Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Spirit Lake - Dickinson County News Entry Title: Coverage of Courts and Crime - Dickinson County News Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: Goyne-Yarns trial coverage started with the result of the trial, continued with a clear explanation of what appears to have happened based on testimony, 911 call and security recordings, and wrapped up with quotes and information that gives readers a better sense of the woman killed. The next three – Titterington, Zenor, Ingraham – were top quality. Understandable, excellent flow, not bogged down with legalese, presented the facts of the cases without softening them, and had not a single iota of sensationalism. As for the case against Keelson Harbour Senior Living– I’m invested in this story now. I’ll be googling to find out the results of the lawsuit.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Eldridge - The North Scott Press Entry Title: Denise Benson Entry Credit: Mark Ridolfi Judge Comment: Love how this story built through the year, from "it appears something untoward happened" to a comprehensive list of the inappropriate expenses the city clerk charged to city accounts. The series wrapped up with her facing felony charges. Clear explanation of dates, times, items – a fantastic example of why FOIA exists and the information it can bring to light.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Sheldon - The N'West Iowa Review Entry Title: Coverage of Court and Crime Entry Credit: Tom Lawrence, Jeff Grant, Mark Mahoney Judge Comment: Eye-catching graphics, two strong editorials - including one covering a local perspective on a national story - and solid story about the increase in vehicular deaths. Story on the train derailment lawsuit had photos that helped show the devastating environmental impact.
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