Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Pipestone County Star Entry Title: The artist among us Entry Credit: Sirrina Martinez Judge Comment: I love hidden gem in our own backyard pieces, and Ms. Monteiga seems like an incredible person and artist. A touch too much straight-plain background history, but maybe it comes out because of the fact Ms. Monteiga doesn't speak English.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Mora - Kanabec County Times Entry Title: Relishing absurdity: Vasa Radio Hour celebrates small-town quirks in a variety show style Entry Credit: Kirsten Faurie Judge Comment: I'm a sucker for both 'A Prairie Home Companion' and any show that attempts to replicate or refurbish its style, especially from a hyper-local angle like that. It could have had a more storytelling-type approach, but it got its point across without going overboard.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Luverne - Rock County Star Herald Entry Title: "No more shushing" Entry Credit: Mavis Fodness Judge Comment: Interesting topic. Would have liked to see a more feature-y angle, but it's a decent subject and an important one.
Competition Comment: There were a lot of entries that were more news-oriented in nature than actual arts & entertainment. Maybe that's on me; perhapsI was just looking for more feature-y pieces.
