2019 MNA Better Newspaper Contest

Hard News ( 1,501 to 3,000)Back

  • 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.