Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Bloomfield - The Bloomfield Democrat Entry Title: Hey, politicians, are loan bailouts good or bad? , It appears not every life in Iowa truly is sacred , Libraries shouldn’t look for excuses to exclude Entry Credit: Randy Evans Judge Comment: Randy Evans' columns don't tackle his topics as much as they wrestle with them. No matter, he manages to pin them to the mat. Hard issues handles with grace. Nice style. Worthy of first place.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Eldridge - The North Scott Press Entry Title: Erin M. Gentz Entry Credit: Erin Gentz Judge Comment: Great story-telling in these columns by Erin Gentz. You can tell she loves her community -- and her job -- in the way she writes about her chosen subjects. Enjoyable reading.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Jefferson - The Jefferson Herald Entry Title: Rick Morain Entry Credit: Rick Morain Judge Comment: Rick Morain shows versatility in these columns, writing eloquently about renewing his wedding vows, showing wit and wisdom as he turned his column over the ChatGPT, then nails his argument over the notion of fixing some that ain't broke.
