Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Columbia Hgts, Fridley Entry Title: Life General Excellence Entry Credit: Jonathan Young, Connor Cummiskey, Paige Kieffer, Patrick Slack, Emilee Wentland Judge Comment: Very nice front page design. I loved the front page story, "Not all heroes wear capes" with nice photos as well. Solid local opinion section, and I really like the way the sports section summarizes results, which isn't easy for a weekly publication. I also liked the inclusion of outdoors and arts features.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Bloomington / Richfield Sun Current Entry Title: Bloomington/Richfield Sun Current Entry Credit: Mike Hanks, Ray Rivard Judge Comment: Strong leads on front page articles; timely editorial content; extensive sports coverage with nice photos. I especially liked the Class of 2020 insert.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Minneapolis - Southwest Journal Entry Title: Southwest Journal: General Excellence Entry Credit: Zac Farber, Nate Gotlieb, Andrew Hazzard, Valerie Moe, Michelle Bruch Judge Comment: Clean design. Very in-depth coverage on the way the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted so many aspects of life. I especially liked the Voices from the Pandemic feature.
Competition Comment: This was a difficult competition to judge as some papers cover rural communities while others highlight the news from various corners of the Twin Cities. I was impressed with the depth of news coverage across the board. Kudos to the advertising staffs for outstanding work keeping your pages filled with very nice looking advertisements.
