Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Fergus Falls - The Daily Journal Entry Title: A COVERED FUTURE Entry Credit: Brian Hansel Judge Comment: Deep dive into the state's then-new mask rules, printed just a few days after the announcement. Despite the quick turnaround, the comprehensive story includes multiple local voices and a complete accounting of the details of the rule for both businesses and the general public.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Fergus Falls - The Daily Journal Entry Title: Racist comments on social media lead to backlash Entry Credit: Johanna Armstrong Judge Comment: In-depth reporting on a local resident's social media posts and their aftermath.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Bemidji - The Bemidji Pioneer Entry Title: Epidemic within a pandemic: Bemidji region sees uptick in drug overdoses Entry Credit: Hannah Olson Judge Comment: Complete reporting on a source of pollution that remains relatively unknown.
Competition Comment: Every story submitted in this category displayed solid reporting and a wide range of sources.
