2015 Better Newspaper Contest by Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

The Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best

BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 128th annual convention, Everett, WA, Oct. 8-10, 2015

2015 Better Newspaper Contest Congratulations to WNPA’s best of the best!

Deadlines. Goals. Special projects. This is our world in the community newspaper industry and sometimes our successes may seem lost in the endless Sullivan need to produce. That’s why the annual

Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Better Newspaper Contest is such a good thing for our membership. This contest is an opportunity to have your work seen and appreciated beyond your local audience. What we do has value beyond measure: Advertisements that help small businesses succeed, news stories that shine the light

2015 Contest Facts JUDGES: Kansas Press Association BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST COMMITTEE Chair: Patrick Sullivan, Port Townsend Leader Committee Members Rudi Alcott, Federal Way Mirror C.J. Burk, WNPA Marcia Van Dyke, WNPA

This special section was edited, designed and produced by Fred Obee, PO Box 690, Port Townsend, WA. 98368. fredobee@gmail.com. Content support was provided by C.J. Burk of WNPA. Printing was provided by the Wenatchee World. The betterbnc.com website is provided and hosted by SmallTownPapers (smalltownpapers.com.) Additional copies of this publication are available from WNPA by request to Marcia Van Dyke at mvandyke@wnpa.com. Cover photos are by Brian Myrick, Natalie St. John, Damian Mulinix and Darla Hussey.

News: 1,076 Photography: 349 Web: 31 General Excellence: 45 Number of Participating Newspapers: 58 CONTEST PERIODS Regular Contest: April 1, 2014-March 31, 2015 Tourism Special Sections: June 1, 2014May 31, 2015

NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY DIVISION Advertising: 373 Special Sections: 160

About this publication

in the backroom of public government, photography that draws eyes, community service projects that go above and beyond. This BNC Awards “tab” showcases WNPA membership’s best work, as judged by members of the Kansas Press Association. (My advice after being involved with newspaper contests since the 1980s: never get too high when you win or

CIRCULATION GROUPS Circulation Group I – up to 2,500 Circulation Group II – 2,501-5,000 Circulation Group III – 5,001-12,500 Circulation Group IV- 12,501 and up

too low when you don’t.) We urge your participation in WNPA activities, from committees (volunteers are welcome) to the contest (plan ahead) and most importantly, to the annual convention (so much to learn, and fun, too). We all have seemingly endless amounts of deadlines, goals and special projects. This is a time to celebrate what we have done

– and I mean “we” for I am just as happy with the recognition earned by Lynden, Ritzville and South Whidbey, or any publication, as I am my “home” paper in Port Townsend. This is our world, the community newspaper industry, and I’m proud to be in it with you. -- Patrick J. Sullivan BNC Committee Chairman Port Townsend Leader

Governor Inslee presented with Freedom’s Light Award Washington Gov. Jay Inslee was presented with WNPA’s Freedom’s Light Award for the governor’s efforts to bring more transparency to state government. The award was presented at a luncheon Oct. 9 at the downtown Everett Holiday Inn during WNPA’s annual convention. Also at the luncheon, Mae Waldron accepted the Dixie Lee Bradley award, given annually to a “behind the scenes” member on a newspaper staff. Waldron was the ultimate behind the scenes person for many years on the WNPA staff. The Miles Turnbull Master Editor-Publisher Award was presented to Fred Obee, who worked for more than 30 years for Washington community newspapers as a reporter, editor, and ﬁnally a general manager. He retired in June 2015 from the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader.

Contents Advertising Divison .............................................................3-5 Special Sections ...................................................................6-7 General Excellence ...............................................................8-9 News Division ...................................................................10-18 Photography Division ......................................................19-23 Web ........................................................................................23

2 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Advertising AD OF THE YEAR

Third Place Jana Stoner Grand Re-Opening-Roslyn Northwest Improvement Company Building Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Bainbridge Review Marlene Martinez Bainbridge Island Organic Distillers

Best Branding Ad Single Ad for Single Advertiser Groups 3 & 4

Best Single Ad for Single Advertiser, Promoting a Sale or Event, Smaller than ½ Page

First Place Catherine Brewer, Chris Hawley Cooper Fuel, “A Warm & Healthy New Year” Port Townsend Leader

Groups 1 & 2

First Place Terry Hamberg Murder Among the Mateys (Smokey’s Bar-B-Que murder mystery dinner) Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place Bryon Kempf, Jennifer Zuver Thanks for Voting Us #1 Day Spa Central Kitsap Reporter

Second Place Brian Edwards Emergency Preparedness Expo Nisqually Valley News Third Place Job Wise, Elaine Schneider Hogs & Dogs Daily Sun News

Best Single Ad for Single Advertiser, Promoting a Sale or Event, Smaller than ½ Page Groups 3 & 4

First Place Lloyd Mullen Jim Johnson Production Co. Mason County Journal Second Place Doug DeVisser, Janet McCall Lummi Gateway Center Northern Light Third Place Cait Rainsberry Fitterer’s Furniture-Girls Night out Daily Record

Best Single Ad for Single Advertiser Promoting a Sale or Event- ½ page or larger Groups 1 & 2

First Place Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott Create Memories That Last A lifetime Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Second Place Nicole Kiourkas Alpine Ductless Nisqually Valley News

Third Place Megan Woodruff Thorp Fruit Daily Record Third Place Marleen Martinez Downtown Open House Bainbridge Island Review

Best Single Ad for Single Advertiser Promoting a Sale or Event- ½ page or larger Groups 3 & 4

First Place Jen Clark, Sara Radka Ludlow Cove Cottages, “Open House Weekend” Port Townsend Leader Second Place Megan Woodruff Ranch & Home Daily Record Third Place Mark Gillespie, Frank Portello Spring Savings, Coast do it Best Hardware North Kitsap Herald

Most Effective Use of Small Space (B/W or Spot Color) Group 1

First Place Tim Miser Dianne Buxton RC’s Casino Grandview Herald Second Place Scott Herning Wild and Scenic Islands’ Sounder Third Place Scott Herning Bunny Origami Workshop Journal of the San Juan Islands

Most Effective Use of Small Space (B/W or Spot Color) Group 2

Best Branding Ad Single Ad for Single Advertiser

First Place Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott Books about Birds Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

First Place Terry Hamberg, Lisa French GRAND OPENING! “The Hole in The Wall” Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place Terry Hamberg National Barbecue Month Locals Special (Smokey’s Bar-B-Que) Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place Marleen Martinez Bainbridge Island Organic Distillers Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place Ileana Martinez Free Custom Teeth Whitening Daily Sun News

Groups 1 & 2

2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 3

Advertising Community Service

Community Service

First Place Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Crush the Fog Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott

First Place Northern Light Birch Bay Park and Recreation Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst

Groups 1 & 2

Groups 3 & 4

Second Place Mason County Journal If I Were President Kathy Brooks, Will Adams

Second Place Nisqually Valley News Relay for Life Fundraiser Nicole Kiourkas

Third Place Port Townsend Leader PUD Power Boost Program, “Do you have enough?” Jen Clark, Sara Radka

Third Place Nisqually Valley News Breakfast with Santa Nicole Kiourkas

Most Effective Use of Small Space (B/W or Spot Color) Group 3 & 4

First Place Janet McCall, Ruth Lauman Steakhouse 9 Northern Light

Second Place Jennifer James-Wilson, Marian Roh Leader, “Thank You Readers” Port Townsend Leader Third Place Dave Pierik, Will Adams, Linda Frizzell Enjoy Dinner and a Movie on Us Mason County Journal

Multiple Advertiser Ad, on to two full pages Group 4

First Place Marcie Shannon, Kay Miller, Cindy Ducich Father’s Day Federal Way Mirror

Groups 1 & 2

Second Place Kae Lamberton, Lisa Yaskus, Ellen Morrison Go Hawks page with Advertisers Renton Reporter

First Place Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez Wine Tasting on Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place Staff Proud to Support the Seahawks! Port Orchard Independent

Ad Campaign for Single Advertiser (B/W or Color)

Groups 1 &2

Second Place Vanessa Calverley, Mark Gillespie, Marleen Martinez Pet Page Bainbridge Island Review

First Place Miner Staff Know Someone Who would Love to Stay Informed? Newport Miner

Third Place Miner Staff Wedding Planner Newport Miner

Second Place Terry Hamberg We love fetching Upper County News for you! Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Multiple Advertiser Ad, on to two full pages

Second Place Ruth Lauman Tulip Valley Winery Northern Light Third Place Katie Kowalski, Chris Hawley Port Townsend Athletic Club, “Get Fit this Fall” Port Townsend Leader

Promotion of Newspaper-Single House Ad

Third Place Terry Hamberg Catch Up on New Things to Do in Town Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Multiple Advertiser Ad, on to two full pages

Group 3

First Place Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall Whatcom Wineries Northern Light

Groups 3&4

Second Place Staff Tis the Season Whidbey News-Times

First Place Diana Nelson, William Shaw We Have Issues-Eastside Scene Bellevue Reporter

Third Place Megan Woodruff Don’t Text & Drive Daily Record

Promotion of Newspaper-Single House Ad

4 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Groups 1 & 2

First Place Terry Hamberg Boulet Production playbills Northern Kittitas County Tribune Second Place Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott Shop Vashon Passport Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Third Place Larry Martinez Pritchard Campaign Reﬂector

Ad Campaign for Single Advertiser (B/W or Color) Groups 3 & 4

First Place Lloyd Mullen, Will Adams Doos Donuts Campaign Mason County Journal

Advertising Second Place Jen Miller Island Facial Whidbey News-Times

Second Place Ruth Lauman, Catherine Darkenwald Mt. Baker Farmers Market Northern Light

Third Place Jen Clark, Sara Radka Lisa’s Jewelry, “Diamond Graphic” Port Townsend Leader

Third Place Jen Miller Koetje Real Estate Whidbey News-Times

Third Place Gary Peterson Knudson Lumber Daily Record

Use of Process Color-Smaller than ½ Pg.

Use of Process Color in a Full Page Ad Groups 1 & 2

First Place Rebecca Collins SummerFun2014 South Whidbey Record Second Place Jen Miller Go Hawks Full Page Whidbey Examiner

Use of Process Color in a Full Page Ad Groups 3 & 4

First Place Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall San Juan Airlines Northern Light Second Place Jen Clark, Sara Radka Moving Earth Port Townsend Leader Third Place Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall Lummi Bay Markets Northern Light

Use of Process Color ½ Pg. or Larger Groups 1&2

First Place Terry Hamberg British Isles heritage Night (RRC Heritage Club) Northern Kittitas County Tribune Second Place Case Clark Inagural Book Signing- “Guardian of Guadalcanal” (Douglas A. Munro) Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Use of Clip Art in Advertising Groups 1 &2

First Place Jana Stoner Jack Stoner celebration of life typewriter invitation Northern Kittitas County Tribune Second Place Tim Miser, Dianne Buxton Sun Terrace Prosser Record-Bulletin Third Place Jana Stoner Grand Re-Opening-Roslyn Northwest Improvement Company Building Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Use of Clip Art in Advertising Groups 3&4

First Place Jen Miller Flyers Restaurant Whidbey News-Times Second Place Kelsey Thomas, Billi Jean Gurnsey Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Join us for a wee bit of Fun! Port Orchard Independent Third Place Catherine Brewer, Chris Hawley Life Care Center, “Let the Healing Begin” Port Townsend Leader

Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

First Place Catherine Brewer, Chris Hawley Fort Worden Commons, “Sweethearts Breakfast” Port Townsend Leader Second Place Jen Miller Builder’s Millwork Whidbey Exminer Third Place Dave Pierik, Will Adams, Linda Frizzell Blooms by the Park “Retirement Sale” Mason County Journal

Youth-Oriented Content Groups 1, 2, 3 &4

First Place Nicole Klourkas ABC Academy Nisqually Valley News Second Place Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott Halloween Safety Game Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Third Place Ileana Martinez Talk they hear you Daily Sun News

Humor in Advertising Groups 1, 2, 3 &4

First Place Terry Hamberg “Spay-ghetti and NO Balls” Fundraiser Dinner (ARRF Animal Rescue) Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Groups 1, 2, 3 &4

Second Place Terry Hamberg Thank You-You Saved Our Bacon! (Owens Meats) Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Groups 3 & 4

First Place Roger Harnack, Teresa Myers, Brad Skiff, staff 12th Man Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Third Place Jen Clark, Sara Radka Sea Change, “Mistlestonded” Port Townsend Leader

First Place Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich Black Bear Diner Federal Way Mirror

Second Place Gary Peterson Biggest Loser Contest Daily Record

Third Place Larry Martinez Woodland Featuring Truck The Reﬂector

Use of Process Color ½ Pg. or Larger

Most Original Idea

2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 5

Special Sections Best Special Section Cover

Best Special Section Cover

First Place Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott Destination Vashon 2014 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

First Place William Shaw, Jim Gatens, Diana Nelson Issaquah/Sammamish Resident’s Guide Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Groups 3 &4

Groups 1 &2

Second Place Darla Hussey Methow Home 2015 Methow Valley News

Second Place Vanessa Calverley, Donna Etchey, Lori Maxim Best of South Kitsap Port Orchard Independent

Third Place Darla Hussey Trial by Fire Methow Valley News

Third Place WNT Staff, Pam Headridge Whidbey Almanac 2015 Whidbey News-Times

Topical/Non-Tourism Special Sections

Tourism/Community Guide Special Sections

First Place Staff Reﬂector Sports Tabloid 2014 Reﬂector

First Place Kirk Ericson, Tom Hyde, Adam Rudnick The New State of Marijuana Mason County Journal

Second Place Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Kathryn Sherman, Staff Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2015 Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place Staff How to Guide North Kitsap Herald

First Place Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Scott Herning, Staff Springtide Journal of the San Juan Islands

Group 1

Third Place Scott Rasmussen, Kathryn Sherman, Cherie Sarrett, Emily Greenberg Women in Business Journal of the San Juan Islands

Topical/Non-Tourism Special Sections Group 2

First Place Staff Trial by Fire Methow Valley News Second Place Staff Salute to Heroes Daily Sun News Third Place Staff Pride of the Valley Daily Sun News 6 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Group 3

Third Place Scott Wilson, Sara Radka Legacies Port Townsend Leader

Topical/Non-Tourism Special Sections

Group 1

Second Place Michelle Pate Road to Rainier 2015 Dispatch Third Place Staff Grapevine Magazine 2015 Prosser Record-Bulletin

Group 4

Tourism/Community Guide Special Sections

First Place Marcie Shannon, Kay Miller, Cindy Ducich, Jennifer Anderson Health and Wellness Federal Way Mirror

First Place Rebecca Sedlak, Matt Winters Our Coast 2015 Chinook Observer

Group 2

Second Place Paul Brown, Steven P. Kirk Boxleitner, Brandon Adam Fall 2014 Health & Wellness Marysville Globe

Second Place Miner Staff Winter Sports Preview Newport Miner

Third Place Staff Tis the Season, Your local Holiday Shopping Guide Port Orchard Independent

Third Place Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott, Natalie Martin, Staff Writers Destination Vashon 2015-2016 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Special Sections Tourism/Community Guide Special Sections Third Place Group 3

First Place Kara Furr Dennison, Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman, Patrick Grubb Waterside 2015 Northern Light

Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott, Natalie Martin, Staff Writers Go Hawks-Vashon Celebrates the Hawks Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

First Place Staff Cle Elum Pioneer Days 2014 Northern Kittitas County Tribune Second Place Staff Holiday Guide Anacortes American

Third Place Nicholas Johnson, Chris Hawley Who’s Who in Jefferson County Port Townsend Leader

Third Place Staff Relay for Life 2014 Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Tourism/Community Guide Special Sections Group 4

First Place Bryon Kempf, Staff Discover Kitsap 2015 Port Orchard Independent

Lifestyle/Culture Special Sections Group 1

First Place Islands’ Sounder staff, Journal of the San Juan Islands staff Wellness Guide for San Juan County Islands’ Sounder Second Place Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby 2014 Women in Business Islands’ Sounder Third Place Islands’ Sounder staff, Journal of the San Juan Islands staff 2014 Holiday Guide San Juan County Islands’ Sounder

Lifestyle/Culture Special Sections Group 2

First Place Staff Methow Home 2015 Methow Valley News Second Place Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott, Natalie Martin, Staff Writers Green Living on Vashon 2014 Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Special Sections/Festivals Special Sections Group 2

Second Place Kathy McCauley, Brandy Pickering, Scott Gray Summer Discover Enumclaw Courier-Herald

Second Place Marcie Shannon, Kay Miller, Cindy Ducich Explore Federal Way Federal Way Mirror

Third Place Staff Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival 50th Anniversary Whidbey Examiner

Special Sections/Festivals Special Sections Group 3

First Place Cait Rainsberry Ellensburg Rodeo Program Daily Record

Lifestyle/Culture Special Sections Groups 3 & 4

First Place Gary Peterson WWII Veterans Tribute Daily Record Second Place Tom Hyde, Adam Rudnick The Lost Archives Mason County Journal Third Place Patricia Morrison Coate Living on the Peninsula: People Sharing Their Passions Sequim Gazette

Special Sections/Festivals Special Sections Group 1

First Place Colleen Smith Armstrong, Scott Rasmussen, Kathryn Sherman, Staff San Juan County Fair Guide 2014 Journal of the San Juan Islands Second Place Staff Whidbey Island Farm Tour Whidbey Examiner

Second Place Megan Woodruff Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame Keepsake Program Daily Record Third Place Cait Rainsberry Hometown Holidays Daily Record

Special Sections/Festivals Special Sections Group 4

First Place Paul Brown, Steven Powell, Kirk Boxleitner, Brandon Adam Celebrate Marysville Marysville Globe Second Place Staff Military Appreciation Central Kitsap Reporter Third Place Marcie Shannon, Kay Miller, Cindy Ducich, Jennifer Anderson Best of Federal Way 2015 Federal Way Mirror

2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 7

General Excellence Group I FIRST PLACE Journal of the San Juan Islands Colleen Smith Armstrong, Scott Rasmussen, staff SECOND PLACE Islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sounder Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Scott Herning THIRD PLACE The Dispatch Pat Jenkins, Michelle Pate

Group II FIRST PLACE Newport Miner Staff SECOND PLACE Mercer Island Reporter Mary Grady, Joe Livarchick, Katie Metzger THIRD PLACE Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Natalie Martin, Daralyn Anderson, staff

8 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

General Excellence Group III FIRST PLACE Mason County Journal Staff SECOND PLACE Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Roger Harnack, Teresa Myerson, staff THIRD PLACE Sequim Gazette Staff

Group IV FIRST PLACE Port Orchard Independent Staﬀ SECOND PLACE Auburn Reporter Mark Klaas, Robert Whale, Shawn Skager, Rachel Ciampi THIRD PLACE Federal Way Mirror Staﬀ

2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 9

News Feature Writer of the Year Group I-IV combined

Sports Writer of the Year Group I-IV combined

News Writer of the Year Group I-IV combined

FIRST PLACE Matthew Nash Sequim Gazette

FIRST PLACE Danny Schmidt Daily Record

FIRST PLACE Alana Linderoth Sequim Gazette

SECOND PLACE Briana Alzola Anacortes American

SECOND PLACE Michael Dashiell Sequim Gazette

SECOND PLACE Sandy Stokes LaConner Weekly News

THIRD PLACE Richard Walker North Kitsap Herald

THIRD PLACE Emily Hansen Mason County Journal

THIRD PLACE Steve Hunter Kent Reporter

Best News Story-Long

Best News Story-Short

First Place Marcy Stamper DNR Investigation: improperly maintained trailer cased Rising Eagle Road ﬁre Methow Valley News

First Place Ban Wantanabe RABBIT WARS South Whidbey Record

Groups 1 & 2

Second Place Luciano Marano, Brian Kelly “Dead in the water: Ferry Tacoma strands hundreds due to power loss during sailings” Bainbridge Island Review Third Place Natalie St. John Bystanders rescue family capsized near Long Island Chinook Observer

Best News Story-Long Groups 3 & 4

First Place Allyce Andrew, Carol Ladwig One-year mark: Snoqualmie Police build relationships, confidence with North Bend coverage Snoqualmie Valley Record Second Place Natalie Johnson Kerfuffle draws officers, EMTs to board meeting Mason County Journal Third Place Carol Ladwig, Seth Truscott Shattered Calm Snoqualmie Valley Record

10 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Groups 1 & 2

Second Place Justin Burnett Divers recover mystery anchor South Whidbey Record Third Place Don Nelson Community pitches in to help owner of slide-damaged Carlton home Methow Valley News

Best News Story-Short Group 3

First Place Gordon Weeks Heroin problem takes toll Mason County Journal Second Place Chelsee Johnson Harrowing tale Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Third Place Patrick Sullivan Accident victim’s mother remembers, forgives, only begins to grieve Port Townsend Leader

Best News Story-Short Group 4

First Place Rebecca Gourley Kentlake students jump ahead of their peers Covington/Maple Valley Reporter

Second Place Dean Radford Couple loses everything except what they ‘really care about’ Renton Reporter Third Place Sarah Wehmann Students screened for heart defects Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier Herald

Best Breaking News Story Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

First Place Ann McCreary, Marcy Stamper Firestorm rips through valley Methow Valley News Second Place Staff FISH food bank ﬁre Daily Record Third Place Steve Powell Kirk Boleitner, Brandon Adam 2 die in shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck Marysville Globe

News Best Health or Medical Story Groups 1 & 2

First Place Briana Alzola Going for Gold: Heart transplant recipient wins 8 medals at national games Anacortes American Second Place Alex Ashley The Scourge Stanwood/Camano News Third Place Chris Henrickson Gold Bar child allergic to Paciﬁc Northwest Monroe Monitor and Valley News

Removing Riprap: Returning beaches to natural state helps restore, protect Puget Sound Anacortes American

Best Business Feature Story (incl. Technology and Agriculture)

Third Place Ann McCreary Second Spring Methow Valley News

First Place Mary Grady A show on wheels/Islander presides over ‘ride and drives’ for new car launches Mercer Island Reporter

Best Environmental Story Groups 3 & 4

First Place Carrie Rodriguez Twin Lakes residents concerned about toxic algae Federal Way Mirror

Groups 3 & 4

Second Place Allison Arthur Fishing for crab pots Port Townsend Leader

First Place Mike Johnson In-home caregivers need help as demand rises Daily Record

Third Place Natalie Johnson Trouble on the Tahuya Mason County Journal

Second Place Allison Arthur From caregiver to patient Port Townsend Leader

Best Business News Story (incl. Technology and Agriculture)

Third Place Alana Linderoth Living with Alzheimer’s Sequim Gazette

First Place Rosemary Browning Lewis County Real Estate East County Journal, Morton

Best Environmental Story

Second Place Ann McCreary A better bear trap Methow Valley News

Best Health or Medical Story

Group 1

First Place Scott Rasmussen Born under a bad sign? Journal of the San Juan Islands Second Place Cali Bagby The little stake that could Islands’ Sounder Third Place Cali Bagby Are the sea stars dying? Islands’ Sounder

Best Environmental Story Group 2

First Place Susan Riemer Some run cars off of restaurants’ leftover grease Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Second Place Joan Pringle

Groups 1 & 2

Third Place Sarah Low Proposed county fee hikes raise concern at the farmers market Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Best Business News Story (incl. Technology and Agriculture) Groups 3 & 4

First Place Janis Reid Downtown dilemma Whidbey News-Times Second Place Robert Whale Music Store Auburn Reporter Third Place Ian Ferguson Pilot hemp crop heralds start of a new industry Northern Light

Groups 1 & 2

Second Place Jim Fossett Badger Pocket potatoes are coming out of the ground and an age-old hissy ﬁt Northern Kittitas County Tribune Third Place Megan Hansen 40 years of farming Penn Cover Whidbey Examiner

Best Business Feature Story (incl. Technology and Agriculture) Groups 3 & 4

First Place Robert Whale Sunbreak beams Auburn Reporter Second Place Kirk Boxleitner Local video interpreters help the deaf communicate Arlington Times Third Place Leslie Kelly Fine wood furniture crafting runs in his blood Bremerton Patriot

Best Education Story Groups 1 & 2

First Place Marcy Stamper ILC looks to broaden real-world learning Methow Valley News Second Place Emily Greenberg Food for Thought program builds chef skills Journal of the San Juan Islands Third Place Kelly Moyer Fate of Hockinson schools falls to February voters Reﬂector

Best Education Story Group 3

First Place Steve Guntil Blaine’s TSA club ﬁnds fun in science and technology Northern Light 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 11

News Community Service Groups 1,2,3 & 4 First Place Nisqually Valley News Relay for Life, Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Bet Michael Wagar Second Place Nisqually Valley News Relay for Life Shatters Goal Staff Third Place Port Townsend Leader Fair Campaign Pledge Staff

Second Place Nicholas Johnson Inspiring students Port Townsend Leader

Second Place Natalie St. John State write-in law creates Wahkiakum awkwardness Chinook Observer

Third Place Steve Wyble Canal Rescue Nisqually Valley News

Third Place Steve Guntli School bond receives overwhelming support Northern Light

Third Place Marcy Stamper Plans to mend breaks in communications Methow Valley News

Best Crime and Court Story

Best Education Story Group 4

First Place Katherine Smith Schools labeled as failing, but are they? Covington/Maple Valley Reporter Second Place Chris Chancellor Burley-Glenwood Elementary students slicing into Spanish immersion Port Orchard Independent Third Place Steve Powell Students MAP out their futures with program Marysville Globe

Best Government Reporting Groups 1 & 2

First Place Katie Wilson Disappointment Chinook Observer

12 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Group 3

Groups 3 & 4

First Place Natalie Johnson Drug court graduate overcomes odds Mason County Journal

First Place Dennis Box, Eric Mandel Black Diamond mayor and City Council collide Covington/Maple Valley Reporter

Second Place Terrence Knight Still searching- The disappearance of Rose Eaton Port Townsend Leader

Second Place Andy Matarrese, Nicole Klauss Vying to be coroner Daily Record

Third Place Jessie Stensland Prison time for disgraced attorney Whidbey News-Times

Third Place Nicole Klauss The great wage debate Daily Record

Best Crime and Court Story

Best Government Reporting

Best Crime and Court Story Groups 1 & 2

First Place Colleen Smith Armstrong Young rape victims speak out Islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sounder Second Place Kimberly Jacobson Our Changing Police Force Anacortes American

Group 4

First Place Steve Hunter Deputy questions Kent Reporter Second Place Steve Hunter Jury convicts Kent Reporter Third Place Rebecca Gourley Handcuffed suspect mistaken for student Covington/Maple Valley Reporter

News Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue or Series Group 1 & 2

First Place Natalie Martin Coverage of King County’s attempt to crack down on shoreline construction Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Second Place Marcy Stamper, Ann McCreary Fire Coverage Methow Valley News Third Place Justin Burnett Open Public Records Act South Whidbey Record

Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue or Series Group 3

First Place Kirk Boxleitner, Steve Powell Oso Landslide Arlington Times Second Place Roger Harnack Dee Camp, Al Camp, Brock Hires Carlton Complex Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Third Place Carol Ladwig 311 School bond Snoqualmie Valley Record

Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue or Series Group 4

First Place Rebecca Gourley, Ray Still Washington’s smoke signals-a series on legalized marijuana in Washington Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Second Place TJ Martinell, Matt Phelps Four Juanita High School students arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting another student Kirkland Reporter Third Place Carrie Rodriguez, Raechel Dawson, Rudi Alcott, Greg Allmain School board member Moore faces jury Federal Way Mirror

Investigative Reporting Group 1

First Place Sandy Stokes For Fire District 13 management-Taxpayers pay pricey hotel and restaurant tabs LaConner Weekly News

Investigative Reporting Group 2

First Place Natalie St. John Crumbling Courts Chinook Observer Second Place Marcy Stamper Kudos, criticisms and questions Methow Valley News

Second Place Joanna Michaud Trainer enjoys training Mexican dancing horses Reﬂector Third Place Victoria Walker You always leave something behind Prosser Record-Bulletin

Best General Feature Story, Long Group 3

First Place Matthew Nash One man’s ﬂight, a community effort Sequim Gazette

Group 3

Second Place Richard D. Oxley Dock-to-dock deliver; brewer delivers a keg of beer by rowing form Poulsbo to Ballard North Kitsap Herald

First Place Brandon Adam, Kirk Boxleitner, Steve Powell Michele Donohue Arlington Times

Third Place Richard D. Oxley National-touring exhibit stops in Suquamish North Kitsap Herald

Investigative Reporting

Second Place Patrick Sullivan, Allison Arthur Sheriff’s Race: Przygocki’s 26 years with the WSP Port Townsend Leader Third Place Jessie Stensland Discipline issues stir up turmoil at police department Whidbey News-Times

Investigative Reporting Group 4

First Place TJ Martinell, Matt Phelps Drugs, bunkers, gun range, arsenal and former Sonics player found in Kirkland raid Kirkland Reporter Second Place Raechel Dawson More details emerge in city’s purchase of former Target site Federal Way Mirror Third Place Raechel Dawson New Federal Way PACC director’s history raises concerns Federal Way Mirror

Best General Feature Story, Long Group 4

First Place Carrie Rodriguez Business rallies to help quadriplegic girl’s family Federal Way Mirror Second Place Ray Still Plateau vet record time spent in WWII prison camp Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Third Place Raechel Dawson Federal Way community helps family as little girl ﬁghts leukemia Federal Way Mirror

Best General Feature Story, Short Group 1

First Place Katelin Davidson Community volunteers unite to grant wish Ritzville Adams County Journal

Groups 1 & 2

Second Place Megan Hansen Forever fun making memories Whidbey Examiner

First Place Ron Newberry Tribal members retrace history Whidbey Examiner

Third Place Megan Hansen Art school thrives with festival push Whidbey Examiner

Best General Feature Story, Long

2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 13

News Best General Feature Story, Short Group 2

First Place Kimberly Jacobson Days for Girls Anacortes American Second Place Laurelle Walsh Tall in the Saddle Methow Valley News Third Place Ben Watanabe Clinton’s smallest Samaritan South Whidbey Record

Best General Feature Story, Short Group 3

First Place Steve Guntli Thousands respond to Blaine boy’s Christmas wish Northern Light Second Place Steve Guntli Blaine man’s passion for music keeps him healthy and happy Northern Light

Second Place Emily Greenberg Big dreams, little boat, portly dog Journal of the San Juan Islands Third Place Meredith M. Grifﬁth A story of nuns and cheese Islands’ Sounder

Best Lifestyle Feature Story Group 2

First Place Ann McCreary Heart & Home Methow Valley News Second Place Juli Goetz Morser Islander took a risk with beans and built a coffee empire Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Third Place Natalie Martin Backyard pilgrim plans trip of a lifetime Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Second Place Juli Goetz Morser Vashon siblings share the trek of a lifetime Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Group 3

Third Place Natalie Martin Locals ﬁnd success in a tricky island hunting scene Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Best Lifestyle Feature Story Groups 3 & 4

First Place Sara Bruestle Local mom turns her creativity into a sweet book Mukilteo Beacon

Best General Feature Story, Short

Second Place Patricia Morrison Coate A diamond in the rough Sequim Gazette

First Place Tracy Compton 20 years of friendship, fun and Interface fashion Renton Reporter

Group 2

First Place Natalie St. John Wolﬁng down Ilwaco: An adventure in competitive gluttony Chinook Observer

Third Place Steve Guntli 70 years and still going strong Northern Light Group 3

Best Personality Proﬁle, Long

Third Place Matthew Nash An Ollie a day Sequim Gazette

Best Personality Proﬁle, Long First Place Ron Newberry Darst’s determination in full bloom after 80 years Whidbey News-Times Second Place Richard D. Oxley The man behind the keys North Kitsap Herald Third Place Janis Reid Pastor isn’t about to give up on her dream Whidbey News-Times

Best Personality Proﬁle, Long Group 4

First Place Mark Klaas Top attorney Kent Reporter

Group 1

Second Place Andy Nystrom Former Green Bay Packer Driver shares his story of poverty and homelessness at Hopelink luncheon Redmond Reporter

Third Place Mark Klaas Nurse Camp Auburn Reporter

First Place Colleen Smith Armstrong Grief and motherhood Islands’ Sounder

Third Place Brian Beckley The best seat in the house for the past 26 years Renton Reporter

Best Lifestyle Feature Story

Second Place Ron Newberry Hubbard squash king Whidbey Examiner

Best Personality Proﬁle-Short

Second Place Seraine Page Cowboy given military honors on his ﬁnal ride Central Kitsap Reporter

Group 1

First Place Ron Newberry Fort like home for park ranger Whidbey Examiner

14 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Best Personality Proﬁle, Long

Third Place Colleen Smith Armstrong Small hands, big ideas Islands’ Sounder

Group 1

First Place Scott Rasmussen Century of honor, sacriﬁce Journal of the San Juan Island

News Second Place Ron Newberry Grace and Grit Whidbey News-Times

Best Personality Proﬁle-Short Group 2

First Place Sarah Arney Fulﬁlling one’s duty Stanwood/Camano News Second Place Katie Metzger An eye for beauty, a sense for value Mercer Island Reporter Third Place Ann McCreary Coming back Methow Valley News

Best Personality Proﬁle-Short Groups 3 & 4

First Place Bill Kiely Soda Fountain Sam Port Townsend Leader Second Place Gordon Weeks Singing with Sinatra Mason County Journal Third Place Sara Bruestle Arizona man volunteers for Lighthouse Festival Mukilteo Beacon

Best Story on the Arts Groups 1 & 2

First Place Briana Alzola Holiday tradition:Dancers work their way up ‘The Nutcracker’ cast list Anacortes American Second Place Luciano Marano New Work form the old school: BAC to host island’s ﬁrst ever Pasco show Bainbridge Island Review Third Place Ann McCreary Hung tries his hand at ﬁlmmaking with locally cast Haiku Methow Valley News

Best Story on the Arts Groups 3 & 4

First Place Patricia Morrison Coate Crafting projects for young minds Sequim Gazette Second Place Peter O’Cain Sculpting tine trees into works of art is the goal of Bonsai Club Bremerton Patriot Third Place Carrie Rodriguez Art Show to feature senior’s memories, travel Federal Way Mirror

Best Feature Page Design Group 1

First Place Colleen Smith Armstrong Winter Bliss Islands’ Sounder Second Place Cali Bagby Winter Gardens Islands’ Sounder

Second Place Richard D. Oxley, John Rodriguez North Kitsap Herald, Kitsap Week cover May 23, 2014 edition North Kitsap Herald Third Place Michael Dashiell Sequim Gazette’s Community, Dec. 3 Sequim Gazette

Best Feature Page Design Group 4

First Place Rebecca Gourley A Night of British Comedy Covington/Maple Valley Reporter Second Place Rebecca Gourley My Vegan Thanksgiving Covington/Maple Valley Reporter Third Place Rebecca Gourley State Bound Covington Maple/Valley Reporter

Third Place Andi Schwartz Cruise Time-Alternate Fueled Vehicles The Reﬂector

Best Feature Page Design Group 2

First Place Brian Kelly Malfunkshun A&E cover Bainbridge Island Review Second Place Brian Kelly 5 of 6 A&E cover Bainbridge Island Review Third Place Darla Hussey Page B1, Arts & Culture Methow Valley News

Best Feature Page Design Group 3

First Place Adam Rudnick Harvest Hustle & Bustle Mason County Journal

Best Front Page Design Group 1

First Place Megan Hansen March 5 Whidbey Examiner

2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 15

News Second Place Scott Rasmussen, Kathryn Sherman, Emily Greenberg San Juan ‘Whisper’ Journal of the San Juan Islands Third Place Megan Hansen February 5 Whidbey Examiner

News of the Weird Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

First Place Brian Kelly City’s cheese ban causes meltdown for Cheeseheads Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place Brandon Adam Arlington Eagles’ deaf wrestler inspiring to others Arlington Times

Best Sports News Story Groups 1 & 2

Group 2

Second Place Jessie Stensland Ofﬁcials unprepared for zombie apocalypse Whidbey Examiner

First Place Natalie Martin VHS football struggles with low turnout Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

First Place Darla Hussey Page A1, Powerless Methow Valley News

Third Place Natalie St. John It’s Raining Bears Chinook Observer

Second Place Ben Watanabe Overtime goal kicks Falcons out of state South Whidbey Record

Second Place Brian Kelly The path of the pioneers cover Bainbridge Island Review

Best Sports Feature

Third Place Scott Rasmussen Travel-tested Breakers rally for win over FH Journal of the San Juan Islands

Best Front Page Design

Third Place Staff RecordPage1Aug.6 South Whidbey Record

Groups 1 & 2

First Place Scott Rasmussen One for the record books Journal of the San Juan Islands

Best Sports News Story Group 3

Group 3

Second Place Paul Delaney Mixing it up in the mud for the mutts Cheney Free Press

First Place Cameron Van Til “Best Sports News Story” entries Lynden Tribune

First Place Richard Walker Aug. 8, 2014 edition North Kitsap Herlad

Third Place Mary Grady In 1961, a football game for the ages Mercer Island Reporter

Second Place Emily Hanson Bulldogs Edge Elma despite mayhem Mason County Journal

Best Front Page Design

Second Place Keven Graves August 30 Whidbey News-Times

Third Place Emily Hanson Boston marathon runners return Mason County Journal

Third Place Richard Walker Jan. 9, 2015 edition North Kitsap Herald

Best Sports News Story Group 4

First Place Shaun Scott Crusaders crowned champions Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Best Front Page Design Group 4

First Place Dannie Oliveaux Port Orchard Page 1 Port Orchard Independent Second Place Mark Klaas Kent Reporter 2 Kent Reporter Third Place Sarah Wehmann September 3, 2014 Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald 16 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Best Sports Feature Groups 3 & 4

First Place Jim Waller Father shares passion for sports with community Whidbey News-Times Second Place Al Camp Okanogan girls produce a perfect ending Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Second Place Shaun Scott Four-peat attained Bellevue Reporter Third Place Derek Johnson Former teammates and coaches share memories of Parker Moore Woodinville Weekly

News Best Sports Personality Proﬁle

Best Editorial Group 2

Groups 1 & 2

First Place Don Nelson A learning process Methow Valley News

First Place Joan Pringle MUD, HEAT & GRIT: Cyclist follows path of conquistadores in 3-day Costa Rican endurance race Anacortes American

Second Place Mary Grady Rights and rules/Editorial Mercer Island Reporter

Second Place Mike Maltais Lucien Paz is Mr. Mutton Buster at Methow Valley Rodeo Methow Valley News

Third Place Justin Burnett Hospital leaders need to rethink transparency South Whidbey Record

Third Place Erik Pague Easton teen strives to make career of motocross Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Best Editorial Group 3

Best Sports Personality Proﬁle

First Place Keven Graves What other actions is Executive Session Mayor planning? Whidbey News-Times

Group 3 First Place Danny Schmit Chelan to the show Daily Record Second Place Matthew Nash Braving the waters Sequim Gazette Third Place Steve Powell Former Bulgarian star now Tulalip athletic director Arlington Times

Best Sports Personality Proﬁle Group 4 First Place Ray Still Life lessons learned from swimming Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Second Place Sarah Wehmann Panther drafted by Red Sox Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Third Place Jennifer Chancellor BOYS SWIM/The Dylan Macabitas Show Port Orchard Independent

Second Place Keven Graves It’s time for Rose to turn over the keys Whidbey News-Times

Best Sports Page Design Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4 First Place Emily Hanson Page B-1, Dec. 4, 2014 Mason County Journal Second Place Emily Hanson Page B-1, Oct. 9, 2014 Mason County Journal Third Place Emily Hanson Page B-1, Oct. 30, 2014 Mason County Journal

Best Editorial Group 1

First Place Megan Hansen, Jessie Stensland Transparency matters for all taxing district Whidbey Examiner Second Place Scott Rasmussen Ill at ease over EMS Journal of the San Juan Islands Third Place Colleen Smith Armstrong Stand up together for what is right Islands’ Sounder

Third Place Scott Wilson Editorial: Watching the drones Port Townsend Leader

Best Editorial Group 4

First Place Samantha Pak More than 50 years later, MLK’s dream is still a dream Redmond Reporter Second Place Matt Phelps Kirkland community would have beneﬁted from release of more documents in assault case/editorial Kirkland Reporter Third Place Carrie Rodriguez Great Sunshine Week editorial! Keep it up! Federal Way Mirror

Best Editorial Pages Groups 1 & 2

First Place Staff Editorial Pages Methow Valley News Second Place Mary Grady Mercer Island Reporter Editorial Pages Mercer Island Reporter 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 17

News Best Editorial Pages Groups 3 & 4

First Place Roger Harnack, Dee Camp, Brad Skiff, Staff The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Second Place Staff Whidbey News-Times Third Place Michael Dashiell Sequim Gazette

Best Editorial Cartoon Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

First Place Brad Skiff Bad Vibe Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Second Place Brad Skiff Johnson Creek Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Third Place Brad Skiff Grizzly bear introduction Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Third Place Sara Bruestle Men underreported victims of abuse Mukilteo Beacon

Third Place Patricia Paul Aqiimuk’s Kitchen LaConner Weekly News

Best General Interest Column or Blog

Best Humorous Column or Blog

Best Topical Columns

Groups 1 & 2

Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

Groups 3 & 4

First Place Matt Winters Editor’s Notebook Chinook Observer

First Place Chris Austin Monthly humor column by Chris Austin Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

First Place Emily Hanson Boys shouldn’t wrestle girls Mason County Journal

Second Place Solveig Torvik Hello? Methow Valley News

Second Place Dennis Box From fuzzy and cute…to demonic Enumclaw Courier-Herald

Second Place Steve Guntli The Indoor Report: What to read, watch and listen to this month (February 2015) Northern Light

Third Place Don Nelson No Bad Days Methow Valley News

Third Place Mickey Bambrick Nuggets from Norway LaConner Weekly News

Best General Interest Column or Blog

Best Topical Columns

First Place Roger Harnack On the Hot Seat Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

First Place Tyler Huey Emotional Exhaustion Nisqually Valley News

Second Place Sara Bruestle Too many festivals to count Mukilteo Beacon

Second Place Sue Phillips Plant Lady LaConner Weekly News

Groups 3 & 4

18 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Groups 1 & 2

Third Place Steve Guntli The Indoor Report: What to read, watch and listen to this month (March 2015) Northern Light

Photography Miles Turnbull Photography Award Chinook Observer Damian Mulinix Black and White photo essay Hay Season

B/W Feature Photo and More Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

Jenna DenHoed fastpitch Daily Sun News

First Place Matthew Nash Wolves headed to districts Sequim Gazette

Second Place John Fisken Mark Johnson blocks Whidbey News-Times

Second Place Matthew Nash Gross times for all Sequim Gazette

Third Place Patrick Sullivan Serious Ranger victory Port Townsend Leader

First Place Lloyd Mullen ‘Killer’ movie in Shelton Mason County Journal

Third Place Lloyd Mullen A new site for sound Mason County Journal

B/W Photo Essay

Second Place Tom Hyde Emergency Mason County Journal

B/W Sports Photo-Action or Feature Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4 First Place Laura Gjovaag 19 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Groups 1 & 2

First Place Damian Mulinix Hay Season Chinook Observer

Second Place John Fannin, Ileana Martinez Hooping it up Daily Sun News

B/W Photo Essay Groups 3 & 4

Third Place Emily Hanson Bulldogs ‘pretty dang good’ Mason County Journal

Photography Spot News

Groups 1 & 2 First Place Darla Hussey Floods, slides cut swath of damage after torrential storm Methow Valley News Second Place Brian Kelly Hot Wheels Bainbridge Island Review Third Place Damian Mullnix Rescued Chinook Observer

Spot News Group 3

First Place Tom Hyde Fires burn through Mason County Mason County Journal Second Place Brian Myrick Too hot Daily Record

Don Gronning, Newport Miner, Kalispell Pow Wow

Third Place Kathy Brooks Driver Flips Stolen Car Mason County Journal

Groups 3 & 4

Spot News Group 4

First Place Dannie Oliveaux Four injured in multi-vehicle crash Port Orchard Independent

General News-B/W or Color Groups 1 & 2

First Place Justin Burnett Highland games (Emma Louise Moller) South Whidbey Record Second Place Ben Watanabe Soup Box Derby (Greg Osenback and Elizabeth Osenbach) South Whidbey Record Third Place Katelin Davidson Veterans-Taps Ritzville Adams County Journal

General News-B/W or Color

Color Feature Photo

First Place Ron Newberry Raining Trout Whidbey News-Times

First Place Don Gronning Kalispel Pow wow 2014-this young dancer… Newport Miner

Second Place Steve Guntli Saluting our veterans Northern Light Third Place Gordon Weeks Small welcome for the governor Mason County Journal

Color Feature Photo Group 1

Group 2

Second Place Luciano Marano “Give us a kiss, love” Bainbridge Island Review Third Place Marcy Stamper The Jensen family came from Shoreline last weekend Methow Valley News

Color Feature Photo Group 3

First Place Gary DeVon Practice makes perfect Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

First Place Lloyd Mullen Let the sparks ﬂy Mason County Journal

Second Place Mike Schultz Reeling it in, GRANT GIBBENS Reﬂector

Second Place Ron Newberry Grace and Grit Whidbey News-Times

Third Place Katelin Davidson Splash down Ritzville Adams County Journal

Third Place Alana Linderoth Another big lavender weekend Sequim Gazette 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 20

Photography Color Feature Photo Group 4

First Place Dennis Box Heart Burn Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier Herald Second Place Rachel Ciampi Flags on the ﬂy Auburn reporter Third Place Dennis Box CANDY BOOM Covington/Maple Valley Reporter

Color Portrait (Human or Animal) Groups 1 & 2

First Place Damian Mulinix Shotgun victim Chinook Observer

Tom Hyde, Mason County Journal, Salmon return to Bingham Creek Hatchery

Second Place Don Coyote Tulip Toes LaConner Weekly News

Second Place Natalie St. John Lighted Kites Chinook Observer

Second Place Brent Baker Star Party at Eden Valley Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

Third Place Justin Burnett Whidbey coffee master (Dan Ollis, above…) South Whidbey Record

Third Place Casey Clark “The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross” Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Third Place Natalie St. John Life at the horse barn Chinook Observer

Color Portrait (Human or Animal)

Color Pictorial

Groups 3 & 4

First Place Rod Ogilvie Our Winter Friend Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle Second Place Steve Guntil Great blue heron Northern Light Third Place Brian Myrick Frog KISSES Daily Record

Color Pictorial Groups 1 & 2

First Place Briana Alzola Photographers share passion when sun sets beneath Deception Pass Bridge Anacortes American 21 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Groups 3 & 4

Color Photo Essay Groups 3 & 4

First Place Kathy Brooks Going for a Ride Mason County Journal

First Place Tom Hyde Salmon return to Bingham Creek Hatchery Mason County Journal

Second Place Ron Newberry Coupeville Ferry in the morning Whidbey News-Times

Second Place Richard D. Oxley The Man behind the keys North Kitsap Herald

Third Place Seraine Page A Silverdale Sunset Central Kitsap Reporter

Third Place Rebecca Gourley Tahoma volleyball places sixth at state Covington/Maple Valley Reporter

Color Photo Essay

Color Sports Photo-Action

Groups 1 & 2

First Place Laurelle Walsh, Don Nelson, Ann McCreary, Marcy Stamper The week in pictures Methow Valley News

Group 1

First Place Katelin Davidson Dashing Diva Ritzville Adams County Journal

Photography Second Place Mike Schultz Hockinson’s Kedrick Johnson Reﬂector Third Place Amylynn Richards Eye on the score LaConner Weekly News

Color Sports Photo-Feature Groups 1 & 2

First Place Chris Johnson Light snowpack not unusual East County Journal, Morton

Group 2

Second Place Steve Mitchell Fat bikes are an increasingly popular form of winter… Methow Valley News

First Place Callie Fink Liberty Bell’s Meritt Fink, in green, defeated… Methow Valley News

Third Place Don Nelson On the rocks Methow Valley News

Second Place Paul Delaney Sweaty Betty lets the mud ﬂy Cheney Free Press

Color Sports Photo-Feature

Color Sports Photo-Action

Third Place Paul Delaney Cooper’s Clutch Catch Cheney Free Press

Groups 3 & 4

First Place Brian Myrick Rugby Practice Daily Record

Group 3

Second Place Brian Myrick EHS Wins State Baseball Daily Record

First Place Matthew Nash Roping, riding…and falling Sequim Gazette

Third Place Jim Waller Grifﬁn Vollertsen ﬁres Whidbey News-Times

Color Sports Photo-Action

Second Place Lloyd Mullen Goal oriented Mason County Journal

Justin Burnett, South Whidbey Record

Dannie Oliveaux, Port Orchard Independent, Freshman wins state championship

Third Place John Fisken Oak Harbor’s Mark Johnston Whidbey News-Times

Color Sports Photo-Action Group 4

First Place Dannie Oliveaux Freshman Wins State Championship Port Orchard Independent Second Place Andy Nystrom RHS hosts 4A Kingco Tourney Redmond Reporter Third Place Terrence Hill Vongsaveng Hurdles Federal Way Mirror

Brian Myrick, Daily Record, rugby practice 2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 22

Photography

Al Camp

Brian Myrick

Photographer of the year First Place Brian Myrick Daily Record Natalie St. John

Second Place Al Camp Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Third Place Natalie St. John Chinook Observer

Web Awards Best Website

Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4 First Place Kara Furr Paciďż˝ic Coast Weddings Northern Light

Second Place Staff methowvalleynews.com Methow Valley News

Third Place Ian Ferguson Mount Baker Experience Northern Light

Best Online Photo Essay (no audio or video) Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

First Place Don Nelson Dog trapped in truck that rolled into Chewuch River in Winthrop Methow Valley News

Second Place Don Nelson Community pitches in to help owners of slide damaged home Methow Valley News

Third Place Steve Powell Audience walks around Marysville farm to watch unique play Marysville Globe

Best Use of Social Media Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4

First Place Darla Hussey Flooding takes out huge chunks of road Methow Valley News

Second Place Don Nelson Verizon Disaster Recovery Unit in Twisp Methow Valley News

Third Place Marcy Stamper Saturday Update: Evacuations continue, PUD looking at extended power Methow Valley News

Best Video

Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4 First Place Brandon Adam Arlington downs Marysville Getchell Arlington Times Second Place Brandon Adam, Kirk Boxleitner Arlington Fly in July 10 Arlington Times Third Place Brandon Adam Marysville opens Spray Park Arlington Times

2015 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 23