Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Hutchinson Leader Entry Title: Editorial Page as a Whole - Hutchinson Leader Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: Vivid, enticing opinion pages by the Leader. Staff-written columns and editorials touch on community issues. Stephen Wiblemo's column on the gun debate, paired with the editorial stands out in the field. The readers' poll and graphic, along with the "Cheers" piece enliven the pages. Well done.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Red Wing Republican Eagle Entry Title: Red Wing Republican Eagle Editorial Page as a Whole Entry Credit: Republican Eagle Staff Judge Comment: The effort to put variety in the Eagle's opinion pages shows. The staff editorials, including one with a newsy photo, are solid. "Ask the Chief" is an interesting element, though it might create awkward conflicts with a letter or editorial that criticizes a local police decision. The Ernie Pyle retrospective adds to the readability, along with solid letters.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Chaska Herald Entry Title: Chaska Herald editorial page Entry Credit: Chaska Herald Judge Comment: Pages are designed smartly. They lean on columns from contributors in public offices or service roles, which may be a necessity. It was pleasing to see the community reporter's column on the journalism project.
Competition Comment: Several newspaper staffs in this division showed a willingness to include special elements to the opinion pages. The Hutchinson Leader served as a model example.