Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Rochester - Post-Bulletin Entry Title: Post Bulletin Entry Credit: Post Bulletin staff Judge Comment: The Post-Bulletin offers a wonderfully balanced report of hard news, enterprise and features reporting that is lively and thought-provoking. The writing is clear and concise, and the care reporters and editors put into telling stories the right way is evident. Well done!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Fargo/Moorhead - The Forum Entry Title: Forum general reporting Entry Credit: Forum staff Judge Comment: The Forum runs a very close second in this category. It has a lot to like: Textbook hard news coverage; outstanding lifestyles stories; and ease of reading are standout accomplishments. Of special note: A story about the departure of Fargo's parks director was strongly aided by documents obtained under an FOI request. Bravo!
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Mankato - The Free Press Entry Title: Sept. 8, May 31, July 11 Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: A strong local news report greets Mankato-area readers every day. A stand-alone local news section offers readers a second front page for centerpiece-worthy treatment of interesting stories. The daily report feels very thorough.
