General Reporting ( 5,000 - 10,000 Dailies,Under 5,000 Dailies)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Bemidji - The Bemidji Pioneer Entry Title: General Reporting Entry Credit: Bemidji Pioneer Judge Comment: Really nice mix of local news and features. Particularly enjoyed the story of the 90-year-old hunter who had bagged more than 100 deer. Like all these smaller-market papers, excellent coverage of prep sports and the truncating of seasons due to COVID.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Willmar - West Central Tribune Entry Title: Feb. 9, April 24, Aug. 30 Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: Solid news reporting in all entered editions. This paper really feels like one that knows its community and audience. Strong COVID closing coverage.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Fergus Falls - The Daily Journal Entry Title: The Daily Journal Entry Credit: Deb Erickson Judge Comment: Front-page mix in all editions showed a nice sense of range: From car dealers seeing sales return to remote learning to breaking news.