Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Grand Forks Herald Entry Title: 4/7/19, 6/18/19 and 8/28/19 Entry Credit: Korrie Wenzel Judge Comment: Stellar editorials and columns from a Minnesota and North Dakota perspective. Those serve the Herald's readers well. Outside columns and editorials are wisely chosen, as well. These pages sparkle.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Mankato - The Free Press Entry Title: April 8, June 18, Aug. 28 Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: The Free Press gives readers a crisp, stirring and informative opinion section. Its staff editorials are well written, and the contributed commentaries span the country, which is a smart approach. A few extra letters to the editor, and this would be the frontrunner.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: St. Cloud Times Entry Title: St. Cloud Times Entry Credit: St. Cloud Times Judge Comment: The Times page designs invite readers into the section. Staff commentaries on the refugee resettlement and copycat legislation deliver solid stances. Superb teamwork.
Competition Comment: This was an extremely close competition throughout the entire field, with a handful that nearly cracked the top three. Those with principled, staff-produced commentaries hit the top.
