Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Fergus Falls - The Daily Journal Entry Title: Daily Journal Media Entry Credit: Heather Kantrud Judge Comment: Local bylines everywhere. A great variety of stories to attract varied interests. Great photos. Great writing. Who could want for more. Great job by everyone on staff!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Bemidji - The Bemidji Pioneer Entry Title: General Reporting Entry Credit: Bemidji Pioneer Judge Comment: Had this been judged by another judge, the results could have been different, that's how close the first and second places were in this category. I wish I could have given a tie for first place, howeer this was not possible. Great publication all the way around. The reason I chose the winner over this newspaper was a perceived "more local" feel, but only barely. The couple of "wire" stories was the deciding factor in this contest. Otherwise a very, very close contest. Nicely done.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Detroit Lakes Tribune Entry Title: Detroit Lakes Tribune General Reporting Entry Credit: Detroit Lakes Tribune Staff Judge Comment: Stories were very well done and front page very well put together! This publication was as well written as the first and second place finishers, I just wish it had a bit more "meat" to it. Lots of features and very fun and enjoyable to read!
Competition Comment: This was perhaps the toughest category to judge in the five i had, at least for the final three. Overall, I think this whole class was the best in this category, Well done to all.
