Winners! 2018 Better Newspaper Contest 2 Newspapers of the Year

Daily: The Gazette, Janesville Weekly: The Lakeland Times, Minocqua Publisher: Sidney “Skip” Bliss Publisher: Gregg Walker Etc. 3

On the cover Let your readers know:

Top row, from left to right: Spot News Photo, Division C, Third Visit www.wnanews.com Place: Watertown Daily Times– “Watchful to download your 2018 Eyes” by Ed Zagorski Better Newspaper Contest General News Photo, Division B, Award Winner logo. Third Place, Leader-Telegram, Eau Cliare – “Emotional Goodbye” by Steve Kinderman Sports Photo, Division A, First Place, The Post-Crescent, Appleton – “Celebration at Congratulations division winners! state soccer tournament” by Dan Powers Daily Newspapers Weekly Newspapers Feature Photo, Division D, Second Place, Lake Country Now, Waukesha– “Skiers Division A Division D glide past” by Scott Ash The Gazette, Janesville The Lakeland Times, Minocqua

Bottom photo: Division B Division E Spot News Photo, Division D, First Place, Beloit Daily News The Ripon Commonwealth Press, Vilas County News-Review– “Monday Mishap” by Doug Etten Division C Division F The Monroe Times The Valders Journal Need duplicates? Additional plaques and certificates are available for purchase from the WNA Foundation. Plaques are $60 each and certificates are available for $6 each. Tax, postage and handling are included in the price. Deadline to order is Monday, April 8. For more information, contact Membership & Programming Specialist Jordan Schelling at jordan.schelling@ wnanews.com or (608) 283-7624. Thank you! Entries were judged by Our special thanks to Capital The 2018 Better Newspaper Contest Newspapers in Madison and Wisconsin members of the State Journal Editor John Smalley for included 2,799 total entries Washington Newspaper printing and assisting with this 2018 from 121 newspapers. Better Newspaper Contest results tab. Publishers Association. 4 Editorial General Excellence

Division A First Place: Wisconsin State Journal, Madison. Judge’s Comments: The editions this paper submitted contained ambitious stories that really took some reporting -- the worker shortage and gun violence. And the reporting was well-supported with graphics. Overall, this is a handsome and well-organized paper. Sunday Best is a great way to package all the lifestyle topics that, in another era, would have each had its own section. Lots of attention to providing diverse voices and community leadership on the opinion pages. Second Place: The Gazette, Janesville. Judge’s Comments: The Gazette does a great job of taking community news seriously and covering it energetically. I liked the calendar. The opinion page was solid (and a Sunday “Sound Off” column seemed pretty creative). And it offers just enough nation/state news to serve committed daily readers. The Monroe Times, Division C, Division B General Excellence First Place: The Reporter, Fond du Lac Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, The Reporter, Fond du Lac, photo big. Judge’s Comments: The Reporter has the Division A, General Excellence Division B, General Excellence Third Place: Spooner Advocate. Judge’s ambition to take on big topics — and the stories and photographs. It provides Comments: A lively read and visual energy to coverage breaking news. It puts Strong visuals and comprehensive, regional, state, national, and international pleasure that takes its journalism seriously, it all together in a very nice package. informative reporting. All-around coverage through wire services. The strong but also unabashedly celebrates the Second Place: Leader-Telegram, Eau excellent journalism. local voice editorially is from community community. Claire. Judge’s Comments: The Leader- Third Place: The Star News, Medford. members offering letters, but there is no Honorable Mention: The Platteville Telegram provides quite a complete Judge’s Comments: Strong focus on local local view or analysis on the editorial page. Journal. Judge’s Comments: Aggressive Sunday package. The large news hole content throughout. Fantastic example of Third Place: Watertown Daily Times. and comprehensive coverage, good human requires generous use of wires — but community journalism. Judge’s Comments: The Daily Times interest stories, impressive sports coverage news service copy is interesting and well- provides extensive front page coverage of – the complete package, delivered with selected. Special recognition for having local activities, both news and features, Division E bold visual presentation. an opinion page that still carries staff and with stories and photographs. It provides First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth local commentary. regional, state, national, and international Press. Judge’s Comments: Exemplary across the board. The Commonwealth Division F coverage through wire services. The strong First Place: The Oregon Observer. Division C delivers exhaustive and meaningful local voice editorially is from community Judge’s Comments: The Observer has a First Place: The Monroe Times .Judge’s coverage, strong design and a definite members offering letters, but there is no clean, bright design, with stories that grab Comments: The Monroe Times wins personality – big, confident, out there. The local view or analysis on the editorial page. the reader’s attention and photos that pop for its extensive local coverage from section fronts make an impact with what I of the page. reporters and photographers. It is the call a “3-D” affect – they come off the page Division D Second Place: Clintonville Tribune only paper evaluated that carried local at you. Serious and professional, but not First Place: The Lakeland Times, Gazette. Judge’s Comments: Exciting commentary on its editorial page, offering the least bit pompous. Minocqua. Judge’s Comments: Love the colorful photos grab reader’s attention readers analysis of the community from Second Place: Sun Prairie Star. Judge’s overall design of the paper. Has a great immediately; stories have depth and heart. community members. Kudos for your Comments: The Star starts out strong and modern look. But more importantly, Third Place: The Tribune-Phonograph. commitment to your community. keeps the momentum going through the strong reporting and compelling stories Judge’s Comments: Headlines that pull Second Place: Portage Daily Register. very last page. Lots of inviting entry points throughout each issue. the reader in - coupled with stunning Judge’s Comments: The Register provides enhanced by attractive design. Engaging Second Place: Vilas County News- photography - make the Tribune- extensive front page coverage of local writing, and the photography is used well Review, Eagle River. Judge’s Comments: Phonograph stand out. activities, both news and features, with ... they’re not afraid to make a worthy Honorable Mention: New London Press Editorial 5 articles are fun to read and each shows a different level of writing. Great way to introduce Journalism to a young person who may not have had a chance otherwise. Second Place: Crawford County Independent & The Kickapoo Scout, Watershed conservation leaders gather in a heartland of watershed restoration - Gillian Pomplun. Third Place: The Verona Press, Corre la Voz - Scott Girard. Judge’s Comments: Honorable Mention: Kewaskum Statesman, Cancer Awareness Pages - Andrea Steger, Tracy Dieckman, Andrea Hansen Abler, Anne Trautner.

Best Special Section

Division A First Place: Kenosha News, Class of The Ripon Commonwealth Press, The Oregon Observer, Division F, 2018 - Staff . Judge’s Comments: This is The Lakeland Times, Minocqua, Division E, General Excellence General Excellence a true keepsake edition. Every graduate Division D, General Excellence is listed. Every school gets a short feature An exemplary effort where a newspaper in Lake Geneva - Robert Ireland, Scott about that senior class’s identify and spirit. Star. Judge’s Comments: Newspaper has stepped up — something all newspapers Williams. Judge’s Comments: Timely, Lots of planning and work went into a clean, modern feel, while capturing the can learn from. helpful advice and important information profiles — and getting candid photos from reader’s attention with in-depth stories Second Place: Wausau Daily Herald, for the community made this stand out. throughout the year. and stunning photography. Wausau’s 20 Under Forty - Staff. Judge’s Second Place: Courier Press, Community Second Place: The Gazette, Spring Comments: An ambitious, well-done Election - Shari Rampenthal, Gazette series from the Journal Times on Racine’s Service: #PdCproud for Olympian Matt Antoine - Correne Martin, Kim staff. Judge’s Comments: This section Community Service/ extremely high eviction rate. performs an important civic function — The reporters delivered an interesting Corpian, Meaghan Schneider, Staff . Judge’s Comments: Civic pride, though one of the reasons our work still matters Engagement Award break down of the costs of evictions to to our communities. 20 pages of candidate Daily Division sometimes overlooked, can improve a the taxpayer, so that these were not just profiles, connected to online Q&A videos. First Place: The Daily Press, $1 community’s health; this was well done, abstract numbers, but hit home for the These are 20 well-organized pages. million referendum for addict services both in stories and in graphics. reader. Third Place: The Post-Crescent, - Peter Wasson, David LaPorte. Judge’s Third Place: Courier Press, Needs of the Personal stories put a human face on the Extraordinary: Three-page special section Comments: This is what a newspaper needy are here, more than ever; Retired issue, including the toll on students. commemorates Kimberly High School’s 70 should do: Serve as an honest broker in Prairie du Chien chiropractor donates big This was a deep-dive into an issue not straight wins and fifth straight state title. the community and make something to needy families; Red Kettle Campaign everyone necessarily cares about — the - Mike Sherry, Ricardo Arguello. Judge’s happen. raises $23K for Crawford County - series made clear everyone should. Comments: It is great when a newspaper In this case, the Daily Press, on short Correne Martin. Judge’s Comments: Not least, the reporting triggered a can share a community’s excitement about notice, organized a public forum with Quality stories for those most in need in response from the city and a local non- a winning team. This has a terrific cover the League of Women voters to give the the community. profit that may produce results. photo and an evocative column about public a chance to question local decision Honorable Mention: Vilas County Bravo. the football team’s achievements. But the makers about a $1 million property tax News-Review, Warm the Children Third Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, overall scope of content could have been referendum and opioid epidemic funding. program - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Very 2018 Press-Gazette Academic Team - Pete greater to rank among the top special Sixty people turned out at the meeting accessible for readers who want to know Frank, Sarah Kloepping, Jim Matthews, sections in this contest. space, which the Daily Press rented. Adam Wesley. Judge’s Comments: There how they can help The Daily Press’s reporting on the meeting must be a place in our communities included the subhead: “Community forum for honoring academic excellence. Well Division F Division B allowed taxpayers to get answers,” which executed. First Place: The Denmark News, Gettin’ First Place: Beloit Daily News, Legends sums up the whole effort. To Know Ya - Charles Collier. Judge’s of Sports - Jim Franz, Josh Flickinger. Subsequent issues featured various, Judge’s Comments: This had some tasty Division D Comments: I found this series to be very informed voices sounding off on the issue content for a sports-centric community: First Place: Lake Geneva Regional News, powerful in that it brings youth and the in opinion columns. Mixing stories about current stars with Partnership to monitor water quality elderly together on a personal level...the 6 Editorial some good “remember when” yarns. A Second Place: The Lakeland Times, and the takeaway format. refreshing approach. The art direction Wisconsin State Amateur Preview - Staff. Part 3 – Good logic – Informative, may not be everyone’s cup of tea. And I Third Place: Sawyer County Record, opinion stating the facts, educational to wish the headlines lived up to the stories American Birkebeiner Preview Edition consumers and calling on legislators to act themselves. - Paul Mitchell, Terrell Boettcher, Frank responsibly. Second Place: Daily Jefferson County Zufall, Darrin White. Third Place: Kenosha News, Deputies Union, Football preview - Chris Caporale. bring order to courtroom; Quit stalling: Judge’s Comments: This was a colorful, close dark store loophole; Ideas that stand Division E and well-organized project. Writing a bit out from Dems seeking state posts - Bob First Place: The Northwoods River News, undisciplined. But all the coverage was Heisse. Judge’s Comments: Part 1 - Winter Sports Preview - River News Staff . probably welcomed by players and their Deputies bring order to courtroom – Love Judge’s Comments: Very clean, very nice. families. Clearly a premium product for that they are recognizing the deputies for Second Place: The Platteville Journal, those readers. Good breakouts -- coaches’ a job well done and sharing the challenges 2018 Spring Sports Preview - Jason Nihles. records, past winners, etc. of a job ordinary people may think is an Third Place: Price County Review, Third Place: Beloit Daily News, Stateline easy one. Flambeau Rama - Seth Carlson, Jessica Area Community Yearbook - Staff . Part 2 – Quit stalling – Poses the question Sufak, Jen Moritz. Judge’s Comments: What an exhaustive leading the reader to ponder. Outlines it treatment of the annual “progress” edition. so the reader can clearly understand whats Honorable Mention: Daily Jefferson Division F going on. Calls out Legislators to do their County Union, Season’s Greetings - Staff . First Place: New London Press Star, jobs. Well stated. Judge’s Comments: This could easily been 2018 New London History Calendar - Part 3 – Ideas that stand out – Outlines an ad-only gift guide -- but an effort was Scott Bellile, Jamie Baumann. Judge’s the differences between candidates – made to find local pictures and develop Comments: This section took a common encourages the reader to learn more. human-interest stories. project and made it its own. With Straight and to the point. historical events and break downs, it made Honorable Mention: La Crosse Tribune, it fun to read through. Division C Get serious about one fire department Second Place: The Valders Journal, First Place: Baraboo News Republic, in La Crosse area ... There’s nothing fake Hometown Heroes - Brian Thomsen, Flood of 2008 - Staff . Judge’s Comments: about the need for a free press ... A life Mary Thomsen, Todd Bergmann. Judge’s This is important work fulfilling the lost too young, too tragically - Russell Comments: Great tribute to hometown primary task of a community newspaper, Cunningham. Judge’s Comments: Part heroes. Was expecting to see law including being the institutional memory. 1 – Calling out/on non collaborative fire enforcement along with the firefighters Great decision to develop and provide this depts to work together. LOVE the offer to and EMS. section to the community. book a venue and supply to coffee. Not just Third Place: The Valders Journal, June Second Place: Daily Globe, A History playing with fire, but with lives…. Dairy Month - Brian Thomsen, Mary Project: Journey back in time - Staff. Part 2 – Nothing fake about need for free Thomsen, Todd Bergmann. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Important tribute The Valders Journal, press – Love how they lead with the first Comments: This took an interesting with a lot of hard behind the scenes work amendment – near and dear to our hearts aspect on a national “holiday” and Division F, Editorial Award to track and gain the photographs. Great – Well stated editorial – Isn’t negative - its localized it to cater to readers. Good cross promotion of podcast for vehicle for capturing advertising. ok to disagree – reminds the reader the Honorable Mention: Juneau County readers who want to know more. Again Third Place: The Monroe Times, 2018 importance of free press. Star-Times, Take Aim - Star-Times Staff . succinctly puts the information out there Fall Sports Preview - Adam Krebs, Part 3 – Life lost too young – solicits Judge’s Comments: A fun approach to a to educate the public on the issue. Marissa Weiher. Judge’s Comments: emotion – heart wrenching, tragic – season that affects many readers. Part 3 – The president is an enemy of truth encourages community to act if they Comprehensive preview of the school year – again like the way they state their view at and all the sports team. Tremendous job see something – reminds all to be kind. the onset – very real – admit the fact that Repetitive. by Adam, a real commitment. they don’t always get it right – they invite Great vehicle for capturing advertising Editorial Award readers to look at things from a different Honorable Mention: Watertown perspective in a positive (not arrogant) Division B Division A Daily Times, A Tribute to Our Heroes way. First Place: Beloit Daily News, Out of First Place: Wisconsin State Journal, “Of - Staff Watertown Daily Times. Judge’s Second Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, bounds at golf course; Never be fearful course the cops should stay in schools”; Comments: Important tribute with a lot of Big Top deals while City Council of speaking up; As a community, will we “City shouldn’t bury history at graveyard”; hard behind the scenes work to track and delays; Take secrecy out of Legislature’s face this? - Bill Barth . Judge’s Comments: “The president is an enemy of the truth” gain the photographs. Great vehicle for harassment cases; Legislators must end This is well-reasoned and well-written - Scott Milfred. Judge’s Comments: Cops capturing advertising dark store comparisons - Pete Frank. commentary, original and local! It is stay in schools – clearly and succinctly Judge’s Comments: Part 1 - Calling out a evident the paper is courageously raising puts the issue out there for readers – Division D missed opportunity. It’s what we should be these topics as pertinent to a functioning Part 2 – city shouldn’t bury history – Like First Place: Vilas County News-Review, doing. community. The paper cares about they way they state their view at the onset. Salute to Emergency Personnel 2017 - Staff Part 2 - Liked the good, the bad, the ugly mobilizing the community. Editorial 7 Second Place: The Journal Times, On educational message for the community figures would make it stronger. Fascinating Facebook, you’re the product being sold and the beautification piece was a great move to build a wall at the school and | Owners of Wild Root ought to pay into community-building accolade. Good solid editorial calling for logic. project | Walker offers tax credits, but only work. to some - The Journal Times Editorial Second Place: The Record-Review, Editorial Section Board . Judge’s Comments: Good strong Rural Realities, A Needed Conversation, Division A analysis of issues at different levels, both Not a Government of Angels - Peter First Place: The Capital Times, - Dave state and local. Nice tone of writing. Weinschenk. Judge’s Comments: Great Zweifel, John Nichols, Lynn Danielson, Third Place: Daily Jefferson County job calling out the dysfunction a the city Judie Kleinmaier. Judge’s Comments: Union, Semper Fi: Remember local level and speaking out against suppression Consistently stellar writing from Dave Marine by living life as he did; Release of public information by police. Zweifel and John Nichols along with solid of twice-convicted Zhang a slap to all Fascinating take on earmarks. Enjoyed it. guest columnists make The Capital Times sex assault victims; Passion for telling Interesting perspective on court ruling of stand out above their competition. stories will keep your community strong - how to define a town as rural. Second Place: Wisconsin State Journal, - Christine Spangler, Alexa Zoellner. Judge’s Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Scott Milfred, Phil Hands, Laura Nolan. Comments: The style is more personal Press, Ripon man’s ‘moving’ tale challenges Third Place: The Gazette, - Andrew and touching, in the vein of a column. But merit-based immigration bill; Another Broman. it works. dollar store in Ripon? You don’t need a Honorable Mention: Green Bay Press- penny (or 100) for our thoughts; Glenn Gazette, - Pete Frank, Robert Zizzo. Division D Grothman’s gamble? You bet! - Tim Lyke. First Place: Vilas County News-Review, Judge’s Comments: Reasoned piece on School not to blame for ‘survival by immigration bill, Dollar store editorial Division B referendum’; Recreational OWI laws addresses the reality but won’t change a First Place: Leader-Telegram, - Liam should target repeaters; and Conservation thing - sorry, nice calling out the U.S. Rep. Marlaire. Judge’s Comments: A two-page wardens shouldn’t be park rangers. - Gary from your hometown. They need that once editorial section must be a rare thing, Ridderbusch, Kurt Krueger, Doug Etten. in a while. indeed. But these are interesting. Nice mix Judge’s Comments: Clear, concise, specific of content and columnists. Particularly and strong topics and language enjoyed the column on the Jamf culture. Burlington Standard Press, Division F The in-house editorial pieces cover some Division F, Best Front Page Second Place: Ladysmith News, First Place: The Valders Journal, Blocking city streets should cost weighty subject matter, which is refreshing Valders gets lesson from failed TIF deal; to see. Suggestion: Spell out your opinion columns emphasize community issues; railroads; Transparency on life support Vikings fulfill dream for team, their fans; in hospital deal; Problem goes higher up right at the top, and then support it letters are encouraged and strong citizen Ambulance needs a turn in direction throughout the rest. Don’t save it for later. participation through letters; publisher than kindergarten - Luke Klink. Judge’s - Mary Thomsen. Judge’s Comments: Comments: Assertive and to the point, Second Place: The Monroe Times, - editorials and columnists address diverse Sharp writing on all. Good perspective on Matthew Johnson, Emily Massingill, issues. make the newspaper a player when it responsibility of officials to do homework needs to be. Susan Endres. Judge’s Comments: on financial projects. Nice inclusion of Appreciate the focus on Sunshine Week Third Place: The Star News, Time to pull sports success in a community where Division E the plug on a bad law, Attorney general’s and newsprint tariffs. Readers often have First Place: Lake Geneva Regional News, that means a lot. Offering plain-language no idea, and they need to know. office should pay for Bowers’ leave, perspective on complicated issues like - Rob Ireland, Scott Williams. Judge’s Ignorance is the enemy of America - Brian financing ambulance services is great use Comments: Extensive editorial section; Wilson. of newsprint space. Division D local columnists writing about community Honorable Mention: The Country Today, Second Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, First Place: The Star News, - Brian concerns or expressing personal opinions; - Heidi Clausen. Judge’s Comments: Third Accountable; Do the math; In the dark Wilson. Judge’s Comments: Editorials and letters to the editor piece (Internet) is a favorite, mixing the - Kevin O’Brien, Kris O’Leary. Judge’s columns emphasize community issues; Second Place: New London Press Star, big issue with the personal Comments: Good editorial on holding letters are encouraged and strong citizen - Scott Bellile. Judge’s Comments: Local city accountable; nice to see the facts participation through letters; publisher columns and letters to the editor; little Division E and figures in “Do the Math.” Nice tie editorials and columnists address diverse publisher viewpoint First Place: Lake Geneva Regional News, to Sunshine Week and explanation of issues. Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Tragedy shows need for better mental coverage of payroll investigation. Second Place: Vilas County News- Press, - Tim Lyke, Ian Stepleton. Judge’s health care; Human trafficking: We all Third Place: Courier Sentinel, Failing to Review, - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Comments: lots of letters from readers; must try to understand this; Beautification plan, is planning to fail; Local planning Editorials and columns emphasize two staff columns on important local award a pleasant surprise - Scott Williams. efforts must continue; School wall plan community issues; letters are encouraged issues Judge’s Comments: Compelling editorials is misguided waste of resources - Brian and strong citizen participation through - even for those who don’t live there. Wilson. Judge’s Comments: Hog farm/ letters; publisher editorials and columnists The commentary on the tragic dementia zoning - A common-sense editorial on address diverse issues. victim was moving, the human trafficking a hugely important community issue. Third Place: The Lakeland Times, - editorial touched on an important Very similar to the other - some facts and Staff. Judge’s Comments: Editorials and 8 Editorial Best Front Page Judge’s Comments: Prominent photos really jump off the page. Honorable Mention: Waupaca County Division A Post, - Cody Popp, Robert Cloud, Greg First Place: The Gazette, - Tim Seeman, Seubert, Angie Landsverk. Judge’s Shawn Sensiba, Greg Little. Judge’s Comments: Great clean, consistent layout. Comments: Nice writing, good story selection and great photos make this the winner Division F Second Place: The Post-Crescent, - Staff. First Place: Burlington Standard Judge’s Comments: Nice clean designs, Press, - Ed Nadolski, Sue Lange. Judge’s great headlines, solid writing. Nice job. Comments: Big stories at the top really pop with strong front page design. Second Place: The Chetek Alert, - Chetek Division B Alert Staff. Judge’s Comments: Fantastic First Place: The Freeman, - Bill Yorth. design on main front-page stories really Judge’s Comments: Nice use of graphics highlights the strong journalism. and photos, bold headlines, and snappy Third Place: The Valders Journal, - Brian writing make this a first place winner. Thomsen. Judge’s Comments: Love the Second Place: Daily News, - Christopher design giving significant space to two Becker. Judge’s Comments: Creative significant stories on the dairy industry design work and good use of graphics and high school basketball. make this page an attention getter. Honorable Mention: The Stoughton Third Place: The Journal Times, - Courier Hub, - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Journal Times staff . Judge’s Comments: Dominant photos really show off the Designers here are unafraid to try strong photography. something new. Each page shows a new approach for drawing readers in. Sports Section Division C First Place: Portage Daily Register, Daily Division Deputy cleared in death - Staff . Judge’s First Place: Leader-Telegram, - Nick Comments: Great placement of news and Erickson, Spencer Flaten, Joe Ziemer, organization of the front page. Mike Klees. Judge’s Comments: Strong Second Place: Baraboo News Republic, - photography, compelling design, depth Staff . Judge’s Comments: Great photos to and breadth of coverage (active mix of catch the eyes of the readers. local, regional, state, nation, world), tons Third Place: The Monroe Times, - Adam of stats and a consistent personality make Krebs. Judge’s Comments: Eye-catching this section the winner. It gets the edge dominate photos and headlines. over second-place finisher based on front- Honorable Mention: Watertown Daily page impact. Times, arts, beats and eats; just getting Second Place: The Gazette, - Eric started; more than 60 students - Heidi Schmoldt, Tom Miller, John Barry, Bryan Schwoch. Judge’s Comments: A lot of Wegter. Judge’s Comments: A photo news items on the front, but could be aired Kenosha News, Division A, Best Headlines finish for first and second – If I could call out a bit. it a tie, I would. Engaging throughout for were not included. Lots to Catch the eye, Division E the same reasons as the first place winner. great layout. First Place: The Northwoods River News, Third Place: The Post-Crescent, - Mike Division D Sherry. Judge’s Comments: Thorough, First Place: The Lakeland Times, - Staff. Third Place: The Press Times, - Staff. River News Staff . Judge’s Comments: Judge’s Comments: Love to see these front Clean layout, strong headlines, dominant action-packed, informative throughout. Judge’s Comments: Leading with multiple Some strong photography but overall not murder stories on the front page of a pages free from advertisements. photos. Great looking front pages that Honorable Mention: The Star News, really draw you in. quite as visually impactful as first- and small newspaper is no easy task and the second-place winners. Lakeland Times did a great job with it. - Brian Wilson. Judge’s Comments: Second Place: The Ripon Congratulations. Love to see these front pages free from Commonwealth Press, - Ian Stepleton. Second Place: Vilas County News- advertisements. Judge’s Comments: Great designs really Division D Review, - Jean Drew, Gary Ridderbusch. make the major stories pop. First Place: The Chronotype, Dave Judge’s Comments: I would liked to have Third Place: Grant County Herald Greschner, Leiah Fundell. Judge’s read the page jumps on this entry but they Independent, - David Timmerman. Comments: Love the perception of the Editorial 9 photos, photos pop off the page, clean Feature/Lifestyle Section Comments: These are all solid headlines, Honorable Mention: The Country layout. Well done! but nothing really jumped out at me the Today, A ferry tale; In it for the long run; Second Place: Hudson Star-Observer, - way some others did. Scray sure to smile if you say cheese - Bob Burrows. Judge’s Comments: Well Daily Division Benjamin Wideman. First Place: The Gazette, Living Section done. Division B Third Place: The Lakeland Times, - Staff. - Shari Rampenthal. Judge’s Comments: Very clean and easy on the eyes. First Place: The Reporter, Gonorrhea Division E Judge’s Comments: Nice section, has gone awry; ‘When Lisa can come back and First Place: Lake Geneva Regional News, natural flow Second Place: The Gazette, Home and Money section - Shari Rampenthal. have her freedom, so can he’; Self-rolling Library closing the book on fines for Third Place: The Post-Crescent, - Ed snowballs? Yes, snow rollers exist - Sharon kids; Magic theater could disappear from Division E Berthiaume, Shane Nyman. Judge’s Roznik, Sarah Razner, Doug Raflik, Taima downtown; Got a kid in school? There’s First Place: Grant County Herald Comments: To make an apostrophe Kern. Judge’s Comments: Has all the an app for that - Scott Williams. Judge’s Independent, - A.J. Gates. Judge’s instead of a open single quote, type a components of great headlines: risky/eye- Comments: Cleverest. Comments: Colors pop, clean layouts. letter in front of the apostrophe, type the catching, powerful and full of energy. Second Place: The Ripon Absolutely beautiful. apostrophe then delete the extra letter. Second Place: Daily News, Welcome Commonwealth Press, Engineering Second Place: Pierce County Herald, Other than that, loved loved loved the back my friends, to the snow that never Future Success; On a boat or at home, - Staff. Judge’s Comments: Beautiful arcade cover. Tough competition, though. ends; Reality check yourself; Diaper GL native cooks up smiles; Coding sections. Well done! dandies - Christopher Becker. Judge’s Mr. Roboto - Hannah Tetzlaff. Judge’s Third Place: Barron News-Shield, - Comments: Your headlines drew me in Comments: Added to the story. Mark Bell. Judge’s Comments: Beautiful Weekly Division with wit, humor and energy. Third Place: The Northwoods River sections. Well done! First Place: Vilas County News-Review, Third Place: Leader-Telegram, Guys News, Exceeding Axe-pectations; Ready Michelle Drew, Doug Etten, Gary Eye View; Out Of The Dark; An Olympic for takeoff; Sticker Shock - Jeremy Mayo, Ridderbusch. Judge’s Comments: Great Stretch - Tom Gunderson. Judge’s Jamie Taylor, Heather Schaefer, Kayla Division F variety of stories. Strong coverage of First Place: Burlington Standard Press, Comments: I love how your headlines are Thomason. Judge’s Comments: Punny. events in the area and the people who live brief, to the point, and accurate. - Mike Ramczyk. Judge’s Comments: In there. a tough field, a nice section on the state Second Place: The Star News, - Mandi Special Pages girls’ volleyball championship stood out. Troiber, Brian Wilson. Judge’s Comments: Division C Great photos shared space with player Has a great local feel to it. Like you First Place: Watertown Daily Times, Daily Division bios and stories digging deeper into the might see a story about a friend or family How does your garden glow?; Pigment of First Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, championship. The remainder of the member in there. your Imagination; Keep smiling - Emily - Patrick Durkin, Jake Van Camp, Julie sections were well made and used photos Third Place: Burlington Standard Walsh. Judge’s Comments: Great word Larson. well. Nice work! Press, - Todd Mishler, Vicky Wedig, play on the first two, and “Keep Smiling” Second Place: The Valders Journal, - Heather Ruenz, Jennifer DeGroot. Judge’s is just fun. Weekly Division Brian Thomsen. Judge’s Comments: The Comments: What a touching story on the Second Place: The Monroe Times, First Place: Spooner Advocate, - Bill spread on the state basketball playoffs two children overcoming cancer. Strong, Laughing in the purple reign; King Pin; Thornley. Judge’s Comments: Excellent made the competition close for design. compelling stories really make the most of Not Zettle-ing for a loss - Adam Krebs. writing and storytelling. Love the photos The paper features solid, simple design the single-page format. Judge’s Comments: Any Prince reference with color and black-and-white photos is a winner in my book. “King Pin” is short and design. Unlike many entries in this used strategically to give each page nice to the point, but still punchy. category, this section doesn’t have a broad emphasis including jump pages. Kudos! Best Headlines Third Place: The Monroe Times, mix of work from different reporters/ Third Place: Clintonville Tribune Halloween no treat for Monroe meth lab photographers, but Bill Thornley’s writing Gazette, - Erik Buchinger, Sue Schroeder, Division A operators; A Merry ‘Quiesmas’; Nebulous style, sense of humor and original wildlife John Faucher. Judge’s Comments: First Place: Kenosha News, Bonn voyage, planning, clear success - Bridget Cooke. photos make this section stand out from Designers use tools well for cut-outs and Bob; You’re a good player, Da’Shaun Judge’s Comments: “Merry Quiesmas” the rest. pictures making pages vary. Stat page Brown; Jeer, jeer for old Notre Dame - is very clever and fun. And great use of Second Place: The Northwoods looks nice and is easy to read. Flow of Jeremy Reeves. Judge’s Comments: Loved nebulous in the third headline. River News, - Beckie Gaskill. Judge’s photos works well, too. Nice work! the Charlie Brown reference! Comments: Good blend of news stories, Honorable Mention: Reedsburg Times Second Place: The Gazette, Rashkin calls columns and photos. Readers are lucky Division D to have such a well-rounded Outdoors Press, - Chris Flores, Sean Davis. Judge’s for a county reefer-endum; Bark to the First Place: The Lakeland Times, Raising Comments: There are some great photos future; It takes a village to irritate a city - section in their paper every Friday. the bar; Opener not so open; Ott-Lasting Third Place: Kewaskum Statesman, used effectively. Spacing is good for photos Tim Seeman. Judge’s Comments: “Reefer- the field - Nick Sabato, Jeremy Mayo, and stories and their jumps. Moving a endum” didn’t do it for me, but you nailed Veterans Day Section - Honoring Those Beckie Gaskill. Who Served - Staff of the Kewaskum dynamic photo up and the sports schedule it with the “It takes a village.” Second Place: News Graphic, Sky Dance; down may help the page pop more. The Third Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Statesman . Judge’s Comments: Nice Treasures of H2OZ; Night of a Thousand concept and enjoyed reading the stories mascot in the schedule does help break it Green & Gold Bombshell; Covert Starts - Kay Dahlke. up though. Good job! communication; Summer sweat becomes about the Honor Flights. Would have liked Third Place: The Country Today, - Heidi to see more photos from Statesman staff. winter heat - Julie Larson. Judge’s Clausen. 10 Editorial

third failed inspection - Rory Linnane. staff have dealt responsibly and, in cited When a rape stole her sense of control, Open Records/FOI Award Judge’s Comments: Important work on instances, irresponsibly with their legal she fought back by eating fire; ‘I don’t a subject that is all too common in many obligations for transparency. The message think anyone escaped it’: Sheboygan’s states. succeeds, if readers take time read the 1998 flood left scars, triggered changes; Division A Honorable Mention: Beloit Daily entire text, on reaffirming the statutory Shared grief gives Plymouth couple second First Place: Wisconsin State Journal, News, Two BPD officers commute to dictate: government is accountable and chance at love; (others) - Marina Affo. “Don’t rush or hide contract with Milwaukee in city-owned vehicles - Austin responsible to the residents-voters- Judge’s Comments: This reporter is a fine, Foxconn”; “Tell WEDC to cough up the Montgomery. Judge’s Comments: Goes taxpayers it serves. A clear, decisive sensitive storyteller who is able to quickly contract”; “Stop playing games with public to show that open-records laws can winner here! get to the root of the story. Wonderful records”; “Hand over public records be effectively used to shine a light on Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional work. electronically” - Scott Milfred. Judge’s everyday community issues that are of News, Fontana village shakeup linked Second Place: The Gazette, Complaint: Comments: Strong and effective advocacy great import to local readers. to internet porn; Trustees mum Ex-student tried to stab school official; of government transparency gets results. A about Fontana village action; Fontana Local women reflect on the #MeToo clear first place winner. movement; Milton mother hopes others Division C administrator on paid leave; Fontana to Second Place: USA TODAY can get treatment after son’s overdose; First Place: Baraboo News Republic, pay ex-administrator $35,000; Fontana NETWORK-Wisconsin, Investigation of Minorities a sliver of mortgage applicants; Baraboo News Republic sues Sauk County pays lawyers $34,000 in administrator’s University of Wisconsin sexual harassment Need for certified nursing assistants rising for records - Tim Damos, Staff . Judge’s departure - Chris Schultz. Judge’s coverups - Karen Herzog, Alan Hovorka, in Rock County - Ashley McCallum. Comments: Determined and disciplined Comments: A relentless effort to track Devi Shastri. Judge’s Comments: Use Judge’s Comments: This reporter also reporting on significant local issues local government’s reluctance to deal with of public records here showed how a has a gift that’s worth cultivating: that as obscured by local politicians. a touchy personnel issue that eventually university employee was able to move a storyteller. Lovely writing. You have a Second Place: Stevens Point Journal, earned public exposure. The reporter, from job to job despite numerous bright future! School board wants to charge thousands and the newspaper’s editorials, carried complaints about his conduct. Nice job. Third Place: Oshkosh Northwestern, of dollars for records - Alan Hovorka. the transparency banner through this Third Place: The Post-Crescent, FIT Oshkosh exhibit highlights Judge’s Comments: Sound explanation three-month imbroglio. Even with the Regulators keep pressure on Greenville diversity;Robotics students grow alongside and example of why open records laws are articles and editorial, the investigation to restore stream - Duke Behnke. Judge’s their machine;Chaos in Omro schools essential. and conclusion still remain murky. Public Comments: Getting the emails of public puts leaders on notice;UW-Oshkosh’s all Third Place: Daily Tribune, Port Edwards officers cited lawsuit fears while the officials pulled back the veil on this public female-deans talk gender progress;DNR whistleblower coverage - Karen Madden. newspaper called them for accountability. controversy. Nicely done. says chemical leak after fire not a threat - Judge’s Comments: Case study of the Regardless of lingering question, the Devi Shastri. Judge’s Comments: You have impact of whistle blowers and their social newspaper and its editorial leadership a talent as a storyteller, and you do it well! Division B contract with the press. provided readers with details they could Honorable Mention: The Journal Times, First Place: Oshkosh Northwestern, Honorable Mention: The Daily Press, apply, should they choose, at a future All Saints end vasectomies; Support- UWO chancellor’s former home is for sale; City dumps nearly 75 million gallons village election. Good reporting; good animal debate boils; What happens to Audit says UWO center may have broken of sewage into bay; 19 violations, no leadership! your possessions?; Officer’s paid leave federal law; Foundation lawsuit against penalties for Ashland - Rick Olivo. Third Place: Northwest Now, continues; Bursting at the seams - Adam UW System gets trial; Former top UWO Judge’s Comments: Detailed account investigation reveals Germantown Rogan. Judge’s Comments: Solid work by officials face felony charges; Former UW- of significant problem that would have fire chief’s history - Tyler Langan. a promising journalist. Oshkosh leaders plead not guilty - Devi remained hidden without this reporting. Judge’s Comments: As with too many Shastri, Karen Herzog, Nathaniel Shuda, so-called personnel issues, town-city- Nate Beck. Judge’s Comments: Thorough village-municipal officials remain silent Weekly Division Weekly Division and methodical coverage that clearly behind state laws that rule government First Place: The Waunakee Tribune, A First Place: The Lakeland Times, helped drive official actions and public transparency. In this instance, the year of Waunakee sports - Tom Linder. Sunshine Week Grades - Staff. Judge’s discourse. Great to see. newspaper pressed for public records Judge’s Comments: Tom’s work stands Comments: A prodigious effort Second Place: Wausau Daily Herald, related to a fire chief’s departure. Some out! His opening sentences draw you in succeeding in making transparent the Weston Village Board suspends were finally revealed. But even with the and he pulls great quotes from players and action and inaction of local, state and administrator in secrecy - Haley BeMiller, detailed stories here, questions linger, coaches alike. The formatting of stories national government agencies and Mark Treinen, Rob Mentzer. Judge’s information is absent. And state law works well too fusing scores and quotes. individuals related to their obligations for Comments: Love it when journalistic designed to perpetuate transparency also Keep up the hard work! transparency. This compendium provides tenacity forces municipal officials to learn can shield essential information from Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional readers specific detail in a scorecard- about and comply with public-records disclosure. Sad! News, Murphy makes Badger’s first trip format on how their government officials laws. to state tournament; WIAA rule change performed under Wisconsin’s public Third Place: Oshkosh Northwestern, threatens to disband gymnastics co-op; records and open meetings laws—and “Rookie” Reporter of the Death of psychiatric patient on state’s Big Foot QB out for the season; Big Foot beyond, to include President Donald Year watch under review by district attorney; duo makes four state straight meets; Trump. The project is a multi-page No charges in Winnebago patient Regional champions - Andrew Tucker. “editorial” describing and depicting death;Problems linger 8 months after Daily Division Judge’s Comments: Andrew shows solid how government agencies, officials and patient’s death;Changes promised after First Place: The Sheboygan Press, writing and perspective as a new reporter. Editorial 11

more, it’ll strengthen her voice. Good job! applicant. Honorable Mention: Waukesha County Honorable Mention: The Oregon Honorable Mention: EagleHerald, Now, After marijuana deal turned violent, Observer, Oregon man freed from corn Moving a hospital/Planning for everything an 18-year-old Oconomowoc man was picker after arm trapped for an hour; - Penny Mullins, Melissa Kowalczyk. shot in the back in Waukesha - Jim Riccioli Reading, recycled; Veterans find peace Judge’s Comments: Very interesting . Judge’s Comments: There’s so much with pets; Growing into a civic campus; article and well-written going on in this story and the reporter No ‘overnight’ fix for Dunn flooding - does a great job of sorting it out for the Alexander Cramer. Judge’s Comments: Division C reader. Alexander shows a strong diversity in his First Place: The Monroe Times, coverage. There are some really strong Green County secures $40K grant for Division E pieces, such as “Veterans find peace with business growth - Bridget Cooke. Judge’s First Place: Courier Press, Bridgeport pets.” As he continues to dig, he’ll uncover Comments: murder trial - Correne Martin. Judge’s more great features in his community Second Place: The Daily Reporter, GOP Comments: “No more Mother’s Days.” while strengthening his writing. Good job! candidate Jacque facing backlash over The emotion in this story just hits you prevailing-wage repeal - Nate Beck. from the start. Very well-written and great General News Story Third Place: Marshfield News-Herald, coverage of a major story. Division A Owen police chief accused of misconduct, Second Place: New Richmond News, on paid leave - Mitchell Skurzewski. Will stagecoach roll-out help crack First Place: The Gazette, Complaint: Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, unsolved St. Croix County murder after Ex-student tried to stab school official - Man sentenced to prison for friend’s death 25 years? - Mike Longaecker. Judge’s Ashley McCallum. Judge’s Comments: - Katjusa Cisar. Comments: Excellent mix of news and Great, great writing. the background story. The important Second Place: The Gazette, Man Division D thing here isn’t that they’re bringing the sentenced to 15 years in prison for First Place: Ladysmith News, Not guilty stagecoach out, but to help remind readers killing his best friend during drunken verdicts reached in Larson stabbing why they’re doing so. The well-written Russian roulette - Jonah Beleckis. Judge’s trial; Judge rules to hear jury trial over description of this cold case does just that. Comments: Superb reporting and writing. weekend; Trial halted after officer states Third Place: The Portage County Third Place: The Post-Crescent, Wife’s he deleted pictures; Text messages reveal Gazette, Stanley Street: A closer look at a 911 call conveys desperation, heartbreak ‘rollercoaster’ relationship; Officer testifies controversial topic - Joe Bachman. Judge’s in Appleton police shooting death - Duke he saw no signs of attack on Mar - Luke Comments: Excellent in-depth look at Behnke. Judge’s Comments: Gripping Klink. Judge’s Comments: Depth of a controversial topic. Traffic and safety story. coverage here is fantastic. It’s clearly a issues aren’t always the most exciting Honorable Mention: The Gazette, major story for the community, and it’s topics, but they can be some of the most Janesville goes BOOM - Frank Schultz. treated that way. Very well-written, good important that we cover. photos and strong overall coverage. Honorable Mention: The Northwoods River News, An evening of farewells: Division B Second Place: Vilas County News- Heck, Johns honored for community First Place: Wausau Daily Herald, Review, Opioid abuse, “meth crisis” Wausau Daily Herald, service - Jamie Taylor. Judge’s Comments: Pregnant woman heads to prison probed in Vilas - Joe Costanza. Judge’s Division B, General News Story These two men obviously cared deeply for after relapse - Haley BeMiller. Judge’s Comments: Lede does a good job of their community. The reporting on their I can tell he’s looking for new angles and Comments: Clear and concise, and putting the opioid and meth crises in farewells clearly conveys that. with more experience he’ll continue to great job interviewing other people for perspective, in terms of how long drugs delve deeper and find more stories that background/added interest. Well written have been a problem in our country. And interest him and readers. Your community and interesting. the rest of the story details how the current Division F should be proud to have you! Second Place: The Reporter, Giving issue is affecting the community. Excellent First Place: The Stoughton Courier Hub, Third Place: The Valders Journal, Eaton survivors power over their story, student coverage of a major issue. Another homecoming - Scott Girard. tells company to stop testing sprayers on opens ‘What Were You Wearing?’ exhibit Third Place: North Shore Now, Former Judge’s Comments: Great lede and very roads; Miracle League diamond sparkles - Sarah Razner. Judge’s Comments: Nicolet teacher accused of sexual abuse well-written. A heartwarming story. with smiles; Ruth’s gardens stay alive, Well-written and interesting, and lots of found dead in his garage - Alec Johnson, Second Place: New London Press Star, thrive in lakeside haven; County Dems background interviews. Easy to read; clear Christopher Kuhagen. Judge’s Comments: Mosquito Hill may change its name - Scott handicap party’s primary for governor; and concise. This is excellent work on a devastating Bellile. Judge’s Comments: Great story Country schoolhouses don’t go quietly Third Place: Beloit Daily News, story. From the sexual abuse investigation flow and very informative. - Emma Dill. Judge’s Comments: With Questions arise over one of three school to the apparent suicide, there’s so much Third Place: The Oregon Observer, ‘From Emma writing a bulk of the stories, finalists - Austin Montgomery. Judge’s involved here. The authors do a great job dream to reality’ - Samantha Christian. she covered a wide-range of topics Comments: Well-written and researched, of reporting the news of the day while also Judge’s Comments: “Flurry of activity” and features. Her eagerness shows and but reporter should have interviewed incorporating much-needed context on gives a good feel for what’s been going stepping up to see more of her community the litigants against the superintendent the allegations against this teacher. on. And the story really shows how much will help her writing. As she sees and does 12 Editorial work went into the food pantry. - Katjusa Cisar. Judge’s Comments: Well Jennifer Fetterly, Brian Sheridan. Judge’s Honorable Mention: Tribune Record covered and tracked breaking news story Comments: Well-written and great Gleaner, My Dog is Home - Dean Lesar. following it to its conclusion, supplying photos, but not quite as thorough as the Judge’s Comments: Touching story. specific details. Many good quotes from First Place winner various sources. Good job. Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Third Place: Watertown Daily Times, Press, Area man charged for allegedly Breaking News Coverage One dead in apartment building threatening to kill Ripon officials - Ian explosion, Explosives destroyed at Stepleton. Judge’s Comments: Well- Division A Beaver Dam apartment, City will take written and thorough, and good photos. I First Place: La Crosse Tribune, August down damaged building, Officials take was a bit thrown by referring to the mayor flooding - Kyle Farris, Jourdan Vian, Peter questions on planned controlled burn at by his first name. Thomson, Russell Cunningham. apartment, Authorities identify man killed Honorable Mention: The Northwoods Second Place: The Post-Crescent, DA, in explosion - Sarah Weihert, Ed Zagorski. River News, Man arrested after police describe horrific conditions as Judge’s Comments: Well covered and 6-hour standoff - Jamie Taylor. Judge’s Appleton girl with disabilities dies ‘a tracked breaking news story following it to Comments: Well-written and to the point. slow death’; Girl in Appleton neglect case its conclusion, supplying specific details. Many good quotes from various sources. absent from school 162 days in final year Division F Good job. before she died; No help came: Heartbreak First Place: The Cambridge News and Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, at every turn in death of 13-year-old Deerfield Independent, Deerfield Tornado Monroe Plane Crash - Bridget Cooke. Brianna - Alison Dirr, Chris Mueller, Ed and Cambridge Gas Line Hit - Karyn Judge’s Comments: Well covered and Berthiaume. Saemann. Judge’s Comments: The double- tracked breaking news story supplying Third Place: The Post-Crescent, Police duty effort of the staff and their good work specific details. Good quotes from sources. fatally shoot man acting ‘erratically’ with truly shows! Lots of reporting initiative, Good job. knife at Fritse Park; Fox Cities Trestle Trail including hiring the drone. Two events in sees second fatal shooting in three years; one week, and how to cover them - We’ve DOJ identifies man killed by police as Division D all had that situation. This was a marvelous Joshua Gomoll of Kaukauna - Duke First Place: Ladysmith News, Trains effort in response. Congratulations! Behnke. Judge’s Comments: collide near Exeland; locomotive derails, Second Place: The Chetek Alert, catches fire; Railroad begins cleaning Rembering Natalie; Ex-husband said Division B up, unraveling what caused trains to to be shooter; Criminal, civil charges Beloit Daily News, Division B, First Place: Wausau Daily Herald, crash; Where did rail safety measures precede fatal shootings - Carl Cooley, Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting Helicopter crashes in Hazelhurst - Staff . fail in crash?; Report sheds light on train Bob Zientara. Judge’s Comments: Triple market. Second Place: Daily News, Tornado crash response - Luke Klink. Judge’s death story, lots of details included. Good Second Place: USA TODAY touches down in Washington County - Comments: visuals. I like the court and police records NETWORK-Wisconsin, Delays, blunders John Ehlke, Christopher Becker. Judge’s Second Place: Monroe County Herald, search and reporting on the assailant. and police neglect in Wisconsin’s response Comments: Devastating flooding inundates region - Third Place: New London Press Star, to rape kits - Keegan Kyle, Alison Dirr. Third Place: The Journal Times, Pat Mulvaney. Judge’s Comments: Weekend dumpster fire could have Judge’s Comments: A topic more papers Pedestrians struck; Deputy, bystanders Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, destroyed New London landmark - Scott should be pursuing. Shocking numbers aid couple; 27 felony charges in hit-run Three killed in chopper crash, fund Bellile. Judge’s Comments: Dumpster fire reinforced by good human-interest mayhem; Deputy, store worker honored - established for families; Medical helicopter story nicely written, and with an engaging storytelling. Caitlin Sievers. crew praised for dedicated service - Dean flare too. I count in the apparent pictures Third Place: The Capital Times, Honorable Mention: Daily Jefferson Acheson. of a second reporter at the scene, making a Lawmakers call for Matt Flynn to exit County Union, Good Samaritian risks team effort. Wisconsin governor’s race over priest high waters to save drowning goat - Alexa Honorable Mention: Kewaskum Division E abuse cases - Katelyn Ferral, Jessie Zoellner. First Place: Grant County Herald Statesman, Fire Rages Through Village Neighborhoods - Anne Trautner. Opoien. Judge’s Comments: A damning Independent, Cassville, region deluged compilation of on-the-record facts about a Division C by storms; Region struck by storms; candidate. First Place: Daily Citizen, Apartment Village, bank set up flood fund - David Investigative Reporting Honorable Mention: The Capital Times, explosion - Terri Pederson. Judge’s Timmerman. Judge’s Comments: Grave Matters - Katelyn Ferral. Judge’s Although there were a few places where Comments: On the scene and providing Division A Comments: Paper found a great source editing was needed, this was a very detailed reporting with quotes from First Place: Wisconsin State Journal, and used his examples to show how thorough and otherwise well-written set residents and officials. Stick to it follow up Company has nine violations - David slopping the military headstones are. of stories day after day. Capturing story with photos Wahlberg. Judge’s Comments: An as well. Building story over time. Second Place: Sun Prairie Star, ambitious effort to track health company’s Division B Second Place: The Monroe Times, #SunPrairieStrong after explosion kills performance in a number of states -- just First Place: Leader-Telegram, Altoona Confused trespasser alarms local residents one, injures 11 - Christopher Mertes, as it prepares to open in the newspaper’s fires Biedron; Board reaches employee Editorial 13 decision; District denies Biedron fired; Rausch handled MFD accounts outside roads; At a crossroads: Repeat impaired Behind-the-scene sleight-of-hand inserts Texts play role in controversy; Staff city oversight - Bridget Cooke. Judge’s drivers continue to slip through the legislation aimed at benefiting a single out- unease cited; Good vs. bad; Biedron Comments: You saw a small detail on system - Mike Longaecker, Youssef of-state frac sand mining company - Chris resigns, reaches deal with board - Julian a city agenda and followed it to reveal a Rddad. Judge’s Comments: Outstanding Hubbuch. Judge’s Comments: Powerful Emerson. Judge’s Comments: This is what great story. Wonderful job. reporting and thoughtful writing with the and clear reporting of how the game really investigative journalism is all about. You Third Place: The Daily Reporter, potential to prompt meaningful change. plays out. follow a small detail that uncovers bigger Subcontractor booted from Foxconn The journalists chose a worthwhile Third Place: The Capital Times, issues. Those issues revealed by the stories project after WisDOT work ban comes to subject, and did an excellent job of using Mad About Bitcoin - Steven Elbow. build public pressure and force officials light - Nate Beck. Judge’s Comments: One personal stories to put the grim statistics Judge’s Comments: The power of great into action. Great reminder of how simple question can have huge results. in context. Kudos too, for treating both the writing and top notch graphics came journalism can make a difference. Keep up the good work. victims and the former perpetrators with together to decode the mysteries behind Second Place: Oshkosh Northwestern, Honorable Mention: Daily Citizen, compassion. cryptocurrencies. Positively brilliant UWO chancellor’s former home is for Claim filed against ICE - Aaron Holbrook. Second Place: Pierce County Herald, writing by Steven Elbow. sale; Audit says UWO center may have Judge’s Comments: I was a little confused Records reveal reasons behind three Honorable Mention: The Capital Times, broken federal law; Foundation lawsuit how a citizen with permanent legal Prescott police terminations; Prescott Rebuilding: Tomah VA Medical Center against UW System gets trial; Former top status could be deported, and wanted official: ‘No doctored documents’; Former works to improve after opioid scandal UWO officials face felony charges; Former more information on the legality behind Prescott cops sue city; Judge strikes - Katelyn Ferral. Judge’s Comments: UW-Oshkosh leaders plead not guilty; that. Besides that, good story — I’d be down lawsuit by former Prescott cops - Excellent writing. UW-Oshkosh Foundation s - Devi Shastri, interested in a followup on the $5 million Mike Longaecker, Sarah Nigbor. Judge’s Karen Herzog, Nathaniel Shuda, Nate lawsuit. Comments: The reporter did a nice job of Division B Beck. Judge’s Comments: Sometimes the pushing for records that held some less- First Place: Beloit Daily News, key to investigative journalism is owning Division D than-stellar public servants to account. Classrooms at a crossroads - Hillary a story. After you dig up the initial details, First Place: Wausau Pilot and Review, Well-chosen details and consistent Gavan. Judge’s Comments: Excellent you have to stay on it and cover any and Court docs: Riverlife developer CEO followup stories that showed the lasting reporting. Clear explanation of the every development in the story. This team embroiled in $8.3M Colorado ripoff - repercussions of the police department problems facing the school and a series clearly did so and it made a difference. Shereen Siewert, Kirk Mitchell. Judge’s disfunction. of well-peopled stories. A fine example Great use of open records. Comments: The totality of this entry is Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth of education reporters doing the work Third Place: Wausau Daily Herald, The what made it the winner. This type of Press, Stuck on Second - Ian Stepleton. readers and taxpayers deserve when their real story behind a murder-for-hire plot - information is not easy to find. The depth Judge’s Comments: Great quotes in a district is in crisis. Haley BeMiller. Judge’s Comments: This of this investigation is evident. The editor’s story about an often over-looked group Second Place: The Journal Times, story blew me away. It’s devastating to read note helped as it explained changes that of people. The story highlighted the lax Forced out; What happens to your about such abuse, but getting the victim have happened as a result of the entry. quality standards inside too many facilities possessions?; Cycle of evictions;The toll to discuss it is a remarkable achievement Second Place: Waukesha County Now, that serve elders. on students; Stemming the tide; The by the reporter. Matching it up to her An off-duty New Berlin police officer was Honorable Mention: The Valders evictions conversation must continue; statements to police and digging into the driving drunk. Waukesha police didn’t cite Journal, Would-be TIF developer’s Housing action plan discussed - Caitlin details shows good investigative work as him. - Elliot Hughes. Judge’s Comments: background shows violations in running Sievers, Adam Rogan, Christina Lieffring, well. The best-written storytelling of all the centers - Todd Bergmann. Judge’s Sari Lesk. Judge’s Comments: Excellent Honorable Mention: Leader-Telegram, A entries, by far. But in this category we Comments: Reporter did a nice job reporting and good interviews. I especially matter of degrees; Memory jarred, job lost also have to look at the depth of the of vetting a business developer. It’s so liked the section on what happens to - Julian Emerson. Judge’s Comments: This information and how hard it is to obtain it. important to investigate the realities people’s belongings when they’re evicted. investigation should serve as a reminder Third Place: West Now, Video captures behind the shiny advertising, and this Third Place: Herald Times Reporter, to anyone involved in a public project that Wauwatosa police officer punching teen reporter proved it was worth the time to Proposed Lake Michigan marine you can’t hide past lies and/or mistakes outside Mayfair mall - Karen Pilarski. check them out. sanctuary sparks fears of federal overreach from your past. Great digging by this Judge’s Comments: This entry shows - Alisa Schafer, McLean Bennett. Judge’s reporter. just how important social media is to Enterprise/Interpretive Comments: I like this a lot. Good writing, newspaper coverage today. Reporting and a very clear exploration of all sides of Division C Honorable Mention: The Lakeland the issue on declaring a sanctuary. It could First Place: Stevens Point Journal, Times, Rape allegation unreported to be a government takeover or a boon for University administrator accused of sexual sheriff for three years - Richard Moore. Division A communities. harassment, rehired - Alan Hovorka. Judge’s Comments: A solid story. Too First Place: The Capital Times, Off Honorable Mention: The Freeman, Judge’s Comments: It must have felt good good not to recognize in some way. the Menu - Lindsay Christians. Judge’s What’s caught at the courthouse? - Brian to know your reporting led to an overhaul Comments: Crisp, fresh, and authentic Huber. Judge’s Comments: What a good of the UW hiring practices system (and reporting of the day to day challenges read from start to finish! I love this story Division E facing workers in this industry long get Governor Walker involved to boot). First Place: New Richmond News, idea -- what security screening catches Great investigative work. ignored. It was the exquisite writing that walking into court houses. Impaired in the north country: Chronic floated this cream to the top. Second Place: The Monroe Times, drunken drivers plague Minn., Wis. Monroe’s deputy fire chief resigns; Heins, Second Place: La Crosse Tribune, 14 Editorial

Second Place: Lake Country Now, The fine coverage of an issue that ended up Nathan Phelps. Judge’s Comments: Loved Division C 12 most crash-prone intersections in getting needed government attention. this story’s sense of community and its First Place: Marshfield News-Herald, the Milwaukee area - Bob Dohr. Judge’s Honorable Mention: Courier Press, Day look inside the colorful occupation of Hispanic immigration transformed Comments: A superb treatment of a one of murder trial depicts tumultuous ferryman. Abbotsford. His life tells the story. - Keith compelling subject: The dangers waiting in relationship; Jury debates between Honorable Mention: Green Bay Press- Uhlig. Judge’s Comments: Excellent a familiar landscape. strangulation or hanging; GUILTY: Gazette, At Lenny’s, the Old Style and bull use of a personal narrative to tell how For regular drivers of the area, this is an Defendant murdered girlfriend; 30 years have been on tap for 43 years - Kendra one community copes with immigrants eye-opener, and maybe a life saver. prison given for Bridgeport murder - Meinert. Judge’s Comments: Something coming to town. Well written and Maps, explanations behind the danger Correne Martin. Judge’s Comments: quite touching about one tavern’s role in a researched. Clearly the best in this points and driving tips make this essential Exhaustive coverage of a murder trial with neighborhood through the generations. category. reading. a lot of moving parts. Second Place: Daily Tribune, Heroin A subject every newspaper should address. Division B killed Daniel Martz. But other people are Third Place: Lake Country Now, Division F First Place: The Reporter, Under water; paying the consequences. - Keith Uhlig, Firefighter crisis - Tyler Langan. Judge’s First Place: The Stoughton Courier Hub, 2008 flood hits well beyond Fond du Karen Madden. Judge’s Comments: Vivid Comments: Beautifully illustrated. Alders want info on demo, restoration; Lac; Readers share personal experiences and unflinching look at how one overdose At first blush, this might not seem as Forging ahead; A history with history; with flood - Sharon Roznik, Taima Kern. death affects everyone associated with it. compelling a subject as it turns out to be. Demolition follows years of decline; Judge’s Comments: Impressive reporting It’s clear a lot of work went into this piece. The series, it turns out, is more than the Saving the blacksmith shop - Bill depth for this anniversary series including Third Place: The Daily Press, City sum of its parts. What we learn, besides Livick. Judge’s Comments: Massive, a main story and sidebars. Multimedia dumps nearly 75 million gallons of sewage the issues surrounding the subject at hand, commendable effort! What a contribution storytelling complements the entire one- into bay; 19 violations, no penalties is how our communities are changing, to a community’s knowledge of its past day package. for Ashland; Fosh Creek rehabilitation especially family life and the decline of and present, as a defunct property is Second Place: Wausau Daily Herald, underway; Northland project aims to single-income households. converted. Passengers respond to medical emergency clear bay’s muddy waters; Local tourist Well done. Second Place: Juneau County Star- aboard Delta flight - Keith Uhlig. Judge’s economy battered by storm - Rick Olivo. Honorable Mention: Lake Country Times, The brain drain pain - Jake Ekdahl. Comments: Bright spot feature: a story Judge’s Comments: A town comes face Now, Germany trip - Tyler Langan. Judge’s Comments: Important topic. Story with a happy ending with people helping to face with its infrastructure crisis and Judge’s Comments: The amount of extremely well conceived and put together, people in need. Well written--concise and a century of delayed maintenance. Well money involved on a trip by two city taking broad trends and state statistics and gripping. written. Nicely done. officials to their German sister city is only illuminating them locally. And it holds out Third Place: The Reporter, A city, rebuilt; $6,000 dollars or so; this detailed analysis hope and solutions, not just pain Business share path to recovery - Sarah of expenses incurred might seem like Division D Third Place: The Oregon Observer, After Razner. Judge’s Comments: Stories of overkill. the flood - Bill Livick. Judge’s Comments: recovery a bright spot! Story approaches First Place: Hudson Star-Observer, But it’s the principle of the thing. When Setting the stage: A recap of the history This is a nice readable account that ties are engaging and varied. the mayor defends his considerable airline a devastation of 10 years ago to positive Honorable Mention: Leader-Telegram, behind Citizens for the St. Croix Valley seat upgrade, saying he wanted to be and Hudson Inclusion Alliance; A actions paying off today. Twist of Fate - Eric Lindquist. Judge’s fresh and ready to put the city’s best foot Comments: Fun human-interest story growing divide: As Hudson discusses forward upon landing, you know he’ll inclusion, ‘Citizens’ flagged as hate group; Feature (Non-profile) well-told. Good access to the sisters. I think twice in a similar situation next wanted to keep reading all the way to the - Jackie Renzetti, John Russett. Judge’s time. Comments: An ambitious, sweeping, end! Division E Division A four part series on inclusion in the local First Place: Sun Prairie Star, A Voice First Place: Wisconsin State Journal, community, from Syrian refugees to same- for Mom - Jennifer Fetterly. Judge’s ‘Dow Day’ left mark on Madison - Gayle Division C sex couples. Comments: Well-written, evocative piece Worland . Judge’s Comments: A well- First Place: Stevens Point Journal, Inside Explored from different angles, with many that provides a voice and seeks answers. sourced and fascinating look at a pivotal PaddleQuest, the kayak race that has voices from the community being heard, Second Place: The Ripon day in history and how it has rippled pirates, time travel and lots of beer - Keith the series brings a grass roots reality to a Commonwealth Press, Trouble in through the lives of participants and Uhlig. Judge’s Comments: This was an national debate. dairyland - Ian Stepleton. Judge’s witnesses. entertaining read from beginning to end. The narrative is compelling. The issues Comments: This vital industry faces Second Place: Wisconsin State Journal, The writer pulled it off perfectly, with are serious; people of differing viewpoints tough times, and the reporter seeks to dig The Norway Building returns home - colorful writing, expertly crafted humor. I need to be heard, and they are. beneath the surface issues for answers. Barry Adams. Judge’s Comments: A loved it. One woman, one-half of one of the first Third Place: Tomahawk Leader, Cry for remarkable account of an artifact’s travels Second Place: The Daily Press, WWI same sex couples in the area, is quoted: Help; Coverage of Lincoln Hills has been through time and distance, connecting the image headed for Navy Archives - Rick “When you are in a very homogenous embarrassment; Legislators urge judge descendants of immigrants with the home Olivo. Judge’s Comments: The story of area, I think you have to make some to rescind restrictions at Lincoln Hills of their ancestors. the WWI vet was wonderfully written and intentional efforts.” School; Thoughts from inside Lincoln Third Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, a great look at history. Reading it was like The Hudson Star-Bulletin has done just Hills; Governor’s Letter - Kathy Tobin, Washington Island ferry is the remote looking into a time capsule. that. Larry Tobin. Judge’s Comments: This is Wisconsin island’s link to the world - Third Place: Watertown Daily Times, Editorial 15

history with the now. Especially relevant Second Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, today. Green Bay socialite’s affair, struggle with alcohol and mental illness, inspire film, Division E book - Paul Srubas. Judge’s Comments: First Place: Hocak Worak, Deputy makes What a fascinating story. It truly does a hoop dream come true for children - read like a movie script. Great writing and Ken Luchterhand. storytelling by the author throughout. Second Place: Barron News-Shield, Third Place: USA TODAY NETWORK- Shark Tank TV deal nets Schauf $200,000 Wisconsin, Culver’s just turned 34. Its invesment - Bob Zientara. butter burgers, custard are ‘exporting Third Place: New Richmond News, Wisconsin’ nationwide. - Daniel Higgins. Helicopter museum will preserve the Judge’s Comments: Just reading this lessons of sacrifice - Tom Lindfors. made me hungry. This story was fun, Honorable Mention: The Ripon informative and filled with great visuals. Commonwealth Press, Duck tale comes Loved the video interview with the with a happy ending - Ian Stepleton, founder. Hannah Tetzlaff. Honorable Mention: The Gazette, Harvest gives Templeton family fulfillment during busiest time of year - Jim Dayton. Division F Judge’s Comments: This is an excellent First Place: Kewaskum Statesman, Cold in-depth look at life on the farm. The Case - Anne Trautner. Judge’s Comments: timeline-type story structure really gives Wow. What an emotional and sad story. the reader a good feel for just how much The narrative really puts you at the scene goes into a single day for farmers. of the crime. You can almost hear the mother screaming as you read. Second Place: Washington Island Division B Observer, Use caution on icy roads - Dick First Place: The Sheboygan Press, When Purinton. Judge’s Comments: Great a rape stole her sense of control, she fought narrative. Had my heart pounding too back by eating fire - Marina Affo. Judge’s when the truck broke through the ice. Comments: love the story load on the site Third Place: Columbus Journal, Coming – powerful – like the series of photos – the back home on Fourth of July - Kevin pull quotes, video, sub heads etc. powerful Damask . Judge’s Comments: Great story story – like the end telling readers how to with a great, emotional photo. It’s hard to get help. beat a military reunion, especially on July Second Place: Herald Times Reporter, 4. We Leave No Child Behind - Patti Zarling. Honorable Mention: The Valders Judge’s Comments: loved the multi media aspects of this story – online, video, good Wausau Daily Herald, Division B, Reporting on Local Government Journal, If reindeer could really fly - Todd Bergmann. Judge’s Comments: Fun look lead in, use of pull quotes, tells their story at something most of us take for granted but also the story of the kids themselves. The land is a canvas - Steve Sharp. Judge’s to readers. and don’t think much about at Christmas Like how pull quote became headline and Comments: This is a very interesting story Second Place: Waukesha County Now, time. truly tells the story in and of itself. with lots of explanation. The kind of piece Bored to tears: Damage from emerald ash Third Place: Daily Jefferson County that makes the reader smarter! borer taking toll in Waukesha County - Union, Mckee recalls Tuesday morning Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, Jim Riccioli . Judge’s Comments: Very Feature (Profile) when father died; Ajango witnessed Monroe middle schooler wins his first newsy, informative and well-written, to rescue attempt - Ryan Whisner. Judge’s district spelling bee - Marissa Weiher. boot. It’s great to learn something from a Division A Comments: Like that they tell the story Judge’s Comments: This was a fun story. First Place: The Gazette, Hailey’s of McKee and then tell the story from a spelling be story featuring the winner who Third Place: Wisconsin State Farmer, dilemma: Drug addiction, attitude and different perspective through the eyes of didn’t study. Nicely written. Waupun community pulls together growth intersect on road to recovery - an onlooker. following destructive tornado - Colleen Jonah Beleckis. Judge’s Comments: The Part 1 – McKee recalls when father dies – great story – don’t like the double jumps Division D Kottke. Judge’s Comments: Great story vivid details in the lede put you right there but story is really told well. Like the fact First Place: The Country Today, Craving with plenty of perspectives for quotes. in the courtroom and hooks you in. Drug that they got multiple onlookers to share cranberries - Benjamin Wideman. Judge’s Honorable Mention: Wisconsin State addiction is unfortunately all too common how they remember it. Like the pull quote Comments: This was a well-written story Farmer, This generation of women aren’t today and this story is a rewarding look at in part 2 I can still heat the screams. that provided plenty of useful information just “farm wives” - Colleen Kottke. Judge’s someone who beats the odds to overcome Comments: Great story that blends it. Well done! Like how Ajango became a water safety 16 Editorial

When someone can make you care about I’m so glad I got to read it. something you thought you would have Reporting on Local only marginal interest in, that’s talent. Second Place: The Northwoods River Government News, Rhinelander police dog to hang up his badge - Jamie Taylor. Judge’s Division A Comments: Stories on K9 officers aren’t First Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, unusual, but this one is very good right Some county supervisors ignore public’s from the lead to the focus on retirement emails; Brown County’s dome-coating and what comes next. From a salary of choices questioned; 4 more Green Bay belly rubs and ice cream -- to a retirement officers suspended in 2017 - Doug of belly rubs and ice cream. We should all Schneider. Judge’s Comments: Aggressive, be so lucky! thorough reporting at its best. Third Place: Lake Geneva Regional A story headlined “Some county News, Nursing home resident a high supervisors ignore public’s emails” starts school graduate at age 92 - Mara off with this sentence: “If you’ve sent an Waunakee Tribune, Division E, Matovich. Judge’s Comments: Lovely email to Supervisor Andy Nicholson at Reporting on Local Education story sure to make you smile. Nice that the his official Brown County address, he graduate was able to hold her own with an probably hasn’t responded.” interview. This matters to the local citizenry, but an Honorable Mention: Pierce County outsider passing through town would feel feature amongst tough competition. Herald, Family mourns death of ‘Strongest compelled to keep reading. instructor because of what he witness. girl in Beldenville’ - Sara Tischauser. This same kind of reportorial storytelling Judge’s Comments: Heart-breaking yet Really tells full scope/story from multiple Division D isa trained on smaller issues, like a local inspirational story of how family prepared angles. First Place: Inter-County Leader, Daniel courthouse dome that has quickly lost its for the inevitable loss of their child. Honorable Mention: Daily Jefferson has a missile in his closet - Greg Marsten. new shine. The story uncovers informed Particularly liked the part about how they County Union, Schultz marks 26th year Judge’s Comments: This was an enjoyable second guessing on the project. The dome made a bucket list for a 2-year-old. helping to ‘internationalize’ education - bit of storytelling with great flow and just is a local icon. People will wonder. Alexa Zoellner. Judge’s Comments: Like the right amount of facts and data. It was A story on a high suspension rate at the the pop quiz – different twist. As I read unexpected, and I enjoyed that. Division F Green Bay police department reveals, on A1 – I thought to myself, that would Second Place: Wisconsin State Farmer, First Place: Kewaskum Statesman, as one expert observer put it, either a get a great pull quote and then I go to the Evansville youth sells pig, donates $10,070 Game Winner - Anne Trautner. Judge’s necessary housecleaning or a problem. The jump and there it is. ☺ don’t care for for cancer research - Carol Spaeth-Bauer. Comments: You can feel the joy jump off story provides ample context — a recent the double jumps – Like the quotes from Judge’s Comments: You took me along the page when you are reading this one. history of suspensions, and disciplinary various “sons”. Nice touch. with this piece. I cared about this young I love how the writer described this little actions towards certain problematic man and cheered for his spirit. girl in a way that made me feel like I was officers. As in the writer’s previous stories, Division C Third Place: Hudson Star-Observer, standing there beside her as she went on he is able to tap into critical sources First Place: Watertown Daily Times, Trains, planes and automobiles - Jordan this adventure. I read this one with tears willing to speak on the record. Lottery No. 1 in Draft Enlistment - Willi. Judge’s Comments: I found myself in my eyes. Heartwarming story told in a The overall tone in these stories is one of Ed Zagorski. Judge’s Comments: Ed thinking: “I hadn’t thought of that.” Good beautiful way. objectivity and trustworthiness. Bravo. Zagorski’s craftsmanship made this writing does that, makes you think. Nice Second Place: The Valders Journal, Teen Second Place: The Gazette, Former veteran’s story come alive and rocket to job. goes beyond just survival to thrive in love GM site receives $500,000 state grant to the top like no other. Beautifully and Honorable Mention: Wisconsin State - Mary Thomsen. Judge’s Comments: aid redevelopment; Officials: Housing thoughtfully written. Farmer, Blind sheep in Jefferson County Powerful story, with great quotes. Solid developer who advocated for TIF did not Second Place: Watertown Daily Times, inspires children’s book - Carol Spaeth- profile. have conflict of interest; Other cities with Custard, curds and Chelsea - Sarah Bauer. Judge’s Comments: I wanted to Third Place: Sauk Prairie Eagle, anti-bullying ordinances say they can be Weihert. Judge’s Comments: This is an hear more! Interesting topic and great Remembering Rayce - Autumn Luedke. effective prevention tool - Jim Dayton. excellent story on a subject that doesn’t get flow. Judge’s Comments: This one was Judge’s Comments: Strong writing with the attention it deserves. Bravo! heartbreaking. I think the key here was strong ledes. How do you approach what getting so many voices in the story. Well might be a mundane story on an industrial Third Place: Watertown Daily Times, Division E done. site clean-up? You put the reader there Coffee, Camera, Country - Sarah Weihert. First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Honorable Mention: The Sun, Love, with the opening sentence: “Rusty motors Judge’s Comments: A great feature story Press, ‘A sorcerer from Wichita’ - Maic addiction and triumph: St. Croix Falls and piles of twisted steel, aluminum and in a competitive category. Interesting all D’Agostino. Judge’s Comments: Maic man graduates from drug court - Suzanne copper sit at the western edge...” the way through. D’Agostino -- making a note of that Lindgren. Judge’s Comments: I loved this Another story asks: “Do bullying Honorable Mention: Portage Daily name because this reporter’s work is story! The competition was fierce this year ordinances work?” This is a reporter who Register, Mr. Fix-it closes shop - Noah well worth the read. What a wordsmith. Vernau. Judge’s Comments: An excellent so it didn’t quite make the top three, but can move fluently between nuts and bolts Editorial 17 stuff to enterprise writing. Another story bolts coverage citizens and taxpayers government reporting. Nice job. addresses a proverbial conflict of interest need. Kudos for very well researched Division E involving a local developer. explanation on how the city is using First Place: The Northwoods River News, Reporting on Local The reporter tells each story through people’s tax dollars. New era begins with Frederickson’s first a network of informed sources. The Honorable Mention: The Freeman, city council meeting; Walmart files Dark Education reader comes away with a sense that the Delafield development debate; Local tax Store lawsuit against city; Belliveau, Sauer newspaper is keeping an eye on local increases less than inflation (as well as renew call for City Council discussion on Division A government. the 2018 Municipal Tax Levies and Rates public works department - Jamie Taylor. First Place: The Gazette, Freshmen only; Third Place: Wisconsin State Journal, chart); Development boom near Hartland Judge’s Comments: Overall work was far Promises to keep; An unsettling message - Dane County Board set to approve - Kelly Smith. Judge’s Comments: The superior technically to competition. Catherine W. Idzerda. Judge’s Comments: development without seeing other writer really brought the characters in to Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional Though they vary topic, the “Freshmen proposals; Dane County begins life. I loved reading who these people are News, City wants its own tourism only” and “Promises to keep” stories both ‘Suck the Muck’ project to remove and what they argue about. ‘cheerleader;’ Hillmoor owners file $55 paint an excellent picture of life as a high phosphorus-laden sludge from million suit against Lake Geneva; City school student in Janesville. waterways; Dane County task force Division C seeks role in school safety measures - Second Place: Green Bay Press- makes recommendations on reducing First Place: Daily Tribune, Wood Dennis Hines. Judge’s Comments: Gazette, State’s rural schools face unique runoff that harms waterways - Shelley K. County’s proposed horse-buggy rules Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth challenges; Discipline disparity; Two Mesch. Judge’s Comments: Clear, concise will drive out Amish, expert says - Press, County forecloses on Boca HQ Green Bay schools, two turnaround reporting on issues that matter to readers Karen Madden, Melissa Siegler. Judge’s (sidebar: Site will now go up for auction); stories - Samantha Hernandez. Judge’s and taxpayers, whether it is a proposed Comments: A good range of sources Developer gives up on hotel idea; Rotary Comments: Shows an excellent ability to low-cost housing development where were engaged for these stories on Amish plaza? It’s not a new idea - Ian Stepleton. dig deeper for stories that go beyond the county board members and the public buggies sharing the road. This coverage typical education coverage. The discipline haven’t seen competing bids, or the health story is a great example of using open was even-handed and looked at the issue Division F of local waterways and lakes. The stories records and data to report on an important from multiple angles to give a broad First Place: New London Press Star, Drug are nicely illustrated. public issue. picture. abuse, prosecutor shortages problematic Third Place: Wisconsin State Journal, Second Place: Portage Daily Register, for Outagamie County; ‘Mosquito Hill?’ State’s smallest school district challenged Division B City: Spraying not answer; Teens dine with How about ‘Wolf Peak?’; Sheriff candidate by island location; Zebras, Chinese First Place: Wausau Daily Herald, leaders; County gets good Extension news sought chief job failed background check lessons, waiting lists and tons of Schofield residents find out railroad - Lyn Jerde. Judge’s Comments: Smart - Scott Bellile. Judge’s Comments: Solid construction as child care centers continue owns part of their homes, land; Wausau lede to the county leaders dining story on reporting and clear, concise writing. The to expand; Twin plethora no big deal for neighbors angry over demolished, burned local government meeting with the public. subjects were interesting and the stories nine sets at Lodi High School - Barry building still not cleaned up; Mosinee Fire Third Place: Stevens Point Journal, had good flow, with nice use of quotes. Adams. Judge’s Comments: Enjoyed the moves forward after misconduct probes Uproar over violent sex offender’s release Second Place: The Oregon Observer, variety of coverage. The twins story is of former chief, deputy chief - Haley in Portage County - Alan Hovorka, Mark Library gets $6M, needs to fundraise; definitely an outside-the-box approach to BeMiller. Judge’s Comments: Writer Officials don’t agree on restorative court; Treinen. education coverage. followed threads in public records research Division D Seeking compliance - Bill Livick. Judge’s and unearthed some really interesting First Place: Wausau Pilot and Review, Comments: Clearly explained local stories. I especially liked the one where it Court docs: Riverlife developer CEO government issues and had a nice blend of Division B was discovered that the railroad actually embroiled in $8.3M Colorado ripoff - paraphrasing and direct quotes. First Place: The Journal Times, Case pool owns most of a family’s home. And the Shereen Siewert. Judge’s Comments: Third Place: The Valders Journal, closed down; Swimmers want solutions; rubbish pile was gold. The fire chief issue Strong reporting Developer pulls out of Valders TIF; Swimmers: Unified reneged on pool - is standard dirty politics, but these are the Second Place: Vilas County News- Would-be TIF developer’s background Caitlin Sievers, Peter Jackel, Adam Rogan. stories that make a city beat interesting. Review, EMS payments to drop over 11%; shows violations in running centers; Sales Judge’s Comments: Great series about the Second Place: The Journal Times, Short-term rentals now legal in single- tax faces uphill battle in ‘18; Valders TIF pool. Good job. Area could be blighted; Land declared gamily zoning areas; Airport plan hits snag in limbo for time being; County finance Second Place: Wausau Daily Herald, ‘blighted’; Blight designation challenged with landowners. - Gary Ridderbusch, officials decries Valders’ handling of Wausau student ensures year of bulling: - Ricardo Torres. Judge’s Comments: Doug Etten. Judge’s Comments: TIF district - Todd Bergmann. Judge’s ‘I didn’t feel very good about myself’; Good reporting on a very important issue Interesting reporting Comments: Good reporting and decent Wausau superintendent choice tied to -- government taking over private land to Third Place: The Lakeland Times, explanation of issues that are important controversies in Ashland School District; benefit a corporation. Declaring properties Woodruff questions legality of non-profit but not always super exciting. Mosinee School Board strikes down blighted for redevelopment is worth the stipends; Sparks fly at Woodruff Town Honorable Mention: New London Press student effort to change Indians mascot careful look given in these stories. Board meeting; Confusion, dysfunction Star, Battle over former Simmons property - Haley BeMiller. Judge’s Comments: Third Place: The Journal Times, City’s continues in Presque Isle - Abbey appears to be over; Safe Routes to School Interesting article about bullying, with an fiscal picture studied; Morale ‘horrible’, McEnroe. Judge’s Comments: Strong proposal terminated; 5 things to know interview of a student who experienced it survey says; Benefit costs pressure budget reporting about the pool shutdown - Scott Bellile. personally. Good job. - Sari Lesk, Stephanie Jones. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Straightforward local Third Place: Daily Jefferson County Comments: This is the kind of nuts and 18 Editorial

Union, Jefferson High lifeguard class grads boards face. Excellent reporting on those Laruelle. Judge’s Comments: Excellent Approved; Safety Education - Charles use skills in real rescue; New Jefferson club issues. reporting and writing, providing detail- Collier, Jan Carlo Marquez. Judge’s ‘raises its voice’ at Capitol; Shop around - Third Place: The Lakeland Times, in-context for these focus issues. Such Comments: Well-written accounts of Nevaeh said. “I like working with engines Provision moves proposed school forward; thorough, enterprising coverage provides special educational opportunities for — something about it just intrigues Autism school parents’ group makes readers with information sharply relevant students; learning experiences for parents, m e .”. Judge’s Comments: “Lifeguarding pitch to LUHS board; Lakeland Star to the issues. “Getting Results” story could faculty, staff and administrators on school sounds like a very essential class to offer charter schools open house set for March have included parent/taxpayer reactions/ safety issues. to students. Mental health is also a very 28 - Richard Moore. Judge’s Comments: observations for additional relevancy and important topic. Great quote in the Charter schools and special needs reader connectivity. Referring readers to Business Coverage gender gap article-- “I want to be an auto students: fascinating to read about how more information at a website could invite mechanic like my dad.” one community approaches both. lingering questions about the importance Honorable Mention: The Freeman, Honorable Mention: West Now, So class, of material left out. Just excellent coverage Division A New policy in place after teachers show what was good about slavery? - Darryl of critical community issue: Taxpayers’ First Place: The Post-Crescent, Appvion ‘Beautiful’ music video; The case for Enriquez. Judge’s Comments: Loved responsibilities to support their education employees grapple with losing $40 million cursive; Mukwonago schools testing GPS reading about this issue and how it was institution and students. in retirement funds; Turmoil in the mill monitoring on bus routes - Ashley Haynes. handled. Second Place: The Verona Press, ‘Hope at Kimberly-Clark; Neenah Clubstore Judge’s Comments: GPS monitoring on for the deaf culture’; Making the grades; Outlet Owners: We were duped - Maureen bus routes and the “case for cursive” are Principal’s exit follows years of complaints Wallenfang. Judge’s Comments: The Division E investigation on Clubstore franchisees very interesting topics. Good job. First Place: The Waunakee Tribune, - Scott Girard. Judge’s Comments: • Nice story on development of signing course being duped offered some surprising Ecology students get to know trees; comments from the owner and a good Division C With 3D printers and more, Big IDEA with students pushing for inclusion and their concern for those with hearing warning for anyone researching this First Place: Stevens Point Journal, class coming next year to Waunakee company. SPASH students walk out for ‘victims of High School; Students honor slain peers disability. Students press for inclusive community from first a club to a formal Second Place: Wisconsin State Journal, all school violence’; Voters to decide on at walkout - Peter Lindblad. Judge’s Oscar Mayer auction draws many to spending millions for Stevens Point school Comments: Well-written and good classroom experience. • Standards rather than grade points. storied plant; Genetics, Assaf sheep and, programs, renovations; UW-Stevens Point quotes; interesting subject matters. in a few years, more award-winning receives ‘unsatisfactory’ rating in bank Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional Could use specific parent responses/ reactions. Well written, sourced. cheese; Contraction and adjustment for management audit - Alan Hovorka. News, Got a kid in school? There’s an app the Fox River Valley’s paper industry - Second Place: Portage Daily Register, for that; schools crack down on student • A superb, balanced account of a contentious issue related to elementary Barry Adams. Judge’s Comments: The Portage OB-GYN part of rural doctor vaping; Big Foot’s new principal changes Oscar Mayer auction story showed that push; Academy changes lives; Drama her mind about job - Chris Schultz. school leadership. The reporter did outstanding work gathering specific the journalist mingled with the crowd for teacher remembered - Noah Vernau. Judge’s Comments: The three articles are quotes, and great comments. The sheep Third Place: The Daily Reporter, well-written, to the point, and interesting. information, dealing with many related sources—school board, administration, milk story was well-written. Wisconsin schools earmark cash for trades There is no padding and no need for Third Place: Kenosha News, Store careers; UW budget bonanza; Expanding editing. parents whose concerns initiated investigation and faculty who had views closings leave food desert; Food deserts: on safety - Nate Beck. Judge’s Comments: Third Place: New Richmond News, Is racism to blame?; Colbert Packaging ‘Start With Hello’: SCC fifth graders wins contrary to parents’ contentions. Just a very good story! making moves to capture the market; Division D national essay contest; The life cycle of a Putting their best food forward - James farm animal; A shark tale: NRHS student Third Place: New London Press First Place: Lake Country Now, Panel Star, School board says district was Lawson. presents motivational talk to KM Global raising sharks - Jordan Willi. Judge’s Honorable Mention: Wisconsin State Comments: Interesting and well-written misrepresented by news coverage of DPI students; Oconomowoc High School suit; Shuttering rural schools would not Journal, Lord of the Rings: Middleton students taking a stand in joining national articles. man has turned up 60 lost rings so far; Honorable Mention: Hocak Worak, save money, analysis finds; Referendum school walkout; Oconomowoc students proposed - Scott Bellile. Judge’s Thousands pay last respects to Ella’s call for stricter gun laws during a walkout Newly-formed club, Indigenous Students Deli, a Madison institution; Tory Miller, United, to help students with culturally- Comments: Good accounts of three issues on the Columbine shooting anniversary - related to or affecting the community’s Madison’s star chef, works hard to balance Alec Johnson. Judge’s Comments: Great sensitive issues; Youth learn about culture food, family - Samara Kalk Derby. and tradition at annual summer camp; educational institutions, students, faculty, to see articles focusing on the students and administrators, elected officers—and how they respond to the world around School mural created to emphasize the inclusion of all people - Ken Luchterhand. residents-parents-taxpayers! They focused Division B them. Bravo. on the town’s education system, were First Place: Wausau Daily Herald, Second Place: The Press Times, HSSD Judge’s Comments: Well written and great photos; interesting. thorough and well sourced beyond just Employees who shut down Wendy’s in hires 22 teachers to reduce classroom “meeting stories.” These served readers’ Weston speak out about conditions, size; HSSD to get roughly $34.5 million comprehension/understanding of the pay; Ginseng pills and ginseng whiskey: in state funding; HSSD has few spaces for Division F issues detailed. Wisconsin growers seek new customers open enrollment - Ben Rodgers. Judge’s First Place: The Oregon Observer, Honorable Mention: The Denmark amid trade war; Federal regulators: Comments: Class size, teachers and their Engineering a future; Getting results; News, Sheriff’s Office Talks SRO With Granite Peak Ski Area withdrew water salaries, funding: problems all school Report: Expand by2020 - Scott De School Board; “Career Academy” without license, may owe Domtar - Laura Editorial 19

data-driven work. Austin understands several new twists - Frank Zufall. Judge’s that covering business requires comfort Comments: Great reporting work done in with the numbers. Nice overview story on all three stories. All well-paced and easy to development; a good look at changes at a read and follow. Great choice in the three local golf course and a nice feature on a stories, as it mixed hard facts and numbers business model you don’t see every day, (Snowmobile story) with personality involving students. Clean writing without (Restaurant story). My personal favorite extra, unneeded fluff. was the story on the book store closing Honorable Mention: The Journal and connecting that with bigger issues like Times, Foxconn to create R&D hub; Woo: the loss of small retail shops both locally, Foxconn won’t waste water; The 51 who and nationally. landed Foxconn; Meet the local Foxconn Second Place: The Lakeland Times, project team; Failed firm’s saga ends - Walker looks to cut small business costs; Michael Burke. Judge’s Comments: The Walker taps Rhinelander for possible FoxConn stories are interesting and well- economic opportunity zone; On Labor written. Surely the community is eager for Day weekend, a national labor shortage anything you can dig up on it. Good story fuels concerns - Richard Moore, Fred on the failed Promotions Unlimited and Williston. Judge’s Comments: Very in- the impact its closure had on employees depth reporting. Does a good job of giving who had to fight for a piece of their last the reader a lot of information without paychecks. overloading them. Easy to tell a lot of time, research, and reporting went into these Division C stories. First Place: Stevens Point Journal, Third Place: Wisconsin State Farmer, SPASH grad starts iame clothing brand Pagel’s calf ranch is learning ground to celebrate confidence, embrace for visitors; Welder Jerry Hubert helps individuality; ‘Wimpy Kid’ author Jeff farmers hold it together; Honoring Kinney celebrates 200 millionth copy veterans one sunower at a time - Colleen at Worzalla Publishing; Tree tech, baby Kottke. Judge’s Comments: A lot of onesie startups split $10K award in personality in these stories. Fun reads with HATCH finals in Stevens Point - Caitlin great characters that also highlights local Shuda. businesses. Great work. Second Place: Portage Daily Register, Mr. Fix-it closes shop; 300 students Division E The Daily Press, Ashland, Division C, browse career paths at fair; Apprenticeship First Place: The Northwoods River News, Best Ongoing/Extended Coverage ‘priceless’ - Noah Vernau. Doctors Foster & Smith transitioning Third Place: Marshfield News-Herald, ‘most of front office functions’ to Schulte. Judge’s Comments: Sharp, not only the businesses themselves but Silver Dome Ballroom in Neillsville San Diego; Success breeds success: interesting writing and thorough reporting consumers. The story on the worker has hosted Johnny Cash, other musical Nicolet rececives second state WEDC that produced stories that draw a reader shortage went into detail on how it’s superstars; Melvin ‘Fuzzy’ Mohan was entrepreneur grant; A history of healing - in to read more. The Wendy’s walkout happened and efforts to get past the face of small-town beer bars in early ‘70s; Jamie Taylor. Judge’s Comments: would be a tough story to cover, but Laura problems. His story on preparedness for Athens bed-and-breakfast offers rural Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional managed it well. Particularly appreciate violence in the workplace was timely Wisconsin respite - Mitchell Skurzewski. News, Walworth company’s cards deliver the effort to get the other side of the story, and explored not only the reason for the Honorable Mention: Daily Tribune, season’s greetings; Buyers aim to revive even though higher management wasn’t interest but also touched on the solutions Rapids Mall to close Thursday in old Williams Bay school; Abbey Resort talking. The ginseng story is another piece businesses are hearing about. The story on Wisconsin Rapids; From Rapids Mall switches management companies - Chris of great writing and solid journalism retail closings and the ongoing struggle to YMCA and Boys & Girls Club: What Schultz. that explores not only a business but was a great piece on an issue every will it look like?; Take a final look inside Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth local impacts of national decisions. Great community faces now. Those are the kind Rapids Mall in Wisconsin Rapids - Caitlin Press, Spartech will close Ripon plant; straight-forward coverage of the water of businesses stories every newspaper Shuda. Alliance sites new HQ in Miami; Alliance problem with Granite Peak. Some stories should be doing at a local level. confident tariffs will not disrupt growth - are best played straight. Third Place: Beloit Daily News, At Division D Ian Stepleton. Second Place: Leader-Telegram, Wanted: mid-year, Beloit’s development already First Place: Sawyer County Record, Honorable Mention: Lake Geneva Anyone; Under the gun; Shopping shake- surpasses totals from 2017; Krueger golf Book World closing makes people ask, Regional News, Top home sale rings in at up - Eric Lindquist. Judge’s Comments: revenue rounds higher; Blender Cafe what’s next?; Snowmobile season was $7.4 million; Stone Manor buyer pays $16 Eric has the magic formula for business teaches students valuable skills - Austin ‘near the top’; The Boulevard on K offers million for control of historic property; coverage -- looking for trends that affect Montgomery. Judge’s Comments: Good Lakefront mansion sells for record-high 20 Editorial

$11.25 million - Scott Williams. Judge’s Gavan, Clint Wolf. Judge’s Comments: Comments: The writer has tracked the Fascinating look at an unexpected properties on Lake Geneva and provided environmental subject. Who would have insight into the housing market, location thought where you park at work every day highlights and history of the properties. could leave your car vulnerable to rust- causing iron? Division F Division C First Place: The Valders Journal, Getting First Place: The Daily Press, Ashland’s to work becomes a commute; Dark Clouds water woes - Rick Olivo. Judge’s Over Dairyland; Soybean oil makes its Comments: By far the best of this class. debut soon - Todd Bergmann. Judge’s Good leads, interesting topics, a lot of Comments: - Great story about how a depth, but not too wordy or long. Keeps once economically thriving area is starting readers engaged. to transform into a bedroom community Second Place: The Monroe Times, because of the lack of jobs. Pinnacle progress still water-logged; - Best story of the lot. It did a great job Pinnacle, county argue over permit; State connecting the dairy farming industry to experts reject Pinnacle proposal; County how rising and falling prices a hears water study results; Pinnacle takes Second Place: The Cambridge News The Post-Crescent, Appleton, Division A, Spot News Photo costly plans to deal with water level issues; and Deerfield Independent, Deerfield, Pinnacle production to start by July - group working to improve water quality to negotiate dredging contract; Little Cambridge economic development Bridget Cooke. Judge’s Comments: It was in Sugar River - Jim Dayton. Judge’s Muskego Lake drawdown reduces invasive pushes ahead - Karyn Saemann. Judge’s obvious a lot of work went into this series. Comments: I loved this story. Farmers plant numbers - Brandon Anderegg. Comments: As the reporter of a small The depth of coverage of a big story was working to help the environment Judge’s Comments: This series of stories town myself, stories about revitalizing a evident. More-interesting leads would and doing a better job at it than the is very well-written and shows a strong downtown corridor are always interesting. have given it a chance at the top spot. bureaucrats they’re keeping off their backs. commitment to covering an important These were very well written — I wish I Third Place: Daily Tribune, Wisconsin The writing is crisp and engaging and a environmental topic. It also does well to could have seen a hard copy. Supreme Court to decide whether great read start to finish. cover a variety of angles to the topic, from Third Place: Burlington Standard Press, Saratoga mega-dairy can use land for Second Place: Wisconsin State Journal, the invasive species to the impact of the Farming downtown; Tight labor market; crops; Saratoga dairy case now in hands Murky future - Steven Verburg. Judge’s drawdown to the success in reducing the Businesses that make charity part of the of Wisconsin Supreme Court justices; Comments: Wow! Excellent reporting and problem. Well done. bottom line - Tracy Ouellette, Heather Few solutions given for high nitrate crisp clear writing. I learned a lot from this Second Place: Oshkosh Northwestern, Ruenz, Jason Arndt, Todd Mishler. Judge’s levels in Armenia, Port Edwards water - story package and it was a very satisfying DNR says chemical leak after fire not a Comments: Really enjoyed the Generac Karen Madden. Judge’s Comments: An read start to finish. threat; DNR confirms virus caused April and Wisconsin Oven stories — I think it’s important story lacked the depth of the Third Place: The Post-Crescent, Electric fish die-off; How you can fight algae on super important for any business, large or other entries but still was worthy of third. barrier to deter goby might be solution Lake Winnebago; Winnebago sturgeon small, to be innovative on how to attract to reopening of Menasha lock to boaters conservation a triumph - Devi Shastri. highly skilled workers and keep them - Duke Behnke. Judge’s Comments: Judge’s Comments: Strong writing and Division D engaged in the company. I also enjoyed Wonderful story. This was a fun, very informative. It’s clear from these First Place: Lake Country Now, Muskrats the Farmer’s Market story, but it did seem informative read with excellent writing stories that Lake Winnebago is important remain a huge problem on Okauchee more event-centric than business-centric. and reporting. It left me with just one to the community and to this newspaper. Lake - Steven Martinez, C.T. Kruger. Honorable Mention: The Verona Press, question: Can you eat a goby? Third Place: The Journal Times, Who Judge’s Comments: I learned a lot about Chamber adding tourism coordinator; Honorable Mention: The Capital Times, pollutes the air? - Ricardo Torres. Judge’s muskrats, from reading this article, Finally caught up; Lincoln apartment Climate change is here - Steven Elbow. Comments: Air quality is always an including how they are used for food and back for revote - Jim Ferolie, Kimberly Judge’s Comments: This one deserves a important environmental topic, but the fur. Interesting video too. Wethal. Judge’s Comments: I enjoyed all bigger prize, but I could pick only three. idea of air quality near state borders Second Place: Wisconsin State Farmer, the articles, but the Epic and apartment The reporting, graphics and writing are definitely make you think. This story is Brickstead Farm is rock solid on story were more about development than impressive. On an important issue, the a good reminder that one’s actions affect conservation - Colleen Kottke. Judge’s business. Still, I wish I could give this information was presented in a clear, others and of the unexpected controversies Comments: Nice article about a family more than Honorable Mention, because of concise with engaging writing. That makes that can come up with economic progress. farm. Some words appear to be missing the content and how well written it was. it a winner. If the contest czars would Honorable Mention: Beloit Daily News, at the end of this sentence-- “Local allow it, I would tie it for second place. Scores of vehicles at risk for damage from 4-H clubs provided a petting zoo and Environmental Reporting discharge; EPA report: Metallic dust while conservation groups provided informational exhibits including a rainfall Award Division B issue lingered into the spring; Councilors simulator that shows the real life impacts First Place: The Freeman, The drawbacks unaware of discharge from foundry; of no-till and cover cropping measures, of the drawdown; Wading through Foundry owners work to control metal Division A dust - Austin Montgomery, Hillary food and fresh ice cream.” First Place: The Gazette, Farmer-led the muck; Council to decide whether Editorial 21

Third Place: Wausau Pilot and Review, Sidebar about other localities systems Thomas Street contamination: Scare tactic a great idea. Good community-service or wakeup call? - Shereen Siewert. Judge’s journalism. Comments: The articles demonstrate the Honorable Mention: Oshkosh use of a lot of research. Well done. Northwestern, Romanian charged in Oshkosh ATM skimming; Romanian card- Division E skimming ring hits Wisconsin; Romanian First Place: Lake Geneva Regional nationals in court in fraud case - Sophie News, Lesser Celandine coverage - Steve Carson. Judge’s Comments: Good work Targo. Judge’s Comments: Interesting, at reporting the breaking news and then informative stories written about a new, stepping back to explain the scam and the invasive species. It’s an important topic not suspects. Good community-service story. bogged down in environmental jargon, which is seen often in projects like this. Division C Writers know how to write leads to get First Place: The Daily Press, One dead readers into the stories. in Odanah shooting; Shooting fatality Second Place: The Record-Review, Ag IDed by family; DA: No charges in Pero changes needed to keep water clean - shooting; Conversation circle seeks Peter Weinschenk. Judge’s Comments: understanding, harmony; Pero family files Interesting story on interesting topic. A $9.5 million claim - Rick Olivo. Judge’s little too wordy and government heavy at Comments: The entry about the support the top kept it from placing higher. groups is what separates this entry from Third Place: Pierce County Herald, the others. Great coverage. Diving in behind the scenes of the Second Place: The Daily Press, Task force Mississippi River - Steve Gardiner. Judge’s The Monroe Times, Division C, Sports Photo taking three-pronged focus; Drugs leave Comments: Enjoyed the lead especially lasting impact on users; Addiction exacts as it was about real people talking about Alexander Cramer. Judge’s Comments: coverage of a potentially dry subject that terrible toll on families; Meth, opioids interesting current patterns and the Great example of how a community’s nonetheless affects an entire community. have devastating impact on body - Sara dangers about them. environmental issues can impact its Chase, Rick Olivo. residents. Division B Third Place: Stevens Point Journal, UW- Division F First Place: The Reporter, ‘Halloween Stevens Point plans to cut 13 majors, add First Place: Crawford County Killer’ release stirs up memories of 1973, or expand 16 programs - Alan Hovorka, Independent & The Kickapoo Scout, Ongoing/Extended Coverage loss of Lisa Ann French - Sharon Roznik. Keith Uhlig, Mark Treinen. Rural LaCrosse residents seek well water Judge’s Comments: Clearly told story answers; Local government is exploring Division A with, I imagine, a great deal of community Division D ways to protect groundwater; Natural First Place: The Capital Times, Opioid interest. Well-structured, and main First Place: Vilas County News-Review, capital - is it time to take inventory? - addiction - Jessie Opoien. Judge’s historical story shows terrific reporting Three Lakes School sets meeting following Gillian Pomplun. Judge’s Comments: Comments: Detailed and compelling look depth. Subsequent court stories do a good airing of campaign ad; School leaders As one of our most important natural at complex and moving subject. job of avoiding jargon. issue apology for Walker ad; Three Lakes resources, water is a fitting focus of the Second Place: The Capital Times, The Second Place: The Journal Times, backs Karling in closed meeting. - Gary excellent environmental reporting here. Transportation Debate - Katelyn Ferral. Foxconn coverage - Journal Times staff . Ridderbusch, Evan Verploegh. Judge’s Second Place: The Valders Journal, Judge’s Comments: Lucid guidance Judge’s Comments: An impressive array Comments: Great story - good reporting. Battle lines drawn to get ‘alien’ weed out through complicated subject essential for of approaches and reporting depth on an Second Place: Hudson Star-Observer, of county; Foreign invaders latches onto taxpayers to understand. issue no doubt critical to this community. Drones a privacy issue for Hudson; lakes - Emma Dill. Judge’s Comments: Third Place: USA TODAY NETWORK- Storytelling quality a little uneven story to Council approves drone ordinance in Both stories illustrate the compounding Wisconsin, ‘Hooked in Wisconsin’ and story, but definitely an impressive entrant Hudson - Rebecca Mariscal. Judge’s problems that can result from invasive follow-up reporting on opiate epidemic in the ongoing-coverage category. Comments: Great writing. species. Fascinating topic. fallout - Keith Uhlig, Haley BeMiller, Third Place: The Freeman, Residents Third Place: South Now, Reggie “Da Third Place: The Verona Press, Milling Sharon Roznik, Karen Madden. Judge’s personal information held for ransom; Crusher” Lisowski Statue Fundraising/ about - Scott Girard. Judge’s Comments: Comments: Sensitive but unflinching Still not clear how hacker breached village Plan Ongoing Coverage - Erik Hanley, Great story. Kudos to the high school for account combining multiple narratives to system; Data breach prompts broader Elliot Hughes. Judge’s Comments: reusing the trees and to the reporter for convey the impact of the opioid epidemic. cybersecurity discussion; Nashotah to Crushed it. showcasing something relatively positive Honorable Mention: The Gazette, file insurance claim to cover ransomware Honorable Mention: Door County for the environment. Delavan-Darien School District closes payment - Brandon Anderegg. Judge’s Advocate, The saga of Sturgeon Bay’s Honorable Mention: The Stoughton Darien Elementary, cuts 39 teachers - Nate Comments: Tight series of stories that Teweles and Brandeis Granary - Liz Courier Hub, Bait and switch - Jackson. Judge’s Comments: Compelling anticipate and try to answers readers’ Welter. questions as the information unfolds. 22 Editorial

Division E Local Column First Place: Tomahawk Leader, Told it didn’t meet standards, THS valedictorian Division A withdraws speech; Principal issues First Place: The Capital Times, Scott statement: THS valedictorian’s rejected Walker’s rejection of representative speech finds national audience; Kathy’s democracy is shameful; Let’s explore Kolumn - Jennifer Ruid, Kathy Tobin. lowering the voting age to 16; John Judge’s Comments: Nichols: Vel Phillips was the first ... and Second Place: Grant County Herald the first ... and the first - John Nichols. Independent, Deputy involved in fatal Judge’s Comments: Literate and relevant shooting - David Timmerman, Erin beyond its local roots. Martin. Second Place: The Gazette, A century Third Place: The Northwoods River ago, influenza left Janesville families News, Dr. Trung and Ellen Tran toddler mourning; From Bosnia to Janesville: death case - Jamie Taylor, Heather Refugee mother grateful for new home; Schaefer. A creative focus: People with disabilities Honorable Mention: The Northwoods thrive at Whitewater’s Studio 84 - Anna River News, Mendez cold case homicide Marie Lux. Judge’s Comments: Good - Jamie Taylor, Heather Schaefer, Brian story telling using local events to make Jopek. more universal connections. Third Place: Kenosha News, In it’s 17th year, enjoy seeing, making kites; Division F Wisconsin drivers lose as the can First Place: The Chetek Alert, Scars of keeps being kicked down the road; A tornado still present a year later - Carl Kenosha example of why your vote Cooley, Bob Zientara, Luke Klink. Judge’s matters - Bob Heisse. Judge’s Comments: Comments: An excellent job covering Straightforward, thoughtful and locally the ways the community responded to a focused editorial writing. disaster. Honorable Mention: Green Bay Press- Second Place: Washington Island Gazette, Hidden note in café restores faith Waupaca County Post, Weekly Division, Local Outdoor Column Observer, (1) Island’s electrical lifeline in humanity; Trends that should go away breaks; (2) Repairing the lifeline: Co-op in 2018; Knee-jerk reactions to headlines works to keep Island’s lights on following Music that can make me cry - Ken Merrill. placement but certainly your readers like fuel fake news - Shelby Le Duc. Judge’s electrical cable break; (3) Success! Judge’s Comments: This column delivers this guy. Comments: Good writing with local Washington Island Electric Co-operative exactly what it says it will. A look at music Third Place: The Monroe Times, appeal. splices underwater cable, plans for for grownups, and in particular, those that Best Friends - Marissa Weiher. Judge’s replacement; (cont.) - Kyra Haas, Laurel aren’t interested in Top 40 hits. Comments: Interesting and well done Hauser. Judge’s Comments: Island life can Division B Honorable Mention: EagleHerald, Q&A be tough when you are trying to provide First Place: Leader-Telegram, The bold Mother’s Day as seen by a military mom utilities. Clear writing and comprehensive and the cheap; seeing gold again; all the (retired); Writing and medicine make a Division D coverage lifted this entry above most world is her classroom - Liam Marlaire. great combo; Community shares success First Place: Wausau Pilot and Review, others. Judge’s Comments: Each column finds of BAMC - Penny Mullins. Judge’s No, sexual assault victims aren’t part of Third Place: The Sun, Old hospital and tells a great local story. Exactly what a Comments: Great writing with a personal the problem - Shereen Siewert. Judge’s site captures imaginations; Former local columnist should do. touch. Loved the Mother’s Day column. Comments: Well written, strong hospital site re-imagined as ‘North Second Place: Daily Jefferson County arguments with good points. Bluff’; Concept plan for 301 River Street Union, Reader panel offers sneak peek at Division C Second Place: Trempealeau County evolves; LAD shares latest specs for upcoming bestsellers; Heritage Christmas First Place: Baraboo News Republic, It’s Times, Just Another Week - Andrew potential development; With plans at ornaments connect generations; ‘Libraries a Funny Thing - Ben Bromley. Judge’s Dannehy. Judge’s Comments: Interesting standstill, old hospital raises concerns - Transform’ reporter’s family - Pam Wilson. Comments: Great column writing, a stories and a glimpse into a reporter’s Suzanne Lindgren, Laurie Sabata. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Writer offers a great pleasure to read. world. Comments: Public processes can be personal look at life as a reporter. Second Place: The Daily Press, What’s Third Place: Sawyer County Record, convoluted and take interesting turns. This Third Place: Daily News, Don’t forget next after referendum?; Bear with me Boomer Life: The voices of the baby covered it all. about this song-writin’ Texan; Where here, please; It’s high time to try a new boomers; ‘We were all somebody else’; have all the guitar bands gone? Here are drug strategy - Peter Wasson. Judge’s And then we fall - Kathy Hanson. 10 great players; The tracks of my tears: Comments: Surprised by its front page Editorial 23

subject. genuine relevance and without hyperbole. Comments: A comprehensive account Division E Third Place: The Post-Crescent, John Second Place: Stevens Point Journal, of JJ Watt and the difference he’s made in First Place: Price County Review, Who Mielke resigns as Appleton East boys Decision to enroll early at Marquette people’s lives. shall bear this cross?; Abolish the moving basketball coach - Ricardo Arguello, Mike a tough call for Joey Hauser - Scott home stigma; 4 deep winter hacks to get Sherry. Judge’s Comments: You can tell a Williams. Judge’s Comments: Likely a Division E you to spring - Seth Carlson. lot of work went into this breaking news high-profile story in this community, told First Place: The Portage County Second Place: Spooner Advocate, 40 story. with insight, appropriate background Gazette, Heck started on Amherst’s State years pass in just a blink - Bill Thornley. Honorable Mention: Wisconsin State and a human touch. I like that it does Championship team - John Kemmeter. Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Journal, Brookfield East beats Sun everything it needs to do economically – Judge’s Comments: This should have been Press, A geezer’s lament? No, life’s a party Prairie at overtime horn - Jon Masson . would have been tempting to over-write. main story on the page, the remembrance for this 59-year-old; Here’s the scoop: Judge’s Comments: A great account of a Third Place: Daily Citizen, Dodgeland of a football player that died in a Customers concerned while Culver’s is memorable game. girls win first-ever state championship motorcycle crash. Good quotes, including floored; Don’t be not-so cheeky: Air kiss - Mark McMullen . Judge’s Comments: the victim, that fleshed out a portrait of a near miss gets boo hiss - Tim Lyke. Division B Very nicely told celebratory story with young-man lost. Honorable Mention: Pierce County First Place: The Journal Times, Mallwitz telling details about the team’s goals and Second Place: The Northwoods River Herald, Sarah Nigbor column: It’s wood Is A Local Treasure - Peter Jackel. Judge’s work ethic. Sets appropriate tone from News, Undeniable: Hodags rally to beat cutting weather; Finding my roots, and Comments: “Who was your favorite the first graph. Good coverage of the Mosinee 5-4 in OT, advance to regional Finnish ones at that; The circle of life - player.” “All of them.” The passion of this actual race as well – cross-country can be finals - Jeremy Mayo. Judge’s Comments: Sarah Nigbor. longtime coach comes through loud challenging to make exciting. Great hockey story centered on resilience, and clear in the story. You can’t help but Honorable Mention: Watertown Daily twice overcoming two-point deficits to Times, Warriors dig out, strike gold; Division F pull for him to get out of that hospital advance in playoffs. bed. Fantastic work. Sometimes sports is Warriors add gold ball to trophy case Third Place: The Northwoods River First Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, (sidebar) - Tom Kahl, Kevin Wilson. A question of political correctness; ‘Dark about much more, and this is one of those News, Stopping the streak: Hodags snap stories. Judge’s Comments: This story came with 23-game GNC skid on late goal line irony’ is my kind of gift idea; Alex Jones built-in drama, but that doesn’t guarantee should not be silenced - Kevin O’Brien. Second Place: Daily News, Oh my stand - Jeremy Mayo. Judge’s Comments: Zarling! - Adam Lindemer. Judge’s a dramatic telling. This one delivered on Glad you talked to players, especially on Judge’s Comments: Great topics and I can that count, with strategic details that may tell the author was passionate about them. Comments: Love the headline. Love the defense. Great description of key plays. photos. Love the story. The lede sets the not be evident to spectators but make a Honorable Mention: Pierce County Second Place: Tribune Record Gleaner, difference on the court. Charlie Brown knew the real reason all scene perfectly. Even if you didn’t see this Herald, Did that just happen? Prescott along; Would you have gone it after it game, the story makes it feel like you did. brings home a gold ball in epic fashion - or not; I wanted mac and cheese. I got That’s what a good game story should do. Division D Katie Davidson. Judge’s Comments: Four coleslaw. Now what? - Dean Lesar. Judge’s Third Place: Wausau Daily Herald, First Place: Lake Country Now, After a basketball teams entered center court Comments: Humorous and kept the Football coach in elite company with Shoreland Lutheran baseball player died at state, only one walked away with the attention of the reader. 400th win - Mitchell Skurzewski. Judge’s unexpectedly, regional opponent Lake revered championship trophy. Plenty of Third Place: Courier Sentinel, A hope Comments: Sometimes a game is not “just Country Lutheran helped his team say game description and insightful quotes. and a prayer for Main Street; When a another game,” and this story hits that nail goodbye - Curt surprise is a good thing; Summer heat, on the head. What happens in the game Hogg. Judge’s Comments: The Division F autumn leaves - Ross Pattermann. Judge’s isn’t always the most important thing story was a sensitive account of a tragic First Place: Burlington Standard Comments: This column can relate to about a game. This is a good example of event. The writer really conveyed the Press, Champions on parade; A strong most people. focusing on the big picture rather than emotions of the parties involved. foundation; Demons own the decade; getting bogged down in the details of a Second Place: Lake Country Now, Zak Demons capture...; Meet the Demons; 70-0 blowout. Karrels hits dramatic walk-off homer just Sports News Story 30 years young; Sport Check - Mike Honorable Mention: Daily News, Larson before midnight, sending Arrowhead to Ramczyk. Judge’s Comments: Fantastic. beats the buzzer - Gidal Kaiser. Judge’s state baseball final - Curt Hogg . Judge’s Big events deserve big coverage, and this is Division A Comments: Tension building lede, vivid Comments: A riveting account of a game exactly how you do it. Reporting, photos First Place: Wisconsin State Journal, language throughout and strong quotes. that many players, coaches and fans will and space devoted to major story ensures Waunakee holds off Hartland Arrowhead This is a great recap of what sounds like a remember for a long time. all angles are covered. - Jon Masson . Judge’s Comments: The thrilling game. Third Place: The Chronotype, Kenny Second Place: The Stoughton Courier writer drew the reader into the story adds team to title list - Dave Greschner. Hub, Warm memories of Pieper - Anthony in a unique fashion. You could feel the Division C Judge’s Comments: I like how the writer Iozzo. Judge’s Comments: Love the first- emotions of the participants. First Place: Daily Citizen, Coronation combined to tell the story of an individual person approach. Perfect for this type of Second Place: The Gazette, That’s - Mark McMullen . Judge’s Comments: and a team’s success in one well-written story. a problem; Love of the game; More Personality, context, impact, all supported piece. Third Place: The Valders Journal, cheering, less jeering - Eric Schmoldt, by a crucially important but not Honorable Mention: Lake Country Hearts break for Vikes as buzzer-beater John Barry. Judge’s Comments: Story was overwhelming back-story. Important Now, Pewaukee’s JJ Watt says Man of connects; Hickmann hits shot heard a comprehensive overview of a complex emotional component (not easy to extract Year Award is ‘so much bigger than just around Valders in semi - Brian Thomsen. from a high school kid) woven in with one man’ - Christopher Kuhagen. Judge’s 24 Awards by Newspaper

Amery Free Press Third Place ...... Sports Section Honorable Mention ....Best Special Section Grant County Herald Independent Honorable Mention….Best Special Section Honorable Mention ...... Breaking News First Place ...... Sports Section Columbus Journal Coverage First Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Baraboo News Republic Third Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Honorable Mention ...... Feature (Profile) First Place ...... General News Photo First Place …………...Best Special Section Honorable Mention ..... Portrait or Artistic First Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) First Place ..….. Open Records/FOI Award Courier Press Photo Second Place ...... Ongoing/Extended First Place ...... Local Column First Place ...... General News Story Coverage First Place ...... General News Photo Second Place ...... Community Service/ Daily News Second Place ...... Sports Feature Second Place ……………..Best Front Page Engagement Award First Place ...... Sports Photo Second Place ...... Sports Photo Second Place ………..General News Photo Third Place ...... Community Service/ First Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Second Place ...... Feature Photo Third Place...….. Portrait or Artistic Photo Engagement Award Second Place ...... Best Front Page Second Place ...... Best Grocery Ad Honorable Mention ……...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... Bill Payne Award Second Place ...... Best Headlines Second Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Honorable Mention ...... Enterprise/ Second Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Spread Barron News-Shield Interpretive Reporting Second Place ...... Sports News Story Second Place ...Best Newspaper Promotion Second Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Honorable Mention ...... Bill Payne Award Third Place ...... Local Column Third Place ...... Best Front Page Third Place ...... Sports Section Third Place ...... Best Localized National Third Place ...... Best Use of Local Courier Sentinel Story Photography Beloit Daily News Third Place ...... Editorial Award Honorable Mention ...... Sports News Story Honorable Mention ...... Best Multiple First Place ...... Best Special Section Third Place ...... Local Column Honorable Mention ...... Sports Feature Advertiser Spread First Place ...... Editorial Award Honorable Mention ...... Spot News Photo First Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Daily Tribune Green Bay Press-Gazette Reporting Crawford County Independent & The First Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Special Pages First Place ...... Feature Photo Kickapoo Scout Government First Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Overall Page Design First Place ...... Environmental Reporting Second Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Government First Place ...... Page Design - Feature Award Reporting First Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Community Service/ Second Place ...... Best Localized National First Place ...... Local Outdoor Column First Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Engagement Award Story Second Place ...... Editorial Award Spread Honorable Mention ...... Best Localized Third Place ...... Open Records/FOI Award Second Place ...... Feature (Profile) First Place ...... Best Digital Ad National Story Third Place ...... Environmental Reporting Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Second Place ...... Local Sports Column Award Education Second Place ...... Feature Photo Daily Citizen Honorable Mention ...... Business Coverage Second Place ...... Best Video Second Place ...... Page Design - Feature First Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Third Place ...... Community Service/ Second Place ...... Best Small Ad First Place ...... Sports News Story Dodge County Pionier Engagement Award Second Place ...Best Newspaper Promotion First Place ....Best Localized National Story First Place ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...... Best Headlines Second Place ...... Best Niche Product First Place ...... Page Design - Sports Second Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Third Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Second Place ...... Best Digital Ad First Place ...... Best Niche Product Third Place ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...... General News Photo Third Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Best Special Section Third Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Third Place ...... Feature Photo Third Place ...... General News Story Second Place ...... Best Niche Product Honorable Mention ...... Feature Photo Honorable Mention ...... Editorial Section Third Place ...... Business Coverage Third Place ...... Sports News Story Honorable Mention ...... Best Grocery Ad Honorable Mention ...... Feature Third Place ...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... General News Photo Honorable Mention ...... Best Use of Color (Non-profile) Third Place ...... Bill Payne Award Honorable Mention ...... Investigative Honorable Mention ...... Best Newspaper Honorable Mention ...... Local Column Third Place ...... Best Special Section Reporting Promotion Honorable Mention ...... Local Sports Honorable Mention .....Open Records/FOI Column Award Daily Globe Door County Advocate Honorable Mention ...... Digital Journalism Honorable Mention ...... Environmental First Place ...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention .....Ongoing/Extended Reporting Award First Place ...... Best Small Ad Coverage Herald Times Reporter First Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) First Place ...... Sports Feature Burlington Standard Press EagleHerald First Place ...... Spot News Photo First Place ...... Best Front Page First Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Best Use of Local First Place ...... Best Video First Place ...... Sports Section First Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Photography Second Place ...... Feature (Profile) First Place ...... Sports News Story Second Place ...... Best Special Section Third Place ...... Best Niche Product Third Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive First Place ...... Sports Photo Second Place ...... Sports Photo Honorable Mention ....General News Story Reporting Third Place ...... Feature/Lifestyle Section Third Place ...... Bill Payne Award Honorable Mention ...... Local Column Third Place ...... Business Coverage Third Place ...... Best Grocery Ad Honorable Mention ....Best Special Section Hocak Worak Third Place ...... Best Digital Ad Honorable Mention ...... Best Multiple First Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Campbellsport News Advertiser Spread Honorable Mention .....Reporting on Local First Place ...... Best Use of Art Daily Jefferson County Union Honorable Mention ...... Best Use of Art Education Service Second Place ...... Best Special Section Service Honorable Mention ...... Best Large Ad Second Place ...... Local Column Hudson Star-Observer Third Place ...... Editorial Award Fennimore Times First Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Clintonville Tribune Gazette Third Place ...... Feature (Profile) First Place ...... Best Grocery Ad Reporting Second Place ...... General Excellence Third Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Best Large Ad First Place ...... Photo Essay Second Place ...... Best Video Education Second Place ...... Sports Section Awards by Newspaper 25

Second Place ...... Ongoing/Extended Third Place ...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention ...... All-Around Second Place .....Environmental Reporting Coverage Honorable Mention ...... Enterprise/ Newspaper Photography Award Third Place ...... Feature (Profile) Interpretive Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... Open Records/FOI Award Third Place ...... Best Digital Ad Honorable Mention ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... “Rookie” Reporter of the Honorable Mention ...... Best Digital Ad Honorable Mention ...... General News Marshfield News-Herald Year Photo First Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Honorable Mention .....Ongoing/Extended Inter-County Leader Honorable Mention ...... Portrait or Artistic Reporting Coverage First Place ...... Feature (Profile) Photo Third Place ...... General News Story Honorable Mention ...... Best Video Third Place ...... Business Coverage Pierce County Herald Juneau County Star-Times Honorable Mention ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Best Use of Color Second Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Lake Geneva Regional News Second Place ...... Sports Section Reporting First Place ...... Community Service/ Milton Courier Second Place ...... Investigative Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Best Special Engagement Award Second Place ...... All-Around Newspaper Second Place ...... Graphics Section First Place ...... Editorial Award Photography Second Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Honorable Mention ...... Sports News Story First Place ...... Editorial Section Third Place ...... Feature Photo Second Place ...... Best Digital Ad First Place ...... Best Headlines Third Place ...... Environmental Reporting Kenosha News First Place ...... Environmental Reporting Monroe County Herald Award First Place ...... Best Special Section Award Second Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Third Place ...... Photo Essay First Place ...... Best Headlines First Place ...... Best Video Third Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) Third Place ...... Best Small Ad Second Place ...... Spot News Photo Second Place .....Open Records/FOI Award Honorable Mention ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...... Best Niche Product Third Place ...... Editorial Award Second Place ...... “Rookie” Reporter of the Honorable Mention ...... Feature (Profile) Third Place ...... Business Coverage Year New London Press Star Honorable Mention ...... Local Column Third Place ...... Local Column Second Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Best Special Section Honorable Mention ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... Local Sports Column Government First Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Page Design - Feature Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Government Portage Daily Register Education First Place ...... All-Around Newspaper First Place ...... Best Front Page Kewaskum Statesman Second Place ...... Business Coverage Photography Second Place ...... General Excellence First Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Second Place ...... Local Sports Column Second Place ...... Editorial Section Second Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Feature (Profile) Second Place ...... General News Photo Second Place ...... General News Story Government First Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Best Website Second Place ...... Best Ongoing Niche Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Special Pages Third Place ...... Feature (Profile) Publication Education Third Place ...... Photo Essay Third Place ...... Best Localized National Third Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Second Place ...... Business Coverage Third Place ...... Best Small Ad Story Third Place ...... Reporting on Local Honorable Mention ...... Feature (Profile) Honorable Mention ...... Community Honorable Mention ...... Business Coverage Education Service/Engagement Award Third Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Price County Review Honorable Mention ...... Breaking News Lake Mills Leader Honorable Mention ...... General Excellence First Place ...... Local Column Coverage First Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Honorable Mention .....Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Best Special Section Spread Government Third Place ...... Digital Journalism La Crosse Tribune Second Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Honorable Mention ...General News Photo First Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Spread Reedsburg Times Press Second Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive New Richmond News Honorable Mention ...... Sports Section Reporting Leader-Telegram First Place ...... Investigative Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Enterprise/ Honorable Mention ...... Editorial Award First Place ...... Editorial Section Second Place ...... General News Story Interpretive Reporting First Place ...... Sports Section Third Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Ladysmith News First Place ...... Investigative Reporting Third Place ...... Reporting on Local River Falls Journal First Place ...... General News Story First Place ...... Local Column Education First Place ...... Sports Photo First Place ...... Breaking News Coverage First Place ....Best Localized National Story Honorable Mention .....Best Niche Product Second Place ...... Editorial Award Second Place ...... General Excellence Sauk Prairie Eagle Second Place ...... Business Coverage News Graphic Third Place ...... Feature (Profile) Lake Country Now Second Place ...... Sports Feature Second Place ...... Best Headlines First Place ...Reporting on Local Education Second Place ...... General News Photo Third Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Sawyer County Record First Place ...... Environmental Reporting Third Place ...... Best Headlines Third Place ...... Overall Page Design First Place ...... Business Coverage Award Third Place ...... General News Photo First Place ...... Best Niche Product First Place ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... Feature Photo North Shore Now First Place ...... Best Ongoing Niche Second Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Third Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Third Place ...... General News Story Publication Reporting Third Place ...... Overall Page Design Third Place ...... Best Localized National Second Place ...... Sports News Story Story Third Place ...... Best Special Section Honorable Mention ...... Investigative Second Place ...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... Local Column Lake Country Now Reporting Third Place ...... Open Records/FOI Award Honorable Mention ...... Best Localized Second Place ...... Feature Photo Honorable Mention ...... Feature National Story Second Place ...... Photo Essay (Non-profile) Oshkosh Northwestern Honorable Mention .....Best Niche Product Third Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Honorable Mention ...... Local Sports First Place ...... Open Records/FOI Award Reporting Column Second Place ...... Investigative Reporting

Awards by Newspaper 27

South Now Third Place ...Ongoing/Extended Coverage The Capital Times The Chippewa Herald First Place ....Best Localized National Story First Place ...... Editorial Section Second Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... General News Photo Sun Prairie Star First Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Third Place ...... Photo Essay Third Place ...Ongoing/Extended Coverage First Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Feature Photo Reporting First Place ....Ongoing/Extended Coverage The Chronotype Second Place ...... General Excellence First Place ...... Local Column First Place ...... Sports Section Southwest Now Second Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Second Place ...... Ongoing/Extended Second Place ...... Best Localized National Second Place ...... General News Photo Honorable Mention ...... Spot News Photo Coverage Story Third Place ...... Investigative Reporting Second Place ...... Page Design - Sports Spooner Advocate Superior Telegram Third Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Third Place ...... Sports News Story First Place ...... Special Pages Honorable Mention ...... Sports Feature Reporting Third Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Spot News Photo Third Place ...... Best Localized National Honorable Mention ...... Photo Essay Second Place ...... Local Column The Boscobel Dial Story Second Place ...... Photo Essay First Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Third Place ...... Best Website The Country Today Third Place ...... General Excellence Third Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Third Place ...... Digital Journalism First Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Third Place ...... Local Outdoor Column Spread Honorable Mention ...... Investigative Second Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Third Place ...... Overall Page Design Honorable Mention ...... Best Small Ad Reporting Third Place ...... Best Headlines Third Place ...... Page Design - Sports Honorable Mention ...... Enterprise/ Honorable Mention ...... Editorial Award Honorable Mention ...... Local Sports The Brillion News Interpretive Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Best Headlines Column Second Place ...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention ...... Environmental Stevens Point Journal Third Place ...... Best Localized National Reporting Award The Daily Press First Place ...... Investigative Reporting Story First Place ...... Community Service/ First Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Honorable Mention ...... Photo Essay The Chetek Alert Engagement Award First Place ...... Ongoing/Extended First Place ...... Environmental Reporting First Place ...Reporting on Local Education The Cambridge News and Deerfield Coverage Award First Place ...... Business Coverage Independent First Place ...... Digital Journalism First Place ....Ongoing/Extended Coverage First Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Second Place ...... Best Front Page Second Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Second Place .....Open Records/FOI Award Second Place ...... Business Coverage Second Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Second Place ...... Ongoing/Extended Second Place ...... Sports News Story Second Place ...... Best Localized National Third Place ...... Spot News Photo Coverage Third Place ...... Reporting on Local Story Second Place ...... Local Column Government Third Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive 28 Awards by Newspaper

Reporting First Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Honorable Mention ...... Best Localized Second Place ...... Best Real Estate Ad First Place ...... Best Use of Local National Story Second Place ...... Best Large Ad Honorable Mention ...... Open Records/ Photography Honorable Mention ...General News Photo Second Place ...... Best Special Section FOI Award First Place ...... Best Use of Humor Honorable Mention ...... Photo Essay Second Place ...... Best Niche Product First Place ...... Best Newspaper Promotion Honorable Mention ...... Best Grocery Ad Third Place ...... Editorial Section The Daily Reporter First Place ...... Best Niche Product Honorable Mention ...... Best Use of Local Third Place ...... Sports Section Second Place ...... General News Story First Place ...... Innovative Online Photography Third Place ...... Reporting on Local Second Place ...... Best Website Advertising Honorable Mention ...Best Ongoing Niche Government Third Place ...... Investigative Reporting First Place ...... Best Digital Ad Publication Third Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Reporting on Local Second Place ...... General Excellence Education Education Second Place ...... Best Special Section The Journal Times Third Place ...... Graphics Second Place ...... Sports Section First Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Best Grocery Ad The Denmark News Second Place ...... Feature/Lifestyle Section Education Third Place ...... Best Small Ad First Place ...... Community Service/ Second Place ...... Best Headlines First Place ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Engagement Award Second Place ...... “Rookie” Reporter of the Second Place ...... Editorial Award Honorable Mention ...... Investigative Honorable Mention .....Reporting on Local Year Reporting Education Second Place ...... General News Story Second Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Honorable Mention ...... Sports Photo Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Bill Payne Award The Freeman Government Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Honorable Mention ...... Best Ad Idea First Place ...... Best Front Page Second Place ...... Local Column Government (Series) First Place ...... Environmental Reporting Second Place ...... Sports News Story Second Place ...... Ongoing/Extended Honorable Mention ...... Best Multiple Award Second Place ...... Sports Feature Coverage Advertiser Spread First Place ...... Local Sports Column Second Place ...... Local Sports Column Second Place ...... Best Localized National Second Place ...... Photo Essay Second Place ...... Best Localized National Story The Monroe Times Second Place ...... Best Special Section Story Third Place ...... Best Front Page First Place ...... General Excellence Third Place ...... Ongoing/Extended Second Place ...... Page Design - Sports Third Place ...... Breaking News Coverage First Place ...... General News Story Coverage Second Place ...... Graphics Third Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... Best Use of Local Second Place ...... Bill Payne Award Government First Place ...... Photo Essay Photography Second Place ...... Best Grocery Ad Third Place ...... Environmental Reporting First Place ...... Best Use of Color Honorable Mention ...... Enterprise/ Second Place ...... Best Real Estate Ad Award First Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Interpretive Reporting Second Place ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...... Sports Feature Spread Honorable Mention .....Reporting on Local Second Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) Third Place ...... Local Sports Column Second Place ...... Editorial Section Government Second Place ...... Best Special Section Honorable Mention ...... “Rookie” Reporter Second Place ...... Best Headlines Honorable Mention .....Reporting on Local Second Place ...... Best Use of Color of the Year Second Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Education Second Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Honorable Mention ...... Business Coverage Second Place ...... Investigative Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Bill Payne Award Spread Second Place .....Environmental Reporting Honorable Mention .....Best Niche Product Second Place ...... Best Use of Art Service The Lakeland Times Award Second Place ...... Innovative Online First Place ...... General Excellence Second Place ...... All-Around Newspaper The Gazette Advertising First Place ...... Best Front Page Photography First Place ...... Best Front Page Second Place ...... Best Digital Ad First Place ...... Best Headlines Second Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo First Place ...... Feature/Lifestyle Section Third Place ...... Editorial Section First Place ...... Open Records/FOI Award Second Place ...... Bill Payne Award First Place ...... General News Story Third Place ...... Local Outdoor Column First Place ...... Local Sports Column Second Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad First Place ...... Feature (Profile) Third Place ...... Graphics First Place ...... All-Around Newspaper Second Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) First Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Photography Second Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Education Third Place ...... Best Real Estate Ad First Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Spread First Place ...... Environmental Reporting Third Place ...... Best Large Ad First Place ...... Overall Page Design Second Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Award Third Place ...... Best Small Ad First Place ...... Page Design - Sports Second Place ...... Best Ongoing Niche First Place ...... All-Around Newspaper Third Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) First Place ...... Best Small Ad Publication Photography Third Place ...... Best Special Section First Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) Third Place ...... Best Special Section First Place ...... General News Photo Third Place ...... Best Use of Color First Place ...... Best Special Section Third Place ...... Best Front Page First Place ...... Feature Photo Third Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser First Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Third Place ...... Best Headlines First Place ...... Photo Essay Spread Spread Third Place ...... Local Column First Place ...... Graphics Third Place ...... Best Use of Art Service First Place ...... Best Use of Local Third Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Best Website Third Place ...... Best Ongoing Niche Photography Third Place ...... Best Localized National First Place ...... Bill Payne Award Publication First Place ...... Best Use of Humor Story First Place ...... Best Grocery Ad Third Place ...... Innovative Online First Place ...... Best Newspaper Promotion Third Place ...... Page Design - Sports First Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Advertising Second Place ...... Best Special Section Third Place ...... Best Special Section First Place ...... Best Real Estate Ad Third Place ...... Best Digital Ad Second Place ...... Business Coverage Third Place ...... Best Newspaper Promotion First Place ...... Best Large Ad Honorable Mention ....General News Story Second Place ...... Sports Feature Third Place ...... Best Niche Product First Place ...... Best Small Ad Honorable Mention ...... Feature (Profile) Second Place ...... Local Outdoor Column Honorable Mention ....General News Story First Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) Honorable Mention .....Ongoing/Extended Second Place ...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention ...... Breaking News First Place ...... Best Special Section Coverage Second Place ...... Page Design - Feature Coverage First Place ...... Best Use of Color Honorable Mention ...... Sports Feature Second Place ...... Digital Journalism Honorable Mention ...... Feature Awards by Newspaper 29

(Non-profile) Second Place ...... Best Localized National Second Place ...... Sports Photo First Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Honorable Mention ...... Spot News Photo Story Second Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo First Place ...... Editorial Section Honorable Mention ...... Feature Photo Honorable Mention ...... General Excellence Second Place ...... Best Video Second Place ...... Feature/Lifestyle Section Honorable Mention ...... Portrait or Artistic Honorable Mention ...Overall Page Design Third Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Second Place ...... Best Ad Idea Photo Honorable Mention ...General News Photo (Series) Honorable Mention ...... Best Website The Portage County Gazette Second Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Honorable Mention ....Best Special Section First Place ...... Sports News Story The Ripon Commonwealth Press Second Place ...... Best Use of Honorable Mention .....Best Niche Product Third Place ...... General News Story First Place ...... General Excellence Humor Third Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Feature (Profile) Second Place ...Best Newspaper Promotion The Northwoods River News Third Place ...... Best Special Section First Place ...... Feature Photo Third Place ...... General Excellence First Place ...... Best Special Section First Place ...... Page Design - Sports Third Place ...... Editorial Award First Place ...... Best Front Page The Post-Crescent First Place ...... Graphics Third Place ...... Bill Payne Award First Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Business Coverage First Place ...... Bill Payne Award Third Place ...... Best Use of Color Government First Place ...... Local Sports Column First Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Honorable Mention ...... Best Front Page First Place ...... Business Coverage First Place ...... Spot News Photo First Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Honorable Mention ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Sports Photo Spread Honorable Mention ...... Best Small Ad First Place ...... Photo Essay First Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo First Place ...... Best Newspaper Promotion First Place ...... Overall Page Design First Place ...... Best Video First Place ...... Best Digital Ad The Stoughton Courier Hub First Place ...... Page Design - Feature Second Place ...... Best Front Page Second Place ...... Best Front Page First Place ...... General News Story First Place ...... Best Small Ad Second Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Second Place ...... Best Headlines First Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive First Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Feature Photo Second Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting First Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Second Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Reporting First Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Best Niche Product Second Place ...... Overall Page Design Second Place ...... Spot News Photo First Place ...... Best Ongoing Niche Second Place ...... Special Pages Third Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Overall Page Design Publication Second Place ...... Feature (Profile) Third Place ...... Sports Section Second Place ...... Best Large Ad Second Place ...... Sports News Story Second Place ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... Feature/Lifestyle Section Second Place ...... Best Small Ad Second Place ...... Photo Essay Third Place ...... Best Headlines Third Place ...... Open Records/FOI Award Second Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...Ongoing/Extended Coverage Third Place ...... General News Story Second Place ...... Best Use of Color Honorable Mention ...... Best Front Page Third Place ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Second Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Honorable Mention ...... Environmental Third Place ...... Local Sports Column Third Place ...... Environmental Reporting Second Place ...... Best Use of Local Reporting Award Third Place ...... General News Photo Award Photography Third Place ...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... Editorial Award The Sun Third Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Third Place ...... Spot News Photo Third Place ...... Editorial Section Third Place ...Ongoing/Extended Coverage Third Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Third Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Third Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Honorable Mention ...... Feature (Profile) Third Place ...... Best Ongoing Niche Honorable Mention ...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... Investigative Reporting Publication Honorable Mention ...... Portrait or Artistic Third Place ...... Reporting on Local The Tribune-Phonograph Honorable Mention ....General News Story Photo Government First Place ...... Local Column Honorable Mention ...... Breaking News Honorable Mention ...... Best Video Third Place ...... Business Coverage Second Place ...... Editorial Award Coverage Third Place ...... Local Column Second Place ...... General News Photo Honorable Mention .....Ongoing/Extended The Press Times Third Place ...... All-Around Newspaper Second Place ...... Sports Photo Coverage First Place ...... Best Website Photography Second Place ...... Feature Photo Honorable Mention ...General News Photo Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Feature Photo Third Place ...... General Excellence Honorable Mention ...... Sports Photo Education Third Place ...... Page Design - Feature Third Place ...... Sports Feature Honorable Mention ...... Portrait or Artistic Third Place ...... Best Front Page Third Place ...... Best Website Third Place ...... Best Large Ad Photo Honorable Mention ...... Feature Third Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Honorable Mention ...Page Design - Sports The Progressive (Non-profile) Honorable Mention ...... Feature Photo Honorable Mention ...... Graphics Third Place ...... Best Use of Color Honorable Mention ...... Photo Essay Honorable Mention ...... Best Use of Local Honorable Mention .....Best Real Estate Ad Photography The Oregon Observer The Record-Review Honorable Mention ...... Best Use of Art First Place ...... General Excellence First Place ...... Best Localized National Service The Valders Journal First Place ...Reporting on Local Education Story First Place ...... Editorial Award First Place ...... Photo Essay Second Place ...... Editorial Award The Sheboygan Press The Valders Journal Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Second Place .....Environmental Reporting First Place ....“Rookie” Reporter of the Year First Place ...... Business Coverage Government Award First Place ...... Feature (Profile) First Place ....Best Localized National Story Second Place ...... Best Small Ad Second Place ...... Page Design - Sports First Place ...... General News Photo First Place ...... General News Photo Third Place ...... General News Story Third Place ...... Best Use of Color First Place ...... Photo Essay First Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Third Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive First Place ...... Digital Journalism Second Place ...... Best Special Section Reporting The Reporter Second Place ...... Spot News Photo Second Place ...... Sports Section Honorable Mention ...... “Rookie” Reporter First Place ...... General Excellence Third Place ...... Best Video Second Place ...... Feature (Profile) of the Year First Place ...... Best Headlines Second Place .....Environmental Reporting First Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Award The Platteville Journal First Place ....Ongoing/Extended Coverage The Star News Second Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Second Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... General News Story First Place ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...... Best Special Section 30 Awards by Newspaper

Third Place ...... Best Front Page Third Place ...Ongoing/Extended Coverage Second Place ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...... Investigative Reporting Third Place ...... “Rookie” Reporter of the Second Place ...... Best Use of Local Third Place ...... General News Photo Year Vilas County News-Review Photography Third Place ...... Sports Photo Third Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ...... Best Special Section Third Place ...... General Excellence Honorable Mention .....Reporting on Local Government First Place ...... Editorial Award Third Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Education Third Place ...... Sports News Story First Place ...... Feature/Lifestyle Section Third Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Third Place ...... Sports Photo First Place ....Ongoing/Extended Coverage Third Place ...... Feature (Profile) Wisconsin State Farmer Honorable Mention ...... Investigative First Place ...... Spot News Photo Third Place ...... Spot News Photo Second Place ...... Feature (Profile) Reporting First Place ...... Feature Photo Third Place ...... Sports Photo Second Place .....Environmental Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Feature First Place ...... Bill Payne Award Third Place ...... Feature Photo Award (Non-profile) First Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Honorable Mention ....Best Special Section Third Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) The Verona Press First Place ...... Best Real Estate Ad Honorable Mention ...... Best Front Page Third Place ...... Business Coverage First Place ...... Best Small Ad First Place ...... Best Use of Color Honorable Mention ...... Sports News Story Honorable Mention ...... Feature Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Second Place ...... General Excellence Honorable Mention ...General News Photo (Non-profile) Education Second Place ...... Editorial Section Honorable Mention ...... Photo Essay Honorable Mention ...... Feature (Profile) Second Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Best Front Page Honorable Mention ...... Graphics Third Place ...... Community Service/ Second Place ...... General News Story Wisconsin State Journal Engagement Award Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Waukesha County Now First Place ...... General Excellence Third Place ...... Environmental Reporting Government First Place ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Editorial Award Award Second Place ...... All-Around Newspaper First Place ...... Sports Photo First Place ...... Open Records/FOI Award Third Place ...... All-Around Newspaper Photography First Place ...... Best Video First Place ...... Investigative Reporting Photography Second Place ...... Overall Page Design Second Place ...... Investigative Reporting First Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Third Place ...... Best Special Section Second Place ...... Bill Payne Award Second Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) First Place ...... Sports News Story Third Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Second Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Third Place ...... Photo Essay Second Place ...... Editorial Section Spread Second Place ...... Best Small Ad Third Place ...... Best Video Second Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Third Place ...... Best Newspaper Promotion Second Place ...... Best Use of Color Honorable Mention ....General News Story Second Place ...... Business Coverage Honorable Mention ...... Business Coverage Second Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser Honorable Mention ...... Digital Journalism Second Place .....Environmental Reporting Honorable Mention ...... Sports Photo Spread Award Third Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Waupaca County Post Second Place ...... General News Photo The Waunakee Tribune Third Place ...... Feature Photo First Place ...... Local Outdoor Column Second Place ...... Sports Photo First Place ....“Rookie” Reporter of the Year Third Place ...... Best Restaurant Ad Honorable Mention ...... Best Front Page Second Place ...... Photo Essay First Place ...Reporting on Local Education Third Place ...... Best Real Estate Ad Third Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Best Large Ad Wausau Daily Herald Government Tomahawk Leader Third Place ...... Best Multiple Advertiser First Place ...... General News Story Third Place ...... Reporting on Local First Place ....Ongoing/Extended Coverage Spread First Place ...... Breaking News Coverage Education Third Place ...... Enterprise/Interpretive Third Place ...... Best Use of Humor First Place ...... Reporting on Local Third Place ...... Sports Feature Reporting Third Place ...... Best Newspaper Promotion Government Third Place ...... All-Around Newspaper Third Place ...... Spot News Photo Honorable Mention ...... Community First Place ...... Business Coverage Photography Service/Engagement Award Second Place ...... Community Service/ Third Place ...... Sports Photo Trempealeau County Times Honorable Mention ...... Spot News Photo Engagement Award Third Place ...... Photo Essay Second Place ...... Local Column Second Place .....Open Records/FOI Award Third Place ...... Best Video Washington Island Observer Second Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Honorable Mention ...... Business Coverage Tribune Record Gleaner First Place ...... Spot News Photo Second Place ...... Reporting on Local Honorable Mention ...... Sports News Story First Place ...... Feature Photo Second Place ...... Feature (Non-profile) Education Honorable Mention ...... Spot News Photo Second Place ...... Local Column Second Place ...... Ongoing/Extended Second Place ...... Local Outdoor Column Second Place ...... Sports Feature Coverage Third Place ...... Investigative Reporting Second Place ...... Bill Payne Award Third Place ...... General News Photo Third Place ...... Sports News Story Second Place ...... Best Use of Color Third Place ...... Spot News Photo Second Place ...... Best Use of Art Service Watertown Daily Times Honorable Mention ....General News Story First Place ...... Best Headlines Wausau Pilot and Review Honorable Mention ...... Sports Feature First Place ...... Feature (Profile) First Place ...... Investigative Reporting First Place ...... Feature Photo First Place ...... Reporting on Local Tri-County Press First Place ...... Portrait or Artistic Photo Government First Place ...... Best Use of Color First Place ...... Bill Payne Award First Place ...... Local Column Second Place ...... Best Ad Idea (Series) First Place ...... Best Large Ad Third Place ...... Environmental Reporting First Place ...... Best Use of Local Award USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Photography First Place ....Best Localized National Story First Place ...... Best Ongoing Niche Waushara Argus First Place ...... Digital Journalism Publication Third Place ...... Best Niche Product Second Place .....Open Records/FOI Award Second Place ...... Feature (Profile) Second Place ...... Investigative Reporting Second Place ...... Spot News Photo West Now Second Place ...... Digital Journalism Second Place ...... Feature Photo Second Place ...... Best Video Third Place ...... Feature (Profile) Second Place ...... Photo Essay Editorial 31

Judge’s Comments: “Two great players effort all-around! The staff presents There’s no place like home - Nick Sabato. who’ll be playing Division I football. and two great shots.” Solid lede and great great historical photos, biographies, Judge’s Comments: Scene-setting lede recap of what sounds like a thrilling, but retrospectives, video, and a general puts you in the gym and the rest of the Local Sports Column disappointing game. Love the photo, too. sense of reliving the glory days. This story offers tons of background to explain Division A Honorable Mention: Juneau County entry is exactly what historical sports what motivates him. First Place: The Post-Crescent, Star-Times, Clock countdown - Zachary writing should strive to be. It’s inspiring, Third Place: The Chronotype, Bear Kimberly’s historic run of five consecutive Rastall. Judge’s Comments: Good interesting and fun! Excellent work! of a day conquered in Boston - Dave football titles, 70 straight wins reporting with a nice variety of sources. Second Place: Leader-Telegram, Thumbs Greschner. Judge’s Comments: Fantastic. extraordinary; 10 changes to high school Great look at a controversial issue with an Up, Fly High - Nick Erickson. Judge’s The lede really draws you in and paints a sports we’d like to see in 2018 and beyond; uncertain future. Comments: This is a great biography piece picture. Great story. Appleton North’s success had humble with a lot of interviews fleshing out the Honorable Mention: The Star News, beginnings - Ricardo Arguello. Judge’s impact of Owen on and off the field. The Redmen return for coach’s finale - Matt Sports Feature Comments: The writer has a lively and amount of space given to share his story Frey. Judge’s Comments: What a fun story easy to read style. The 10 changes column worked well and flowed nicely. Good job! and great send off for that coach. allowed the writer to bring important Division A Third Place: The Journal Times, issues to the forefront in a way that is First Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Remembering Mia - Peter Jackel. Judge’s accessible for the reader. Why Lance Kendricks sat in protest for Division E Comments: Mia’s story is well-written Second Place: The Gazette, More national anthem - Ryan Wood. Judge’s First Place: The Northwoods River and showcases her impact as an athlete Cheering, Less Jeering; Brooms, Bruises Comments: Anyone who thinks NFL News, Finding a purpose: Seven wounded and a person. An array of quotes from and a night of curling; Tuesday will go players kneeling in protest are ungrateful military veterans get a second chance on those close to her enhance the story a lot. down as a ‘Remember when?’ day - Eric millionaires should read this story. It offers national sled hockey team - Nick Sabato. Everything flowed well. Nice work! Schmoldt. Judge’s Comments: The curling much-needed context on an issue that has Judge’s Comments: Great quotes, insight Honorable Mention: Daily News, Master piece was a fun first-person account. The a lot more layers than the typical narrative in a tough sports with tougher competitors of the fundamentals - Adam Lindemer. column on officials brought up important would have you believe. Second Place: Grant County Herald Judge’s Comments: In a tough field, this issues. Second Place: The Gazette, Ride or Independent, The Golden Years; Stuart story was a good retrospective on an Third Place: Kenosha News, UWP die: Area woman conquers heartbreak, Harper kicks off retirement with cross outgoing coach. I especially appreciated seniors deserved better; Enjoy it, All- loss to achieve barrel-racing dream - country bike ride - A.J. Gates. Judge’s the diversity in the quotes breakout Stars; Complaints make softball tourneys Bryan Wegter. Judge’s Comments: “It’s Comments: Felt like you were right the box. The story is a nice send-off and it’s tough to stomach - Mike Johnson. Judge’s proof she survived.” The second line of retiree going over mountains, swatting something he should frame for his house. Comments: You don’t see too many pieces this story hooks you in and brings you mosquitoes and cramping hands on The photos helped enhance the story too. on adult softball. The writer made this along for the ride. What a great story of downhill braking. Good work! reader shake his head in amazement. overcoming challenges in life, and one Third Place: The Portage County Gazette, Honorable Mention: Green Bay Press- that’s particularly timely given the crisis of Mitch celebrated for coaching career - Division C Gazette, Rodgers’ return in uncharted drug addiction in this country. John Kemmeter. Judge’s Comments: Nice First Place: Stevens Point Journal, For waters; Winds of change: Timing right Third Place: Wisconsin State Journal, to have others recognize you as you retire. SPASH boys soccer, team activities include for Packers to part ways with Thompson; Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor a Honorable Mention: Superior Telegram, lessons in respect for women - Scott Changes in Packers leadership could top candidate for Heisman Trophy - Jason Stroke sidelines SHS baseball coach - Ken Williams. Judge’s Comments: Interesting, run deep - Pete Dougherty. Judge’s Galloway. Judge’s Comments: For those Olson. Judge’s Comments: Short and offbeat take on a nationwide subject. Comments: You can tell the writer lives who haven’t followed Jonathan Taylor sweet story about getting seen after stroke Second Place: The Chippewa Herald, The and breathes Green Bay Packers football. as closely, this profile offers excellent symptoms. Fischerman - Brandon Berg. background on one of the best players in Third Place: The Monroe Times, Just ‘one college football. Division F Division B of the guys’ - Adam Krebs. Honorable Mention: The Gazette, First Place: The Stoughton Courier Hub, First Place: The Freeman, Prep football Honorable Mention: Marshfield News- That’s a problem; Love of the game; More From the NSA to the NBA - Anthony season starts too early; Girls reaping Herald, Northwoods quarterback fights cheering, less jeering - Eric Schmoldt, Iozzo. Judge’s Comments: First-class benefits of long wait; Best of friends, for his life at Children’s Hospital - Mitchell John Barry. Judge’s Comments: A referee profile of a unique subject. best of players - Chuck Delsman. Judge’s Skurzewski. shortage isn’t the kind of topic you expect Second Place: Tribune Record Gleaner, Comments: Column about the friends/ to be a three-part series, but this is well Bulletproof Ben - Dean Lesar. Judge’s competitors could almost form the basis of done and offers a great look at the issue. Division D Comments: Well written piece. a movie script. Also especially appreciated First Place: Waukesha County Now, Third Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, the stand against seasons starting too early. Comeback Vi-Kings: An oral history of Second Place: Beloit Daily News, Division B Capturing the Cloverbelt - Ross New Berlin West’s wild, dramatic run to Packard leaves legacy; Summer-time leaves First Place: Herald Times Reporter, Pattermann. Judge’s Comments: Story the 2013 state title - Curt Hogg. Judge’s lasting legacy; Class of 2018 remembered Ships made basketball history 50 years captures the essence of high school sports. Comments: Great use of the oral history fondly in ‘pics’ - Josh Flickinger. Judge’s ago; Catching up with Lincoln’s 1968 Honorable Mention: Tribune Record format. The first-person view from the Comments: Like my friend and neighbor boys hoops team; Lincoln’s ’68 state title Gleaner, Small-town dream leads to players and coaches puts you on the field Buzz Bissinger, I most value the human forged at summer camp - Tom Dombeck, big-time offer for Spencer senior - Ross for this thrilling win. stories that take place within a sporting Josh Clark. Judge’s Comments: Fantastic Pattermann. Judge’s Comments: The Second Place: The Lakeland Times, writer really conveyed the journey of a kid, context. This column does a good job of 32 Editorial capturing those, and reveal the writer’s quality in this column: it’s personal! genuine affection for his subjects. • Then we get to bird-culture. Beware! Third Place: The Journal Times, this column is fraught with conflict Rising From The Ruins; Therapy For A and mayhem. It works because it’s a Man, Wisdom For A Team; Brewers’ conversation between author and reader. Nelson Was A Treasure - Peter Jackel. Excellent writing! Judge’s Comments: Loved the story of • Great commentary on a dynamic redemption and perseverance in the lead- political challenge to Wisconsin’s wetlands’ off column, and how it delved into this environment. Yet, while railing on the young’s man’s life. I hope to continues to political process, no real alternative succeed! proposal is offered, merely “opposition” Honorable Mention: Leader-Telegram, to a string of legislative proposals that His brother’s hero - Nick Erickson. Judge’s appeared to entrap—or at least capture— Comments: Loved the column about your environmentalists’ acquiescence. Ah, but brother! this column’s writer remains a master of readability! Second Place: Wausau Daily Herald, Bike Weekly Division Across Bago: The Fox Valley’s frustrating, First Place: The Lakeland Times, awesome test of winter cycling mettle - Sometimes adults ruin it for everyone; Keith Uhlig. Judge’s Comments: • Cute It’s time to make a change to girls’ account of suffering along a ‘Bago biking hockey in Wisconsin; Lakeland track event, literally chilling. Wear a helmet or and field demonstrates how to build a hard-hat while reading. Relates experience great program - Nick Sabato. Judge’s in personal narrative, while personifying Comments: These columns did a good job elements along the route of hitting all the right notes: Not too long, • Relating winter blizzard in April to what not too short, with an engaging prose and normally is an event endured in winter. a writer willing to take a stand. Again, cute writing, casual observations, a Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional truly personal account shared with readers News, Why are there no local hockey who live the same extremes. teams?; Sports’ role in the community; • Personal experience is shared, again, Wisconsin needs more officials, and they with readers as the writer narrates another could be you - Andrew Tucker. life-experience: running with the pet dog. The Gazette, Janesville, Division A, Feature Photo Third Place: The Northwoods River Better yet, dog readers could enjoy this News, For Hodag girls’ swim team, Bryka’s trip, too. This is a diary of hope as author resignation a loss and an opportunity; recovers from the enduring pain of others’ for the birds; ‘Fonzie’ finds his happy days Wisconsin, Taking the power back: WIAA goes over and back on shot clock cancer trauma. Unique, and repeatable! on a trout stream - Greg Seubert. Judge’s Wisconsin women share experiences decision; Old Man Winter’s 1-2 punch Third Place: The Gazette, Man looks for Comments: Did a fine job of keeping with sexual misconduct - Haley BeMiller, harkens back to 2013 - Jeremy Mayo. spring in first’conk-la-ree!; For the love of the reader engaged, without sinking into Laura Schulte, Melissa Siegler. Judge’s Honorable Mention: Spooner Advocate, birds: volunteers keep track of migration; jargon. Comments: Excellent approach to an It really was a great team effort, lakers, Bob Home again: Janesville couple finish Second Place: The Lakeland Times, Fish emotional topic. The statewide look at LeMoine: He wore the red shirt proudly, cruising the Great Loop - Anna Marie Like a Girl: Who are the people in the #MeToo demonstrates how commonplace goodbye, Little Girl - Bill Thornley. Lux. Judge’s Comments: • Nicely written blue shirts?; Losing a mentor; 3rd annual sexual assault, harassment and narrative with an avian-buff protagonist. veterans’ tournament brings smiles to discrimination really are. Local Outdoor Column More a “news story” than a column. It’s a anglers - Beckie Gaskill. Second Place: The Gazette, A movement comfortable read. Third Place: Spooner Advocate, Grizzly in motion - Ashley McCallum. Judge’s • Again, a narrow avian-focused piece encounters grequent during Wyoming Comments: It’s harder to say “those things Daily Division hunt, An encounter witht he king of the don’t happen here” when you put a name First Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, related to a looming event, in this case. Nice writing, but limited “sourcing.” More deep woods, 5-ponter offered rare view and a face to them. Great work. Remembering Dad on Lake Poygan into a buck’s world - Bill Thornley. Third Place: The Capital Times, shores; Familiarity breeds contempt with a news story with a feature bent. • A nice feature focused on a couple’s Wisconsin school groups urge lawmakers nesting birds; Rewriting the rules - Patrick to reach compromise on school safety bill Durkin. Judge’s Comments: • If/when sailing adventure. Still searching for the Best Localized “columnist’s” perspective. - Jessie Opoien. Judge’s Comments: Lede I read my obituary, this is what I’d want: National Story really grabs your attention with the idea of a personal account of life,shared with the shooter targeting an armed teacher. family (son) out on the salt-chuck ( a west- Weekly Division Honorable Mention: The Gazette, coaster), or off a mountain trail, or in a Division A First Place: Waupaca County Post, First Place: USA TODAY NETWORK- Possible trade war with China could backyard “wilderness.” Exceptional human Hunters set sights on season; This hike’s Editorial 33 hurt local farmers - Jim Dayton. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Really interesting Wisconsin likely felt distant from. Image size was determined by importance, Comments: Really shows how national look into the opioid epidemic through the Second Place: The Cambridge News and with larger images at the top and smaller policies can have a local impact. lens of drug dogs. Definitely unique in that Deerfield Independent, Student walkout - at the bottom. Not all newspapers play regard. Karyn Saemann. Judge’s Comments: This photos well. Keep up the good work. Division B story package is strong. Promoting student Second Place: Vilas County News- First Place: Leader-Telegram, Out Division D voices above adults’ was a great choice. Review, - Gary Ridderbusch, Doug of the dark - Eric Lindquist. Judge’s First Place: South Now, Cudahy students Third Place: The Brillion News, Students Etten, Kurt Krueger, Jacki Risjord. Comments: This story drew me in and ‘join the revolution for school safety’ by here are serious about school shootings - Judge’s Comments: Good image quality kept my attention until the very end. The participating in walkout - Erik Hanley. Ed Byrne. Judge’s Comments: This story throughout. Images are treated with quotes were effective and the reporter Judge’s Comments: Stood above many shows that even small events or decisions prominence. handled a very sensitive subject in a way other school shooting walkout stories by can be impactful. Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth that respected the family while still giving focusing the narrative on the power of Honorable Mention: Crawford County Press, - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Nice readers the kind of intimate details that the students’ voices, including by opening Independent & The Kickapoo Scout, photos. But in some cases they are a really paint a picture. Great job localizing with a quote lede. Sex trafficking and social media - Emily little crowded. Overall, a nice all-around a national story. Second Place: The Chronotype, Schendel. Judge’s Comments: This story photography package. Second Place: The Journal Times, Surviving the school day - Eileen Nimm. provides information on a topic not well Numerous arrests at local DACA rally; Third Place: North Shore Now, Whitefish understood by many. Division F Family, friends plead for release; ICE: Bay man recounts horrific Vegas concert First Place: New London Press Star - No exemptions - Ricardo Torres. Judge’s shooting - Jeff Rumage. All-Around Newspaper Scott Bellile, John Faucher, Erik Buchinger. Comments: Great assortment of angles Honorable Mention: Sawyer County Photography Judge’s Comments: Good all around on the national issue of immigration. Record, Hurricane-damaged flag repaired photography in a small community. Keep Reporter deftly moved from straight news - Frank Zufall. Judge’s Comments: up the good work. reporting to feature writing. The inclusion Interesting tie-in to Hurricane Maria with Daily Division Second Place: Milton Courier - Ben of the arrested congressional candidates a lot of heart and good storytelling. First Place: The Gazette, - Angela Major, Gauger, Brooke Ostema, Rebecca Kanable. and the father picked up by ICE really Anthony Wahl. Judge’s Comments: All Judge’s Comments: Nice use of photos good photos - focused on local - shows helped localize these stories. Division E throughout. Third Place: Daily News, Recovery in different perspectives - Harvest - seeing it Third Place: The Verona Press - Staff First Place: The Record-Review, through the farmers eyes, voting - depicts Washington County - Alex Beld. Judge’s Bowfishing business boats to Houston - . Judge’s Comments: Fun, well-played Comments: Reporter did a good job impact of voting/importance to family photos. Casey Krautkramer. Judge’s Comments: and who doesn’t love kitties - easily tells finding subjects who would talk honestly Great story about a local business assisting about their addiction and recovery. the story that the person is involved with in Texas. Great quotes and characters and animals; finally great shot of football General News Photo Would have liked to know more about the very in-depth. recovery services offered in the county and player “breaking through” Second Place: The Platteville Journal, Second Place: The Monroe Times, - a bit more about how much of a problem “Within a minute or two, we got word that Division A opiate addiction is in this particular Marissa Weiher. Judge’s Comments: First Place: The Gazette, Life-saving first we’d be getting maybe 10 casualties. Love the focus on living local! All photos county compared to the rest of the state/ And then it was 50 to 100.” - Steve lessons: Janesville Fire Department nation. focused on local people doing local things recruits in midst of six weeks of training Prestegard. Judge’s Comments: Awesome important in the community. story that gave an inside look to the - Angela Major. Judge’s Comments: You Third Place: Wisconsin State Journal, pulled me into story with the unique and Division C hospital-side of that horrific event. Great - Steve Apps, Amber Arnold, John Hart. First Place: Daily Citizen, Couple recalls character and very in-depth. interesting angles of these photos. I’m not Judge’s Comments: Powerful photo. certain I would have read whole piece if horror in Vegas - Kelly Simon. Judge’s Third Place: Lake Geneva Regional impactful. Love the little girl looking at Comments: Chilling and heartbreaking. News, Lake Geneva resident faces you had not grabbed my attention. her doctor and the smile on the father’s Second Place: Wisconsin State Journal, Does a great job of telling the story of that deportation after traffic ticket; Local face looking at his baby girl. thought night through the eyes of the couple. Great immigration case remains unresolved; Contentious Meeting - John Hart. Judge’s Octoberfest photo could have done a Comments: Great energy and emotion work. Attorney says local immigrant may be free better job of depicting “Octoberfest” Second Place: Daily Tribune, ‘We are the soon - Dennis Hines. Judge’s Comments: in this pause of time photo. It beautifully instead of an overview of a crowd. supports the story. storm’: After email scandal, Wisconsin Lots of time and research went into this Honorable Mention: Leader-Telegram, women help reshape Miss America - series. Great reporting that covered both Third Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, - Dan Reiland, Steve Kinderman, Marguerite Bachhuber of Green Bay reacts Caitlin Shuda. Judge’s Comments: Great local and national angles. Elena Dawson, Spencer Nickel. Judge’s job combining the large-scale issue of as she is as honored as the 20th member Comments: All great action shots. of the Green Bay Packers fan hall of fame. the #metoo movement with these local Division F pageant contestants. Some of these stories - Adam Wesley. Judge’s Comments: I First Place: The Valders Journal, Division D absolutely love the pure emotion in her are so sad and tough to read, but are Woman sends aid while holding Puerto important. First Place: The Lakeland Times, All face. Great capture. Rico in heart - Mary Thomsen. Judge’s Around Photography — The Lakeland Honorable Mention: The Gazette, Third Place: The Monroe Times, Opioid Comments: This story provides a personal crisis goes to the dogs - Katjusa Cisar. Times - Staff. Judge’s Comments: Good Siblings share their pain - Anthony Wahl. experience for a tragedy many people in all-around photographs, and a lot of them. Judge’s Comments: Beautiful capture of 34 Editorial

the history in this photo. Division C Honorable Mention: The Northwoods First Place: Baraboo News Republic, River News, Dunk the Chief - Kayla Spinning plates in Big Top Parade - Todd Thomason. Judge’s Comments: A lot of Krysiak. Judge’s Comments: Love the fun! clown – which is perfect with the theatre background. Great candid shot. Division F Second Place: Baraboo News Republic, First Place: The Valders Journal, Time to Circus World surprises Lucille Henry fly - Brian Thomsen. Judge’s Comments: with elephant visit - Jake Prinsen. Judge’s Interesting perspective of the eagle before Comments: Love the focus of the photo. flight. Great emotion. You can see the elephant Second Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, without showing it’s entire body. Great job! A hair-raising performance - Kevin Third Place: Daily Citizen, Dodge O’Brien. Judge’s Comments: Like the County Sheriff candidates debate - Terri action – perfectly timed with the hair in Pederson. Judge’s Comments: I like the the air. determination on their faces. Looks like a Third Place: Washington Island serious race. Observer, Training for an ice rescue - Tyler Honorable Mention: Watertown Daily McGrane. Judge’s Comments: Like the Times, Picture Perfect - Ed Zagorski. color, contrast and composition. Puts the Judge’s Comments: Love the candid shot. viewer right in the rescue. Looks like the couple is really enjoying Honorable Mention: New London Press their visit. Star, Spreading resiliency one color at a time - Scott Bellile. Judge’s Comments: Division D Like the action of both the runner and the First Place: South Now, Four-year-old “color thrower”. Colorful and fun. Evan Bondar of Oak Creek looks out of the gunner’s turret - Scott Ash. Judge’s Spot News Photo Comments: Well executed and framed shot. Exposure was spot on in two Division A different lighting environments. First Place: The Post-Crescent, Barn fire Second Place: Southwest Now, in Ellington - Danny Damiani. Greendale’s first girl Cub Scouts - C.T. Second Place: Kenosha News, Man Kruger. Judge’s Comments: Great shot injured, pinned in fiery crash - Sean truly telling the story and taken with no Krajacic. notice from the photo subjects. Third Place: The Post-Crescent, Historic Third Place: West Now, Elm Grove Brin Building in Menasha ravaged by fire - Oktoberfest - C.T. Kruger. Judge’s Bill Glasheen. Comments: Interesting angled shot that Honorable Mention: Wisconsin State captures the emotion of the event. Journal, Acid Attack - John Hart. Honorable Mention: Lake Country Now, Gianna Shields, 7, of Pewaukee, tries to launch her kite - Scott Ash. Division B First Place: Herald Times Reporter, Wisconsin cleans up spring snow - Joshua The Oregon Observer, Division F, Photo Essay Division E Clark. Judge’s Comments: I liked this First Place: Grant County Herald raw emotion. It is done with respect and photo a lot. Third Place: Leader-Telegram, Emotional Independent, Active shooter training - dignity. Second Place: The Sheboygan Press, Goodbye - Steve Kinderman. Judge’s David Timmerman. Judge’s Comments: Hose snakes its way toward fire at Arabella Comments: Nice goodbye. Love the color Striking photo. Family Restaurant - Gary Klein. Judge’s Division B and the silhouette. Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional Comments: I thought this was interesting. First Place: The Sheboygan Press, Honorable Mention: The Reporter, News, Fishing for answers - Chris Schultz. Third Place: Wausau Daily Herald, Saved by the fire - Gary Klein. Judge’s Eldorado holds hog wrestling at Judge’s Comments: I love this. I feel like Police: Man apparently shot self in Comments: Nice shot of the flames. Drew community picnic - Doug Raflik. Judge’s we are right there on the beach with him. Wausau home - T’xer Zhon Kha. Judge’s me into the story. Comments: Looks like a “muddy” good Third Place: The Northwoods River Comments: I liked this photo a lot. I think Second Place: Leader-Telegram, Blue time! Nice action, nice emotion. Fun News, An evening of farewells - Jamie it would have been better with less of the Angels - Dan Reiland. Judge’s Comments: event! Taylor. Judge’s Comments: You can see Nice clear shot of the plane, good focus! front car in the frame. Editorial 35

getting relatively close to the action, and showed the seriousness of the situation Division C without compromising the dignity of the First Place: Daily Globe, Gales of victims. Toning needs work - the color November Came Early - Jason Juno. temperature is too yellow. Judge’s Comments: Wow, serious wind causes big waves and you caught it Division E perfectly. First Place: Spooner Advocate, Kissing Second Place: Watertown Daily Times, the Rodeo Queen - Bill Thornley. Soak it in, Summer is Here! - Emily Walsh. Second Place: The Ripon Judge’s Comments: Nice clear shot with Commonwealth Press, Grazing in debris - good emotion. Like the water droplets Hannah Tetzlaff. caught in action. Third Place: Tomahawk Leader, Test Third Place: Watertown Daily Times, Drive Disaster - Kathy Tobin. Watchful Eyes - Ed Zagorski. Judge’s Honorable Mention: Sun Prairie Star, Comments: Nice job in taking what #SunPrairieStrong after explosion kills could have been a “boring” shot of a man one, injures 11 - Christopher Mertes. in a truck and turning it into something interesting and eye catching. I like that you Division F got his reflection in both mirrors. Wish it First Place: Washington Island Observer, could have printed in color, but nice job! Throwing rocks on Rock Island - Tim Honorable Mention: The Monroe Sweet. Judge’s Comments: Crisp action Times, Nerf wars and snow forts - Marissa shot that captures youth. The background Weiher. Judge’s Comments: This shot adds more to the photo without becoming makes me want to play too! Nice angle. the main focus. Second Place: The Brillion News, Fiery Division D Night of Training at Wayside - Ed Byrne. First Place: Vilas County News-Review, Judge’s Comments: The contrast of dark Monday Mishap - Doug Etten. Judge’s and light here made for a great shot. The Comments: This photo was a clear photo makes you think about being there standout because it showed both an in that time and place which I think it The Gazette, Janesville, Daily Division, Graphics authentically harrowing situation and important to be able to convey to a viewer. people in action. The firefighter’s snowy Third Place: The Chetek Alert, Motorists: made the photo different – catching the First Place: Daily News, Safe at home boots and posterior wedged between the watch for turkeys, upland birds, other player in midflip. Reactions of teammates plate - John Ehlke. Judge’s Comments: truck and car add an element of whimsy to wildlife feeding along roadways - Tyler a plus. Fabulous shot – right in the action! You an otherwise serious scene. Florczak. Judge’s Comments: White vs Second Place: Wisconsin State Journal, can taste the dust. Second Place: The Lakeland Times, these bright colors made for a great shot Four Point Play - John Hart. Judge’s Second Place: The Reporter, Division Lake Tomahawk fire - Dean Hall. Judge’s that is rare to come by. Comments: ffThe players’ expression 2 state wrestling - Doug Raflik. Judge’s Comments: There’s a lot going on in this Honorable Mention: Courier Sentinel, makes this photo. Great composition. The Comments: Love the candid excitement of photo. The colors and setting are visually Streaks of lightning - Ginna Young. crowd reactions are priceless. the wrestler’s teammates. appealing, but a cleaner composition Judge’s Comments: You took something Third Place: Wisconsin State Journal, Third Place: Beloit Daily News, would have made it even better. that people have taken photos of 100 times Match Point - John Hart. Judge’s Knitro still sizzling - Jim Franz. Judge’s Third Place: Lake Country Now, Two and made it unique. I would’ve liked to see Comments: This celebration photo shows Comments: Nice clear shot in the vehicles involved in Pewaukee rollover a contrast enhancement with the colors of great emotion, of course, but also captures moment! accident - Scott Ash. Judge’s Comments: the rainbow against the lightning. a player on the other team on the photo. Honorable Mention: Leader-Telegram, This night-time scene has some technical Right place, right time. Blind Baseball - Dan Reiland. Judge’s issues caused by shooting in low light. Sports Photo Honorable Mention: The Post-Crescent, Comments: I’ve never heard of blind However, it’s interesting to look at, and Kimberly vs. Hortonville basketball game - baseball. This photo drew me right into the lone responder in the frame running Danny Damiani. Judge’s Comments: This the story and I wanted to find out more! between the cars conveys a sense of Division A movement photo stood out from others urgency and makes the scene carry more First Place: The Post-Crescent, in the competition because it was able to Division C emotional weight. Celebration at state soccer tournament - focus on the player with the ball’s face. First Place: The Monroe Times, Taming Honorable Mention: Vilas County Dan Powers. Judge’s Comments: There Great job. the Magic Man - Marissa Weiher. Judge’s News-Review, Highway 155 rollover - were a lot of celebration photos in this Comments: Not a hoof on the ground! Gary Ridderbusch. Judge’s Comments: category. This one stood out because the Division B Nice clear rodeo action. Everything fell The photographer did a good job or photographer captured something that 36 Editorial into place for this shot. You can even see Comments: Great moment in a soccer and making the reader feel they are sitting vehicle and the child’s shirt make this fun both the bull and rider’s faces. Nice job match. in the seat with you. to look at. capturing the action! Second Place: Watertown Daily Times, Second Place: Daily Globe, Hurley’s Division F Doll’s room - Jenni Mickelson. Judge’s Division E Mara Wick competes in the 100 hurdles First Place: Burlington Standard Press, Comments: Great job on focusing on the First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth at state. - Jason Juno. Judge’s Comments: The thrill of victory - Mike Ramczyk. main subject with the secondary subjects Press, Beat the heat! - Ian Stepleton. Great action shot. Nice and clear and great Judge’s Comments: Love the emotion. in the photo also. Judge’s Comments: I absolutely love this determination on the runner’s face. Great picture. Third Place: Watertown Daily Times, photo. You can see almost hear the fun Third Place: Watertown Daily Times, Second Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, Pigment of Your Imagination - Emily these girls are having. The light, the color, Hottinger heats up Lacrosse at State - Too fast - Ross Pattermann. Judge’s Walsh. Judge’s Comments: Nice job the emotion, it all worked for me. Emily Walsh. Judge’s Comments: Nice Comments: In sports, timing and depth on the subject being in focus and her Second Place: Grant County Herald and clear. Caught the action at just the of field matter. And this photographer got surroundings providing depth into what Independent, Grant County Fair corn crib right moment! both. Excellent image. she is doing. - David Timmerman. Judge’s Comments: Honorable Mention: Baraboo News Third Place: The Valders Journal, On a Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, I feel like i was transported to this fair Republic, Riptide swim hearts out - Collision Course - Brian Thomsen. Judge’s Making a splash - Marissa Weiher. Judge’s through this picture, which made it really Chris Flores. Judge’s Comments: Nice Comments: Another image with strong Comments: Good job on focusing the standout. I love the different faces on the swimming photo in action. Just wish it action and great timing. Keep up the good faces and capture the movement. kids. Looks just like siblings! could have run in color. work. Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Honorable Mention: The Verona Press, Division D Press, Never been on skates? No problem! Division D Carson Bull makes catch over defender - First Place: Vilas County News-Review, - Ian Stepleton. Judge’s Comments: You First Place: Waukesha County Now, Anthony Iozzo. Judge’s Comments: One Going My Way? Wild turkey on top of a captured a perfect moment for these girls. Andrew Guelzo of Grand Rapids, MI. of the best football photos in the contest car. - Dean Acheson. Judge’s Comments: You can see what they are feeling. Thank leads competitors - Scott Ash. Judge’s this year. Had the image been given more This engaging photo caught a truly unique you for sharing. Comments: A great mix of camera know- prominence on the page, it likely would moment. While many feature photo Honorable Mention: Dodge County how, color, action and intensity. have placed higher. Nice shot. entries are static images of cute subjects, Pionier, St. Mary Catholic School Children Second Place: Northwest Now, New this one caught an action, and a reaction. - Samantha Teeters. Judge’s Comments: Berlin Eisenhower senior Mary Sommers Feature Photo The composition is well-balanced and the I loved this one. I loved how the different makes a diving save - Scott Ash. colorful leaves make a great backdrop for kids all have different expressions! Third Place: West Now, Brookfield the bird. Central senior Lexi Romero competes in Division A Second Place: Lake Country Now, First Place: The Gazette, Bombs bursting Division F the long jump - Scott Ash. Skiers glide past - Scott Ash. Judge’s First Place: Tribune Record Gleaner, Honorable Mention: The Lakeland in air - Angela Major. Comments: This photo captures the fun Second Place: The Post-Crescent, Future Winter Olympic bobsledders - Times, Snowhawk dive - Dean Hall. of summertime. The symmetry of the Cheyenne Thomas. Judge’s Comments: Balancing on soccer ball - Dan Powers. skiers and the flags adds visual appeal, and Third Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Amazing job on capturing facial Division E catching the sunlight through the fabric expressions of the kids and the snow flying Paige Vanderveren makes faces at her was a great way to show the sun on the First Place: River Falls Journal, Wildcats rabbit - Adam Wesley. on a crisp winter day. earn their overnighter - Bob Burrows. lake. Second Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, Judge’s Comments: Unusual angle puts Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, Now you see me - Ross Pattermann. reader in the right place at the right time Division B Look here. Many birds are laying their Judge’s Comments: Great use of color and to see winning (and only) goal. First Place: Beloit Daily News, Puppy eggs with the spring weather. - Doug focus pulling the reader into the clarity of Second Place: Grant County Herald playtime helps fund Humane Society - Etten. Judge’s Comments: Strong feature the child’s eyes. Independent, Heartbreak in Potosi; Erica Pennington. Judge’s Comments: photos capture moments and emotions Third Place: Milton Courier, Running Chieftains lose on last-second three They say owners and their pets “look that viewers can relate to — In this case, Through Fountain - Ben Gauger. Judge’s pointer to surging Southwestsern - A.J. alike.” Love these two together. the joy of discovering the beauty of nature Comments: Good focus and framing. Gates. Judge’s Comments: A very worthy Second Place: Beloit Daily News, Green alongside a small child. Who doesn’t have Honorable Mention: The Tribune- sad-glad photo that clearly shows the eggs and ham - Ryan Silvola. Judge’s a happy memory of doing something Phonograph, A butterfly tree? - Kevin emotion of both teams at the end of a Comments: Love the expressions on similar? A minor, fixable issue kept this O’Brien. Judge’s Comments: Good job on tough competition. everyone’s faces. Great candid shot. warm, celebratory photo from getting a focusing so many butterflies. Third Place: The Northwoods River Third Place: Leader-Telegram, Osprey - higher rating. The toning skews yellow and green, which gives it a slightly surreal News, Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Jones Dan Reiland. Judge’s Comments: Great Portrait or Artistic Photo ... - Jamie Taylor. Judge’s Comments: Love shot. Nice and clear. feeling. Avoid filters, and aim for capturing the leap, clearly shows a great moment in a the natural tone of the light when possible. game, especially at Lambeau Field. Honorable Mention: South Now, Four- Division A Division C year-old Evan Bondar of Oak Creek looks Honorable Mention: The Northwoods First Place: Watertown Daily Times, First Place: The Post-Crescent, Priest River News, Northland Pines defender out of the gunner’s turret - Scott Ash. builds his own casket - Dan Powers. Smashing Pumpkins - Ed Zagorski. Judge’s Comments: A nice composition Rowan Klaver ... - Jeremy Mayo. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Amazing job on focus Judge’s Comments: Striking photo and parity between the colors of the creation. It feels natural, not over- Editorial and Advertising 37 contrived, yet all the elements needed to his job while still focusing on him. Doughboy at Christmas - Brian Thomsen. be conveyed are there. Tops a good batch Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, Judge’s Comments: This was the best Division C of entries. Ghost hunting in Green County - Marissa photo in the entries I was sent. I like the First Place: The Monroe Times, Fishing Second Place: The Post-Crescent, Fourth Weiher. Judge’s Comments: Good job composition on Lake Beckman - Marissa Weiher. of July fireworks - Bill Glasheen. Judge’s on framing and feel to go along with the Second Place: The Valders Journal, Judge’s Comments: Great focus on fishing Comments: I sense personally how information. Happy at Home - Brian Thomsen. Judge’s and including all the different aspects. difficult this kind of shot is to create. Well Comments: This was an good shot. Second Place: Watertown Daily Times, done. Division D Third Place: New London Press Star, Happy energy bubbled up Riverfest Third Place: The Post-Crescent, First Place: The Lakeland Times, Welcome to New Dublin - Scott Bellile. goers - Emily Walsh, Ed Zagorski. Judge’s Becoming the Grinch for Appleton West Frozen in his tracks - Dean Hall. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: This was ok, it was Comments: Good job on allowing the production of “Seussical the Musical” - Comments: Photographer in the right better then the remaining entries. reader to feel like they were there. Ron Page. Judge’s Comments: The right place at the right time, got close and it Third Place: The Chippewa Herald, shot right at the right moment. played well on the page. Well done Photo Essay Chippewa Herald Top Photos of 2017 - Honorable Mention: The Post-Crescent, Second Place: The Country Today, Brandon Berg, Spencer Flaten. Judge’s High school soccer player of the year Peeking out - Benjamin Wideman. Judge’s Comments: Nice focus on sports and the Division A portrait - Danny Damiani. Comments: May be the best photo in many different events the year brought. First Place: The Gazette, Harvest gives composition; crop and placement on a Honorable Mention: Watertown Daily Templeton family fulfillment during page hurt this entry a bit Times, Hot, Happy Crowds - Emily Walsh, Division B busiest time of year - Angela Major. Third Place: News Graphic, Cold Liz Quezada. Judge’s Comments: Nice First Place: Daily News, A diving catch Judge’s Comments: I loved the photos temperatures create beauty on local fair collection on showing all the different - John Ehlke. Judge’s Comments: Good involving the calf. There were a lot of way to compose a baseball player flying waterways - Mark Justesen. Judge’s Comments: Strong photo here in creative angles and ideas used for photos, parts. through the air to catch a ball. such as Don pouring milk from the farm’s Division D Second Place: The Reporter, Fireworks composition and color; impact on the page is diluted a bit by having a photo of almost cows over his cereal. Kudos for getting a First Place: Hudson Star-Observer, Hot over Waupun - Doug Raflik. Judge’s shot of the sunrise. Air Affair lands early in Hudson - Rebecca Comments: Good fireworks shot. identical size district. Honorable Mention: Lake Country Now, Second Place: Wisconsin State Journal, Mariscal, Mike Longaecker. Judge’s Including the crowd made you feel like Vintage Bowling Tour - John Hart. Judge’s Comments: Great individual shots, nice you could have been there watching. Mark Leipski of Waukesha chases visitors - Scott Ash. Comments: I love the closeup of the boy layout. Third Place: Leader-Telegram, Festival collecting the bowling pins, and the action Second Place: Lake Country Now, 4th In The Pines - Steve Kinderman. Judge’s shot of the older man bowling. I also Annual Wiener Dog Derby at Wisconsin Comments: Great shot of the woman Division E liked the ground level shot, from behind, Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc - Scott showing here bubble maker, might have First Place: The Boscobel Dial, Number showing someone bowling. Ash. Judge’s Comments: Some precious thought of making the shot slightly longer of females in Tech Ed growing - Emily Third Place: Wisconsin State Journal, moments captured here. to not have a little girls head only. Schendel. Judge’s Comments: Nice Antique Apples - John Hart. Judge’s Third Place: Waukesha County Now, Honorable Mention: Daily Jefferson composition and color. Love that this Comments: Nice use of angles, showing Cats of Wisconsin CFA Championship County Union, Over the River - Pam photo helps tell the story and shows the a variety of details--colorful apples and Cat Show - Scott Ash. Judge’s Comments: Wilson. Judge’s Comments: Nice shot of action. Well done! wrinkled face and hands. Amazing photo, Nice job of varying photo ops, getting bridge at night. Second Place: Dodge County Pionier, taken from an apple tree, showing Ken close and also capturing wide-angle view. White Pelicans on Horicon Marsh - Karen Weston, 88, on a lawn mower. Honorable Mention: The Chronotype, Division C Rouse. Judge’s Comments: Beautiful Honorable Mention: The Gazette, A The Look of 2017 - Dave Greschner, Leiah First Place: Watertown Daily Times, details in their beaks and a nice contrast to wedding at mom’s place: Assisted living Fundell. Judge’s Comments: great variety Muggles see Magic - Emily Walsh. the white space in the photo. Pretty shot! facility hosts ceremony - Angela Major. of shots here, layout is solid (better on Judge’s Comments: Amazing focus and Third Place: The Northwoods River Judge’s Comments: The photographer second page). framing of main subject while giving a News, Misty Morning - Jamie Taylor. captured the emotions of the day. Great great perception of a full crowd in the Judge’s Comments: Love the contrast details, showing wrinkles on faces and between the icy banks and trees and the Division E background. hands. It might have been fun to see a First Place: The Northwoods River Second Place: The Monroe Times, soft fog coming off the water. Would have photo of the cat. liked to have seen more of a story in this News, Honor Flight - Jamie Taylor. Judge’s Monroe senior Leah Peterson suits up Comments: Emotional photos, thank you. for football - Marissa Weiher. Judge’s photo — a person or animal, perhaps. Honorable Mention: The Northwoods Division B Second Place: Spooner Advocate, Comments: Great focus and choice of First Place: The Sheboygan Press, A Feathered & Fantastic - Bill Thornley. background so there isn’t anything to take River News, October sky - Cory Dellenbach. Judge’s Comments: The sky Holland holiday - Gary Klein. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Beautiful birds, colors from the facial expression. Comments: Great composition of the abound. Third Place: Baraboo News Republic, is, obviously, gorgeous. Would have liked to see more action on the field, though. different events. Third Place: Pierce County Herald, Local artisans restore historic circus Second Place: The Freeman, Calling Ellsworth’s 2018 Cheese Curd Festival wagon - Jake Prinsen. Judge’s Comments: all superheroes - Alex Nemec. Judge’s - Sarah Nigbor. Judge’s Comments: Nice focusing and framing. Gives a feel for Division F Comments: Nice choice on showing all Yummy, Cheese! Great photos. Would love First Place: The Valders Journal, the different type of superhero’s. to come visit!! 38 Advertising

Honorable Mention: The Brillion News, Hilbert 4th of July Parade & Picnic - Ed Byrne. Judge’s Comments: Everyone loves a parade, but it’s challenging to photograph one without succumbing to clichés. This essay overcomes that with its variety and focus on action. I might have used a few fewer images, and pumped up the best ones.

Overall Page Design Daily Division First Place: Beloit Daily News, Getaways Amsterdam; History, Mystery; Practice, Patience - Erica Pennington. Second Place: The Post-Crescent, - Bill Wambeke. Third Place: Leader-Telegram, - Tom Gunderson.

Division D First Place: The Lakeland Times, - Sasha Case. Second Place: Vilas County News- Review, - Jean Drew, Gary Ridderbusch. Third Place: News Graphic, - Kay Dahlke.

Division E First Place: The Northwoods River News, - Sasha Case. Judge’s Comments: Creative layout, dominate headlines, nice prominent artwork used in an interesting way. Good breakout stats. Second Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Press, - Maic D’Agostino. Judge’s Comments: Packaging is superb on these stories. Really cohesive. Third Place: Spooner Advocate, - Bill Thornley. Judge’s Comments: Traditional layout with good, clear hierarchy of stories The Gazette, Janesville, and artwork. Division A, Best Ad Idea (Series) Honorable Mention: The Platteville Journal, - Steve Prestegard. Honorable Mention: The Ripon composition, wonderful at capturing throughout. Nicely composed and Commonwealth Press, Batter Up - the moment ... cumulatively creates a effectively cropped. Again, just enough Page Design - Feature Jonathan Bailey. Judge’s Comments: Kids sense of being there, and intense human selections, not too many. and baseball, what’s not to like! engagement. Resists temptation to over- Third Place: Kewaskum Statesman, Daily Division clutter with lesser selections. A Message For Life - Anne Trautner. First Place: Beloit Daily News, Second Place: The Stoughton Courier Judge’s Comments: Powerful story-telling Division F Simply Spring; Spring is finally here...; Hub, Syttende Mai - Kimberly Wethal, with compelling images, obviously well First Place: The Oregon Observer, Something’s Afoot - Erica Pennington. Amber Levenhagen. Judge’s Comments: thought-out and executed. It’s not easy to Summer Fest photos - Kimberly Wethal, Second Place: Beloit Daily News, Captures the pageantry, passion and make staged events seem spontaneous, Alexander Cramer. Judge’s Comments: Welcome to the circus; The doctor will see joyfulness of the day with intimately but this package does that boldly and Excellent variety, sharpness, and you now; The Gathering - Ryan Silvola. personal photos. Feeling of action effectively. Advertising 39

Third Place: Kenosha News, Lifestyles: River News - Sasha Case. Layer color; Pour a glass; Vinyl love at Longshot Vinyl - Julie Vander Velden. Graphics Division D First Place: The Northwoods River News, - Sasha Case. Judge’s Comments: Daily Division This entry was the clear winner. Nice clean First Place: The Gazette, Misplaced Trust layouts, compelling headlines and great - Anthony Wahl. Judge’s Comments: art make for very readable and interesting Simple, stark , effective. Nice work. pages. Second Place: The Gazette, Chalkboard Second Place: The Lakeland Times, drawing for high school football column - - Sasha Case. Judge’s Comments: Bryan Wegter. Judge’s Comments: It looks Consistently good. Nice use of color and like an obvious choice but I’m not sure photos. anyone else would have thought of this - Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth well done. Press, - Maic D’Agostino. Judge’s Third Place: The Gazette, What happens Comments: Creative approach to story when guns get stolen - Anthony Wahl . telling and page design. To make these Judge’s Comments: I like the solk screen pages first place winners, go for simpler effect but why is the gun pointed down? layouts, fewer photos. Honorable Mention: Watertown Daily Times, veteran bio - Heidi Schwoch. Page Design - Sports Weekly Division First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Division A Press, Men’s Conference Tournament First Place: Daily Citizen, - Sports Staff. Preview - Jonathan Bailey. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: These pages are Comments: Nice use of color and design consistently creative. Great photos and to illustrate the story. creative layouts make this a winner. Second Place: Pierce County Herald, Second Place: The Gazette, - Bryan ‘The Hunt is on’ hunting page graphic Wegter. Judge’s Comments: Very nice - Troy Becker, Abbie Flynn. Judge’s pages. The chalkboard display is very Comments: A little busy, but very colorul clever and the Mad Scientist page is a and communicates a TON of data in thing of beauty. Strong graphics, great a much-less-boring way that run on headlines. sentences about statistics. Third Place: The Monroe Times, - Adam Third Place: The Lakeland Times, Krebs. Judge’s Comments: Nice approach Health ranking puzzle - Sasha Case. that covers lots of bases. Suggested Judge’s Comments: Nice graphic visually, improvement would be to pick one photo The Lakeland Times, Minocqua, Weekly Division, though it really doesn’t communicate Best Use of Local Photography as the main graphic to anchor the page much (i.e., the size of the puzzle pieces and make it the biggest photo. isn’t tied to anything, so it’s pretty, but not Benedict, Dan Shaw, Joe Yovino. calendar listings, or sitemap, or archives, informative). Third Place: The Capital Times, - Katie or other things that let readers DIY their Division D Honorable Mention: The Northwoods Dean, Jason Joyce, Rob Thomas, Lynn experience. Typography is uniquely First Place: The Lakeland Times, - Sasha River News, Hodag Country Festival tab Danielson. legible amongst others in the category. Case. cover - Sasha Case. Judge’s Comments: Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, The lack of ads inserted mid-story also Second Place: The Chronotype, - Dave Nice artwork, but in a category that - Staff . puts this site above the competition. Greschner, Leiah Fundell. describes graphics used to illustrate Weekly Division Doesn’t seem to have galleries or videos stories, this doesn’t really fit in. First Place: The Press Times - Staff. or other features that take advantage of Judge’s Comments: Home sparse above all the things the web can do that print Division E does not. Straightforward navigation, First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Best Website the fold, but rich one “page” down. Hyperlocal, super-current. Double bonus though the switch to a different website Press, - Jonathan Bailey. for subscriptions is jarring, and makes it Second Place: The Record-Review - for a responsive design that doesn’t Daily Division become a mishmash on smaller screens. unclear to the user that they are leaving Casey Krautkramer. First Place: The Gazette, - Dave von your site and how to return to it. Third Place: Spooner Advocate, - Bill Doesn’t do well with reader engagement – Falkenstein, Staff. finding contact info is hard, Facebook link Second Place: Lake Geneva Regional Thornley. Second Place: The Daily Reporter, - Rick News, Lake Geneva Regional News - Staff Honorable Mention: The Northwoods doesn’t work, there are no classifieds or 40 Advertising

. Judge’s Comments: This site wins second Division A by virtue of failure of competition. The First Place: The Post-Crescent, One overwhelming no. of ads makes it hard to of a kind: Surgical setbacks haven’t absorb the content and follow the story. dimmed Avi’s spirits - Dan Powers. Menu organization and categories are Judge’s Comments: Evokes emotion with odd — remember the first “W” of WWW excellent child-level angles. stands for “Worldwide” so your categories Second Place: Green Bay Press-Gazette, and organizational structure should make Snowmobile racing: Speed, dreams, and sense to people who have never seen your glory - Adam Wesley. Judge’s Comments: paper or been to Wisconsin (it doesn’t Fun topic engagingly shot and told. have to match your paper to be a good Third Place: Wisconsin State Journal, website). Playing along with the silent films - Barry Adams. Judge’s Comments: Nice shooting On the up side, Twitter feed is nice way to Lake Geneva Regional News, in the dark! Interesting character at the provide current content. Content appears Division E, Editorial Award center of this character-driven story. to by hyper-local, no filler. Bonus points Honorable Mention: The Post-Crescent, Division A shows and I’m sure this new tool can for having a responsive site, though it kind A theory of frogs and toads - Bill First Place: USA TODAY NETWORK- be used in a lot of creative ways going of falls apart in the responsive version, at Glasheen. Judge’s Comments: Creative Wisconsin, Hooked in Wisconsin: forward. Nice work! least it’s legible. idea for visual storytelling. Videography is When heroin hits home - Staff. Judge’s Second Place: The Lakeland Times, stunning. Comments: Compelling storytelling on Spirit Air crash Facebook coverage - Brian Re: Navigation: Drop down menu under a far reaching issue. Hearing the subject’s Jopek, Dean Hall. Judge’s Comments: home button might easily be missed, narration helps to bring the issue home on Staff use an array of posts to share the Division B organization of items in home menu a deeper level. bigger story about a sad event. Facebook First Place: Herald Times Reporter, Your slighty confusing (e.g. obituaries between Second Place: USA TODAY posts with photos, video, memorials, and Stories: Saving Wisconsin wildlife one news and sports), content in footer menus NETWORK-Wisconsin, This is Normal a press release show how the community injured animal at a time - Joshua Clark. is buried podcast - Robert Mentzer, Rory Linnane. came together for the families/victims. Judge’s Comments: Compelling story, Judge’s Comments: Great work on an This was a good example of how variety of voices, engaging visually. Visual: Site is mobile friendly, clean important issue. newspapers are an important part of the Second Place: The Reporter, See storm design, but could use some improvement Third Place: The Capital Times, Wedge community in print and online. chaser in action as he chases storms across with spacing (e.g. in main navigation) and Issues - Jessie Opoien. Third Place: Price County Review, Wisconsin, Great Plains - Doug Raflik. use of color (e.g. breaking news banner is Honorable Mention: Green Bay Press- Drawn Down: Phillips chain of lakes Judge’s Comments: Gorgeous visuals, obnoxious) Gazette, Roster Builder - Doug Schneider, drawdown intrigues many - Seth Carlson. interesting story. A bit on the long side, Third Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Chad Burkholder, Chris Speckhard. Judge’s Comments: The presentation was pacing drags a little bit. Would like to see Press - Staff . Judge’s Comments: This slick and progressed nicely down the page. more voices included. We wouldn’t write a website wins an award by virtue of being Photos showed an unexplored area and the news or feature story with only one source. better than the competition. For readers, Division B intrigue that went into it being uncovered. Third Place: The Sheboygan Press, though, it is a maddening website. The First Place: The Sheboygan Press, ‘I don’t I appreciated how hyper-local this story Sheboygan woman copes with assault by half stories that force you to buy print think anyone escaped it’: Sheboygan’s was and could really appeal to people in learning fire eating - Gary Klein. Judge’s to purchase are useless to readers at 1998 flood left scars, triggered changes - the area and out. Good job! Comments: Stunning visually, compelling distance or readers attempting to do Marina Affo, Gary Klein, McLean Bennett. Honorable Mention: Waukesha story. Would like to see the addition research. Most recent blog post is from Judge’s Comments: An engaging use of County Now, Live coverage: 2017 WIAA of other voices – experts, advocate, 2015. You can’t even pay to get the full multimedia to enhance this look back at state football championship games - something. We wouldn’t write a news or story online. Site is not mobile friendly. a monumental event in this community. Christopher Kuhagen, Andrew Gruman, feature story with only one source. Missing reader favorite classifieds and Good to see and hear voices of the players JR Radcliffe. Judge’s Comments: These community calendar. Pluses: Design is in the video. Story is engagingly written. pages showed a good way to use resources clean, though colors and theme are dated. Use of slider graphic is a nice touch. Division D alongside the standard recap/photo pages. Information is mostly current. Main menu First Place: Waukesha County Now, The The play-by-play provided in-depth very last day of Tess Corners Elementary fairly straightforward, though the news Weekly Division information and ways to interact that - C.T. Kruger, Steve Martinez. Judge’s submenu needs rearranging (e.g.”Report First Place: The Chetek Alert, Before I’m sure die hard fans appreciated. As Comments: Video captures a ton of great a news tip!” is not content, and should and after: One year later - Carl Cooley. you use it more, polls and Q&A could be moments and gives enough narrative to not come between links to content) how Judge’s Comments: This is a fantastic used more. Easy links to story recaps and give a story without bogging it down. to menu has too many items & is too presentation of a devastating event. The photos was appreciated too. Nice work! Second Place: West Now, Video: Paczki verbose. University’s tool really brought the story Day at National Bakery in Brookfield - to the forefront showing community C.T. Kruger. Judge’s Comments: Nice mix members’ efforts to rebuild. Staff’s efforts Best Video Digital Journalism of scenes with the music overlay. to showcase the before and after really Third Place: Waukesha County Now, Advertising 41 42 Advertising

Video: Activists march in Waukesha Gary Ridderbusch, Doug Etten. Judge’s Weekly Division Frame, Gregg Walker. Judge’s Comments: to protest gun violence - Scott Ash, Comments: This ad is fun and inviting. First Place: Fennimore Times, Bender’s Spot color enhances the detail, though Christopher Kuhagen. Judge’s Comments: The colors and design work make it Foods Christmas Grocery Ad - Jessica overall art work does manage to express Good job of mixing video and stills. intriguing. Brownell, Kevin Kelly. the restaurant’s status, location and Honorable Mention: Lake Country Now, Second Place: Vilas County News- Second Place: Grant County Herald theme. Special event element should have Video highlights from Kettle Moraine’s Review, Now Bidding Residential & Independent, Okey’s Grocery Ad - Kevin dominated! victory over Waukesha West - Scott Ash. Commercial Landscaping - Betsy Boulden, Kelly, Jessica Brownell. Judge’s Comments: Still, video mixed Kurt Krueger. Judge’s Comments: This Third Place: The Lakeland Times, TJ’s Best Real Estate Ad well. is a great example of the services being Butcher Block - Sasha Case, Tony Loomis. advertised. The greenery is eye-catching. Honorable Mention: Dodge County Third Place: The Star News, Recreational Pionier, Piggly Wiggly - Brooke Hattori, Daily Division Division E First Place: The Gazette, Century 21 - First Place: Lake Geneva Regional News, Vehicle Loans - Peoples Choice Credit Heather Kopsi. Union - Mandi Troiber, Todd Lundy. Julie Rease - Nina Perona. Cruise line’s office boat dry-docked for Second Place: The Gazette, Advantage repairs - Scott Williams. Judge’s Comments: The road tracks are a Best Restaurant Ad nice addition to this ad. Homes - Nina Perona. Second Place: Clintonville Tribune Third Place: The Gazette, Coldwell Gazette, Training day - Scott Bellile. Honorable Mention: The Lakeland Times, Kitchen & Bath Mart — Safe & Daily Division Banker - Trish Edwards. Sylish - Sasha Case, Laura Larson. Judge’s First Place: The Gazette, Hawk’s View Bill Payne Award Comments: This ad is nice but has a lot Golf Club - Trish Edwards. Division D going on. Focusing on a few images rather Second Place: The Monroe Times, Black First Place: Vilas County News-Review, Division A than six would make it stronger. Walnut Kitchen - Diane Albright. Judy Barr - Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel. First Place: The Gazette, Bodacious Third Place: The Gazette, Whiskey Second Place: The Lakeland Times, Ranch - Nina Perona, Anthony Wahl. Shops - Mary Hamlin. Judge’s Comments: Division E Redman Realty - Sasha Case. Great use of space and to the point. First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, Second Place: The Gazette, As A Press, Grand Opening - gofetch - Tami Division D Catfish Lake Manor - Betsy Boulden, Jo Journalist - Sara Van Galder, Anthony Conlon. Judge’s Comments: The puppy is First Place: Vilas County News-Review, Daniel. Wahl. Judge’s Comments: The news can such a fun touch to this ad! Main Street Ed’s October Steak Special Honorable Mention: The Ripon be harsh at times. Nice to bring a friendly Second Place: Tribune Record Gleaner, - Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel. Judge’s Commonwealth Press, Century 21 Tucked face into the homes of readers and out of Military Working Dog Tribute - Janna Comments: This ad makes me want to go in the Woods - Tami Conlon. the newsroom. Johnson. Judge’s Comments: The addition there for some good Midwest food. Third Place: Beloit Daily News, First of names from the memorial as an overlay Second Place: Vilas County News- Best Large Ad Congregational Church and United is a thoughtful addition. Review, Gateway Lodge New Year’s Church of Beloit invite you to Honor Our Third Place: Courier Press, Ashley Eve - Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel. Judge’s Heroes - Staff . Furniture Presidents Day Sale - Kim Comments: Nicely done. Very classy. Division A Honorable Mention: The Freeman, Corpian. Judge’s Comments: This ad is Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, First Place: The Gazette, K&W Greenery Waukesha Walk-In Clinic - Colleen Miller. bright and inviting. Golden Pines Chalkboard Specials - Betsy - Mary Hamlin. Honorable Mention: Courier Press, Boulden, Jo Daniel. Judge’s Comments: Second Place: The Gazette, K&W Greenery - Mary Hamlin. Division C Blake’s Prairie Jr. Fair - Kim Corpian. Cute idea with the chalkboard. Judge’s Comments: This ad is exciting and Third Place: The Gazette, J to Z Window First Place: Watertown Daily Times, Division E Cleaning - Cindy Micha. Kayser Chrysler Center - BAM! - Mark intriguing. First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Shingler. Judge’s Comments: BAM! I’m Press, Thunderboss Rolling Thunder - ready to buy myself a RAM. Love the play Best Grocery Ad Brandi Dolgner. Judge’s Comments: This Division C on the Batman themed words and bursts. entry provides dominating graphics, focus First Place: Watertown Daily Times, Second Place: The Monroe Times, Our on the opening event. The pronoun “we” Kayser Chrysler Center - BAM! Large Family - Jaimie Tran, Matt Johnson. Daily Division personalizes message setting this ad apart. AD - Mark Shingler. Judge’s Comments: Judge’s Comments: Definitely hits home... First Place: The Gazette, Daniels’ Sentry - Just a great professional and personal There is nothing I don’t like about this very hard for community newspapers. Donna Felland. Judge’s Comments: Great display attracts readers’ attention! advertising. Great use of color...LOVE! Love the personal touch with the use of use of art and space. Second Place: Pierce County Herald, Second Place: Watertown Daily Times, photos. Very clean and great choice of Second Place: The Gazette, Woodman’s - Molly On Main Mother’s Day - Marianne Holz Chevrolet 100 Years - Mark Shingler. color. Mary Hamlin. Judge’s Comments: To the Koivuloma, Nancy Long. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Love the concept of Third Place: Daily Globe, Ironwood point, easily read. Comments: Good color complements portraying the Chevy trucks through the Snowmobile Olympus - Staff. Third Place: Daily Globe, Sixth Street theme; detail is specific to event; menu, years. Market - Staff. date, pricing and location all clearly Honorable Mention: The Gazette, defined. Division D Woodman’s - Mary Hamlin. Division D First Place: Vilas County News-Review, Third Place: The Northwoods River First Place: The Star News, Thank You 55 Years - Betsy Boulden, Kurt Krueger, News, Historic Davenport House - Chris - Black River Industries - Mandi Troiber, Advertising 43

Todd Lundy. Judge’s Comments: Great ad action photos are the stars of this sports Second Place: The Ripon featuring the employees whose lives are booster ad for me. The colors are also well Commonwealth Press, J & J Trucking Division C changed because of what this company coordinated, but the cutouts of some of Drivers Needed - Brandi Dolgner. Judge’s First Place: Daily Globe, Gogebic County does. the featured athletes are literally jumping Comments: Really like the way the truck Fair ads - Staff. Second Place: The Lakeland Times, off the page. The sponsor blocks are tidily looks like the sunshine is hitting it just Second Place: The Monroe Times, Benson Builders — What Have We Been organized, yet incorporated in a way that right and fading away onto the horizon. Graceland Manor - Diane Albright. Building? - Yvonne Immel, Tony Loomis. makes them very much part of the ad Third Place: Pierce County Herald, Judge’s Comments: Love the photos - they rather than apart from it. Beldenville Vet Clinic - Abbie Flynn. certainly make you want to live in any of Honorable Mention: The Boscobel Dial, Division D First Place: The Lakeland Times, these places. Best Small Ad Veteran Memorial Car Cruise - Emily Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, Koch. Minocqua Area Chamber — Thank You Division A Veterans - Sasha Case, Tony Loomis. 55 Years - Betsy Boulden, Kurt Krueger, First Place: The Gazette, Hesser Collision Gary Ridderbusch, Doug Etten. Judge’s Comments: Strong package Center - Nina Perona. Division F Second Place: The Star News, Taylor Honorable Mention: Monroe County Second Place: Beloit Daily News, Cool First Place: The Verona Press, Verona Herald, Cotter Pin - Logan Everson. County Dairy Promotion - Julie Seifert, Down from the Dog Days of Summer - Vision Care - Staff. Judge’s Comments: Sarah Komarek, Kelly Schmidt. Judge’s Staff . Literally “eye” catching with a clever Comments: Interesting and informative Division E Third Place: The Gazette, Downtown headline that both ties in with the theme Third Place: Monroe County Herald, First Place: Dodge County Pionier, Beloit Farmers’ Market - Mary Hamlin. and invites the reader to take an action Cotter Pin - Logan Everson. Judge’s Mayville Maxwell Street Days - Brooke (to look closer at the ad). Graphics Comments: Makes me want to check out Hattori, Heather Kopsi. Division C complement the theme. Clean reverse ad the venue! Second Place: The Ripon First Place: Daily Globe, Leather & Gift - stands out on the page with an appropriate Honorable Mention: The Lakeland Commonwealth Press, Butzin-Marchant Staff. Judge’s Comments: Nice and clean. amount of type to read in reverse. Made Times, Island City Lanes - Yvonne Immel, Funeral Home - Tami Conlon, Brandi Love the use of the sign and photo. good use of the limited front page real Tony Loomis. Judge’s Comments: Nice Dolgner, Todd Sharp. estate. placement. Third Place: Dodge County Pionier, June Second Place: The Oregon Observer, Berry Month - Brooke Hattori, Heather Division D K&A Greenhouse - Woodward First Place: The Lakeland Times, Eye Division E Kopsi. Community Media Composing Candy Cakes - Sasha Case, Tony Loomis. Department. Judge’s Comments: First Place: Grant County Herald Division F Judge’s Comments: This entry caught my Independent, Grant Regional Health First Place: Fennimore Times, Taste of Bold color - couldn’t miss this one in eye the most out of all the submissions. I highlighter yellow. Offers prominently Center - Jessica Brownell. Judge’s Fennimore 2018 - Jessica Brownell. Judge’s like that it shows an example of what it’s Comments: Stylish, well designed layouts Comments: Motion garnished graphics placed, and a seasonal tie-in with gift selling and has minimal text. certificates for mom at the top. Balanced coupled with story telling and soothing and clean layout with plenty of white space Second Place: Vilas County News- graphics work well together to accomplish immediately grab attention. Good choice layout. Review, Gateway Lodge New Year’s Third Place: Kewaskum Statesman, All the goal of promoting a calm, personal, of event photos - the people look like they Eve - Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel. Judge’s positive health message. The photography are truly enjoying themselves - I would In Books - Andrea Steger, Kathy Marin- Comments: The design on this entry is Kopping. Judge’s Comments: Clean layout is very professional looking with bits of the want to go to this event if I lived closer. fun and is a unique way to showcase what logo tastefully placed as ornamentation The type is well organized and readable. with a the offer appealing to book buyers the ad is about. prominently displayed. Colors coordinate throughout. High marks for graphic Nice job. Third Place: The Lakeland Times, Island design. Second Place: The Stoughton Courier well with the logo. City Wine Walk - Sasha Case, Tony Honorable Mention: Campbellsport Second Place: Tri-County Press, 8 Hub, Conant Automotive - Woodward Loomis. Judge’s Comments: I like that Ways To Save - Jessica Brownell. Judge’s Community Media Composing News, Gellings Implement Job Fair - this entry showcases people enjoying the Andrea Steger. Judge’s Comments: The Comments: Bright colorful concept really Department. Judge’s Comments: Fun event. However, I wish more had been stands out on the pages. Deals to draw in concept for a holiday greeting ad - I large impactful photos and the bold blue done with the text on the bottom portion and yellow are pleasing to the eye. readers. Reminds me of a gameshow or imagine the advertiser and the readers of the ad. board game spinner wheel - along with enjoyed the playful spirit. Traditional Honorable Mention: The Star News, playful summery graphics brings element Christmas colors boldly alternated with Stepping Stones Polar Plunge - Mandi Best Ad Idea (Series) of fun to it. I want to spin that wheel. the white graphics and backgrounds in a Troiber, Todd Lundy. Judge’s Comments: Some of the offers change, giving readers candycane like pattern work well together This ad has fun colors and is eye-catching. Division A a reason to read it over carefully each time with the homey warm message. The only First Place: The Gazette, As A Journalist to prevent fomo (fear of missing out) on a thing I would have liked to have seen are good deal. Division E - Sara Van Galder, Anthony Wahl. The names to go with the faces superimposed Gazette, Edgerton Pharmacy - Nina on the snowman characters. First Place: The Northwoods River News, Bassett Jewelers - Sasha Case, Tony Perona. Best Special Section Third Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, Second Place: The Gazette, Nina Perona Congratulations Falcons - Rachel Loomis. Judge’s Comments: Great use of color in this ad. The color of the ring and Third Place: The Gazette, Copper Falls - Wellman, Ross Pattermann, Lori Totzke. Trish Edwards. Division A Judge’s Comments: The typography and the tree really compliment each other First Place: The Gazette, Parker 50th 44 Advertising

Anniversary - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Division E Great section - putting the black & white First Place: The Northwoods River News, photos in the section and datelines really Hodag Country Festival - Staff . Division E Division C brought the reader from the past to the Second Place: The Ripon First Place: Pierce County Herald, First Place: The Monroe Times, FFA present. Excellent. Commonwealth Press, Willmore Center - Beldenville Vet Clinic - Abbie Flynn. - Laura Hughes, Tai Ruegsegger, Diane Second Place: The Gazette, Spring Ahead Congratulations - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Great use of color Albright, Lance Ray. - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Great tips - Third Place: The Portage County Gazette, in mimicking the dogs hair color. Really Second Place: The Monroe Times, Farm colorful photography. Football Preview - Amanda Wherritt, grabs the eye. Harvest Times - Laura Hughes, Diane Third Place: The Gazette, High School Megan Tetzloff, Joe Diedrich, John Second Place: The Ripon Albright, Tai Ruesegger, Lance Ray. Football - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Kemmeter. Commonwealth Press, Go Fetch Doggy Could have used some personal stories Honorable Mention: Amery Free Press, Day Care - Tami Conlon. Judge’s about the players & coaches to give this Love Local: Support Your Roots - Pam Division D Comments: Very cute. It caught my eye First Place: The Lakeland Times, 100 more personality. Humpal, Jamie Stewart, Teresa Holmdahl, with the dog almost photo-bombing the Roberta Hein. Years of Service - Michel Lathrop, Laura ad. Larson. Judge’s Comments: Very classy. I Division B Third Place: The Record-Review, found myself wanting to view this ad since First Place: Beloit Daily News, Stateline Division F Athens High School Graduation - Rachel it was such an eye catcher. Area Community Yearbook - Staff . First Place: Kewaskum Statesman, Wellman, Joyann Chilson. Judge’s Second Place: Vilas County News- Judge’s Comments: Beautiful publication. Honoring Our Local Firefighters And Comments: Great shot of all the graduates Review, Pond Hockey Championships - Second Place: The Freeman, Holiday EMTs - Andrea Steger, Tracy Dieckman. in their tie-dyed shirts & headbands. Great Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel, Collette Sorgel. Wishbook - Pat Scheel, Helena Shoemaker, Second Place: The Verona Press, 2018 community support with the sponsors. Judge’s Comments: Great photos & great Colleen Miller. Judge’s Comments: Young At Heart - Staff. Honorable Mention: Dodge County use of color. Colorful and fun. Third Place: The Verona Press, Verona Pionier, Mayville Chamber Easter - Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, Third Place: Beloit Daily News, How to Hometown Days - Staff. Brooke Hattori, Heather Kopsi. Judge’s Holiday Gift Guide - Betsy Boulden, Guide - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Great Comments: The Easter egg colors are very Jo Daniel, Collette Sorgel. Judge’s concept and ads. Best Use of Color eye catching. Comments: Great one stop shopping spot Honorable Mention: EagleHerald, for readers. EagleHerald BAMC Commemorative Division F Honorable Mention: The Lakeland Division A Edition - Penny Mullins, Laurie Caebe, First Place: Tri-County Press, Cuba City Times, Festival Italiano - Laura Larson, First Place: The Gazette, First Luthern Advertising Staff.Judge’s Comments: Nice Track Congrats - Jessica Brownell. Judge’s Production Dept. . Judge’s Comments: Church - Jazz Fest - Mary Hamlin. Judge’s clean look. Comments: Great photos of the athletes Love the Italian flag colors used Comments: Really stands out on the page; and wonderful artwork. The support from throughout. color complements messaging, doesn’t the sponsors is outstanding. This was put Division E Division C distract. together very well. First Place:The Ripon Commonwealth First Place: Daily Globe, NIE Creative Second Place: The Gazette, Interiors Second Place: Tribune Record Gleaner, Press, WOW - Tami Conlon, Steve Wendt, Kids - Staff. Judge’s Comments: Love this - Mary Hamlin. Judge’s Comments: In Valentine’s Kid’s Zone - Rachel Wellman. Todd Sharp. Judge’s Comments: Less idea! this graphic case, use of limited color is Judge’s Comments: Great idea for kids really is more. When it comes to layout Second Place: Daily Citizen, Surviving arresting. to get involved in holding a newspaper in editorial design you do not want to Cancer - Melissa Boehler. Judge’s Third Place: The Gazette, Gazette - Sara their hands. overwhelm the viewer and confuse them Comments: Wonderfully put together. Van Galder. Judge’s Comments: Nothing Third Place: The Progressive, Iowa with hectic images and type. This is a great Third Place: The Monroe Times, Monroe says spring better than pink tulips. State and Blackhawk State Girls Basketball County Dairy Breakfast - Emily Koch. example demonstrating the hierarchy - Laura Hughes, Diane Albright, Tai Judge’s Comments: Cute ad - great use of of information in a clean, professional Ruesegger, Lance Ray. Judge’s Comments: Division C color. manner. love the double cover idea. First Place: The Monroe Times, Our Second Place: Grant County Herald Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, Family - Jaimie Tran, Matt Johnson. Best Multiple Independent, Lancaster Soccer & Football Saluting Our Cheesemakers - Laura Judge’s Comments: Great use of color! Congrats Pages - Jessica Brownell, AJ Hughes, Lance Ray, Diane Albright, Tai Advertiser Spread Gates. Judge’s Comments: Clean, simple, Ruegsegger. Judge’s Comments: so very Division D and to the point Division A interesting. First Place: Vilas County News-Review, Third Place: The Boscobel Dial, June First Place: Beloit Daily News, Golf 55 Years - Betsy Boulden, Kurt Krueger, Dairy Days - Emily Koch. Judge’s Guide - Staff . Gary Ridderbusch, Doug Etten. Comments: I like how there was an Division D Second Place: The Gazette, On The Menu Second Place: Vilas County News- experiment using different typefaces. The First Place: The Lakeland Times, Beef-A- - Rachel Vogt. Review, Now Bidding Residential & use of photography, type, and grid make Rama 2017 - Staff. Judge’s Comments: Third Place: The Gazette, Supporting Commercial Landscaping - Betsy Boulden, for an overall good layout. Second Place: The Lakeland Times, Lions Our Farming Communities - Rachel Vogt. Kurt Krueger. Honorable Mention: Grant County 100th Anniversary - Staff. Honorable Mention: EagleHerald, Third Place: The Star News, Lighting of Herald Independent, Wrestling Congrats Mother’s Day Dining - Advertising Staff. the Lights - Julie Seifert, Kelly Schmidt. Pages - Jessica Brownell, AJ Gates. Judge’s Advertising 45

Comments: Clean, simple, and to the art device for this advertiser. Second Place: The Ripon point. Commonwealth Press, Ripon Sports Daily Division Division E Twitter - Tami Conlon, John Bailey. First Place: The Gazette, As A Journalist Division F First Place: The Northwoods River News, Judge’s Comments: A lot of photos, but - Sara Van Galder, Anthony Wahl. First Place: Lake Mills Leader, Football Dental Assistants - Chris Frame, Heather appropriately contained in a very good Second Place: Beloit Daily News, The contest - Becky Weber, Coyt Ruell. Judge’s Holmes. graphic design. This works to convey the Stateline at your Fingertips; Everything Comments: Love the green and the field Second Place: The Ripon message! Stateline Area Served Up - Staff . goal post design. Commonwealth Press, No Way - It’s Free - Third Place: Grant County Herald Third Place: The Monroe Times, Our Second Place: Lake Mills Leader, Fall Tami Conlon. Independent, GRHC Breast Cancer Family - Jaimie Tran, Matt Johnson. sports calendar - Coyt Ruell, Becky Weber. Third Place: Dodge County Pionier, Awareness - Jessica Brownell. Judge’s Judge’s Comments: Great clean design. Mayville Golf Course - Brooke Hattori, Comments: Great use of action photos . . . but the one, big group photo should have Division D The schedules offer something useful that Heather Kopsi. First Place: The Lakeland Times, Best in will keep these ads in front of readers for Honorable Mention: The Ripon been the only one used. Smaller photos are repetitive. State - Gregg Walker, Sasha Case. Judge’s months. Commonwealth Press, Wow - Its FREE - Comments: Fantastic photo. This really Third Place: The Verona Press, The Green Hair - Tami Conlon. Honorable Mention: The Tribune- Phonograph, Congratulations Falcons captures the readers eye. Season of Giving Back - Angie Roberts, Second Place: The Star News, Win Staff. Judge’s Comments: Great use of - Rachel Wellman, Ross Pattermann, Division F Lori Totzke. Judge’s Comments: A very Christmas Cash - Sarah Komarek, Kelly color really makes all the ads pop off the First Place: Campbellsport News, Schmidt. Judge’s Comments: Will be page. busy display to challenge readers’ eyes. At Essence - Andrea Steger. least it consumes a full page and compels sharing this contest with the marketing Second Place: Tribune Record Gleaner, readers’ recognition. team for 2019. Best Use of Art Service Thanksgiving Kid’s Zone - Rachel Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, Wellman. Photo Gallery - Betsy Boulden, Kurt Best Use of Humor Krueger. Judge’s Comments: Good idea Division A Third Place: The Tribune-Phonograph, but a little too much in one ad. First Place: The Gazette, K&W Greenery Knights of Columbus Breakfast - Janna - Mary Hamlin. Johnson, Lori Totzke. Daily Division Second Place: The Gazette, Sidelines - First Place: The Gazette, Rollin Division E Justin Winkofsky. Best Use of Local Pin Bakery - Trish Edwards. Judge’s First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth Comments: Very cute...love the circus Third Place: The Gazette, Rock River Photography Press, Wow - Its FREE - Tami Conlon. Lanes - Sybil Winchel. them. Judge’s Comments: Ad gets my attention: Honorable Mention: EagleHerald, Colorful, and FREE! Though that last Stephenson Bakery Menu Guide - Laurie Division A Weekly Division exclamation should have a ? rather than a Caebe. First Place: The Gazette, As A Journalist First Place: The Lakeland Times, Kurt’s ! A note on the response would help this - Sara Van Galder, Anthony Wahl. Island — Minnow Mike - Yvonne Immel, judge: define “fabulous” with numbers Second Place: EagleHerald, Marinette Second Place: Grant County Herald Division C Tony Loomis. Judge’s Comments: Civic Center - Laurie Caebe. Independent, Bridal Guide Promotion First Place: Daily Globe, Summer Fun Engaging cute kid with an obviously yucky Third Place: The Freeman, Saloon on - Jessica Brownell, Kevin Kelly, Cari cover - Staff. raw bait fish hanging out of his mouth Calhoun - Pat Scheel. Mergen. Judge’s Comments: A unique Second Place: The Monroe Times, Speich smiling and saying it’s tasty is made me Honorable Mention: The Gazette, “promotion” in an eye-appealing ad, but Oil - Diane Albright. laugh. Whiskey Ranch - Nina Perona, Anthony Second Place: The Star News, Look out in my view, the key ad elements are out of Wahl. for deer - Ed’s Auto - Julie Seifert, Tresa sync. The block “Share Your Engagement Division D Division C Blackburn. Judge’s Comments: Chuckle Story” should be the lead element rather First Place: The Star News, Not Holiday First Place: Watertown Daily Times, worthy graphic and headline make this than, in print medium, a rhetorical Lights - Taylor County Tavern League - Grinwald Ford - Trucks are for girls too! small space ad get attention. Ties in with question. Sarah Komarek, Tresa Blackburn. Judge’s Pink pickup - Mark Shingler. Judge’s the advertiser’s message that it doesn’t Third Place: The Verona Press, Don’t Comments: Excellent choice of art and Comments: Engaging creative approach matter how the damage occurred, even Forget Don this Father’s Day - Monica design! The message is clear. Second Place: Watertown Daily Times, something as ludicrous as deer smashing Morgan, Staff. Judge’s Comments: Nice Second Place: The Star News, We have Kayser - Buy Local - Mark Shingler. the vehicle. theme with appealing content. It’s buried ice melt - T&C Water - Mandi Troiber, Judge’s Comments: Ambitious montage Third Place: Vilas County News-Review, on the page. Self-promotion ads deserve Todd Lundy. Judge’s Comments: work. 2018 Fall Sale - Betsy Boulden, Jo Daniel. big space. Impact leads to response! Appropriate, simple, and especially Judge’s Comments: High quality silly However, this offer should work. Did it? effective out-of-the-box: no border! Weekly Division graphic given enough of the ad’s space to Honorable Mention: Dodge County Third Place: The Lakeland Times, First Place: The Lakeland Times, Best be impactful. Colors used in the ad and Pionier, 90 days for $9.00 Promotion - Nimsgern Funeral Home — Pre-plan for in State - Dean Hall, Sasha Case. Judge’s typography tie in well together. Dawn Krueger, Jessica Billington, Andrea the future - Sasha Case, Laura Larson. Comments: Dramatic photo carries this Steger. Judge’s Comments: Focused theme Judge’s Comments: Timing life’s events, simple, direct ad. The photo enhances the with supportive art, clean layout, offering even for death. An appropriate, convenient message! Best Newspaper Promotion readers subscription options related to 46 Advertising days rather than months plus e-edition. Holiday Recipe & Songbook - Staff. What were results? Division C Division D Second Place: Spooner Advocate, The First Place: Daily Citizen, Waupun First Place: Sawyer County Record, Source 2018 - Michelle Carlson, Deb Best Niche Product Visitors Guide - Melissa Boehler. Judge’s Visitor: Spectator’s Guide to the Birkie/ Fosberg, Janis Redman. Comments: Very nice to look at, like the Birkebeiner Official Race Guide - Third Place: Pierce County Herald, Chamber directory and calendar of events Paul Mitchell, Darrin White. Judge’s Prescott Community Guide - Staff. Division A pages Comments: The dual nature of the Honorable Mention: New Richmond First Place: The Gazette, Rock County Second Place: Daily Citizen, 2018 product covering both spectators and News, Baldwin-Woodville Community Roots Book - Pam Schmoldt, Donna Summer Recreation Guide - Melissa participants, which in turn increases Guide - Nancy Long, Sarah Nigbor, Anna Felland, Emily Rezin, Staff . Judge’s Boehler. Judge’s Comments: Like the distribution. Hensvirk, Staff. Comments: I really like this idea, lets the activities pages and how the information is Second Place: The Lakeland Times, reader know who the businesses really are uniformly displayed. Northwoods Artist Directory - Staff. Second Place: Beloit Daily News, Best Ongoing Third Place: The Monroe Times, Monroe Third Place: Waushara Argus, Class Legends of Sports - Staff . Judge’s Parks and Recreation & City Resource of 2018 - Karla Perkins, Bonnie Krohn, Niche Publication Comments: Fun idea bringing the past Guide - Laura Hughes, Jaimie Tran. Bonnie Monacelli, Marge Williams. and present athletics together Judge’s Comments: So much information! Division A Third Place: EagleHerald, EagleHerald Like the tie-in of the colors on the cover Honorable Mention: Sawyer First Place: Watertown Daily Times, Small Town Summer - Advertising Staff, with the edges of the pages, makes it easier County Record, Lumberjack World Family and Friends Magazine - Mark Laurie Caebe. Judge’s Comments: Really to find a section. Championships Official Program - Paul Shingler. Judge’s Comments: This was a nicely done for a small publication. Honorable Mention: The Monroe Times, Mitchell, Darrin White. great, fun magazine to read. Nicely done! Honorable Mention: The Freeman, Monroe Cheesemakers - Laura Hughes, Second Place: The Monroe Times, Sports Fall Fun Guide - Pat Scheel, Helena Preview - Laura Hughes, Lance Ray, Jaimie Tran. Judge’s Comments: Really Division E Shoemaker, Colleen Miller. Judge’s Diane Albright, Tai Ruegsegger. Judge’s great concept. First Place: The Northwoods River News, Comments: Really has a fun, fallish feel! Comments: Lots of hard work/time went Advertising 47 into this, great photos! Third Place: The Gazette, Dining & Destinations Guide - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Beautifully put together Honorable Mention: The Gazette, 5ive for Women Magazine - Staff . Judge’s Comments: Nice looking layout and good topics!

Division D First Place: Sawyer County Record, Visitor Magazine - Paul Mitchell, Darrin White. Judge’s Comments: Really liked the layout, and the idea as a hole.

Division E First Place: The Stoughton Courier Hub, Your Family Magazine - Ellen Koeller, Staff. Judge’s Comments: I liked this one a lot. Second Place: New London Press Star, On the Water Fox Valley - Scott Bellile, Sue Schroeder, Kevin Jacobs, Holly Neumann. Judge’s Comments: This one was really good. Third Place: The Northwoods River News, What’s New - Staff. Judge’s Comments: I liked the content in this entry. Innovative Online Advertising

Division A First Place: The Gazette, Walk to end Alzheimers - Justin Winkofsky. Second Place: The Gazette, Rotary Gardens - Sybil Winchel. Third Place: The Gazette, Blackhawk South Now, Division D, General News Photo Community Credit Union - Nina Perona. nurses wanted at Cedar Crest - Staff . Conlon. Judge’s Comments: Eye-catching element that informed the reader with 0 Best Digital Ad Judge’s Comments: use of color. Clear at a glance what the ad reading required. Second Place: Beloit Daily News, is about. Clever concept. Only detriment is Third Place: Hudson Star-Observer, Adventurers wanted, spectators welcome - that the copy beyond the logo is a bit small Hudson Boosters - Donna Kauffman. J Division A Staff . to read on reduced-size screens. Judge’s Comments: Clear even at a First Place: The Gazette, JTS - Justin Winkofsky. Third Place: Daily Globe, Remax Action Second Place: Pierce County Herald, thumbnail size what the ad is about. Second Place: The Gazette, K&W North online ad - Staff. Six String Saloon - Nancy Long. Judge’s Design is nice, though pretty busy. More Greenery - Mary Hamlin. Comments: Very simple but clear at a contrast in the call to action (button) to Third Place: The Gazette, K&W Division D quick read what the ad is about. Important make it stand out more would improve it. Greenery - Mary Hamlin. First Place: The Ripon Commonwealth text is large enough to be legible on Honorable Mention: Hudson Star- Division B Press, Ace Hardware - Todd Sharp, Tami smaller screens. Increased contrast would Observer, North Hudson Pepper Fest First Place: Beloit Daily News, Awesome improve the ad, as would a graphic - Scott Thompson. Judge’s Comments: