Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: St. Peter Herald Entry Title: Four decades in, Co-op is a dream come true Entry Credit: Philip Weyhe Judge Comment: This package was clearly a LOT of work, and rightly so, given the Co-op's place in the community. A wonderful tale of devoted community members persevering through adversity and still motivated by the same values that started it all. Great story, great package, and why we do what we do as community journalists!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Waterville - Lake Region Life Entry Title: Big-time cars in little Kilkenny Entry Credit: Lisa Ingebrand Judge Comment: A great "peek behind the curtain" of a unique industry that all can appreciate, and in a tiny town, no less. This is the good ol'fashioned American success story, as told from a car guy's garage. He's truly an artist, and the photos captured that artistry well. And I found his story to be compelling as well, turning a side job/hobby into his full-time job.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Jordan Independent Entry Title: Candy store maintains sense of humor despite damage to store Entry Credit: Michael Strasburg Judge Comment: Great story here, Michael. Such a weird tale, but hilarious. And it sounds like the owners of this place have a reputation for humor that's well earned. A wonderful read.
