Lynn Smith Community Leadership Award ( 10,000 and Over Dailies,5,000 - 10,000 Dailies,Over 7,000,3,001 to 7,000,1,501 to 3,000,1,001 - 1,500,Under 1,000,Under 5,000 Dailies)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Mankato - The Free Press Entry Title: Homeless series Entry Credit: Free Press staff Judge Comment: It can be challenging for all of us in journalism to recall our normal sense of civic service before the pandemic. The Mankato Free Press months-long series on homelessness stands out among numerous high-quality COVID-19-related community leadership award entries. The team of Mankato journalists launched this effort months before the pandemic – and stayed on point with this pointedly public-service-oriented project throughout the stresses of the COVID crisis. Beyond mere coverage of an overlooked community problem, the newspaper earned endorsements from community leaders who clearly noted how the newspaper’s efforts – from news coverage, to editorials, to community fundraisers – made a clear and positive difference for community members most in need of attention and assistance. Great job.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Tower - The Timberjay Entry Title: Tower's Ancient Cedar Trail project Entry Credit: Marshall Helmberger, Jodi Summit Judge Comment: An inspiring entry. Excellent community leadership - positive leadership - at a time when communities everywhere needed positivity beyond the pandemic. Close to the winner.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Grand Forks Herald Entry Title: Covid, Caring for Community Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: A solid entry. The newspaper's selflessness in putting others first is a distinguishing quality.
