2024 NDNA Awards

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Circulation Group
Category
Awards Ceremony
Contestant
News
Category: Agricultural Coverage
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Agricultural Coverage
Park River, Walsh County Press
Extraordinary Harvest: Farmers Rally in southwest Walsh County to Support One of Their Own
Allison Olimb
First Place
CommentsA sweet story, beautifully written. The best of any of the weekly ag stories -- by a country mile.
Weekly: Small
Agricultural Coverage
Elgin, Grant County News
Ranchers weary of white
WILDCARD - Luann Dart
Second Place
CommentsLots of information in this reminder of how harsh winter can be on the upper plains
Weekly: Small
Agricultural Coverage
Elgin, Grant County News
Full Send Mobile Washing - Chris Dragoo plans to serve area ag producers
Ruth Wiechmann
Third Place
CommentsA different kind of ag-related business gets a nice description.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Agricultural Coverage
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Soothing our furry friends
Erik Gjovik
First Place
CommentsA good profile of an aspect of agriculture that's well off the beaten path -- massage therapy -- makes a winning combination.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Agricultural Coverage
Hillsboro Banner
Heart Beet of the Valley
Jack Dura
Second Place
CommentsSolid reporting of an important agricultural story for the area -- 50 years of sugarbeet farming. Nice job.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Agricultural Coverage
Hillsboro Banner
Sugar beet harvest may set record
Cole Short
Third Place
CommentsGood fact-filled report on the annual harvest
Weekly: Large
Agricultural Coverage
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
We need to do things differently
Jan Russell
First Place
CommentsNice introduction to a different style of farming that could affect the entire farming community
Weekly: Large
Agricultural Coverage
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Faith, family, farming
Chelsea Wysocki
Second Place
CommentsInteresting profile of a new generation of farmer who's making a splash online.
Weekly: Large
Agricultural Coverage
Crosby, The Journal
Crop conditions 'all over the board' with spotty rain
Jordan Rusche
Third Place
CommentsSolid harvest update with lots of good reporting in it.
Multi-Day: Small
Agricultural Coverage
Dickinson Press
Breaking barriers
Jason O'Day
First Place
CommentsWonderful feature. Great writing and reporting on an relevant topic.
Multi-Day: Small
Agricultural Coverage
Dickinson Press
Cattle anthrax outbreak raises concerns for ranchers
Manuel Holguin, JR
Second Place
CommentsExecellent reporting on an important issue.
Multi-Day: Small
Agricultural Coverage
Jamestown Sun
Fertilizer plant could locate near Spiritwood, legislators say
Masaki Ova
Third Place
CommentsReporter did a good job outlining legislators' proposal
Multi-Day: Small
Agricultural Coverage
Dickinson Press
Livestock Disaster Relief Act and Farm Bill priorities discussed in Dickinson gathering
James B. Miller, Jr.
Honorable Mention
CommentsGood news story on a subject that affects the state of North Dakota.
Multi-Day: Large
Agricultural Coverage
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Rural ND couple cook up 'farm boy breakfasts' to bring neighbors together
Tammy Swift
First Place
CommentsThis is a feel good story for me. You did a long profile of the couple and how they got into farming. It looks like they've built a good support network for themselves!
Multi-Day: Large
Agricultural Coverage
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Cargill will pay back WF remaining $679,000
Wendy Reuer
Second Place
CommentsThe article mentions the Forum did more research into the billing issue and found an additional six figure that would have cost the city more money if it wasn't caught. That tells me you really did your research. This is a public account of this company promising to pay that money.(Side note: I kind of wish the picture of the girl flipping her hair had been entered in the picture contest. It's really good!)
Multi-Day: Large
Agricultural Coverage
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
ND legislators made 'promise' about $125M forgivable loan program
April Baumgarten
Third Place
CommentsI appreciated the pictures on the back page. It gave me a visual as I was reading about the subject. I also liked the long article being broken up into subheads to give me an idea of what the next section was about. You also pointed out if a politician was aligned with a proposed company for the project.
Multi-Day: Large
Agricultural Coverage
Bismarck Tribune
Royalty help program will be using land service firms
Joey Harris
Honorable Mention
CommentsThis was a good story. Two sides of a certain issue can be passionate about how they view a certain thing and it's hard to meet in the middle. Osbudmen should like people who don't have legal power; they are mediators. That would be frustrating.
Category: Best Use of Social Media
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Best Use of Social Media
Park River, Walsh County Press
Clicking with the TikTok Generation
Allison Olimb
First Place
CommentsGreat way to grab the younger audience and get them to engage with local news.
Weekly: Small
Best Use of Social Media
Elgin, Grant County News
Best use of social media
Jill Friesz
Second Place
CommentsGreat way to get community involved likeing and sharing photos, people love to see pics of their kids and this is a perfect use of social media.
Weekly: Large
Best Use of Social Media
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Purse Bingo
Caylee Tibert
First Place
CommentsGreat use of social media for a great promo.
Multi-Day: Small
Best Use of Social Media
Wahpeton, Daily News
"Boys of Summer" - American Legion Baseball Documentary
Robert Wanek Jr., Madison Nelson-Gira, Noah Clooten
First Place
CommentsI loved looking at your page. The trailers looked like big time movie trailers to me. I also really liked your post. It tagged the location to let people know where the premiere was. The event times were separated and easy to read. You also tagged the network and producers. The photos were eye-catching as well. I would've hit like on this post if it was on my feed!
Multi-Day: Small
Best Use of Social Media
Dickinson Press
See what you've been missing
Jenn Binstock
Second Place
CommentsI like the idea of laying all the pages on the table to show everyone the content. I searched for you all online and saw you're a weekly paper. A suggestion could be you do one post a day about each section. One about news, sports, classified, etc.
Multi-Day: Large
Best Use of Social Media
Grand Forks Herald
UND/NDSU live coverage of football game on Twitter, UND won
Tom Miller
First Place
CommentsGreat job! This is definitely a step up from the regular game live Twitter X feed.
Multi-Day: Large
Best Use of Social Media
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Lashkowitz High Rise implosion
Kate Almquist
Second Place
CommentsGreat way to gain some audience engagement.
Category: Best Web Site
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Best Web Site
Elgin, Grant County News
Best Web Site - www.gspublishing.net
Staff
First Place
CommentsNavigation is easy enough, could use a lot more visuals and aesthetic distinction between newspapers
Weekly: Small
Best Web Site
Elgin, Grant County News
Best Web Site - www.gspublishing.net
Staff
Second Place
CommentsSame as first?
Weekly: Mid-Size
Best Web Site
Hillsboro Banner
Hillsboro Banner
Banner Staff
First Place
CommentsGood separation between sections and good use of color.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Best Web Site
New Rockford Transcript
New Rockford Transcript website
Transcript staff
Second Place
CommentsAttractive, easy to navigate
Weekly: Mid-Size
Best Web Site
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Independent Web Site
Staff
Third Place
CommentsGood use of color, lengthy sections to navigate
Weekly: Large
Best Web Site
Crosby, The Journal
journalnd.com
Journal Staff
First Place
CommentsLike the block on the side, attractive and easy to navigate.
Weekly: Large
Best Web Site
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Walsh County Record website
Staff
Second Place
CommentsCould use more visuals, but overall very attractive and easy to navigate
Multi-Day: Small
Best Web Site
Jamestown Sun
Jamestown Sun
Jamestown Sun Staff
First Place
CommentsLooks like an average newspaper website!
Multi-Day: Large
Best Web Site
Bismarck Tribune
The Bismarck Tribune
Staff
First Place
CommentsI liked the black background and the way it takes up the whole page with horizontal sections in different colors. Easy to read and navigate.
Multi-Day: Large
Best Web Site
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Forum website
Forum staff
Second Place
CommentsLots of white space but otherwise east to navigate and not too many ads.
Multi-Day: Large
Best Web Site
Grand Forks Herald
Grand Forks Herald website
Staff
Third Place
CommentsI didn't like the flashing ads on either side of the page - very distracting.
Category: Business News Reporting
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Business News Reporting
Park River, Walsh County Press
Community buzzing with excitement as Bully Brew Coffee House percolates
Allison Olimb
First Place
CommentsGood, thorough exploration of the subject. Often, reporters and editors are loathe to devote that much space to a single business but this merits it.
Weekly: Small
Business News Reporting
Bowbells, Burke County Tribune
Bowbells Hotel Open for Business
WILDCARD-Lisa Thomas
Second Place
CommentsExplains the history and importance of the hotel very well.
Weekly: Small
Business News Reporting
Bowbells, Burke County Tribune
Rosie's Cantina Opens in Portal
Lisa Thomas
Third Place
CommentsShort, but well explained. Think any reader would want to try it out.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Business News Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
Forging ahead
Cole Short
First Place
CommentsSolid biz story. Good blend of past, present and future, with a focus on expansion. Nicely-written. Tough choices in this category.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Business News Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
Saddle & Spurs
Cory Erickson
Second Place
CommentsFun, colorful story with quality images. Good use of interviews and talk of the program.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Business News Reporting
Tioga Tribune
Hospital building talk is first step toward TMC's dream
Cecile Wehrman
Third Place
CommentsGood work on an important piece.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Business News Reporting
Tioga Tribune
Local woman named Tioga Medical Center CEO
Jacob Orledge
Honorable Mention
CommentsInformative piece on the new CEO.
Weekly: Large
Business News Reporting
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Labor Shortage
Todd Morgan
First Place
CommentsExcellent coverage of the issue. The writer was thorough and spoke with multiple individuals on multiple levels that helped flesh out the full story.
Weekly: Large
Business News Reporting
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Maple River Winery under new ownership
Angela Kolden
Second Place
CommentsGood reporting on the new business opening while sharing some of the past as well.
Weekly: Large
Business News Reporting
Bottineau Courant
Bottineau Blue Line Hockey buys Cowboys Bar & Casino
Matthew Semisch
Third Place
CommentsGood explanation of the current purchase as well as similar practice in the area.
Multi-Day: Small
Business News Reporting
Williston Herald
Ukrainians welcomed to energy workforce in Williston
James C. Falcon
First Place
CommentsWell-written approach to a story that is business, human-interest, and geo-political. Thorough reporting on an interesting situation.
Multi-Day: Small
Business News Reporting
Jamestown Sun
Dakota Children's Advocacy Center opening in Jamestown
Kathy Steiner
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Business News Reporting
Jamestown Sun
Applied Digital breaks ground on HPC facility at Ellendale, ND
Masaki Ova
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Business News Reporting
Dickinson Press
Spa Fur Paws
Ashley Koffler
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Business News Reporting
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
'This is the future' West Fargo salvage yard shares talent solution
David Olson
First Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Business News Reporting
Bismarck Tribune
E-tab issues loom in final days of session
Jack Dura
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Business News Reporting
Bismarck Tribune
New agency to support immigrants in workforce
Jacob Fulton
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Business News Reporting
Grand Forks Herald
Food deserts remain an issue in North Dakota, but efforts are ongoing to fight them
Delaney Otto
Honorable Mention
Comments
Category: Editorial
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Editorial
Elgin, Grant County News
Editorial
WILDCARD - Jill Friesz
First Place
CommentsWell written, appreciate the description of the unknown as "alluring." Relevant issue that everyone seemed to have an opinion on, so good choice of topic.
Weekly: Small
Editorial
Elgin, Grant County News
Editorial
Jill Friesz
Second Place
CommentsVery relevant pop culture issue, definitely addressed through small town perspective and highlighting "the good stuff." Wanted more analysis of the negative reactions compared to the positive ones, since it was brought up.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial
Hazen Star
Chaos, Conflict, choices
Daniel Arens
First Place
CommentsWell thought out, insightful and with a steady voice.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial
Hillsboro Banner
School project deserves a yes
Cole Short
Second Place
CommentsCovers the big picture and some of the history of these public school buildings. Well thought out and supportive of the project.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Playing politics with public notices
Amy Wobbema
Third Place
CommentsLegislatures wanting to kill public notices has become a nationwide fight in right-leaning controlled bodies. This was written without making it political, so kudos to you for that. Tough subject nationwide.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial
New Rockford Transcript
Post office stumbles, but newspapers still deliver
Amy Wobbema
Honorable Mention
CommentsI always tell our readers we cover 'the good, the bad and the ugly,' so I can relate to what you are saying. Very passionate about your job. Keep up the good work.
Weekly: Large
Editorial
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Book Ban
Angela Kolden
First Place
CommentsWell done opinion piece that gives not only reasoning for the opinion, but examples as well.
Weekly: Large
Editorial
Linton, Emmons County Record
Affirmation vs Information
Kelli Ameling
Second Place
CommentsWhile a good explanation of why the writer doesn't given an opinion, it really is an opinion page. The saving grace was telling readers to get all the facts--if just giving the facts, it's a news story.
Weekly: Large
Editorial
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Government that is good for you
Todd Morgan
Third Place
CommentsThorough explanation of opinion piece written. Well done.
Multi-Day: Small
Editorial
Jamestown Sun
Jamestown has no shortage of jobs
Kathy Steiner
First Place
CommentsClear and concise, to the point. Paints a picture of Americana while also pointed out needs that make a community a great place to love, work and raise a famiy.
Multi-Day: Large
Editorial
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Stingy on school lunches, scornful of Fargo's local control, this ND Legislature is odious
Forum staff
First Place
CommentsGreat job pointing out hoe children face food insecurity deserve to have an education too. Keep up the good work.
Multi-Day: Large
Editorial
Grand Forks Herald
Postal Service's silent, evasive approach doesn't inspire confidence
Korrie Wenzel
Second Place
CommentsDoing things in secret, especially those things that can impact billions of dollars of products and communications flowing through our country, is no good. Thank you for shining a light on the USPS' opaque actions.
Category: Editorial Page
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Editorial Page
Elgin, Grant County News
Editorial Page
Jill Friesz
First Place
CommentsGood, structured pages. Question of the week adds a lighthearted element. Well-written, punchy editorials and eye-catching cartoons. Blurbs for national news an interesting way for a local paper to acknowledge the "bigger picture."
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial Page
New Rockford Transcript
Transcript editorial pages
Amy Wobbema, Kyrie Dauenhauer
First Place
CommentsGood variety in voices. Student letters is a unique idea. Relevant issues and well-written commentary. Note: wish all writers were identified at the end of their columns.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial Page
Washburn, The Leader-News
Leader-News editorial pages
Leader-News Staff
Second Place
CommentsGood layout. Film review adds variety to what can otherwise be a heavy page.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial Page
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Independent Editorial Page
Amy Wobbema, Isabella Garr, Lori Buchholtz
Third Place
CommentsBig blocks of text, good mix of columns/voices and topics. Letters show reader engagement. Intern voice is unique and adds a fresh perspective.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Editorial Page
Hillsboro Banner
Banner Editorial Pages
Cole Short
Honorable Mention
CommentsOnly 1 page submitted, 3 required for the entry to meet guidelines.
Weekly: Large
Editorial Page
Crosby, The Journal
April 26, Oct. 4, Dec. 13
Journal Staff
First Place
CommentsGood mix of voices (variety). Overall page could have more dynamic layout; letters could be separated with more distinction than columns. Missing a visual element.
Weekly: Large
Editorial Page
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Jan 11 Feb 1 July 5
Staff
Second Place
CommentsEntry limits to 3 pages total. Well written columns. Good use of visuals.
Multi-Day: Small
Editorial Page
Jamestown Sun
Jamestown Sun
Kathy Steiner
First Place
CommentsOnly one entry in this category makes it difficult to judge. These three pages had good, relevant local editorials, state and national columnists and some local letter writers. Just as an opinion page should entail.
Multi-Day: Large
Editorial Page
Grand Forks Herald
Grand Forks Herald Editorial Page, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16
Korrie Wenzel
First Place
CommentsLocal editorials make all the difference for readers of local newspapers, and the Grand Forks Herald, at least in the entries provided, focused on serving the local community. The pages are filled with useful information and voices to help readers understand the issues of the day. Good work.
Multi-Day: Large
Editorial Page
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Forum editorial pages
Forum staff
Second Place
Comments
Category: Feature Reporting
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Feature Reporting
Park River, Walsh County Press
Farmer, athlete, social media star: Park River native goes full send on The Hockey Guys and THG Media, Inc.
Wildcard: Allison Olimb
First Place
CommentsFun read on a native who's gone viral.
Weekly: Small
Feature Reporting
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Patriot
Mike Steinfeldt
Second Place
CommentsThe picture had me hooked before I read a single word about a young man's passion.
Weekly: Small
Feature Reporting
Elgin, Grant County News
Gymnastics classes tumbling into town
Luann Dart
Third Place
CommentsNice personalization of a story about a new business in town.
Weekly: Small
Feature Reporting
Park River, Walsh County Press
PR Ambulance's Wild Ride: A North Dakota winter story
Allison Olimb
Honorable Mention
CommentsA great tale nicely told ... just caught in a category with even stronger entries. Should have been played on page one.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Feature Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
Waltzing Right In
Cole Short
First Place
CommentsWell written accompanied by good layout and photos will draw many readers to this entry. it's the total package.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Feature Reporting
Harvey, The Herald Press
Echoes
Neil O. Nelson
Second Place
CommentsInteresting topic, well written.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Feature Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
Making of a Christmas carol
Wildcard - Cole Short
Third Place
CommentsPhotos outshine the writing, but it's a good story.
Weekly: Large
Feature Reporting
Grafton, Walsh County Record
In a better, wheelchair-free place
Chelsea Wysocki
First Place
CommentsA touching glimpse into this family's life and struggles, very well-written and personal. Great interview and great story telling!
Weekly: Large
Feature Reporting
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Two WWII warbirds take off from Casselton Airport
Angela Kolden
Second Place
CommentsA fun and informative read that is both personal and informative. A great interview!
Weekly: Large
Feature Reporting
Grafton, Walsh County Record
The Best Thing That Happened To Me
Wildcard - Chelsea Wysocki
Third Place
CommentsA touching personal interview, very well-written and detailed.
Weekly: Large
Feature Reporting
Garrison, McLean County Independent
Ziemann takes her shot
Tyson Smedstad Matthews
Honorable Mention
CommentsA fun and personal read, very well done!
Multi-Day: Small
Feature Reporting
Dickinson Press
From horse and buggy to a microwave
Allison Engstrom
First Place
CommentsWhat a fun read! Excellent feature reporting that told such a wonderful story. Great work.
Multi-Day: Small
Feature Reporting
Jamestown Sun
'Silly doodles': Emergency manager's Facebook posts get new life in apparel
Masaki Ova
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Feature Reporting
Jamestown Sun
Jamestown couple's retirement takes an unexpected turn
Kathy Steiner
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Reporting
Grand Forks Herald
Region's social correspondents continue tradition as a 'little lamp that keeps burning from their hometown'
Korrie Wenzel
First Place
CommentsThis is excellent feature writing on a topic that should be of immense interest for everyone. At a time when we've become so disconnected, it's great to recall how small-town newspapers and their gadfly columnists provided true color for a community. Excellent read!
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Reporting
Grand Forks Herald
Boozy cruises, beer pirates and golf ball injuries: Whatever happened to the Dakota Queen?
Sav Kelly
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Reporting
Bismarck Tribune
Honor flight provides chance to heal, grieve
Jacob Fulton
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Reporting
Grand Forks Herald
EGF construction worker Roger Smith has 'stood the test of time'
Sam Easter
Honorable Mention
Comments
Category: Feature Series
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Feature Series
Elgin, Grant County News
Local careers series
Luann Dart
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Small
Feature Series
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Right place at the right time/Thought to be lost
Lyle Van Camp
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Feature Series
Hillsboro Banner
Where are they now?
Pace Maier, Cory Erickson, Cole Short
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Feature Series
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Community organization anniversaries
Amy Wobbema
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Feature Series
Crosby, The Journal
Divide County School District new teachers
Brad Nygaard, Jordan Rusche
First Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Feature Series
Jamestown Sun
Jamestown Rural Fire Department
Kathy Steiner
First Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Feature Series
Dickinson Press
DSU Program Cuts
Manuel Holguin, JR
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Feature Series
Wahpeton, Daily News
Heart of the Southern Valley
Frank Stanko
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Series
Bismarck Tribune
Transgender issues
Jack Dura
First Place
CommentsTransgender issues have come to the forefront of politics and culture the past few years. Your reporting told good stories, like the rep wouldn't apologize about his problematic comments, the people who testified at lobby day and personal stories making lawmakers think about their positions. Well done!
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Series
Grand Forks Herald
Home of Economy-Grand Forks Herald Pie Baking Contest
Korrie Wenzel, Pamela Knudson, Delaney Otto, Maeve Hushman
Second Place
CommentsThis is a fun section! I love the Great British Baking Show and I enjoyed reading about the contestants. All of their various skills, backgrounds and reasons why they decided to enter the contest. Now I'll have to look up who wins!
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Series
Bismarck Tribune
Honor flight coverage
Jacob Fulton
Third Place
CommentsI enjoyed these articles! It gave a face to the Veterans who got to go on the Honor flight. It was insightful to read about veterans who were there and what the memorials meant to them.
Multi-Day: Large
Feature Series
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
The Capones of North Dakota
Tracy Briggs
Honorable Mention
CommentsMy favorite part of this story was the ending quote from the person at the end of the third article. It summed up everything perfectly: I'm not sure it's true but I'm not saying it's a lie, either. You provided a lot of evidence it could be true. Well done!
Category: Front Page Design
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Front Page Design
Elgin, Grant County News
Front Page Design
Staff
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Small
Front Page Design
Park River, Walsh County Press
Front Page Design
Allison Olimb
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Front Page Design
Hillsboro Banner
Hillsboro Banner
Cole Short, Cory Erickson
First Place
CommentsGreat layout, love the use of large photos and the graphics are great!
Weekly: Mid-Size
Front Page Design
Washburn, The Leader-News
Leader-News Front pages
Leader-News Staff
Second Place
CommentsNice photos.
Weekly: Large
Front Page Design
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Front Page Design
Megan Nicklay
First Place
CommentsGreat design. Love how clean it is.
Weekly: Large
Front Page Design
Grafton, Walsh County Record
April 12, Nov 8, Oct 25
Jackie Thompson
Second Place
CommentsLike the use of different fonts and colors in headlines.
Weekly: Large
Front Page Design
Linton, Emmons County Record
Emmons County Record Front Page Excellence
Kelli Ameling
Third Place
Comments
Category: Government Reporting
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Government Reporting
Elgin, Grant County News
Legislation targets rural districts
Luann Dart
First Place
CommentsClearly explains how state legislation could have a very direct impact on a small school system. Lays out the reasons and arguments well.
Weekly: Small
Government Reporting
Park River, Walsh County Press
Baa-ckyard maintenance: Park River to allow temporary permits for sheep, goats in city limits
Allison Olimb
Second Place
CommentsTakes the ordinance section by section and tells readers how it will work. Good job.
Weekly: Small
Government Reporting
Hankinson, News Monitor
Richland board still against eminent domain, for landowners' rights
Frank Stanko
Third Place
CommentsEminent domain. One of the hottest topics ever. Interesting that the story didn't get better position on page 1.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Government Reporting
New Rockford Transcript
Louters facing calls to resign
Nathan Price
First Place
CommentsThis is local journalism at its best! Good lead, to the point, and draws the reader in.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Government Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
Questions over land ownership spark fiery exchange
Cole Short
Second Place
CommentsIt can't get any better than that subhead. "Shouting match" in the lead definitely draws the reader. Good job with the quotes.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Government Reporting
New Rockford Transcript
Eddy County auditor resigns
Nathan Price, Amy Wobbema
Third Place
CommentsGreat job with this one. All the information is there and transparent to the reader. Great reporting.
Weekly: Large
Government Reporting
Crosby, The Journal
New director of special ed has 19 years' experience
Brad Nygaard
First Place
CommentsThorough coverage of this multifaceted new hire. Informative and well-organized, with great presentation. Excellent work!
Weekly: Large
Government Reporting
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Olson named Casselton's EDC
Angela Kolden
Second Place
CommentsAn engaging writeup with good organization and presentation. Very well done!
Weekly: Large
Government Reporting
Crosby, The Journal
911 dispatch complicated by geography, technology
Jordan Rusche
Third Place
CommentsGreat coverage of this pressing issue, well-rounded and informative.
Weekly: Large
Government Reporting
Crosby, The Journal
Senate votes down Burgum's tax relief plan
WILDCARD- Jody Michael
Honorable Mention
CommentsWell-organized, informative coverage
Multi-Day: Small
Government Reporting
Dickinson Press
Dunn County Sheriff's Office faces scrutiny
Manuel Holguin, JR
First Place
CommentsVery good story. Way to watch government spending and to provide a frame of reference by talking to another police agency and an hr professional. Good picures, especially the first image with the sheriff image over a gun and boat schematic.
Multi-Day: Small
Government Reporting
Jamestown Sun
Getting 'beaned': State's attorney responds to county commissioner questioning 'time management'
Masaki Ova
Second Place
CommentsVery good. Good shedding of light on staffing issues and how an adversarial relationship with a county government entity has repercussions on the community. Good photos
Multi-Day: Small
Government Reporting
Williston Herald
School board accepts assistant super's resignation
James C. Falcon
Third Place
CommentsGood story and use of a public info request to get the assistant superintendent's personnel file. It gave a good picture of the possible reasongs the assistent supertindent resigned and how her career at the schools district went. Good photos
Multi-Day: Large
Government Reporting
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
State funds bought tickets to Prague
WILDCARD - April Baumgarten
First Place
CommentsA sex scandal and bureaucratic back-scratching (with a side of nepotism) make for compelling reading on a breaking Well reported and well written. Clearly the best.
Multi-Day: Large
Government Reporting
Grand Forks Herald
Busy times for city's first-time legislators
Ingrid Harbo
Second Place
CommentsA nice look at the human side of the Legislature that should interest residents represented by 4 new faces. Nice idea well executed.
Multi-Day: Large
Government Reporting
Bismarck Tribune
Ballot measure looks to address aging politicians
Jacob Fulton
Third Place
CommentsNice localization of a national story
Category: Government Series
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Mid-Size
Government Series
Hazen Star
Solar in the spotlight
Daniel Arens
First Place
CommentsClearly the best in the category. Thoroughly explains the arguments and decisions made.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Government Series
Hillsboro Banner
MPCG principal resignation
Cole Short
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Government Series
Crosby, The Journal
Divide County School District special education director
Brad Nygaard, Jody Michael, Jordan Rusche
First Place
CommentsExcellent coverage of both the hire and of the extenuating circumstance brought forth by the letter.
Weekly: Large
Government Series
Linton, Emmons County Record
Emmons County sued by former employee over fence placement
WILDCARD - Kelli Ameling
Second Place
CommentsVery informative, excellent detailed coverage. Sentences clear and concise.
Weekly: Large
Government Series
Linton, Emmons County Record
Carbon pipeline proposed in Emmons County
Kelli Ameling
Third Place
CommentsVery detailed coverage; allows one to follow what is happening.
Multi-Day: Small
Government Series
Dickinson Press
Tenure bill series
James B. Miller, Jr.
First Place
CommentsReally good job wading through various angles of the subject. Good research and a balance of proponents and opponents. Thorough work!
Multi-Day: Small
Government Series
Wahpeton, Daily News
Response to 68th North Dakota Legislature
Frank Stanko
Second Place
CommentsNice balance of giving readers what they need to know about what their legislature is doing. Good legwork.
Multi-Day: Small
Government Series
Jamestown Sun
Library system joining lawsuit
Masaki Ova
Third Place
CommentsImportant work detailing important topics.
Multi-Day: Large
Government Series
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
West Fargo open meeting violations
Wendy Reuer
First Place
CommentsExcellent job of exposing violation of open meetings laws. Thorough and effective followups, leading to heightened public awareness and even open meetings law training for public officials.
Multi-Day: Large
Government Series
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Prairie garden series
Melissa Van Der Stad
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Government Series
Grand Forks Herald
Fufeng Corn Milling Plant
Meghan Arbegast, Korrie Wenzel, Jeremy Turley
Third Place
Comments
Category: Headline
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Headline
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Therapy Dog
Hilary Nowatski-May
First Place
CommentsCute use of two dog-related words in one headline.
Weekly: Small
Headline
Elgin, Grant County News
Gymnastics classes tumbling into town
Luann Dart
Second Place
CommentsSimple and appropriate.
Weekly: Small
Headline
Park River, Walsh County Press
Baa-ckyard maintenance: Park River to allow temporary permits for sheep, goats in city limits
Allison Olimb
Third Place
CommentsGood sheep reference, but headline too long.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Headline
Hillsboro Banner
In the line of hire
Cole Short
First Place
CommentsPerfect headline match for the story. Very clever.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Headline
Carrington, Foster County Independent
March sadness
Erik Gjovik
Second Place
CommentsNice twist on March Madness.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Headline
Hillsboro Banner
City of Halstad giving a rural mural a whirl
Wildcard - Cole Short
Third Place
CommentsRhyme time is effective.
Weekly: Large
Headline
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Kiss your ash goodbye
Jan Russell
First Place
CommentsBold idea that perfectly fits the story.
Weekly: Large
Headline
Garrison, McLean County Independent
A pain in the grass
James C. Falcon
Second Place
CommentsFun twist on an old expression.
Weekly: Large
Headline
Grafton, Walsh County Record
May the course by with you
Chelsea Wysocki
Third Place
CommentsBrightens up an ordinary cross country story.
Multi-Day: Small
Headline
Dickinson Press
Team with no name
Gaylon Wm. Parker
First Place
CommentsThe headline definitely drew in the reader to see exactly why the team has no name. Good use of curiosity building!
Multi-Day: Small
Headline
Dickinson Press
Rocking the community
Allison Engstrom
Second Place
CommentsMix of meanings helps define the headline of this story. Well done.
Multi-Day: Small
Headline
Dickinson Press
In the mood for some Moody?
Josiah Cuellar
Third Place
CommentsAlways good to have a play on a name--to draw the reader and the attendees!
Multi-Day: Large
Headline
Grand Forks Herald
Oh, brothers, where art thou?
Joshua Irvine
First Place
CommentsBright, catchy headline that does a great job of drawing the reader into the story.
Multi-Day: Large
Headline
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Halloween shops materialze for back-to-ghoul season
David Olson
Second Place
CommentsClever play on words provides some zip for this story.
Multi-Day: Large
Headline
Grand Forks Herald
'The buzz on the bends' headline
Brad Dokken
Third Place
CommentsAlliterative and catchy.
Multi-Day: Large
Headline
Bismarck Tribune
Edibles backers hope Legislature bites on bills
Jack Dura
Honorable Mention
CommentsCute play on words.
Category: Informational Graphics
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Mid-Size
Informational Graphics
New Rockford Transcript
AED Location Map
Transcript Staff
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Informational Graphics
Carrington, Foster County Independent
City sales tax revenue
Amy Wobbema
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Informational Graphics
New Rockford Transcript
Cooperative merger map
Amy Wobbema
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Informational Graphics
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Home Services Guide
Megan Nicklay
First Place
CommentsVery creative. Eye catching!
Weekly: Large
Informational Graphics
Crosby, The Journal
Local folks get star treatment
Cecile Wehrman
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Informational Graphics
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Grafton Police stats
Todd Morgan
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Informational Graphics
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Lashkowitz High Rise Implosion
Troy Becker
First Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Informational Graphics
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Marijuana laws explained
Marcy Nickel
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Informational Graphics
Grand Forks Herald
For sales tax vote, 6% of Grand Forks cast a ballot
Matthew Voigt
Third Place
Comments
Category: Online Coverage of Breaking News
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Mid-Size
Online Coverage of Breaking News
New Rockford Transcript
Poitra manhunt
Amy Wobbema, Nathan Price
First Place
CommentsSocial media metrics suggest everyone in the state was following the New Rockford Transcript’s coverage when a man was shot and killed outside a bar in Sheyenne. Of course, when there’s a manhunt for the well-armed suspect, everyone is watching this story. Nathan Price and Amy Wobbema again were on top of it.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Online Coverage of Breaking News
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Midkota superintendent facing child pornography charges
Nathan Price, Amy Wobbema
Second Place
CommentsNathan Price and Amy Wobberman write the breaking story that no reporter ever wants to cover in their community: The local school superintendent has been arrested for allegedly uploading child pornography. They handled this story with the highest journalistic standards.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Online Coverage of Breaking News
Hillsboro Banner
Patriots clinch Region 2 title
Cole Short, Cory Erickson
Third Place
CommentsWhen your school’s volleyball team wins the state title, that’s big news. Cole Short and Cory Erickson cover it like it’s the biggest news of the decade in Portland and Mayville, North Dakota – and it very well might be. Wonderful story and great photos.
Multi-Day: Small
Online Coverage of Breaking News
Wahpeton, Daily News
Monday's homicide in Wahpeton: what we know so far
Frank Stanko
First Place
CommentsMultiple posts show the team was on top of the incident.
Multi-Day: Large
Online Coverage of Breaking News
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
July 14th shooting
Forum staff
First Place
CommentsAbout as thorough as you can be with a developing situation. I'm sure the community appreciated it.
Multi-Day: Large
Online Coverage of Breaking News
Grand Forks Herald
Pickup-bus crash of volleyball team from Northwood/Hatton; 100+ from Altru assist
Staff
Honorable Mention
CommentsSolid effort to convey as much as possible on a developing story with undoubtedly high interest
Category: Personal Column - Humorous
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Personal Column - Humorous
Elgin, Grant County News
Personal Column
Jill Friesz
First Place
CommentsA story many may relate to and also well done
Weekly: Small
Personal Column - Humorous
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Letter from the publisher
Andrea Johnston
Second Place
CommentsWell told
Weekly: Small
Personal Column - Humorous
Park River, Walsh County Press
From the Editor's Desk: A moment to say hi
Allison Olimb
Third Place
CommentsI liked what I saw but jump missing
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Humorous
Harvey, The Herald Press
Neil O. Nelson
Neil O. Nelson
First Place
CommentsThis was freaking hilarious. It's a Jerry Seinfeld column...it's about nothing but oh so funny. The self-deprecating humor had me in stitches.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Humorous
Washburn, The Leader-News
The Great Adventure - Grandma on Board
Laura Gardner
Second Place
CommentsComing of age for a young grandma was delightfully funny and so well written. You'll be a great grandma with that attitude.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Humorous
Hillsboro Banner
Random thoughts … hitting the floor
Myrna Lyng
Third Place
CommentsSomewhere, Erma Bombeck is laughing and agreeing with author's assessment of housecleaning.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Humorous
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Which Girl Scout cookie are you?
Amy Wobbema
Honorable Mention
CommentsMmm. Girls Scout Cookies and personalities. Who knew?
Weekly: Large
Personal Column - Humorous
Grafton, Walsh County Record
When I grow up
Steph Cronje
First Place
CommentsSomewhere in this writer's psyche, there is a singer waiting to belt-out a performance of a lifetime. Highly entertaining and well done. "On to the next round."
Weekly: Large
Personal Column - Humorous
Grafton, Walsh County Record
All winter ... all the time
Todd Morgan
Second Place
CommentsFive months of winter never sounded so depressing, but this clever piece introduced a religious aspect to snow, hitting a deer and a car in need of a repair.
Weekly: Large
Personal Column - Humorous
Grafton, Walsh County Record
With a little help from my hens
Chelsea Wysocki
Third Place
CommentsLearned a thing or three about chickens in this entertaining piece. Enjoyable read.
Multi-Day: Small
Personal Column - Humorous
Dickinson Press
Pickleball is for all
Josiah Cuellar
First Place
CommentsEntertaining and informative column about the burgeoning sport of pickleball.
Multi-Day: Small
Personal Column - Humorous
Dickinson Press
A very warm welcome from the Southwest
Allison Engstrom
Second Place
CommentsI like the friendly tone of this column introducing a staff newcomer to the newspaper's readers.
Multi-Day: Small
Personal Column - Humorous
Dickinson Press
Navigating linguistical currents
James B. Miller, Jr.
Third Place
CommentsThis columnist was tactful in expressing frustration over a reader's criticism of a word used in a headline.
Multi-Day: Small
Personal Column - Humorous
Wahpeton, Daily News
Saying something different - or finally saying something
Frank Stanko
Honorable Mention
CommentsClever, clear writing
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Humorous
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Come on Barbie - Let's go party in my Barbie-themed guestroom
Tracy Briggs
First Place
CommentsFunny, smart analysis of the huge pop culture Barbie resurgence in 2023. Witty and sharp with a tinge of emotion.
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Humorous
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Steel your liver for the Doug Burgum Debate Drinking Game
Mike McFeely
Second Place
CommentsSharp and funny and irreverent. May not appeal to everyone but reads as very interpersonal and not overly formal at all. Super sharp and entertaining political commentary.
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Humorous
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
I can still rock in America, but Red Rocks took a toll on my knees
Tammy Swift
Third Place
CommentsSelf-aware, amusing storytelling that many can relate to.
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Humorous
Grand Forks Herald
Covering sports was my way into industry
Chuck Haga
Honorable Mention
CommentsPersonal storytelling with a humorous edge. Good balance of personal perspectives, storytelling and a look at an industry as a whole.
Category: Personal Column - Serious
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Personal Column - Serious
Park River, Walsh County Press
From the Editor's Desk: The paper still went out
Allison Olimb
First Place
CommentsHelpful look into life of journalist. Readers no doubt enjoyed it.
Weekly: Small
Personal Column - Serious
Elgin, Grant County News
Personal Column
Jill Friesz
Second Place
CommentsWell done piece about someone who had an influence on writer
Weekly: Small
Personal Column - Serious
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Entertaining Angels
Mike Steinfeldt
Third Place
CommentsTouching piece
Weekly: Small
Personal Column - Serious
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Letter from the publisher
Andrea Johnston
Honorable Mention
CommentsNice observation
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Serious
Harvey, The Herald Press
Neil O. Nelson
Neil O. Nelson
First Place
CommentsGutsy writing
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Serious
Hillsboro Banner
Tribune closing a shock
Cole Short
Second Place
CommentsAn honest look at changing world
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Serious
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Learning from our elders
Amy Wobbema
Third Place
CommentsA nice tribute
Weekly: Mid-Size
Personal Column - Serious
Hazen Star
Sitting with grief
Daniel Arens
Honorable Mention
CommentsHeartfelt
Weekly: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Crosby, The Journal
My brother, still solving problems
Cecile Wehrman
First Place
CommentsThis one grabs you by the heart
Weekly: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Lisbon, Ransom County Gazette
End of Watch
Lynn Kaspari
Second Place
CommentsI felt like I was there
Weekly: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Angels Among Us
Angela Kolden
Third Place
CommentsVery touching. Thanks for sharing.
Weekly: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Rutabaga
Steph Cronje
Honorable Mention
CommentsWell done.
Multi-Day: Small
Personal Column - Serious
Dickinson Press
The slow death of reliable mail
James B. Miller, Jr.
First Place
Commentsthis is a textbook example of how to turn a national problem into a local issue. Good education for readers.
Multi-Day: Small
Personal Column - Serious
Dickinson Press
You have no idea how happy y'all have made me after moving here
Gaylon Wm. Parker
Second Place
CommentsColorful writing enhances a de-facto introductory column.
Multi-Day: Small
Personal Column - Serious
Dickinson Press
Newsroom Nostalgia: A fond farewell to the Dickinson Community
Jason O'Day
Third Place
CommentsNice valedictory.
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Grand Forks Herald
A local icon for 20 years, Warroad elk is no more
Brad Dokken
First Place
CommentsDifferent and interesting, it made me feel very familiar with a uniquely local story.
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Sending my daughter, my co-pilot away to school 2,000 miles away
C.S. Hagen
Second Place
CommentsMoving, personal, covers a range of topics.
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Grand Forks Herald
A slippery slope for North Dakota lawmakers
Chuck Haga
Third Place
CommentsDiscusses a bot-button topic reasonably, with a good laugh at the end.
Multi-Day: Large
Personal Column - Serious
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
When the cancer comes back, family pulls together to celebrate Christmas
Tammy Swift
Honorable Mention
CommentsMoving. A sadly familiar circumstance made more vivid by the personal descriptions.
Category: Reporting
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Reporting
Elgin, Grant County News
Powerful lesson about living in poverty
Luann Dart
First Place
CommentsExcellent coverage of an important issue.
Weekly: Small
Reporting
Park River, Walsh County Press
Outstanding! Park River provider earns national, state honors for rural healthcare
Allison Olimb
Second Place
CommentsGood job of telling the story behind an award.
Weekly: Small
Reporting
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Growing Hope
Christine Jenson
Third Place
CommentsGood promotion of a worthy subject.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Reporting
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Mya's story
Erik Gjovik
First Place
CommentsRevealing account of a life cut short.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Reporting
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Former day care provider charged with murder
Nathan Price
Second Place
CommentsComprehensive coverage of a tragic story.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Reporting
Tioga Tribune
Jim Prather's final show
Brad Nygaard
Third Place
CommentsWell-written story of an unusual remembrance.
Weekly: Large
Reporting
Linton, Emmons County Record
Bismarck man found dead in rural area near Linton
Mark Weber
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Reporting
Crosby, The Journal
Johnson, Schwanz bid farewell to the Villa
Jody Michael
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Reporting
Crosby, The Journal
Sentence delay due to request for new attorney
Cecile Wehrman
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Reporting
Linton, Emmons County Record
HMB Superintendent put on paid admin leave
Kelli Ameling
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Reporting
Wahpeton, Daily News
Justice for Washington' protest peaceful in Wahpeton
Frank Stanko
First Place
CommentsThorough, balanced, included proper amount of background. It took courage to report this in an era when people don't want to face the fact that race will always be an issue in the U.S. Good job.
Multi-Day: Small
Reporting
Dickinson Press
Evergreen director faces serious allegations
James B. Miller, Jr.
Second Place
CommentsIt's one thing to get a tip from the community, but taking action on said tip and being able to get people on the record is another. Good job. I ranked this one above the first story because this one has more meat to it and the owners of the home took action, which usually means the reporting turned up various truths. Keep up the good work.
Multi-Day: Small
Reporting
Dickinson Press
Killdeer Dollar General
Jason O'Day
Third Place
CommentsVarious issues were exposed in this story: workplace safety, worker shortage issues, and the fact that managers caught in between these two issues apparently continued to turn a blind eye to the violations therefore creating an unsafe environment for employees and shoppers. Good job.
Multi-Day: Small
Reporting
Jamestown Sun
'He's our guardian angel'
Masaki Ova
Honorable Mention
CommentsReporting like this can be tricky because of the emotions that still may be lingering, but it not only shows how one person can make a difference, but how a community came forward and helped this family after such a shocking ordeal. Good work.
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting
Bismarck Tribune
Honor flight provides chance to heal, grieve
Jacob Fulton
First Place
CommentsAn excellent reflection of how former military service members responded and reacted to an honor flight focused on their service to Washington, DC. Good presentation, sourced quotes refreshingly connected the story for engaged readers.
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Fargo woman takes condo assocation to court over power bill for electric vehicle, inspires new law
C.S. Hagen
Second Place
CommentsWell written, well sourced. Not many readers would likely connect to this story. However, the reporter makes the issue far more engaging mixing sourced comments to the narrative. Excellent example of a well-reported, engaging narrative!
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting
Grand Forks Herald
Project will address some, not all, jail issues
Sav Kelly, Matthew Voigt
Third Place
CommentsCounty jail expenses are taxing county’s financial limits, the story details. Good sourcing—from inmates, staff, county officers, counselors—good writing.
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Police probed shooter after tip about guns and threats
Robin Huebner
Honorable Mention
CommentsA good report even with restricted sources. (Hope the paper followed this story with strong editorials about police agency refusing to release details!) Readers should have understood the message: nice writing captures the essential storyline.
Category: Reporting Series
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Reporting Series
Hankinson, News Monitor
Economic Development in Hankinson
Frank Stanko
First Place
CommentsGood series on economic issues in the community.
Weekly: Small
Reporting Series
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Principal resigns/Standing room/Forum/Petition/School Board/Rebuild/Shine
Hilary Nowatzki-May
Second Place
CommentsComprehensive coverage of the important subject of education.
Weekly: Small
Reporting Series
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Early spring storm/Flood season in full swing
Mike Steinfeldt
Third Place
CommentsInformative stories on spring flooding.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Reporting Series
Hazen Star
Tragic loss strikes Mercer County Sheriff's Office
Daniel Arens
First Place
CommentsMy heart breaks for Mr. Martin's family! What an awful way to lose your family member. I also feel for the Cramers as they were trying to get Ian help but he decided to flee. You told complete story that had all the elements: who, what, when, where, how? Good job!
Weekly: Mid-Size
Reporting Series
Hillsboro Banner
MPCG principal resignation
Cole Short
Second Place
CommentsThis story made me want to know more. I couldn't help thinking there was more to the story. Why did Knudson say Bradford backed her into a corner if she didn't push for Blotsky's firing? Maybe that was all that was released to the public. But I'm curious.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Reporting Series
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Patricia Wick case
Nathan Price
Third Place
CommentsThe details in this case were horrific! The poor child must have suffered so much. However, I knocked it down one spot because the infant's name was published in one of the stories and I wouldn't have done that.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Reporting Series
New Rockford Transcript
Poitra murder case
Nathan Price
Honorable Mention
CommentsUnfortunately, I saw an inconsistency in one of the leads of your stories, which brought it down to an honorable mention. It said Mr. Thumb was 35 when in previous ones it said he was 30. Great job covering it!
Weekly: Large
Reporting Series
Linton, Emmons County Record
Broadcasting teacher, judge embezzles from school
Kelli Ameling
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Reporting Series
Linton, Emmons County Record
Bakker School closing
LeAnda Staebner
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Reporting Series
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Chris Thompson
Todd Morgan
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Reporting Series
Crosby, The Journal
Jason's Super Foods shortage
Jordan Rusche
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Reporting Series
Jamestown Sun
Not acceptable: Jamestown Public School District investigating how officials handled racial taunting incident
Masaki Ova
First Place
CommentsThis is a disturbing subject handled with sensitivity and intelligence.
Multi-Day: Small
Reporting Series
Williston Herald
Nicolas Rio coverage series
James C. Falcon
Second Place
CommentsVery detailed coverage of an embarrassing incident.
Multi-Day: Small
Reporting Series
Dickinson Press
DPS bond series
Manuel Holguin, JR
Third Place
CommentsGood coverage of an important issue.
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting Series
Bismarck Tribune
Book ban bills
Jack Dura
First Place
CommentsGood coverage of a major issue.
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting Series
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
WF city administrator series
Wendy Reuer
Second Place
CommentsMany voices were quoted in this series.
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting Series
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Sanford human torso delivery series
April Baumgarten
Third Place
CommentsExtensive coverage of a horrifying situation.
Multi-Day: Large
Reporting Series
Grand Forks Herald
Jalloh Murder Trial
Sav Kelly
Honorable Mention
CommentsIn-depth coverage.
Category: Section/Feature Front Design
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Section/Feature Front Design
Park River, Walsh County Press
Graduation Keepsake Edition - The Sky is the Limit
Allison Olimb, Larry Biri
First Place
CommentsNice use of color composition and a clean layout. I like that there are no ads on the page either!
Weekly: Small
Section/Feature Front Design
Hankinson, News Monitor
Celebrate the Seasons
Candace Engstrom, Diana Hermes
Second Place
CommentsLove the Santa photo, wish the text wasn't going through his head as much. Also the ads were a bit distracting but overall an eye-catching page.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Section/Feature Front Design
Hillsboro Banner
Oct. 27, 2023 Banner Sports
Cory Erickson
First Place
CommentsMuch more imagination in the layout and hence the appeal to readers is evident in this section front design.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Section/Feature Front Design
Carrington, Foster County Independent
2023 State Wrestling Section
Erik Gjovik, Amy Wobbema, Leasa Lura
Second Place
CommentsNeat but very traditional layout.
Weekly: Large
Section/Feature Front Design
Linton, Emmons County Record
Home and Harvest
Kelli Ameling, Amber Kelsch
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Section/Feature Front Design
Crosby, The Journal
Tastes of Christmas
Tia LaCombe
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Section/Feature Front Design
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Holiday Cookbook
Wildcard - Jackie Thompson
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Section/Feature Front Design
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Ag Section
Jackie Thompson
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Section/Feature Front Design
Wahpeton, Daily News
Women in Business
Candace Engstrom
First Place
CommentsNice use of color.
Multi-Day: Large
Section/Feature Front Design
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Sebastian Bach and others get hearts pumping this weekend
Meghan Dowhaniuk
First Place
CommentsLove the large picture, layout is great.
Multi-Day: Large
Section/Feature Front Design
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
The best and worst egg replacers
Cindy Maki
Second Place
CommentsHeadline is eye catching.
Multi-Day: Large
Section/Feature Front Design
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Flipping over fun things to do this weekend in Fargo
Ashelin Rose Harbinger
Third Place
CommentsNice background.
Category: Special News Section
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Special News Section
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Veterans Day
Valley News & Views Staff
First Place
CommentsJust a great section, especially the writing, bringing home the accomplishments of local veterans serving their country for Veterans' Day! The stories should "engage" readers, neighbor-to-neighbor; friend-to-friend; family-within-family. Excellent writing makes this section apealing . . . and, yes, so do the photos.
Weekly: Small
Special News Section
Park River, Walsh County Press
Walsh County Fair - Post Fair - Making Memories
Allison Olimb, Alexis Ramsrud, Larry Biri
Honorable Mention
CommentsHundreds of names cannot escape the affected readers= maybe every human and animal in the county=contained in this Fair section. Can't judge storytelling; there are few. But lots of photos, great ad support . . . and lots and lots of names.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Special News Section
New Rockford Transcript
Collegiate Congratulations
Transcript Staff
First Place
CommentsThis section resonates with personality and revealing accounts of post high school academic success! Good stories about students' achievements packed with personality! Story graphics make even Dean's List accounts appealing. A grand section, packed with ads and original content!
Weekly: Mid-Size
Special News Section
Hillsboro Banner
Banner Christmas Section
Banner Staff
Second Place
CommentsThe true meaning of Christmas is wrapped in these pages! The faith-based origin is captured in narratives by local pastors. The value and culture of adult choirs are formed and photographed. Pages of childrens' letters to Santa are exposed for readers (and parents!). Superior ads are threaded throughout. And the wonderful art--photos and drawing--should make this section a keepsake . . . at least for the season. Good editing and layout show staff devotion to the community.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Special News Section
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Foster County 4-H Appreciation Days
Leasa Lura, Erik Gjovik, Lori Buchholtz, Isabella Garr
Third Place
CommentsRefrigerator Journalism at work with this entry! Capturing winning entry placements in a narrative poses a huge challenge for readers: provide a summary, the list the winners in a more graphic form. However, community refrigerators should be sagging under the winning photos of the kids and animals.
Weekly: Large
Special News Section
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Ag Section
Staff
First Place
CommentsWow, this special section was chock FULL of ag related information and articles. I really love that. I especially like the sugarbeet mafia and beet farming Mitch stories.I love the "what's growing" and "did you know" tidbits. They are informative and the graphics are great and colorful. The way they were placed a the top of ad pages means there was content on every page, which I really like. The article on the new extension agent was nice. The article about the retiring extension agent was very good. The article where the guy talked to Brummond about crop rotations, what crops will do well ,etc. was very informative and easy to follow and I imagine very useful to farmers in that county. The crop budgets and switch from OTC to prescription antifungals for cattle and the wheat midge larvae articles were useful to farmers I imagine and that is one important purpose of journalism, to inform readers. article was useful. from OTC to RX. The lamb farm story and how they use cameras to help them watch their sheep and about their family and sheep is good. I liked the drought monitor information and graphic. The article about food demand and production is well written, interesting and prescient considering the issues with food insecurity the world is facing right now. The only constructive criticism I have is maybe the section was a bit too long, but all the information in it I can see being useful to farmers and ranchers.
Weekly: Large
Special News Section
Beulah, The Beacon
2023 State Champions Miner Softball
Beulah Beacon Staff
Second Place
CommentsI love the pictures page at the beginning. The picture ad pages is good too, but the first one looks cut off on the right side some. I love the baseball diamond with the names of the players in the spot of their positions. The stories were well written and easy to understand. The pictures showed the team's excitement very well. I really like that last page of the section with photos as well. Overall a very good special section.
Weekly: Large
Special News Section
Crosby, The Journal
Climate changes
Journal Staff
Third Place
CommentsGreat first page image. I would have liked to see content on the first inside page instead of an add right away. like the case combine ad. Don't like that the ad was the first inside page. I really like the story about the crop stewardship and wildfires about the Cvacara family and r, Erikmoesen. It  is very well written. I love all the pictures. The article about the FFA early mornings was good, though I would have liked to see the author talk to an equal number of young men and women. The article about how to set a dinner table that had recipes seemed out of place with the rest of the articles in the section and it wasn't clear the way the article was written how you actually are supposed to set the table. I would have rather scene another article on a local farmer who is taking care of the land while being aware of climate change or for the FFA article to be longer or an article on some other aspect of climate change in that area of North Dakota, seeing as this was a climate changes special section.
Weekly: Large
Special News Section
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Winter Sports Preview
Chelsea Wysocki
Honorable Mention
CommentsThe articles were pretty good, but only one of them had player stats in them, the one about Midway-Minto boys basketball. The articles were more about the teams themselves, though they did mention all the players on the teams and what the teams' record is. I would have liked to see them talk about the seniors that were returing to the teams and what their playing is like. The pictures are great. I love the design of the first and last page, but the font used for the photo captions on the first page was very hard to read.
Multi-Day: Small
Special News Section
Wahpeton, Daily News
Profile 2023
Candace Engstrom, Frank Stanko, Carrie McDermott, Robert Wanek, Jr., Colton Rasanen, Levi Jones
First Place
CommentsExcellent compilation of profiles reflecting a broad swath of this newspaper's community.
Multi-Day: Small
Special News Section
Wahpeton, Daily News
Southern Valley Living - Winter
Candace Engstrom, Frank Stanko, Jake Holley, James Vissers, Robert Wanek, Jr.
Second Place
CommentsCompelling content and attractive design. If this arrived in my newspaper box, it would be in my living room for days, if not weeks, as I read my way through.
Multi-Day: Small
Special News Section
Jamestown Sun
Business Workforce Retention
Jamestown Sun Staff
Third Place
CommentsFine, thorough progress edition.
Multi-Day: Large
Special News Section
Grand Forks Herald
2023-24 College Hockey Preview
Brad E. Schlossman
First Place
CommentsThis special sports section a PACKED with great information.
Category: Sports Column
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Sports Column
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Golfing Memories
Mike Steinfeldt
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Column
Hillsboro Banner
Something great is coming for this MPCG program
Cole Short
First Place
CommentsGood work catching the excitement of the moment, and sharing some inside information about the team with readers who might not know otherwise.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Column
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Trading man-to-man (sports) coverage for zone
Amy Wobbema
Second Place
CommentsGood work combining opinions -- how local schools feel about the changes -- with information about how it will affect coverage. And the basketball analogy was a slam-dunk! ;-)
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Column
Harvey, The Herald Press
3-class basketball plan starting this season
Neil O. Nelson
Third Place
CommentsThis column does a good job of catching readers up to what's happening with local teams. It would have been stronger if the writer told us what local teams thought about the changes.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Column
New Rockford Transcript
Catching baseball fever
Amy Wobbema
Honorable Mention
CommentsInteresting mix of facts about baseball in general and the tournament coming to town. The umpire note was news to me!
Weekly: Large
Sports Column
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Letter from Deer Camp
Jeff Miller
First Place
CommentsClever and poetic writing. Enjoyable read.
Weekly: Large
Sports Column
Bottineau Courant
Clearly, with me, no lead is safe
Matthew Semisch
Second Place
CommentsInteresting look at "coaching" from the losing bench. Also an enjoyable read.
Weekly: Large
Sports Column
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Rutabaga
Steph Cronje
Third Place
CommentsIt took a little bit to get to the "rutabaga" -- teasing it early in the column might have been helpful -- but it made the finish interesting.
Weekly: Large
Sports Column
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Sport-parenting
Chelsea Wysocki
Honorable Mention
CommentsA solid look at a parent's role in their children's sports experiences. Using a particular event/experience may have added to the reader's understanding.
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Column
Dickinson Press
A first of many: Experiencing my first MLS match
Josiah Cuellar
First Place
CommentsI'm sure the readers of the DP enjoyed this first-person account of the writer's first MLS game. Good details throughout and nice effort.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Column
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
UND buries not only NDSU, but the Bison's dynasty
Mike McFeely
First Place
CommentsSolid analytical piece on the end of the NDSU dynasty after stunning loss to UND. Players reaction and coach's take of what went wrong and how they can stop the losing. Enjoyed the symbolism of NDSU having to sweat to make the playoffs, a position they are not familiar with in recent time. Nice agony of defeat read.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Column
Grand Forks Herald
UND hammers dent into NDSU's aura of invincibility
Brad E. Schlossman
Second Place
CommentsExcellent historical perspective of UND victory over rival NDSU. Good details on UND athletics dept. getting ready to handle the thrill of victory.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Column
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
If you haven't been to a Fargo Force game this season, now is the time
Ryan Spitza
Third Place
CommentsMany fun-filled facts about attending a USHL game in Fargo. Nice effort.
Category: Sports Feature
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Sports Feature
Park River, Walsh County Press
One Last Go: PRA grad and partner, Izzy compete in final National High School Rodeo event
Allison Olimb
First Place
CommentsWow, what a story. Started slow but use of set ups for quotes really made you root for Izzy. Drew you in, made you care, great pay off at the end. I'm not tearing up, I have allergies.
Weekly: Small
Sports Feature
Elgin, Grant County News
JUST US! Grant County/Mott-Regent writes new chapter
Luann Dart
Second Place
CommentsQuotes made this story great. Weaved in at the right time, the quotes give insight to heart of the story.
Weekly: Small
Sports Feature
Bowbells, Burke County Tribune
Ones Named Rookie of the Year
Lisa Thomas
Third Place
CommentsSet up in the lead was nice, and then to explain the sport to those not familiar a nice touch..
Weekly: Small
Sports Feature
Park River, Walsh County Press
Cycling and survival: Bredeson finishes Arrowhead trek across Northern Minnesota
Wildcard: Allison Olimb
Honorable Mention
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Feature
Hillsboro Banner
Having faith in a new hire
Cole Short
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Feature
Hillsboro Banner
Burros AD Nelson inducted into MSU HOF
Daniel Dullum
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Feature
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Leaving a lasting legacy
Erik Gjovik
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Feature
Tioga Tribune
Whiteford rides the wrestling wave
Jody Michael
Honorable Mention
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Feature
Grafton, Walsh County Record
The boys are back in town
Chelsea Wysocki
First Place
CommentsGreat job of honoring guys who represent an important piece of the community's sports history.
Weekly: Large
Sports Feature
Bottineau Courant
Where they excel
Matthew Semisch
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Feature
Linton, Emmons County Record
Lions, Lady Lions, hold fundraiser for Coach 'Doc'
Mark Weber
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Feature
Garrison, McLean County Independent
Family Ties
James C. Falcon
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Feature
Wahpeton, Daily News
Lipp Lifestyle
Robert Wanek Jr.
First Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Feature
Dickinson Press
From basketball courts to powwows
Gaylon Wm. Parker
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Feature
Jamestown Sun
Valley City State volleyball team
Katie Ringer
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Feature
Jamestown Sun
Carrington's Logan Weninger recalls dramatic win at state
Maxwell O'Neill
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Feature
Bismarck Tribune
Finding friendship through hardship
Mike Kraft
First Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Feature
Grand Forks Herald
WILDCARD: Abby Sharpe, From the Congo to EGF, Kalenda becoming college prospect
WILDCARD - Abby Sharpe
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Feature
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Bigger than basketball: Fargo North, West Fargo rally together for teacher battling breast cancer
Ryan Spitza
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Feature
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
"It's unbelievable": Moorhead, Concordia grad Tom Sederquist completes unlikely comeback at Fargo Marathon
Todd Rose
Honorable Mention
Comments
Category: Sports Page
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Sports Page
Elgin, Grant County News
Sports Pages
Staff
First Place
CommentsNice balance of photos, stories and box scores. Liked having the season schedules down the rail as well.
Weekly: Small
Sports Page
Park River, Walsh County Press
Sports Page
Allison Olimb, Larry Biri
Second Place
CommentsWonderful photography, but i would have liked a little more information about the games as well. A quote from a coach or player, or a box score, would have been a plus.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Page
Hillsboro Banner
Hillsboro Banner sports sections
Banner Staff
First Place
CommentsNice presentation throughout and nice headlines.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Page
Carrington, Foster County Independent
Independent Sports Section
Erik Gjovik, Amy Wobbema, Kyrie Dauenhauer, Lane Moellenkamp
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Page
New Rockford Transcript
Transcript sports pages
Transcript staff
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Page
Tioga Tribune
Feb. 8, June 7, Sept. 6
Jody Michael
Honorable Mention
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Page
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Feb 8, May 17, Oct 18
Chelsea Wysocki
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Page
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Sports Page
Cass County Reporter Staff
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Page
Crosby, The Journal
Feb. 15, March 1, May 24
Jody Michael
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Page
Bottineau Courant
Bottineau Courant Sports
Matthew Semisch
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Page
Jamestown Sun
Sports Page/Section
Jamestown Sun
First Place
CommentsAn attractive, neatly packaged section with strong emphasis on local. Kudos. On each section front, thought there should have been an info box to address why the story was important enough to lede the section. The entry point may lead to ore readers checking out. I liked the use of color on some features. Thought there should have been a mug or action pix of Carrington's Wendel. Wondered why a story on the jump page was ragged type when it wasn't ragged on the cover. Certainly, I enjoyed the writing on all sections. Writers have to provide their stories with stats from the schools. There is no easy way to do that. Congrats to staff.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Page
Grand Forks Herald
Feb. 25, March 3 and March 11 Sports sections
Sports Staff
First Place
CommentsGreat prep and college coverage packaged neatly in this section. So many things to like about this section from game coverage to agate pages.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Page
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Forum sports pages
Forum staff
Second Place
CommentsGood preview section stories including Roster Management piece, solid display of art and overall solid coverage of Bison Game Day
Category: Sports Reporting
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Sports Reporting
Elgin, Grant County News
JUST US! Grant County/Mott-Regent writes new chapter
Luann Dart
First Place
CommentsLead is complete. Set up of rest of story is excellent with very clever word usage and use of stats to set up quotes. Entertaining read.
Weekly: Small
Sports Reporting
Drayton, Valley News & Views
2023 Bombers
Hilary Nowatzki-May
Second Place
CommentsGreat lead. Good follow through to set up story. Solid reporting throughout. Use of quotes to carry out the message of the overall story excellent.
Weekly: Small
Sports Reporting
Bowbells, Burke County Tribune
Honkers Finish Second at Region 8
Lyann Olson
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Small
Sports Reporting
Park River, Walsh County Press
A Night to Remember: North Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame inducts four baseball greats
Allison Olimb
Honorable Mention
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
Shutting the door
Daniel Dullum
First Place
CommentsFantastic lead. Nice to have quotes from coach in front of the story, helps set tone for rest of the story and it unfolds nicely. FYI, that is an awesome lead photo.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Reporting
Tioga Tribune
Chey just shy of state finals
Jody Michael
Second Place
CommentsUse of stats to craft the story was really great idea. Pulls reader in and the quotes bring it all home.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
Off like a Comet
Cole Short, Pace Maier
Third Place
CommentsQuote from the coach at beginning answers a lot of questions, but then the use of history and back story really brings it home.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Reporting
Hillsboro Banner
One step short of a title
Pace Maier
Honorable Mention
CommentsSlow open draws reader along and then transitions into solid game re-cap story.
Weekly: Large
Sports Reporting
Crosby, The Journal
Maroons' basketball schedules modified for 3-class system
Jody Michael
First Place
CommentsNice, seemingly thorough breakdown of the changes in district and region competition as mandated from the state organization. Good description of what will change in the coming season, how teams will be affected, change in state qualifying scenarios and what different opponents teams might face. Well done.
Weekly: Large
Sports Reporting
Crosby, The Journal
Junior Gold hopes to defend state title this week
Brad Nygaard
Second Place
CommentsGood interaction between those being interviewed, and solid use of quotes to tell the story.
Weekly: Large
Sports Reporting
Bottineau Courant
DCB phasing out Ladyjacks name
Matthew Semisch
Third Place
CommentsCovered the angles thoroughly, but story got a little too involved.
Weekly: Large
Sports Reporting
Casselton, Cass County Reporter
Champs! Squirrels bring home State B title
Brad Anderson
Honorable Mention
CommentsGive us the dramatic finish up closer to the lede to grab our attention, then work back story in as the story proceeds.
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Reporting
Jamestown Sun
Ella Falk blows up scoreboard
Katie Ringer
First Place
CommentsEnjoyed the lede, which provided details that not many people would have known. Does a good job of capturing a historic performance.
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Reporting
Jamestown Sun
Jimmies Baseball wins 2-1 over VCSU for Hager's 800th win
Maxwell O'Neill
Second Place
CommentsWell-written story on a milestone victory. Good quotes, which I assume came from good questions by the reporter.
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Reporting
Dickinson Press
Trinity sends message to Class A football in 48-minute masterpiece
WILDCARD - Gaylon Wm. Parker
Third Place
CommentsGood breakdown of the game. Pertinent details stand out.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Reporting
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
NDSU collective moves with 'urgency' after FBS school offers $250K to Bison player
Mike McFeely
First Place
CommentsGreat idea, well-executed story. Reporter did a great job writing knowledgeably about the current hot-button topic in college athletics.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Reporting
Grand Forks Herald
Transfer portal action begins long before you think
Brad E. Schlossman
Second Place
CommentsInteresting dive into a topic that everyone is discussing. Revealing quotes and details. Good reporting and writing.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Reporting
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
'I'm a parent at the end of the day': Cobbers DE Collin Thompson balances family life with football
Eric Peterson
Third Place
CommentsTerrific story. Great job illustrating a wildly complicated, busy life. Great behind-the-scenes look for readers, who think college athletics just go to school and practice.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Reporting
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Ice master: A look into ice maintenance at the Fargo Regional
Ryan Spitza
Honorable Mention
CommentsLoved this idea.
Category: Sports Series
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Sports Series
Elgin, Grant County News
Storm football advances to playoffs
Riley Dahl
First Place
CommentsGood work previewing the playoffs, then providing detail and quotes from the contest.
Weekly: Small
Sports Series
Bowbells, Burke County Tribune
Rancher Boys Postseason
Lyann Olson
Second Place
CommentsWonderful, thorough detail on the tournament. I would have like to have quotes from coaches or players to go with it.
Weekly: Small
Sports Series
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Titans show fight/Titans win/Lady Titans season ends
Mike Steinfeldt
Third Place
CommentsSolid work, especially fighting with layout/ad issues. The box scores are a nice touch -- getting more names in the paper!
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Series
Hillsboro Banner
MPCG girls basketball coverage
Cole Short
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Series
Hillsboro Banner
MPCG volleyball coverage
Rian Richards
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Series
Hillsboro Banner
Where are they now?
Pace Maier, Cole Short, Cory Erickson
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Mid-Size
Sports Series
Carrington, Foster County Independent
M-P-B boys basketball postseason
Erik Gjovik
Honorable Mention
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Series
Bottineau Courant
WNG football playoff run
Matthew Semisch
First Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Series
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Back to the 'ship'
Chelsea Wysocki
Second Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Series
Crosby, The Journal
Crosby Junior Gold hockey
Brad Nygaard, Jody Michael
Third Place
Comments
Weekly: Large
Sports Series
Crosby, The Journal
Divide County High School boys' basketball coaches
Jody Michael
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Series
Jamestown Sun
University of Jamestown to NSIC
Maxwell O'Neill
First Place
CommentsExcellent work in keeping everyone informed of the situation as it developed, as well as the affects such a move would have.
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Series
Jamestown Sun
Jamestown High School sports hall of fame inductees
Katie Ringer
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Small
Sports Series
Dickinson Press
Mavity Rodeo Series
Josiah Cuellar
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Series
Grand Forks Herald
Minnesota debate over American Indian sports names
Ingrid Harbo
First Place
CommentsInformative and unbiased reporting on a sensitive issue.
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Series
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Bozeman Block
Jeff Kolpack
Second Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Series
Grand Forks Herald
UND basketball waiting on the NCAA's decision on Tyree Ihenacho's transfer waiver
Abby Sharpe
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Sports Series
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
FM RedHawks series
Eric Peterson
Honorable Mention
Comments
Category: Spot News
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Weekly: Small
Spot News
Elgin, Grant County News
Anthrax case confirmed in Grant County
Luann Dart
First Place
CommentsThe subject of this story, a livestock death due to anthrax, is obviously very important to the newspaper's readers. The threat is clearly and thoroughly explained. Solid reporting and writing.
Weekly: Small
Spot News
Drayton, Valley News & Views
Early Spring storm in rear view
Mike Steinfeldt
Second Place
CommentsGood story warning readers of the threat of flooding, including suggestions for possible mitigation.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Spot News
Tioga Tribune
False alarm: 'Grenade' causes evacuation in downtown Tioga
Jacob Orledge
First Place
CommentsAll the angles are covered for what turned out to be a false alarm. Well executed
Weekly: Mid-Size
Spot News
New Rockford Transcript
No one hurt in truck explosion
Nathan Price
Second Place
CommentsQuick response and all the pertinent details available for truly breaking news. Nicely done.
Weekly: Mid-Size
Spot News
Harvey, The Herald Press
News of Late-night fire spreads across state
Neil O. Nelson
Third Place
CommentsA tragedy locally that caught regional attention. Great photo.
Weekly: Large
Spot News
Crosby, The Journal
Threatening behavior leads to shelter order
Brad Nygaard
First Place
CommentsThorough coverage of an event with close ties to the newspaper, making it easier in some ways and harder in others.
Weekly: Large
Spot News
Linton, Emmons County Record
Man arrested after minor was 'willingly' picked up in Linton
Kelli Ameling
Second Place
CommentsThorough coverage of an incident both frighteningly familiar these days but with an international twist.
Weekly: Large
Spot News
Grafton, Walsh County Record
Police arrest man wanted for murder
Todd Morgan
Third Place
CommentsQuick turnaround on an unusual, potentially dangerous event.
Multi-Day: Small
Spot News
Jamestown Sun
Gearing up: Jamestown ambulance, street workers preparing for snowstorm
Masaki Ova
First Place
CommentsThorough and well-rounded breaking news coverage, great interviews and information compilation.
Multi-Day: Small
Spot News
Dickinson Press
Wildfire smoke engulfs southwest ND, residents urged to avoid exposure
James B. Miller, Jr.
Second Place
CommentsThorough breaking news coverage on a time-sensitive subject, good amount of details given
Multi-Day: Small
Spot News
Wahpeton, Daily News
Breckenridge man injured when crane tips over
James Vissers
Third Place
CommentsThorough news coverage with good details and information
Multi-Day: Small
Spot News
Dickinson Press
Sinkhole emerges near hospital, prompts swift response by Dickinson officials
Allison Engstrom
Honorable Mention
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Spot News
Bismarck Tribune
Block of abortion ban upheld
Jack Dura
First Place
CommentsDetailed and thorough coverage of this breaking news story despite a tight turnaround time. Good condensing of months of coverage into one comprehensive story. Excellent work!
Multi-Day: Large
Spot News
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Shootout stuns Fargo: One officer dies; two others critical
Melissa Van Der Stad, C.S. Hagen
Second Place
CommentsExcellent coverage of breaking news with detailed information despite a challenging deadline.
Multi-Day: Large
Spot News
Bismarck Tribune
First of two DAPL hearings draws opponents, supporters
Joey Harris
Third Place
CommentsExcellent coverage of breaking news with detailed information despite a challenging deadline.
Multi-Day: Large
Spot News
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Deputy fatally struck by senator's son
April Baumgarten
Honorable Mention
CommentsDetailed and thorough coverage of this breaking news story despite the limited turnaround time.
Category: Standing News Front
Circulation Group
Category
Contestant
Name
Credits
Place
Multi-Day: Large
Standing News Front
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Gateway to Scoops
Ashelin Rose Harbinger
First Place
CommentsWonderful use of color.
Multi-Day: Large
Standing News Front
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
It's so easy being cheesy
Mark Merck
Second Place
CommentsGreat composition.
Multi-Day: Large
Standing News Front
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Art honors
Marcy Nickel
Third Place
Comments
Multi-Day: Large
Standing News Front
Fargo, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Exotic herd on the range
Meghan Dowhaniuk
Honorable Mention
Comments