Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: St. Peter Herald Entry Title: After losing millions a decade ago, River's Edge has become model small hospital Entry Credit: Philip Weyhe Judge Comment: If you want to know about Rider's Edge hospital, read this story. It is a comprehensive account of a failing hospital and how it has surged in recent years and is now a busy place. Much was required, but the money and other activities have now made this a model small hospital. The impact and the clear import of this change were clearly shown.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Jackson County Pilot Entry Title: 20 Local Man Brings Seed Entry Credit: Justin Lessman Judge Comment: This story is like a good seed—it grows on you. The seed owner saw a need and developed a way to make the seed possible, and he does so with a lower cost helps attract farmers. The result is that seed is growing, and he is getting attraction in other publications. Story has readability, content, impact and is reaching beyond the local importance.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Kerkhoven - The Kerkhoven Banner Entry Title: This isn't your grandfather's crop Entry Credit: Jordan Almen Judge Comment: Think of hemp and likely won't thing of horses and dogs. But the Collins do, and now they are hemp producers. The story gives an excellent account of how to manage and grow the hemp, issues they have faced, and the legal problems they live under. The hemp has to have the weeks hoed out and various restrictions maintained, an interesting story.
Competition Comment: Some interesting stories. In some stories I liked the variety of information presented and the way the writer put the story together. I also enjoyed the different topics covered. Several readings were required.
