Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Spirit Lake - Dickinson County News Entry Title: Coverage of Court and Crime - DCN Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: This winning entry was chosen because the samples offered showcase storytelling ability, not just regurgitating facts from a police report/court report.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Iowa City - The Daily Iowan Entry Title: Daily Iowan – Coverage of Court and Crime Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: Lots of talent here that will grow with more experience and editing. (For example, watch how you use the word "alleged." When you phrase something as "alleged sex assault," it appears you doubt it existed – instead you could say "reported sex assault." Or rephrase and say the person was accused of sexual assault.)
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Manchester - Manchester Press Entry Title: Coverage of Courts and Crime Entry Credit: Dylan Kurt Judge Comment: This entry was chosen because the writer(s) have shown they can use their storytelling ability to show readers what happened without sticking in a bunch of legalese or police speak in every sentence. Not everyone can translate this!
