Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The (Fremont) News-Messenger Entry Title: "NAACP Encourages Vaccinations in Black Community" Entry Credit: Craig Shoup Judge Comment: Engaging, approachable writing on a life-saving topic. Excellent localization of a national problem, with a sensitive but fearless approach to a delicate subject. Public service at its finest.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The (Fremont) News-Messenger Entry Title: "Fremont, Sandusky County Deal With Rising Homeless Population" Entry Credit: Daniel Carson Judge Comment: Humanization of a topic some would rather ignore. With a skilled and relatable voice, the reporter digs into not only the nature of the problem but what's being done about it, with good follow-through. He lets readers see what part they play in both the problem and the solution.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Marysville Journal-Tribune Entry Title: Residents and developers spar in Jerome Township Entry Credit: Kayleen Petrovia Judge Comment: The reporter unearthed information that clued readers in to an important decision that might have been made without their knowledge and followed the story to let the community know how they could have their voice heard. The paper's role changed the outcome for the better...and that's why we do what we do.
