Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Jackson County Pilot Entry Title: 21 Puke The Secret Entry Credit: Justin Lessman Judge Comment: Nice aspect of storytelling to pick up and flow throughout the story. Could have delved a touch more into why the lyricists' found that method works so much, but that's an opinion.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Monticello Times Entry Title: Muralist creates masterpiece for Monticello florist Entry Credit: Jeffrey Hage Judge Comment: What knocked this from the top spot was the limpio aspect it's in the headline, but not mentioned outright until a third or so into the story. I get there are two backstories at play, but the artist's is the one that should be pushed out front from the start.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Monticello Times Entry Title: Allison's Garden Entry Credit: Jeffrey Hage Judge Comment: Mr. Hage has proven himself a solid arts & entertainment reporter, or an excellent mural reporter. This had a bit more of a spikier backstory and was a bit snappier, as well, than the runner-up entry.