Best of APG - Hindsight 2020

HINDSIGHT 2020

HINDSIGHT 2020

APG JOURNALISTS ON THE BEAT AS PARADES OF STORIES MOVED OUR COMMUNITIES What a year it has been for local journalism: A pandemic, an election, summer protests, and the local coverage that spiraled out of these national issues. Yet there were still stories to tell unrelated to the big three, stories that happened in our towns amidst an already chaotic time.

of our towns from Mount Vernon, Washington, to Chesapeake, Maryland.

This collection of work represents some of APG’s best from 2020.

Please take some time to celebrate our journalists and appreciate their work as we prepare for an even There were fires in Oregon and better 2021.

Montana. A new Amazon plant planned in Tennessee. A political Traci Bauer scandal in Ohio. Human trafficking APG Vice President in Wisconsin. And wonderful features of Content on extraordinary people in hundreds

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COVID-19

DATA/ INVESTIGATIONS /ACCOUNTABILITY

LOCAL NEWS

ISSUE ENTERPRISE

FEATURES

SPECIAL REPORTS

HINDSIGHT 2020

COVID-19

Tennessee farmer Glenn Tweed described the pandemic’s impact on the dairy industry “The worst thing to come along since the Depression and World War II.”

GREENEVILLE, TENNESSEE: MAKING TIMES TOUGHER ON THE FARM Dairy farmers saw incredible disruption in consumer demand as well as the supply chain, and dairies across the U.S. will be dealing with the consequences for years to come. In Tennessee, more than half of dairy output went to the food services industry, which has suffered extensively during the pandemic. So, farmers had to switch gears to serve a new grocery consumer. Through the voices of area farmers, The Greeneville Sun explained to readers the plight and the plan. Coverage from The Greeneville Sun

WASHINGTON STATE: NURSING HOMES STRUGGLE

IDAHO FALLS: PORTRAITS FROM THE PANDEMIC

LOGAN, UTAH: THE UNDER-SERVED

The Skagit Valley Herald and Stanwood Camano News reported on challenges for nursing homes as the state cut funding. Coverage from

Through an impressive digital presentation, Idaho Falls journalists go behind the stats to tell stories of the people of the pandemic. Coverage

At one point during the pandemic, the Latino community in Cache County, Utah, saw nearly twice the number of coronavirus cases as any other community, many of them tied to an outbreak at a meat packing facility.

goskagit.com

from the Post Register

Coverage from The Herald Journal.

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HINDSIGHT 2020

DATA, INVESTIGATIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

School resource officer Shane Punzel walks through an empty hallway on his way to officiating a post-lunch dodgeball game at Franklin Middle School in December. A Gazette analysis found racial disparities in police officers’ enforcement in Janesville schools. Janesville Deputy Chief John Olsen said officers there do more than make arrests.

JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN: DATA REVEALS RACIALLY DISPROPORTIONATE ENFORCEMENT IN JANESVILLE SCHOOLS While the nation debated questions surrounding policing that surfaced after George Floyd’s death May 25, The Gazette in Janesville, Wisconsin, decided to examine the race of minors arrested at Janesville public schools.

They combined arrest data from police with school district data about the racial makeup of students at each school to calculate that Black kids were more than seven times more likely to be cited, arrested or referred to juvenile authorities.

“Since it was published, the article has come up in just about every meeting of the county committee examining the local criminal justice system. Janesville police and school officials have decided to take a ‘deep dive’ into juvenile justice,” said Janesville editor Sid Schwartz of the work by reporters Jonah Beleckis, Benjamin Pierce and Frank Schultz. Read the Gazette’s coverage

NOTE: Journalism in this category includes a “reveal” that would not have been exposed without the analysis, exclusive interviews or documents obtained by reporters. The work goes beyond deep exploration or explanation of an issue and shines the light on something not yet exposed.

MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE: MASSIVE ALCOA WAREHOUSE PROPOSED IS FOR AMAZON Maryville, Tennessee, reporter Andrew Jones filed several public records requests and, after sifting through hundreds of pages of documents, found a confidential amendment that confirmed Amazon was the company looking to locate a massive warehouse in Blount County. It will mean up to 1,500 employees receiving $15-anhour jobs with full benefits.

Blount County economic development officials had kept a tight lid on the proposed flagship facility slated to be built by mid-2022. It will require millions of taxpayerfunded investments in road and other infrastructure improvements. Read coverage from The Daily Times

ANACORTES, WASHINGTON: WHILE COSTS FOR A CITY PROJECT ESCALATED, PUBLIC WAS IN THE DARK Journalists at the Anacortes American in Washington State have been chipping away at the story around clean-up of a contaminated former water treatment plant for years, and that work paid off with this revealing watchdog piece from reporter Richard Walker.

“We believe it’s the foundation of why we do this for a living, though it is increasingly difficult to do this kind of work because it is so very time-intensive, complicated and requires time and resources we never seem to have,” said regional editor Colette Weeks. “But it’s the one thing we do that no one else will.” Read coverage from the Anacortes American

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HINDSIGHT 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Smoke pours off the east side of the Bridger Mountains on September 5, 2020. Photo by Rachel Leathe, Chronicle

BOZEMAN, MONTANA: BRIDGER FOOTHILLS FIRE One of the biggest local stories of the year for The Daily Chronicle team was the fire that burned more than 8,200 acres just northeast of the city, torching more than two dozen homes. It was the biggest wildfire the town has seen in several years, and certainly the most destructive. The coverage includes impressive images by staff photographer Rachel Leathe, who told the story with reporter Helena Dore. Read more from The Daily Chronicle

BOISE, IDAHO: POLICE FORCE PRACTICES As police use of force took center stage in many communities in the summer of 2020, Idaho Press reporters Olivia Heersink and Tommy Simmons examined practice and policy at several Treasure Valley law enforcement departments.

They learned that keeping track is not as easy as you might think. Read more from the Idaho Press

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EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN: CITY SAYS IT WILL SHUT DOWN NOTORIOUS HOTEL

ATHENS, OHIO: SCORING A KEY INTERVIEW IN STATE SCANDAL CASE

A city lawsuit called the Regency Inn & Suites a “den of illegal activity.”

Reporter Andrew Dowd did a good job documenting the issues alleged by police in the lawsuit and during interviews, and rebuttal from the hotel’s owner. Digital packaging included a flip-style timeline and downloadable copy of the city’s lawsuit. Read more from the Leader-Telegram

After months of primarily fielding reporter questions through text messages, state Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) sat down with both The Athens NEWS and The Athens Messenger for a rare in-person interview where he provided the most extensive public account to date of his thoughts on what’s been dubbed by federal investigators as the largest public corruption scandal in state history. Read the Athens coverage

HINDSIGHT 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Student protesters march in Rexburg. Photo by Mari Lyn Bone

REXBURG, IDAHO: A CALL FOR A DIVERSITY DEPARTMENT AT BYU-IDAHO During the summer demonstrations around race issues, reporter Victoria Varnedoe of the Standard Journal covered the story of college students at BYU-Idaho who marched to demand the school start a diversity department following a Facebook post that ignited passions. Read the Standard Journal coverage

GLADWIN COUNTY, MICHIGAN: GLADWIN FLOODS With roads closed, a collapsed bridge and evacuations in place during May rains, the staff at the Record & Clarion was dealing with a continuously changing story. Coverage includes photos of the devastation. Read the Record & Clarion coverage

LAKE MILLS, WISCONSIN: A PROTEST, SOCIAL MEDIA FRENZY, AND A CAR ACCIDENT Social media controversy over a car accident following a Black Lives Matter march generated inaccuracies and turmoil in the city.

Sarah Weihert of the Lake Mills Leader sorted it out. Read Lake Mills coverage

VIRGINIA, MINNESOTA: GOP-ENDORSED CANDIDATE’S CONTROVERSIAL FACEBOOK POST Jerry Burnes of the Mesabi Tribune provided straightforward and comprehensive coverage of a Republicanendorsed candidate for the Minnesota House who was under fire for her Facebook post that compared the state’s coronavirus response to the Holocaust. Burnes followed the initial response from the community, the candidate’s apology, and later her retraction of the apology.

Coverage from the Mesabi Tribune

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HINDSIGHT 2020

LOCAL ENTERPRISE

Derek Wilson and Nick Hargrove catch 24 bushels of oysters in just under three hours. Photo by Brad Dress

EASTON, MARYLAND: NEW GENERATION OF OYSTERMEN STRUGGLES NOT TO BE THE LAST From the first paragraph, this enterprise puts us on the boat. Star Democrat reporter Brad Dress manages to give us a sense of place, explain what’s at stake, and provides just the right amount of facts and data without disrupting a good story.

The reader learns the plight of oyster divers through the perspectives of two of the youngest men on the watermen in Maryland.

The oyster population hit a peak at 15 million harvested bushels in the late 1800s.

Maryland was considered the largest oyster-harvesting region in the world. There were little regulations then, and overharvesting occurred for decades afterward.

About 2 million bushels were reported in the late 1970s.

In the ‘80s, two diseases, MSX and Dermo, killed off a large portion of the remaining population, and a steep decline continued through the ‘90s and early 2000s, with an all-time low of 26,000 harvested bushels reported in the 20032004 season.

This sent environmentalists, such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, clamoring to DNR for stricter regulations. Coverage from Star Democrat.

BELOIT, WISCONSIN: A LOCAL TASK FORCE’S APPROACH TO FINDING AND FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING NETWORKS Rock County has formed a task force to address human trafficking. This series of stories by reporter Austin Montgomery explores human trafficking in the area and the difficulties agencies have in addressing the issue. More from Beloit Daily News

KLAMATH, OREGON: ‘DEEP DIVE’ EXPLORES KLAMATH BASIN AND SURROUNDING WATER ISSUES Klamath’s Report for America fellow Alex Schwartz started the “Deep Dive” series, which looks back on how water and ecosystems in the Klamath Basin naturally existed throughout history – and how human activity affected them. The series continues through 2021. Coverage from Herald and News.

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CHEYENNE, WYOMING: A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT’S GOVERNANCE Through a series of articles, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s education reporter, Kathryn Palmer, informed readers about the local school board’s proposal to convert three of their seven board seats to residence-area seats. This included an in-depth article in which she consulted with national experts about the benefits of such a change.

“This proposal was originally rejected by the board, and I believe it was only through diligent, comprehensive reporting – and maybe some influence of our editorials in support of the change – that the public was motivated to make their voices heard,” said Wyoming Tribune Eagle Managing Editor Brian Martin.

“No other capital city media came close to covering this issue as comprehensively as we did, which once again points to the value of highquality, community-based journalism.” Coverage from Wyoming News.

HINDSIGHT 2020

FEATURES

“I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me and my buddies who are younger over these next couple years when we get a new mascot,” Ryken Echo Hawk

POCATELLO, IDAHO: “SENTIMENT ECHOED” Pocatello reporter Jordan Kaye tells a nicely written, settle-in story about Native American student Ryken Echo Hawk, a freshman varsity running back on Pocatello’s football team, and his community’s decision to change the name of the school’s mascot, away from the Indians. Read the Idaho State Journal feature

EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN: ‘SCARY AS HELL’

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA: THERE WILL BE HUGS IN FLORIDA

An Eau Claire nurse represents thousands of health care workers in our communities who emerged as heroes in 2020. Reporter Eric Lindquist tells the story.

Coverage from the Leader-Telegram

Scott Lawson of the Gondolier writes about a senior facility in Venice with a “Hug Wall” that allows residents the next best thing to a real hug. Read the YouSun.com story

SOUTHWEST WYOMING: HEALING AND FOREGIVENESS Rocket Miner reporter Lisa Romero had us from the lead: Christal Martin walked into the Rawlins Penitentiary to meet the man who had kidnapped, raped and strangled her mom 25 years earlier. At one point during their conversation, as she looked across the prison table, she didn’t see a murderer.

Read the feature at Rocket Miner.

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HINDSIGHT 2020

SPECIAL REPORTS GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA'S 5-PART HEMP SERIES: UNTAPPED HARVEST Demand for CBD oil and other hemp products has farmers in eastern North Carolina looking at marijuana’s cannabis cousin as a new cash crop.

A five-part series from The Daily Reflector details its pitfalls and promise.

Bertie County farmers Kirk Copeland, left, and his brother Sid, grow hemp "clones" inside a greenhouse. Photo by Deborah Griffin, The Daily Reflector

IDAHO FALLS' ONGOING MURDER STORY: A HIGH-UTILITY TIMELINE

MARINETTE, WISCONSIN'S COMBAT SHIP: USS MARINETTE LAUNCH

MINNESOTA'S FOCUS ON LOCAL WOMEN: WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

On Nov. 26, 2019, Rexburg police learned two children were missing. Their mother and her new husband vanished the next day. As police, reporters and internet sleuths began digging into the case, every detail seemed to unearth a new rabbit hole.

It is not every day a community launches a combat ship. The USS Marinette (LCS-25) launched from Fincantieri Marinette Marine on October 31, with a small crowd and not the pomp and circumstance you’d expect on launch day because of COVID-19. That made The Eagle Herald coverage even more important to those who would have been there to see it in person. In addition to spot news coverage, the EagleHerald produced a 40-page publication chockfull of history and facts about the ship, which was built in the town, plus interviews with key players in the local shipbuilding community.

During Women’s History Month in March, ABC Newspapers (both the Anoka County Union Herald and the Blaine-Spring Lake Park-Fridley-Columbia Heights Life) began a four-week project to highlight the contributions of local women in various spheres of life. The staff chose to highlight leaders in politics, public safety and business, as well as young women who are potential future leaders. The goal was to celebrate and remind the community of the contributions women make in all areas of life, particularly this year as we mark the 100th anniversary of women having the right to vote. Read more at Anoka County Union Herald

The Post Register knew it had a national story that would captivate readers for years, so in January the team built a timeline and optimized it for search. It includes key players, photos, video, a chronology of events and connections to all related stories. The piece has generated traffic all year and is updated and connected to all stories The Post Register publishes about the case. Read more at postregister.com

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This series of enterprise explored it all: The business of hemp, the science, the policy, the pop culture, the history. The thoroughness and the print and digital packaging were an impressive public service. Read the series on Reflector.com

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HINDSIGHT 2020

MORE NOTEWORTHY STORIES OF 2020 COVID-19 IDAHO NEWSPAPER COALITION: A day in the life of Idaho during the pandemic DEFIANCE, OHIO, CRESCENT-NEWS, TIM MCDONOUGH: Fairview handling remote learners in a different way STANWOOD CAMANO NEWS, EVAN CALDWELL: Large COVID-19 outbreak strikes Josephine Caring Center WAUNAKEE TRIBUNE, ROBERTA BAUMANN: Pfizer’s COVID vaccine proves effective, but how to distribute it?

KLAMATH HERALD AND NEWS, BECCA ROBBINS: Jail reductions hold off COVID, but what about crime?

TREMONTON, THE LEADER, JEFF DEMOSS: Local nurse recounts assignment at New York hospital

LOCAL ENTERPRISE STAR DEMOCRAT, BRAD DRESS: Environmentalists, neighbors fighting big new development in Trappe YOUR SUN, FLORIDA, ELAINE ALLENEMRICH: Homeowners: Know What's In Your Contract WATAUGA DEMOCRAT, STAFF REPORT: Task force recommends state look to legalizing marijuana FAIRBAULT DAILY NEWS, ANDREW DEZIEL: Does pot have a shot?

ASHE POST AND TIMES, IAN TAYLOR: Commissioner charged with crimes against children

MILTON COURIER, KIM MCDARISON: Equestrians and an owl visit Milton Senior Living

TETON VALLEY NEWS, JEANNETTE BONER AND JULIE TELLMAN: Evicted in 90 days, Victor residents are at a loss for what’s next

MILTON COURIER, REBECCA KANABLE: Carolers on horseback

LAKE COUNTY EXAMINER, DANIELLE JESTER: McDonald Park sign gets an update AVERY JOURNAL, JAMIE SHELL: Wrestling wins five individual titles, team championship at states

WATCHDOG IDAHO STATE JOURNAL, SHELBIE HARRIS: Pocatello police release dash and body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting IDAHO PRESS, RACHEL SPACEK: Idaho farmworkers battle unknown consequences of pesticide exposure.

BLOWING ROCKET, DAVID ROGERS: ‘Christmas Spirit’ found in Blowing Rock JEFFERSON STAR, SAMANTHA VANDERWALKER: How Sara Bohon ended up at a table with the president ROCKY MOUNT TELEGRAM, PATRICK MASON: Nash Central's Norris hasn't stopped swimming

EDITORIAL WYOMING TRIBUNE EAGLE: South triad deserves a voice on local school board

NORTHFIELD NEWS, SAM WILMES: City collaborates with artist on Domino’s mural

SUN PORT CHARLOTTE: George Floyd, Matthew Walker: Same fate, different outcome

MESABI TRIBUNE, LEAH RYAN: Aboard Bus No. 2: Delivering meals to students’ homes

EAU CLAIRE, LEADER-TELEGRAM: Transparency demands release of candidates’ names

SUN SAILOR NEWSPAPER, KRISTEN MILLER: Plymouth couple shows what it truly means to love thy neighbor

ELIZABETH CITY, THE DAILY ADVANCE: Outrageous raises must spur changes

LOCAL NEWS ATHENS NEWS, BEN PETERS: Athens TikTok star loses job at Sherwin-Williams after paint-mixing videos go viral

SOUTHERNMINN.COM, JON WEISBROD: A story of courage, pain, redemption and a special bond between Owatonna siblings

ATHENS MESSENGER, HEATHER WILLARD: Election tampering allegations surface in 94th District Race

ANTIGO DAILY JOURNAL, KEVIN PASSON: Peters served in South Pacific

NEWSWATCHMAN, ETHAN LEIST: The anthem that went national

MOUNTAIN TIMES, ANDREW COLE: 21 guns and 13 folds. American Legion Honor Guard honors High Country veterans

FEATURES

OWATONNA PEOPLE’S PRESS, ANNIE GRANLUND: Native American Heritage Day a chance to dig into Minnesota history

LAKE MILLS LEADER, SARAH WEIHERT: Addiction leaves lasting impact

ROCKET MINER, WYOMING, WESLEY: Magagna: Jaciel’s comeback trumps his setback

CHALLIS MESSENGER, HUNTER DIEHL: Challis author finds adventure in rafting family’s history

BOISE/NAMPA IDAHO PRESS: McGeachin’s undermining is harmful to Idahoans

DIGITAL INITIATIVES ROCK SPRINGS: YouTube channel POCATELLO: Covering protest live on Facebook

Hindsight 2020 designed by Katie Westbrooks, The High Road Agency

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