Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Pipestone County Star Entry Title: When severe weather strikes, you're on your own Entry Credit: Debra Fitzgerald Judge Comment: This thoroughly researched story calls attention to a significant community problem.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Pine City Pioneer Entry Title: Flu puts Pine City man in a fight for his life Entry Credit: Mike Gainor Judge Comment: This compelling story of a single flu patient does more to encourage flu shots than a more general approach. The story is well-constructed, moving from specific to general and back.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Forest Lake Times Entry Title: 'It happened so fast' Entry Credit: Hannah Davis Judge Comment: Covering a small tornado, this reporter effectively gathered personal accounts of the storm experience.
Competition Comment: Two of the top three stories relate to weather, and so did three entries just outside the top three. Winners scored points for going beyond routine coverage to bring in numerous sources and perspective beyond the local community. I nearly gave two awards to the first-place winner, until I decided to spread the wealth. A runner-up story about a cold-case crime investigation was fascinating, but told the story in a confusing manner.
