2 Congratulations! Newspapers of the Year

Daily: The Gazette, Janesville Daily: Vilas County News-Review Publisher: Orestes Baez Publisher: Kurt Krueger 3 On the Cover and... Photo credits clockwise from top left: BEST OF DIVISION “Madison nightlife, redefined” by Ruthie Hauge, Division A Division D The Cap Times The Gazette, Janesville Vilas County News-Review, Eagle River Winner of First Place Award in Division A Photo Gallery Division B competition Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire Division E The Monroe Times Division C “Covid Lockdown Visit” The Northwoods River Division F by Dan Reiland, Leader- News, Rhinelander The Valders Journal Telegram & The Daily Globe, Ironwood, Winner of First Place Award Mich. in Division B Feature Photo competition

“Gun Victim Memorial” by The 2020 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Better John Hart, Wisconsin State Newspaper Contest received 2,051 entries from 103 newspapers. This year’s contest was judged by newspaper professionals from the Texas Journal Press Association. Winner of First Place Award in Division A Photo Essay competition Competitions were judged across six circulation divisions — three daily and three weekly — unless otherwise noted. Contests with three or fewer total submissions within a single division were judged against “Water Umbrella” by Scott entries in the next highest division. Categories with fewer than 10 Ash, Northwest Now submissions across daily or weekly divisions were judged across all the respective publication frequency. Winner of First Place Award in Division D Feature Photo The newspaper that accumulates the most overall points from competition editorial and advertising awards is named Best of Division. The daily and weekly newspapers with the most points across their respective publication groups receive the Newspaper of the Year Awards. 4 Editorial Sports photography is awesome. General Excellence Honorable Mention: The Star News Judge’s Comments: Even though Daily Division this is a smaller publication, First Place: Wisconsin State it’s bursting with big, colorful Journal photographs. Has all of the usual Judge’s Comments: Well done. small town news you expect to Excellent all-around newspaper. read about in a local newspaper. Second Place: Beloit Daily News Really nice school and sports Judge’s Comments: Strong entry. coverage. One of your editorials was re- printed in another newspaper’s general excellence entry! Division F Third Place: The Gazette First Place: The Valders Journal Judge’s Comments: Good Judge’s Comments: Excellent newspaper. Competitive category. paper, from the local content to Honorable Mention: Leader- layout. Lots of local photos and Telegram news. Easy to follow the jumps. Judge’s Comments: Some great Nice clean, organized layout. stuff here. Competitive category. Good, attention-grabbing ledes. All the elements are there. Second Place: Lake Mills Leader Division D/E Judge’s Comments: A lot of First Place: Hudson Star-Observer local news and photos in each Judge’s Comments: The page edition. Good ledes and writing layouts grabbed my attention. throughout. Included all the Great use of page design, information you look for in a local interesting headlines, photography newspaper. and pullout quotes to get someone Third Place: Spooner Advocate to pick up the newspaper. The Judge’s Comments: Good entries stories are interesting and easy with lots of photos, some of them to understand even for someone very large. Good writing. Solid who isn’t a local. The photographs overall work. are good and the pages aren’t Honorable Mention: The Record- overloaded with ads. Great local Review school sports coverage, too. Great read all around. Second Place: Sawyer County Best Front Page Record Judge’s Comments: I enjoyed Daily Division the articles and photography. I First Place: The Gazette - Tim would like to see more creativity Seeman, Greg Little, Shawn in the page designs. Even though Sensiba, Shari Rampenthal stories were lengthy, they kept Judge’s Comments: Beautiful my attention. I would definitely layout and design that grabs the subscribe to this newspaper. attention immediately! Third Place: Superior Telegram Second Place: Kenosha News - Judge’s Comments: Front page Staff stories were good choices, but I Judge’s Comments: Bold headlines wish I’d seen more creativity in the capture the reader’s attention! General Excellence, First Place (Daily Division) layouts. They all kind of looked the Third Place: Beloit Daily News - same. Stories were well written. Staff Wisconsin State Journal, Madison Editorial 5 Judge’s Comments: Very nice! seems a bit cold to list obits as Honorable Mention: The Freeman deaths. - Shana Duffy Third Place: Waupaca County Post Judge’s Comments: Nice work! - Robert Cloud, Cody Popp Judge’s Comments: Fairly clean design, but the copy font is large Division D and poorly spaced. Centered First Place: Hudson Star-Observer headlines and subheads looks - Staff sloppy and is difficult to follow, Judge’s Comments: Beautiful use especially if the decks are not of art and photos to capture the balanced. The large white space reader’s attention! up top is distracting. What is the Second Place: Peninsula Pulse - purpose of “Local” in the red box? Ryan Miller, Brett Kosmider, Jacob Is there another edition? Dannhausen-Brun, David Eliot Judge’s Comments: Photos capture the attention ... very clean Division F design! First Place: Spooner Advocate - Bill Third Place: The Star News - Brian Thornley, Julie Hustvet Wilson Judge’s Comments: Terrific Judge’s Comments: Headlines and photos, great use of color, top photos are interesting! notch work all around. Honorable Mention: The Lakeland Second Place: Lake Mills Leader - Times - Staff Sarah Weihert Judge’s Comments: Fun use of Judge’s Comments: Beautiful photo in the header! color, sharp contrast, great photo elements for sports teasers. Third Place: New London Press Division E Star - Robert Cloud, Cody Popp First Place: Lake Geneva Regional Judge’s Comments: Chock-full of News - Staff color photos with many elements Judge’s Comments: Nice, clean competing for attention. and fairly consistent page design. Honorable Mention: Clintonville All but one story has a subhead. Tribune Gazette - Robert Cloud, The photos were very light. It may Cody Popp be the way the PDF reproduced, or Judge’s Comments: Hard to leave they may have been made that way this one out of the top list — good to accommodate dot gain on the heads, good use of photos, good press. The photos are not bordered, all-around layout. which is likely part of the paper’s design. The headlines are nicely balanced and convey concise Best Opinion Pages information. Second Place: The Monroe Times - Daily Division Emily Massingill First Place: Wisconsin State Judge’s Comments: The pages Journal - Scott Milfred, Phil Hands have a cluttered feel to them, Judge’s Comments: Lively layout however, there is a good mix of to match the lively opinions — fonts in headlines and good use great reader participation through Best Front Page, First Place (Division D) of photos. The price is too big. letters section. Really like the You- Try shrinking it. Subheads are Toon feature that draws reader Hudson Star-Observer inconsistent in size and use. It interest and participation. 6 Editorial Second Place: Leader-Telegram - letter-writing audience — if space Liam Marlaire becomes an issue, maybe consider Judge’s Comments: Great range of a 300-word limit — some really contrasting opinions, terrific letters took the ball and ran with it. sections. Readers obviously look forward to reading these pages and take the time to write their own Best Sports Pages comments. Daily Division First Place: The Gazette - John Weekly Division Barry, Tom Miller, Eric Schmoldt First Place: Hudson Star-Observer Judge’s Comments: Really - Anne Jacobson excellent all the way around! Judge’s Comments: Excellent job. Second Place: The Chippewa Looks like you are very plugged Herald - Brandon Berg in to your community and you Judge’s Comments: Well-written continue to reach out through and appealing look! reader panels (stealing that idea) Third Place: The Northwoods and man-on-the-street. Good River News - Jeremy Mayo, Bob pages to keep readers engaged. Mainhardt Keep up the great work. Judge’s Comments: Good Second Place: Vilas County News- coverage and a great look! Review - Kurt Krueger, Gary Honorable Mention: Daily Ridderbusch, Michelle Drew, Doug Jefferson County Union - Jalen Etten Knuteson, Jack Miller Judge’s Comments: Nice robust, Judge’s Comments: Nice work! diverse subjects on your editorial pages, and good use of local, regional and national commentary. Division D It makes for good reader First Place: The Star News - Matt engagement. Good issues and I like Frey the use of a local photo to enhance Second Place: Hudson Star- the pages. Might consider an Observer - Bob Burrows, Dave update on some design elements, Newman but otherwise healthy commentary Third Place: Vilas County News- pages. Keep up the good work! Review - Doug Etten, Gary Third Place: The Platteville Journal Ridderbusch - Steve Prestegard Honorable Mention: The Review - Judge’s Comments: Editor Steve Dave Boehler Prestegard asks some good questions about the coronavirus situation — and related them from Division E federal, state and local perspectives First Place: The Monroe Times - to his readers. Also had tough Adam Krebs prodding of local officials for Second Place: The Platteville freedom-of-the-press issues. The Journal - Jason Nihles same officials who embarrassed Third Place: Sun Prairie Star - Jeff the town when national papers Seisser picked up an unflattering story. Honorable Mention: Barron Best Sports Pages, First Place (Daily Division) Way to be tough — a brave stance News-Shield - Mark Bell, Jim Bell, The Gazette, Janesville in small towns. You have an active Tyler Florczak, Todd Roehl Editorial 7 Honorable Mention: Beloit seemed a little lacking. Division F Daily News - Brad Allen, Austin Division B Honorable Mention: “Family First Place: The Courier - Jeff Montgomery, Hillary Gavan First Place: “Progress,” & Friends Summer 2020 ,” Seisser Judge’s Comments: Touching EagleHerald - Dan Kitkowski, Watertown Daily Times - Staff Judge’s Comments: A nice mix articles. Tough competition. Newsroom Staff Judge’s Comments: Good content of coverage, appealing layout Judge’s Comments: Great content, and pics. Design a little lacking. design, well-written stories, and excellent design. interesting photos! Weekly Division Second Place: “Stateline 2020,” Second Place: Milton Courier - Beloit Daily News - Staff First Place: Vilas County News- Division D Jack Miller Judge’s Comments: The sheer First Place: “The River is Judge’s Comments: Really nice Review - Michelle Drew, Gary volume of content here makes this Recreation,” Hudson Star-Observer layout design and coverage with Ridderbusch really impressive. Lacks the focus - Steve Gardiner, Sally Shepherd, great photos! Judge’s Comments: A true lifestyle of the top winner. Tom Lindfors, Mike Longaecker Third Place: Spooner Advocate - section. Some design flaws, but Third Place: “Legends of Sports Judge’s Comments: I want to visit Bill Thornley content is great. Loved the band X X V,” Beloit Daily News - Jim this area because of this River Judge’s Comments: Lots of local writeups. I would watch butting Franz, Josh Flickinger, Erica is Recreation guide. The stories stories with a nice design and good headlines and try to change up the Pennington are well written, the layout is photos! styles a bit more. It all ran together Judge’s Comments: Great content eye-catching and the photos are Honorable Mention: The Record- after a bit. Overall, awesome job. here. Wonderful historic stories great. I like that the guide is not Review - Casey Krautkramer, Ross Second Place: The Lakeland Times (championship team, Bob Hope’s overloaded with ads — we get a Pattermann - Chris Frame, Beckie Gaskill visit, etc.) Some of the content chance to really see the content Judge’s Comments: Nice coverage Judge’s Comments: True gonzo Honorable Mention: “Super shine. The feature photos and and photos! journalism. Way to immerse seniors,” La Crosse Tribune - Todd yourself and your interests in your the photo cutouts break up the Sommerfeldt, Eric Lee, Alex monotony that can sometimes articles. Enjoyable read. Vandenhouten Best Feature/ Third Place: Hudson Star-Observer plague page layouts. I hate that Judge’s Comments: Great writing the printer messed up some of the - Steve Gardiner and photography capturing a Lifestyle Pages Judge’s Comments: Informative pages on the hard copy, but it still special group of local basketball didn’t take away from my love of and well-researched. Enjoyed the stars. Daily Division design on the page. this guide. Great job! First Place: Daily News - Dan Honorable Mention: Courier Second Place: “Passing the Sash,” Hudson Star-Observer - Women of Muckelbauer Sentinel - Staff Division C Judge’s Comments: A little bit of Judge’s Comments: Enjoyed the the Newsroom something for everyone. Liked the last 2 articles, esp. the Tattoo one. First Place: “Discover,” Daily Judge’s Comments: This Women’s clean layout and the headline of The first one, while sweet, was a Jefferson County Union - Craig Suffrage special section was such a hurry up and wait. Stellar section. bit of a bore to read. I kept waiting Spychalla great idea. The content is localized Second Place: The Gazette - Greg for it to go deeper, it read flat. The Judge’s Comments: Such a wealth and well written, artwork is great Little 1940s feature had great artwork, of content here. Well done. My and the pages aren’t weighed down Judge’s Comments: Your design but I kept wanting to read more, only complaint it that some of the with a bunch of ads. The special really caught my attention. Stinks felt like a general overview. stories seem a little too long. pullout was an extra nice touch. I that the jump was wrong on the Second Place: “2019 Anniversary think if schools in your area aren’t Chaplin story. Informative section Edition — Daily Globe,” Daily utilizing this as a teaching tool, on community and local events. Best Special Globe - Larry Holcombe they should. Great design. Judge’s Comments: What a Third Place: “Veterans Salute Third Place: The Gazette - Tim Section (Editorial) wonderful celebration of the 2019,” The Lakeland Times - Brian Seeman history of your newspaper. Well Jopek, Kayla Houp, Delaney Judge’s Comments: Enjoyed the Division A done throughout. FitzPatrick peanut article and the beekeeping First Place: “Class of 2020,” The Third Place: “A History Project: Judge’s Comments: This veterans one as well. I felt that all the colors Gazette - Dave von Falkenstein Journey back in time,” Daily Globe salute section was well thought for teasers really distracted my eye. Judge’s Comments: Tremendous - Larry Holcombe out. The stories are well-written I would look into using a different work covering a challenging time. Judge’s Comments: Wonderful and, of course, it’s always a plus font or at least only making the Love the student features. celebration of local history that to see localized content instead of page number colored. I image readers love. Cover page filler fluff. The cover is colorful and 8 Editorial eye-catching. and unique. I would Second Place: “Can’t hear a pin b e am e d ,” The Lakeland Times - definitely makes a reader want like to see fewer ads on the pages. drop; Past Perfect; Uncrowded Brett LaBore to continue on. The smoke still I’d like to see the ads spread out Hou s e ,” The Journal Times - Sports clearing is also quite concise while more so that the content shines Staff using a pun, which is not easily through more. Judge’s Comments: Good play Division E/F done. on words, captures significance First Place: “Low-flying plane Second Place: “Wood chips fall, of how life has changed in the creates buzz at Winter Fest Bikini stories flow as carvers share hobby; Division E/F pandemic. Run race; Smoke still clearing over How to float your boat, and other First Place: “Hometown Heroes,” Third Place: “Another dam 21+ age limit; Seedy mail scams lessons in physics; Corona kicker The Valders Journal - Brian problem; Signed, sealed ... send unwanted packages,” The adds to woes of farmers ,” The Thomsen, Todd Bergmann delivered?; Lifting spirits,” The Chetek Alert - Carl Cooley Valders Journal - Mary Thomsen Judge’s Comments: Good mix of Gazette - Tim Seeman Judge’s Comments: The bikini Judge’s Comments: I like how copy and photos. Interesting new Judge’s Comments: Good run headline is hard to beat. It much action is incorporated in stories, not just repeats of previous headlines set in beautiful designs. years (we’re guilty of that). I liked the ads tailored to the section. Second Place: “Brillion News Division D celebrates 125 years,” The Brillion First Place: “No lions or tigers or News - Darcy Zander-Feinauer, bears? Oh my!; Animal ordinance David Nordby changes draw biting comments; Judge’s Comments: Liked the Saturday night’s not all right for historical aspects, reflections fighting,” The Platteville Journal - included past editors and the Steve Prestegard long-time subscribers. It wasn’t Judge’s Comments: Nailed it on just reproductions of old editions, all three, but the first one, with the instead it was filled with updated Wizard of Oz reference on lions copy and photos mixed with and tigers and bears, that really did historical. it for me. Excellent work. Third Place: “June Dairy Month,” Second Place: “Vikings Bring The Valders Journal - Brian Thors Hammer on D; Kings of the Thomsen, Todd Bergmann Hill-toppers; Notorious fighter in Judge’s Comments: Good mix the fight of her life,” The Monroe of stories — news, features and Times - Adam Krebs recipes. Judge’s Comments: Kings of the Honorable Mention: “Syttende Hill-toppers was my favorite here. Mai ,” The Woodville Leader - Cari Great reference! Cornelius, Paul Seeling Third Place: “Make America Grape Again; What cheese curd would Jesus try? A moment in the Best Headlines slimelight,” NEW Media - Carol Ryczek, Lee Pulaski, Daily Division Judge’s Comments: There have First Place: “AXE-CELLENCE; been a lot of takes on “Make BELL-IEVE IT!; He was not just America Great Again” over the last a statistic,” The Northwoods River four years, but this was a new one News - Jeremy Mayo, Jamie Taylor, for me. Very clever! Heather Schaefer Honorable Mention: “All tricks Judge’s Comments: Great play on and no treats: Tigers’ season ends words ... sports fans love that. “Not with loss to Washburn; Bear just a statistic” is also a good use to believe it: 11th annual Bear Best Special Section (Editorial), First Place (Division C) of a quote for headline that draws Cupboard Run going virtual; From attention to important story. dance to gymnastics, Julie Neuberg Daily Jefferson County Union, Fort Atkinson Editorial 9 these headlines. My main critique was a close second and made some The Northwoods River News - asking for public to support forest would be mentioning the name strong points about issues at hand. Gregg Walker, Richard Moore use policies, obviously important of a school, city or organization And, I really liked the approach to Judge’s Comments: Another well- to your area’s residents and its would offer more detail about what the “jump around” editorial. Good reasoned critique of a blanket economy. the article will be about. job. prohibition of mining on county- Second Place: “City council Third Place: “Game over; Third Place: “It is time to stop owned lands, and an entreaty to pot vote sends wrong message; Sometimes the stars align; Spooner stationing police officers in those making those decisions to Finalists are more than last two Rodeo Weekend,” Spooner Madison schools; These ghouls remain open to the promise of new names on list; City must release Advocate - Bill Thornley will stop at nothing; Gov. Evers technology that might make both finalists names now; Rush to Judge’s Comments: “An important should implement a lockdown the industry and the environment hold meeting fails public trust,” local voice lost” tells the reader that protects Wisconsin’s health, safer. Ladysmith News - Staff that this will be a must-read economy and values,” The Cap Honorable Mention: “Faithful life Judge’s Comments: Good job opinion column, which it is. Times - John Nichols, Dave of compassion is legacy Lemkes calling out council for short-notice Honorable Mention: “Hot dog, Zweifel, Jessie Opoien leave behind,” Daily Jefferson on rescheduled meeting. (Our the Oscar Mayer wienermobile; Judge’s Comments: These County Union - Christine Spangler required notice period is 72 hours, Hornets abuzz; Sound of editorials were too long and Judge’s Comments: The two which helps avoid that problem.) improvements,” Courier Sentinel - labored to get to the points. I editorials addressing COVID- But we share your frustration Staff had a difficult time keeping my related issues were timely and about superintendent finalists Judge’s Comments: Puns are fun focus, even though the topics were effective — one, in calling out a (ours now lists a “lone finalist.”) to read, but not always necessary. important to tackle. public officials for his dismissive Good, strong commentary. These headlines still do a pretty and dangerous attitudes about Third Place: “Wisconsin needs good job of introducing their the virus, and another calling to consider Red Flag laws; Don’t articles. Division B/C out public health officials for forget the humanity behind First Place: “Exercise care in potentially costly delays in the numbers; Remember come changing words, phrases; Ill- accurately reporting COVID- November,” The Star News - Brian Editorial Award defined ‘defending’ pitch ill- testing numbers. The third Wilson advised; Remember what we have editorial was obviously intended Judge’s Comments: Strong words Division A in common,” Leader-Telegram - to offer comfort to a community for state politicos and a good First Place: “Kenosha didn’t Liam Marlaire in the aftershocks of tragic crime, explanation of their short-sighted deserve this; Is it too little, too Judge’s Comments: Marlaire’s but seemed to straddle the fence reasoning to reopen during a late, Governor?; Schools that start approach to civil discourse between a news story and a pandemic. Nice job reminding virtual should not have fall sports,” in all three of these editorials column. people about the humanity behind Kenosha News - Editorial Board is admirable, proving that an the numbers. The public, thanks Judge’s Comments: The “Schools editorial can effectively tackle to HIPAA laws, has been blocked that start” and “Kenosha didn’t tough issues without adding Division D from seeing much of the real deserve this” editorials were unneeded fuel to the toxic flames First Place: “UW-Extension damage done by this virus. Also, exceptionally strong, well-written of our public discourse. programs are vital and a bargain; good commentary on red flag laws and made excellent points. The Second Place: “Pelosi should Critical that forest users learn, and importance of USPS. Really other entry was decent and made call for an impeachment vote; comment on plan; and DOT liked the diversity of topics - local, for a well-rounded representation Mason shouldn’t punish dissent; fails once again to give adequate state, federal - covered in your of Kenosha’s editorial board. I Secret payouts: Racine residents notice,” Vilas County News-Review editorials. applaud the News for tackling deserve better,” The Journal Times - - Kurt Krueger, Gary Ridderbusch, these issues and doing so Editorial Board Michelle Drew, Doug Etten professionally. Kudos to jobs well Judge’s Comments: Well-stated Judge’s Comments: Strong takes Division E done. and succinct editorials, calling for on DOT plan and their lack of First Place: “Dear Finalists; Second Place: “Mob mentality a vote on impeachment. Agree or informing the public. Even when The new guy; Three tonight,” solves nothing; A very bad week not, the rationale is clear. we favor projects, lax practices like The Platteville Journal - Steve for the Senate GOP; Help beat Third Place: “For once, a wise this just reinforce mistrust from Prestegard the coronavirus: Jump around!,” decision; Michael Bloom’s the public. Also, good points made Judge’s Comments: Prestegard Wisconsin State Journal - Scott Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card; on county’s short-sighted decision does not mince words and we Milfred For Congress: Tiffany will give to nix extension program support hope his readers support that Judge’s Comments: This entry northern region a strong voice,” to tighten its budget. And good call wholeheartedly. While he seems 10 Editorial harsh at times, those spending Courier Sentinel - Brian Wilson input. And solid advocacy for rural thankfulness and good news to the $134 million of taxpayer dollars Judge’s Comments: Good residents who suffer from both community. every year should read frank job calling out secretive votes, spotty cell service and ancient land Second Place: “Dane County assessments and not hide behind something Cadott school board lines. Good job. legislative debates,” The Cap Times milquetoast platitudes. Well done. members should have learned Honorable Mention: “Freer - Briana Reilly, Chris Murphy Second Place: “Lake Geneva during orientation. Solid citing speech; A good start; A right to Third Place: “Cap Times Idea should follow its new liquor license of policy and law. Great points k n ow,” The Tribune-Phonograph - Fest 2019,” The Cap Times - Chris rules; Talk to your kids about made on raising retirement age, Kevin O’Brien, Kris O’Leary Murphy, Paul Fanlund, Mike vaping dangers; Proposed body something even more urgent in Judge’s Comments: Nice job Kornemann camera legislation is a win-win,” tight labor markets. And loved the voicing balance of free speech, Lake Geneva Regional News - language taking the Wisconsin versus citizen free-for-alls at Robert Ireland legislature to task for sitting back council meetings. Good conclusion Weekly Division Judge’s Comments: Good job on and criticizing those making the that councils should err on side of First Place: “‘Keeping It Blue’ vaping issue — sadly, a national actual calls. “Life is easy in the giving citizens their say. Good job contributed column series,” Lake discussion most know little about. cheap seats.” Excellent. explaining issues with properties, Geneva Regional News - Staff Body cams — good take on a Second Place: “Workforce but should have spelled out Second Place: “Warm The tough issue. You found that middle housing bill excludes far eastern ‘TIF’ on first reference. Glad you Children program,” Vilas County line between the public’s right to Dane County; Time to start advocated for more transparency News-Review - Toni Ruthven, Gary know and voicing police concerns, talking about a Cambridge from city, which would help with Ridderbusch, Michelle Drew, Kurt and seem to have found a good village referendum; Koshkonong trust of residents in those areas. Krueger bill in the Wisconsin legislature watershed drainage needs regional Solid advocacy for land purchase Third Place: “Facebook opinion to support. And good call to stop approach,” The Cambridge News issues, always taking the side of polling in print,” The Freedom limiting the number of liquor and Deerfield Independent - Karyn more openness is better. Pursuit - Angie Griepentrog licenses. During this pandemic, Saemann the ability to sell alcohol could Judge’s Comments: Nice job be make or break for some small explaining vagaries of affordable Community Open Records/FOI restaurants. Well-written, good housing policies (3 miles east command of your subjects. and could have qualified for Engagement Award Award Third Place: “Closed meetings assistance). It’s an issue that Daily Division equate to disappointing county faces most any sized community Daily Division leadership; With a united these days. Good job explaining First Place: “Manitowoc: Amid First Place: “Oshkosh West school approach, we are a stronger difficulties in choices being made coronavirus, HTR wants to share resource officer stabbing coverage,” independent nation,” Sun Prairie on municipal spending in this what you’re grateful for,” Herald Oshkosh Northwestern - Lydia Star - Christopher Mertes difficult time. Nice job explaining Times Reporter - Brandon Reid Slattery, Chris Mueller, Sarah Judge’s Comments: Way to call thorny issue about drainage Judge’s Comments: Great Razner, Nathaniel Shuda out “informal conversations” district and its effects on farmers. job! Really nice way to add Judge’s Comments: The story between government officials, Shows with infrastructure that clearly a no-no. Kudos for using a stitch in time saves nine. Well open records requests. So many done. local officials need to be reminded Third Place: “A pointless fight; that everything they do should Blindsiding the village; Give every be open to taxpayers and the resident a dial tone,” The Record- public. And nice job on “United Review - Peter Weinschenk approach,” balancing historical Judge’s Comments: Good job views against current distrust spelling out issues with “holiday” shown in polling. or “Christmas” tree and the ridiculousness of that becoming the focus of the season for the Division F constantly aggrieved. Nice work First Place: “School board’s use following the money on land sales of secret ballots; Support increase and pointing out that it shouldn’t Editorial Award, First Place (Division F) in state; State legislature needs,” be done without at least some voter Courier Sentinel, Cornell Editorial 11 explaining the decision to name First Amendment are all about. Third Place: “Teen rape suspect the teen charged in the stabbing has long record with police,” Lake General News really hits the nail on the head. Weekly Division Geneva Regional News - Scott Story When someone is charged with First Place: “SWIGG coverage,” Williams attempted homicide in a high The Platteville Journal - Steve Judge’s Comments: A nice use of Division A school, that’s a big deal. And the Prestegard, Kayla Barnes, Charley open records to provide context to a big story. First Place: “A racial slur followed public has a right to know all the Preusser by the slice of a razor,” Kenosha details. Judge’s Comments: Fantastic News - Deneen Smith Second Place: “Menominee Nation work, especially in the face of All-Around Second Place: “Love and alliance Arena bankruptcy coverage,” pushback from government know no colors,” Wisconsin State Oshkosh Northwestern - Nathaniel officials. Newspaper Journal - Emily Hamer Shuda, Lydia Slattery, Chris Second Place: “Oneida County Judge’s Comments: A solid news Mueller, Shane Nyman asserts complete secrecy for Photography angle on a great story that is not Judge’s Comments: Good use of attorney communications; Rossing: Daily Division easy to take on. records here to supplement what I looked the city attorney “in the Third Place: “More than 1,000 was very thorough coverage on an eye” and lied; Lawyers spar over First Place: Wisconsin State walk out at West in support of fired important story. walking quorum lawsuit; Oneida Journal - Steve Apps, Amber security guard,” The Cap Times - Third Place: “LaFayette should County judge dismisses walking Arnold, John Hart Scott Girard learn from debacle,” Wisconsin quorum complaint,” The Lakeland Judge’s Comments: Stunning Judge’s Comments: Great job State Journal - Scott Milfred Times - Richard Moore photography all-around, and great putting a local focus and face to an Judge’s Comments: An excellent Judge’s Comments: Very thorough use of it amidst your design. Clear important news story with local reminder for everyone, both the and excellent use of open records winner. and national importance. Second Place: Leader-Telegram - officials involved and the public, requests to get vital public Honorable Mention: “Madison’s Dan Reiland what open government and the information. municipal philosopher used Judge’s Comments: Really strong humor,” Wisconsin State Journal - news and feature photos. Lacking Elizabeth Beyer sports action pics. Division B Weekly Division First Place: “Gundersen Health First Place: Vilas County News- System at work on innovative ways Review - Gary Ridderbusch, to treat breast cancer,” La Crosse Michelle Drew, Doug Etten, Kurt Tribune - Emily Pyrek Krueger Judge’s Comments: This is an Judge’s Comments: Action and important story that isn’t typically feature photos were both well told in an interesting manner. The done, good use of different angles readers are more informed because and views. Cropped well. Liked the of reporters who tell stories like photo groupings. this. Second Place: Superior Telegram - Second Place: “Trump touts local Jed Carlson, Maria Lockwood shipyard,” EagleHerald - Dan Judge’s Comments: Good job Kitkowski following the story through Judge’s Comments: This is (hunting, for example). Good great all-around coverage of the candid photos, good angles. president’s visit that only could’ve Third Place: The Valders Journal - been improved by a better lede. Brian Thomsen Third Place: “‘I was scared the Judge’s Comments: Good job whole time’: A black Sheboygan capturing emotion in the live man says he was charged for shots. Good photo groupings. defending himself at a hate crime Community Engagement Award, First Place (Daily Division) Honorable Mention: The Verona scene,” The Sheboygan Press - Herald Times Reporter, Fond du Lac Press - Staff Diana Dombrowski 12 Editorial Judge’s Comments: This is a good Division D does an excellent job of giving the about a problem that demand a angle that deserved to be explored straight facts, but also taking it a solution. This elevates it above amid an event that likely had a First Place: “A Child Care step further and asks questions being a simple news story. plethora of coverage. Conundrum: Barker closure Honorable Mention: would leave families, employers “Transgender man talks about in limbo,” Peninsula Pulse - Myles LGBTQ mental health at La Crosse Dannhausen Jr. Suicide Prevention Summit,” La Judge’s Comments: Child-care Crosse Tribune - Emily Pyrek story absolutely, far and away, was Judge’s Comments: This article the most well-written story in this includes many important statistics competition, Good job, Peninsula and emotional angles. It gives the Pulse. reader an immersive experience Second Place: “Waukesha County without actually attending the day- judge backs county’s decision long conference. ordering a family to euthanize their dog or move,” Waukesha County Now - Jim Riccioli Division C Judge’s Comments: Waukesha First Place: “Jim Swanson County story on the dog was censured,” The Chippewa Herald - a close second. I’ve read the Parker Reed equivalent story about 2 dozen Judge’s Comments: This story times across various markets, and had both sides of an issue that was the treatment here was top-notch. clearly sensitive to the area. It isn’t Third Place: “‘You all need to always easy to get both sides of the fire him ASAP’: Calls for the story on this issue. Kept me into it removal of the police officer who from start to finish. killed three people continue in Second Place: “From marsh to Wauwatosa,” West Now - Evan pride of Fond du Lac: Lakeside Casey Park history shows growth Judge’s Comments: While the through benevolence, failed plans story demanding the officer’s firing for redevelopment,” The Reporter - is very similar to content we’ve Sharon Roznik seen from around the nation, this Judge’s Comments: Another well- was an exceptionally well-done written article. Got knocked down take. Strong, strong writing. Great to second because I felt it could’ve job, been condensed slightly to where it Honorable Mention: “Lawmakers, didn’t jump to three spots. I started business leaders point fingers at to lose interest when it jumped Canadian National Railway,” The a third time. If it jumps to three, Lakeland Times - Richard Moore consider slightly rewriting or page Judge’s Comments: Honorable adjusting. Still did, however, make mention story on the CN railroad me want to see the site. controversy was very well-written Third Place: “Lac du Flambeau and very detailed. Fantastic work, man sentenced for role in Valliere great service to your readers. murder,” Daily Globe - Richard Jenkins Honorable Mention: “Scavenger Division E hunt takes Havens’ minds off of First Place: “Tragedy puts focus virus,” Watertown Daily Times - on dangers of Sugar River,” The Diane Graff Monroe Times - Kat Cisar General News Story, First Place (Division A) Judge’s Comments: The writer Kenosha News Editorial 13 Second Place: “Farm Aid finds is that Colby cheese becomes well-written. It struck directly at Totero’s,” The Journal Times - Eric ‘perfect place’ in Walworth Wisconsin’s official cheese. Kevin the emotional core and did an A. Johnson County,” Lake Geneva Regional O’Brien skillfully detailed the effective job of helping the reader Judge’s Comments: Great story News - Dennis Hines efforts of concerned citizens and sympathize with people sharing and history of an iconic local Judge’s Comments: This story descendants of Colby’s creator their stories and experiences. business. Interesting history, works well because the subject to state their case before the Second Place: “‘Striving for the stories and future for both. Love matter balances being fun and Assembly Committee on Ag. It Tr u t h’,” The Cap Times - Scott the historical photos! having serious subject matter was all captivating and set just the Girard Third Place: “Families distraught as well with the reason for the right tone between humor and Judge’s Comments: The subject by decision to permanently concert. The writer is effective in straight-on reporting. Knowing of this feature is a powerful and dismantle Holmen High School creating a picture of the event. that balance is a gift. controversial to some. The author memorial wall,” La Crosse Tribune Third Place: “School board rejects Third Place: “Kennedy faces did an excellent job of showing - Emily Pyrek proposal to bar native mascots,” attempted homicide charge,” why the educators and even Judge’s Comments: Interesting The Waunakee Tribune - Tim Crawford County Independent student involved feel so strongly story about an illness that isn’t Wohlers & The Kickapoo Scout - Charles about real history being told. talked about or very common. Judge’s Comments: Covering Preusser Third Place: “‘Uncertain and I am sure those people really a topic that comes with a bit of Judge’s Comments: I read about precarious:’ UW graduate students struggle. Lots of sources and great controversy is difficult because as a the shooting in another entry fight for improved workplace information! journalist you’d like to get the full and was curious about the case. protections,” The Cap Times - Honorable Mention: “‘Ope, picture from all sides. The writer is Charles Preusser did a great job Yvonne Kim sorry!’ Where did Midwesterners able to do this in their story well. of explaining the sometimes Judge’s Comments: Like places get this onomatopoeia?,” Oshkosh Honorable Mention: “‘Go out confusing aspects of the homicide one and two, this is another well- Northwestern - Daphne Lemke and make a difference’,” Waupaca charge, as well as the events that written and effective showcase of Judge’s Comments: Hilarious County Post - Angie Landsverk led up to the hearing. Kudos to storytelling. The writer is able to story! Loved that it highlighted a him for making a tough legal make the reader understand the midwestern phrase. Working with subject easier for a reader to importance of the issue and tell the people at a summer camp, I was Division F process. story of the central figure. exposed to a lot of phrases like First Place: “New Gold Star makes Honorable Mention: “Designing Honorable Mention: “Public art this. Nice work. sure sacrifices not forgotten,” the blueprints,” The Verona Press - comes to State Street following Tribune Record Gleaner - Dean Kimberly Wethal violent protests,” Wisconsin State Lesar Judge’s Comments: Educators Journal - Barry Adams Division C have difficult jobs that were Judge’s Comments: When I read Judge’s Comments: The focus on First Place: “Climbing Ojos Del made harder with the pandemic. the first two paragraphs of Dean an uplifting topic coming out of Salado,” Watertown Daily Times - Kimberly Wethal’s story on those Lesar’s story about the Gold Star what was a chaotic situation is an Ed Zagorski who met the challenges head-on, Memorial, I knew his entry was excellent example of what good Judge’s Comments: Really and shared their knowledge, was to be No. 1 for this category. His journalism is. interesting story with writing that very informative. The general wonderful description of the takes you there. Congrats on a job public is better informed as a result rededication made me pause, in well done! Nice layout and photos of her reporting. order to take in the memorial’s Division B compliment the writing. history, and the implications of First Place: “Lifelong bond,” Second Place: “‘The Moment that the re-created Gold Star for the Feature Story Leader-Telegram - Eric Lindquist changed my world’,” Daily Jefferson community. I was touched, as I’m Judge’s Comments: Love this County Union - Craig Spychalla sure the readers of the Tribune (Non-profile) feel-good story about two friends, Judge’s Comments: Terrific Record Gleaner were. His photos which is such a unique and writing makes readers understand were exceptional and were all of a Division A strong friendship. Love the banter what nurses are dealing with piece with the consecration of that First Place: “Voices of protest: between the two. The men have a during this difficult time. Very nice sacred ground. Activists share the goals, hopes and special relationship and reporter layout. Second Place: “Colby cheese fears that keep them pushing for does a great job of highlighting Third Place: “Widespread supporters testify in Madison,” change,” The Cap Times - Natalie that. destruction: Wisconsin assists The Tribune-Phonograph - Kevin Yahr Second Place: “Two Racine storm-ravaged Iowa,” The Daily O’Brien Judge’s Comments: This story hospitality icons come together Reporter - Nate Beck Judge’s Comments: My hope was perfectly constructed and with sidebar: Food memories of Judge’s Comments: Very nice 14 Editorial writing. Turning a news story being a well-written, concise content that can go viral and Prestegard into a feature makes your readers feature, this also shows exactly generate page views and online ad Judge’s Comments: Tears to my understand the emotion of the how the day-to-day minutiae or revenue. eyes. I’ve written two stories like situation more. Good job! historical commissions and local Honorable Mention: ““If I can this in my time as a journalist, Honorable Mention: “A Class government are fertile ground for get it, anyone can”: Months after and I love reading them because Act: Kindergarten moves from St. features. COVID-19 diagnosis, symptoms they’re so heartfelt. I almost chose John the Baptist to Zoom,” Daily Second Place: “Telling it like it persist,” Wausau Pilot and Review - it as first, but I had to choose a Jefferson County Union - Christine is,” The Lakeland Times - Emily Shereen Siewert COVID-19, seeing as it’s timely. Spangler Koester Judge’s Comments: Beautiful story Third Place: “Freymiller bikes Judge’s Comments: Really loved Judge’s Comments: Long, but a about a very current topic. Good across Wisconsin; Fennimore this one especially the way the kids good read. Very hard to condense job writing it sensitively. native from Mississippi River to comments are incorporated. a vet’s life down much more than Lake Michigan to raise money this. Fantastically told story worthy for blood cancer research,” The of recognition. Division E Platteville Journal - Jason Nihles Division D Third Place: “When a house ran Judge’s Comments: Being a out of candy during trick-or- First Place: “From the frontlines,” distance athlete, I have a special First Place: “The home of the first treating, this Port Washington boy The Monroe Times - Kat Cisar place in my heart for stories like black man to build in Wauwatosa left some of his for other kids,” Judge’s Comments: I really liked this. It was nice how her family is being considered for historic North Shore Now - Hannah Kirby this article. It showed readers how supported her the whole way. The designation,” West Now - Evan Judge’s Comments: Absolutely prepared their hospital was, and it only thing I didn’t like was the Casey prime example of the modern took a look at the human element opinionated way in which it was Judge’s Comments: I’ve probably type of feature that can go viral of the “frontline workers.” A written. read 20 such stories from around on social media. One of the best winning feature in my book. Honorable Mention: “‘Baskets and the country on a home being examples I’ve seen of the cross Second Place: “For Christmas, smiles’,” The Monroe Times - Adam landmarked, but few about a between old-style feature writing Boebel gets a new kidney,” Krebs home like this. In addition to and the newer need to create The Platteville Journal - Steve Judge’s Comments: Shining light

STRONG Local News and Excellent Customer Service CONGRATULATIONS To all of the staff members at the Monroe Times and Morris Newspaper Corporation of Wisconsin for their recognition by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation. Furthermore, our warmest regards to all of our colleagues in Wisconsin for their efforts to protect the people’s right to know and help grow business. Editorial 15 on a positive community effort Second Place: “Memento during dark times. Timely, well- released from Island turns up in Division B written and makes people smile. Caribbean,” Washington Island Feature Story First Place: “Sole Man retiring: It was so hard not to rate this one Observer - Laura Broullire 112-year-old West Racine Shoe higher, but I just liked some of the Judge’s Comments: Very (Profile) Repair closing,” The Journal Times other stories a bit better. interesting, well-told story that Division A - Eric A. Johnson Judge’s Comments: Neat hobby puts the reader on the beach and in First Place: “‘Now there’s a price the euphoria of hearing the bottle and interesting story on a lost art. Division F to pay’: Harrison man regrets not I love business features like this has been found. Great quotes and taking coronavirus precautions First Place: “Rising to the pace throughout. because they share the impact that seriously,” The Post-Crescent - a business has on a community challenge,” The Verona Press - Third Place: “Halloween Horrors,” Duke Behnke Kimberly Wethal Spooner Advocate - Bill Thornley from the owners to the employees Judge’s Comments: This is exactly to the patrons. He really has helped Judge’s Comments: Lots of good Judge’s Comments: Well-written, the story that so many in our sourcing and quotes; a really clean comprehensive and fun. restore, help and repair a lot of country need to hear right now. shoes! Great visuals, great facts! clean read. Compelling lede and a Honorable Mention: “Gaining Some don’t take COVID seriously Second Place: “Western Technical great job humanizing a pandemic influence,” The Oregon Observer - until it impacts them directly, College grad volunteers to be on story by offering insight through Mackenzie Krumme and then it’s too late. Very timely frontline of pandemic in New York strong quotes and clean transitions Judge’s Comments: Very well- and important profile that likely City,” La Crosse Tribune - Eric Lee into an element readers otherwise written, good quotes and sourcing reached people in a way hard facts Judge’s Comments: Used great might not appreciate. throughout. and numbers never could. details to paint a picture about Second Place: “Her life spiraled fighting the virus on the front into addiction after her brother’s lines. Only had one source but I tragic death. Ho-Chunk woman declared her independence, and think that made it more personal now saves lives.,” Green Bay Press- and more like a diary entry. It was Gazette - Frank Vaisvilas neat to see a small town guy serve Judge’s Comments: The article in the big city with his knowledge had a powerful anecdotal lede that of ventilators. Sounds like he is set the tone of the story. The writer highly respected! also incorporated some great Third Place: “Roberts breaks down statistics to support the subject barriers, brings quiet tenacity to matter. The brief heads used to County Board,” Leader-Telegram - break up certain points within the Ryan Patterson story was a great touch, making a Judge’s Comments: Interesting lengthy article easier to digest. story on the transgender official. Third Place: “Closing out a three I like how it focuses on who she decade career amid the pandemic,” is, her accomplishments and how Wisconsin State Journal - Barry she has made an impact in the Adams community. A lot of good insight Judge’s Comments: A touching from community members. This look at a well-deserved retirement probably had some controversy that came without the usual fanfare with it but the reporter did a good one might expect after 30 years as job of being neutral and sharing director. perspectives. Honorable Mention: “Another Honorable Mention: “Incredible new lease on life,” Kenosha News - journey,” Leader-Telegram - Eric Dan Truttschel Lindquist Judge’s Comments: At times Judge’s Comments: Good lede and heartbreaking and at others facts about Maria’s life. She seems incredibly inspiring. What a to have a lot of potential to serve Feature (Non-profile), First Place (Division A) wonderful story. her community. The Cap Times, Madison 16 Editorial Pilarski Mitchell Keller give it a completely local hook and Division C Judge’s Comments: Great job of Judge’s Comments: The strength attach it to a holiday angle we are First Place: “For Charlotte, with tackling a somewhat controversial of this story lies in two places, the al always looking to satisfy is great. love: Fond du Lac toddler is one topic, and showcasing what it’s subject of the story and the writer’s And having a number of souces of 50 people in the world with this like for someone to experience ability to paint a detailed image makes all the difference. rare disease that baffles doctors,” firsthand. with their words. Second Place: “Careers of mothers The Reporter - Sharon Roznik Third Place: “This Franklin Honorable Mention: “Notorious could be hurt,” Wisconsin State Judge’s Comments: Really woman had melanoma, a brain fighter in the fight of her life,” The Journal - Shelley K. Mesch interesting story and well-written. tumor, and got breast cancer while Monroe Times - Adam Krebs Judge’s Comments: Good local Photos add to it. You definitely pregnant. She beat all three.,” South Judge’s Comments: The subject of angle on an under-represented made myself and your readers care. Now - Hannah Kirby this story is tragic and its strength national issue. Would have been Second Place: “Telling it like it is: Judge’s Comments: This woman comes from its quotes. The area great to see even one more mom’s Rhinelander WWII veteran shares is clearly a fighter, and this feature that it suffers in is at times it feels point of view, but the end of the his story,” The Northwoods River details every inch of that. After like it reads longer in areas where story is strong and the best I’ve News - Emily Koester reading the story, I wanted to meet it should be more to the point. read in three categories. Judge’s Comments: Terrific story her! Overall, it still remains a very Third Place: “Kindness of with great details and organization. Honorable Mention: “Newlyweds strong read, but just under the strangers,” Wisconsin State Journal The page design added to the say ‘I do’ aloud while they can,” other three. - David Wahlberg interest. Hudson Star-Observer - Michael Judge’s Comments: Great Third Place: “Conrad Wild, Brun look at what would often be veteran firefighter, mourned,” Judge’s Comments: This feature Division F a phenomenon that might go Watertown Daily Times - Ed elicited all of my emotions. Great unnoticed. Has the personal aspect First Place: “Fall River resident, set Zagorski job capturing a very special and the date put together perfectly. to celebrate 100, recalls teaching Judge’s Comments: Strongly moment for a special couple! Honorable Mention: “Pregnant in one-room country school,” written. Sad story but I’m sure amid a pandemic: Not what they Columbus Journal - Kevin Damask your readers and his family were expecting; Local midwives Second Place: “Laid out in honor,” appreciated it. seeing surge in requests for home Division E The Oregon Observer - Mackenzie Honorable Mention: “Finding births amid COVID-19 pandemic,” First Place: “The Long Winter,” Krumme Faith,” Daily Jefferson County Wisconsin State Journal - Samara The Portage County Gazette - Kris Third Place: “Casper recalls Union - Craig Spychalla Leonhardt Kalk Judge’s Comments: Really quarantine,” Fennimore Times - Judge’s Comments: The writer Emily Schendel Judge’s Comments: Good, unique interesting subject matter. Liked does an excellent job telling this angle on a medical story and the the front page design. Honorable Mention: “A Survivor’s harrowing tale. The story draws St or y,” Fennimore Times - Emily impact of the pandemic. the reader in with its emotional Schendel depth. Breaking the story into Division D multiple parts enhanced this piece First Place: “A Wauwatosa couple by allowing each individual part Localized National Division B of 73 years died within hours of to breathe and stand on its own First Place: “Families separated,” each other; both tested positive merit. Story Leader-Telegram - Sarah Seifert for coronavirus,” West Now - Evan Second Place: “Loving Lennon,” Judge’s Comments: This is Casey The Monroe Times - Kat Cisar Division A exceptionally well-done and the Judge’s Comments: Fantastic Judge’s Comments: This story’s First Place: “An added burden: class of the category. While reading storytelling that tugs on the greatest strength is in its strong Black fathers carry the weight this story, I felt involved in the heartstrings. Story contained the quotes. The writer does an of explaining racism to their situation and wanted to figure out necessary information regarding excellent job building the story childresn; Ripple effect: Residents a way to help. Kudos. Superb job. COVID-19, but did a great job around the quotes and using and local leaders take a fresh look Second Place: “Onalaska’s Matt of not letting that overshadow them to enhance the overall final at what can be done to combat Thomas talks social change, return the story behind the couple, their product. racism in light of Floyd killing.,” of basketball,” La Crosse Tribune - history and their family. Third Place: “An All-Time The Gazette - Frank Schultz Todd Sommerfeldt Second Place: “What it’s like being Man In An Old Time Store, A Judge’s Comments: The writer’s Judge’s Comments: This story a transgender writer and dad in Conversation With Major John idea and ability to take an captured my attention and held it Wauwatosa,” West Now - Karen Jensen,” Dodge County Pionier - incredibly important current issue, throughout. It was a great feature Editorial 17 about a local boy who has excelled using the friend’s perspective to flood downtown Wausau to youth falling between the cracks,” at a national level and is anxious to remember an NBA legend. This is participate in peaceful George The Press Times - Heather Graves return to the sport he loves. Great an excellent piece. Floyd March; In some of Judge’s Comments: Great job. Honorable Mention: “Wausau Wisconsin’s smallest and whitest information on ways to tackle cities, George Floyd protests signal the homelessness situation. Good Third Place: “I Lost A Brother ,” police say he’s a hate crime victim. a ‘sea change’ on race,” Wausau use of those in the field working The Journal Times - Peter Jackel He says he’s been called n-word Daily Herald - Keith Uhlig, Renee towards a solution. Judge’s Comments: Nice job ‘my whole life.’; Crowds of people Hickman Honorable Mention: “This Judge’s Comments: Best of the Brookfield native has played some rest. Interesting reads. of your favorite ‘Sesame Street’ characters for almost 40 years,” West Now - Hannah Kirby Division C Judge’s Comments: Very First Place: “Small towns, big interesting! Great feature on politics,” Daily Jefferson County what’s inside one of our “national Union - Craig Spychalla treasures.” Who doesn’t love Second Place: “Supporters of BLM Sesame Street? organize peaceful demonstration in Rhinelander,” The Northwoods River News - Jamie Taylor Division E Third Place: “‘It helps but only First Place: “‘I was just curious:’ so much’,” The Chippewa Herald - Exploring the potential of CBD,” Parker Reed Lake Geneva Regional News - Honorable Mention: “Manitowoc Dennis Hines Jacob Blake protest: ‘So many Second Place: “Teens organize, people have forgotten how to lead peaceful protesters,” The be human and how to love on Monroe Times - Adam Krebs another’,” Herald Times Reporter - Third Place: “Solidarity in Alisa Schafer Waupaca; Waupaca police arrest protester; Rally held in Waupaca,” Waupaca County Post - Robert Division D Cloud, Angie Landsverk First Place: “Local nurse answers New York’s call for help,” Sawyer County Record - Frank Zufall Division F Judge’s Comments: Great series First Place: “Dumping milk - on Nurse Riley — Nice way to dairy is reeling,” Crawford County feature these unsung heroes and Independent & The Kickapoo Scout have a peek into their lives. - Gillian Pomplun Second Place: “Love and support Judge’s Comments: More than from across U.S. bolsters Diemel covering a local event related to a family,” Wisconsin State Farmer - national issue, this reporter clearly Colleen Kottke put in the work to find and explain Judge’s Comments: This is such the local impact of a national a sad story. You captured the issue, and the writing was solid families’ angst plus the outpouring throughout. of support across the country. (I Second Place: “Cadott mom warns admit, I had to read more about of black market ‘carts’ in the area,” this crime — which makes this a Courier Sentinel - Julia Wolf great story ... you want more!) Judge’s Comments: Good use of Localized National Story, First Place (Division B) Third Place: “Homelessness has one individual’s story to represent Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire many difficult facets; Homeless a larger, national issue. 18 Editorial Third Place: “Mask makers help Nice job. the losing team handled such a Third Place: “Mercer wins to insure healthcare workers Third Place: “Turner, Elkhorn win blowout loss, that makes this more Indianhead title, also earns No. stay safe,” Crawford County sectional semis but see seasons than just your average game story. 1 seed in playoffs,” Daily Globe - Independent & The Kickapoo Scout end when tournament is canceled Third Place: “Carter Horstman Jason Juno - Gillian Pomplun hours later,” The Gazette - Eric drags Bangor to semifinals,” Judge’s Comments: What a great Judge’s Comments: This is a well- Schmoldt La Crosse Tribune - Todd behind-the-scenes moment of the written example of a localized Judge’s Comments: Solid Sommerfeldt seeding process. You gave readers story. reporting, good quotes and easy Judge’s Comments: The lede really a nice glimpse of the coaches’ Honorable Mention: “Meat writing style made this entry drew me in and made me want to relationships with each other and processing facing problems,” tops in its category. Not only was know what would happen next. the players, which is what solid Crawford County Independent this good game coverage but the That’s the best thing you can do reporting and writing do. & The Kickapoo Scout - Charles reporter did a good job covering in a game story for readers who Honorable Mention: “Local Preusser the changing landscape related may not have attended or seen any athletes shut down by COVID-19,” Judge’s Comments: This article to COVID-19 and the basketball highlights. Baraboo News Republic - Brock deserves mention for the same season being called. Fritz reason the first-place winner Honorable Mention: “Onalaska’s Judge’s Comments: This is a solid deserved to be first. The reporters Weber comes from behind Division C series that documents the loss of had to work the story, doing more to win Ray Fischer Amateur First Place: “Fond du Lac softball the wrestling, soccer, track and than covering a local event related Championship,” The Gazette - Eric coaches surprise players, bring out baseball teams. Good job covering to a national issue. Schmoldt smiles after season is canceled,” the aftermath of the global Judge’s Comments: Nice game The Reporter - Jerell Rushin pandemic. Sports News Story day reporting on amateur golf Judge’s Comments: This was a tournament. I felt like I was there fun read. It was a positive and Division A watching Joe Weber win the feel good story amid an anxiety Division D championship. Good descriptions, First Place: “Green Bay Preble producing global pandemic. These First Place: “Bay Port takes down quotes (more than one source- stories are what make readers Kimberly in state semifinals,” The softball team surprises coach thank you) and writing. A pleasure battling COVID-19,” Green Bay take notice. Nice job finding the Press Times - Rich Palzewic to read. Press-Gazette - Scott Venci story and letting people inside the Judge’s Comments: Reading your Judge’s Comments: This was softball team’s disappointment. It story makes me sad I was not there also shows what good coaches/ to see the game, but I could follow a great, timely news story that Division B happened to a sports figure. I sure teachers do for students. I suspect along and felt the excitement and hope it was used on the news side. First Place: “Ken Levine cites Coach Brian Schlief’s teams are struggles. Congratulations on a job The fact that this ran so early in issues with parents as reason going have winning seasons after well done! the pandemic and readers got a for stepping down as Oshkosh this pandemic is over. Well done. Second Place: “A three-peat for lot of helpful information about West football coach,” Oshkosh Second Place: “‘Proud’ Eagles fall Stephenson; Blanchet first woman treatment and recovery of the Northwestern - Jerell Rushin in regional final,” Daily Jefferson to reach title race,” Vilas County coronavirus put this entry in first Judge’s Comments: Great lede, County Union - Jack Miller News-Review - Gary Ridderbusch, place. Solid reporting, good quotes and really fascinating to hear Judge’s Comments: Reporter did a Doug Etten and having a prior relationship the coach be so open about the good job covering a disappointing Judge’s Comments: Loved the art with the subject made this entry parents. Really makes this story loss in a positive way. The light and the story. You did an excellent standout. Well done. more than just a simple coaching touch here on the loss and the job of sharing and explaining an Second Place: “Disappointment, change. uplifting approach reporting on unique story. sadness pour out after season Second Place: “Coach of team that this game tell me this reporter Third Place: “Wisconsin legislators ends prematurely,” Wisconsin State lost by 100 points calls winning lives in this community and support new bill to curtail Journal - Jon Masson coach a ‘class act’,” The Sheboygan appreciates that these are high harassment of game officials,” Vilas Judge’s Comments: Good job Press - Tom Dombeck school athletes. In less skilled and County News-Review - Doug Etten covering the truncated basketball Judge’s Comments: With a game less caring hands, this regional Judge’s Comments: Thank you for season and giving readers a sense like this, it could be easy to miss final loss would have blamed the covering this story. Your telling of of what these players lost as a the bigger picture and focus on the shooter’s off the rim shot in the the need and support of legislation result of the pandemic. This sports basics of how the winning team closing seconds of the game. I protecting officiants is well-done reporter has established good dominated. But choosing to turn appreciate the writer’s discretion and hopefully fans will take heed connections in his community. that on its head and focus on how and humanity. Bravo! going forward. Editorial 19 Honorable Mention: “C’mon Courier’s four-year career leads Judge’s Comments: The lede impact on boxer,” Kenosha News - Coronavirus!!!,” The Review - Dave to record-breaking night,” Lake might have been stronger, but Dan Truttschel Boehler Geneva Regional News - Andrew otherwise this entry was good Judge’s Comments: This is a Judge’s Comments: This story Tucker throughout. It reads like the kind great feel-good story told through emphasizes the sentiment of sports of article I would expect of a solid reporting and writing. fans across the nation. Great job. reporter covering a pro team. It The intimate details that the Loved the photo. Division F even includes good, smart quotes boxer Luis Alvarado shared with First Place: “Wildcats work from the teenage athletes, and Dan Truttschel speaks to the overtime,” The Verona Press - getting those can be a challenge all relationship the writer was able Division E Adam Feiner, Mark Nesbitt by itself. to develop with his source. Nicely Third Place: “Three-peat done. First Place: “Team captains Judge’s Comments: This is how complete,” The Stoughton Courier Honorable Mention: “Oh, the joy denied final voyage,” Oconomowoc it’s done, folks. This article made Hub - Adam Feiner of being a bat boy in the ‘70s,” The Enterprise - Mark Hutchinson me feel a little of the excitement Judge’s Comments: Like the Gazette - John Barry Second Place: “Hillmen slay the of being there while relating the second place entry, the lede could Judge’s Comments: What a nice beast; Platteville routs two-time key moments of the game. It had have been stronger, but otherwise tribute to a father. The writing style defending state champion Marshall good color, without overdoing it, this entry had good, solid writing had great energy. It was a fun read. to earn first state berth since 1984,” and brought in some personality, throughout. The Platteville Journal - Jason without turning it into more of a Nihles feature than a game report. Division B Third Place: “Standing Ground,” Second Place: “Panthers a Sports Feature Sun Prairie Star - Jeff Seisser win short of state,” The Oregon First Place: “Adversity couldn’t Honorable Mention: “Reagan Observer - Mark Nesbitt Story conquer Fier,” Beloit Daily News - Josh Flickinger Division A Judge’s Comments: This story First Place: “Backyard court gave the reader a real feel for the serving as neighborhood gathering player’s emotions as she battled spot for second generation,” The through adversity. Gazette - Eric Schmoldt Second Place: “‘True warrior’: Judge’s Comments: Eric Family, friends remember Schmoldt’s funny and compelling Wittenberg-Birnamwood football lead drew me into the story of the player hit by car while moving deer Badertscher basketball court. He carcass,” Wausau Daily Herald - did a nice job of giving readers the Tom Dombeck 17-year history of this inanimate Judge’s Comments: Properly object (space) through stories conveyed the grief left behind by about people. This is what all such a tragic event. newspapers strive to do. Well done. Third Place: “Candle in the Second Place: “Ring leader: darkness,” The Journal Times - Andrea Nelson has breathed new Peter Jackel life into Madison’s boxing scene,” Judge’s Comments: So many The Cap Times - Nicholas Garton interview sources provided many Judge’s Comments: What a nice different perspectives. tribute to a community icon, Honorable Mention: “Caledonia which is told with much care goes rural for practice,” La Crosse and love. This shows through the Tribune - Todd Sommerfeldt hours Nicholas Garton spent at Judge’s Comments: This had a the ring, interviewing sources and very charming “Field of Dreams” covering boxing. The community feel to it. of Madison is lucky to have such a dedicated writer. Division C Sports Feature Story, First Place (Division A) Third Place: “Fighting for a dream First Place: “Martin: I was The Gazette, Janesville with sidebar Coaches make lasting crushed when spring sports were 20 Editorial canceled; There’s nothing like high and patriotism. Jerell Rushin’s pandemic. It was an entertaining school sports; You never know humorous lead coupled with good trip down memory lane, and I’ll Division E when it’s going to be your last; I’d storytelling and quotes keeps bet the community loved this First Place: “25 years ago much rather be playing baseball readers interested. The story also series as well. How could they not, Cardinals realized the dream,” Sun right now; You just have to keep gave a lot of good information with all the solid interviewing and Prairie Star - Jeff Seisser moving,” The Northwoods River about hockey. Nicely done. reporting that backed up this tale? Judge’s Comments: Really well News - Jeremy Mayo Third Place: “Rhinelander’s Rhinelander is being served well done. Lots of great interviews Judge’s Comments: What a great Nienstaedt cherishes wooden ski by its sports staff. with the former players, and way to feature athletes, who would tradition,” The Northwoods River enough detail that I felt like I have been in your sports pages News - Stephanie Kuski had witnessed the championship were it not for COVID. I enjoyed Judge’s Comments: I enjoyed Division D season myself. Love the sidebar on the shoe change, too! reading their stories of truncated reading about the history of skiing First Place: “Zambrowicz still seasons, and you offered a good in Rhinelander through the tale of Second Place: “Freymiller bikes going strong in press box,” The across Wisconsin; Fennimore variety of athletes and sports. Wise the tradition of wooden skis. This Press Times - Rich Palzewic choice of ending with Kenedy was a fun and quirky story to read. native from Mississippi River to Judge’s Comments: What a great Lake Michigan to raise money Van Zile, whose can-do attitude, The only thing that was missing story. You did a wonderful job of ended the series on a positive note. was a photo of Mark Nienstaedt for blood cancer research,” The telling the story and finding a true Platteville Journal - Jason Nihles This is exactly what a community himself. sports feature that might have been Judge’s Comments: Opening newspaper should do. Well done. Honorable Mention: “Putting it told. It’s not always the athlete that with the context of the ride really Second Place: “Brothers from all together; They’ll be crying in deserves the spotlight. Great job! sets the scene nicely. And the rest Fond du Lac reunite after six years their beer; You’re making all those Second Place: “We used NBA 2K of the feature fills in a complete apart to play hockey for Army,” The memories,” The Northwoods River to simulate the rest of the high picture of who she is. Reporter - Jerell Rushin News - Jeremy Mayo school basketball season. Here’s Third Place: “Badger golfer Holly Judge’s Comments: I enjoyed Judge’s Comments: This was what happened.,” West Now - Curt Murphy simply the best ever,” Lake this story about hockey but it another great use of space, time Hogg Geneva Regional News - Andrew was so much more ­— family, life and resources during the global Judge’s Comments: OK. I have to Tucker say I am very impressed with the Judge’s Comments: I loved the effort and the detail that went into anecdote going back five years creating this process and telling the earlier to when the head coach first story. Watching these teams have met this golfer. It tells you a lot to abruptly end their respective about her already right there. seasons was painful and your story Honorable Mention: “Introducing had to be somewhat healing. the Dream Tournament,” The Third Place: “Jackie Lemke Platteville Journal - Jason Nihles, competes with team Potter,” The A.J. Gates, Tom Gunnell Star News - Brian Wilson Judge’s Comments: Such a fun Judge’s Comments: I loved the concept! photos and the telling of Jackie Lemke’s story. Sportswriting comes alive when we seek out and share Division F an underdog story and you did it First Place: “Soaring to New very well. Heights; Laura Massey vaults into Honorable Mention: “Myer enjoys the WISTCA Hall of Fame,” Grant ‘Superior’ career at UM-Duluth,” County Herald Independent - A.J. Superior Telegram - Ken Olson Gates Judge’s Comments: I loved the Judge’s Comments: This is a photos and the care that went into good article all the way through. telling this story. Humanizing an It is well-written and held my Sports Feature Story, First Place (Division F) athlete is so important. interest. The writer gracefully wove together personal information, Grant County Herald Independent, Lancaster quotes, stats and history. Editorial 21 Second Place: “Running through a Gazette - Jonah Beleckis so much time, and including Third Place: “Post office returns pandemic,” The Stoughton Courier Judge’s Comments: Following the personal background of the hundreds of absentee ballots that Hub - Mark Nesbitt the continuing story is part of affected family. were supposed to be delivered to Judge’s Comments: This had a long-haul coverage as additional Second Place: “6-year-old Tri- Fox Point voters,” North Shore Now good lead sentence, and it was information break. Good job County School student killed while - Jeff Rumage clever to work into the story keeping readers informed. waiting for bus near Plainfield; Judge’s Comments: This is an mentions of the places around the younger sister injured,” Stevens important topic that warranted world where the man had run. Point Journal - Melissa Siegler, quick coverage, but this article That made it more interesting than Division B Karen Madden leaves some background it might have been otherwise. First Place: “Altoona Judge’s Comments: A good information out. Third Place: “Milton’s Campions superintendent arrested; Officials balancing act between news- Honorable Mention: “‘I can’t of the Court,” Milton Courier - Jack in shock at Peggs’ arrest,” Leader- worthiness of young victims and function’: Vigil for Milwaukee Miller Telegram - Andrew Dowd, Sarah outcome for justice on driver. teenager killed by a Wauwatosa Judge’s Comments: It’s hard to Seifert Third Place: “One dead following police officer draws over 100 resist the headline’s play on words, Judge’s Comments: The two officer-involved shooting on friends, family,” West Now - Evan and good the article did not entries here from the same edition Wausau’s west side Thursday Casey overwork the pun. This entry was really show the diligence of night,” Daily Tribune - Karen Judge’s Comments: Good follow solidly written throughout and a community journalism done in Madden, Melissa Siegler up angles. pleasure to read. an excellent manner. This was not Judge’s Comments: I admire your only a great work of breaking news work in painting a picture of the in this community for the Altoona victim as thoroughly as you did the Division E Breaking News paper, but also a great public accused. First Place: “The Platteville Journal Reporting service and an illustration of how Honorable Mention: “Hurley bars “Re-enactor dies during Dairy to do this type of story the correct open again,” Daily Globe - Jason Days parade”,” The Platteville Division A way. Juno Journal - Steve Prestegard First Place: “Kenosha unrest after Second Place: “Truck goes Judge’s Comments: Well-written Blake shooting,” Kenosha News - airborne, crashes through roof,” story on a tough subject. Not spot Staff Beloit Daily News - Hillary Gavan Division D news one wants to focus on at a Judge’s Comments: Tremendous Judge’s Comments: Although this First Place: “At least 1 dead in normally fun event, but well done. work by an obviously talented staff story was a serious concern, it had Wausau shooting spree,” Wausau Second Place: “COVID-19 on the ground going many “extra me laughing. Great use of quotes Pilot and Review - Shereen Siewert, outbreak reported at WI Cheese miles” to keep their community and not a wasted word. Also, that Darren Siewert G roup,” The Monroe Times - Kat informed in print and online. photo is one that any small-town Judge’s Comments: Compelling Cisar Incredible photos set off the clear, weekly would kill to have as a page coverage of a trying situation. Third Place: “Hundreds protest concise writing. one dominant photo. Nicely done! Good job at getting accurate George Floyd’s death, ask for Second Place: “‘Absolutely Third Place: “One dead following information out in a timely changes in Sun Prairie,” Sun Prairie horrific’: Madison responds to officer-involved shooting on manner and getting details in Star - Jennifer Fetterly Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Wausau’s west side Thursday follow-up stories. Honorable Mention: “University Blake; Madison protesters light night,” Wausau Daily Herald - Staff Second Place: “‘She loved to announces donation of dumpster fires, smash windows on Judge’s Comments: Solid, step-by- defend those who were mistreated’: Yerkes Observatory to private Capitol Square, police bring out step reportage on this story. Great A lawyer and Waukesha native was foundation,” Lake Geneva Regional tear gas; ,” Wisconsin State Journal job! killed in Micronesia,” Waukesha News - Connor Carynski - Emily Hamer, Chris Hubbuch, County Now - Hannah Kirby Logan Wroge Judge’s Comments: Good Judge’s Comments: Terrific Division C coverage, but the second article Division F coverage of horrific events, hard First Place: “Lemke story,” Daily is close to unnecessary. Inside First Place: “Loyal man fatally shot work shows that your staff was out Jefferson County Union - Christine Edition is not the story, the funeral by police after stand-off,” Tribune on the front lines keeping readers Spangler, Pam Chickering Wilson, is. However, the access to the Record Gleaner - Dean Lesar informed. Craig Spychalla family is great throughout this Judge’s Comments: Our failure as Third Place: “Most body cameras Judge’s Comments: Kudos on coverage. It makes the reader miss a country to face the lack of mental off during police shooting,” The sustaining the storylines across the woman they didn’t know. health resources is on prominent 22 Editorial display in Dean Lesar’s exceptional transit companies providing article about Robert Domine’s Investigative Division D exclusive services for privately- death. His account of the tragedy First Place: “Northwoods Transit sponsored events, effectively is stunning and provides a clear Reporting Commission violated federal harming private businesses picture of the cascading events that Division A charter rule; No members of the without similar advantage. He led to the stand-off when Domine public rode transit’s public route to followed up by exposing the transit was shot and killed by police. First Place: “Epic employees say Winter Park; State, federal transit company’s failure adhere to the Well-constructed, it is a cautionary coronavirus concerns met with rules need immediate overhaul,” transportation department’s caveat, tale for families of people dealing retaliation, demotions,” The Cap The Lakeland Times - Richard accompanying a favorable ruling with mental health issues, for law Times - Natalie Yahr, Katelyn Moore on the matter, that it also should enforcement, and for the public-at- Ferral Judge’s Comments: In these extend that service to the general large, all of whom can be caught in Second Place: “The lonesome reports, Moore explored the public. A subsequent column the crossfire. death of Ethan Hauschultz; problem of heavily-subsidized synopsizes the issues identified Second Place: “Social media plus follow-ups,” USA TODAY controversy leads to inaccuracy, NETWORK-Wisconsin - Doug turmoil in city,” Lake Mills Leader - Schneider Sarah Weihert Third Place: “When the lab itself Judge’s Comments: Social media is ‘toxic’; UW failed to share can be the devil. The social prof’s record; UW plans to track media storm after a peaceful bullying; ‘Toxic lab’ prof won’t be protest illustrated how quickly teaching; Tenure sore spot in ‘toxic’ misinformation can be spread, as lab saga; A new policy for grad well as the lasting harm that can students; Second probe of prof result. Sarah Weihert follows the begins,” Wisconsin State Journal - progression in a series of stories Kelly Meyerhofer that highlight her skill as a writer. Honorable Mention: “Dismissed: Third Place: “Crew rescues man Wisconsin Veterans Affairs official from bin,” Grant County Herald who weathered harassment Independent - David Timmerman allegations fired under Evers,” The Judge’s Comments: Through a Cap Times - Briana Reilly media post and a well-written story, David Timmerman shows his chops as a print journalist, as Division B/C well as a multimedia reporter. It First Place: “La Crosse GOP ‘fake’ is the way of the newsroom these senior letter was sent by executive days. Timmerman conveyed the committee member, emails show,” drama of the man’s rescue from La Crosse Tribune - Olivia Herken the grain bin ­— which was the Second Place: “Wisconsin OWI direct result of the rescue workers’ laws under investigation,” Daily bravery, training and equipment Citizen - Terri Pederson — with informative and interesting Third Place: “Former UW- details. Oshkosh administrators ordered Honorable Mention: “Gone in to pay $75,500 after pleading guilty 60 seconds,” Grant County Herald to felony misconduct,” Oshkosh Independent - David Timmerman Northwestern - Nathaniel Shuda, Judge’s Comments: David Devi Shastri, Lydia Slattery Timmerman ably presented a Honorable Mention: “Menominee graphic description of the family Nation Arena bankruptcy farms damaged by an F-1 tornado. coverage,” Oshkosh Northwestern “Gone in 60 seconds” are words - Nathaniel Shuda, Lydia Slattery, no one ever wants to hear — or Chris Mueller, Shane Nyman Breaking News Reporting, First Place (Division A) experience. Kenosha News Editorial 23 in the reports, and suggests that “Wisconsin DPI: Former Fall story. I liked how both sides of the the DOT and lawmakers overhaul Division E/F River superintendent engaged issue of the wind turbines were the transit rules so they more First Place: “Sticky situation for in inappropriate conduct with brought forth. Informative, concise effectively protect the private Amery Police Department,” Amery Jefferson student,” Columbus and easy to read. Clever headlines sector from unfair competition. Free Press - Tom Stangl, April Journal - Kevin Damask and article breaks. Stellar job. Well done. Ziemer Second Place: “Federal court case Second Place: “Ex-principal lied to Judge’s Comments: A well- with local ties highlights human get new education job before being constructed piece, and I am a Enterprise/ trafficking issue,” Beloit Daily News charged with facilitating a child sex big fan of not only explaining - Austin Montgomery crime, report says,” Lake Country to readers about the process of Interpretive Judge’s Comments: Great work Now - Evan Frank obtaining public records but also Reporting covering a local issue that can Judge’s Comments: Evan Frank sharing why it is important. Shows relay into the national headlines takes the initiative to investigate the ability to stick with an issue Division A as well. Well-researched and great and reveal the facts leading to over the long haul. First Place: “Madison Latino coverage. Good job. principal’s forced resignation, and Second Place: “They got the Consortium steps in to provide Third Place: “The history behind simultaneously lifting the curtain sandmine we got the shaft,” County safety net, cash to undocumented the Hiawatha statue: What’s behind of non-disclosure agreements Line - Karen Parker families,” The Cap Times - Steven the name, intent and controversy?,” that too often protects those Judge’s Comments: Great story Elbow La Crosse Tribune - Olivia Herken who breach the public trust and headline. It reads a little more Judge’s Comments: Well-written Judge’s Comments: A lot of from accountability for the harm like a column than an investigative and perfectly balanced between communities have been faced with they have done. His efforts are piece, but great information and facts and the human element this issue of moving landmarks. commendable. well told. to keep readers interested Great neutral coverage and I liked Third Place: “Details on discipline Third Place: “The grounds of throughout. how you highlighted the history of of Blair police chief released last UWSP,” The Portage County Second Place: “None of this has the landmark. week,” Trempealeau County Times - Gazette - Kris Leonhardt changed,” The Cap Times - Steven Honorable Mention: “Wisconsin Andrew Dannehy Honorable Mention: Elbow nursing homes are closing at an Judge’s Comments: A great and unprecedented rate; Wisconsin compelling piece of writing that nursing home staff face low wages, perfectly addresses a very serious demanding work ,” Wausau Daily topic. Herald - Megan Stringer Third Place: “Fading away: Judge’s Comments: Great job! Wisconsin’s dementia crisis,” Really made me feel empathy Wisconsin State Journal - David toward his plight of finding a Wahlberg nursing home that wouldn’t close Judge’s Comments: This series anytime soon. addresses the issues of dementia from all angles. Thoroughly looks at the problems faced by this Division C community and offers information First Place: “Distance learning to both help and educate. in Jefferson and Fort Atkinson,” Honorable Mention: “Alleged Daily Jefferson County Union - Pam attack on guard shows dangers Chickering Wilson of imprisoning mentally ill,” The Judge’s Comments: This was Gazette - Frank Schultz an incredible series, with an in- Judge’s Comments: Very well depth look at all the different done. facets of distance learning. Great job covering all the angles in this expansive topic. Division B Second Place: “Some school First Place: “Up in the air,” Leader- districts struggle with turnover; Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting, First Place (Division F) Telegram - Eric Lindquist teachers say they stay where they The Record-Review, Edgar Judge’s Comments: Great impact are valued, supported,” Baraboo 24 Editorial News Republic - Susan Endres here in Texas. Despite potential dangerous issue. Megan Stringer Judge’s Comments: I love all cost-savings and efficiencies, Third Place: “Down the drain,” Judge’s Comments: Great in-depth the research put into this piece, many communities or community The Stoughton Courier Hub - reporting! I love all the sources. especially the data from all the agencies just won’t consolidate. Mackenzie Krumme Third Place: “Tradition surrounding areas. Great job! This story gives a plain look at Judge’s Comments: Solid writing threatened,” Leader-Telegram - Eric Third Place: “Detective hoping to the benefits and reasons why it throughout, with good mix of Lindquist identify victim of 40-year-old cold won’t happen. Best quote: “We’re numbers and expert sources. Honorable Mention: “Two Rivers c a s e ,” The Northwoods River News - approaching either the 50th Honorable Mention: “A widening abandons retention pond project Jamie Taylor or 60th anniversary of doing gap; Economic hurdles remain for after finding garbage on city- Honorable Mention: “Taxis face nothing,” said Greenfield Fire broadband access,” The Oregon acquired property,” Herald Times challenges,” Daily Citizen - Chris Chief Jon Cohn, referring to Observer - Emilie Heidemann Reporter - Alisa Schafer Higgins a multitude of similar studies Judge’s Comments: Very well- conducted since the early 1970s. “I written, with an opening scene that believe in consolidation, I believe speaks directly to the frustrations Division D/E Division D/E in efficiency and right-sizing.” many in the community must have First Place: “Urged by resident First Place: “Backyard chickens Honorable Mention: “Puffing felt. group, Wausau mulls soil testing boom in the Northland,” Superior Away: Local laws clamp down as plan for west side park and Telegram - Maria Lockwood vaping concerns spike,” Hudson Environmental properties,” Wausau Pilot and Judge’s Comments: I love Star-Observer - Rebecca Mariscal, Review - Shereen Siewert this story! Perfect example of Rachel Helgeson, Mike Longaecker Reporting Judge’s Comments: Thorough enterprise reporting — seeing Judge’s Comments: Thorough and dogged reporting on an a trend and reporting it out. look at vaping problem that Division A activist group’s repeated calls for In this case that was the rise in includes statistics, users, experts First Place: “Unknown Fear,” The soil testing. The newspaper shed demand for backyard chicks in and information on laws and rules. Cap Times - Steven Elbow light on shifting reasoning used response to the pandemic. Story Very good, well-sourced piece. Second Place: “Christmas cleanup: for the city’s reticence to do the was well reported and taught me How to handle all that paper and testing. It’s clear the paper had a something. Kudos to the reporter cardboard,” The Gazette - Frank good grasp on the topic and its for asking the chick’s name. I Division F Schultz importance to the area but did would love to meet the kid (one of First Place: “What is the future Third Place: “Mapping the toxic not bow to pressure from either 10 in that family!) who named his of Marathon County ag?,” The legacy of mining,” Wisconsin State side. Instead, the paper delivered chicken Darla Fluff Butt Phillips. Record-Review - Peter Weinschenk Journal - Chris Hubbuch straightforward reporting its Second Place: “‘I feel very Judge’s Comments: Very Honorable Mention: “Rain like readers deserved. isolated’: What life is really like authoritative examination of a bad habit: Increasingly wet Second Place: “A 150-year-old, 52 for people of color in Shorewood,” a topic that is critical to the conditions and saturated fields acre green space near Milwaukees North Shore Now - Eddie Morales community, told in an easy- challenge farmers in a changing Regional Medical Center has been Judge’s Comments: Very good to-follow format in which the climate,” The Cap Times - Abigail saved ... for now,” West Now - Evan story that uses experiences from questions most likely to be asked Becker Casey real people to delve into issues are what frame the package Judge’s Comments: The struggle of racial bias. Carefully told, well throughout. Solid research and between development and sourced, story offers problems and sourcing make all the difference! Division B/C conservation occurs in just about work being done to solve them. Second Place: “It happens in Lake First Place: “‘We can’t wait’: Is every town. Good reporting Very readable. Would have liked Mills: Addiction leaves lasting Grandma’s Gateway the right on competing interests. One to have seen some statistics on impact,” Lake Mills Leader - Sarah development for La Crosse bluffs?” thing: Watch wording. “A three- profiling, etc. Weihert La Crosse Tribune - Olivia Herken year battle by some Wauwatosa Third Place: “Consolidation could Judge’s Comments: Writer does Judge’s Comments: Wonderful residents to save the 52 acres save these suburban Milwaukee a great job in demonstrating right piece! I love all the art that goes known as Sanctuary Woods on fire departments millions, but from the get-go that this is a local with the reporting. Definitely well Watertown Plank Road came to it won’t happen. Here’s why.,” issue, through data and sourcing. put together. fruition ...” Battles don’t come to Southwest Now - Elliot Hughes Really nice job in getting sources Second Place: “Granite Peak Ski fruition. It’s a little thing, but in Judge’s Comments: Very good who often are close-lipped to Area announced expansion plans stories this good, things like this story that hits on themes common open up in delivering an honest, five years ago. What’s happening stand out. in many communities — even unflinching look at a difficult, now?,” Wausau Daily Herald - Third Place: “Large Numbers Editorial 25 of Monarchs Spotted this Year,” the possible reasons it took place. Hamer and she covered this story with The Waunakee Tribune - Roberta Another story revealed that a lot Judge’s Comments: Pardons — a professionalism every reporter Baumann of local groundwater has been Every one of these humans seem to could imitate. I am very impressed Honorable Mention: “Fighting contaminated with fecal coliform. be very deserving. Great coverage. and hope Sarah spends her life in an unwanted invader in Geneva All of this information is vital for Second Place: “Gazette will honor this profession reporting the news. L a ke ,” Lake Geneva Regional News the community to have. spring sport seniors every day in Second Place: “Three Beloit - Connor Carynski Second Place: “Light pollution,” May,” The Gazette - Eric Schmoldt, officers shoot, kill suspect,” Beloit The Brillion News - Ed Byrne John Barry Daily News - Austin Montgomery, Judge’s Comments: The Brillion Judge’s Comments: A bright spot Hillary Gavan Division F News’ coverage of light pollution for each of these seniors who Judge’s Comments: If you read my issues brings to light a growing deserved to have their last year of comments under the first-place First Place: “Researchers discuss problem and offers the community sports. Great job. entry, you know how difficult a SWIGG Study,” Crawford County possible solutions. Third Place: “Huffhines court time I had selecting a winner. This Independent & The Kickapoo Scout Third Place: “New methods keep c a s e ,” Kenosha News - Deneen easily could have been a first-place - Charles Preusser water cleaner,” The Valders Journal Smith selection as Austin and Hillary Judge’s Comments: The - Todd Bergmann Judge’s Comments: Great coverage were exceptional covering this Crawford County Independent is Judge’s Comments: Readers were on the Huffhines brothers. tragic story as it unfolded, while providing environmental coverage served well by The Valders Journal’s Honorable Mention: “UW- adding the pieces from the mother that’s vitally important for the stories about the state’s plans to Madison workplace conditions,” and father. This is very strong newspaper’s readers to have. The spray marshes for invasive weed The Cap Times - Yvonne Kim work, and The Daily News should newspaper’s entries included growth and new technology that Judge’s Comments: Great job on be proud of the job done here by a story with fascinating inside will help farmers comply with covering this predator. these two members of its staff. information on a big fish kill and state regulations designed to keep High praise. I wish I could have manure out of ground water. awarded two first-place entries in Honorable Mention: “Middleton Division B this category. Applause, applause Woman’s Climate Journey First Place: “UW-EC suspends and please be proud of your work. Culminates at COP25,” Middleton five over racist posts; Students And keep it up! Times-Tribune - Michelle Phillips silently rally in protest; Task force Third Place: “Wausau shooting Judge’s Comments: Thanks to will respond; UW-EC to sanction at Pine Grove Cemetery,” Wausau the Middleton Times Tribune, the students; ‘Restorative justice’ Daily Herald - Staff local community gets an especially considered,” Leader-Telegram - Judge’s Comments: Staff did a accessible look at climate activism Sarah Seifert nice job of covering this story as because the newspaper interviewed Judge’s Comments: I’ve been it developed. Solid reporting from a local woman who spoke about in this profession for almost 40 several angles. Good contributions her work as a climate activist and years and have judged newspaper from everyone involved. Well her experience at an international contests for decades. I don’t think done. A solid third-place entry. climate conference. I ever have had a more difficult time deciding between a first- and Ongoing/Extended second-place entry as I did here. Division C Both the winner and runner-up First Place: “Stevens Point police Coverage deserve top honors in this category chief under investigation, placed and I went back and forth several on administrative leave,” Stevens Division A times before finally deciding on Point Journal - Alan Hovorka, First Place: “Iraq veteran who holds the edge. Again, this Karen Madden receiving pardon; Tony Evers was sooooo close and kudos Judge’s Comments: Great issues first pardons in 9 years, to both newspapers and their job following this story from Environmental Reporting, reverend says he is free from a reporters who did this outstanding beginning to end. I love how it First Place (Division F) ‘dark cloud’; Pardoned but not work. ... However, Sarah did her starts with a simple here’s what we restored; Catching Up: Man whose work alone and was exceptionally know and don’t know. Lots of in- Crawford County Wisconsin pardon was rejected in thorough with her strong reporting depth reporting on a highly public Independent & The Georgia gets gun rights restored,” from different angles. From start to person. Kickapoo Scout Wisconsin State Journal - Emily finish, her reporting was top-notch Second Place: “Photo of 26 Awards by Newspaper Amery Free Press First Place...... Localized National Story Second Place...... Reporting on Local Government First Place...... Investigative Reporting First Place...... Environmental Reporting Third Place...... Breaking News Reporting First Place...... Ongoing/Extended Coverage Baraboo News Republic Second Place...... Business Coverage Dodge County Pionier First Place...... Spot News Photo Second Place...... Local Column First Place...... Feature Photo Second Place...... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting Second Place...... General News Photo Second Place...... Feature Photo Second Place...... Local Sports Column Third Place...... General News Story Third Place...... Feature Story (Profile) Honorable Mention...... Sports News Story Third Place...... Localized National Story Honorable Mention...... Localized National Story Door County Advocate Barron News-Shield Honorable Mention...... Business Coverage Second Place...... Ongoing/Extended Coverage Daily Citizen Second Place...... Local Column Second Place...... Investigative Reporting EagleHerald Second Place...... Spot News Photo Second Place...... Coronavirus Coverage First Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) Third Place...... Ongoing/Extended Coverage Honorable Mention.... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting First Place...... Sports Feature Photo Third Place...... Business Coverage Honorable Mention...... Bill Payne Award First Place...... Best Use of Art Service Third Place...... Sports Action Photo First Place...... Best Niche Product Honorable Mention...... Best Sports Pages Daily Globe Second Place...... General News Story First Place...... Best Grocery Ad Second Place...... General News Photo Beloit Daily News First Place...... Best Multiple Advertiser Spread Second Place...... Spot News Photo First Place...... Sports Feature Story First Place...... Best Use of Local Photography Third Place...... Artistic Photo First Place...... Best Ongoing Niche Publication First Place...... Best Use of Humor Third Place...... Best Multiple Advertiser Spread Second Place...... General Excellence Second Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) Honorable Mention...... Best Restaurant Ad Second Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) Second Place...... Business Coverage Honorable Mention...... Best Multiple Advertiser Spread Second Place...... Breaking News Reporting Second Place...... Sports Action Photo Honorable Mention.....Best Special Section (Advertising) Second Place...... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting Second Place...... Best Use of Art Service Second Place...... Ongoing/Extended Coverage Second Place...... Best Newspaper Promotion Fennimore Times Second Place...... Best Niche Product Second Place...... Best Special Section (Advertising) First Place...... Best Large Ad Third Place...... Best Front Page Third Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) Second Place...... Artistic Photo Third Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) Third Place...... General News Story Third Place...... Feature Story (Profile) Third Place...... Best Special Section (Advertising) Third Place...... Sports News Story Third Place...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention...... Best Feature/Lifestyle Pages Third Place...... Photo Essay Honorable Mention...... Feature Story (Profile) Third Place...... Overall Page Design Clintonville Tribune Gazette Third Place...... Best Niche Product Grant County Herald Independent Honorable Mention...... Best Front Page Honorable Mention...... Breaking News Reporting First Place...... Sports Feature Story Honorable Mention...... Business Coverage First Place...... Bill Payne Award Columbus Journal Honorable Mention...... General News Photo First Place...... Best Small Ad First Place...... Feature Story (Profile) Honorable Mention...... Best Real Estate Ad First Place...... Best Ad Idea (Series) Honorable Mention...... Investigative Reporting First Place...... Best Multiple Advertiser Spread Daily Jefferson County Union First Place...... Best Use of Art Service County Line First Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) First Place...... Best Special Section (Advertising) Second Place...... Investigative Reporting First Place...... Localized National Story Second Place...... Best Large Ad First Place...... Breaking News Reporting Second Place...... Best Small Ad Courier Press First Place...... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting Second Place...... Best Use of Art Service First Place...... Best Multiple Advertiser Spread First Place...... Coronavirus Coverage Third Place...... Breaking News Reporting Honorable Mention.....Best Special Section (Advertising) First Place...... Overall Page Design Third Place...... Best Niche Product Second Place...... Feature Story (Non-profile) Honorable Mention...... Breaking News Reporting Courier Sentinel Second Place...... Sports News Story Honorable Mention...... Coronavirus Coverage First Place...... Editorial Award Third Place...... Reporting on Local Education Honorable Mention...... Spot News Photo First Place...... Local Column Third Place...... Local Column First Place...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention...... Best Sports Pages Green Bay Press-Gazette Second Place...... Localized National Story Honorable Mention...... Editorial Award First Place...... Sports News Story Second Place...... Best Use of Color Honorable Mention...... Feature Story (Non-profile) First Place...... Sports Feature Photo Third Place...... Best Newspaper Promotion Honorable Mention...... Feature Story (Profile) First Place...... Best Video Honorable Mention...... Best Feature/Lifestyle Pages Honorable Mention...... Overall Page Design Second Place...... Feature Story (Profile) Honorable Mention...... Best Headlines Second Place...... Business Coverage Honorable Mention...... Best Multiple Advertiser Spread Daily News Second Place...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention...... Best Use of Art Service First Place...... Best Feature/Lifestyle Pages Second Place...... Artistic Photo Honorable Mention.....Best Special Section (Advertising) Second Place...... Visual Storytelling Daily Tribune Second Place...... Best Video Crawford County Independent & The Kickapoo Scout First Place...... Reporting on Local Education Honorable Mention...... Reporting on Local Government Awards by Newspaper 27 Honorable Mention...... Reporting on Local Education Third Place...... Sports News Story First Place...... Feature Photo Honorable Mention...... Local Column Third Place...... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting First Place...... Artistic Photo Honorable Mention...... Best Special Section (Editorial) Second Place...... Best Opinion Pages Herald Times Reporter Honorable Mention...... General News Story Second Place...... All-Around Newspaper Photography First Place...... Community Engagement Award Honorable Mention...... Sports Feature Story Second Place...... Reporting on Local Government First Place...... Business Coverage Honorable Mention...... Coronavirus Coverage Second Place...... Local Column First Place...... Photo Essay Honorable Mention...... Rookie Reporter of the Year Second Place...... Artistic Photo Second Place...... Ongoing/Extended Coverage Third Place...... Feature Story (Profile) Second Place...... Spot News Photo Ladysmith News Third Place...... Environmental Reporting Second Place...... Best Video First Place...... Spot News Photo Third Place...... Coronavirus Coverage Third Place...... Reporting on Local Government Second Place...... Editorial Award Third Place...... Business Coverage Third Place...... General News Photo Third Place...... Feature Photo Honorable Mention...... Localized National Story Lake Country Now Honorable Mention...... General Excellence Honorable Mention...... Environmental Reporting First Place...... Photo Gallery Honorable Mention...... Feature Story (Profile) Second Place...... Investigative Reporting Honorable Mention...... General News Photo Hudson Star-Observer Second Place...... General News Photo First Place...... General Excellence Third Place...... Business Coverage Middleton Times-Tribune First Place...... Best Front Page Third Place...... Artistic Photo Honorable Mention...... Environmental Reporting First Place...... Best Opinion Pages First Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) Lake Geneva Regional News Milton Courier First Place...... Visual Storytelling First Place...... Best Front Page Second Place...... Best Sports Pages Second Place...... Best Sports Pages First Place...... Community Engagement Award Third Place...... Sports Feature Story Second Place...... Best Special Section (Editorial) First Place...... Localized National Story Second Place...... Best Restaurant Ad First Place...... Ongoing/Extended Coverage New London Press Star Second Place...... Best Real Estate Ad First Place...... Spot News Photo Second Place...... Ongoing/Extended Coverage Second Place...... Best Small Ad First Place...... Best Video Third Place...... Best Front Page Second Place...... Best Use of Humor First Place...... Best Special Section (Advertising) Third Place...... Best Feature/Lifestyle Pages Second Place...... Editorial Award NEW Media Honorable Mention...... Feature Story (Profile) Second Place...... General News Story Second Place...... Local Column Honorable Mention.... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting Second Place...... Reporting on Local Government Third Place...... Best Headlines Honorable Mention...... Coronavirus Coverage Second Place...... Sports Action Photo Third Place...... Reporting on Local Education Honorable Mention...... Overall Page Design Second Place...... Best Special Section (Advertising) Honorable Mention...... Best Restaurant Ad Third Place...... Open Records/FOI Award News Graphic Honorable Mention...... Best Niche Product Third Place...... Sports Feature Story Third Place...... Spot News Photo Third Place...... Local Column Third Place...... Photo Essay Kenosha News Third Place...... Rookie Reporter of the Year First Place...... Editorial Award Third Place...... Feature Photo North Shore Now First Place...... General News Story Third Place...... Visual Storytelling Second Place...... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting First Place...... Breaking News Reporting Honorable Mention...... Sports News Story Third Place...... Feature Story (Non-profile) First Place...... Local Column Honorable Mention...... Breaking News Reporting Third Place...... Breaking News Reporting Second Place...... 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Best Video Second Place...... Photo Essay First Place...... General News Photo 32 Editorial Manitowoc businessmen with Kevin Boneske realize it. The depth of reporting Financial planner reviews project; noose draws protest at The Wharf,” Judge’s Comments: Great, in- secured third-place for this entry, Update on New London riverfront Herald Times Reporter - Alisa depth reporting! Kudos to not despite a few typos. development; New London looks Schafer shying away from open records at Milwaukee for project guidance; Judge’s Comments: Loved the requests and gathering as much City ends negotiations on contract; video inserted with one of the information as possible. This entry Division E City seeks vision for development,” stories. Great job covering this hot placed first due to the extensive First Place: “Judge’s dirty secret New London Press Star - Robert topic and providing an inside look, reporting and the amount of work revealed after his death,” Lake Cloud especially from the perspective of that went into covering this issue. Geneva Regional News - Connor Third Place: “Flooding in and one of the people involved. Second Place: “The Wauwatosa Carynski around Oconto, Wisconsin,” Third Place: “DA: Liebscher police officer who has shot and Oconto County Reporter - Kent waited 11 hours after fatal crash killed three people in the last Second Place: “Closs Case Tempus to contact authorities,” The five years has been suspended, Coverage,” Barron News-Shield - Honorable Mention: “New idea Northwoods River News - Jamie commission rules,” West Now - Bob Zientara surfaces for school cop; Shared Taylor, Heather Schaefer Evan Casey cop idea comes to the table; School Judge’s Comments: Love all of Judge’s Comments: Good Third Place: “Extended storm cop idea spurs discussion; School these stories, especially the highly coverage, start to finish. The coverage,” Barron News-Shield - goes solo to find protection; VASD emotional feature from the mother reporter covers all aspects and Bob Zientara puts out call for school cop; Board of the victim. sides of the story. The timeline in nixes addition of school cop,” The Honorable Mention: “CREATE the last story was especially helpful Valders Journal - Todd Bergmann Portage County seeks $500,000 and insightful. Division F from city for Fox Theater project (cont’d on Page 32) First Place: “Flooding, in wake in Stevens Point,” Stevens Point Third Place: “Is sale of DFA of breach of flood control dams Coronavirus Journal - Caitlin Shuda best solution in Dean Foods and increasing severity of rainfall Judge’s Comments: Loved reading bankruptcy?” Wisconsin State events, a growing concern,” Coverage the history of the theater. Farmer - Colleen Kottke Crawford County Independent Division A Judge’s Comments: Great work & The Kickapoo Scout - Gillian Division D explaining a complicated topic Pomplun First Place: “Madeline Heim First Place: “From investigation and something that affects all Second Place: “New library may COVID-19 coverage,” The Post- to resignation,” The Press Times - Americans, although they may not be first phase of development; Crescent - Madeline Heim Judge’s Comments: Nice article. Enjoyed reading her perspective. Second Place: “Such a potential threat last seen a century ago: Doctor couple on front line; Telehealth goes mainstream; The race for a vaccine; FAQ: With rules being relaxed, what activities are safe?,” Wisconsin State Journal - David Wahlberg Judge’s Comments: Loved the 1918 front. Good, all-around coverage. Third Place: “A moment for Frieda: Funeral goes on as technology helps overcome pandemic concern,” The Gazette - Frank Schultz Honorable Mention: “Walworth County and COVID-19,” The Ongoing/Extended Coverage, First Place (Division B) Gazette - Jonah Beleckis Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire Editorial 33 Second Place: “As schools close reality. Great use of diverse Division B doors over virus, locals prepare sources. Division D First Place: “Survey: Over 50 to go online; Pewaukee woman Third Place: “Locals with aphasia First Place: “‘It doesn’t make downtown Wausau businesses first county resident to die of adjusting to life under COVID-19,” sense’: Waukesha woman at risk of closing permanently COVID-19; County health care Leader-Telegram - Ryan Patterson says hospital told her she has within months amid COVID-19 students learn in an unusual time; Judge’s Comments: These stories COVID-19, but wouldn’t test restrictions,” Wausau Daily Herald Students make college decisions include invaluable interviews with her,” Waukesha County Now - Jim - Staff amid virus pandemic; A new real people and their experiences Riccioli Judge’s Comments: These are school year like no other ,” The in a pandemic. Judge’s Comments: ‘It doesn’t highly readable stories about Freeman - Jake Ekdahl Honorable Mention: “La Crosse make sense’: Great story, well written, nice quotes, made you feel creative topics that lead to a more Judge’s Comments: This coverage area servers wage through the like you were there. ‘Staff shortages informed community. is a good mix of optimism and pandemic war, Churches in the La Crosse area take cautious steps nearly closed Waukesha homeless to reopen, Holmen students get shelters, so a nonprofit director ‘lucky’ with steady meals during moved into one’: Nice story, puts coronavirus closures, ‘Madison you inside the homeless shelter Street Market’: Neighborhood kids with the volunteer. ‘In a testy set up stand,” La Crosse Tribune - vote, Waukesha officials remove Olivia Herken citywide coronavirus pandemic Judge’s Comments: The use of restrictions’: Solid reporting from interviews with regular people and a testy meeting. ‘Waukesha mayor, experts makes for great stories. Covid Tracers United call out Brew City Wrestling for scheduling an in-person show’: Interesting story, Division C solid reporting. ‘COVID-19 testing site overwhelmed as Waukesha First Place: “‘The Moment that County deals with sharply rising changed my world’; Farewell to coronavirus infections’: Good arms; On the Decline; Once upon reporting. a Time; Epidemiologist lays out Second Place: “Behind the mask; metrics,” Daily Jefferson County Delivery dilemma; Council Union - Craig Spychalla, Pam mandates face coverings; Health Chickering Wilson officials make contact to curb Judge’s Comments: Great research COVID-19 spread; Legislation done for these stories. would solve issue with virtual Second Place: “Effects linger visits,” Superior Telegram - Jed months after COVID-19; Outbreak Carlson, Maria Lockwood, Shelley throttles outreach; Band surprises Nelson, Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten hospice patient; Restaurant plans Judge’s Comments: ‘2020 to defy order; Fish fries stay graduates share their pandemic s t ron g ,” Daily Citizen - Chris experience’: Very nice story and Higgins package. Great idea to hear from Judge’s Comments: Good variety seniors to see how the pandemic of “who’s affected?” has effected their life. ‘Council Third Place: “Every single dollar mandates face coverings in indoor makes a difference’: Stevens Point public places’: Great reporting, restaurants struggle to survive Great quotes, Great job getting amid COVID-19 restrictions,” feedback from all sides of the issue. Stevens Point Journal - Staff ‘New school year will change how Judge’s Comments: Good writing students get meals’: Good news but distracting to have copy story on how students are effected Coronavirus Coverage, First Place (Division A) interrupted by online ads. by meals during the pandemic. The Post-Crescent, Appleton ‘Legislation would solve issue with 34 Editorial virtual visits’: Good lead, good ‘With Safer at Home overturned, reporting. ‘Health officials make Wisonsinites ask, Now what?’: contact to curb COVID-19 spread’: Solid reporting. Good info, despite Great reporting and explaining of the uncertainties following the how the contact tracing process reversal of the order. works. Third Place: “Sheriff defends statement on masks; Infection Division E fears, isolation are part of the new First Place: “The Double normal; Every day a fresh start; Whammy; COVID-19 gardening; Letter to the future; COVID-19 The new normal/Pet adoptions survivor says illness is nothing to COVID-19; COVID-19 raises laugh about,” The Star News - Brian concerns about domestic violence,” Wilson Sun Prairie Star - Jennifer Fetterly Judge’s Comments: ‘Sheriff’s Judge’s Comments: Sun Prairie department won’t enforce is lucky to have Jennifer Fetterly governor’s order, but other sharing her gifts and community- agencies may’: Good, solid news minded concerns. These entries reporting. ‘Infection fears, isolation were all great, just like her other are part of the new normal’: Good work I’d read in another category. interview, solid information, hard Second Place: “Two locals beg to judge Q&As for contest. Letter community: ‘Take this seriously’; to the future - I love the idea. Great ‘Boxing it in’ brings challenges; job! ‘COVID-19 survivor says From the frontlines; Essential but illness is nothing to laugh about’: overlooked; COVID-19 outbreak Great insight into someone who reported at WI Cheese Group,” The had COVID. Good continuation of Monroe Times - Kat Cisar column to the future. Judge’s Comments: All well- Honorable Mention: “Local written and community-minded. I musicians playing on; Excitement especially enjoyed the stories titled turns to worry; Friday night in a “Boxing it in...” and “Take this college town; Law Enforcement seriously.” doubles; Capturing history,” Third Place: “Elderly urged to Hudson Star-Observer - Michael shop early; COVID-19 affecting Brun, Rebecca Mariscal local shops; Making protective Judge’s Comments: ‘Local equipment; Cops coping with musicians playing on amid covid; Waupaca leads county COVID-19 pandemic’: Nice story in total covid deaths,” Waupaca with a variety of sources and County Post - Robert Cloud, Angie covers a lot of angles. ‘Hudson Landsverk, Greg Seubert Area Public Library compiling Judge’s Comments: These were coronavirus interviews’: Nice all great entries that show how the reporting on the project. ‘Friday pandemic has affected a variety night in a college town during of stations in the community. I a pandemic’: Nice view of what kind of felt like the “Pastoring in a a college town looks like during Pandemic” story should have been the pandemic. Good variety, entered, though, instead of the quotes, etc. ‘Reactions pour in one about making PPE. Still, great over Wisconsin Supreme Court’s entries. strike down of extended Safer Honorable Mention: “Virus Coronavirus Coverage, First Place (Division C) at Home order’: Solid news fears creep into tourism sector as Daily Jefferson County Union, Fort Atkinson story on reaction from ruling. summer nears; Tourism season on Editorial 35 the brink, as virus outbreak closes Division F home, and it was played well on from COVID while in a nursing down resorts; Businesses welcome the front page. home; a local ER nurse who shoppers back to downtown Lake First Place: “COVID-19 and its Third Place: “School’s out for traveled to New York City to help Geneva during pandemic; Tourism impact on Oconto County,” Oconto ...?; Settling in to online learning; folks there deal with the virus; and officials optimistic, but encourage County Reporter - Kent Tempus Families adapt to new schedules; folks making masks for health care Judge’s Comments: Judge’s precautions,” Lake Geneva Regional ‘Building an airplane in the sky’; workers. comment: The Oconto County News - Dennis Hines, Scott Building a culture at Forest Edge,” Reporter provided its readership The Oregon Observer - Scott De Williams with strong, well-written pieces Reporting on Local Judge’s Comments: Good Laruelle that explored COVID-19 impacts Judge’s Comments: The Oregon reporting on the impact the virus Government on taverns, restaurants, music Observer’s coverage of the has had on both tourism and festivals and much more. Stories coronavirus pandemic did a Division A business in the Lake Geneva region, contained all of the elements good job of combining hard facts and vice-versa with the former. critical to good newspaper First Place: “City clerks with voices from the community. ‘have no teeth’; Report finds work. Useful reporting gave the One of many examples was a community the hard information Madison’s government structure story that started by quoting a fundamentally unfair to minorities they needed while also spotlighting local grocery store worker on human voices during a time of and low income residents; Far how many cleaning items he was crisis. Superior photography and from ideal: Madison, Dane County bringing in to stock his shelves page design drew readers into the vote in first coronavirus-era for virus-conscious customers. stories. election,” The Cap Times - Abigail Then there was a heartbreaking Second Place: “Virus shuts Becker story about a girls basketball team churches, shops, schools,” The Second Place: “A message of that was poised to go to the state Cambridge News and Deerfield support to LGBTQ children; Independent - Karyn Saemann, tournament for the first time in Council rejects request for virtual Madeline Westberg 40 years, only to have the trip attendance; Discovery of cultural Judge’s Comments: Like cancelled by corona. The paper artifacts increases Neenah’s cost many other newspapers, the also did good, professional jobs for Lakeshore Avenue,” The Post- Cambridge paper explored how on stories about public works staff Crescent - Duke Behnke the coronavirus was affecting operating with limited workers, Third Place: “City frustrated over schools, churches, businesses and families adapting to new schedules, Rock County’s communication; more during the initial outbreak and teachers communicating What you should know about of the virus in Wisconsin. But with their students online. And Janesville’s property revaluation; the News and Independent went the paper managed to obtain City begins a downtown beyond all that and found some good photos submitted by people demolition,” The Gazette - Ashley angles that most papers didn’t shooting from inside their homes McCallum look at so much. Stories about while shut in as a result of the Honorable Mention: “‘Not fully local musicians taking their pandemic. engaged;’ Brown County Board work online and free pantries Honorable Mention: “First to consider raises; ‘Nightmare:’ springing up were takes that this COVID Death; Family deals with Clerks working OT,” Green Bay judge hadn’t seen previously. A Matriarch; Live From New York; Press-Gazette - Doug Schneider food pantry Q&A showed great Bringing Smiles; Farm to Table initiative on the newspaper’s part. goes online; Angela’s COVID A column about finding good, s t or y,” Grant County Herald Division B locally produced music while Independent - David Timmerman First Place: “We can’t wait’: Is cooped up at home was good for Judge’s Comments: The Grant Grandma’s Gateway the right keeping people engaged in their County Herald Independent went development for La Crosse bluffs?; community while also finding far beyond institutional reporting Still pumping: La Crosse North something do while unable to and put together stories containing Siders deal with persistent water; Coronavirus Coverage, leave home. Solid photography the authentic voices of ordinary La Crosse area election clerks also graced this entry. A photo people. Subject matter included weigh-in on safety of in-person First Place (Division E) of a preacher speaking to rows the difficulties faced by a family voting,” La Crosse Tribune - Olivia Sun Prairie Star of empty pews especially struck that had a close relative suffering Herken 36 Editorial Second Place: “Uniroyal recovery in Oneida: report,” Vilas County on COVID-19 safety measures,” aid runs dry; Less coming in; News-Review - Gary Ridderbusch The Monroe Times - Kat Cisar Xiong campaign raises more,” Judge’s Comments: Well-rounded Leader-Telegram - Andrew Dowd coverage. Great work rounding up Third Place: “Master plans all the data for the property values Division F propose second office tower, high- story. First Place: “Century Old Photo end housing, outdoor plaza for Third Place: “Childcare provider collection of Stoughton goes Wausau’s riverfront, downtown,” calls for safer road crossing; live; Neighbors skeptical of Wausau Daily Herald - Megan County weighs options for dam dam removal plans; A powerful Stringer, Laura Schulte projects; County approved $9.5 transformation,” The Stoughton Honorable Mention: “Trustee million for internet,” The Star News Courier Hub - Mackenzie Krumme not disciplined for social media - Brian Wilson Judge’s Comments: Great work, comments; Waukesha village Judge’s Comments: The three nice layout, sidebars point readers president pleads not guilty to stories illustrate the paper’s breadth to more information and videos on citation; Lahner: Staff has spent of coverage. Consider tightening the website. over 18,000 hours responding,” The the lead on the crosswalk story. Second Place: “Fire, EMS station Freeman - Nikki Brahm The police chief’s study is a great expansion discussion progresses,” way to start, but condense those The Cambridge News and Deerfield graphs so it will have a greater Independent - Karyn Saemann, Division C impact. Madeline Westberg First Place: “‘Government at its Judge’s Comments: Great coverage worst.’ Farm family wins court with story about pandemic impact battle to restore trout stream, Division E on local governments’ revenues. Portage County official booted,” First Place: “Huber inmates serve All angles covered in the other two Stevens Point Journal - Alan time at home, work; County stories as well. Hovorka, Karen Madden highway plant opens; County Third Place: “Snapshot of a Second Place: “Wisconsin Rapids reviews DHHS director,” Waupaca crisis, police chief under scrutiny, still recovering from July storm, County Post - Robert Cloud We have to deal with the facts,” cleanup likely to last into 2020,” Judge’s Comments: Engaging The Oregon Observer - Emilie Daily Tribune - Melissa Siegler, and interesting stories. I liked Heidemann Caitlin Shuda too how they didn’t heavily focus Judge’s Comments: Great work Third Place: “Manitowoc County on COVID ordinances or rules. on affordable housing and water elected official calls Black Lives Would caution to reduce even concerns — illustrated with graphs Matter ‘criminal,’ condemns city more sentences starting with and charts. council member for joining local prepositions, but minor to overall Honorable Mention: “Two more unity event,” Herald Times Reporter articles. apartment buildings proposed; - Alisa Schafer Second Place: “Lake Geneva Rezoning battle rescheduled; New city government copes with apartments approved in Abby,” The Tribune-Phonograph - Kevin coronavirus crisis,” Lake Geneva O’Brien Division D Regional News - Dennis Hines First Place: “Lockwood Third Place: “City OK’s ‘streateries’ government coverage,” Superior to help COVID-19 impacted Reporting on Local Telegram - Maria Lockwood restaurants and bars; City of Sun Judge’s Comments: The three Prairie settles Target tax battle Education articles are easy to read and well- lawsuit; Dane County public health reported. The range of topics show officials: We need to stay ahead Division A variety in coverage. of coronavirus,” Sun Prairie Star - First Place: “When the lab itself Reporting on Local Second Place: “County, tribe Jennifer Fetterly is ‘toxic’; A demographic dagger; Education, First collaborate on inmate recovery Honorable Mention: “County on Wildcard: Student behavior,” Place (Division A) plan; City wins grant for school hook for $22k after ruling; ‘Safer Wisconsin State Journal - Kelly road; and Equalized property at Home’ enforcement mostly Meyerhofer Wisconsin State values increase 2% in Vilas, 3% warnings; City invites public input Judge’s Comments: A great set of Journal, Madison Editorial 37 stories. Keep up the solid Third Place: “UW students on grad assistants, an often this paper through Jake’s reporting. reporting. respond to suspension of in-person overlooked group. Second Place: “We’re parents, classes with questions, TikTok Honorable Mention: “St. Norbert we’ve got to figure it out’; Fragile videos; Assembly committee passes College students demand answers Division C Trust; Going the Distance,” The college free speech bill, requiring over departure of president,” Green First Place: “‘We can’t cut Cap Times - Scott Girard punishments for student violators; Bay Press-Gazette - Haley BeMiller anymore’: Nekoosa School Judge’s Comments: Very well- UW graduate students fight for Judge’s Comments: This left me District to present ‘make-or-break’ written. Especially enjoyed the improved workplace protections,” wanting to read more. referenda,” Daily Tribune - Melissa story about erosion of trust in the The Cap Times - Yvonne Kim Siegler, Natalie Brophy school system. Judge’s Comments: Great story Second Place: “Stevens Point Division B Schools ponders charter school’s First Place: “‘We need to get this slipping enrollment as board right’; ‘Everything’s so uncertain’; weighs high school expansion,” Rock and a hard place,” Leader- Stevens Point Journal - Alan Telegram - Sarah Seifert Hovorka, Karen Madden Judge’s Comments: Very thorough Third Place: “Schools play game reporting throughout entry. Easily of hot potato with Palmyra-Eagle *EASILY* the cream of the crop district,” Daily Jefferson County in this category among all the Union - Craig Spychalla entries. Sarah’s reporting is superb Honorable Mention: “Survey and her readers receive a wealth supports $20M referendum; of information about the topics District offers open house on covered. Kudos. An easy to pick upcoming referendum; $17 million winner in this category. project wins big,” Watertown Daily Second Place: “Wausau School Times - Ed Zagorski District could ‘reinvent’ by shutting down six elementary schools, shifting middle-schoolers Division D as enrollment declines,” Wausau First Place: “Lockwood education Daily Herald - Megan Stringer, coverage,” Superior Telegram - Laura Schulte, Renee Hickman Maria Lockwood Judge’s Comments: Strong and Judge’s Comments: These stories versatile reporting covering reflect a wide range of coverage, a range of topics. Each of the and they are well-written. The three reporters did a good job of reporter did a good job explaining reporting and providing some a complicated issue in the story detail. How fortunate for Wausau about social worker licensing. to have three quality reporters on Great use of an individual’s story the “school beat.” to exemplify a larger issue in the Third Place: “The case for cursive; article about college graduates Board rejects phase-in plan, struggling to find work. The bee- approves hybrid model; A new keeping story is informative, well- school year like no other,” The written and fun with various bee Freeman - Jake Ekdahl references. Judge’s Comments: “The case for Second Place: “Strategy 2035 cursive” story brought this entry to calls for referendum; Community third place and made me consider express concerns at Howard- bumping it to second. Story is very Suamico meeting; Howard- well done on a topic important to a Suamico looks at race issues in lot of people. Applause. The other schools,” The Press Times - Ben Reporting on Local Education, First Place (Division B) two stories were good. Overall, Rodgers Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire good education representation in Judge’s Comments: The Strategy 38 Editorial 2035 story includes a lot of great schools, provides meals; Board insight into how local businesses Judge’s Comments: Interesting; information. The reporter handled preps for longer closure; Back to are adjusting to new normal. and some good news in all of the a delicate issue perfectly in the school plan approved,” The Monroe Interesting to read about seniors present gloom. Hard to do right story on race issues, and I liked the Times - Emily Massingill working past retirement. Good now. inclusion of numbers to further reporting on women trying to keep Second Place: “Realtor struggles illustrate the situation. The story shop open. differ across border,” Daily Globe - about the community’s concerns Division F Second Place: “Early coverage Tom LaVenture regarding in-person instruction First Place: “Teachers pack up of the impact of COVID on the Judge’s Comments: Informative includes various viewpoints, and distanced year,” The Cambridge Green Bay Packers and their fans,” “take” on one profession’s problems I appreciated how the reporter News and Deerfield Independent - Green Bay Press-Gazette - Richard under COVID, when the state lines immediately followed the lead Madeline Westberg Ryman complicate things. with the thoughts of an individual, Judge’s Comments: Great features Judge’s Comments: It was Third Place: “Officials celebrate instead of a lengthy description of with ledes that draw in reader. interesting to see how much a $14 million Aspirus addition; the “issue.” It was a tough decision It’s been a strange school year for football team can affect a city. Community rallies after fire between first and second place, but everyone and the writer’s work Great reporting, good quotes and destroys smoker at CT’s Deli; the leads in the Superior Telegram’s brought that home. well thought out and put together. Rhinelander-Oneida County entries were more specific and Second Place: “Friendly, furry Third Place: “Launching careers; Airport bucking national notable. face comforts all she meets; School Eyeing a bigger slice of venture passenger trend,” The Northwoods Third Place: “Virtual ceremony comes home as parents shoulder capital pie; Companies gearing up River News - Jamie Taylor brings grads togther in spirit; A new role; Education career ends to battle the pandemic,” Wisconsin Judge’s Comments: Good read, purple purpose; School panel in parade,” The Valders Journal - State Journal - Shelley K. Mesch as my location also has a small hesitant about livestreaming board Mary Thomsen Judge’s Comments: Good airport and an expanding health meetings,” NEW Media - Lee Judge’s Comments: Good job reporting on the venture care provider. Pulaski bringing in background such capitalism. Nice insight and variety Honorable Mention: “Mercer’s Judge’s Comments: The virtual as training behind the comfort in what businesses are doing Island View Lodge caters to all graduation story is great with dog in the middle school and differently during COVID. seasons,” Daily Globe - P.J. Jansson multiple sources, and I was expert advice for story on home Judge’s Comments: I enjoyed this especially glad to see the reporter word picture of what it takes to be schooling. Division B included quotes from students. Third Place: “Head start on life; welcoming while competitive. The story about the school board’s Building an airplane in the sky; First Place: “Laid-off Semco resistance to live-streaming is Building a culture at Forest Edge,” employees in Merrill worry about important bringing to light a lack The Oregon Observer - Scott De starting over. The community Division D of transparency. The story on Laruelle wants to help,” Wausau Daily First Place: “WI writer devoted to dementia awareness is a bit rough Judge’s Comments: Good work Herald - Megan Stringer telling accurate story of ag in her around the edges. There are a includes features about innovative Second Place: “Business in books,” Wisconsin State Farmer - couple of typos, and word choice is local school programs and topical Sheboygan County,” The Sheboygan Colleen Kottke not exact. concerns. Press - AnnMarie Hilton Second Place: “‘Foot traffic just Honorable Mention: “A long Third Place: “Businesses adapting isn’t there’: How Milwaukee-area tenure; Grow where you’re planted; to virus impact,” Leader-Telegram - malls are changing to survive,” Division E Rising to the challenge,” The Eric Lindquist West Now - Evan Casey First Place: “Restoring W-F Verona Press - Kimberly Wethal Honorable Mention: “Dark Third Place: “How the pandemic Middle School; A night for W-F clouds, silver linings; Kringle impacted local businesses,” Lake seniors; Graduation at W-F High culture continues; An early last call Country Now - Evan Frank School,” Waupaca County Post - for Safer at Home?” The Journal Honorable Mention: “New owners Angie Landsverk Business Coverage Times - Eric A. Johnson focus old-time feel at The Hitching Second Place: “WHS to hold Post; Al Johnson’s still has goats virtual graduation; Waupaca Division A on the roof, but servers get new discusses resuming classes; First Place: “Never retiring; Division C uniform styles for first time in Waupaca school staff work OT,” Complex struggle; Small stores First Place: “Deklan’s ‘50s diner set 25 years; Spring tradition: Sweet, Waupaca County Post - Robert adjust to new normal,” The Post- to open this week in Manitowoc,” malty bock beer available in Door, Cloud Crescent - Maureen Wallenfang Herald Times Reporter - Patti Kewaunee county microbreweries,” Third Place: “Monroe closes Judge’s Comments: Great Zarling Door County Advocate - Editorial 39 Christopher Clough Second Place: “The Double was the perfect setup to get my Even though the switch to online Whammy; O’Connell Pharmacy interest piqued in the story. auctioneering was in response to med box program among Third Place: “KJ’s Fresh Market industry trends — not specifically, Division E initiatives designed to improve optimistic about future in Barron,” the pandemic — the story of the First Place: “I’m not ready to call it care; Kollege Town Sports to Barron News-Shield - Bob Zientara change for a 50-year business was close in April,” Sun Prairie Star Judge’s Comments: Good pertinent to the times and handled a crisis yet, but it’s not good’: UW- - Christopher Mertes, Jennifer coverage of local businesses and well. It struck me that Trautner’s Platteville hosts Struggles in Farm Fetterly how nationwide issues are effecting treatment of the void felt by Country,” The Platteville Journal - Judge’s Comments: Solid, them. Writing was clear and easy- the employees of Paul Auction Steve Prestegard thorough and great reportage. to-follow, especially the piece Company and the community-at- Judge’s Comments: Great, A lot of great information. I about KJ’s Fresh Market by Bob large (re: those hamburgers and community/region-minded especially liked Jennifer Fetterly’s Zientara. the social interaction) could easily writing, and great use of quotes. story “A Double Whammy.” The Honorable Mention: “Business have turned into a lament. Instead, This area is greatly served by Steve lede on this one was a mouthful, news in Lake Geneva,” Lake it was a touching acknowledgment Prestegard from what I just read. which I usually don’t like, but it Geneva Regional News - Dennis of the auction’s impact: past, Hines present, and future. Kudos for Judge’s Comments: Very great writing! thorough, excellent reportage Second Place: “Farm economy in all of these entries, and great adapts to climate and COVID,” use of quotes in all three to Crawford County Independent move the stories along. The story & The Kickapoo Scout - Gillian about Topsy Turvy Brewing was Pomplun excellent, especially. The one about Judge’s Comments: It is a curse the parking rate hike is a great for a judge to have two entries lead-in to what I’m sure was an so close together in excellence as ongoing concern and series of this competition’s first and second follow-ups. Excellent writing and places. It is obvious that Gillian great layout on this site. Pomplun has a heart for the subject of regenerative agriculture and she presented its practice in a Division F masterful way. I had heard about First Place: “Business Owners Gabe Brown’s approach to soil Share; Live Auctions; Customers health and felt as though I had a Asked To Wear Masks,” Kewaskum thorough course in the subject Statesman - Anne Trautner by the end of the articles. I also Judge’s Comments: I appreciated wanted to grab my shopping bag Anne Trautner’s reporting of the and search out Solar Meats. To local business owners’ views of highlight specifics of how these the shutdown, as well as a state ag producers and businesses are representative who would take the leading the way to sustainability is time to visit with his constituents a gift to any community. Pomplun about the issues that resulted. The is to be commended. article was very readable. All of us Third Place: “Corona kicker adds have faced the mask controversy to woes of farmers; Loan program in one way or another this year, tosses lifeline to struggling and it was a public service to employers; Home-based work highlight a store that had taken the takes hold beyond pandemic,” The initiative to protect its customers. Valders Journal - Todd Bergmann What a perfect headline for the live Judge’s Comments: Writer Todd auction story that Trautner didn’t Bergmann brought home the Business Coverage, First Place (Division D) miss with “Going, going...gone.” pandemic’s effects on the local Wisconsin State Farmer 40 Editorial economy through a dairy farmer’s disorder, suicide; Another photo State Journal - Barry Adams you back to the moment you were worries about faltering markets. with Santa, another hard-fought Judge’s Comments: 1. As if the there. You made me feel like I had He also engaged this reader right year of life; Another blessing: pandemic isn’t enough for small been there. Gardening is blend of away with his look at another Adopted boy gives Janesville businesses. Hoping they rebuild hope and perseverance ... even if it effect — specifically a couple who mother reason to be grateful,” The and create their success again. 2. is soggy. were able to work from home and Gazette - Anna Marie Lux Interesting piece of history and how the trend has changed work Judge’s Comments: PMDD? I had parents’ love for their son. 3. Very life, and business, in general. The no idea! Informative and powerful interesting, well written about the Division B PPP loans issue could seem a message from a wise teen. Santa not-so-famous son. First Place: “Bouncing through challenging — although necessary photos ... Terry is certainly an Honorable Mention: “‘It was a quarantine,” Leader-Telegram - B.J. — one to cover, but Bergmann inspiration! Love and patience — bittersweet return to Green Bay Hollars handled the explanation and its great message for not only Eli but for Vince Gill; Remembering Judge’s Comments: Love the local implications with skill. for us all. John Prine’s history in Green Bay; metaphor of the trampoline, Honorable Mention: “Bringing it Third Place: “Vowing to rebuild Gardening during the wettest and the way this writer, in three home; Friends and family; Leaving a Northwoods destination; An year on record,” Green Bay Press- columns, spans the full spectrum a better world behind,” The Verona historic pedal car can’t escape the Gazette - Kendra Meinert of life, sickness and death and Press - Neal Patten pandemic; Wisconsin’s connection Judge’s Comments: Vivid, resilient new birth, against the Judge’s Comments: This entry to Alexander Hamilton,” Wisconsin descriptive writing. Concerts takes backdrop of the pandemic and this was a very good nuts and bolts nation’s moral reckoning. Simply intro to the expansion of two beautiful writing, and words that businesses, with the background of how they evolved — “Friends need to be read, and read again. and family” & “Bringing it home.” Second Place: “Get your blue Family also figured prominently mind on,” Leader-Telegram - Patti in the article about green burials, See a subject about which most people Judge’s Comments: See’s writing know little. This was particularly is so rich and vivid and layered interesting and well-written. with life, it is simply a pleasure to read. I especially appreciate her sharing Ray Oldenburg’s contemplation on the necessity of Local Column a third place something so many of us understand much better given Division A the isolation and distancing with First Place: “Saying goodbye is which we struggle today. It strikes never easy (even when it’s just an a nerve. office); If you’re lucky, you have a Third Place: “Living Rich on Less,” friend like Steve; Good cop, bad Daily Jefferson County Union - Pam cop all in one night,” Kenosha News Chickering Wilson - Elizabeth Snyder Judge’s Comments: Wilson’s Judge’s Comments: All thoughtful treasure trove of suggestions for pieces. Many of us have lost our at-home learning activities left me childhood friends. You made me wondering whether the pandemic want to have been a friend of Steve. hadn’t in this small way done us I left my office of 30+ years due a favor returning our children to to getting a new job. I so get your the wonder of exploration and article. It was bittersweet to leave a discovery on their own. Whatever place that “raised” me. Hopefully you do, let the child’s enthusiasm we have fewer instances with bad be your guide. Great advice. Her cops. They are there. So are the calming advice for parents: Don’t good ones. worry about your child falling Second Place: “Message of hope: Local Column, First Place (Division A) behind. Everyone in the world Milton teen raises awareness about Kenosha News is in the same boat. Her column Editorial 41 on saving money by buying used That he entered the sports world of a person’s life in stone — such Judge’s Comments: Brilliant bicycles locally and refurbishing reluctantly, at the urging of his a fitting tribute to Billy. I love the and spot on. Smart, funny and them, only to discover their true family, may be the thing that beautifully-written description heartbreakingly cynical. Ryan value when COVID hit and those makes his column so genuine and of family life with cribbage as its perfectly sums up the age of two-wheelers provided the best his sense of what matters so acute. connective tissue, so familiar to alternative facts. Is it over yet? kind of physical education: Just me, as well. By the time I get to the Third Place: “Boomer Life: exploration, as fast and as far as last column, Ice fishing on Lake Boomers deal with the problem you can go, made the pandemic Division D Hallie, I am there. I could taste of bi-generational segregation; I seem almost like a gift. First Place: “Date cutters; the beer and chili dogs, smell the am now my mother; Living alone Honorable Mention: “His Cribbage a family affair; Ice fishing fumes of the snowmobiles, hear isn’t easy,” Sawyer County Record - vibrant spirit has staying power; on Lake Hallie,” The Country Today the roar of chainsaws, feel the ice Kathy Hanson Still leading the way; My Big - Patti See cracking and giving way. What a Judge’s Comments: I had to Inspiration,” The Journal Times - Judge’s Comments: I love fine writer. I can’t wait for the next read these columns again. What Peter Jackel everything about this columnist. story. at first seemed a scattered, but Judge’s Comments: Would I love the spareness and rhythm Second Place: “How America charming, collection of almost random thoughts, on second never have guessed Jackel wasn’t of the conversations she recounts would have lost World War II; glance revealed a distinctly a lifetime jock from his keen — something so familiar to me Coronavirus creating new business touching exploration of memory knowledge of sports and his from a 10-year stint on the edge opportunities; Conspiracy theories and examination of life. The hook ability to find the very human of the Allagash Wilderness. The another virus we need to beware,” was there. One small tug and I was story in the athletes he interviews. humble act of cutting the final date NEW Media - Tim Ryan caught. Honorable Mention: “Off the Top of My Head: Always on a Tuesday; Nine lives aren’t so many; ‘If you stand for nothing’,” Sawyer County Record - Paul Mitchell Judge’s Comments: Mitchell’s column about an employee trapped in the office bathroom by a frozen lock, and the resulting Keystone Cops-like staff rescue effort, compelled an immediate inspection of our office bathroom, where it seems a cheap door knob has heretofore unappreciated benefits. His ability to take the reader along with him is his strength — never more so than when we also find ourselves pondering our cardiac fitness as he undergoes surgery for blocked arteries, and when his adult memory of a child’s attempt to reassure a black friend that “we know you’re one of the good ones,” compels a deep dive into our conscience, as well.

Division E Local Column, First Place (Division B) First Place: “America needs to stop Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire going through the motions with 42 Editorial race; When the gales of November ... the highest praise I can think to never forget the past; Judging Third Place: “These shoes are come early; Relating to Cookie bestow. the past with modern eyes,” made for walking; An epic Monster, and Keegan-Michael Second Place: “Jane’s World,” The Tribune-Phonograph - Ross turnaround; Central hits its target,” Ke y,” The Monroe Times - Adam Crawford County Independent & Pattermann Kenosha News - Dan Truttschel Krebs The Kickapoo Scout - Jane Schmidt Judge’s Comments: You are Judge’s Comments: Clarity Judge’s Comments: Jane, I feel writing about the harsh truths that of voice, timeliness and direct you in your columns. You bring most would like to ignore. You Division B confrontation of difficult issues the reader into your world and are shining light and that is one First Place: “Much more to offer; facing our nation elevates these make us feel and see what you are of the most important purposes Eternal honeymoon; Hunter entries to first place. writing. My condolences on the of journalism. I particularly provided a profile in courage,” The Second Place: “Taxpayers likely to loss of your mother. I am blessed appreciated your column about Journal Times - Peter Jackel feel impact of pandemic,” Barron to still have my 93-year-old Mom the Holocaust and your comments Judge’s Comments: Excellent job News-Shield - Bob Zientara and we are connected by phone about history. Well done! of painting the picture of the tragic Judge’s Comments: Importance of during this pandemic. I will long day’s events, then recounting them topics in informing local readers, remember you’re columns. through the interview sources excellent use of facts to impart Third Place: “Goodbye Gus; Local Sports Second Place: “Sports rely on information and use of example Mama; Autumn changes,” Spooner Column shared experiences; Wisconsin are excellent. Advocate - Bill Thornley teams reached new heights in Third Place: “New Yorker back Judge’s Comments: You have such Division A 2010s; Killing time at home not as on the farm during pandemic,” a beautiful voice to your writing. First Place: “We’re blood brothers; fun as it used to be,” Baraboo News Lake Geneva Regional News - Kate For every animal lover and lover Republic - Brock Fritz Gardiner UW volleyball is killing it; of good writing your columns Edgewood College women’s team Judge’s Comments: Gave the Judge’s Comments: Some of the are a gift. They are very long for reader a feel for what a game best writing I have ever read. The is playing must-see basketball,” The columns, something I usually mark Cap Times - Jason Joyce day in Madison is like, especially content places it outside of first for describing all the different down for in judging but you never Second Place: “School District of this judge but the literary interest activities which go on around the lost me in your stories. Conveying Janesville drops the baton; Little makes this writer worth reading no game the miracle of the creation that League tryouts brought anxiety; matter the topic. Third Place: “Continued pride; most ignore is your particular gift. Duke ruled my early bracket picks- Honorable Mention: “Beyond Cause and effect; Unsurpassed Honorable Mention: “Silver -and I’ve got the binder to prove Hearing; Metamorphosis; The passion,” The Chippewa Herald - linings in self-isolation; We must it,” The Gazette - Eric Schmoldt Value of Things,” The Portage Brandon Berg County Gazette - Patrick Wood Judge’s Comments: Good Judge’s Comments: Thought- nostalgic feel to the column with provoking and challenging for an insight into a returning player’s readers. emotions Honorable Mention: “Enjoy the ride, this RHS football team Division F could be special; Local athletes’ First Place: “The nicest ogre; experiences with racism a wake- Toilet paper alternative; Out of up call; Fall sports afforded the mouths of toddlers,” Courier opportunity with SDR board Sentinel - Rebecca Lindquist decision,” The Northwoods River Judge’s Comments: Humor News - Jeremy Mayo writing is the most difficult of all. Judge’s Comments: Good upbeat You have a gift for it and a deft column which provided hope and hand at it. I laughed until I cried a positive message for team’s fan and then I read all of your columns base to my office manager and she belly laughed as well. You have a way of tickling the funny bone Division D while touching the heart. Your Local Sports Column, First Place (Division E) First Place: “That a girl: Brusky writing is genuine and authentic The Monroe Times plays first year of football; She said Editorial 43 yes! (at a wrestling tournament); Brian Post takes love of fishing to Who dunnit? Baby put on Packers a new level — Bassmaster Open waiting list,” The Review - Dave competition; Edgerton native Ryan Boehler Wanless treks 350 miles of Alaskan Second Place: “To the Class of wilderness ,” The Gazette - Eric 2020: A time as this; Kneelers Love Schmoldt America More Than You; Once Third Place: “Goodbye Gus; Time More Down Lens,” Trempealeau to head out; Mama,” Spooner County Times - Zac Bellman Advocate - Bill Thornley Third Place: “My last dance; Honorable Mention: “A Tale of a Kings of the diamond; It’s time to Tail; Early Catch and Release Trout come together and love Love,” The Season Offers Excitement; A Rare Lakeland Times - Brett LaBore Find: Stumbling Upon My First Honorable Mention: “Reminded Luna Moth,” The Chetek Alert - of two great moments in Brewers Tyler Florczak history that almost never happened; This week’s calendar page a reminder of what could Rookie Reporter of have been; Confusing Thursday was obviously just the start of the Year uncertain time,” The Star News - Matt Frey Daily Division Rookie Reporter of the Year, First Place (Daily Division) First Place: Wisconsin State Emily Hamer, Wisconsin State Journal Division E Journal - Emily Hamer First Place: “Losing a legend; Second Place: The Cap Times - Free admission for students a Natalie Yahr great change; Finding the past in Third Place: The Sheboygan Press - America’s favorite pastime a hard, AnnMarie Hilton worthwhile endeavor,” The Monroe Honorable Mention: La Crosse Times - Adam Krebs Tribune - Olivia Herken Second Place: “If I could only see it now: Spring Sports,” Sun Prairie Weekly Division Star - Jeff Seisser First Place: The Stoughton Courier Third Place: “Etc. column,” Hub - Mackenzie Krumme The Platteville Journal - Steve Judge’s Comments: Great work Prestegard — stories reflect topics of current Honorable Mention: “No ‘Friday interest. Night Lights’ in the fall will leave Second Place: The Lakeland Times huge void,” Sun Prairie Star - Jeff - Brett LaBore Seisser Judge’s Comments: Well-written stories. Third Place: Lake Geneva Regional Overall Division News - Connor Carynski First Place: “Hunting dogs fit Judge’s Comments: Great, well- state’s conservation ethic; A written sports coverage — school harmless forest walk ends in sports are at the heart of local tragedy; Father-daughter fishing communities. trips never get old,” Vilas County Honorable Mention: The Monroe News-Review - Kurt Krueger Times - Shannon Rabotski Second Place: “Localized Judge’s Comments: Good stories, Rookie Reporter of the Year, First Place (Weekly Division) landmarks add to lore of deer handled well. Mackenzie Krumme, The Stoughton Courier Hub camps across the state; Janesville’s 44 Editorial

General News Photo, First Place (Division A) General News Photo, First Place (Division B) Wisconsin State Journal The Sheboygan Press

Division B Judge’s Comments: You can just cropping give this photo a unique General News see the happiness and excitement look at social distancing. First Place: “Local law on their faces. Photo enforcement agencies honor the Division A service and life of K-9 Officer Bud,” Division D The Sheboygan Press - Gary Klein Division C First Place: “UW virtual match Judge’s Comments: Great photo. First Place: “Milwaukee Zoo Polar d ay,” Wisconsin State Journal - I like how you captured the First Place: “Pheasant stocking,” Plunge,” West Now - Scott Ash Amber Arnold emotions of the officer by putting Portage Daily Register - Susan Judge’s Comments: These Judge’s Comments: I can feel the the sharp focus on her. Endres are awesome photos. Clarity, energy and excitement as though I Second Place: “Trump touts Judge’s Comments: Great photo. excitement and great storytelling was there! Incredible photo! shipyard,” EagleHerald - Rick The timing is spot on with the in these visuals. Second Place: “Homeless During Gebhard focus and framing of the picture. Second Place: “Polar Plunge,” Lake COVID-19,” Wisconsin State Judge’s Comments: This is a cool Second Place: “WIPEOUT,” The Country Now - Scott Ash Journal - Steve Apps photo with the flags waving and Northwoods River News - Jamie Judge’s Comments: Keen eye for Judge’s Comments: Captivating the people in the foreground and Taylor detail and the elements in here photo ... the look in the man’s eyes background. Judge’s Comments: Great shot come together very well. tells a story! Third Place: “Black Lives Matters at capturing the wipeout and the Third Place: “Practice Burn,” Third Place: “‘I am only human’ protesters in Oshkosh after expression on his face. Vilas County News-Review - Kerry sign stands out in Black Lives death of George Floyd,” Oshkosh Third Place: “Manitowoc protests Griebenow Matter march,” The Post-Crescent - Northwestern - Dan Powers against racially charged social Judge’s Comments: This is a great Bill Glasheen Judge’s Comments: I really like media photo,” Herald Times photo. Lots of great layers to this Judge’s Comments: Striking this photo but I’m wondering how Reporter - Gary Klein photo with the sun rays, flames, photo! it would have looked with more Judge’s Comments: A great photo and water. Honorable Mention: “Just in focus on protester on the ground. that tells the story on its own. Honorable Mention: “U.S. Army time for January, it’s a winter His expression says a lot. Honorable Mention: “Social veteran Dan Newberry,” South wonderland,” The Gazette - Honorable Mention: “The Big Distancing,” Daily Globe - Tom Now - Scott Ash Anthony Wahl R e v e a l ,” Leader-Telegram - Dan LaVenture Judge’s Comments: Great emotion Judge’s Comments: Magical! Reiland Judge’s Comments: The angle and filled photography. Editorial 45

Spot News Photo, First Place (Division B) Spot News Photo, First Place (Division C) Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire Baraboo News Republic

Sean Krajacic - Bridget Cooke Division F Spot News Photo Judge’s Comments: You nailed this Judge’s Comments: Good job difficult shot. Night shots are the capturing the seriousness of the First Place: “A proudly cheesy Division A performance,” The Tribune- hardest and you did an awesome wreck without focusing just on the First Place: “Bars reopen after Phonograph - Kevin O’Brien job of navigating the action and vehicles involved. You are giving state Supreme Court strikes down the technical difficulties. your readers a sense of the whole Judge’s Comments: It’s not easy coronavirus restrictions,” The Post- being cheesy but this photo makes scene, which isn’t always easy to Crescent - Bill Glasheen do. it fun. I love the expressions on the Judge’s Comments: I wanted to faces, and the feel it captures. cheer for the subject in this photo. Division B Second Place: “Manitowoc police Second Place: “Harvesting apples You did an excellent job in all First Place: “Tornado Cleanup,” investigate Aug. 20 homicide,” at Sunrise Orchard,” Crawford aspects of the shot, from focus, to Leader-Telegram - Dan Reiland Herald Times Reporter - Gary Klein County Independent & The framing and telling a story. Judge’s Comments: Both photos Judge’s Comments: Your photo Kickapoo Scout - Charles Preusser Second Place: “Hundreds march capture the devastation and loss makes me want to stop and Judge’s Comments: Great photo. in Green Bay after killing of of the tornado. I chose this one read the story to find out what’s George Floyd,” Green Bay Press- because I like the perspective of happening. Well-framed, sharp and a strong Gazette - Ebony Cox entry. Judge’s Comments: This is a very taking the picture from inside what Third Place: “Porta-Potty Power,” moving photo, just by content. was once the kitchen. The Valders Journal - Brian What makes it stand out is the Second Place: “Wrestlin’ robins,” Division D Thomsen contrast and framing. Great job! EagleHerald - Rick Gebhard First Place: “Fire on Tate Road,” Judge’s Comments: Laughed at Third Place: “Victims’ families, Judge’s Comments: Great photo. Ladysmith News - Luke Klink this one. How fun! These kids friends grieve at candlelight vigil,” The focus and timing are spot on. Judge’s Comments: Strong entry. are having a blast. This is a good The Gazette - Anthony Wahl One of the better fire photos I have photo and you did a good job of Judge’s Comments: It’s hard to seen. The essence of spot news. capturing the image. say that a photo is beautiful when Division C Second Place: “Mask or No Mask the content is so sad, but this shot, from a photography standpoint, is First Place: “Baraboo students in Vacationland,” Peninsula Pulse - beautiful. likely in crash that called for Brett Kosmider Honorable Mention: “Downtown Medflight,” Baraboo News Republic Judge’s Comments: The cleanup starts,” Kenosha News - dichotomy between mask and 46 Editorial

Sports Action Photo, First Place (Division A) Sports Action Photo, First Place (Division F) The Gazette, Janesville The Valders Journal maskless is captured perfectly. To be fair, I don’t know the including ball with both players Third Place: “Protesters march for Division F circumstances the photographer airborne. Black Lives Matter,” News Graphic - First Place: “Jane Hurlburt and took the photo under, perhaps Honorable Mention: “Narrow Mark Justesen son, Brent,” Courier Sentinel - they were being pressured to leave Victory,” Wisconsin State Journal - Judge’s Comments: Powerful Ginna Young the scene and they had to shoot John Hart photo. I wish it had been even Judge’s Comments: Great photo. quickly. It’s a great in-the-moment Judge’s Comments: Victory bigger, but good job. Evokes emotion and it’s a sign of shot, nevertheless. on two faces, defeat on a third, Honorable Mention: “A Vilas the times. brilliantly captured. County patrol truck,” The Lakeland Second Place: “I spy: bobcat Times - Emily Koester cruises for easy lunch,” The Chetek Sports Action Judge’s Comments: Even the Alert - Tyler Florczak Division B/C Judge’s Comments: Beautiful Photo helpers need some help sometimes. First Place: “Boys hockey victory,” Good photo. photo! Third Place: “Hope Springs Division A The Chippewa Herald - Brandon Eternal ,” Fennimore Times - Emily First Place: “Top-seeded Berg Judge’s Comments: Great shot Division E Schendel Evansville cannot duplicate Week Judge’s Comments: Great nature 2 comeback magic,” The Gazette - captures the thrill of the moment. First Place: “Exhausted firefighter photo. Clear, crisp and the color is Anthony Wahl Second Place: “Hurley’s Jack at Genoa City apartment blaze,” great. Judge’s Comments: Great capture Santini is upended,” Daily Globe - Lake Geneva Regional News - Phil Honorable Mention: “Crews of the weather and emotion. Jason Juno Bonyata rescue man from grain bin,” Grant Second Place: “Newman Catholic Judge’s Comments: Good, sharp- Judge’s Comments: Good job on County Herald Independent - football player giving a stiff arm,” focused action shot. capturing an exhausted firefighter David Timmerman Wausau Daily Herald - Tork Third Place: “Ashwaubenon’s with the fire in the background. Judge’s Comments: In my Mason Cody Minor throws Badger’s Second Place: “Albino Deer,” opinion, this could have been a Judge’s Comments: Excellent tight Jake Stritesky in state semifinal Barron News-Shield - Mark Bell first place photo if the person’s rear shot. wrestling match,” Stevens Point Judge’s Comments: This photo end wasn’t prominent in the photo. Third Place: “Breaking Up the Journal - Tork Mason caught my eye because it is unique I feel that if the photographer had P l ay,” Wisconsin State Journal - Judge’s Comments: Great shot of in that I have never seen an albino taken a few more shots, a better John Hart pivotal moment in match. deer up-close. angle could have been achieved. Judge’s Comments: Good framing Editorial 47 tradition of painting the bell — Division D also good view with the crowd in First Place: “Bull rider,” The Star the background. News - Brian Wilson Third Place: “NFL commissioner Judge’s Comments: Great, hard- Roger Goodell and Green Bay to-get bull riding action shot. Packers Hall of Fame quarterback Second Place: “Izzy Wong Brett Favre walk off the field,” The competes on the beam,” Waukesha Northwoods River News - Jeremy County Now - Scott Ash Mayo Judge’s Comments: Beautiful Judge’s Comments: I like how the gymnastics competition shot on stadium is framed in the shot. balance beam. Honorable Mention: “Coaches Third Place: “Chills and spills,” The Luke Roberts, center, and Gary Lakeland Times - Dean Hall Zarda, right, administer a health Judge’s Comments: Great shot of screening questionnaire to an snowmobile action also has the athlete” The Northwoods River winning element of cute kids. News - Jeremy Mayo Judge’s Comments: Shows how the world has changed because of Division E the pandemic. First Place: “Oregon, monsoon drown MHS,” The Monroe Times - Feature Photo, First Place (Division A) Adam Krebs Wisconsin State Journal, Madison Division D Judge’s Comments: Difficult First Place: “Snow Ball,” Vilas conditions for players and County News-Review - Doug Etten photographers alike. hard-to-get expressions and action in focus nutshell. Judge’s Comments: Great shot, shot in a rain storm. Good work. shows top skills. Third Place: “Win Over Rival,” especially in light of the weather. It Second Place: “Taking her best Third Place: “Ready for the rumble Wisconsin State Journal - John Hart is hard to shoot and keep focus in shot,” Lake Geneva Regional News - in Camp Randall,” The Record- Judge’s Comments: Awesome the midst of flurry. Andrew Tucker Review - Ross Pattermann illustration of the emotion on the Second Place: “Matthew Wood Judge’s Comments: Great Judge’s Comments: Captures the faces of everyone and how close observes a play,” South Now - Scott basketball shot shows skill and emotion in the moment as well as the crowd is in basketball. Ash experience. the action. Honorable Mention: “Season Judge’s Comments: This photo Third Place: “Finessed Approach,” ends for Comets,” The Gazette - epitomises high school sports Barron News-Shield - Mark Bell Anthony Wahl seasons during the pandemic in Judge’s Comments: Keeping faces Sports Feature Judge’s Comments: Great “agony 2020. Very cool shot. in focus is hard in indoor sports. of defeat” shot. Third Place: “Waiting for penalty Good job. Photo shot,” West Now - Scott Ash Judge’s Comments: Must confess Division A Division B/C we don’t have field hockey as a girls Division F First Place: “A moment of First Place: “Black belt testing,” sport in Texas but this photo says First Place: “Taking It Up a celebration for the Packers against EagleHerald - Rick Gebhard it all, even to someone unfamiliar Notch,” The Valders Journal - Brian the Broncos,” Green Bay Press- Judge’s Comments: Excellent with the sport. Thomsen Gazette - Bill Glasheen frozen-action shot, like the Judge’s Comments: Terrific Judge’s Comments: Great framing American flag in the background, volleyball action shot — captures of the entire scene. as well as the white and black outfit Division F great facial expressions as well as Second Place: “Snowfall contrast. First Place: “Breaking through in the action. complicates football field Second Place: “Paint it green,” big ways,” The Tribune-Phonograph Second Place: “Fold you like preparation,” The Gazette - The Northwoods River News - Bob - Ross Pattermann a lawn chair,” The Tribune- Anthony Wahl Mainhardt Judge’s Comments: Great action Phonograph - Ross Pattermann Judge’s Comments: Captures Judge’s Comments: Cool photo shot ... good composition. Judge’s Comments: Keeping facial snow-belt high school football in a that illustrates the school’s Second Place: “Serious Sideline 48 Editorial Action,” The Valders Journal - of the Civil War,” Northwest Now - Brian Thomsen Scott Ash Judge’s Comments: Sideline Honorable Mention: “Chaycing hijinks photo captures the moment the sun,” The Lakeland Times - for high school sports fans. Heather Holmes Third Place: “No Regrets,” The Courier - Jeff Seisser Judge’s Comments: Well done Division E photo to accompany feature. First Place: “Fire on Clark Street,” Dodge County Pionier - Mitchell Keller Feature Photo Second Place: “Happy Grad Parade,” Dodge County Pionier - Division A Mitchell Keller First Place: “Summer Splash,” Third Place: “Wild turkey makes Wisconsin State Journal - John Hart the cemetery her home,” Lake Judge’s Comments: Sheer joy and Geneva Regional News - Connor innocence of childhood is perfectly Carynski illustrated in this photo. I kept Honorable Mention: “From the coming back to it — so it was the frontlines,” The Monroe Times - clear winner for me. I dare anyone Brenda Steurer who views this photo not to smile. Feature Photo, First Place (Division B) Second Place: “Raining buckets,” Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire The Gazette - Anthony Wahl Division F Judge’s Comments: The First Place: “You got something moodiness of the sky and the with contrast of the subject and on your face, bro,” The Tribune- camaraderie of the guys playing Visit,” Leader-Telegram - Dan background Phonograph - Ross Pattermann basketball is a wonderful contrast. Reiland Second Place: “A local eagle, Judge’s Comments: This photo A great capture all around. Judge’s Comments: Captures an emotional moment. a.k.a. Uncle Sam, is released to has it all — the expressions on the Third Place: “Rising of the moon,” subjects faces are priceless, the Kenosha News - Sean Krajacic Second Place: “Photo of Janus, the the wild by Northwoods Wildlife two-headed goat born on a farm in Center intern Frances Torres,” The framing is perfect. I love this photo Judge’s Comments: I enjoyed the and it was hands down the winner. composition of this photo and Wittenberg,” Wausau Daily Herald Northwoods River News - Dean - Tork Mason Hall This is quality photojournalism know the photographer must have work! been very pleased with how the Judge’s Comments: Good shot of a Judge’s Comments: Captured a rare occurrence great moment and the expression Second Place: “A Simple Pleasure,” pergola served to frame the moon The Valders Journal - Brian and the person walking on the lake Third Place: “Hummingbird Nest,” on the girl’s face adds to the Leader-Telegram - Dan Reiland emotion of the moment. Thomsen front. A striking photo. Judge’s Comments: Talk about Judge’s Comments: Captured the Third Place: “Alicia Poepping Honorable Mention: “Halloween taking the mundane and routine details beautifully. throws a frisbee for her dog Stella snowfall,” Wisconsin State Journal - and making it interesting and fun. to chase,” The Reporter - Doug Amber Arnold The joy in these kids’ faces — love Raflik Judge’s Comments: I love the it. Well-framed too.This was also a Judge’s Comments: A fun shot. angle in which this was shot, Division C clear second place for me. as well as the expression on the First Place: “Feature photo of Third Place: “No one fights mother’s face and as well as the Karen Ann Hoffman, who has alone,” The Record-Review - Peter child in the carrier. The pops helped lead an effort to install Division D Weinschenk of color against the otherwise a marker to recognize the dead First Place: “Water Umbrella,” Judge’s Comments: Powerful and monotone photo are nice. Menominee, Potawatomi and Ho- Northwest Now - Scott Ash poignant. You can tell the principal Chunk people who died in the late Second Place: “Popular Road really cares for her student. Serious 1800s,” Stevens Point Journal - Tork Tr ip,” Vilas County News-Review - content but skillfully handled. Division B Mason Kerry Griebenow Thank you for this photo! First Place: “Covid Lockdown Judge’s Comments: Great image Third Place: “Sights and sounds Honorable Mention: “Discovering Editorial 49

Artistic Photo, First Place (Division C) Artistic Photo, First Place (Division F) The Reporter, Fond du Lac The Valders Journal the Wonders of Winter,” The aftermath. Hopefully people can Honorable Mention: “Lighthouse Judge’s Comments: This is a great Valders Journal - Brian Thomsen learn from your photos. on Sheboygan’s lakefront offers shot — capturing the burst at the Judge’s Comments: I can’t look at Honorable Mention: “Raindrops striking visuals,” The Sheboygan perfect time. Good job. this and not say “aww how cute!” on pink petals,” The Gazette - Press - Gary Klein He is so precious! You got a good Anthony Wahl Judge’s Comments: Very peaceful. photo here! Judge’s Comments: Just a Division D/E beautiful photo. Division C First Place: “Practice Burn,” Vilas County News-Review - Kerry Artistic Photo First Place: “First snow,” The Division B Griebenow Division A Reporter - Doug Raflik Judge’s Comments: We all shoot First Place: “Space Station Passes Judge’s Comments: Stunning. It’s a fires — but this one is artistic. Very First Place: “Challenging Year,” The Sun,” Leader-Telegram - Dan Hallmark moment. Great job. well done. Wisconsin State Journal - John Hart Reiland Second Place: “Open for fishing,” Second Place: “Breaking the Ice,” Judge’s Comments: Loved this Judge’s Comments: This photo is The Northwoods River News - Dean Peninsula Pulse - Brett Kosmider photo — I can see the owner’s look so good, I plan to steal the idea. Hall Judge’s Comments: I like this. In of despair as he looks out over the Great idea and great results. Judge’s Comments: Very unique Texas we don’t get the opportunity empty tables. Second Place: “Confluence photo. Almost won 1st place — it’s to take these types of photos. Second Place: “Portrait of Tasha Bridge,” Leader-Telegram - Dan that good. I want to borrow your Senft, a mechanic at Auto Clinic Reiland idea. Third Place: “Nice Grill,” Lake of Green Bay,” Green Bay Press- Judge’s Comments: This entry Third Place: “Glittery wintery Country Now - Scott Ash Gazette - Ebony Cox was worthy of 1st place. But the wonderland,” The Northwoods Judge’s Comments: That is nice. I Judge’s Comments: The eyes on uniqueness of the winner inched River News - Jamie Taylor put on a monthly car show in our the firefighter are captivating. this one out. You have a great eye Judge’s Comments: Brrrr ... Photo downtown and this is the money Good job on the overall project. and are very talented. has me wanting to put on my coat shot. Third Place: “Season’s Cleaning,” Third Place: “Sharing the river,” and play in the snow under the Honorable Mention: “Season Wisconsin State Journal - John Hart EagleHerald - Rick Gebhard holiday lights. over,” The Star News - Matt Frey Judge’s Comments: What a shame Judge’s Comments: Two ships Honorable Mention: “Bombs Judge’s Comments: Simple — but this happened, but thank goodness passing in the night idea. Good bursting in air,” The Northwoods conveys your message. you captured the emotion of the idea. River News - Jamie Taylor 50 Editorial

Photo Essay, First Place (Division A) Wisconsin State Journal, Madison

Division F Honorable Mention: “October events. picture with smaller accent Wonderland,” The Valders Journal - Third Place: “Dan Powers shares pictures. The photos do a great job First Place: “Racing the Sun,” The Brian Thomsen his photos of the year from 2019,” of telling her story in a simple yet Valders Journal - Brian Thomsen Judge’s Comments: Brr. I can feel The Post-Crescent - Dan Powers appealing layout. Judge’s Comments: I like the way the cold. Good photo. Judge’s Comments: A great variety Second Place: “Hodag the sun peeks out from behind the of shots from throughout the year. Homecoming 2019,” The farm equipment. The photo speaks Honorable Mention: “Bill Northwoods River News - Bob for itself. Well done. Photo Essay Glasheen’s best photos of 2019,” Mainhardt Second Place: “The Beauty In The Post-Crescent - Bill Glasheen Judge’s Comments: Good Nature,” Fennimore Times - Emily Division A/B Judge’s Comments: Great images job on covering all aspects of Schendel First Place: “Gun Victim that capture a variety of moments Homecoming. Hopefully we can Judge’s Comments: Nice up-close Memorial,” Wisconsin State Journal from last year. have celebrations like this again photo of the flower. Well-framed. - John Hart soon. Good job. Judge’s Comments: The photos Third Place: “Saxon Harbor,” Daily Third Place: “A mid-winter sun,” show the heavy emotional toll Division C Globe - Richard Jenkins The Tribune-Phonograph - Kevin this has taken on the family and First Place: “99-year-old Virginia Judge’s Comments: A lot of work O’Brien community. Posny receives UW-Stevens Point went into this photo layout. I Judge’s Comments: It is always Second Place: “State Street Associates Degree,” Herald Times especially like the timeline and the hard to get a good sunset photo to Looting,” Wisconsin State Journal - Reporter - Gary Klein use of the 2016 photos to show print well in the newspaper, but John Hart Judge’s Comments: What an the transformation. The reason I you managed to make it work. Judge’s Comments: Excellent awesome lady. I like that you used gave this a third-place is because I Nice. perspective of the aftermath of a close-up of her as your dominant personally would have liked to see Editorial 51

Photo Gallery, First Place (Division A) The Cap Times, Madison people in some of pictures, not just Siewert Judge’s Comments: Incredible Judge’s Comments: I think my the small one on the timeline. Judge’s Comments: Really tells the photos! I can only imagine this is body temp dropped 20-30 degrees Honorable Mention: “A group somber story of how the pandemic what it must feel like on gameday just looking at these photos. These of ice fishermen from Waterloo has ravaged local economies and in Camp Randall Stadium. I felt people are crazy! You did a great were using tip-ups while fishing communities. like I was part of the crowd but job of getting the feel of the event. the backwaters of the Beaver Dam Third Place: “Grafton High School with a 50-yard-line seat. I would Good photos and a good job of River,” Watertown Daily Times - Graduation 2020,” News Graphic - have liked a little more to the combining action with group shots Diane Graff Mark Justesen cutlines but sometimes you only to cover all your bases. I like this. Judge’s Comments: Good layout Judge’s Comments: Great photos, need to identify who is in the Honorable Mention: “Healing with a dominant picture. nice range of close-ups and bigger photo and let the picture do the Wall gives all time to grieve, groups to show the distancing. talking. Well done! remember,” The Valders Journal - Honorable Mention: “Spring Second Place: “Colby Brian Thomsen Division D/E S h ow,” Vilas County News-Review - Homecoming,” The Tribune- Judge’s Comments: Very powerful First Place: “Beat the bunny,” The Kurt Krueger Phonograph - Ross Pattermann subject and I respect how you Lakeland Times - Dean Hall Judge’s Comments: Loved seeing Judge’s Comments: Perfect handled this. Good job. Judge’s Comments: Such a fun photos of wildlife, not easy shots example of how you can take idea, and these photos really to get! something as routine as a captured the environment, from homecoming and create a well- Photo Gallery the “bunnies” to the chasers. rounded photo essay that is Second Place: “Empty spaces: Division F compelling and fun. Great photos Division A Scenes from Wausau in the days First Place: “A Badger Third Place: “Penguin Slide,” First Place: “Madison nightlife, of COVID-19,” Wausau Pilot Smackdown,” The Valders Journal - The Tribune-Phonograph - Ross redefined,” The Cap Times - Ruthie and Review - Jacob Sieg, Shereen Brian Thomsen Pattermann Hauge 52 Editorial

Judge’s Comments: A unique look through his lens. at the way night life has changed in Honorable Mention: “Chippewa response to a pandemic. Falls boys hockey vs Hudson ,” The Second Place: “Evansville vs. Chippewa Herald - Brandon Berg Lakeside Lutheran Football,” The Judge’s Comments: Awesome Gazette - Anthony Wahl photos here. It was hard not to put Judge’s Comments: Great shots this in the top three, but the others that capture the emotion of the were just more timely. I loved how players throughout the game. you could feel the emotion in the Third Place: “Madison heads to photographs. the waterfront for summer evening fun,” The Cap Times - Ruthie Hauge Weekly Division Judge’s Comments: Good variety of photos showing how people are First Place: “Canadian Pacific working and playing even during a Holiday Train,” Lake Country Now pandemic. - Scott Ash Honorable Mention: “Scenes from Second Place: “Windy Monday in civil unrest in Kenosha,” Kenosha Superior,” Superior Telegram - Jed News - Sean Krajacic Carlson Judge’s Comments: A variety of Third Place: “Muskego Water photos that capture the emotions Bugs,” Waukesha County Now - felt by protestors in this moment in Scott Ash time. Honorable Mention: “Parking Lot Cinema,” West Now - Scott Ash

Division B/C Overall Page First Place: “Black Lives Matters march in Oshkosh,” Oshkosh Design Northwestern - Dan Powers Judge’s Comments: Some great Daily Division photos here. Protesting racial First Place: Daily Jefferson County injustice has been one of the most Union - Craig Spychalla important stories of 2020, and the Judge’s Comments: It doesn’t photographer did an excellent job get much better than this! Great covering it. He deserves the award execution on simple, compelling in my book. designs. Excellent use of photos, Second Place: “Sheboygan-area graphics, typography, design, law enforcement honoring life of headlines, etc. I would love to hire K-9 officer,” The Sheboygan Press - the page designer!! Gary Klein Second Place: The Gazette - Greg Judge’s Comments: Gary Klein Little made me cry with these. Excellent Judge’s Comments: Great pages! coverage here. Big, bold, simple and elegant Third Place: “Freedom Rally urges designs! These clearly related the Sheboygan County officials to drop message without having to read the health resolution,” The Sheboygan story. Excellent use of color and Press - Gary Klein white space. Very eye-catching! Judge’s Comments: Not wise Third Place: Daily Globe - Jason to protest health restrictions in Juno a pandemic, but Mr. Klein did Judge’s Comments: Very well Overall Page Design, First Place (Daily Division) a great job covering the story done. Good use of white space. Daily Jefferson County Union, Fort Atkinson Editorial 53 Nice to see large sports photos. creativity, but presentable and easy Drew Judge’s Comments: Very The Saxon Harbor photo page was to read designs. Judge’s Comments: WOW! These informative, but a little long and quite compelling. pages pop! Beautiful photography! slow moving. Nice, simple way Honorable Mention: Daily You do the photographers a of showing the progress of the Jefferson County Union - Christine Weekly Division discredit by not giving them photo pandemic. Spangler First Place: Vilas County News- credits. Overall design is very clean Third Place: “Varsity Game of Judge’s Comments: Very clean, Review - Gary Ridderbusch, Jean and crisp. Easy to read and great the Week livestreams,” The Post- simple designs. No real stretch of use of white space. Crescent - Brett Christopherson, Second Place: The Platteville Jim Rosandick, Ricardo Arguello Journal - Jason Nihles Judge’s Comments: Excellent Judge’s Comments: Bold, colorful livestream of high school sports. pages. Good use of spot color Knowledgeable commentators and and color in headlines. I like the good use of multiple cameras. layered look. The breakout boxes Honorable Mention: “Throwback are well done and give quick hit Thursday: Trilling Hardware, information. The pages are busy oldest full service hardware store but visually pleasing. in state,” The Sheboygan Press - Third Place: The Platteville Journal Gary Klein - Steve Prestegard Judge’s Comments: These Judge’s Comments: Very interactive before/after photo colorful, lively pages. Very good sliders are a fun way to engage photography! Better balance readers online and to teach some needed in headlines. local history. Honorable Mention: Hudson Star- Observer - Marcy Nickel Judge’s Comments: Nice, clean Weekly Division designs. Liked the Region page. It’s First Place: “The Hunt is On,” risky putting a photo in a photo, Hudson Star-Observer - Troy but this works. Great use of spot Becker color. Judge’s Comments: Very colorful and clean. This is a good mix of graphics and photography and Visual Storytelling provides excellent information Daily Division about deer hunting. Second Place: “National Native First Place: “Clubhouse Live American History Month,” The livestream series, covering the Lakeland Times - Dean Hall, Green Bay Packers,” The Post- Yvonne Immel Crescent - Brett Christopherson, Judge’s Comments: Beautiful, bold Jim Rosandick, Ricardo Arguello, photos! The design is clean and Bill Glasheen uses white space well. Placement of Judge’s Comments: This is very the photos helps with eye direction professional and well done. The across the page. videos are full of enthusiasm and Third Place: “No sports? No feed into what the viewers want. problem,” Lake Geneva Regional An hour per episode seems long, News - Scott Williams but I know how Packers fans eat it Judge’s Comments: Good concept up. but poor delivery. There is no Second Place: “Video of creativity in the design and the coronavirus timeline in Brown images could use better cropping. County,” Green Bay Press-Gazette - Visual Storytelling, First Place (Weekly Division) We don’t need three nearly Sarah Kloepping identical photos of the boy in a Hudson Star-Observer 54 Advertising tree. The images are light and there BBQ, on coming back to Hayward, Weekly Division color and action and gave us are no borders on the photos. Wis., where it all started,” Wausau a personal glimpse at some Daily Herald - Tork Mason First Place: “Lake Geneva interesting performers. But this Judge’s Comments: Delicious neighborhood busts loose with judge’s opinion is that newspaper ‘holler hour’,” Lake Geneva Best Video looking barbecue, well-made video reporters don’t need to be standing Regional News - Scott Williams and holding a microphone and Division A and a great person. It didn’t tug at Judge’s Comments: Nicely the heart as much as the first and getting in shots in order to tell a First Place: “Interconnected localized take on an international story. Let the people they interview second-place winners, but it was story, COVID-19. Journalist got history of the Packers and tell the story. Newspaper reporters still well-done. out into community, captured real the Green Bay Press-Gazette,” don’t need to be like TV reporters, Honorable Mention: “Plymouth people’s voices. Elements of humor Green Bay Press-Gazette - Sarah who often tend to showboat and quilt-making group sewing masks contributed to quality of piece. Kloepping, Rich Ryman intrude on the subject matter Second Place: “What will Packers for Sheboygan County health-care Second Place: “A sneak peek of an Italian water circus performing they’re covering. fans miss if they cant watch games workers,” The Sheboygan Press - Third Place: “After a hurricane in person?” Green Bay Press- in Greendale,” Southwest Now - Gary Klein destroyed her home, she found her Gazette - Sarah Kloepping Hannah Kirby Judge’s Comments: Kind of ‘dream’ job working with others Third Place: “Follow the protests Judge’s Comments: This was gross for me. But it’s definitely perhaps the most professional- who are visually impaired like her,” in Kenosha leading up to Tuesday a neat feature and another well- night’s shooting,” Wisconsin State looking video of the lot. Southwest Now - Hannah Kirby made video from The Sheboygan Journal - Elizabeth Beyer Technically speaking, it was Judge’s Comments: This is a Honorable Mention: “Lift, turn Press. They’ve got some great superior to everything else. nice, intimate portrait that gives and set — the boiler arrives for the videographers. The video also contained great voice to an ordinary person in the 1385 locomotive,” Wisconsin State Journal - Barry Adams

Division B/C First Place: “Sheboygan’s Mark Mand creates Hearts for Heroes,” The Sheboygan Press - Gary Klein Judge’s Comments: Tugged at the heart strings, was relevant to the times and it was so well- made that it felt like you were watching something from CBS Sunday Morning. Only one bad clip at around 1:44, but that wasn’t enough to lose the first place rating. Second Place: “Virginia Posny, 99, receives UW-Stevens Point Degree,” Herald Times Reporter - Gary Klein Judge’s Comments: Excellent find and another well-made video. Very close to winning first, but I just enjoyed the other video more. I wish I could rank two first place videos. Third Place: “Interview with Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave’s BBQ and Old Southern Advertising 55 community, someone who might unneeded. wouldn’t normally be able to go on catches your eye and draws you in. ordinarily be overlooked. Shooting Honorable Mention: “Ab o a r d their own. It showed folks doing Honorable Mention: “Now and editing are professional- the Mobile Bay Cutter,” Peninsula an interesting job. Shooting was Bidding Landscaping,” Vilas looking. Story is nicely told. Pulse - Andrew Kleidon, Celeste smooth, and editing was effective. County News-Review - Betsy Showing hurricane damage was a Benzschawel, Sam Kersebet However, like the third-place entry, Boulden, Kurt Krueger nice touch, giving the piece some Judge’s Comments: Though short, the music seemed superfluous. Judge’s Comments: Great photo. depth. However, the music in this video had some nice qualities. Good color choices. Might have this piece seems superfluous and It put viewers in a place where they considered working the bullet Bill Payne Award point info in somewhere else possibly next to name toward the Daily Division bottom of ad. First Place: “G5 Brewing,” The Gazette - Jody Wisz Judge’s Comments: Great photos Division E ... makes you thirsty and hungry. First Place: “Celebrating Second Place: “Cabinet Country,” Birthdays!,” Grant County Herald The Gazette - Nina Perona Independent - Jessica Brownell Judge’s Comments: Simple design, Judge’s Comments: Great use of appealing to the eye great use of photos. Great color choices. Drawn photo. into the ad. Have to stop and look. Third Place: “Westphal Electric,” Second Place: “Merry Christmas: The Gazette - Nina Perona Preserving community based Judge’s Comments: Nice simple education,” The Record-Review - layout. Like the use of white space. Staff Honorable Mention: “You don’t Judge’s Comments: Great layout need to be a superhero to fight very appealing to the eye. Great cavities!,” Daily Citizen - Melissa use of photos. Boehler Third Place: “Doing Business Judge’s Comments: Love the top Since 1890 ... Continuing The half of the ad, but worry the white Tradition Today! Clarno Lumber,” text on the bottom half would not The Monroe Times - Diane Albright do well once printed. Judge’s Comments: Great layout, love the use of the then and now photos Division D Honorable Mention: “Blain’s Farm First Place: “57 Years,” Vilas and Fleet,” The Monroe Times - County News-Review - Betsy Laura Hughes Boulden, Kurt Krueger, Gary Judge’s Comments: Great choice Ridderbusch of art. Makes the ad. Simple is Judge’s Comments: Great use of good. photos. Makes you want to stop and look at the entire ad. Second Place: “Northwoods City Best Grocery Ad Dining,” The Lakeland Times - Staff Judge’s Comments: Simple, Daily Division elegant layout and design. Makes First Place: “Lake Tomahawk Meat you want to go check it out. Market,” Daily Globe - Staff Third Place: “World Judge’s Comments: Nice Championship Derby Complex,” dominant ad on this page in my opinion. Photos of meat counter Bill Payne Award, First Place (Division D) The Lakeland Times - Chris Frame, Gregg Walker make me want to go there! Vilas County News Review, Eagle River Judge’s Comments: Artwork 56 Advertising great deal.” Still, the use of photos stuff in them and not enough Home - Hawk Ridge Estates,” Weekly Division and clean fonts pushed you into space. (Yes, we all know that real Superior Telegram - Alexis Deitz, First Place: “TJ’s Butcher Block,” second place. estate agents like to cram as much Kim Quinones, Creative Team The Lakeland Times - Tony Loomis, Third Place: “New Year’s Eve at information in one tiny ad as Judge’s Comments: Hawk Ridge Chris Frame, Michel Lathrop Gateway Lodge,” Vilas County possible.) But these ads give me a must have really liked this ad. Judge’s Comments: Excellent News-Review - Betsy Boulden, Jo feel for this place. Great job. Good use of color and fonts. The advertiser participation! Daniel Second Place: “New Home Loans,” use of the map draws your eye. Judge’s Comments: You don’t need Hudson Star-Observer - Jolene Honorable Mention: “Josh Holt color to make a great ad and this is Noss, Bethany Loida Locally Owned,” The Stoughton Best Restaurant Ad one example. Nice graphics, simple Judge’s Comments: Small banner Courier Hub - Catherine Stang Judge’s Comments: This was Daily Division use of only a couple of fonts and ads can be powerful and you did you got the point across. a great job here. I know they have a tough category, but I like the First Place: “G5 Brewing,” The Honorable Mention: “Jethro’s loans and I know what the bankers boldness of this ad. Nice work. Gazette - Jody Wisz BBQ Coupon,” Hudson Star- look like. I like this ad. Judge’s Comments: Strong, eye- Observer - Brenda Lawrence, Third Place: “Build Your Forever catching art. Good framing of art Donna Kauffman Best Large Ad work. Logo easy to read. Judge’s Comments: That photo Second Place: “Bodacious Shops,” drew me in. If there was a way to The Gazette - Jody Wisz not have the logo in twice, it might Judge’s Comments: Good color help give the ad a little space. Still, mix. Ad is easy to read with good nice job. flow of copy and art. Third Place: “Harbor Ridge Winery,” The Gazette - Jody Wisz Best Real Estate Ad Judge’s Comments: Excellent photos that catch the eye. Copy is Daily Division easy to read. First Place: “Advantage Homes 1,” Honorable Mention: “1393 The Gazette - Nina Perona Lounge Martini Lounge,” Judge’s Comments: The hands EagleHerald - Melissa Kowalczyk at the top of the ad catch your Judge’s Comments: Strong art at attention. Good donate idea. the top of ad. Second Place: “Advantage Homes 2,” The Gazette - Nina Perona Judge’s Comments: Good looking Weekly Division real estate ad. First Place: “El Tarasco,” The Third Place: “117 E. Milwaukee Lakeland Times - Buzzy Mode, St.,” The Gazette - Nina Perona Gregg Walker Judge’s Comments: Good looking Judge’s Comments: Simple, bold. ad. I want a margarita right now just Honorable Mention: “ReMax,” because of this ad ... and that’s Daily Globe - Staff what advertising is supposed to do. By far, this was beyond anything else in this category. Weekly Division Second Place: “Nineteen Bar & First Place: “Redman Realty Grill ,” Hudson Star-Observer - G roup,” The Lakeland Times - Staff Eric Olson, Creative Team, Molly Judge’s Comments: Good use of Burlingame fonts and color to make sure that Judge’s Comments: While I didn’t readers know, every single time quite like the dashed line around they see these ads, that this is a Best Restaurant Ad, First Place (Daily Division) the ad, I know the advertiser was campaign. Typical real estate ads The Gazette, Janesville trying to say, “This is a coupon, a always seemed to have too much Advertising 57 Second Place: “57 Years,” Vilas Daily Division County News-Review - Betsy First Place: “Westphal Electric - Boulden, Kurt Krueger, Gary Covid,” The Gazette - Nina Perona Ridderbusch Judge’s Comments: Wonderful Judge’s Comments: Very good color in the ad. Excellent use of use of photos from the event and white space. blending in the background. Good Second Place: “Culver’s,” The use of typestyles and varying Gazette - Jody Wisz weights. Judge’s Comments: It conveys the Third Place: “Rynders excitement desired from subject of Companies,” The Lakeland Times - ad. An attention grabber for sure. Heather Holmes Third Place: “Bay Design/You’ve Judge’s Comments: Good use Been Framed,” The Gazette - Jody of photos. Bold headline grabs Wisz attention. Judge’s Comments: Cool graphics used to present type. Honorable Mention: “K&W Division F Greenery,” The Gazette - Jody Wisz First Place: “7th Annual Taste of Judge’s Comments: I enjoy Fennimore 2020,” Fennimore Times simplicity and this does it. - Jessica Brownell, Jodi White Judge’s Comments: Great ad. Awesome info organization. Division D Second Place: “Doctor Day,” Grant First Place: “Pier of d’Nort,” The County Herald Independent - Lakeland Times - Staff Jessica Brownell Judge’s Comments: Great concept Judge’s Comments: Cool graphical and good execution of the choices. silhouette. Did not realize it was Third Place: “Congratulations to for a pier manufacturer at first. our Corre la Voz Graduates,” The Was a good play on the company’s Verona Press - Donna Larson notoriety. Judge’s Comments: Great layout.

Best Large Ad, First Place (Division D) The Lakeland Times, Minocqua Best Small Ad, First Place (Division E) The Monroe Times 58 Advertising Honorable Mention: Honorable Mention: “Medford Jessica Brownell Judge’s Comments: Consistent “Congratulations Class of 2020,” Curling Club,” The Star News - Judge’s Comments: This is a look throughout, very identifiable. The Verona Press - Donna Larson Sarah Komarek very pretty ad and would bring Judge’s Comments: Good customers into the store. However, typography and layout. the use of border placed above the Division D Division E other ad with similar border is a First Place: “Enduro, Derby Dash, First Place: “Blain’s Farm and bit confusing. World Championship Snomo Best Small Ad Fleet,” The Monroe Times - Laura Second Place: “Drive-In Movie & Derby,” Vilas County News-Review Fireworks,” Grant County Herald Daily Division Hughes - Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel Judge’s Comments: The use of the Independent - Jessica Brownell Judge’s Comments: Action First Place: “Zoi’a Spa and Salon,” background photo makes this a Judge’s Comments: Design and packed and fun to look at. Very The Gazette - Nina Perona memorable ad. content make this event look fun. professional work. Judge’s Comments: Good use of Second Place: “Bank of New Effective as an event promotion, Second Place: “Lee Construction multiple font styles. Glarus,” The Monroe Times - Tai but its placement on the page C omp any,” The Lakeland Times - Second Place: “Cedar Crest Senior Ruegsegger buries it somewhat. Heather Holmes Apartments,” The Gazette - Nina Judge’s Comments: The use of the Third Place: “Hughes Flooring Judge’s Comments: Good use of Perona photos makes a great connection Santa ad,” The Verona Press - white space for effect. Judge’s Comments: Good use of for the bank to the community. Donna Larson Third Place: “Arbor Vitae Marine,” vertical artwork. Third Place: “Hennessey Judge’s Comments: Good use of The Lakeland Times - Laura Third Place: “Revive Myofascial,” Implement,” The Monroe Times - background photo! Larson, Buzzy Mode, Chris Frame The Gazette - Nina Perona Diane Albright Judge’s Comments: Bold use of Judge’s Comments: Good use of Judge’s Comments: Interesting color, good balance. colors and fonts, but seems like too balance in ad draws the eye. Best Ad Idea Honorable Mention: “Eagle Waste much text in this small space. Perhaps extending the top frame (Series) & Recycling,” The Lakeland Times Honorable Mention: “Velocity over the logo would be a good - Staff Cycle Spring Bike Sale,” The addition next time. Daily Division Judge’s Comments: Not shy with Gazette - Nina Perona Honorable Mention: “Fish Boil,” First Place: “Wells Fargo,” The fonts! Judge’s Comments: Good use of The Monroe Times - Lance Ray Gazette - Nina Perona red headline. Judge’s Comments: Bold use of Division F white space, effective and pleasant Division E/F First Place: “Merry & Bright to look at. First Place: “Re-Discover Grant Division D Eastman Cartwright HOME,” Second Place: “The Insiders,” The County,” Grant County Herald First Place: “New Year’s Eve at Grant County Herald Independent - Gazette - Nina Perona Independent - Jessica Brownell, Gateway Lodge,” Vilas County News-Review - Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel Judge’s Comments: Great use of graphic and black background to draw attention. Second Place: “River Falls Tire Bacon Bash,” Hudson Star- Observer - Donna Kauffman, Molly Burlingame, Tasha Kenyon Judge’s Comments: The coupon is very effectively placed. While there is lots of info and art in ad, it is very clean. Third Place: “Farm Benefit,” The Star News - Julie Seifert Judge’s Comments: Good use Best Ad Idea (Series), First Place (Division E) of milk can to help this event ad stand out on page. Grant County Herald Independent, Lancaster Advertising 59 Kevin Kelly Communities,” The Monroe Times - Division D Judge’s Comments: Looks Tai Ruegsegger interesting, holds my attention. First Place: “57 Years,” Vilas Best Multiple Nice use of space. County News-Review - Betsy Advertiser Spread Second Place: “Adopt Us Pets,” Best Use of Color Boulden, Kurt Krueger, Gary The Platteville Journal - Ann Rupp, Ridderbusch Daily Division Judge’s Comments: Great use of Carol Tyson Daily Division First Place: “Holiday Gift Guide,” Judge’s Comments: Can’t go color and coordinating photos. First Place: “Revive Myofascial,” Easy to read. Daily Globe - Staff wrong with animals! Easy on the Second Place: “Shamrock Pub & Judge’s Comments: I like the eye and good flow. The Gazette - Nina Perona Eatery,” The Lakeland Times - Tony eye catching color mix at the top. Third Place: “Maple Grove School Judge’s Comments: Colors mimic Good clean and neat ad layout. the client’s logo and definitely Loomis, Chris Frame ads,” The Record-Review - Staff Judge’s Comments: Great use of Excellent Christmas color layout. Honorable Mention: “Aster Senior catch the eye. color with the business name. Not Easy to read. too busy Second Place: “Season’s Eatings Third Place: “First Weber Restaurant Guide,” Watertown Realtors,” The Lakeland Times - Daily Times - Staff Tony Loomis, Staff Judge’s Comments: The color mix Judge’s Comments: Great photo is the key to this ad. Easy to read and use of coordinating color. layout. Third Place: “Halloween Safety Pa g e ,” EagleHerald - Melissa Division E Kowalczyk Judge’s Comments: I like the way First Place: “Bank of New Glarus,” the Halloween safety message was The Monroe Times - Lance Ray presented. A new way to present Judge’s Comments: Nice clean ad. the message. Easy to read. Photos of kids are Honorable Mention: “Girl Scout always the best. Pa g e ,” EagleHerald - Ross Menor Second Place: “Blain’s Farm and Fleet,” The Monroe Times - Laura Hughes Division D Judge’s Comments: This one was First Place: “Derby 2020,” Vilas great, too. Tough call! County News-Review - Betsy Boulden, Staff Judge’s Comments: Photos and Division F backgrounds blend well together. First Place: “Maple Grove School: Good use of type color. Sigs were Preserving community based very clean and the different colors education,” The Record-Review - of logos made an appealing ad. Staff Second Place: “Firefighter Judge’s Comments: Great color — Appreciation,” Superior Telegram hope it held up in print. Awesome - Scott Blatchford, John Badger, photos of the kids. Craig Maki, Megan Keller Second Place: “Spooky Stocker Judge’s Comments: The headline St omp,” Courier Sentinel - Joy Dain was the most effective part of the Judge’s Comments: Cute graphic. ad. The background image was also I’m not from the area so the ad good. Would have liked less space seemed vague. I know it’s a race between numbers and questions but a few more details would be on quiz. Best Use of Color, First Place (Division F) nice — of course, if I lived there, I Third Place: “Pumpkin Run ATV/ might know what this is. UTV Rally,” The Lakeland Times - The Record Review, Edgar 60 Advertising

Staff Second Place: “Memorial Day,” Judge’s Comments: While the ads The Stoughton Courier Hub - were small, they were all designed Catherine Stang well. The advertisers were able to Judge’s Comments: Good, clean get a message to the readers. layout. Third Place: “Catch us if you can,” The Valders Journal - Brian Thomsen Division E Judge’s Comments: A unique First Place: “PdC Blackhawks design with the pictures and copy State Bound,” Courier Press - Kim for this sig page. Corpian Honorable Mention: “Dual Judge’s Comments: Nice clean Cloverbelt Conference Champions,” crisp look to this ad with uniform Courier Sentinel - Joy Dain Judge’s Comments: Good action ad spaces. Not too busy and great photos advertiser participation. Second Place: “June Is Dairy Month,” The Monroe Times - Best Use of Art Laura Hughes, Lance Ray, Diane Albright, Tai Ruegsegger Service Judge’s Comments: I like the editorial content to compliment Daily Division the ads. Gives the readers a reason First Place: “Flower Gallery,” to stay on the page and engage EagleHerald - Melissa Kowalczyk with the advertising as well. Second Place: “Summer Fun,” Third Place: “State Football - Daily Globe - Staff Warrior Nation,” The Monroe Times - Laura Hughes, Lance Ray, Tai Ruesegger, Diane Albright Division D/E Judge’s Comments: Nice mix First Place: “Taylored News,” The of editorial coverage to engage Star News - Mandi Troiber readers with the ads on this page. Second Place: “Beef-A-Rama: Not too heavy with ads. Island Collision; Beef-A-Rama: Honorable Mention: “FFA Pages,” Tender Touch,” The Lakeland Times The Monroe Times - Laura Hughes, - Michel Lathrop, Gregg Walker, Lance Ray, Diane Albright, Tai Staff Ruegsegger Third Place: “Purse Bingo,” The Judge’s Comments: I like the mix Star News - Design Team of editorial content along with the advertising. Lots of local phots and stories with a nice mix of Division F advertisers. First Place: “Grant Regional Health Center Sweets & Treats,” Grant County Herald Independent - Division F Jessica Brownell First Place: “Thank You To All Second Place: “Outdoor Drive-In Of Our Fellow Americans,” Grant Concert,” Grant County Herald County Herald Independent - Independent - Jessica Brownell Jessica Brownell Third Place: “Kid’s zone,” The Best Multiple Advertiser Spread, Judge’s Comments: An excellent Record-Review - Staff First Place (Daily Division) heading for the sig page. Good Honorable Mention: “All the cool Daily Globe, Ironwood, Mich. layout and copy. cats,” Courier Sentinel - Joy Dain Advertising 61 Best Use of Local Best Use of Humor Photography Daily Division Daily Division First Place: “Koski Collision,” Daily Globe - Staff First Place: “Our Lady of Peace,” Judge’s Comments: Humorous ad Daily Globe - Staff for a not so humorous situation. Judge’s Comments: Photo draws Second Place: “Rolling Pin attention to ad. Bakery,” The Gazette - Sam Morgan Judge’s Comments: Good use of photoshop for owner’s face. The Weekly Division cookies in the word “COOKIES” is clever. First Place: “57 Years,” Vilas County News-Review - Betsy Boulden, Kurt Krueger, Gary Weekly Division Ridderbusch First Place: “Keep Your Loved Judge’s Comments: The Ones Safe,” Superior Telegram - combination of action shots made Gary Androsky this submission a winner. Judge’s Comments: Serious Second Place: “Medford headline and subject matter is Swimming,” The Star News - Julie made lighthearted with the clever Seifert use of the cat and urn photo. Judge’s Comments: The photos Second Place: “Please remember compliment the layout of this page. to Practice Social Distancing,”

Best Use of Humor, First Place (Weekly Division) Best Newspaper Promotion, First Place (Division D) Superior Telegram Superior Telegram 62 Advertising

Hudson Star-Observer - Sally the reader in. Nicely done. Shepherd, Anne Jacobson Third Place: “Photo Gallery,” Best Special Judge’s Comments: Fun take on Vilas County News-Review - Betsy social distancing. llustration is Boulden, Kurt Krueger, Gary Section well-executed. Ridderbusch (Advertising) Judge’s Comments: Nice, bold selling point. Nicely laid out. I like Daily Division Best Newspaper this ad a lot. First Place: “Winter & Promotion Honorable Mention: “Meet Scott Snowmobile Times,” The Blatchford,” Superior Telegram - Northwoods River News - Staff Daily Division Scott Blatchford, Sally Shepherd Judge’s Comments: It’s difficult to First Place: “Get All This,”The not have a busy ad when you are Gazette - Sara Van Galder writing about the staff, but this was Judge’s Comments: Artwork well done. The graphics around the shows the value of the online side pulls you in. subscription. Solid headline and clean layout. Second Place: “Bingo,” Daily Globe Division F - Staff First Place: “Read local,” The Judge’s Comments: Clean and Record-Review - Staff effective explanation of the rules of Judge’s Comments: Nice clean, the promotion. Color and artwork professional look to this ad. Tells tie in well with Bingo contest. the story without being wordy and Third Place: “Rock County 4-H cluttering up the ad. (No Fair) Fair Promotion,” The Second Place: “Support Gazette - Sara Van Galder Community News,” Sun-Argus - Judge’s Comments: Photo draws Cari Cornelius the reader to the ad. Large price Judge’s Comments: While also captures the readers’ attention. somewhat busy, this ad lets the Solid small ad. reader know that they provide local coverage of local events in this community. Division D/E Third Place:“COVID-19 Updates,” First Place: “Stay Home, Read the Courier Sentinel - Joy Dain News,” Superior Telegram - Chris Judge’s Comments: To the point, Winge, Josie Gerszek letting readers know this is where Judge’s Comments: This is simple, they can turn for their Covid news bold and gets your attention. Great and updates. use of just a couple of fonts. I’m Honorable Mention: “Super stealing this idea. Subscription Sale,” The Woodville Second Place: “Traffic Jam,” Vilas Leader - Cari Cornelius County News-Review - Betsy Judge’s Comments: This ad, to me, Boulden, Kurt Krueger appears too cartoonish, but maybe Judge’s Comments: It was really that is its intent. I think this great tough to choose between 1st and offer can be expressed in a different 2nd place. If I could also give you look. a 1st, I would. I like the use of photos and the easy way you draw Best Special Section (Advertising), First Place (Daily Division) The Northwoods River News, Rhinelander Advertising 63 Judge’s Comments: Great days. This looked to be a serious to see more advertising support retro look from many of your publication from cover to cover. project on your end with so many in the magazine considering the advertisers. Edit to adv ratio is Loads of advertising and local / moving parts on the content / art quality of your editorial. Layout is good, revenue looks strong with area content on the things people gathering at local schools. And fantastic. Focus on legends across good advertiser participation. enjoy doing in the winter in your finding enough sponsors to offset multiple sports was awesome and Layout is good. Loved the cover area. Great layout and creative expenses and make a profit can i found myself finishing several of and overall product. Very nice. effort. Loved the cover design and be challenging. I loved the section the stories. Loved all pages. Cover Third Place: “Staycation 2020,” The theme carried throughout the and I’m sure it was a well-read didn’t seem to pop at all. A bit Star News - Staff confusing with the advertiser at Judge’s Comments: When section. Excellent job. issue throughout your area. Great the bottom of the cover. Not my times get tough due to COVID, Second Place: “NIE Creative job. preference, but sometimes you creative ideas like this can make a writing and design an ad,” Daily Third Place: “Legends of Sports need the revenue. Overall, great difference in a newspaper’s bottom Globe - Staff X X V,” Beloit Daily News - Staff execution for sure. line. As a reader, I found the issue Judge’s Comments: Don’t see Judge’s Comments: From an Honorable Mention: “2020 to be extremely useful. When many NIE focused issues these advertising POV, I would liked Readers’ Choice Best of the Best,” families are staying home and not EagleHerald - Melissa Kowalczyk, traveling far during the pandemic, Ross Menor, Advertising Staff finding things to do locally can be Judge’s Comments: Best of the challenging. I thought your use Best or any readers’ choice issue of space throughout the section can be challenging given the to be excellent. Your dining guide market. Looks like you did well map and key were great as well as on revenue and the layout of the your recipe ideas from readers. section was easy to navigate for All in, great product and creativity the reader. Your contents pages in terms of growing revenue. seemed a little confusing at first Wonderful job. You should be and would have like to seen this proud. done differently to make things Honorable Mention: “NHAL State as easy as possible for the reader. Forest Visitor’s Guide 2020,” The Loved the “category ideas” page Lakeland Times - Staff and think this helps grow your list Judge’s Comments: Even though of categories and potential to sell the entry is for advertising, I like more advertising. Nice work. to look at all submissions as a reader first and publisher second. Great welcome from the Northern Division D Highland American Legion State First Place: “Beef-A-Rama 2019,” Forest property manager and on The Lakeland Times - Sasha Case, content and maps. As a reader, I Laura Larson, Tony Loomis, found these things to be important Heather Holmes as I navigate the section. Ad Judge’s Comments: Excellent stacking is a little confusing on execution. Top-notch editorial several pages and ad ratio is a little and creative layout. Advertising tight, but revenue looks good. participation was great and Creative layout and good finished carrying the theme of the issue product. as a publisher, I would by your advertisers was awesome. have been very happy with this Great job. section. Great job. Second Place: “Taylor County Progress 2020,” The Star News - Staff Division E Judge’s Comments: Great First Place: “Luxury Lake Geneva,” Best Special Section (Advertising), First Place (Division E) progress edition. Solid editorial Lake Geneva Regional News - Lake Geneva Regional News commitment along with great Steve Targo, Robert Ireland, Phil 64 Advertising Bonyata, Duane Hove section about this. It didn’t appear can seem impossible when this Excellent job saving the revenue Judge’s Comments: Awesome to be advertorial, just curious as a happens. You managed to be AND providing readers with great product. Great content throughout reader. Good use of space, graphics creative in your approach to content. for the reader and advertising and photos. Nice work. publishing the section focusing Honorable Mention: “2020 revenue looked promising. As a on previous years. As a reader, Community Review,” Courier reader, I would like to have seen knowing the event wouldn’t Sentinel - Staff content earlier in the book rather Division F happen, I would have loved Judge’s Comments: This enhanced than page 8. Too many ads up First Place: “Holiday Gift Ideas & reading about years past and it business honor roll section is front can be frustrating from a Event Guide,” Grant County Herald would have given me something very good. Pay to play is a good readers POV. Photos and creative Independent - Staff to look forward to in the future. way to make extra cash and you design were outstanding. Overall, Judge’s Comments: The clear very nice magazine and you should winner in this category. I didn’t be very proud. see the previous year’s issue, but Second Place: “Holiday Gift the redesign really hit the mark. Guide,” Lake Geneva Regional Great layout and design. Loads News - Steve Targo, Duane Hove, of advertising. Well organized for Robert Ireland, Phil Bonyata the reader and advertiser. Loved Judge’s Comments: In my the coupons in the back and experience, these sections are choice of inside stock. Great job challenging, especially when you to all involved. I’m sure it was a have great advertiser participation. nightmare to put together. Loved the layout, content from Second Place: “Children’s Greenshoot, Best Reviews Christmas Album,” The Valders and others. Also enjoyed your Journal - Brian Thomsen, Mary opening articles bringing home Thomsen, Dawn Coonce the importance of shopping local. Judge’s Comments: Ok. I have Although not all stories related seen more than my share of “letters to gifts, other content rounded to Santa” sections and this one out the section. Great job. Great is that on steroids. This is a great revenue and ads looked good. and very simple execution with Third Place: “Progress,” The so many fun ways to get students Monroe Times - Laura Hughes, involved. Whether through their Tai Ruegsegger, Lance Ray, Diane artwork, stories and ideas about Albright their own view of holidays and Judge’s Comments: Loved the so much more. Getting so many section. Great content by your sponsors on board had to be team and good flow for the reader. challenging, but you pulled it Advertising participating looked off and the finished product is great and overall creative execution amazing. Especially loved the idea fantastic. You really did a good job of having sponsors for student on this progress issue. artwork. You should be very proud Honorable Mention: “We Salute of this issue and it’s something Our Area Businesses’ Success,” any small town paper could pull Courier Press - Kim Corpian off. Thank you for sharing your Judge’s Comments: Very good creative idea. Loved it. submission. Advertising support Third Place: “Syttende Mai seemed strong and local content Section,” The Stoughton Courier always a challenge to produce, but Hub - Catherine Stang you did a great job. Not sure what Judge’s Comments: Losing a the criteria was for a business to be hometown festival due to Covid is selected, but would have liked to tough for all of us. Replacing and Best Niche Product, First Place (Daily Division) see something in the front of the growing previous year revenue EagleHerald, Marinette Advertising 65 guys did a great job. Very clean, Melissa Kowalczyk, Advertising and design an ad,” Daily Globe - Staff Judge’s Comments: Great way to easy to follow for your readers Staff Judge’s Comments: Great idea entice readers to pay attention to and excellent exposure for your Judge’s Comments: Great and wonderful way to design it. important items. advertisers. Nice work. magazine! Informative and Honorable Mention: “Drive Honorable Mention: “Source,” The wonderful layout designs. Wisconsin,” The Gazette - Nina Monroe Times - Tai Ruegsegger, Second Place: “Stateline 2020,” Perona, Jody Wisz, Donna Felland Laura Hughes, Lance Ray, Diane Best Niche Product Beloit Daily News - Staff Judge’s Comments: Nice Albright Judge’s Comments: Very nice magazine with beautiful photos. Judge’s Comments: Great Daily Division magazine! I liked how each Chamber magazine. First Place: “Discover Marinette community is represented. City & County,” EagleHerald - Third Place: “NIE Creative writing Division D First Place: “Visitor: Spectator’s Best Ongoing Guide to the Birkie/Birkebeiner Official Race Guide,” Sawyer Niche Publication County Record - Paul Mitchell, Darrin White Daily Division Judge’s Comments: Great job on First Place: “Fall Bridal; Spring informing your community and Bridal,” Beloit Daily News - Emily visitors about the event. Koch Second Place: “Waterfront 2020,” Judge’s Comments: I love the fact The Lakeland Times - Chris Frame that you do two bridal guides, and Judge’s Comments: Beautiful and give the reader options to choose informative! venues, themes, season flowers, etc. Third Place: “A Look Back,” The Very nice series. Lakeland Times - Chris Frame, Yvonne Immel, Buzzy Mode Judge’s Comments: Terrific idea! Weekly Division Love looking at past newspapers. First Place: “The Visitor,” Sawyer Honorable Mention: “Spring County Record - Paul Mitchell, Home and Garden,” Hudson Star- Darrin White Observer - Sally Shepherd, Eric Judge’s Comments: Love the size, Olson, Jamie Hoyem love the name ... named after the Judge’s Comments: Pretty reader instead of the publication or magazine, well designed. area ... great idea. Good content for visitor. Division E Second Place: “Back Roads ,” The Sun - Staff First Place: “Our Story 2020,” Judge’s Comments: Really nice — Spooner Advocate - Bill Thornley, the name is good, the content and Janis Redman, Michelle Carlson, design is nice. Photos are a bit off ... Deb Fosberg-Wheeler a little too light or something going Judge’s Comments: Great content on, but otherwise great publication. idea and wonderful layout design. Third Place: “Winter Times,” The Second Place: “Monroe Parks and Lakeland Times - Chris Frame Recreation Guide,” The Monroe Judge’s Comments: I love this Times - Jaimie Tran, Laura Hughes series. Very informative, the Judge’s Comments: Loved all the seasonal name change is creative information. and inviting, and the hyper-local Third Place: “CSZD Annual content for activities in your area Report,” Grant County Herald is great for visitors and residents Independent - Emily Koch Best Niche Product, First Place (Division D) alike. Well done. Sawyer County Record, Hayward 66

With great pride, we celebrate and congratulate Eau Claire and Janesville Top award winners

In the Sunday Morning Sunday Bar Code Bar 2020 WNA

Daily Newspaper of the Year Saturday Morning Saturday Best of Division B Code Bar and Best of Division A Nets snag Bucks The shorthanded Brooklyn New menu item? Talks grind on Better Newspaper Nets outpaced Milwaukee, Janesville coffee shop Negotiations between

even before the Bucks’ Mocha Moment has Monday-Friday Bar Code Bar Democrats and Trump all-stars sat out the applied for a class C

$1.50 liquor license, which would administration officials eLegramVolume 50 • number 23 • 2 sections • 16 pages Tuesday • June 30, 2020 second half, for a yielded some progress 91/70 Page -T8B allow it to sell limited eader 119-116 win . Twitter.com/LeaderTelegram Page 1B toward a new pandemic « eau CLaIRe and THe CHIPPeWa VaLLey’s LeadInG neWs sOuRCe sInCe 1881 1B amounts of wine . Page 3A L eLegram.com T Leader 3A relief bill . Page 7B Facebook.com/Leader.Telegram » SPORTS • Pandemic already having impact on MLB rosters, coaching staffs/ The • Plan suggests safer routes for people to walk, ride bikes to EC parks/ YOUR REGION Contest eau Claire Gazette County WISCONSIN’S BEST NEWSPAPER sees DELUGE Wednesday, August 5, 2020 • Our 174th year • $1.50 weekend virus spike Ambiguity upends referendum survey

Official: Lack Janesville School Board School District in November, according to a school district survey of residents. of social member worries question of equalized property value every year But a member of the school board said until the debt is paid off. Chief financial Tuesday night he’s not sure the survey Superintendent Steven Pophal said sim distancing likely officer Dan McCrea said the district’s esti might have been unclear results are valid because a survey ques- ilar to other districts, 78.5% of the budget mate is the debt would last 20 years. - a major factor tion about the cost of one referendum was - is in salaries and benefits. If an operational The $37 million operational referen- By Benjamin Pierce not clear. referendum isn’t passed, staff would likely By Sarah Seifert dum would address “urgent issues,” such bpierce@gazettextra .com The survey was created by the Dono- be laid off and class sizes would increase. Leader-Telegram staff as maintaining programs and services, sal- van Group and sent to residents during The survey results indicate 70.9% of JANESVILLE aries and other costs associated with daily With 28 new cases found the final weeks of July. respondents would support the capital ref Nearly 71% of residents would support operations in a school district. It would A $22.5 million capital referendum erendum, and 59.8% of respondents would over the weekend and a $22.5 million capital referendum and cost taxpayers an increasing amount each - would add safety and security measures at another 10 on Monday, Eau nearly 60% would support a $37 million year over four years. support the operational referendum. Claire County is seeing school buildings and replace old boilers in operational referendum for the Janesville For a $100,000 home, school taxes Results were shared with the Janesville its biggest spike yet in multiple school buildings. If approved, the would increase $40 in year one, $80 in School Board at a special meeting Tuesday. COVID-19 cases. result would be a $5 increase per $100,000 No action was taken, but the board needs On Friday, the county had year two, $120 in year three and $160 in to decide at its Tuesday, Aug. 11, meeting identified 180 cases. As of year four. Monday afternoon, cases had surged to 218, according Turn to SURVEY on Page to county data. City projects 9A “This weekend illustrates Sunny skis what we’ve been trying to avoid,” said Lieske Giese, director of the Eau Claire City-County Health De- worrisome partment, at a Monday Flash floods hit region press conference. “...We are really challenged with cases increasing in this commu- Man killed, stranded nity in a rapid way, and we motorists rescued budget deficit don’t think it’s going to stop unless we really work on near Baldwin keeping our circles small.” By Eric Lindquist Shortfall of more reductions in state aid, Giese attributed most of Leader-Telegram staff which many officials pre- the new cases of the virus than $1 million dict might happen because to county residents failing ne man was killed and several to stay six feet apart, and of the coronavirus pan- other motorists were rescued possible if aid cut demic. not wearing cloth face cov- from the roofs of their partial- erings when keeping their O City Finance Director ly submerged vehicles Monday after By Ashley McCallum distance is impossible. Max Gagin said he sees flash floods struck parts of west-central St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office photo “A lot of the cases we’ve amccallum@gazettextra .com three likely possibilities: no Wisconsin. been seeing in the last Eight Baldwin families also had to reductions in state aid, a 5% couple weeks could have JANESVILLE reduction or a 10% reduc be evacuated from their homes when A vehicle became stuck after a stretch of U.S. 63 north of Baldwin was washed out by Janesville City Manager been avoided by keeping floodwaters lapped at their doors after 8 flooding Monday when torrential rain hit much of west-central Wisconsin. tion. - that distance, especially rescued from submerged cars during Mark Freitag said the city inches of rain pounded the village over Monday morning’s rainstorm. Under a 5% reduc- in those small gatherings,” sin. faces a “tough budget cycle” about 18 hours from late Sunday after- Based on the preliminary investiga- tion, the city would face a Giese said. The region’s highest recorded rainfall for 2021, as a $710,200 defi- Page 2A noon until late Monday morning, said tion and eyewitness statements, the St. $1.2 million deficit. With See CASES totals as of late Monday afternoon were cit and expected state aid Capt. Jeff Klatt of the St. Croix County Croix County Sheriff’s Office conclud- a 10% reduction, it would 9 inches in the St. Croix County town of cuts loom like dark clouds. Sheriff’s Office. The families were taken ed that Parent drove his Dodge Grand have a $1.6 million deficit. to a community center. Emerald, about 8 inches in Hammond The city council Tues- Caravan westbound on the highway, Municipalities likely American Red Cross was helping and Baldwin, and about 7 inches in day held its first 2021 bud- lost control on the flooded roadway and won’t know if their state » Area libraries three families displaced by flooding, two River Falls and Roberts, according to get workshop, which kicks aid has been cut until Jan in River Falls and one in Woodville, with entered the north ditch. The van was off the annual budget cycle. plan reopenings National Weather Services reports. then inundated with water and became uary, when the state deter-- In-person, by-appointment temporary housing and basic needs. Gary J. Parent, 70, of Emerald died totally submerged. The projected bud- mines whether a budget visits begin Wednesday in EC. The storms, which dropped between Page 2A after driving onto a flooded section See FLOODING get deficit could worsen repair process is necessary, Owen Pittenger completes a 360-degree turn off the ramp during a practice for Rock Aqua Jay members at Traxler Park Page 3A 4 and 9 inches of rain over a large of Highway E in the town of Baldwin if municipalities see in Janesville on Tuesday. The Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team didn’t have a show season this year because of the swath of west-central Wisconsin, swept » Columnist: What where several other motorists were Contributed photo Turn to coronavirus pandemic, but members of the team will be still be competing this weekend,Anthony Aug. Wahl/ 8-9, inawahl@gazettextra the 2020 Show .com Ski through the southern Twin Cities metro DEFICIT on Page 9A did we expect? area before deluging western Wiscon- Individual National Championship at Traxler Park in Janesville. Widespread noncompliance leads to widespread infection. Page 7A Powerful warehouse explosion flattens Beirut Top: Rescue divers respond to one of several vehicles that became submerged after flooding Monday in St. Croix County. Lebanese officials: Warehouse storing tons of ammonium nitrate detonated Index aces Bridge ...... 7B By Bassem Mroue and Zeina Karam Classifieds ...... 6B into the sky. More than 70 peo Comics ...... 5B ana. Associated Press Crosswords ...... 4B, 6B The chief justice explained ple were killed and 3,000 injured,- and felt as far away as Cyprus, more dear abby ...... 4B abortion clinic law struckthat hedown continues to think the BEIRUT with bodies buried in the rubble, than 180 miles across the Mediter Food...... 8a Texas case was wrongly decid- A massive explosion rocked officials said. ranean. Lebanon’s interior minis-- Horoscope ...... 4B Obituaries ...... 4a Supreme Court ed, but believes it’s important Beirut on Tuesday, flattening It was not clear what caused the ter said it appeared that a large Opinion ...... 7a votes 5-4, with for the court to stand by its much of the city’s port, damaging blast, which struck with the force cache of ammonium nitrate in the Public notices ...... 7B prior decisions. buildings across the capital and of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, port had detonated. Puzzles ...... 4B fierce opposition “The result in this case is The sudden devastation over Region ...... 3a sending a giant mushroom cloud according to Germany’s geosci controlled by our decision four whelmed a country already - sports ...... 1B from dissenting years ago invalidating a nearly ences center GFZ, and was heard- sudoku...... 4B identical Texas law,” Roberts Weather ...... 8B conservative Turn to BEIRUT Wonderword ...... 7B wrote. He did not join the opin- on Page 5A People help a man who was wounded in Tuesday’s explosion in Beirut. justices ion written by Justice Stephen OBITUARIES AND DEATH NOTICES, 8A-9A •Anne Blackburn Associated Press Breyer for the other liberals By Mark Sherman •Mary Beth Dalton •Michelle “Shelly” Holmes in Monday’s decision, and his •Louise H. Selmer TODAY’S WEATHER Tomorrow Associated Press •Robert Fanning •Sith Keo Classified . . . . .9B-10B position left abortion-rights •Ed Getzen •Dorothy Elisabeth Klug •Lynn Kathleen Swenson High 77 | Low 58 Lotteries ...... 8A supporters more relieved than •Beverly J. Torkilson Comics ...... 6B Puzzles ...... 10B undergoing WASHINGTON — A divid- •Jacqueline M. Heinrich •Lyle Eugene Noe Sun and some Nation/World . .7B-8B elated. •Donna Lee Olsen •Suzan Wade Legals ...... 5A State ...... 2A surgery during ed Supreme Court on Monday The case was the third in clouds Opinion ...... 4A More on 9A TV/Advice ...... 5B struck down a Louisiana law Associated Press two weeks in which Roberts, ©2020 Adams Publishing Group. All rights reserved. a pandemic regulating abortion clinics, a George W. Bush appointee, reasserting a commitment to joined the court’s liberals in the » To get the newspaper and eEdition: abortion rights over fierce oppo- Terrisa Bukovinac, founder of Pro-Life San Francisco, holds a model LeaderTelegram.com/subscribe majority. One of the earlier deci- sition from dissenting conser- of a fetus as she and other anti-abortion protesters wait outside the sions preserved the legal protec- Thank You vative justices in the first big Supreme Court for a decision Monday in Washington. The court tions and work authorization for STAY HEALTHY abortion case of the Trump era. struck down a Louisiana law regulating abortion clinics. would start chipping away at 650,000 immigrants who were Chief Justice John Rob- brought to the U.S. as children. erts and his four more liberal over abortion with dozens abortion access. The key vote belonged to The other extended federal colleagues ruled that the law of state-imposed restrictions employment-discrimination Roberts, who had always voted requiring doctors who perform winding their way through the protections to LGBT Ameri- against abortion rights before, abortions to have admitting courts. But the decision was a cans, a decision that Justice Neil including in a 2016 case in privileges at nearby hospitals vi- surprising defeat for abortion Gorsuch also joined and wrote. which the court struck down Page 5A olates abortion rights the court opponents, who thought that See ABORTION first announced in the landmark a new conservative majority a Texas law that was virtually Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. with two of President Donald identical to the one in Louisi- The outcome is not the last Trump’s appointees on board word on the decades-long fight » FOLLOW PRECAUTIONS