Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Mora - Kanabec County Times Entry Title: Grief interrupted: Bereaved families adjust to 'new normal' amid pandemic Entry Credit: Lori Zabel, Kirsten Faurie Judge Comment: A very compelling, well-rounded read that packed an emotional punch that never ended. It was great to read an account of one of the most heart-breaking aspects of the pandemic.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Forest Lake Times Entry Title: A Very Dairy Christmas Entry Credit: Hannah Davis Judge Comment: This story did an excellent job of portraying a farm family and their hopes to continue that legacy in the times they're caught in.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Pine City Pioneer Entry Title: Skluzacek battles back after emergency brain surgery Entry Credit: Mike Gainor Judge Comment: This young girl's story - "She had a time bomb in her skull" - and her unique ordeal was well written and emotionally gripping from start to end. We also liked that the story ended optimistically, with Abby's fighting spirit and moxie emphasized.
Competition Comment: My colleague Susan Bromley and I enjoyed working together on this. It was an easy process because of the web site and your advice. Thank you.
