We haven’t done a lot of Cooper said. “I didn’t think I was “When you have a lot of empty talking with the clinic as far as ready to do that, but a lot of people business, it looks like it’s hard what all they plan on opening. Photo by Kenneth Cummings, The Jackson Sun we knew said we could do it.” for businesses to be successful,” “They’re so early in the stages, Cooper, who fi rst opened The Coleman said about the importance we’ll have more contact with that as The city of Medina has grown quickly over the last couple of decades, Nail Place in December, is one of a of having the store fronts fi lled. it gets closer to for them opening.” but some local businesses have still struggled to stay afl oat. handful of new business owners in “When somebody comes in and Making sure store fronts stay Medina. A new car wash is coming invests in our city, we ought to full in the older part of town on but sometimes it doesn’t work out,” “We’re glad we have our to town, and the Jackson Clinic has use them and try our best to make Main Street has been more diffi cult. Coleman said. business here because we know bought a parcel of land for a new them successful.” Coleman said during his re-election Places like Rhodes’ Diner and everybody, and they know us,” location there, too. In the last decade, the area along campaign in 2016 that many busi- Medina Flower Shop have stuck Cooper said. “We appreciate the Medina has grown from fewer Highway 45 has seen more busi- nesses have opened there, but the around. Main Street Grill and Co- fact they’re willing to bring their than 1,000 people in the 2000 Cen- nesses come in, including a Food majority have not lasted very long. Co’s food service are a couple that business to us because this is sus to more than 5,000, according Giant supermarket, Fred’s, Dollar “We do our best to help them, are newer, but thriving. where we live.”

OBITS from Page 11 hood friend Vaughan seemed to be in high Ron McMahan, started a Nashville there for 30 years, his wife said. of his,” Judy demand once he moved back lobbying fi rm bearing their names. He’d play every Sunday with Bill Vaughan Vaughan said. “I to Nashville. He served as state The two met while they were both former Knoxville City Council- went home with tourism director, assistant press reporters at The Knoxville Journal; man Larry Cox, Alan Carmichael Bill Vaughan, a former Knox- her for the week- secretary for former Gov. Winfi eld McMahan went on to become the of public relations fi rm Moxley ville reporter who became a end and met him Dunn and press secretary for editor of the paper. Carmichael and former U.S. Rep. Nashville lobbyist and worked for over there. We Dortch Oldham’s gubernatorial “Behind that gruff voice and Jimmy Duncan, with whom he several prominent politicians, died married two and campaign before working for 15 personality was a guy who had a worked near the end of his career. Saturday, Sept. 21, at his home in a half years later, years as the director of a coal big heart and helped many people,” “I called them the four amigos,” Maryville. He was 77. Vaughan and that’s when lobbying group called Facts about Vaughn said of his longtime friend Judy Vaughan said. Vaughan, a Jellico native, started our adventure Coal in Tennessee. when McMahan died in 2008. Bill Vaughan had suffered from his career in 1961 as a copy boy began.” “He just kind of kept his hand “What you saw in Ron was what dementia in recent years, his wife at The Knoxville Journal. He bal- Vaughan went on to work as a in the pot in a little bit of every- you got. He was very competitive, said. When he died Sunday, he was anced his shifts at the now-defunct political reporter for the Journal. thing. People would call him strong-willed, and never hesitated surrounded by his family, includ- daily newspaper with his studies at He became fascinated with politics just to talk to him about what he to say what he thought to anyone.” ing his four daughters. the University of Tennessee, where while covering the state legislature thought about different things,” Outside of work, Vaughan “He had a good life,” Judy said. he met his wife. in Nashville, and he later landed a his wife said. “He kind of knew enjoyed tending roses in his garden “His mind’s clear now.” “I came to UT to go to school, job as press secretary for U.S. Rep. everybody.” and playing golf at Holston Hills Knoxville New Sentinel and my roommate was a child- Jimmy Quillen in Washington, D.C. Vaughan and his close friend, Country Club. He was a member September 22, 2019

PEPPERS from Page 11 advertisers. Our offi ce is located The facts need to be printed, and HoustonCountyHerald.com. Our publication. at 9 Adkins Drive in downtown you the public can form your website is www.HoustonCoun- We have been working many so instrumental in getting this Erin, close to the courthouse. own opinion. This is going to be tyHerald.com, with the entire hours to bring this to you, and fi rst issue published. You may We would like to have corre- a local paper all about Houston paper uploaded each week for a I don’t promise perfection, but know Janessa Parchman, a 2017 spondence from all over Houston County. We will also try to have small subscription fee. We will be passion. We will try to make graduate of Houston County High County. Please give us time to add feature stories about local people, providing a community event cal- sure you have a quality product School, who is working toward a things, but do let us know what as often as possible and recog- endar and church announcements in your hand each week. Please degree in graphic design. you would like to see in your nize those who go “above and for special events free of charge. send us pictures from around the We are proud to get this fi rst paper. We will hold to a standard beyond.” Please submit information two county and information about issue published, it’s being mailed of journalistic ethics, integri- Our offi ce will be open Mon.- weeks from date of publication. current events. We look forward to every home in the county for ty, and just plain good honest Fri. 9 am-4 pm. You can call us Deadlines for advertising will be to getting out and meeting more free right now, thanks to our reporting without an agenda. at 931-289-3802, or e-mail offi ce@ Friday at noon, the week before of you as the weeks go on. Special Section October 2019 UT, TPA announce 2019 newspaper contest winners STAFF REPORTS in the 2019 State Press Contests, it Points are awarded for each en- this year. The Johnson City Press awards this year, one for each September 1, 2019 was also a time at which other key try, and general excellence honors received eight fi rst-place awards and category. Newspaper publishers, editors, announcements and introductions are based on the newspaper’s total the Bristol Herald Courier received UT has cosponsored the annual writers, and designers won top were made. points in their division. seven fi rst-place awards. contest since 1940. awards Thursday, July 18, in the The Chattanooga Times Free The all-time leader in general Among the many stories from The Meeman Foundation was Tennessee Press Association’s 2019 Press, the Johnson City Press, the excellence wins is The Tennesse- 2018 cited for excellent work, con- established in 1968 at UT to fund newspaper contest co-sponsored Leaf-Chronicle (Clarksville), the an, Nashville, with 12, followed test judges highlighted the Tennes- the contest, provide professional by UT. Hendersonville Standard, and the by the Southern Standard, Mc- sean’s coverage of the Waffl e House critiques of journalists’ work, and The TPA’s State Press Contests Gallatin News won the top general Minnville, with 11, and the Erwin shooting in Antioch, Tennessee. support journalism students and awards luncheon was held Thurs- excellence awards in their respec- Record with 10. The Record holds As part of the annual contest, educators. day, July 18, as part of the 2019 tive divisions. All fi ve divisions had the record for most consecutive newspapers winning fi rst-place Reciprocal judging is done with TPA Summer Convention hosted different winners from 2018, mark- “titles” won with nine, spanning awards in the categories of editori- another state’s association. This July 18-19 by the Read House Hotel ing the fi rst in the 21 years of the 2003-2011 inclusive. als, best single editorial, and public year, the Texas Press Association in Chattanooga. points-based statewide press contests The Chattanooga Times Free service received $250 prizes from judged 1,406 entries from 72 of the The July 18 awards dinner not there has not been at least one repeat Press and the Tennessean (Nash- UT’s Edward J. Meeman Founda- Tennessee Press Association’s 129 only recognized all the winners winner from the previous year. ville) each won 11 fi rst-place awards tion. The Gallatin News won three member newspapers.

First-place winners in the 2019 State Press Contests gathered for a group photo following the awards luncheon on Thursday, July 18, at The Read House Hotel in Chattanooga, Tenn. Front row: Nicole Young, Robertson County Times, Springfi eld;, Heather Mullinix, Crossville Chronicle; Dale Gentry, The Standard Banner, Jeff erson City; Echo Day, The Leader, Covington; Scott Whaley, Chester County Independent, Henderson; Natalie Alund, The Tennessean, Nashville; Sinclaire Sparkman, The Lebanon Democrat; Brooke McCain, Brownsville Press; Michael Reneau, The Greeneville Sun; Brian Blackley, Lakeway Publishers, Tullahoma.

Middle row: Lyle Graves, The Ledger, Nashville; Don Foy, Herald-Citizen, Cookeville; Joe Hurd, The Courier, Savannah; John Carney, Shelbyville Times-Gazette; Jason Reynolds, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin; Tracey Wolfe, Grainger Today, Bean Station; Alan Sloan, farragutpress, Farragut; Autumn Hughes, Cleveland Daily Banner; Gwen Swiger, Cleveland Daily Banner; Alison Gerber, Chattanooga Times Free Press; Tena Lee, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin; Ken Leinart, The Courier News, Clinton.

Back row: Michael Anastasi, The Tennessean, Nashville; Larry McCormack, The Tennessean, Nashville; David Plazas, The Tennessean, Nashville; Chris Smith, The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville; James Clark, Southern Standard, McMinnville; Michael Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer; Josh Cross, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin; Allison Collins, Chattanooga Times Free Press; Dave Gould, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin; Matt McLane, Chattanooga Times Free Press; Lisa Denton, Chattanooga Times Free Press; Mark Kennedy, Chattanooga Times Free Press; Sam Watson , Johnson City Press; Meg Scarbrough, Chattanooga Times Free Press. Page 2 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

2019 TPA STATE PRESS CONTESTS LUNCHEON (PHOTOS BY TONY CENTONZE, FOR TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION ) LEFT: Annette Hurd, Savan- nah Publishing Co., enjoys the 2019 TPA State Press Con- tests Awards Luncheon in Chattanooga. RIGHT: Carl Esposito, The Daily Times, Maryville, at the TPA State Press Contests Awards Lun- cheon, held July 18 at the Read House Hotel.

LEFT: Mark Jones, was part of a large Chattanooga Times Free Press, contin- gent that hosted one of the most memorable TPA conventions in the Association’s hsitory. RIGHT: Brooke McCain, Browns- ville Press, was all smiles as her newspaper won TPA awards

LEFT: Ni- cole Young, Robertson County Times, Springfi eld, won multiple awards that were presented July 18 in Chattanooga. RIGHT: Malinda Hunter, TVA, Chattanooga, was right at home at this year’s Summer Convention, held in Chatta- nooga. 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 3

2019 TPA STATE PRESS AWARDS LUNCHEON (PHOTOS BY DONN JONES, DONN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 4) LEFT: UT Interim President Ran- dy Boyd pres- ents Heather Mullinix, Cross- ville Chronicle, a fi rst place plaque during the ceremony on July 18. RIGHT: UT In- terim President Randy Boyd presents David Plazas, The Tennessean, Nashville, a 2019 TPA State Press Contests Awards for Editorials.

LEFT: Rob Walters, Bristol Herald Courier receives a fi rst place plaque for Best Special Issue or Section from UT Interim President Ran- dy Boyd. RIGHT: Echo Day, The Lead- er, Covington, accepts a fi rst place award for Best Special Is- sue or Section.

LEFT: Outgoing TPA President Doug Horne shared presen- tation duties. Tracey Wolfe, Grainger Today, accepted the award for Best News Photo- graph. RIGHT: Lyle Graves, accepts the Hamilton County Herald’s award for Community Lifestyles from UT Interim President Randy Boyd. Page 4 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

2019 TPA STATE PRESS CONTESTS LUNCHEON (CONT.) (PHOTOS BY DONN JONES, DONN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY) LEFT: Awards moderator Charles Primm, University of Tennessee, during a lighter moment while announcing awards. RIGHT: Allison Collins, Chat- tanooga Times Free Press, accepts the award for Best Website from Randy Boyd, UT Interim Presi- dent.

LEFT: UT Inter- im President Randy Boyd presents the Community Lifestyles award to Alan Sloan, the farragut- press. RIGHT: Larry McCormack, The Tennesse- an , Nashville accepts the Best Feature Photograph award.

LEFT: Michael Anastasi, vice president and editor of The Tennessean, Nashville, accepts the pa- per’s award for Make-Up and Appearance from UT Interim President Ran- dy Boyd. RIGHT: Ken Lein- art, The Courier News, Clinton, receives the fi rst place award for Headline Writing. 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 5 Complete list of 2019 contest winners General Excellence Dave Gould 3. The Nashville Ledger Hubbard 2. Chattanooga Times Free Leigh Singleton Press Group I. The Gallatin News 4. The Lebanon Democrat 2. The Daily Times, Maryville Staff Group II. Hendersonville Jared Felkins, Sinclaire Spark- 4. Southern Standard, APG Maryville Design Staff man, Matt Masters, Andy Reed, McMinnville Judge’s Comments: Excellent use Standard of white space. I felt the design Mark Rodgers, Angie Mayes James Clark, Jeff ery Simmons, 3. Johnson City Press Group III. The Nashville Ledger Lisa Hobbs, Margaret Hobbs, Brian Reese, Robert Pierce, was attractive without compro- Lacy Garrison, Seth Wright, Mike Murphy, John Stout, Jason mising space for stories. I like the Group IV. Johnson City Press 5. The Standard Banner, typefaces chosen for this design. Jeff erson City Nikki Childers Bullard Group V. Chattanooga Times An absolute wonderful use of Free Press Dale Gentry, Kim Cook, Ray 5. The Paris Post-Intelligencer graphics. Seabolt, Jesse Woody Group V Glenn Tanner, Michael Wil- Make-Up and Appearance 1. The Tennessean, Nashville 3. News Sentinel, Knoxville Group III liams, Leslie Sensing, Tommy Group I Priddy, Gay Francisco, Tiff any Nashville Design Studio Staff Staff Hopkins, Ken Walker 1. The Courier News, Clinton 1. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Judge’s Comments: This is an Local Features Ken Leinart Don Foy, Jack McNeely, Kate Group IV attractive newspaper. The great Cook, Lindsay McReynolds, Scott design immediately draws the eye. Group I Judge’s Comments: The Courier Wilson, Ben Craven 1. Bristol Herald Courier Strong headlines urge the reader stood out from a tight race at 1. Hamilton County Herald, Robert Allen, Sandra Ross, to learn more. Strong typefaces the top with dramatic feature 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Chattanooga images and organic layouts. In David Thometz, Chelsea Gil- are easy to read. This was the clear the end, The Courier received the Staff lenwater, George Stone, Nate leader in this design category. See WINNERS, Page 6 best layout for their willingness to take risks, and then execute those visions fl awlessly at times. Commercial Appeal’s Weber wins 2018 AP Photo of the Year award 2. Hamilton County Herald, Chattanooga Leigh Singleton Judge’s Comments: Hamilton’s gorgeous feature photography, composition, and use of typogra- phy made it stand out among the others. 3. The Leader, Covington Echo Day, Jeff Ireland, Alan Ervin 4. The Gallatin News Carrie Tomlin, Sherry Mitchell, Josh Cross, Zach Womble, Mi- chael Gallagher, Zack Owensby, Mary Anne Ferrell 5. The Erwin Record Keeli Parkey, Lisa Whaley, Damaris Higgins, Richard Rourk, 2018 AP Kendal Groner Group II Photo of the Year, 1. farragutpress, Farragut farragutpress Production, for Tennessee farragutpress Editorial Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography 2. The Knoxville Ledger Adam Yeomans, AP Regional Director of the South, announces that the Photographer: Leigh Singleton 2018 Associated Press Photo of the Year Award for Tennessee went to Jim Weber, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, who was unable to be present 3. Hendersonville Standard to accept his award at the 2019 TPA Summer Convention in Chattanooga. Jim Weber Pam Wingett, Michael Galla- Weber’s photo, above right, shows Memphis police arresting Spanish-lan- gher, Zack Owensby, Mary Anne guage reporter Manuel Duran during an immigration protest April 3, 2018 The Commercial Appeal, Memphis Ferrell, Sherry Mitchell, Tena Lee, in downtown Memphis. Page 6 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards Index to First Place Winners’ Entries General Excellence Michael Reneau “Eight arrested during VOP IV. Cleveland Daily Banner “Celebrating Sunshine Week” Page 15 roundup” Group I. Gallatin News Capuchin money gets frisky Echo Day Tracey Wolfe V. News Sentinel, Knoxville Autumn Hughes Page 28 Group II. Hendersonville Page 9 Standard “Would teachers armed with Page 23 II. The Wilson Post, Lebanon Group III. The Leaf-Chronicle, guns really have helped during II. The Ledger, Knoxville V. The Tennessean, Nashville “Remembering Mister Rogers” these shootings?” Clarksville “Mountains into mulch” “Daring surgery, promising Ken Beck Jack McElroy Group IV. Johnson City Press Adam Taylor Gash results” Page 29 Page 18 Page 10 Larry McCormack Group V. Chattanooga Times III. Union City Daily Free Press * Meeman Award Winners III. The Paris Post-Intelli- Page 24 Messenger Pages 16-17 Best Personal Humor gencer Best Sports Photograph “Little moments a constant “Fire gets Marilyn Street home” reminder” Make-Up & Appearance Column I. Chester County Indepen- Bill McCutcheon Chris Menees I. The Courier News, Clinton I. The Courier News, Clinton dent, Henderson Page 11 Page 28 II. farragutpress, Farragut “But only if it’s a natural smile” “Chester teams having mega fun” Ken Leinart IV. Johnson City Press IV. The Greeneville Sun III. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville James Webb Page 23 “Chemical grenades end John- “A Christmas moment at the IV. Bristol Herald-Courier son City standoff ” Page 25 checkout counter’” V. The Tennessean, Nashville II. Hickman County Times, Becky Campbell Cameron Judd Centerville II. The Wilson Post, Lebanon Page 12 Page 29 Pages 19-10 “Ready for boys?” “Cumberland men host Fisk Tigers” Donna S. Wallace V. Chattanooga Times Free V. Chattanooga Times Free Best Single Editorial Steve Wampler Page 24 Press Press I. Gallatin News “One killed in West 38th Street Page 25 “ ‘ God put us together’ “ III. The Ledger, Nashville “Commissioners should not use shooting” III. Southern Standard, Mark Kennedy “Prine is great but Rock Hall isn’t private email for conducting C.B. Schmelter McMinnville Page 30 county business” the right fi t” Page 13 “Champions get crowned” Headline Writing Staff Joe Rogers Jeff ery Simmons Page 30 Page 11 Page 25 Best Feature Photograph Page 25 I. The Courier News, Clinton II. The Lebanon Democrat IV. Johnson City Press I. Carthage Courier Ken Leinart “Feeding the birds? It’s for the “Fair fun” IV. The Daily Times, “Fields should resign as Wilson Maryville II. The Tullahoma News County commissioner” squirrels”” Eddie West “Unable to stem the Tide” Kelly Lapczynski, Andrea Becky Campbell Page 21 Jared Felkins Joy Kimbrough Agardy Page 13 Page 26 II. The Wilson Post, Lebanon Page 26 III. Southern Standard, III. The Leaf-Chronicle, V. Chattanooga Times Free “ ‘Develop the whole child’ ” McMinnville Press V. Chattanooga Times Free Clarksville Dallus Whitfi eld Staff “When a single period is plenty” Press “No excuse for portables after Page 22 IV. Bristol Herald Courier school shootings” Mark Kennedy “Continued supremacy” III. The Leaf-Chronicle, Robert Allen, David Chris Smith Page 27 Robin Rudd Clarksville Thometz, Sandra Ross Page 14 Page 27 Best News Photograph “ ‘They,’ ‘He’ and ‘She’ ” V. Chattanooga Times Free IV. The Greeneville Sun I. Grainger Today, Bean Courtney Pedroza Best Personal Column Press “Be sure to show your work” Station Page 22 I. The Leader, Covington Staff

WINNERS, from Page 5 marco Moore, Josh Peterson Group II 3. The Lebanon Democrat Jason Reynolds, Cat Murphy, Jared Felkins, Matt Masters Ken Beck, Ivan Aronin, Dave David Laprad 4. The Erwin Record 1. The Knoxville Ledger Gould Kendal Groner, Keeli Parkey, Joe Morris, Hollie Deese 4. The Standard Banner, 2. The Gallatin News Jeff erson City Group III Lisa Whaley Josh Cross, Sherry Mitchell, 2. The Elk Valley Times, Steve Marion, Dale Gen- 1. Shelbyville Times- Angie Flatt, Rick Murray 5. News-Herald, Lenoir City Fayetteville try, Kimary Clelland, Gayle Gazette Page 3. Manchester Times Jonathan Herrmann, Jeremy Lucy Williams, Sandy Williams, Dawn Hankins, Mark McGee Casey Watts, John Coff elt, De- Nash Paul Henry, Laurie Caruso 5. Murfreesboro Post See WINNERS, Page 7 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 7

WINNERS, from Page 6 Mullinix, Gary Nelson, Michael Miller, Steve Wildsmith Judge’s comments: This article rose Group II Moser, Cheryl Duncan to the top... it was the only piece I Judge’s comments: The hands- 4. Kingsport Times-News couldn’t wait to fi nish, but then the 1. Murfreesboro Post down winner of this year’s entries. Group IV Holly Viers, J. H. Osborne ending was missing. But even so, it Matt Masters, Zack Owensby Great variety in stories that are it still clearly the best of the bunch. well-written and draw the reader 1. Johnson City Press 3. The Greeneville Sun 2. The Oak Ridger Evan Mays, Sue Guinn Legg, in. I might have like to see the sea Cameron Judd, Michael 2. Herald & Tribune, Donna Smith of gray on the jumps broken up Brandon Paykamian, Nathan Jonesborough Baker, Mackenzie Moore, Jessica Reneau, Sarah R. Gregory, Lisa 3. Roane County News with more photography. Warren, Tate Russell, Mansi Marina Waters Fuller, Joe Avento Cindy Simpson Boegemann Judge’s Comments: This sweet 2. Southern Standard, Judge’s comments: Great variety McMinnville article had me from the start. I 4. The Elk Valley Times, of topics with good pictures to Group V could picture those sweet faces Fayetteville James Clark, Margaret Hobbs, help draw reader’s interest. Very sticking out from behind their Lucy Williams Lisa Hobbs information and entertaining. 1. Chattanooga Times Free Press garden and I just wanted to keep reading. Great job! 5. The Standard Banner, 3. The Daily Herald, Columbia 2. Cleveland Daily Banner Staff James Bennett, Mike Christen, Jeff erson City Larry Bowers, Autumn Hughes 3. The Gallatin News Jay Powell 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville Steve Marion Josh Cross Judge’s Comments: Memorial Day Staff 4. The Nashville Ledger features, pics, and related stories Group III 4. Hamilton County Record Tom Wood, Ivan Aronin, Hollie work well together. Good thorough 1. The Paris Post-Intelligenccer Deese information about kidney trans- Best Single Feature David Laprad plant delivered in upbeat story. Group I Glenn Tanner 5. The Bledsonian-Banner, 5. Crossville Chronicle Judge’s comments: The fi rst three Missy Wattenbarger, Rebekah 3. The Daily Times, Maryville 1. Hamilton County Record Pikeville K. Bohannon Beeler, Heather Melanie Tucker, Amy Beth David Laprad Chase Smith See WINNERS, Page 8 Past UT-TPA State Press Contests Sweepstakes and General Excellence Winners From TPA Archives I – Chester County Independent, Clarksville V – The Commercial Appeal, IV – The Jackson Sun A points-based Sweepstakes Henderson IV – The Tennessean, Nashville Memphis V – Chattanooga Times Free Press Award was established in 1999. In II– Southern Standard, McMinnville 2006 the category of General Excel- 2007 General Excellence 2011 General Excellence 2015 General Excellence lence became a points-based award III – The Daily News Journal, I – The Erwin Record I – The Erwin Record I – (a tie) Independent Herald, and replaced the Sweepstakes Murfreesboro II – The Standard Banner, II – The Standard Banner, Oneida and The Portland Leader Award. The newspaper in each of IV – Chattanooga Times Free Press Jefferson City Jefferson City II – The Wilson Post, Lebanon the fi ve contests divisions (Groups 2003 Sweepstakes Award III – The Daily Herald, Columbia III – Southern Standard, McMin- III– Southern Standard, I, II, III, IV and V) with the highest I – The Erwin Record IV – The Commercial Appeal, nville McMinnville total points in its group receives the II– Southern Standard, Memphis IV– The Jackson Sun IV – The Jackson Sun General Excellence Award. McMinnville V– The Tennessean, Nashville V – Chattanooga Times Free Press 1999 Sweepstakes Award III – The Daily News Journal, 2008 General Excellence I – Chester County Independent, Murfreesboro I – The Erwin Record 2012 General Excellence 2016 General Excellence Henderson IV– The Tennessean, Nashville II – Memphis Business Journal I – Herald & Tribune, I – The Portland Leader II– The Review Appeal, Franklin III – Southern Standard, Jonesborough II – The Standard Banner, III – The Daily News Journal, 2004 Sweepstakes Award McMinnville II – (a tie) Gallatin News Examiner Jefferson City Murfreesboro I – The Erwin Record IV – The Leaf-Chronicle, and Grainger Today, Bean Station III – The Lebanon Democrat IV – The Tennessean, Nashville II– Southern Standard, Clarksville III – Southern Standard, IV – The Jackson Sun 2000 Sweepstakes Award McMinnville V – The Tennessean, Nashville McMinnville V – Chattanooga Times Free Press I – Chester County Independent, III – The Daily News Journal, IV – The Jackson Sun Henderson Murfreesboro 2009 General Excellence V– The Tennessean, Nashville 2017 General Excellence II – Southern Standard, IV – The Tennessean, Nashville I – The Erwin Record I – The Gallatin News McMinnville 2013 General Excellence II – The Wilson Post, Lebanon III– The Daily News Journal, 2005 Sweepstakes Award II – The Standard Banner, Jefferson City I – Herald & Tribune, III – (Tie) The Daily Herald, Murfreesboro I – The Erwin Record Jonesborough Columbia, and The Lebanon IV – The Tennessean, Nashville III – Southern Standard, II – Southern Standard, McMinnville II – (a tie) The Standard Banner, Democrat McMinnville IV – The Daily Herald, Columbia Jefferson City, and Manchester IV – Johnson City Press 2001 Sweepstakes Award III – The Daily News Journal, V – The Commercial Appeal, Times V – The Tennessean, Nashville I – The Rutherford Courier, Murfreesboro Memphis III – Elizabethton Star Smyrna IV – The Commercial Appeal, IV – The Jackson Sun 2018 General Excellence V – The Tennessean, Nashville II– Southern Standard, Memphis 2010 General Excellence I – Independent Herald, Oneida McMinnville I – The Erwin Record II – The Standard Banner, Jefferson III– The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville 2006 General Excellence II – The Standard Banner, 2014 General Excellence City IV – The Tennessean, Nashville I – The Erwin Record Jefferson City I – The Erwin Record III – The Nashville Ledger II– LaFollette Press III – Shelbyville Times-Gazette II – The LaFollette Press IV – Bristol Herald Courier 2002 Sweepstakes Award III – The Leaf-Chronicle, IV– The Jackson Sun III – Elizabethton Star V – The Tennessean, Nashville Page 8 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

WINNERS, from Page 7 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Jessica Bliss places in this category were very diffi cult to separate. All three Community Lifestyles features were especially engaging and well-crafted. This one stood Group I out the most for being the best 1. Hamilton County Herald, written and most impactful, with Chattanooga the most unique subject matter. Really loved this story. Nancy Henderson, David Laprad 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville 2. The Gallatin News Courtney Pedroza Josh Cross, Sherry Mitchell, Rick Murray Judge’s Comments: This story stood out mightily for the timely 3. Brownsville Press topic, excellent writing, and very Brooke McCain, Katy Cowan, well-crafted story. Chris McCain 3. Southern Standard, 4. Independent Appeal, Selmer McMinnville Sandy Whitaker Submitted James Clark 5. Pulaski Citizen Above: Outgoing TPA President 4. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Margaret Campbell, Cary Jane Doug Horne (right), Republic Jim Herrin Malone, Dan Watson Newspapers, Knoxville, presents his 2019 President’s Award to 5. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Group II Darrell Richardson, publisher of Mary Jo Denton The Oak Ridger. Horne made the 1. farragutpress, Farragut presentation on Aug. 10 at his Group IV farragutpress Editorial, farra- offi ce after Richardson was unable gutpress Production to attend the TPA Summer Con- 1. Cleveland Daily Banner vention that was held July 18-19 in Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography Gwen Swiger 2. The Tullahoma News Chattanooga. Kelly Lapczynski, Elena Caw- Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville, and outgoing president 2. Citizen Tribune, Morristown ley, Andrea Agardy, Erin Mc- of the TPA, presents the 2018 Public Notice Journalism Award to Tracey John Gullion Cullough, Kali Bradford, Susan 4. The Daily Herald, Wolfe, a reporter with Grainger Today, Bean Station. Wolfe was hon- Campbell Columbia ored during the 2019 TPA State Press Contests Luncheon held July 18 in 3. Johnson City Press James Bennett, Jay Powell, Chattanooga. Becky Campbell 3. Hendersonville Standard Aaron Walther, Mike Christen Tena Lee, Sherry Mitchell, Rick 4. Cleveland Daily Banner Murray 5. Shelbyville Times-Gazette 3. Citizen Tribune, 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville Christy Armstrong John Carney, David Melson, Morristown Staff 4. Murfreesboro Post 5. The Daily Times, Maryville Dawn Hankins, Jason Reynolds, John Gullion, Jean Hender- Jason Reynolds, Carrie Tomlin, Michelle Hastings son, Glenna Howington, Cliff Best Sports Writing Waylon Cunningham Jim Davis, Dave Gould Hightower Group I Group V Group IV 5. The Lebanon Democrat 4. Cleveland Daily Banner 1. News-Herald, Lenoir City 1. News Sentinel, Knoxville Jared Felkins, Angie Mayes, 1. Bristol Herald Courier Gwen Swiger, Colby Denton Nick Davis Matt Lakin Pete Mecca Sandra Ross 5. The Daily Times, Maryville Judge’s comments: Outstanding Group III Judge’s comments: Beautiful, in- Judge’s comments: Great writing Melanie Tucker job of providing a vast array of about a great piece of history. You viting sections. Design is excellent, 1. Southern Standard. coverage across multiple sports. interviewed a lot of people and it and stories are well edited. Much Group V Stories were well-written and really opened up the story. Great McMinnville of the content seems to come Margaret Hobbs engaging. The community should job. from correspondents, but it all fi ts 1. Chattanooga Times Free be proud of their newspaper. Judge’s comments: The use of together as though it was written Press 2. Chattanooga Times Free by the same staff - a tribute to Press colorful art and engaging content Lisa Denton 2. Macon County Times, made this a clear winner. good editing. Reading these sec- Lafayette Tyler Jett tions feels like sitting down with a Judge’s Comments: Diffi cult to Craig Harris, Johnny Beaver Judge’s Comments: This story 2. The Nashville Ledger friend. Easy like Sunday morning. judge - great entries. This one gave me real insight into these Linda Bryant, Tom Wood Great job. used white space eff ectively with 3. Smithville Review two politicians. I felt like I got to strong colors and graphics that Duane Sherrill know them and that’s diffi cult 3. Union City Daily Messenger 2. Johnson City Press were sometimes “outside the box” with politicians. Thanks. Donna Ryder Jessica Fuller, Hannah Swayze - with good eff ect.” See WINNERS, Page 9 Save the dates for the 2020 TPA Winter Convention • February 12-13, 2020 • Nashville 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 9

Tommy Bryan, Jason Gooles- First place award by, John Sloan, Michael Galla- gher Best News Photograph Group III Group I 1. The Daily News Journal, Tracey Wolfe – Murfreesboro Grainger Today, Bean Station Cecil Joyce, Luis Torres Judge’s Comments: Emotion- al story telling; good quotes, detailed, thoughtfulness with challenges. 2. Union City Daily Messenger Kevin Weaks Judge’s Comments: Variety of subject matter including sports personalities, schools, coaches and players. Tough decision made by high school; leadership by faith. 3. The Newport Plain Talk Seth Butler, Dennis Barker Jr. 4. Southern Standard. McMinnville Jeff erey Simmons 5. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography George Robinson Randy Boyd, interim president for the University of Tennessee, gave Group IV opening remarks for the 2019 TPA State Press Contests Awards Lun- cheon July 18 at the Read House Hotel in Chattanooga. 1. Johnson City Press Group I gutpress Production, Ken Lay, Joe Avento, Jeff Birchfi eld, Carlos Reveiz Tanner Cook, Douglas Fritz 1. The Courier, Savannah David Shirley, Shelia Bomar 2. Hendersonville Standard 2. Cleveland Daily Banner Zach Womble, Rick Murray, Richard Roberts, Joe Cannon, Judge’s comments: Very nice range Don McPeak, Andy Telli, John Patrick MacCoon of coverage with good art and writing. Decker, Michael Gallagher, Zack 3. The Greeneville Sun Owensby 2. Smithville Review Sam Bundy Duane Sherrill 3. The Standard Banner, Jeff erson City 4. The Daily Times, Maryville Judge’s Comments: Nice layouts. Corey Roepken, Troy Pro- Great pictures. Eric Cain, Jacob Lindsey, Dale vost-Heron, Taylor Vortherms Gentry, Dave Gentry, John Turner, 3. The Erwin Record Melanie Fritz, Ronnie Housley Group V Keeli Parkey, Richard Rourk, Lisa Whaley, Damaris Higgin 4. The Lebanon Democrat 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Andy Reed Dave Ammenheuser, Erik 4. The Gallatin News WINNERS, from Page 8 2. The Standard Banner, Bacharach, Joe Rexrode, Adam Zach Womble, Michael Galla- 5. The Wilson Post, Lebanon Jeff erson City Sparks gher, Zack Owensby, Phil Staud- Tommy Bryan, Steve Wampler, 4. The Advocate & Democrat, Dale Gentry, Dave Gentry, er, Randy Moore, John Decker, John Sloan, Bobbie Kay Bryan, 2. Chattanooga Times Free Andy Telli Ivan Aronin, Dallus Whitfi eld, Sweetwater Steve Marion Press Wayne Reeder Scott Carter, Danielle Proulx Stephen Hargis, Mark Wied- 3. The Herald Chronicle, 5. Morgan County News, mer, Mark Pace Wartburg 5. The Leader, Covington Winchester Group III Taylor Crombie, Jeff Ireland Sam Cowan 3. News Sentinel, Knoxville Goose Lindsay 1. The Daily News Journal, Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wil- Murfreesboro 4. The Tullahoma News Group II son Group II Cecil Joyce, Luis Torres, APG Zach Birdsong Maryville Design Staff 1. The Knoxville Ledger Best Sports 1. farragutpress, Farragut Rhiannon Potkey 5. The Wilson Post, Lebanon Coverage farragutpress Editorial, farra- See WINNERS, Page 10 Page 10 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

WINNERS, from Page 9 Judge’s Comments: Anyone who Editorials loves SEC football year-round First place award would love the Times Free Press. Group I 2. The Newport Plain Talk Best News Seth Butler, Dennis Barker Jr., Anyone who thinks “minor” high 1. The Gallatin News Dylan Young school sports are worth a lot of Photograph attention would not, even when Dave Gould, Sherry Mitchell, Group II those sports are in season, at least Josh Cross, Tena Lee 3. Crossville Chronicle Adam Taylor Gash – Michael Lindsay according to the submitted entries. Since that is a signifi cant criteria, 2. News Herald, Lenoir City The Ledger, Knoxville Jonathan Herrmann, Steve 4. Southern Standard, that hurts the overall score. McMinnville Meadows 3. News Sentinel, Knoxville Jeff ery Simmons Staff 3. New Tri State Defender, Memphis 5. The Daily Herald, Columbia Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray (Jr.) Staff Best Graphics and/or 4. Grainger Today, Bean Station Group IV Illustrations Tracey Wolfe 1. The Greeneville Sun Groups I, II & III Sam Bundy, Tate Russell, 5. The Courier, Savannah Wayne Phillips, Darren Reese 1. The Leader, Covington Ron Schaming, R. Kelly Jordan Echo Day Judge’s comments: The best part Group II of the Sun is its storytelling, going Judge’s comments: Hard to decide beyond scores, stats and play-by- between fi rst and second place. 1. The Lebanon Democrat play to really get into the souls Small details pushed this one to the Jared Felkins, Jacob Smith, of the communities and teams it top. Well done. Linda Alessi followed through their successful seasons. 2. The Knoxville Ledger Judge’s comments: Felkins’ entry Leigh Singleton pointed out things outside the nor- 2. Johnson City Press mal reader’s knowledge. Probably Joe Avento, Jeff Birchfi eld, Judge’s Comments: A hair behind not a popular stance in his area, Tanner Cook, Douglas Fritz, fi rst place. Very nice product. You but it needed to be said. Jamie Combs should be proud. 2. Hendersonville Standard Judge’s Comments: No shame in 3. The Nashville Ledger Tena Lee, Josh Cross, Sherry fi nishing second here. The margin Leigh Singleton Mitchell, Dave Gould was whisker-thin. Excellent, well-rounded product. 4. Grainger Today, 3. The Knoxville Ledger Bean Station Sam Stockard 3. The Daily Times, Maryville Robert Turner Austin Bornheim, Troy Pro- 4. The Herald Chronicle, vost-Heron, Corey Roepken, 5. Hendersonville Standard Winchester Lauren Moore, Taylor White, Staff Linda Stacy Taylor Vortherms Groups IV & V 5. The Wilson Post, Lebanon 4. Cleveland Daily Banner Brian Harville, Zack Owensby, Richard Roberts, Joe Cannon, 1. Chattanooga Times Free Group IV Jack McElroy Patrick MacCoon Press Tommy Bryan, Kenny Martin, Dave Gould Sara Jackson, Cindy Deifenderf- 1. Bristol Herald-Courier 3. Chattanooga Times Free 5. Citizen Tribune, Morristown er, Clay Bennett, Matt McClane Cliff Cumber Press Matt Daniels, Derwin Helton, Group III Judge’s Comments: Clearly the Clint Cooper JD Vaughn, Shilante Carter, Dan- 1. Crossville Chronicle 2. Kingsport Times-News iel Munson winner. Such diversity and clever designs. Great job. Heather Mullinix Ted Como Best Single Editorial Group I Group V 2. The Tennessean, Nashville 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, 3. The Greeneville Sun 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Kent Travis Clarksville Michael Reneau 1. The Gallatin News Staff Chris Smith Tena Lee, Josh Cross, Sherry Judge’s Comments: Infographics 4. The Daily Times, Maryville Mitchell, Dave Gould Judge’s comments: The excep- are a favorite of mine. 3. The Nashville Ledger Bob Norris, J. Todd Foster tional column writing raises the Sam Stockard 2. The Gallatin News overall level of the section. Good 3. Bristol Herald Courier 5. Cleveland Daily Banner storytelling always wins out over David Thometz, Chelsea Rick Norton Josh Cross, Tena Lee, Sherry 4. The Mountain Press, Mitchell, Dave Gould dry reporting. Added depth of the Gillenwater Sevierville hometown pro teams makes it a Group V 4. News Sentinel, Knoxville Jason Davis 3. News-Herald, winner. Lenoir City Charlie Daniel 1. The Tennessean, Nashville 5. Herald Citizen, Cookeville Jonathan Herrmann, Steve 2. Chattanooga Times Free David Plazas Press 5. The Daily Times, Maryville Lindsay McReynolds, Kate Cook, Meadows Staff Marcus Fitzsimmons Don Foy 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville See WINNERS, Page 11 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 11

First place award Commissioners should not use private Best News Photograph email for conducting county business Group III We’ve known for a while now county to offer a county email Bill McCutcheon – that members of the Sumner First place award address to any commissioner who The Paris Post-Intelligencer County Commission have used asks for one. private email accounts to conduct Best Single We also urge all of the 24 their county business. What we Editorial county commissioners to request haven’t known, until recently, is Group I a county email address and use why. it to conduct county business. That reason came to light Tena Lee, Josh Cross, This isn’t a radical - or even new last month when newly elected Sherry Mitchell, Dave idea. In fact, it’s pretty much the County Commissioner Jeremy standard among governmental Mansfi eld asked Sumner County Gould – agencies across the state. Law Director Leah Dennen for a Gallatin News We’re not naïve enough to county email address. think that offi cials in other cities “Open records are the exact Meeman Award Winner or counties don’t skirt around reason we advise against having the issue by using their pri- a county email address,” Dennen This way, she noted, if someone vate email accounts to conduct responded. “If you have a county emails about something not re- business. (We’ve seen that on a email, anything and everything lated to government business, the national level as well). That can’t would have to be turned over in county commissioner has more always be stopped. But what can a records request. By using your control over what they turn over be stopped is the use of fl imsy own, you have better control if a request is made. reasoning for not making such a over what can be turned over if a Dennen also argued she system available to those who do request is made.” believes a county commissioner want to be transparent. When we asked Dennen to is less likely to discuss county The fact that this isn’t provided explain, she said that many peo- business with another county in Sumner County makes it look ple don’t realize that when they commissioner if they are using like our elected offi cials have email a county commissioner that private email accounts. something to hide – or in the very those emails may be subject to We believe both reasons are least that transparency is not a Tennessee’s Open Records Act. severely fl awed, and urge the high priority.

Sam Stockard Sevierville 3. The Daily Times, Jason Davis Maryville Group III Bob Norris 4. Crossville Chronicle 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Heather Mullinix 4. Kingsport Times-News Clarksville Ted Como Chris Smith 5. Crossville Chronicle Judge’s comments: Excellent Heather Mullinix 5. Cleveland Daily Banner piece that shows the other side Rick Norton of tax cuts. Well reasoned, pulls Group IV Group V no punches. This is the kind of 1. The Greeneville Sun editorial that should move people Michael Reneau 1. News Sentinel to action in your community and Jack McElroy encourage other newspapers to 2. The Herald Chronicle, Judge’s comments: Well-written, WINNERS, from Page 10 do similar stories on their own concise editorial on issues raised Winchester 2. Chattanooga Times Free 4. Brownsville Press schools. Well done. in news coverage. While taking a Press Linda Stacy, Alan Clark Carlton Veirs stand on the issue, the newspa- Pam Sohn 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, per also steps up to encourage Judge’s Comments: A touching Clarksville 5. Grainger Today, localized piece that sparks empa- transparency in elected offi cials’ 3. Chattanooga Times Free Bean Station thy for the veteran and also makes Chris Smith decision making. Press Tracey Wolfe Clint Cooper one proud of their community. Judge’s Comments: Very strong 2. Bristol Herald Courier Job well done. Group II writing that pulls no punches and Cliff Cumber Best Personal doesn’t waste words. This piece Column 1. The Lebanon Democrat 3. The Tullahoma News gets right to the point, backs up Judge’s Comments: Thoughtful, Jared Felkins Andrea Agardy its opinion with facts and explains thorough piece making the case Group I global trade in a way that makes against an initially well-meaning 1. The Leader, Covington Judge’s comments:A good job 4. Roane County News, sense to the every man. Then it law that had become a restriction holding an elected offi cial account- Kingston hits readers with a strong end that on public information. Illustrating Echo Day able for his behaviors, both before Hugh Willett pulls it together. Great work. their case with a tragic, local inci- and after the election. It’s all there dent, this editorial gives readers a 2. The Advocate & Democrat for an editorial. 5. The Knoxville Ledger 3. The Mountain Press, lot to think about. See WINNERS, Page 12 Page 12 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

WINNERS, from Page 11 Michazel Reneau 3. The Standard Banner, Jeff erson City First place award Michael Thomason 4. Bristol Herald-Courier William Blevins Ben Talley Best News 3. Grainger Today, 4. The Tullahoma News Photograph Bean Station 5. Johnson City Press Andrea Agardy Group IV Tracey Wolfe Robert Houk 5. The Lebanon Democrat Becky Campbell – 4. Robertson County Times, Group V Sinclaire Sparkman Johnson City Press Springfi eld 1. Chattanooga Times Free Nicole Young Press Group III 5. Brownsville Press Mark Kennedy 1. The Nashville Ledger Joe Rogers Joe Sills 2. Chattanooga Times Free Press Group II 2. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Bill Stamps Lindsay McReynolds 1. The Wilson Post, Lebanon 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Ken Beck 3. The Daily Herald, Columbia Alex Hubbard Justin Glover Judge’s Comments: Timely and evocative piece about Mr. Rogers, Best Personal Humor 4. The Daily Herald, Columbia who was interviewed twice by the Column Justin Glover writer. Well done! Group I 5. The Nashville Ledger 2. The Lebanon Democrat 1. The Courier News, Clinton Joe Rogers Sinclaire Sparkman Ken Leinart Group IV Judge’s Comments: A fi ne essay Judge’s Comments: Closest to about living in, and fi nally leav- laugh-out-loud, and a nice end- 1. Johnson City Press ing, what many perceived as a ing. Your style has a rhythm of its Becky Campbell rough neighborhood. own, but you make it accessible through consistency. 2. Cleveland Daily Banner 3. The Wilson Post, Lebanon Rick Norton John Sloan 2. The Advocate & Democrat, Sweetwater 3. The Daily Times, 4. Hendersonville Standard Melissa Kinton Maryville Dave Gould Judge’s Comments: Pretty funny. Steve Wildsmith 5. Hendersonville Standard A close second. The reader goes 4. Cleveland Daily Banner Tena Lee along with you because of your good writing. Richard Roberts Group III 3. Smithville Review 5. Bristol Herald Courier Joe Tennis 1. Union City Daily Messenger Duane Sherrill Chris Menees 4. The Advocate & Democrat, Group V 2. The Daily Herald, Columbia Sweetwater 1. Chattanooga Times Free James Bennett Mike Thomason Press Mark Kennedy 3. The Daily Herald, Columbia 5. The LaFollette Press James Bennett Deidre Wilson Judge’s comments: This was the stronger of the two submitted. I 4. The Leaf-Chronicle, Group II actually chuckled out loud reading about exclamation points. (I just Clarksville 1. Hickman County Times, Chris Smith held great restraint from using just Centerville now, trying to use the matchbook 5. Southern Standard, Donna S. Wallace suggestion. McMinnville Judge’s Comments: Funny column 2. Chattanooga Times Free Lacy Garrison by a talented writer. And absolute- Press ly true. Boys are gross. Group IV Jay Greeson 2. Hickman County Times, Judge’s Comments: Funny col- 1. The Greeneville Sun Centerville umn. Diffi cult category. Great to Cameron Judd Donna S. Wallace have two talented writers within the same organization. 2. Cleveland Daily Banner Judge’s Comments: Timely and Rick Norton appropriate in a time when ill Best Breaking manners are a fact of modern 3. The Greenville Sun life. See WINNERS, Page 13 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 13

First place award Fields should resign as Wilson County commissioner Best News Theodore Roosevelt once said, results, and I look forward to serv- Photograph “The most practical kind of politics First place ing the citizens of District 1.” is the politics of decency.” It’s Fields has since been unavail- Group V apparent Wilson County Commis- award able for comment despite multiple C.B. Schmelter – sioner- elect Robert Fields should Best Single attempts. Chattanooga Times Free Press take those words to heart and Editorial What’s absent from the conver- resign his seat on the commission sation is, at the least, an apology or refuse to take the oath of offi ce. Group II to Roehler and his family. They It’s diffi cult to believe Fields Jared Felkins deserve that, and Wilson County would “perform with fi delity the Meeman Award - Lebanon residents deserve for Fields to re- duties of the offi ce” to which he Winner nounce his seat on the commission. was elected, and which he is about Democrat The rest of that commission- to assume, as is recited in the oath er’s oath of offi ce is recited, “I do of offi ce. Fidelity is defi ned as solemnly swear to support the “faithfulness to a person, cause or On Sunday afternoon, Fields said constitutions of Tennessee and belief, demonstrated by continuing he would “concede the race to Mr. the United States and to faithfully loyalty and support.” Roehler [on Monday] and will fully perform the duties of the offi ce of A closer look at Fields’ actions in support him.” county commissioner . . . ” the past two weeks demonstrates Later Sunday evening, Fields There’s a section in the Tennes- a clear mistrust of him among told The Democrat he changed his see Constitution that says, “That many Wilson County residents, mind and was going to wait for the government being instituted for and Fields’ lack of both explanation provisional ballots to be counted, the common benefi t, the doctrine and apology for those actions raise which took place Wednesday. of nonresistance against arbitrary signifi cant question as to whether “I have changed my mind,” he power and oppression is absurd, he can represent all the residents said in a voicemail. “I am not going slavish and destructive of the good of District 1 and Wilson County, to concede on Monday. I will wait and happiness of mankind.” The for that matter, regardless of race, and see what the provisional bal- fi rst three words of the U.S. Consti- ethnicity or political beliefs. lots say on Wednesday.” tution are, “We the people . . . ” It was determined following last On Sunday, Fields emphatically At least in the court of popular Thursday’s Wilson County General said, “I am not a racist. I was sim- opinion, there are questions as to Election that Fields tied with his ply answering a question [that the whether Fields can be inclusive to opponent, Tim Roehler, for com- race would be determined by two the representation of all who live missioner in District 1 with two provisional votes]. in his district. Oath is defi ned as provisional ballots left to count. “In retrospect, I can see that the “a solemn promise, often invoking The following day, Fields took to comment can be considered racist, a divine witness, regarding one’s Facebook to question Roehler as to but I am not a racist.” future action or behavior.” It leaves why he “kept quiet” about Roe- On Wednesday morning, Fields a lot of doubt as to whether Fields hler’s wife being African American was declared the winner by one can or should make such a signif- and their children who are “inter- vote. icant promise regarding future ac- racial.” He also questioned why Fields sent a text message to The tions when he’s failed to adequately Roehler hid the fact that he was a Tennessean on Wednesday that face the mistakes he’s made in his Democrat. said, “I have been informed of the recent past.

WINNERS, from Page 12 Group II Judge’s Comments: Human 1. The Daily News Journal, editors would have done). Very remains found: A mysterious Murfreesboro engaging content. There are no News Coverage 1. The Elk Valley Times, disappearance eight years earlier Nancy DeGennaro, Helen small stories, only small places, Fayetteville is seemingly solved with the grim Comer, Mariah Timms, Natalie and your coverage of this shows Group I Lucy Williams, Sandy Williams discovery of a body but questions Alund why you will continue to remain and investigations continue. 1. Brownsville Press relevant in your community. Mas- Judge’s comments: Fire destroys Well-done piece bringing back the Judge’s Comments: It was a very diffi cult choice between fi rst and terful job with true breaking news- Brooke McCain, Carlton iconic local business: Great, thor- facts of the case from 2012. Great second place. Both did a great job -not breaking news you have fi ve Veirs ough coverage of what was sure background. days to package and write. to be a major economic disaster. with breaking news in their com- munities. This one stood out be- 2. The Erwin Record Well-written, good use of quotes 3. Roane County News, cause of the quality of the writing 3. The Newport Plan Talk Kendal Groner and stats from fi re offi cials and Kingston, Alison Brooks, Seth Butler emergency response teams. Photos across the package, the variety of Damon Lawrence stories included, and the informa- 3. The Leader, Covington showed a gaping hole in the histor- 4. The Paris Post-Intelligencer ic downtown business district. The 4. The Standard Banner, tion provided to readers. Echo Day Jeff erson City Ken Walker, Glenn Tanner, importance of the business land- 2. The Newport Plain Talk Steve Marion Cassie Walsh, Alexis Ray 4. Carthage Courier mark was highlighted in a sidebar where local residents shared their Seth Butler, Matt Winter Eddie West 5. The Oak Ridger 5. The Leaf-Chronicle, memories of the decades-old com- Judge’s Comments: WOW!! This Clarksville pany. Good job. Donna Smith, Benjamin is true breaking news coverage. 5. Crockett County Times, Pounds You worked very hard to get this Stephanie Ingersoll, Jennifer Alamo 2. The Lebanon Democrat in your paper and did exactly Babich Cynthia Kilburn Jacob Smith Group III what was needed (and what most See WINNERS, Page 14 Page 14 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

WINNERS, from Page 13 2. Morgan County News, Wartburg No excuse for portables after school shootings Group IV Goose Lindsay For years, the Clarksville-Mont- • Northeast – 8 portables. First place 1. Johnson City Press Judge’s Comments: Goose Lindsay gomery County School System has • Rossview – 7 portables. been pleading with the Montgom- award • Hazelwood - 4 portables. Becky Campbell is serving the residents of the community well. Both entries from ery County Commission and the • Norman Smith - 5 portables. voting public that we can’t keep Best Single • Liberty - 3 portables. Judge’s Comments: The lead the Morgan County News were Editorial grabbed me by summing up what strong. Lindsay’s solid reporting of putting off new school construc- • Ringgold - 3 portables. happened but leaving the question the sheriff ’s lawsuit coupled with tion. Group III • Moore - 1 portable. of ‘how did it get to this point?’. The this Moonshine series show his For years, the commission has • West Creek - 1 portable. Chris Smith - • Woodlawn - 1 portable. writer gives details of the events commitment and love of the com- been kicking the can down the road, packing more kids into our The Leaf- There are 18 portables at four of without drawing it out. Meeman Award munity he serves. The “Moonshine existing schools and allowing our middle schools: Winner Chronicle, on the move” series was chosen to them to spill out into portable • Northeast – 9 portables. 2. Citizen Tribune, Morristown represent the entirety of the entries. Clarksville Robert Moore, Cliff Hightower classrooms parked outside. • Rossview – 7 portables. It was great coverage of good news Now we’ve fallen behind, and • New Providence - 1 portable. in a county that needs it. Judge’s Comments: The sidebar now we’re nearing a crisis. Be- support than our community has • West Creek - 1 portable. cause those kids in those portables been willing to give in the past: Does that list bother you? It shows the staff worked hard to en- 3. The Gallatin News capsulate this moment in time that — they aren’t safe. Improved building security. should. The doors to every one disrupted lives and set a communi- Josh Cross, Sherry Mitchell Every now and then, the County We’re lucky enough to live in a of those schools might as well be Commission relents and approves city that’s growing, with new jobs, wide open. ty on edge. Having other voices in 4. News-Herald, Lenoir City the story beyond just the offi cials money for new construction. a thriving university, and a steady The county’s Feb. 12 decision to makes this story excel. Jonathan Herrmann That’s what happened Feb. 12 fl ow of retiring soldiers from Fort expand four schools will eliminate when it approved $14.6 million Campbell putting their roots down 27 of those 69 portables. But that 3. The Daily Times, 5. Manchester Times for classroom expansions at four here. But if we drop our property still leaves 42 portables, and of Maryville Casey Watts, Josh Peterson schools. tax rate every time the value of course we’re likely to need more Mike Gibson Two days later, a young man our land increases, as we have before those expansion classrooms Group II walked into Stoneman Douglas done again and again for the last open. High School in Parkland, Florida, few decades, we’ll never be able to Recent active shooter response 4. The Greeneville Sun 1. Hendersonville Standard Eugenia Estes and killed 17 people, most of them keep up with that growth. training has infuriated some peo- Tena Lee, Sherry Mitchell teenagers ages 14 to 17. As a result of our failure to meet ple who are dismayed to hear the Only a month earlier, an hour’s those school construction needs, trainers say that it’s not a matter of 5. The Daily Times, 2. Murfreesboro Post Maryville drive northwest of Clarksville, a today, as you read this, your “if” we have a school shooting in Sam Stockard, Dave Gould Wes Wade 15-year-old opened fi re at Marshall school system is using 69 portable Clarksville, it’s a matter of “when.” County High School in Benton, classrooms, sitting unsecured Those words shouldn’t make us 3. The Herald Chronicle Group V Kentucky, killing two students. outside the main buildings, with angry at the trainers. They should Seth Byrd Responses to the school shoot- students having to walk back wake us up and make us angry at 1. The Tennessean, ings have been wide-ranging, and forth to change classes, go to the county leaders of the past who Nashville 4. The Standard Banner, with calls for tighter gun laws, lunch, in some cases to go to the left us in this dangerous situation. Jeff erson City restroom. The County Commission’s re- Staff better mental health care, arming Steve Marion teachers, more SROs, reducing Where are they? At the elemen- cent action to expand some class- 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville bullying, censoring video games. tary and middle schools, serving rooms gets us closer to a solution, 5. The Tullahoma News The solution will likely to come the youngest of our students. but we have a long way to go to Jamie Satterfi eld Elena Cawley from a combination of several of There are 51 portables at 11 of catch up to and resume our school the above. our elementary schools: construction schedule. 3. Chattanooga Times Free Group III But the one solution most people • Barkers Mill – 10 portables. Let’s pray we get there soon Press agree on will take a lot more local • Minglewood – 8 portables. enough. Emmett Gienapp 1. Crossville Chronicle Best News Michael R. Moser Reporting Judge’s Comments: Great series interviews and news stories sup- Alyssa Oursler, Robert 4. The Daily Times, on cases coming through the plemented with regular feature Sorrell Maryville Group I local court system. Well-written columns. Great team eff ort. Waylon Cunningham Judge’s Comments: First based stories recount the off enses and on the fact that it’s an enterprise Judge’s Comments: Timely, relevant the resulting impacts on victims, 3. The Leaf-Chronicle, 1. Robertson County Times Clarksville series, very cohesive, planned and and localized. A couple of things Nicole Young, Adam Tambu- perpetrators, their families and could possibly have been done Stephanie Ingersoll, Jennifer well-executed. rin, Holly Meyer, Mariah Timms, the community. Poignant topics better, but all-in-all, a great job. Natalie Allison, Yihyun Jeong covered professionally yet with Babich 2. Bristol Herald Courier empathy. 5. Citizen Tribune, Judge’s Comments: This team 4. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville David McGee, Lurah Spell 2. The Daily Herald, Morristown of reporters and their editors Ben Wheeler, Paige Stanage did an excellent job of covering Columbia Judge’s Comments: Second by a Glenna Howington, Robert hair. The citizens are fortunate Moore, Cliff Hightower the touchy subject of capital James Bennett, Mike Christen 5. The Nashville Ledger punishment justly. They inter- to have you as a watchdog over viewed many sources and did not Judge’s Comments: Terrifi c series Hollie Deese, Jeannie Naujeck, these types of politicians. It was Group V Kathy Carlson like pulling teeth, but you stayed pronounce judgment - simply on 2018 elections - everything 1. The Tennessean, Nashville reported the facts. This is a solid voters needed to know about after it and got the story. Jessica Bliss, Anita Wadhwani, writing team. Robertson County is candidates and issues in city, Group IV being served well by this group of school and county elections...even 3. Kingsport Times-News Natalie Allison, Natalie Alund, journalists and their editors. the election system. Candidate 1. Bristol Herald Courier Rain Smith See WINNERS, Page 15 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 15

Casey Watts, Elena Cawley Group III Be sure to show your work Judge’s comments: This is a good, 1. The Nashville Ledger solid investigative piece and Hollie Deese Remember in math class when soever” — seems to make pretty reveals a serious problem in your First place judicial system. I found it interest- Judge’s Comments: Excellent your teacher asked you to show clear that once discussion turns choice of topic and well re- your work when putting your award from exchanges with the attorney ing and I can only hope it helps answers on your homework? We to exchanges between members pave the way for correcting the searched. Everyone can re- hope the Greene County Commis- Best Single of a governing body, the meeting problem. Good work. late. Editorial sion keeps that principle in mind should then become public or such 2. Robertson County Times, 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, later this month. Group IV discussion should cease. Regard- Springfi eld Clarksville It’s likely that at their June 18 less of whether or not a previous regular meeting, commissioners Michael executive session violated the sun- Nicole Young Jennifer Babich will decide whether they want to Reneau - shine law, the citizens of Greene Judge’s Comments: Excellent job. Judge’s Comments: Taking mili- appeal the decision of Washington Meeman Award The County are entitled to hear our You discovered a serious problem, tary coverage to a new direction. County Chancellor John A. Winner Greeneville county commissioners’ reasoning exposed the problem and now Nice to see the homefront cover- Rambo forcing the county to Sun for either pursuing or not pursu- changes are being made. That’s age. Steps inside a world the bulk fund additional staffers in Clerk & ing an appeal of the Armstrong what investigative reporting is of the public does not see. Master Kay Solomon Armstrong’s decision. suppose to do. Great job. offi ce. created the exception in the law Thus, county commissioners 3. The Mountain Press, There are two issues worth that allows for governmental should “show their work,” so 3. The LaFollette Press Sevierville discussing here. bodies to meet in closed, executive to speak, when they make that Crystal Huskey First, a transcript has surfaced session with their attorneys. decision. Jeff Farrell of a deposition of Greene County From the Tennessee Coalition of The second issue at hand is 4. The Ashland City Times 4. The Nashville Ledger Mayor David Crum from December Open Government’s “Keys To Open whether or not the commission 2017 In the deposition, Crum indi- Government” publication: “The should appeal at all. Kelly Fisher Jeannie Naujeck cates the Greene County Commis- Supreme Court acknowledged the Armstrong’s original request 5. The Courier, Savannah sion may have discussed in execu- likelihood of abuse and set specifi c was for the county to fund an 5. The Daily News Journal, tive session whether or not to settle restrictions and conditions for additional full-time and an addi- R. Kelly Jordan Murfreesboro Armstrong’s lawsuit out of court or conducting those closed meet- tional part-time position in her Brinley Hineman whether to proceed in court. ings to protect the legal privilege offi ce. With salaries and benefi ts, Group II Group IV In our opinion, such discussion without damaging the intent of what she requested would total 1. The Knoxville Ledger in closed session would violate the sunshine law. It made clear no about $61,000 in total additional Nancy Henderson, Linda 1. Johnson City Press the Tennessee Open Meetings decision of any kind can be made outlay for the county, according to Bryant Act. When the Tennessee General except in public.” documents. Nathan Baker, Robert Houk, Assembly passed its open meetings Justice Frank Drowota wrote Instead, after having lost its Judge’s Comments: Great job Becky Campbell, Jessica Fuller, law in 1974, it originally included in the Supreme Court opinion: fi ght, the county will likely be demonstrating thoroughness, Hannah Swayze no exclusion for attorney-client “Clients may provide counsel with on the hook for at least $411,000 high interest for readers, and privilege. So, if a governing body facts and information regarding in legal fees, plus the cost of the 2. The Daily Times, balance of reporting. Each issue Maryville were embroiled in legal action — the lawsuit and counsel may positions themselves. was researched extensively and such as has been the case with the advise them about the legal rami- Litigating was a gamble. We can incorporated data and the human Waylon Cunningham Armstrong lawsuit — it could not fi cations of those facts and the in- understand standing on princi- component and impact. The discuss particulars of the matter formation given to him. However, ple. But there comes a time when graphic presentation of each piece 3. The Daily Times, with its attorney. Thus, the same once any discussion, whatsoever, prudence should also govern our set this entry apart from anything Maryville attorney-client privilege enjoyed begins among the members of the decisions. As such, we think it best else in its category. Beautifully Amy Beth Miller by other attorney-client relation- public body regarding what action for the county to cut its losses and done. ships didn’t apply to governmental to take based upon advice from not appeal. 4. Bristol Herald-Courier bodies. counsel, whether it be settlement Regardless of its decision, 2. Hendersonville Standard Alyssa Oursler That changed in 1984 with a or otherwise, such discussion shall though, the commission’s deliber- Tena Lee, Sherry Mitchell dispute between the Smith County be open to the public and failure to ations toward that decision must 5. Johnson City Press Board of Education and the Smith do so shall constitute a clear viola- take place out in the open, where Judge’s Comments: These reports Nathan Baker, Becky Camp- County Education Association, tion of the Open Meetings Act.” voters and taxpayers can judge the were very eff ective in uncovering bell, Zach Vance, Robert argued before the Tennessee Su- The key phrase in that passage merits of the decision for them- nasty political campaign tactics, Houk preme Court. The court’s opinion — “once any discussion, what- selves. fi nding and naming those behind them, exposing the apparent Group V indiff erence of the offi cials who 1. The Tennessean, Nashville WINNERS, from Page 14 lives of the victims and helped the who worked the cases that con- should have held them account- community cope and grieve. tinued to haunt them - sometimes able, and informing the voters, Dave Boucher, Allen Arthur Jason Gonzales, Holly Meyer, for decades. who should throw the whole lot of 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville them out. Judge’s comments: Excellent series Adam Tamburin of stories that pushed county and Mat Lakin 3. Chattanooga Times Free 3. Hendersonville Standard state authorities to real change Judge’s comments: Would really Press like for fi rst and second to be a tie Judge’s Comments: Would really Tena Lee, Sherry Mitchell that will protect accused off enders for fi rst. Both represent tremendous like for fi rst and second to be a tie Emmett Gienapp, Meghan in the future. Sunlight on a major work and great writing. The sheer for fi rst. Both represent tremen- Mangrum, Judy Walton 4. Murfreesboro Post problem - housing people accused volume of work by the Tennessean dous work and great writing. Matt Sam Stockard, Dave Gould of crimes in solitary confi nement staff in covering a mass shooting at Larson’s profi les of the cases that Investigative Reporting under the guise of “safekeeping,” 5. Mufreesboro Post led to real change. That would the Waffl e House is is phenomenal. put killers on Tennessee’s death Group I They covered every angle, picked row focuses where it belongs: on Jason Reynolds, Sam Stockard, not have happened without the up every loose end, celebrated the the victims and law enforcement 1. Manchester Times Ivan Aronin, Dave Gould See WINNERS, Page 18 Page 16 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards 2019 General Excellence Winners Circulation Group I: Combined Circulation Group II: Combined Circulation Group III: Combined weekly circulation of 5,000 or less weekly circulation of 5,001-15,000 weekly circulation of 15,001-50,000

Submitted photo Main Street Media of Tennessee’s (Gallatin) combined staff s, rep- Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography resenting the Gallatin News and Hendersonville Standard, won Chris Smith (right), of The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, re- Josh Cross, Gallatin News, receives the fi rst place plaque for General Excellence awards in Groups I and II, respectively. Left to ceives the fi rst place plaque for Best Feature Photo, Group Best Editorials, Group I, from Randy Boyd, UT interim presi- right: Josh Cross, Zach Womble, Sherry Mitchell, Ginger McClen- III, from Randy Boyd, UT interim president. The Leaf-Chroni- dent, at the 2019 TPA State Press Contests Awards Luncheon. don, Randy Moore, Tena Lee, Lisa Peters and Dave Gould. cle also won Group III General Excellence honors. 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 17 2019 General Excellence Winners Circulation Group IV: Combined Circulation Group V: Combined weekly circulation of 15,001-50,000 weekly circulation of 50,001-200,000

All photos in this column by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography Gwen Swiger, Cleveland Daily Banner, accepts the Group IV Best Single Feature award from Randy Boyd, UT interim president.

J. Todd Foster (middle), The Daily Times, Maryville, and Autumn Hughes accept the Group IV Best Education Reporting award.

Sam Watson (right), Johnson City Press, accepts the Group IV award for Best Business Coverage.

Submitted photo Johnson City Press staff ers pose with awards they won at the Submitted photo 2019 TPA State Press Contests Awards Luncheon, including General Excellence for Group IV. Front row: Sue Guinn Legg, Chattanooga Times Free Press staff ers celebrate their Robert Houk, Becky Campbell and Brandon Paykamian. Back Group V General Excellence award. Left to right: Matt row: Jared Bentley, Nathan Baker, Sam Watson, Joe Avento, McClane, Chris Vass, Alison Gerber, Mark Kennedy, Alex Dave Flessner (right), Chattanooga Times Free Press, accepts Tanner Cook, Douglas Fritz, Jonathan Roberts, David Floyd Chambliss, Meg Scarbrough, Jeff DeLoach, Lisa Denton, the Group V award for Best Business Coverage. The Times Free and Jeff Birchfi eld. Not pictured: John Thompson. Dave Flessner, Allison Collins and Mark Jones. Press also won the overall Group V General Excellence award. Page 18 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards WINNERS, from Page 15 man, Matt Masters, Angie Mayes Would teachers armed with guns really newspaper. 5. Murfreesboro Post Jason Reynolds, Sam Stockard, 2. The Tennessean, Nashville Ivan Aronin, Dave Gould have helped during these shootings? Joey Garrison, Nate Rau, Dave A bill to let teachers carry guns in the cafeteria, would he or she Boucher Group III advanced in the legislature last First place been able to shoot Siler before he award Judge’s Comments: Great digging. 1. The Nashville Ledger week. A look at school shootings fi red? That seems unlikely, though These stories clearly served the Bill Lewis, Hollie Deese, Jean- in the Knoxville area might lend Best Single perhaps the 15-year-old could have public interest in uncovering mis- nie Naujeck, Tim Ghianni, Linda some perspective on whether this been shot before he fl ed. measure might help, or harm, Editorial Of course, he might have re- use of taxpayer money to advance Bryant, Tom Wood Group V the mayor’s aff air. What stood out school safety. turned fi re, too. most to me was the context of- 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, On Nov. 8, 2005, administrator Siler’s case was moved into adult Jim Pierce of Campbell Coun- Jack court, and he pleaded guilty to a fered in these stories that truly let Clarksville McElroy - the reader decide for themselves Jimmy Settle ty Comprehensive High School deal that got him 30 years in prison. learned that Kenny Bartley had Meeman Award News On Feb. 10, 2010, students at whether this was an acceptable Winner use of funds or not. Excellent work. 3. The Daily Herald, Columbia brought a handgun to school. Sentinel, Inskip Elementary School were Assistant Principal Ken Bruce or- dismissed early because of snow James Bennett Knoxville 3. News Sentinel, Knoxville dered the 14-year-old to the offi ce. showers. Principal Elisa Luna 4. Shelbyville Times-Gazette At fi rst, the gun was not loaded, and Assistant Principal Amy Jamie Satterfi eld but during the meeting with admin- only reckless homicide. He was Brace used the time to bring Mark Jason Reynolds, John Carney, istrators, Bartley slid in the maga- released on time served. Stephen Foster, a fourth-grade Best Business Coverage Ashley Coker, Terence Corrigan, zine. When Principal Gary Seale On Aug. 21, 2008, freshman Ja- teacher, into the offi ce and notify Group I Dawn Hankins grabbed for the gun, the boy opened mar Siler walked into Central High him that his contract was not fi re, wounding Seale and Pierce and School’s cafeteria, approached a being renewed. 1. Hamilton County Herald, 5. The Paris Post-Intelligencer killing Bruce. An unarmed teacher lunch table, pulled a small-cali- Foster left the offi ce but re- Chattanooga Ken Walker, Cassie Walsh, disarmed the student. ber gun from his backpack, and turned a short while later with a David Laprad, Hollie Deese Chance Farmer, Bill McCutcheon, Would an armed educator have shot sophomore Ryan McDonald gun and fi red on the administra- Leslie Sensing helped the situation? One might through the chest, killing him. tors. The women survived, though 2. Smithville Review have covered the administrators The school resource offi cer was Luna was paralyzed. Foster was Duane Sherrill Group IV as they questioned Bartley, though doing paperwork nearby, and he taken into custody about 15 min- 1. Johnson City Press it’s uncertain that such caution and a Knox County Schools secu- utes later on Central Avenue Pike 3. The Gallatin News would have been taken. Local law rity offi cer rushed to the scene. after his vehicle was delayed by Josh Cross, Sherry Mitchell, Robert Houk, Zach Vance, enforcement was not notifi ed of Siler was gone, but a Knox County road construction. Sabrina Garrett Brandon Paykamian, Nathan the problem in advance. deputy spotted him a few minutes In this case, a teacher with a Baker Bartley pleaded guilty in 2007 later six blocks from the school, gun was the problem, not the 4. Brownsville Press solution. 2. Cleveland Daily Banner to a deal that would have made stopped him and took the semi-au- Brooke McCain, Katy him eligible for parole after 25 tomatic. It still had four rounds in Foster pleaded guilty and was Rick Norton, Christy Arm- Cowan years. He later won a new trial, the magazine. sentenced to 56 years in prison. strong, Colby Denton, Larry and in 2014 was found guilty of If an armed teacher had been 5. News-Herald, Lenoir City Bowers, Tim Siniard Brooke McCain, Katy 3. The Greeneville Sun Cowan The 2020 State Press Contests’ deadline is Feb. 21. Ken Little, Kristen Early, Bianca Set aside full page PDFs of your best work now. Group II Marais, Michael Reneau 4. The Daily Times, 1. The Knoxville Ledger Group I 4. The Gallatin News Judge’s Comments: Great cov- Mike Blackerby, Dave Link, Maryville Waylon Cunningham, Bob Tena Lee, Josh Cross, Sherry erage of a proposed school plan Linda Bryant, Joe Morris 1. Hamilton County Record, Mitchell for new facilities. Well-written, Norris, Sophie Grosserode, Chattanooga Judge’s Comments: Wow! That’s Lesli Bales-Sherrod, Rachel Tot- concise with good use of quotes. how you do it. Excellent layout ten Nancy Henderson, Hollie 5. The Advocate & Democrat, and illustrations draw you in for Deese, Jeannie Naujeck Sweetwater 3. The Knoxville Ledger excellent stories. Group V Jessica Kent , Tommy Millsaps Jeannie Naujeck, Sam Stock- Judge’s Comments: Great writing ard, Linda Bryant, Mike Blacker- 1. Chattanooga Times Free throughout. Each article grabs 2. The Standard Banner, Group II by, Hollie Deese, Nancy Hender- Jeff erson City Press the readers’ interest and delivers a son Steve Marion, Dale Gentry, Dave Flessner, Joan McClane, great story. 1. The Lebanon Democrat Mike Pare, Allison Shirk 4. Murfreesboro Post Kimary Clelland 2. Smithville Review Jared Felkins, Sinclaire Spark- 2. The Tennessean, Nashville man, Matt Masters, Angie Mayes Jason Reynolds, Sam Stockard, Judge’s Comments: Great writing, Duane Sherrill, Bill Conger Connie Esh, Ivan Aronin, Dave great coverage. Good job all Ben Goad, Lizzy Alfs, Sandy Judge’s Comments: Good mixture Gould around! Mazza, Jamie McGee, Nate Judge’s Comments: Great cov- of coverage from the eff ects of state erage and well-written. Atten- Rau legislation to rezoning and features 5. Hendersonville Standard 3. farragutpress, Farragut tion-getting subject matter. about programs and students. farragutpress Editorial, farra- 3. News Sentinel, Knoxville Well-written news and features. Tena Lee, Josh Cross, Sherry gutpress Production Staff 3. News-Herald, Mitchell Lenoir City 2. Roane County News, 4. The Lebanon Democrat Best Education Reporting Jonathan Herrmann, Jeremy Kingston Group III Jared Felkins, Sinclaire Spark- Nash Damon Lawrence See WINNERS, Page 19 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 19 2019 Make-up & Appearance Winners Circulation Group I: Circulation Group II: Circulation Group III: The Courier News, Clinton farragutpress, Farragut Herald-Citizen, Cookeville

WINNERS, from Page 18 4. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville show the reporter truly works and Fuller, John Thompson clarity and support. Jim Herrin understands their beat. Good job! 1. The Daily Herald, Group V 2. Chattanooga Times Free 2. Bristol Herald Courier Press Columbia 5. The Nashville Ledger 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Mike Christen, James Bennett Hollie Deese, Linds Bryant, David McGee, Leif Greiss, Meghan Mangrum Lurah Spell, Zach Irby Jason Gonzales, Amelia Knise- Jeannie Naujeck ly, Adam Tamburin Judge’s Comments: Excellent job 2. Southern Standard, Judge’s Comments: Interesting covering the district’s initiative McMinnville Group IV Judge’s comments: This in-depth to comply with federal law and articles easy to follow. look at Tennessee’s innovative Lisa Hobbs, James Clark, Lacy 1. The Daily Times, to involve the community. Topic tuition-free program gives insight is relevant and timely to readers. Garrison Maryville 3. Cleveland Daily Banner to a larger issue at play beyond Christy Armstrong the simple fact that not enough Understanding the state and fed- 3. The Newport Plain Talke Amy Beth Miller, Melanie Tuck- eral laws pertaining to individuals er, Lesli Bales-Sherrod people are graduating college. An Seth Butler, Matt Winter, Duay 4. Johnson City Press excellent collaborative approach with disabilities is paramount to O’Neil Judge’s Comments: These stories Brandon Paykamian, Jessica that covers a complex issue with See WINNERS, Page 20 Page 20 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

WINNERS, from Page 19 understanding why this school’s 2019 Make-up & Appearance Winners initiative is important. While you touched on the concerns from teachers, it would be interesting to Circulation Group IV: Circulation Group V: explore what problems the gen- eral ed classroom faces with an Bristol Herald-Courier The Tennessean, Nashville infl ux of sped students and what resources the state and district will provide to ensure the needs of all students are met. Great coverage on an interesting and relevant topic that has a big impact on the district. 3. News Sentinel, Knoxville Travis Dorman Headline Writing Group I 1. The Courier News, Clinton Ken Leinart 2. The Gallatin News Josh Cross, Sherry Mitchell, Carrie Tomlin, Zack Owens- by 3. Brownsville Press Brooke McCain, Katy Cowan 4. Portland Sun, Gallatin Sherry Mitchell, Zach Womble, Michael Gallagher, Dave Gould 5. Smithville Review Seth Wright, Duane Sher- rill Group II 1. The Tullahoma News Kelly Lapczynski, Andrea Agardy 2. Murfreesboro Post Jason Reynolds, Carrie Tomlin, Ivan Aronin, Dave Gould 3. The Knoxville Ledger Lyle Graves 4. The Wilson Post, Lebanon Ken Beck, Brian Harville 5. The Standard Banner, Jeff erson City Dale Gentry, Steve Marion Group III 1. Southern Standard, McMinnville Staff See WINNERS, Page 21 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 21

WINNERS, from Page 20 4. Pulaski Citizen 3. Cleveland Daily Banner First place award Scott Stewart Brian Graves, Rick Norton, Judge’s Comments: Three strong Autumn Hughes, Christy Arm- Best Feature submissions. Really liked the Buzz- 5. Crockett County Times, strong, Colby Denton Photograph ing with excitement. Those are the Alamo Group I brakes and Hot wheels worked Cynthia Kilburn, Jennifer Mc- Group V well. Call, Bailey Wilson Eddie West – 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Carthage Courier 2. The Newport Plain Talk Group II Staff Seth Butler, Matt Winter 1. Hendersonville Standard 2. Chattanooga Times Free 3. The Nashville Ledger Tena Lee, Josh Cross, Sherry Press Lyle Graves Mitchell, Paul Alberstadt, Dave Mark Pace, Tyler Jett, Rosana Gould Hughes, Zack Peterson, Clint 4. The Daily Herald, Cooper, Pam Sohn, Emmet Columbia 2. The Standard Banner, Gienapp James Bennett Jeff erson City Steve Marion, Dale Gentry, 3. News Sentinel, Knoxville 5. Shelbyville Times-Gazette Gayle Page Staff David Melson 3. The Lebanon Democrat Best News Photograph Group IV Jared Felkins, Sinclaire Group I Sparkman, Matt Masters, Angie 1. Bristol Herald Courier Mayes, George Coleman 1. Grainger Today, Robert Allen, David Thometz, Bean Station Sandra Ross 4. The Tullahoma News Tracey Wolfe Elena Cawley, Casey Watts 2. Cleveland Daily Banner 2. Smithville Review Ed Coons, Rick Norton 5. The Knoxville Ledger Duane Sherrill Mike Blackerby, Nancy Hen- 3. The Daily Times, Maryville derson, Linda Bryant 3. Carroll County News Leader, Marcus Fitzsimmons, Mike Huntingdon Sisco Group III Ron Park 4. Kingsport Times-News 1. The Nashville Ledger 4. Carthage Courier Frank Cannon, Frank Cannon, Kathy Carlson, Linda Bryant, Eddie West Ned Jilton Sam Stockard, Tom Wood 5. Macon County Times, 5. Johnson City Press 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Lafayette Brian Reese, Robert Clarksville Craig Harris Pierce Jimmy Settle, Chris Smith, Jennifer Babich, Mark Hicks Group II Group V 3. The Daily Herald, 1. The Knoxville Ledger 1. Chattanooga Times Free Columbia Adam Taylor Gash Press James Bennett, Keith Pon- Lisa Denton der Judge’s comments: Great storm photos. Lightning is so hard to Judge’s Comments: Good selec- 4. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville capture and the photographer did tion of 3 headlines that use a play an excellent job. on other phrases to draw atten- Ben Wheeler, Lindsay McReyn- olds tion to the stories 2. Hendersonville Standard 2. The Tennessean, Nashville 5. The Paris Post-Intelligencer Rick Murray Karen Grigsby Cassie Walsh, Ken Walker, Judge’s Comments: Drone tech- Chance Farmer, Glenn Tanner, nology is still a newer approach to Public Service Bill McCutcheon, Leslie Sensing, journalism photography and this Alexis Ray is a good example of how best to Group I utilize it. The angle is well planned Group IV 1. The Gallatin News and provides good depth for the Sherry Mitchell, Josh Cross, 1. Johnson City Press subject matter. Dave Gould, Tena Lee Zach Vance, Nathan Baker, 3. Stewart County Standard , Robert Houk, Brandon Payka- Dover 2. Hamilton County Herald, mian, Becky Campbell, Hannah Chattanooga Swayze, Jessica Fuller Danny Peppers David Laprad 2. The Daily Times, 4. Hendersonville Standard 3. The Courier, Savannah Maryville Phil Stauder R. Kelly Jordan, Courier Staff Wes Wade, Sarah Grace Taylor See WINNERS, Page 22 Page 22 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

WINNERS, from Page 21 First place award First place award 5. Roane County News, Kingston Best Feature Best Feature David Doonan Photograph Photograph Group II Group III Group III Dallus Whitfi eld – Courtney Pedroza– 1. The Paris Post-Intelligencer The Wilson Post, Lebanon The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Bill McCutcheon Judge’s comments: Love this detail in the photo. It is news and art combined. 2. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Jack McNeely Judge’s comments: The art and impact of this photo makes it a winner. 3. The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro Helen Comer 4. The Daily Herald, Columbia Mike Christen 5. The Mountain Press, Sevierville Robert Holder Group IV 1. Johnson City Press Becky Campbell Judge’s comments: Really good photos while also wearing both hats and reporting on the same story. 2. Bristol Herald-Courier Andre Teague 3. Kingsport Times-News Ned Jilton 4. The Daily Times, Maryville Joy Kimbrough 5. The Daily Times, Maryville Joy Kimbrough Group V 1. Chattanooga Times Free Press C.B. Schmelter 2. The Tennessean, Nashville Larry McCormack 3. Chattanooga Times Free Press Doug Strickland Best Feature Photograph See WINNERS, Page24 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 23

But only if it’s a natural smile First place award Best Feature So. Photograph I’m taking a wee trip in July. It’s one of those wee trips First place award Group IV where you need a passport. Best Personal Humor Column Autumn Hughes – My idea of a passport is a little Cleveland Daily Banner booklet you carry around and get Group I all the restaurant and bar-type Ken Leinart – places to stamp — showing you The Courier News, Clinton ate and drank at that particular establishment. At the end of the day you proudly proclaim you’ve eaten 15 “I am smiling,” I said. and a bad neck. cheeseburgers, eaten deep fried But I gave in. I smiled. And West Coast baseball broad- avocado skins and glazed peanut “Mmmmm … That’s okay. How casts. shells as appetizers, had 17 (or about trying less of a frown?” I have a friend who works for 27) glasses of beer, were slapped I like the part where I was TSA at McGhee-Tyson Airport so I asked the obvious, “What can by at least three waitresses (and asked if all the information on I take in my carry-on bag that maybe a waiter), but you are still my passport form was true and correct “to the best of my knowl- won’t get me in trouble.” able to crawl into the backseat of edge.” I don’t like getting in trouble. the Uber you hired and say some- Does that mean I could have I’m pretty sure there is a “you thing witty like, “Home James!” written down “under a cabbage shouldn’t have that in your car- Because after 17 beers (or 27), leaf in a meadow by the stream” ry-on bag jail.” you are just one witty individual. as place of birth? I can carry my meds as long as But your “Home James!” Because I’m pretty sure when they are in the prescription bottle. sounds like “Hmmm Hjuumanji.” I was a little boy one of my aunts Very good. And your Uber driver doesn’t had me convinced that was where Not that anyone ever gets in laugh. I was born. trouble for smuggling cholesterol And you also realize your Uber If I had written that down medicine. isn’t moving. would the passport police come Right? It isn’t moving because you’re and get me? I need to take a change of not sitting/slouching (okay — And if the passport police come clothes. nearly passed out) in the Uber. and get you — and take you to Scary because that implies your You realize you are sitting/ fi bbing on your passport form luggage will land where you do slouching (okay — nearly passed jail — should I smile for the mug not. out) in a dumpster. shot? I can take my phone, an MP3 And you have a banana peel Is there a fi bbing on your pass- player, a book. and a leafl et promoting “A Peace- port form jail? I don’t care about carrying the ful Rally For Sloths’ Rights” in Passports — offi cial, do not phone with me. your back pocket. pass go, do not collect $100-type MP3? Yes. Don’t ask. passports — are a serious busi- Book? Yes. The passport I needed, howev- ness. It’s like grown-up stuff. Can I smile? er, is not one of those “passport- You shouldn’t make fun of “Only if it’s a natural smile,” I O-fun” thingies. grown-up stuff. was told. It’s the offi cial, do not pass go, People get offended when you I was joking when I asked. do not collect $100-type pass- make fun of grown-up stuff. What can I pack in my suitcase ports. that may or may not go to the The little booklet that an offi - Flying to another same place I’m going? cial looking person in a uniform Anything that won’t embarrass has to scowl at and stamp and country? you if your luggage is searched, I ask, “What’s the nature of your Flying to another country is was told. visit?” also a serious-type thing. So much for taking my collec- How do you answer that? It’s a scary-type thing. tion of Gumby toys. “I want to go on a pub crawl in What if they don’t like me? Are customs offi cials friendly? your country and see if the Ubers Will they kick me out of the I asked. have banana peels in them.” country? Sure. But don’t smile. They’ll I don’t think that’s such a good Do they Uber? think you’re up to something. answer. What are their senses of humor I thought it was okay if I “You may smile if you want,” like? smiled. the lady taking my passport photo Do they get offended if you A natural smile. said. make baseball references like, “I’ve never seen you smile,” I “I am smiling,” I said. “Can of corn?” was told. “You can smile. Really. As long And can I watch baseball while Have you ever realized the as it’s a natural smile,” she said. in another country? Uber you were in wasn’t really an “I am smiling,” I said. These kind of questions keep Uber? “Seriously. Just give a natural me up at night. That’ll wipe the smile off your smile. It’s okay,” she said. That and a really old mattress face in a hurry. 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 24

Ready for boys? They are highly entertaining First place award Spring has sprung. Fall has fell. Best Feature Winter’s here and it’s cold as…. First place award Photograph Well, you get the idea. That Group V little rhyme is brought to you by Best Personal Humor Column a childhood spent with boys. You Group II Larry McCormack – don’t even want to hear the songs The Tennessean, Nashville my brothers and their friends sang Donna S. Wallace – about Popeye, the sailor man. All Hickman County Times, Centerville cute, and none uttered within earshot of our mother. Being raised with a passel of their own mothers in a body cast. iors will continue, but he will add boys has given me a rare appre- But I digress. more madness and mayhem to his ciation for the species. I know It is better to know that you repertoire. Everything, and I do I rag on guys a lot, but they are are going to have a boy ahead of mean everything, is a brutal con- easy to get along with and highly time. There are skills you need tact sport. Boys can make a violent entertaining. to master to survive the coming competition out of anything. One of Sean’s classmates has ordeal and be an effective mother. If you’ve never spent an evening given birth to a baby boy, and it First of all, learn to suppress your in the ER because of an Easter brings back memories as I watch gag refl ex. Your female mind egg hunt, chances are you’re not her storybook of motherhood cannot fathom the multitude of raising boys. unfold on social media. The little things your son will do and say Boys do tend to have a great tyke is just a couple of months old, that will make you want to vomit. capacity for humor. However, their and the posts have already gone It is wise to steel yourself before sense of humor peaks at about age from, “My beautiful baby boy” emptying their pockets, because 12 and never develops any further. to “Dear God, if I don’t get some boys put all manner of things So, once again, learn to laugh at sleep my head is going to explode.” in their pockets, and three-day- fl atulence. I don’t know if the girl has any old dead frogs don’t mix well Be prepared to spend a lot of brothers or if she was ever around with your spring fresh laundry money on clothes and food. Boys many boys growing up, but I detergent. eat like a Hoover vacuums. They could give her a timeline for how Along those same lines, a colan- also go through lots of clothes. her life is going to unfold over the der in a boy’s hands is not a pasta They don’t care what they look next 30 years. strainer, but a crawdad catcher or like, so you don’t have to buy In a couple of months, her little an army helmet, often on the same brand names, but little boys never bundle of joy is going to become day. Keep bleach on hand at all outgrow their clothing. They shred mobile, and then her life will be times. it. (See previous paragraph regard- more hectic than anything she Learn to laugh at fl atulence. ing brutal contact sports.) ever imagined. Your life is about to be full of it, So to all of you new moth- For one thing, boys are pack an- and to your son it is the funniest ers of sons: Be prepared for the imals. I only had two brothers, but thing in the world. He gets extra onslaught that is motherhood. Be there always seemed to be at least points toward manhood if he can patient. Be fi rm. Learn to laugh. half a dozen boys hanging around unleash it in public and cause you Lower your standards…a lot. Keep our house. Our mom just treated to have a ministroke. lots of bandages, peroxide and them all as her own. She fed them Be prepared to hear the alphabet antibiotic ointment on hand. if they were hungry, lectured them being belched and the national an- Make friends with your local ER if they needed it and bandaged them played on that most noble of doctor; you’re going to be spend- them when required. instruments… your son’s armpit. ing a lot of time with him, and if They learned never to wear a Make peace with dirt. Your he likes you he might just give you hat to my mother’s dinner table. house will never be clean and un- that much-needed prescription for Consequences were swift and cluttered for more than 15 minutes Valium. painful. They also learned never as long as there is a male child on Also, if you could learn to belch to drop an f-bomb in her presence. the premises. the alphabet, you’ll be the most They would be carried back to As your son ages, these behav- popular mom on your block.

WINNERS, from Page 22 2. The Collierville Herald Chattanooga Staff David Laprad Group I Judge’s Comments: The depth of 4. The Gallatin News 1. Carthage Courier fi eld on this photo and the lighting Josh Cross Eddie West is great. There were a lot of theater shots entered in this contest - and Judge’s Comments: The contrast- 5. Herald & Tribune, it’s easier to get great lighting with Jonesborough ing photo backgrounds - one the spotlights. But using great Josh Bruni light, one dark - really shows the depth of fi eld really forces the reader capabilities of this photographer. to focus on in the main character. The photos are crisp and show Group II excitement on faces. Great job. 3. Hamilton County Herald, See WINNERS, Page 25 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 25

First place award First place award First place award Best Sports Best Sports Best Sports Photograph Photograph Photograph Group I Group II Group III James Webb – Chester County Steve Wampler – Jeffery Simmons – Independent, Henderson The Wilson Post, Lebanon Southern Standard, McMinnville

Prine is great but Rock Hall isn’t the right fi t for him John Prine is an American exhibit, but it is what it is: a private work certainly beats closer to the treasure. People should be naming business, a tourist attraction, that heart of rock and roll than that of their pets – and maybe their sec- First place award trades its induction “honors” as a ‘sensitive’ inductees such as Jack- ondary kids – after him. Best Personal Humor Column means to draw attention to itself son Browne and the Eagles. Ha!” But he shouldn’t be inducted into Group III and visitors to its exhibits. At $26 Tommy isn’t the only one who the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. general admission. disagrees with me. Among the oth- Prine, in case you don’t know Joe Rogers – Putting Prine in the lineup ers is apparently Prine himself. (it’s your loss if you don’t), is a The Ledger, Nashville would be trading on his artistry “I started out in the folk music singer-songwriter who grew up without adding signifi cant honor world only because of the way my around Chicago but now wisely to him. songs were written and performed, makes Nashville his home. He’s My friend Tommy Goldsmith, with just an acoustic guitar, but I confused with Roy Orbison or There. See what I mean? But one of 15 nominees for the 2019 Freddie Mercury, especially since ask yourself this: Do any of them a musician himself and a former always related to the rock and roll Rock Hall class, including Def a diagnosis of, and treatment for, sound even vaguely like rock and music writer for The Tennessean, lifestyle,” Billboard quotes him as Leppard, Janet Jackson and the squamous cell cancer in his neck roll? Did you drum your fi ngers or thinks Prine should go into the hall. saying. “So that’d be great to be in Zombies. in 1998 altered his vocals. nod your head to the beat? Feel an “In his nearly 50 years of mas- there, no matter what year they About the others I will say noth- But his songs. Oh, his songs… urge to dance? No. ter-class songs, there’s work that’s want to put me in.” ing, other than to note that Prine I started to quote some lyrics, but Here’s how one fellow described as country as Hank Williams, as That doesn’t dissuade me. Of is far and away my favorite of the a short sampling doesn’t do him Prine’s body of work: folkie as Bob Dylan and Woody course, he’s not going to say he bunch. justice. So, get on YouTube or dig “Prine’s stuff is pure Prous- Guthrie, as intelligent as Randy wants no part of the Rock and Roll So why oppose his Rock Hall into your personal collection and tian existentialism. Midwestern Newman and Leonard Cohen, and Hall of Fame. Why pick a fi ght with induction? For the same reason I’d listen to a few. mindtrips to the nth degree. And as pop as the Everly Brothers and people purporting to honor you? oppose his induction into the Polka Maybe start with “Sam Stone.” he writes beautiful songs.” Cat Stevens,” Tommy says. That’s my job. Hall of Fame (yes, there is one): It Try “Hello in There,” if you need That fellow was Bob Dylan. “They’re all in the hall, and By the way, Prine’s also up for doesn’t suit him. your heart tugged. “Dear Abby,” As to the Rock and Roll Hall Prine fi ts as well as any of them.” another induction, into the Song- And, perhaps more important: for a hoot. Anything from his new of Fame, in Cleveland, I enjoyed He, adds, parenthetically: “If writers Hall of Fame. My comment He doesn’t need it. album, “The Tree of Forgiveness.” my one visit there some years nothing else, Prine’s sometimes to that hall is much shorter: As a singer, Prine won’t be I’ll wait. back, especially the Dave Clark 5 abrasive, cut-through-the-crap What took you so long? Page 26 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

Feeding the birds? It’s for the squirrels First place award I’ve taken up a new hobby in Best Sports the past couple of years — feeding Photograph the squirrels. First place award Group IV Yep, you read that right. Well, I Best Personal Humor Column feed squirrels. Via bird feeders. Joy Kimbrough – It didn’t start out that way, and I Group IV The Daily Times, Maryville did everything possible to prevent Becky Campbell – it. I wanted a distraction from my Johnson City Press day, and I wanted that distraction to bring a smile to my face. So I decided to get bird feeders. If you’ve ever ventured into that First was spreading petro- back and chill while munching on hobby, you know that quality bird leum jelly on the pole holding a corn roll — they seem to like the feeders aren’t cheap. Of course, the feeders. All that seemed to bird seed better. being penny-wise, I bought what do was get gunk on my hands, The only feeders the squirrels I though was a middle-of-the- and it didn’t do a thing to slow don’t seem attracted to are fi nch road feeder to hang on shepherd’s those darn squirrels down. I tried socks and hummingbird feeders. hooks with the thought, ‘There’s cooking spray. That didn’t really So, the hobby I took up to lessen no way a squirrel can climb that help either. I never tried the slinky my stress was just shooting my slick pole to get to the feeder.’ trick, which is supposed to prevent blood pressure up every time I Go ahead and laugh. I know the squirrel from getting up the saw a squirrel. you want to. I was wrong. pole because they grab onto the Finally, I decided to let it go. If Boy, was I wrong. Those dang slinky and just bounce up and the birds are OK with squirrels things climb up the pole, reach down with the slinky. The video joining in the feast, well, who am over and grab the feeder and hang on Facebook is pretty convincing, I to say no? I won’t let the squirrels upside down to get to the seed. but I never tried that method. dissuade me from continuing my I was beating my head against a I did, however, buy “squirrel bird feeding hobby. In fact, I’ve wall after an obviously large fam- proof” feeders. come to even enjoy those four- ily of squirrels and their extended Did you know that squirrels can legged creatures as well. Actually, families decided my bird feeders defeat “squirrel proof” bird feed- it’s pretty darn funny to watch were easy targets when food in ers? I have one that’s shaped like their ingenuity in fi guring out a the woods was scarce. Or maybe a red barn. It has little triggers on new way to outsmart me. I guess it they’re just lazy. Who knows. the perch so if something heavier doesn’t take much. The fi rst few weeks I’m not than a large bird grabs hold, it Even with all the trickery I even sure any birds were able to pushes down and closes the little tried, I just couldn’t keep the get to the feeder because of all the food holes. Well, squirrels know squirrels away. squirrels that scurried up those how to hang from the bottom of The birds did come, and I can metal poles, jumped over to the that feeder and get their stinking count on a wide variety every feeder and chomped away as the faces into that hole. morning and evening — cardi- feeder swung back and forth. Don’t even get me started on the nals, blue jays, mockingbirds, And it amazed me how well tray feeders. doves, downy woodpeckers and they recovered from jumping off Yes, they’re great for bigger birds fi nches of all types. And yes, they the feeder as I ran out the door like blue jays, doves and mock- bring a smile to my face. As for the screaming at them. ingbirds. But that thing is just a squirrels, I gave up. I’ll continue Cookeville Jeff Bobo I read up on the subject — some- squirrel’s seed buffet. They sit right to fi ll the bird feeders and “allow” Jim Herrin thing I had done prior to this new in the middle and stuff themselves the squirrels to keep coming to the 5. Johnson City Press hobby, but I was certain squirrels as fast as they can. I even put up buffet. were not going to bring me the squirrel feeders, and while they But if they start inviting the 5. The Daily News Journal, Brandon Paykamian same frustration others had experi- like those — particularly the bears, then the bird feeders will Murfreesboro enced — and tried a few tricks. Adirondack chair in which they sit go away. Helen Comer Group V 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Group IV Larry McCormack WINNERS, from Page 24 4. Murfreesboro Post The photographer expressed great 1 Cleveland Daily Banner Jason Reynolds care during the selection pro- Judge’s comments: Strong 1. The Wilson Post, cess. An impactful lead-in image Autumn Hughes opening image to the series, great Lebanon 5. Roane County News, followed by a signifi cant detail access, interesting subject, strong Kingston that emphasizes one of the many Judge’s comments: Hilarious photo Dallus Whitfi eld and a good catch. Love the similar closing portrait. Staff challenges faced. Judge’s comments: This should expression on both of their faces. 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville be a feature photo contest poster! Group III 2. The Nashville Ledger Great photos. 2. Johnson City Press Saul Young, Brianna Paciorka, Lyle Graves Calvin Mattheis, J. Miles Cary 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Joe Avento 2. The Tullahoma News Clarksville 3. Southern Standard, 3. The Greeneville Sun 3. Chattanooga Times Free Zach Birdsong Courtney Pedroza McMinnville Press Lacy Garrison Sarah R. Gregory 3. farragutpress, Farragut Judge’s comments: A story many Robin Rudd Michelle Hollenhead would consider diffi cult to tackle. 4. Herald-Citizen, 4. Kingsport Times-News See WINNERS, Page 27 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 27

When a simple period is plenty First place award Best Sports Relax, please. No exclamation Photograph points were harmed in the produc- tion of this column. First place award Group V In fact, this might be the only Best Personal Humor Column Robin Rudd – thing you’ll ever read about excla- Chattanooga Times Free Press mation points that doesn’t actually Group V contain one. I believe that Sunday Mark Kennedy – should be a day of rest for the overworked punctuation mark, Chattanooga Times Free Press the one I like to call “the period in a party hat.” Last week The Wall Street her copy. In fact, I gave her a book prone to hysterics, so riddled with Journal featured an excellent of paper matches and told her they anxiety, so predictive of swear article by Katherine Bindley under represented her lifetime supply of words and tears? the headline: “The Tyranny of the exclamation points. Pity the poor exclamation Exclamation Point …” The essence Every time she used an exclama- point. After all the overuse, it of the piece was in the subhead: tion point, she was to remove one may require years of therapy to “We have become addicted to the of the matches and toss it away. regroup. What if it turns out that exclamation point in emails and “Then, when they are gone, an exclamation point is really just texts.” they’re gone, kid,” I said. a question mark with an eating Lordy, yes. I hope our talk lives on in disorder? How will you all feel Nowadays, young people think her mental archive of “cra- then, people? Ashamed, I hope. you are being mean or insensitive zy-things-editors have-said.” All Alas, I fear the population will if you don’t pepper your texts and journalists keep such a mental log. not easily give up its exclamation emails with exclamation points. For instance, I once heard an edi- point addiction. In the words of A mere period at the end of an tor caution someone, “Don’t turn a the poet: “Turn down for what?” upbeat sentence is considered deaf eye to that.” A life without exclamation rude. Excuse me, but this is mass Professional writers and editors points would no doubt be chilling hysteria. have a reverence for punctuation to some people. Every time I see an exclamation that borders on obsession. There Sometimes, I think I’d like to point, I want to pound it down are anguished debates about pro- lock a bunch of real estate copy with a hammer. This becomes liferation of long dashes in place writers in a room with no excla- expensive when you are dealing of commas. Locally, whether or mation points and watch them with computer screens. not to hyphenate Choo-Choo in descend into madness: “Gorgeous Hopefully, things will begin to Chattanooga Choo-Choo was the view. Brand new roof. Award-win- cool down soon. subtext of a long-running copy- ning schools.” When I was a young man, the desk civil war. See? Painful, isn’t it? exclamation point was a back- But back to today’s topic: the Still, part of me fears that the of-the-drawer tool that you only exclamation reclamation. worst is yet to come. What if pulled out for special jobs. I think Consider that the exclamation the exclamation point is just a a good rule of thumb is you should point might actually be embar- gateway drug to a vastly more use an exclamation point about as rassed by its current misappropri- diabolical addiction: ALL CAPS. often as you throw confetti. ation. It is easily the most emo- OMG, DELIVER US FROM I once told a young reporter to tionally fragile punctuation mark THAT EVIL. stop using exclamation points in we have. What other symbol is so

WINNERS, from Page 26 4. Brownsville Press 2. The Standard Banner, Chris Siers 3. Bristol Herald-Courier Chris McCain, Oscar Esquivias Jeff erson City David Crigger Best Sports Photograph Dale Gentry 3. Southern Standard, 5. Carthage Courier McMinnville 4. The Daily Times, Group I Mary Baker 3. Hendersonville Standard Jacob Dodd Maryville Don McPeak Tom Sherlin 1. Chester County 4. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Group II Independent, Henderson 4. Murfreesboro Post Ben Craven 5. Citizen Tribune, James Webb 1. The Wilson Post, Ethan Scott Morristown 5. Shelbyville Times-Gazette Judge’s comments: Great action Lebanon Shilante Carter 5. farragutpress, Farragut Chris Siers shot with solid composition and Steve Wampler juxtaposition. Carlos Reveiz, Ashley Wathen Group V Judge’s comments: This photo Group IV Group III 1. Chattanooga Times Free 2. The Leader, Covington has every quality I like to see in 1. The Daily Times, Press Jeff Ireland a team-sport image. A dramatic 1. Southern Standard, Maryville Robin Rudd moment, displaying athleticism, McMinnville Joy Kimbrough 3. Carroll County News- great facial expressions in a Jeff ery Simmons Judge’s comments: Solid post Leader, Huntingdon renaissance painting-like motif, a 2. Johnson City Press game celebration photo with good Jim Shiner good edit, and ball in frame. 2. Shelbyville Times-Gazette Tanner Cook See WINNERS, Page 28 Page 28 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards Celebrating Sunshine Week: One open records Little moments a constant reminder: request was a game-changer for Town of Mason ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made’ This week, journalists all over the country are celebrating First place award Sunshine Week, a national initia- First place award tive spearheaded by the Amer- Best Personal Column Best Personal Column ican Society of News Editors Group III to educate the public about the Group I importance of open government Echo Day – Chris Menees – and the dangers of excessive and The Leader, Covington Union City Daily Messenger unnecessary secrecy. You may not think this is an Little moments a constant The name means “gift from God” important issue, but having a request. If they didn’t, then we’d and the state comptroller, the reminder: ‘I am fearfully and won- — and both baby girls are exactly transparent government is im- plan our next move, but when superintendent’s indictment for derfully made’ that. portant on every level. we saw the fi gures we knew theft and offi cial misconduct re- It’s often the little things that Things like that don’t “just hap- Here in Tipton County, the something wasn’t right. lated to unauthorized overtime, touch our hearts and lives in the pen.” It was a God thing. members of our news team The original report seemed to termination of several contracted biggest ways. But He wasn’t done reminding attend public meetings where indicate the superintendent was employees, suspicions of theft by A week ago, our family was me of His constant presence. major decisions that affect you making a lower wage than the other employees and a complete blessed with the birth of my grand- I had another “moment” read- are made. Under Freedom of mayor’s wife, who was an em- upheaval for the board and the daughter’s twin girls. ing my Sunday School lesson last Information laws, we can make ployee in his department. We ran town’s fi nances. The girls didn’t want to wait Saturday. requests to inspect and obtain a story about this, not knowing Thanks to their shoddy book- until their due date in early August, I know, I know. You can’t help documents – such as tax forms we’d opened Pandora’s box. keeping, more indictments could though, and made their big arrivals but be reminded of God when and personnel fi les, meeting That week, a utility clerk, not follow his. late Friday night at a tiny 3 pounds, you’re reading a Sunday School agendas and information related whom we’d later come to under- Three years later, almost 10 ounces and 3 pounds, 4 ounces. lesson. But it wasn’t just any lesson. to decision-making – to help us stand was dating the superinten- everyone on the board is new, They look so fragile in their Last Sunday’s children’s lesson in our ultimate duty as the gov- dent, told us we had the fi gures there are new department heads, incubators in the neonatal intensive focused on Psalm 139:14 — “I will ernment’s watchdogs. incorrect. She let us know he new employees, new policies care unit. Sometimes the access to this was not only paid an hourly and procedures in place to keep praise You, for I am fearfully and But the moment I placed my hand information exposes wrongdo- wage but a salary from two other employees honest and restore the wonderfully made.” The verse through the incubator doors and ing. departments. community’s faith in its govern- before that tells how God created they grasped my pinky fi nger with Three years ago, several new It was at this point Brian ment. They are trying to rebuild us and formed us in our mothers’ Mason aldermen were frustrated Blackley, our now former pub- their reputation and be as trans- their tiny wrinkled hands, they had wombs. with the mayor and his wife, lisher, and I realized something parent as they know how to be. a hold on my heart as well. It’s no coincidence that those who was a municipal employee, defi nitely wasn’t right. All of this resulted from one As little as the girls are right now, verses popped up on that particular because they were not given At best, we had an erroneous simple request for records, which I’m constantly reminded that our day. access to employee records. They report from a municipal em- is the public’s right, and the me- God is bigger. As I read and re-read the verse were curious about the public ployee. At worst, somebody was dia’s right, thanks to Sunshine In fact, God has made His pres- last weekend, I kept thinking of works superintendent’s salary lying about the town’s fi nances Laws. ence known many times, and in those tiny babies lying in their in- because they were told he was or stealing from taxpayers. Open government is import- many ways, in the past week. cubators. Although they are small, making quite a bit more than the From there, we requested W-2s ant, and not just on the federal Some people call them “God they have the most perfect little small town’s other employees. and found the superintendent in or state level. Participation in winks” — those moments when faces and fi ngers and toes. They Doing our due diligence, we a town of 1,000 people was not local government is, in the words we feel touched by Him in a unique are, truly, wonderfully made by our requested salary information for just making more than every of Pam Fine, Knight Chair for and unexpected way, reminding us Creator. every Mason employee. The may- town employee, he was, in fact, News, Leadership and Commu- that He’s always with us. Even now as I think about that or’s wife begrudgingly handed it making more than the director of nity, the greatest ammunition For me, the fi rst one came last verse, other images from the past over, asking what we planned to the public works department for we have against government Friday night, not long after the week fl ash through my mind. do with it. the entire county. secrecy. babies were born. I can still see my granddaughter’s At the time, we just wanted to What followed were three doz- Let the Town of Mason’s I had “a moment” over a Coke 4-year-old son standing beside his make sure they’d comply with en resignations, an investigation example be a reminder that one bottle. Yes, a Coke bottle, of all baby sisters’ incubators (or “contain- a Freedom of Information Act by the district attorney’s offi ce request can be a game-changer. things. ers,” as he calls them), ever so softly We had been sitting in the singing the fi rst line of “Baby Mine” hospital waiting room with family and whispering, “I love you. I’ll WINNERS, from Page 27 Group I 4. Independent Appeal, a couple hours when my husband always be here.” Selmer grabbed a soft drink from a vending There are countless images of 1. The Leader, Covington emotion and composition. Staff machine. At the time, Cherry Coke the babies’ mama and daddy gently Echo Day, Alan Ervin, Jeff Ire- was one of those “name” bottles cradling them against their chests, 2. The Tennessean, Nashville land, Andy Posey, Carbo Cousar 5. The Advocate & Democrat, featuring a girl’s fi rst name on the allowing the girls to hear their Andrew Nelles Sweetwater label. heartbeats as they form that special 2. The Courier News, Tommy Millsaps, Jessica Kent, Thirty minutes later, as we stood bond while being weaned off medi- 3. Chattanooga Times Free Clinton Michael Thomason, Marie Mill- in my granddaughter’s hospital cal equipment. saps, Sharon Livingston Press Kim Webber, Ken Leinart, Gale room, she pointed to the bottle and Each moment is a reminder from C.B. Schmelter Engelke said, “The name.” It was only then God that He is in control and that Group II that we noticed “Michelle” — which His love is unfailing. is the middle name of the oldest (by And, because of that, I will praise 3. The LaFollette Press 1. The Standard Banner, Best Special Issue 14 minutes) twin girl, as well as my Him — for I, too, am fearfully and or Section Crystal Huskey See WINNERS, Page 30 middle name. wonderfully made. 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 29 Remembering Mister Rogers A Christmas moment at Hi, neighbor: After 40 years of interviewing hundreds of TV and the checkout counter fi lm celebrities, mostly over the First place award phone, I happily confess that none Best Personal Column First place award touched me as deeply as the gentle Group II Fred Rogers, known to millions as Best Personal Column Mister Rogers. Ken Beck – Group IV The modest man behind the The Wilson Post, Lebanon long-running children’s TV series Cameron Judd – left this world 15 years ago on Feb. The Greeneville Sun 27, 2003, but his legacy of nurtur- that he was a lonely boy with an of developmental tasks that a child ing continues to bless youngsters overprotective mother and that must go through to have a healthy today just as he did when “Mister he struggled with allergies. What adulthood. We try to address those About three years ago I spent I don’t know — it hit me emotion- Rogers’ Neighborhood” premiered pulled him through those early tasks on the ‘Neighborhood’ in as several months working a cash ally to the point I almost got tears 50 years ago on Feb. 19, 1968. years was his empathetic grandfa- imaginative a way and creative a register in a retail discount store. in my eyes on the spot. Later, alone Among his most famous words ther, who told him he was unique way as we know how,” he said. The closer Christmas came, the and thinking back on it, I actually likely were these: “There’s no for simply being himself. Mister Rogers was awarded a busier things got at the registers did. person in the whole world like you, “My grandfather was very im- Presidential Medal of Freedom, a and the more people poured I had realized that sweet little and I like you just the way you are.” portant to me. He seemed to know Peabody Award and scores of honor- through the doors. child was buying that brush for To honor, perhaps the greatest how to help me feel good about ary degrees. “TV Guide” listed him Many were families, and her mother’s Christmas gift, and children’s communicator three gen- who I was,” said Mister Rogers. as No. 35 in their list of Fifty Great- sometimes you could tell which she wanted it to be well-hidden erations have known, PBS debuts “We would visit him on his farm est TV Stars of All Time, and he is were just looking to top off their when she carried it out to their car, “Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like,” every Sunday. He would let me in the Television Hall of Fame. Christmas stockings with low- so she could surprise her with it at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, on do all sorts of things, climb brick But I believe what he cherished cost extra fi ller items, and which when the big morning came. Nashville public television station, walls. Where most people would most was family, friends and probably were there because their NPT-Channel 8. say, ‘Oh, you’re gonna fall and get the “Neighborhood” of children situations required them to scrimp One dollar for a Michael Keaton, who worked as a hurt,’ he would say, ‘Let the kid who gleaned positive feelings of every dollar. priceless gift stagehand and appeared on the se- walk on the wall.’ His name was self-worth through his words of I remember a December evening ries in the 1970s, hosts the special. Fred McFeely.” kindness. when a family who appeared prob- A $1 plastic hairbrush. A meager Joe Negri (Handyman Negri), David As for how he sought to present Back in the mid-1990s, Mister ably to be of limited means (based gift to most of us, but not the eyes Newell (Mr. McFeely) and Joanne himself when the fi rst of nearly Rogers received 5,000 letters a year purely on my perception at the and heart of that child from a Rogers, Mister Rogers’ widow, will 900 episodes of “Mister Rogers’ from children and parents. He told time) came through my checkout family that probably had to watch share their personal stories. Neighborhood” went on the air, me, “I sign them all, and I read line. Five or six people as I recall, its pennies closely. She was doing On March 23, the dedication the ordained Presbyterian minister them all. Some are so personal, I ranging from the youngest, a girl what she could do for a mother she ceremony for the fi rst date of issue said, “I just wanted to give myself. I actually answer them by hand.” of maybe fi ve, at the front of the loved. of the Mister Rogers Forever stamp felt this was an adult neighbor who If you think he sounds too good family line, on through some older I double-bagged that hairbrush will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., was offering a half-hour a day of to be true, I believe you would be kids to the parents at the end of gladly and handed it over to the where “Mister Rogers’ Neighbor- his attention to those who wanted mistaken. the line. little girl, who rewarded me with a hood” was fi lmed and first went on to be with him. I think the greatest David Newell, who played Mr. The little girl, a sweet and smile that seemed to brighten the the air. gift we can give anybody is the gift McFeely on “Mister Rogers’ Neigh- appealing child with a soft voice entire store. A documentary fi lm, “Won’t You of our honest self.” borhood” for more than 30 years, and sincere gaze, came close to That extra bag was not wasted. Be My Neighbor,” will be released Mister Rogers told me he re- told me of his friend, “What you the counter and carefully, even I hope that, when that little in June, and, to round out the membered the very fi rst time he see is what you get. That is who sneakily, handed me the item she girl’s mother received that hair- golden anniversary year of the TV saw a show on TV. It was 1951. He he is. Fred is not an actor. He’s a was going to buy. It was a simple brush Christmas morning that series, Tom Hanks plans to step recalled, “I watched this new thing communicator. He listens. He gives woman’s hairbrush, total cost $1. year, she realized that its worth into Mister Rogers’ sneakers this called television, and I saw people you his undivided attention with She asked me to ring it up and far exceeded the $1 it had cost fall and make a feature fi lm, “You throwing pies in each other’s faces, everybody.” quickly double-bag it. She kept — that extra worth added by the Are My Friend.” and I thought this could be a won- Indeed, during my initial conver- glancing back to where her parents obvious love with which it was I suspect Mister Rogers’ reaction derful medium for the broadcast of sation with Mister Rogers in 1993, were. They were talking to one given. to all the fanfare would be simply grace throughout this land, and I he asked about my children, who another at that moment and not I’m betting that mother under- a smile. would like to try my hand at it ... I at the time were in elementary and looking back at her. stood it completely. Maybe got a I was fortunate to chat with him think I got into television because I junior high school. Double-bag a lightweight plastic tear or two in her own eyes, and about his life and career in 1993 didn’t like what I saw.” Just before we hung up, he said, hairbrush? A heavy gallon of bot- hugged that wonderful child who and 1998. The fi rst words I heard He was strongly of the opinion “Now, Ken, when you get home tled water, maybe, but a hairbrush had given a fi ne Christmas present over the phone were these: “Hello, that from generation to generation, tonight, I want you to hug your weighing a few ounces at most? to her. Ken: This is Fred Rogers. How are children are the same; however, he children for me and tell them how I was almost ready to tell her I Little girl, I don’t know who you you today?” believed it was the factors which fortunate they are to have you for really shouldn’t do that because we were or where you are now, but I His honesty, warmth and sincer- infl uence them that change. a father.” were encouraged not to use up our want to wish you and your family ity came through like that of an old “I still think that the developmen- I obeyed Mister Rogers’ com- supply of bags too quickly during the best and brightest of Christ- best friend. As he responded to my tal needs of human beings remain mands, and now, 25 years later, as the Christmas season — and then mases, and many blessings in the questions about his life and career, very much the same. We all long I reread his instructions, tears fl ow, something came to me. year ahead of us. it was as if we were sitting face to to know that we are lovable and and I am thankful for an extraordi- I comprehended why the little Thanks for coming through face across a table. are capable of loving. We also long nary man named Fred Rogers and girl wanted that humble brush my checkout line that December Fred Rogers was raised an only to know that those whom we care pray that I can come close to being double-bagged. And for some evening and reminding me that child in an affl uent family in about, when they go away, they’ll the kind of grandfather that he had reason — my mood that day? the the value that really counts doesn’t Latrobe, Pa. He shared with me come back. And there’re all sorts as a boy. sincere sweetness of the little girl? always have dollar signs attached. Page 30 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards

WINNERS, from Page 28 er, Mark McGee, Amy Todd, John I. Carney Jeferson City ‘God put us together’ 5. Union City Daily Messenger Steve Marion, Kimary Clel- Kevin Weaks John McFalls, 92, wakes up ev- land, Dale Gentry, Gayle Page, ery morning at 6 a.m. at his ranch Shane Cook, Kim Cook First place award Group IV house off Lee Highway. Judge’s Comments: Your “Com- He pours himself a cup of Best Personal Column munity” tab was head and 1. Bristol Herald Courier coffee, walks his 15-year-old Shih Group V shoulders above the rest of the Nate Hubbard, George Stone, Tzu named Chuck around the submissions. From cover to cover Tim Hayes, Allen Gregory, Missy block, and then drives across town Mark Kennedy – the piece was well written and Hale to visit with his wife, Vivian, who Chattanooga Times Free Press designed. The fl ow of the book died on Feb. 21, 2014. worked well for the reader, wheth- 2. Johnson City Press McFalls is a familiar fi gure to er they lived in the area or fi rst- Staff morning motorists on Bailey Ave- after seventh grade, John would with two straws. time visitor. Tons of locally written nue, who can’t help but notice the come home from his one-room In the 1940s, John did what articles on topics that appeal to 3. The Daily Times, sweet old man’s daily visits to the schoolhouse and his mother most men of his age did — he got most all readers. Advertising was Maryville Chattanooga National Cemetery. would give him a pan and tell him married and volunteered for World great as well in addition to beauti- Staff What most of the motorists to go pick a “mess of wild salad.” War II. He spent two and a half ful photos throughout the book. don’t know about, of course, is the Other times, his brothers and sis- years in the Pacifi c theater. After Group V 74-year love story that compels ters would harvest walnuts from the war, John got a job in Ohio 2. Hendersonville Standard McFalls’ daily visits. the woods to survive. making car motors, but Vivian Zack Owensby, Cassandra 1. Chattanooga Times Free “People can’t understand why When he was 11, John was soon begged him to move back Newman, Randy Moore, Ginger Press I like to go see Vivian every “farmed out” to another family South, and after a year the couple McClendon, Mary Anne Ferrell, Stephen Hargis, Matt McClane morning,” McFalls said. “Well, we as a fi eld worker for 75 cents a returned to Chattanooga. Sherry Mitchell, Jennie Slowey talk. We sing together. We’ve been day. By the time he was 15, he left “When I come back out of the 3. The Tennessean, Nashville doing that for 74 years. home and came to Chattanooga, Army, we didn’t have anything,” 3. The Wilson Post, Design Studio Staff “ … I still think I’m-a looking where he lied about his age and McFalls recalled. The two were so Lebanon after her. Is that crazy, or not?” got a job working at a hosiery mill poor all their belongings fi t into a Brian Harville, Sabrina Garrett, Best Website The workers at the cemetery on Main Street. sack. Zack Owensby, Carrie Tomlin, Group I certainly don’t think he’s crazy. One day at work, he saw a In their quiet hours, Vivian Dallus Whitfi eld, Mary Anne Hardly a morning passes that one pretty, 15-year-old girl eating her would breathe hope into her Ferrell 1. Smithville Review of them doesn’t walk over, take lunch on a concrete slab. She was husband. Duane Sherrill, Angie off his work gloves and shake taking bites from a sandwich She’d say, “Jay, one of these 4. The Lebanon Democrat Meadows, Nikki Childers McFalls’ hand. Sometimes they’ll while sipping from an orange days we’re going to have a home. Charity Toombs, Jordan Hunt- even join him in song, or read soda, which she’d spent her last We’re going to be different. I know er, Kyndyll Lackey 2. The Leader, Covington scripture while standing alongside nickel to buy. where you come from, you know Echo Day, Jeff Ireland plot 390. With his rough country man- where I come from. But we’re 5. farragutpress, Farragut “The boys down at the ceme- ners, McFalls thought nothing of going to be different.” farragutpress Editorial, farragut- 3. Cheatham County Exchange, tery, they look after me,” McFalls walking up to the young woman, John found work at Foundry press Production PleasantView explained. bending over and stealing a sip of Pattern Service making patterns Jennie Slowey, Nick Gould, John McFalls (who goes by Jay) her drink. for water valves and auto parts. He Group III Elliott Wenzler, Ivan Aronin, and his late wife, Vivian, were Unhappy, Vivian Pell gritted her loved the work, but one day his Michael Gallagher, Casey Patrick, dirt-poor children of the Great teeth and frowned at him. boss told him his seventh-grade 1. The Daily Herald, Dave Gould Depression who fell in love as No softie, she had lived a hard- education made the job unsustain- Columbia 15-year-olds, married at 17 and scrabble life, too, moving 21 times able for him. Staff 4. Portland Sun, Gallatin loved and cherished one another before she was 12 and dropping “It broke my heart,” he said. “I Jennie Slowey, Sherry Mitchell, for more than 70 years before out of school after seventh grade, Judge’s Comments: “Honoring 150 could do things with my hands, Years of Service” was an outstand- Sam Gould, Zach Womble, Dave Vivian died of brain cancer four McFalls said. They immediately but I didn’t have anything in my Gould years ago. formed a bond. ing piece. From cover to cover, head.” this milestone keepsake was well Their bond is so strong that “And we’ve been together ever Back home, his young wife 5. Carroll County News-Leader, McFalls has chosen to ignore the since,” McFalls said, refusing to planned, designed, written and wasn’t going to let her husband executed. In addition, your photo- Huntingdon wedding vow imploring newly- use the past tense. give up without a fi ght. Daniel Richardson, Lindsey weds to stay together “until death In the early 1940s, John would graphs were consistent through- “Jay, you keep pushing,” she out the book and excellent. Bell do us part.” To him, Vivian is still walk from his dollar-a-week said. “I’ll go back and get my GED, a palpable daily presence in his boarding house in Highland and we’ll learn together.” Group II life. There’s no “parting” to it. Park down to Vivian’s apartment 2. The Daily News Journal, So, that’s exactly what they did. Murfreesboro To understand that, you must on Fourth Street (site of a pres- A few weeks later, touched by the 1. Murfreesboro Post understand where they both came ent-day Unum parking lot). Then Mealand Ragland-Hudgins, couples’ determination, John’s Nancy DeGennaro, Helen Comer, Jennie Slowey, Monte Hale, Mi- from. they would stroll back to Warner boss told him not to worry. chael Gallagher, Nicholas Gould, McFalls was the son of a Rhea Park, where Vivian would lace up Scott Broden, Mariah Timms, “He said, ‘Go home and tell Viv- Holly Meyer Ivan Aronin, Jason Reynolds County sharecropper, the eighth her roller skates. They were just ian that as long as I’ve got a shop, of 12 children born on the cusp of children, really, yet both living on you’ve got a job.’” 3. The Leaf-Chronicle, 2. Hendersonville Standard the Great Depression. Poverty was their own. In the 1940s and 1950s, John Jennie Slowey, Sam Gould, so pervasive back then that people If they were fl ush — with, say, Clarksville and Vivian made their contribu- Staff Sherry Mitchell, Tena Lee, Zach didn’t even know they were poor, 75 cents between them — they’d tion to the baby boom generation, Womble, Michael Gallagher, Mary he said. They barely even knew continue their date at a downtown welcoming three children in 12 Anne Ferrell they were hungry. drug store, where they’d split a 4. Shelbyville Times-Gazette Before he dropped out of school BLT sandwich and a malted milk See KENNEDY, Page 31 Terence Corrigan, Sadie Fowl- See WINNERS, Page 31 2019 State Press Contests Awards • Page 31

Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography Photo by Donn Jones, Donn Jones Photography Randy Boyd, UT interim president, presents Randy Boyd (left), UT interim president, Doug Horne, TPA president, presents fi rst- Doug Horne, TPA president, presents fi rst-place plaque for Best Education Report- presents fi rst-place plaque for Best Business place plaque for Best News Photograph, fi rst-place plaque for Best News Reporting, ing, Group II, to Sinclaire Sparkman, The Coverage, Group I, to David Laprad, Hamilton Group V, to Cody Schmelter, Chattanooga Group V, to Natalie Alund, The Tennessean, Lebanon Democrat. County Herald, Chattanooga. Times Free Press. Nashville.

KENNEDY, from Page 30 that sometimes they had to juggle and appreciation for one another. Eventually, he stopped count- souls are laid to rest. bills month to month. They both In 2013, when Vivian was ing. “Just look,” he said. “Every one years, two girls and a boy. agreed that it’s impossible to “sac- diagnosed with a brain tumor, On Sundays, John McFalls ar- of these [gravestones] is a story. Eventually, they made good rifi ce” for their children; providing the doctor said she might live a rives at the Chattanooga National It represents a life. Somebody’s on Vivian’s vow that they would the best life possible was a joy, not few weeks. Yet she lingered for 11 Cemetery with a lawn chair in mamma. Somebody’s daddy. have a permanent home. The a sacrifi ce. months. tow. It’s his day to linger at his Somebody’s brother. couple bought a lot in a 1960s At 62, after the children had all John refused to admit her to a wife’s graveside. “ … Somebody’s beloved wife.” era subdivision off Lee Highway left the house, John retired from nursing home and tended to her “Sometimes I stay an hour and McFalls’ favorite song to sing called Midfi eld Acres, where the work. at home, with the help of some a half or more,” he said. “I sing a to Vivian at the cemetery is a neighborhood motto is “Cooperate, “I had gotten up for work every heroic hospice nurses. song or two. We worship together. 1969 song called “I Love You Appreciate, Beautify.” The brick morning for 51 years,” he said. “I In her fi nal days, when she Usually two or three people show Because …” recorded by singer ranch house in the suburbs was just thought it was time.” could barely talk, Vivian admon- up and walk over.” Carl Smith. a stretch purchase for the couple, The couple settled into retire- ished her husband. One Sunday, a woman walked One of the verses goes like this: but John had never seen his wife ment with a shared commitment “Jay, please promise me two over and started to vent. “No matter what the world may as proud as the day they moved to make one another comfortable. things,” she said, according to her “I understand you come here say about me, into that new house. They were different people with husband. “Promise me that you every day,” she said, her hands on I know your love will always see The next happiest day was a different interests, yet they made won’t give Chuck away and that her hips. “Don’t you realize every- me through. few decades later when Vivian it work. you won’t stop being Jay. … Just body here is dead?” I love you for the way you never called John aside and showed John liked to go to bed at 9 keep being Jay.” McFalls turned to the woman doubt me. him the papers from their paid-off p.m. and Vivian liked to stay up The day she died, McFalls re- and felt his response gathering But most of all I love you ’cause mortgage. The girl who had been to watch “The Tonight Show” membered her last breath. like steam in his brain. you’re you.” forced to move 21 times by age 12 and sleep late in the morning. Yet He counted in his head, waiting “Ain’t nobody dead here,” he “She didn’t leave,” McFalls said. wasn’t going anywhere. every night they would meet at the hopefully for her to inhale. said, in no mood to be lectured. “She’s still part of me, and I’m still The McFallses pinched pennies, kitchen sink before John went off 10 seconds … 15 seconds … 25 Next, he gestured across the part of her. There was no space be- never letting on to their children to bed to express their deep love seconds cemetery, where more than 50,000 tween us. God put us together.”

WINNERS, from Page 30 Barker Jr. 1. Bristol Herald Courier na Lawson Staff Don Foy, Lindsay McReynolds, 3. The Connection, 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Kate Cook, Scott Wilson 4. Kingsport Times-News 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Springfi eld Clarksville Rain Smith Staff Cheri Reeves, Michael Galla- Staff Judge’s Comments: Clean and gher, Jennie Slowey, Sam Gould, easy to use, with a clear hierarchy 5. Cleveland Daily Banner Sunday Editions Phil Stauder, Dave Gould 3. The Daily Herald, Columbia to the content with a mix of video, Trena Bailey, Carrie Pettit, audio and other assets. When 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Staff Patty Hawkins, Donna Kaylor, 4. The Elk Valley Times, used in a long form story “Isaiah Gwen Swiger, Autumn Hughes, Design Studio Staff Fayetteville 117 House” provides a comprehen- Ralph Baldwin 4. Crossville Chronicle 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville Sandy Williams, Lucy Williams sive reader experience. Caroline Selby, Missy Watten- Group V Staff barger, Cheryl Duncan, Rebekah 2. The Greeneville Sun 5. The Herald Chronicle, 1. Chattanooga Times Free Winchester K. Bohannon Beeler, Gary Nel- Brian Cutshall, Sarah R. Greg- 3. Chattanooga Times Free son, Michael R. Moser, Michael ory, Michael R. Reneau, Kelly Press Press Linda Stacy, Sam Cowan, Brian Staff Justice, Seth Byrd Lindsay Pickering Staff 5. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Judge’s Comments: The standout Group III 3. Citizen Tribune, winner in this category, with a 4. The Daily Times, Maryville Don Foy, Lindsay McReynolds, Morristown sense of fl avor, attention to detail Staff 1. The Newport Plain Talk Kate Cook, Scott Wilson Seth Horn, John Gullion, Jean and projects that dive deep. Seth Butler, Duay O’Neil, Matt Henderson, Cliff Hightower, 5. Bristol Herald Courier Winter, Alison Brooks, Dennis Group IV Sherry Collins, Jan Ramsey, Jen- 2. News Sentinel, Knoxville Staff Page 32 • 2019 State Press Contests Awards 2019 Headline Writing Winners Circulation Group I: Circ. Group III: Southern Circulation Group IV: The Courier News, Clinton Standard, McMinnville Bristol Herald Courier

Circulation Group II: The Tullahoma News

Circulation Group V: Chattanooga Times Free Press