Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Willmar - West Central Tribune Entry Title: Hanging onto hope in Lac qui Parle County Entry Credit: Carolyn Lange Judge Comment: A very in-the-moment story about a subject that is on the front-burner in the US. Well written.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Faribault Daily News Entry Title: The end of an era at Nagel's Live Bait Entry Credit: Mike Randleman Judge Comment: Loved the intimate nature of the story telling. I felt as though I knew the owner and had bought a box of worm from him!
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Virginia - Mesabi Daily News Entry Title: Lourenco Goncalves sees a life beyond steel Entry Credit: Leah Ryan, Jerry Burnes Judge Comment: This is a feel-good success story that inspires anyone who wants the American Dream. Well written and researched.
Competition Comment: The top three stories could all have been the winner in this category, as well as two others that did not place. All were in-depth, well-written and used personal success to make the stories come to life. Well done.
