2017 WNPA Better Newspaper Contest

Better 2017 Newspaper Contest

130th Annual Meeting Oct. 12-14, 2017 Olympia, Wash.

2017 Better Newspaper Contest

Awards reflect on the important work we do

By Fred Obee First, on behalf of the staff and the Board of Directors for WNPA, let me offer you our heartfelt congratulations on the awards you all have received.

While reviewing the contest entries and putting together this publication, I was constantly impressed by the high quality entries. Vivid photos, compelling stories, and clever, attention-getting ads dominated.

Judges from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association all said how impressed they were

with the quality of the entries.

It shows what can be accomplished, even when we are pressed for time and even when resources are scarce. Our own initiative powers what we do, and it’s clear we have lots of that among WNPA members.

Here are just a few excerpts from the comments left by the judges:

“Excellent use of photos! Refreshing to see page designers are not timid about using large photos, creating bold layouts

CONTEST FACTS JUDGES: Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

“Very strong content throughout; crisp layout and design elements help to set this newspaper apart; the display advertising was uniformly excellent; the sections of the newspaper are presented logically; the number of legal notices

CONTEST PERIODS Regular Contest: April 1, 2016-March 31, 2017 Tourism Special Sections: June 1, 2016May 31, 2017 General Excellence: Sept. 18 & Sept. 25, 2017

Better Newspaper Contest Committee Members Don Nelson, WNPA President (Methow Valley News) Fred Obee, WNPA Janay Collins, WNPA

CIRCULATION GROUPS Circulation Group 1 – up to 2,500 Circulation Group 2 – 2,501-5,000 Circulation Group 3 – 5,001-12,500 Circulation Group 4 - 12,501 and up

NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY DIVISION Advertising: 340 Special Sections: 139

This special section was edited, designed and produced by the WNPA staff, Executive Director Fred Obee and Member Services Director Janay Collins. 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 Fred Obee at fredobee@ wnpa.com or by mail at WNPA, PO Box 389, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

“Newsy publication impressed me with its breadth of original reporting, interesting presentation and comprehensive coverage.”

News: 1,211 Photography: 313 Web: 25 General Excellence: 35 Number of Participating Newspapers: 59

BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

About this publication

and compelling packages.”

was staggering. Job very well done.”

“Fantastic use of art and color. Love the concept.

This ad pops! It tells you everything you need to know.

This ad has fun written all over it! Great job!

I started entering WNPA contests more than 30 years ago, and I’ve collected my share of awards.

Over that time, the importance of

these awards has never diminished in my eyes. I have always held them in high esteem.

The work we do in our communities is vitally important, especially today when fake news hawkers are so prevalent. We are needed more than ever, and the work in this contest proves we are up to the task.

Again, I offer my congratulations. I’m proud to represent you at WNPA. Fred Obee is WNPA’s Executive Director.

DeVaul gets Turnbull award; Hussey wins Bradley honor Frank DeVaul, a long-time publisher from Southwest Washington, accepted the Miles Turnbull Master Editor/Publisher award at the WNPA luncheon Oct. 13, 2017.

Frank, with his wife Judy, are publishers of the The East County Journal, the Tenino Independent and The Skamania County Pioneer. Frank was WNPA president in 1998. Frank and Judy are entrepreneurs. In addition to the newspapers, the couple operates a number of other businesses.

Accepting the Dixie Lee Bradley award at the same luncheon was Darla Hussey of the Methow Valley News in Twisp.

She is the go-to IT person for all of the paper’s operating systems. She’s the webmaster, Facebook page manager and she designs news and advertising materials. She helps out at the front desk with advertising and circulation inquiries, oversees all aspects of the production process, and takes a photo or two when the opportunity presents itself. Says her publisher: “She believes in what we do and makes everything we do better.”

Contents Advertising Division ...........................................................3-6 Special Sections ..................................................................7-8 News Division ...................................................................9-19 General Excellence ...........................................................10-11 Photography Division .......................................................20-23 Digital Division .....................................................................23

2 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Advertising Ad of the Year Groups 1 - 4

Third Place

Kelsey Thomas, John Rodriguez, Ariel Naumann Green Way Marijuana North Kitsap Herald

Second Place

Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez Ace Hardware, Spring is Here Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place

Tera Redwine, Dana Moreno Moses Lake Chamber, 360 Degrees of Adventure Columbia Basin Herald

Best Single Ad for Single Advertiser, Promoting a Sale or Event: Smaller than 1/2-page Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Jessica Blancas Cave B Inn & Spa The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Second Place

Terry Hamberg Boulet Productions, Christmas Show Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Third Place

Casey Clark C.W. Barbershop Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Group 3

First Place

Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Subaru Specialty Show N Shine The Northern Light

Second Place

Wendy Fried Night Must Fall, Valley Center Stage Snoqualmie Valley Record

Third Place

Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Birch Bay Chamber Rollback Weekend The Northern Light

Group 4

First Place

Julie Black, Polly Shepherd Kent Wine Walk Kent Reporter

Second Place

Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich Jimmy Mac’s Brewery Night Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Marcie Shannon, Kay Miller TechKnowHow, Summer Camps Federal Way Mirror

Diana Nelson Sammamish Day & Nights Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Bringing Class to Smoking Grass

First Place

Best Branding Ad: Single Ad for Single Advertiser Groups 1 & 2

HUNDREDS OF PRODUCTS FROM OVER 40+ PRODUCERS

First Place

BEST PRICES IN KITSAP COUNTY CALL OR DROP IN FOR DETAILS Flower & Pre-rolls

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS 4:20 TO 8PM

Cartridges & concentrates

FULL MENU ON

Glassware & Informative Accessories Sales Staff

Handicap Accessible

ATM on site

Micki Brass, Michelle Nedved Catering To You Newport Miner

Second Place

Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez Buckley & Buckley Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place Ask about our Frequently High Loyalty Program OPEN 7 DAYS :: WEEKLY & DAILY SPECIALS

4851 Geiger Rd, Port Orchard | 360.443.6988 | www.greenwaymarijuana.com

Highest Rated Customer Service

Mon-Sat 9-10 :: Sun 9-9

Ages 21+

WARNING: 1. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.; 2. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machiner y under the influence of this drug.; 3. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.; and, 4. For use only by adults twenty- one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

Best Single Ad for Single Advertiser, Promoting a Sale or Event: 1/2-page or larger Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez John L. Scott Eileen Black Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Erin Goodfellow Linds of Whidbey Island South Whidbey Record

Third Place

Terry Hamberg All Nations Heritage Night Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Group 3

Terry Hamberg Cannabis Superstore Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Lena Howe Rawson’s Back to School The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Second Place

Kelsey Thomas, Ariel Naumann Root Cellar Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Ruth Lauman, Catherine Darkenwald Farmstrong Brewing Company The Northern Light

Most Effective Use of Small Space (B/W or Color) Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Sherry LaVigne Chewelah Associated Physicians The Independent

First Place

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Theresa Murray Mariano’s Jewelry & Design Shelton-Mason County Journal Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge The Northern Light

Third Place

Theresa Murray Shelton Health & Rehabilitation Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

Kelsey Thomas, Rich Peterson The Deck Store Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich PowelsWood Fuscia Days Federal Way Mirror

Brian Edwards Lotus Integrated Health Nisqually Valley News Darla Hussey Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall Lummi Seafood Market The Northern Light

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Catherine Darkenwald Tulip Valley Winery The Northern Light

Third Place

Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall Ferndale Cherry Blossom Festival The Northern Light 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 3

Advertising Community Service

Community Service

First Place

First Place

Groups 1, 2 & 3

Group 4

Nisqually Valley News Nicole Kiourkas Relay for Life

Port Orchard Independent Kelsey Thomas, Rich Peterson United Way of Kitsap Golf Classic

Second Place

Port Townsend Leader Lloyd Mullen, Marian Roh Jefferson County Public Health

Second Place

Daily Sun News Job Wise Free Movie Food Drive

Third Place

Federal Way Mirror Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich Casino Night

Third Place

Most Effective Use of Small Space (B/W or Color) Group 4 First Place

Kelsey Thomas, Ariel Naumann Los Agaves Mexican Food Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Jennifer Anderson, Marcie Shannon Christmas Dessert Theatre Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Cindy Ducich, Marcie Shannon Centerstage Theatre, Mark Twain Federal Way Mirror

Multiple-Advertiser Ad: 1 to 2 Full Pages Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Job Wise, Ileana Martinez, Elaine Schneider, Karen Zackula Sunnyside Christian High School Poster Daily Sun News

Second Place

Daralyn Anderson, Carrie Van Buren, Dennis Clouse Halloween Safety Game Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Third Place

Daralyn Anderson, Nance Scott Go Seniors 2016 Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Julie Black, Marie Skoor Mother’s Day Kent Reporter

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst, Louise Mugar Holiday Harbor Lights The Northern Light

4 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Federal Way Mirror Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich Jimmy Mac’s Food Drive

Third Place

Mark Gillespie, John Rodriguez, Priscilla Wakefield Fall Sports North Kitsap Herald

Ad Campaign for Single Advertiser (B/W or Color) Groups 1 & 2

Group 3

First Place

Catherine Brewer, Chris Hawley Jefferson County Vision Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Theresa Murray Vaner Wal’s Garage Shelton-Mason County Journal

First Place

Third Place

Second Place

Group 4

Nicole Kiourkas Yelm Liquor Nisqually Valley News Micki Brass Smile Miracles Newport Miner

Third Place

Daralyn Anderson, Dennis Clouse Core Centric Personal Training Center Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Katie Montanez, Kate Mackenzie Sunrise Chevrolet Detailing The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

First Place

Julie Black, Nicole Schultes Ignite Financial Kent Reporter

Second Place

Kae Lamberton, Lisa Yaskus-McLaren Reserve at Renton Renton Reporter

Third Place

Julie Black, Marie Skoor Kent Regional Fire Authority Kent Reporter

Use of Process Color, Full Page Ad Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Erin Goodfellow Gemkow Construction Island Home Living South Whidbey Record

Second Place

Nicole Kiourkas Jason’s Greenhouse Nisqually Valley News

Third Place

Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez Happy Thanksgiving Bainbridge Island Review

Advertising Use of Process Color, Full Page Ad Groups 3 & 4

Use of Clip Art in Ad Groups 1 & 2

First Place

First Place

Ruth Lauman, Catherine Darkenwald Cinderella’s Secret The Northern Light

Elaine Schneider Barber Classes Daily Sun News

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Third Place

Use of Process Color, 1/2 Pg. or Larger Groups 1, 2 & 3

Group 3

Catherine Brewer, Scott Herning Autoworks Port Townsend Leader

Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez Ace Hardware, Customer Appreciation Day Bainbridge Island Review

Jen Clark, Scott Herning Thunderbull Productions Port Townsend Leader

Erin Goodfellow Loyal Companions, Pet Services Group Ad South Whidbey Record

First Place

Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Wheel House Bar & Grill The Northern Light

First Place

Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez Beyond the Report Card Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Mark Gillespie, Sharon Allen Blue Heron North Kitsap Herald

Third Place

Jen Clark, Scott Herning Swan School, Picnic on the Pier Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Linda Frizzell Spooner Berry Farm, Strawberries Here Now Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Mark Gillespie, Bill McDonald Sport HAUS North Kitsap Herald

Group 4

Group 4

First Place

First Place

Kelsey Thomas, Ariel Naumann Keeping it Local Port Orchard Independent

Group 3

Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich Branches Garden Center Federal Way Mirror

First Place

Second Place

Diana Nelson, Sonny Ebalo Summer Fun Guide Redmond Reporter

Second Place

Third Place

Jennifer Anderson, Marcie Shannon East India, Big Game Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Use of Process Color, Smaller than 1/2 Page Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive The Northern Light Ruth Lauman, Catherine Darkenwald Chuckanut Brewery The Northern Light Vanessa Calverley Barna & Co. North Kitsap Herald

Casey Clark Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, Honoring Our Veterans Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Group 4

Vanessa Calverley, Marleen Martinez Peacock Family Services Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Nicole Kiourkas Mountain Meadow Lavender Nisqually Valley News

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

5 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

First Place

Julie Black, Polly Shepherd Help Vitalize your Downtown Kent Reporter Marcie Shannon, Kay Miller Guadalajara, Grand Opening Federal Way Mirror

Promotion of Newspaper, Single House Ad Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Terry Hamberg Community, Delivered Every Thursday Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich Centerstage, Red Riding Hood Federal Way Mirror

Second Place

John Rodriguez, Priscilla Wakefield Lockheed Martin Central Kitsap Reporter

Third Place

Marcie Shannon, Cindy Ducich PowelsWood, Mother’s Day Federal Way Mirror

Terry Hamberg Merry Christmas from the Tribune Staff Northern Kittitas County Tribune Terry Hamberg What Does 2017 Hold For The Upper County?

Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Advertising Third Place

Pinnacle Award

Mark Gillespie, Bill McDonald Coast Hardware North Kitsap Herald

Jonel Lyons Sequim Gazette

Humor in Advertising Groups 1 & 2 First Place

WNPA manages a statewide network for small black and white impact ads.

The Pinnacle Award is given to the WNPA member who records the highest revenue numbers in sales of these ads.

Nicole Kiourkas Attwood’s Auto Sales Nisqually Valley News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Mark Gillespie, Bill McDonald Dahlquist’s Fine Jewelry North Kitsap Herald

The award comes with a $1,000 check.

The contest runs from the Monday after the fall convention through Sept. 30 the following year.

Promotion of Newspaper, Single House Ad Group 3 First Place

Mark Gillespie, Donna Etchey The Last Page of 2016 North Kitsap Herald

Second Place

Jen Clark, Scott Herning Join 15,000 Neighbors, Subscribe Port Townsend Leader

Third Place

Will Adams Time for a Refill Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Shawna Whelan, Will Adams, Dave Pierik, John Lester Highclimbers Bowling Varsity Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

Marcie Shannon Join Our Team!

Federal Way Mirror

Second Place

Marcie Shannon Best of Federal Way Invite Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Marcie Shannon Game Page Federal Way Mirror

Most Original Idea Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Brad Skiff, Karen Zackula, Staff Seahawks Forever Daily Sun News

Second Place

Jessica Blancas Quincy Animal Shelter The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Third Place

Terry Hamberg Cannabis Superstore, Comfort & Joy Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Julie Black, Polly Shepherd Help Vitalize your Downtown Kent Reporter

Second Place

Mark Gillespie, Mary Mollahan Liberty Bay Auto Center, Gift of Shine North Kitsap Herald

6 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Third Place

Jen Clark, Scott Herning Uptown Pub Port Townsend Leader

Youth-Oriented Content Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Ruth Lauman, Doug DeVisser, Louise Mugar Borderite Report The Northern Light

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Doug DeVisser, Louise Mugar Bay Builders The Northern Light

Third Place

Erin Goodfellow Brandon Biehler DMD, Falcon Sports Guide South Whidbey Record

Special Sections

Topical-In Paper/Non-Tourism Special Sections Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Staff Relay for Life 2016 Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place

Jennie McGhan Mat Classic Daily Sun News

Third Place

Philip Watness Prepare Skamania County Pioneer

Group 3

First Place

Dennis Box Emerald Downs 20th Anniversary The Courier-Herald

Second Place

Marian Roh, Local Kids Perspectives Port Townsend Leader

Third Place

Ruth Lauman Wings over Water The Northern Light

Group 4

First Place

Staff College & University Costs and Resources El Mundo

Second Place

Marcie Shannon, Kay Miller, Cindy Ducich Red White & Blues Federal Way Mirror

7 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Third Place

Second Place

Tourism/Community Guide Special Sections Group 1

Third Place

Staff State Elections, Know Your Candidates El Mundo

First Place

Staff Springtide Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Scott Hunter, Gwen Hilson, Roger Lucas, Jacob Wagner Grand Coulee Dam Visitors’ Guide 2017-2018 The Star

Third Place

Staff Visitors Guide 2016-2017 The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Group 2

First Place

Staff Made in the Methow Methow Valley News

Second Place

Staff Methow Valley Winter 2016-2017 Methow Valley News

Third Place

Rebecca Sedlak, John Bruijn Our Coast 2017 Chinook Observer

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Staff Whidbey and Fidalgo Islander Whidbey News-Times

Kara Furr Dennison, Doug DeVisser, Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Waterside 2017 The Northern Light Staff North Olympic Peninsula Visitor’s Guide, Spring/Summer 2017 Sequim Gazette

Lifestyle/Culture Special Sections Group 1 First Place

Sebastian Moraga, Jeannie Moraga, Jessica Blancas, Dave Burgess Bridal Guide The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Second Place

Dave Burgess, Jeannie Moraga, Jessica Blancas, Sebastian Moraga Spring Home and Garden 2017 The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Third Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong, Mandi Johnson, Shane Watson Women in Business Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Staff Living with Alzheimer’s: The Reddington Project Methow Valley News

Second Place

Staff Living with Fire Methow Valley News

Special Sections

Lifestyle/Culture Special Sections Third Place

Staff 2017 Methow Home Methow Valley News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Kara Furr Dennison, Louise Mugar, Doug DeVisser, Ruth Lauman Pacific Coast Weddings 2017 The Northern Light

Second Place

Oliver Lazenby, Doug DeVisser, Stefanie Donahue, Pat Grubb Mount Baker Experience, Spring 2017 The Northern Light

Third Place

Patricia Morrison Coate Living on the Peninsula: Explore your National Park Sequim Gazette

Special Events/Festivals Special Sections Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Jill FitzSimmons, Jessica Blancas, Sebastian Moraga, Sunshine Didra 2016 George Crier The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Second Place

Staff Sports Preview, Spring Season Newport Miner

Group 3

First Place

Staff Western Rendezvous The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

8 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Second Place

Leslie Kelly, John Rodriguez Military Appreciation Day North Kitsap Herald

Group 4

First Place

Leslie Kelly 125 Years of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Central Kitsap Reporter

Second Place

Cale Johnson Fall Sports 2016 The Reflector

Best Special Section Cover Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Group 3

First Place

Marian Roh Jefferson County Profile 2017 Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Staff Profile Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Staff Visitor’s Guide Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

John Rodriguez Military Appreciation Day Central Kitsap Reporter

Darla Hussey Methow Valley Winter Methow Valley News

Second Place

Briana Alzola, Joan Pringle, Kimberly Jacobson, Colette Weeks 2016 Holiday Guide Anacortes American

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Darla Hussey Methow Valley Summer Methow Valley News

John Rodriguez The Northwest Chronicle Central Kitsap Reporter John Rodriguez The Northwest Chronicle Port Orchard Independent

News 2017 SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR

2017 NEWS WRITER OF THE YEAR

2017 FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR

Groups 1 - 4

Groups 1 - 4

Groups 1 - 4

First Place

Dan Trujillo Camas-Washougal Post-Record

First Place

Brianna Loper Shelton-Mason County Journal

First Place

Bob Smith Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Third Place

Third Place

Best News Story, Long Group 1

Group 4

Third Place

Nick Elges Lynden Tribune David Pan Edmonds Beacon

First Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong Reality of Heroin Addiction Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

Cali Bagby, Colleen Smith Armstrong Survivors Speak out Against Sex Crimes Journal of the San Juan Islands

Third Place

Mandi Johnson Homeless in Paradise Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Justin Burnett Maxwelton’s Dirty Fix South Whidbey Record

Second Place

Natalie St. John Locals Fear Deportation after Arrests Chinook Observer

Third Place

Sarah Low New Law Brings Suicide Prevention and Gun Rights Activists Together Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Group 3

First Place

Brian Soergel Rocking the Boat Edmonds Beacon

Second Place

Michael Dashiell Sequim Man Critically Hurt in Mexico Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Allison Arthur Out in the Open: Cannabis Grower aims for Sustainability Port Townsend Leader

9 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Steve Hunter Kent Reporter Michael Heinbach Shelton-Mason County Journal

First Place

Steve Powell, Douglas Buell Women Firefighters The Marysville Globe

Second Place

Catherine Krummey, Samantha Pak, Allison DeAngelis Eastside Police Departments Examine Future of Proactive Policing Kirkland Reporter

Third Place

Allison DeAngelis Homeowners Left High and Dry after Sewage Line Backup Bellevue Reporter

Best News Story, Short Group 1 First Place

Sandy Stokes Covert Operation Illuminates Bridge La Conner Weekly News

Second Place

Dave Burgess Intermodal Facility eyed for Waste Shipments The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Jessica Shelton Bainbridge Island Review Patricia Guthrie Whidbey News-Times

Sophia Aldous Wolves Still a Fanged Issue Newport Miner

Group 3

First Place

Ruth Bayang Community Leaders Urge WSU officials to Reinstate Player Robert Barber Northwest Asian Weekly

Second Place

Ruth Bayang 30-day Clause to Remove Homeless moves to Committee Northwest Asian Weekly

Third Place

Stacy Nguyen Vegan or Vegetarian? Questions arise Surrounding Chinese Menu Northwest Asian Weekly

Group 4

First Place

Raechel Dawson City Focused on Gaps in Homeless Services Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Second Place

Group 2

Third Place

Ashley Hiruko Recall Effort Starts against Sen. Ericksen Ferndale Record

First Place

Ann McCreary Uneasy Riders Methow Valley News

Second Place

Jessica Shelton Winner, Winner, White House Dinner Bainbridge Island Review

Jonathan Haukaas Miscommunication Leads to Flooding on Road The Reflector Ryan Murray South Asians Lead Resistance to Hate Crimes Bellevue Reporter

General Excellence Group 1 First Place The Chewelah Independent Staff Second Place Ferndale Record Staff Third Place Islands’ Sounder Colleen Armstrong, Mandi Johnson, Shane Watson

Group 2 First Place Chinook Observer Matt Winters Second Place Bainbridge Island Review Staff Third Place Newport Miner Staff

10 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

General Excellence Group 3 First Place Shelton-Mason County Journal Staff Second Place Sequim Gazette Michael Dashiell, Matthew Nash, Patricia Morrison Coate, Mary Field Third Place Bremerton Patriot Staff

Group 4 First Place The Marysville Globe Steve Powell, Douglas Buell, Brandon Adam, Kirk Boxleitner Second Place Port Orchard Independent Staff Third Place Renton Reporter Brian Beckley, Leah Abraham, Polly Shepherd

2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 11

News Best Breaking News Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Natalie St. John Push Comes to Shove Chinook Observer

Second Place

Gary DeVon Navy Helicopter Rescues Hiker Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

Third Place

Joan Pringle Shell Refinery Halts Rail Project Anacortes American

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Kirk Boxleitner Sailboat Captain, ‘Pirate’ Calls Coast Guard for Help Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Brian Soergel Drive Takes Tragic Turn Edmonds Beacon

Third Place

Oliver Lazenby Customs & Border Patrol Supervisor Arrested after Fireworks Explosion The Northern Light

Best Health or Medical Story Group 1 First Place

Sebastian Moraga You Can Pause but Never Stop The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Second Place

Courtney Oldwyn Sniffing out Parkinson’s Journal of the San Juan Islands

Third Place

Dave Burgess Plan Emerges for Medical Center The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Group 2

First Place

Group 3

First Place

Terryl Asla CPR Saved Life of Ex-Marine North Kitsap Herald

Second Place

Brianna Loper Bringing ‘Difficult Subject’ into Conversation Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Brianna Loper A Local Fix to Save Lives Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

Samantha Pak Cardiac Arrest Survivor Pays it Back on Soccer Field Redmond Reporter

Second Place

Andy Nystrom One Tough, Inspirational Mustang Redmond Reporter

Third Place

Joe Livarchik Understanding Suicidal Youth Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Best Environmental Story Group 1 First Place

Mandi Johnson Permit for Gateway Pacific Terminal Denied Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

Philip Watness National Forest is a Dumping Ground for Garbage Skamania County Pioneer

Third Place

Heather Spaulding Where have all the Salmon Gone?

Journal of the San Juan Islands

Group 2

First Place

Sam Liebl Battling the Beetle Invasion Methow Valley News

Kyle Jensen Death with Dignity South Whidbey Record

Second Place

Nick Twietmeyer Health Study on Rubber Turf under Scrutiny Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place

Marcy Stamper Low Immunization Rate worries Health Officials Methow Valley News

Groups 3 & 4

Second Place

Third Place

Ann McCreary Large Scale Restoration Methow Valley News Natalie St. John Rare Deer Still Struggle Chinook Observer

Second Place

Nicholas Johnson Mukilteo Man reels in National Conservation Award Mukilteo Beacon

Third Place

Brian Soergel Snowmageddon Edmonds Beacon

Best Business News Story (incl. Technology and Agriculture) Group 1 First Place

Courtney Oldwyn Ferry Food Fight Hits the Streets Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Gary DeVon Gebbers and Chelan Fruit Step in to Help Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

Third Place

Gary DeVon Gold Digger Apples Files for Bankruptcy Protection Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

Group 2

First Place

Don Gronning Service Dog Conflict at Priest Lake Newport Miner

Second Place

Luke Whittaker Commercial Fishing Update: Dungeness Crab maintain Economic Grip Chinook Observer

Third Place

Don Nelson Charting the Methow Valley’s Eclectic Economy Methow Valley News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Sophie Bonomi Back Rent vs. Black Mold North Kitsap Herald

Second Place

Nicholas Johnson Electroimpact’s Zieve says he’s Victim of State’s Probe Mukilteo Beacon

Third Place

Allison Arthur Inn: Half for Halves, Half for Have-nots Port Townsend Leader

First Place

Erin Hawkins Saving the Hemlock Sequim Gazette 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 12

News Community Service First Place

Bremerton Patriot Leslie Kelly, Staff Puget Sound Naval Shipyard’s 125th

Special section commemorating the 125th anniversary of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Second Place

Port Orchard Independent Bob Smith, Terryl Asla Homelessness in Kitsap County

Multi-story effort examining homelessness, its causes and possible solutions.

Best Business Feature Story (includes Technology and Agriculture) Group 1 First Place

Philip Watness Mill Embarks on Game-changing Upgrade Skamania County Pioneer

Second Place

Sebastian Moraga Longtime Barber Tries on a Different Kind of Grooming The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Group 2

First Place

Luke Whittaker Blessing & Curse: Rain Sustains, Threatens Rose Ranch Chinook Observer

Second Place

Jessica Shelton Tuesdays with Melinda: BIMA Bistro Chef Makes Dinner a Foreign Adventure Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place

Ann McCreary Looking for a Home on the Range Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Brianna Loper Six Decades of Helping Animals Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Stacy Nguyen The Making of a Serial Entrepreneur Northwest Asian Weekly

13 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Third Place

Tiffany Ran New Bill brings Cultural Competency to Food Inspection Northwest Asian Weekly

Group 4

First Place

Group 2

First Place

Marcy Stamper Self-navigation in the Wide-open Digital World Methow Valley News

Second Place

Marcy Stamper Outdoor Classroom Methow Valley News

Ryan Murray Bellevue Vacuum Closes its Doors Bellevue Reporter

Third Place

Leah Abraham Card Shop Owner Hosts Autograph Sessions for Charity Renton Reporter

Group 3

Second Place

Third Place

Cale Johnson Hair Stylist takes Creative Talents to Whole Other Level The Reflector

Best Education Story Group 1 First Place

Maria Matson Day One on the Road to High School Graduation La Conner Weekly News

Second Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong School and Parents Correct Classroom Disruptions Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Hayley Day Schoolhouse Rock Journal of the San Juan Islands

John Fannin Educational Cancer Daily Sun News

First Place

Nicholas Johnson Bond’s Defeat Demands Dialogue Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Ron Newberry On Top of the World Whidbey News-Times

Third Place

Sophie Bonomi Wolfle Symphony to Perform at Benaroya North Kitsap Herald

Group 4

First Place

Heidi Sanders Troubles at Green River College Kent Reporter

Second Place

Leah Abraham IB Class Hard Work Finally Paid Off Renton Reporter

News Best Education Story Third Place

Jessica Keller Elementary Curriculum helps Teachers, Students Find Success Federal Way Mirror

Best Government Reporting Group 1 First Place

Gary DeVon Commissioners Spend Nearly $90K in One Month Fighting Lawsuit Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

Second Place

Sandy Stokes This Government is Closed to the Public La Conner Weekly News

Third Place

Hayley Day Clash over Tides Journal of the San Juan Islands

Group 2

First Place

Marcy Stamper Legislative Efforts Produce Mixed Results Methow Valley News

Second Place

Natalie St. John Place to go for Mail-order Divorces Chinook Observer

Third Place

Ann McCreary Newhouse in absentia at Public Meeting Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Tony Buhr Shady Acres Residents Speak Out Daily Record

Second Place

Kirk Boxleitner Sanctuary Debate On Port Townsend Leader

Third Place

Stefanie Donahue Dissonance among NWFR Commissioners Swells The Northern Light

Group 4

First Place

Rick Bannan The Columbia River Conundrum The Reflector

Second Place

Ana Karen Perez Guzman, Ray Still City Council Power Struggle Continues Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Third Place

Third Place

Best Crime and Court Story Group 1

Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue or Series Group 1

Robert Whale Long-neglected Property Auburn Reporter

First Place

Angelo Bruscas Burglaries Spark Citizen Concern North Coast News

Second Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong Colton Harris-Moore Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong Claim that Orcas Couple Embezzled Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Natalie St. John Car Destroys Mobile Home Chinook Observer

Second Place

Brian Kelly 911 Recording Prompts Arrest of Security Guard Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place

Jennie McGhan Bail Set at $25K for Teacher Daily Sun News

Group 3

First Place

Raechel Dawson Sixth Murder of 2016 Shakes Community Federal Way Mirror

First Place

Heather Spaulding, Hayley Day The Fate of Orcas in our Waters Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong, Courtney Oldwyn, Cali Bagby, Hayley Day Teacher Accused of Sexual Misconduct Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Philip Watness Cannabis Grow Operation Focuses on Medical Market Skamania County Pioneer

Group 2

First Place

Ann McCreary Forest Health Series Methow Valley News

Second Place

Paul Delaney Pure Joy: It’s No Longer your Father’s Marijuana Cheney Free Press

Third Place

Justin Burnett South Whidbey Ferry South Whidbey Record

Stacy Nguyen A Life Taken and Other Lives Forever Changed Northwest Asian Weekly

Group 3

Nicholas Johnson Victims’ Loved Ones Express Anguish over Mass Shooting Mukilteo Beacon

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Steve Powell Conductor Railroaded Arlington Times

Group 4

First Place

Samantha Pak Local Law Enforcement Respond to Dallas Shooting Redmond Reporter

Second Place

Joe Livarchik Residents Speak Out after Claim of Raciallymotivated Incident Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

First Place

Alexandria Valdez Concussions in Youth Sports Shelton-Mason County Journal Mark Briant Bremerton’s 125th anniversary Bremerton Patriot

Third Place

Terryl Asla, Sophie Bonomi The Story behind “Aluminum Overcast” North Kitsap Herald

Group 4

First Place

Bob Smith Tight Housing Market Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Allison DeAngelis Agency Cuts all Head Start Funding Bellevue Reporter

2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 14

News Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue Second Place or Series Danielle Frost Third Place

John William Howard Two-part Series on Heroin Kirkland Reporter

Investigative Reporting Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Sandy Stokes Tribal Lawyers Influenced State Tax Policy La Conner Weekly News

Second Place

Natalie St. John Litigious Candidate is an Anti-government Activitist Chinook Observer

Third Place

Natalie St. John Leaders Slow to Respond to Domestic Violence Allegations Chinook Observer

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Jessie Stensland Treatment Didn’t Stop Alleged Cascade Mall Shooter Whidbey News-Times

Second Place

Andrew Davis Addiction: Love, Hope and Tragedy Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Steve Powell Why the Firing?

Arlington Times

Best General Feature Story, Long Group 1 First Place

Anna Ferdinand Coping in the Margins: Troubled Youth Rewrite their Futures La Conner Weekly News

Second Place

Judy Booth Adventures on the Road in a Cuban Taxi Colectivo La Conner Weekly News

Third Place

Angelo Bruscas Sand and Sawdust Still Together North Coast News

Group 2

First Place

Marcy Stamper Help from All Over Methow Valley News

15 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Wheel in the Sky Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Second Place

Ann McCreary Bailing Twine a Fatal Attraction for Osprey Methow Valley News

Third Place

Third Place

Group 3

Group 3

Jessica Shelton Good Grief Bainbridge Island Review

First Place

Allison Arthur Homeless Vet Becomes a Suicide Statistic Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Ann McCreary Lofty Solitude Methow Valley News

First Place

Ron Newberry Sheep Barn Placed on State Heritage Barn Register Whidbey News-Times

Allison Arthur A Tiny House for Ruby Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Oliver Lazenby Ski to Sea with the Wetboyz The Northern Light

Third Place

Third Place

Group 4

First Place

Megan Campbell Seattle’s “Gateway to the Orient” Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Second Place

Nicole Jennings Museum Solves 30-year Family History Mystery Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Third Place

Mark Klaas Honoring a Forgotten Kent Reporter

Best General Feature Story, Short Group 1 First Place

Angelo Bruscas Quinault Big Cedar Finally Falls North Coast News

Second Place

Maria Matson The Norwester brings John Wayne to La Conner La Conner Weekly News

Third Place

Sebastian Moraga Dry Falls Redefines Awesome The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Group 2

First Place

Katie Metzger Two Islanders Celebrate 100th Birthdays Today Mercer Island Reporter

Jacqueline Allison One of the Best Barns Port Townsend Leader Ray Still Bonney Lake Mayor Opens Scholarship Foundation The Courier-Herald

Group 4

First Place

Ana Karen Perez Guzman Covington Man helps Bring a Wish to Life Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Second Place

Heidi Sanders Special Delivery Kent Reporter

Third Place

Leah Abraham Veterans Transform Farm Providing Equine Therapy for Vets with PTSD Renton Reporter

Best Lifestyle Feature Story Group 2 First Place

Juli Goetz Morser Living Life with Cancer Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Second Place

Juli Goetz Morser Island Woman earns Triple Crown of Hiking Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Third Place

Marcy Stamper Firearms Training Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Stacy Nguyen Young Artists Harness the Power of Bruce Lee Northwest Asian Weekly

News Best Lifestyle Feature Story Second Place

Sarah Sharp Quilting is More than a Job The Northern Light

Second Place

Stacy Nguyen Vietnamese Newspaper Publisher urges Stronger Community Voice Northwest Asian Weekly

Third Place

Third Place

Group 4

Group 4

Tiffany Ran Meals on Wheels Test Drives Asian Menu Northwest Asian Weekly

First Place

Raechel Dawson Hike It Baby Helps Moms Recharge Federal Way Mirror

Second Place

Jessica Keller Students Breaking Fashion Barriers with Clothing Line Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Bob Smith Vlist’s Motor is Purring like a Dream Port Orchard Independent

Best Personality Profile, Long Group 1 First Place

Sebastian Moraga Requiem for a Good Sport The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Nicholas Johnson Artist Hopkins calls Mukilteo Home Mukilteo Beacon

First Place

Ann McCreary Saving Something for Themselves Methow Valley News

Second Place

Bob Smith Two Old Geezers Port Orchard Independent

Best Personality Profile, Short Group 1 First Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong Stamper: You can’t Arrest Yourself out of Social Problems Islands’ Sounder Sebastian Moraga Wenatchee’s Pybus Market a Hangout Spot The Quincy Valley Post-Register Mandi Johnson Melinda Milligan is Retiring Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Juli Goetz Morser Art Legacy: Daughter of Island Artist Exhibits her Work Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Anneli Fogt Young Farmer ventures into Field with Humanitarian Perspective Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Second Place

Luke Whittaker Yellow Jacket Hunter Chinook Observer

Third Place

Third Place

Group 3

First Place

Nicholas Johnson A Pastor’s Pride: When Tony Brown took a Leap of Faith Port Townsend Leader

Group 4

First Place

Terryl Asla His Last Tall Ship Central Kitsap Reporter

Third Place

Third Place

Third Place

First Place

Terryl Asla Missing Monday Mary North Kitsap Herald

Mark Klaas Preparing Future Kent Reporter

Third Place

Group 2

Third Place

Second Place

Second Place

Second Place

Brandon Hansen Remembering Don The Independent

Matt Carstens Nick on the Rocks Daily Record

Sara Miller Anne Kennedy: Beautiful Reflections Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Heather Spaulding The Kozloff Legacy Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Kyle Jensen Langley do-it-yourselfer juggles Businesses, Hobbies South Whidbey Record Juli Goetz Morser Island Artist Constructs New Work out of Old Objects Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Group 3

First Place

Gordon Weeks Iconic Model: “I was an Ice Cream Sundae” Shelton-Mason County Journal

Leah Abraham Bullied Fourth Grader Promotes Inclusion Renton Reporter Leah Abraham Ringing the Bells Renton Reporter

Best Story on the Arts Group 1 First Place

Anna Ferdinand Seeking Redemption through Poetry La Conner Weekly News

Group 2

First Place

Amy Nile Ban Beat: Iranian Novelist Makes it to Oysterville Chinook Observer

Second Place

Ann McCreary ‘Beeest’ takes wing in Twisp Commons Park Methow Valley News

Third Place

Luciano Marano Drawn from History: WWII Graphic Novel of Six Nisei Soldiers Bainbridge Island Review

Group 3

First Place

Brian Soergel David Martin: Edmonds’ Mr. Early Northwest Art Edmonds Beacon

Second Place

Vivian Nguyen Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling Northwest Asian Weekly

Third Place

Nicholas Johnson Kamiak Alum Composes a Career in Music Mukilteo Beacon

2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 16

News Best Story on the Arts Group 4 First Place

Group 4

First Place

David Boehmke Dec. 28, 2016, Pallets The Reflector

Leah Abraham Art Series a Healing Process from Abuse Renton Reporter

Second Place

Leah Abraham “Trapped” chronicles Journey of Transgender Woman Renton Reporter

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Ryan Murray Strategies for Survival Bellevue Reporter

Best Feature Page Design Group 1 First Place

Sarah Brenden Jun. 24, 2016, In The Kitchen Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter Michelle Beahm Jul. 15, 2016, Kitsap ROCKS Central Kitsap Reporter

Best Front Page Design Group 1 First Place

Brandon Hansen Jan. 5, 2017, Gathering for Don The Independent

Greg Sellentin Feb. 1, 2017, Kids learn the Magic Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Mandi Johnson, Colleen Smith Armstrong Dec. 14, 2016, Return of the Sun Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Mandi Johnson Jan. 4, 2017, Naughty Pirates of Neverland Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Brandon Hansen Jan. 26, 2017, On the March The Independent Brandon Hansen Feb. 9, 2017, Battling Drugs The Independent

Group 2

First Place

Nicole Kiourkas, Michael Wagar Dec. 9, 2016, New Blood Nisqually Valley News

Brian Kelly Aug. 5, 2016, Bainbridge’s Big Artsy Weekend Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Brian Kelly Apr. 15, 2016, What’s so funny?

Bainbridge Island Review

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Nicole Kiourkas, Michael Wagar Jul. 1, 2016, Prairie Days Nisqually Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Nicole Kiourkas, Michael Wagar Nov. 11, 2016, Election Results Nisqually Valley News Darla Hussey Jan. 25, 2017, Women’s March Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Mark Gillespie Mar. 31, 2017, Kitsap Weekly, Taste Fresh North Kitsap Herald

Katie Kowalski Feb. 8, 2017, Identity into Focus Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Michael Dashiell Mar. 15, 2017, Cycling Through History Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Michael Dashiell Mar. 8, 2017, Journey to South America Sequim Gazette

Mark Gillespie Oct. 7, 2016, Kitsap Weekly, Embrace North Kitsap Herald Adam Rudnick Nov. 10, 2016, Election Results Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

Marcie Shannon May 13, 2016, Three Murders in 48 Hours Federal Way Mirror

17 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Second Place

David Boehmke Mar. 8, 2017, Columbia River Conundrum The Reflector

Third Place

John Rodriguez Mar. 3, 2017, Kitsap Weekly, The Day Kingston Was Bombed Central Kitsap Reporter

News of the Weird Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Natalie St. John Shroom Case Appeal Verdict Chinook Observer

Second Place

Natalie St. John Phone Fail Flummoxes a Felon Chinook Observer

Third Place

Kyle Jensen A Heavenly Meal South Whidbey Record

Group 3

First Place

Jessie Stensland Scary Clown Sightings Creep into Oak Harbor Whidbey News-Times

Second Place

Carol Ladwig Looking for Bigfoot Snoqualmie Valley Record

Third Place

Jessie Stensland Duck & Cover Whidbey News-Times

Group 4

First Place

Catherine Krummey Bellevue Man admits to Decapitating Duck Kirkland Reporter

Second Place

Mark Klaas Penguins Migrate Kent Reporter

Third Place

Allison DeAngelis Police Respond to 911 Calls, Discover 100+ Pokemon Go Players Bellevue Reporter

Best Sports News Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Brian Kelly State Champs!!!

Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Tyler Huey Remembering Jesse Nisqually Valley News

News Best Sports News Story

Third Place

Third Place

Ryan Kuhn Kittitas Senior Embraces Baseball with a Heart Condition Daily Record

Don Nelson Simply XCellent Methow Valley News

Group 3

Group 4

First Place

First Place

Michael Dashiell Wolves nab Six Medals at State Sequim Gazette

Jerod Young Delacruz Family Deeply Rooted in Local Baseball Federal Way Mirror

Second Place

David Pan Mavericks Win State Championship Edmonds Beacon

Second Place

Michael Dashiell Eatonville Upends Sequim Sequim Gazette

Third Place

John William Howard “Linewoman” is breaking gender stereotypes Kirkland Reporter

Third Place

Sarah Brenden Valentine Returns to Coach his Alma Mater Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Group 4

First Place

Shaun Scott Spartans capture King County Soccer Title Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Second Place

Group 4

Cale Johnson La Center Softball Wins First State Title The Reflector

First Place

Mark Klaas Taking a Closer Look Auburn Reporter

Second Place

Third Place

Best Sports Feature Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Mandi Donohue Rarified Atmosphere Methow Valley News

Second Place

Paul Delaney Cheney’s Boys of Fall Cheney Free Press

Third Place

Sarah Low Former Junior Rowers Compete in Regatta Together Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Group 3

First Place

Ryan Kuhn The Blowout Dilemma Daily Record

Second Place

First Place

Job Wise, Manny Dimas May 3, 2016, Faith and Football Daily Sun News

Jerod Young Schneider Lives out Gymnastics Dream Federal Way Mirror

Second Place

Mark Klaas Up from the Ashes Auburn Reporter

Third Place

Third Place

Michelle Beahm It’s Fun, Hard and You Can Hit People Central Kitsap Reporter

Best Sports Personality Profile Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Luciano Marano High School Athletic Trainer Protects, Inspires on and off the Field Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Evan Thompson Blind Student Competes in Cross Country South Whidbey Record

Third Place

Dan Trujillo Dec. 8, 2016, Community of Champions Camas-Washougal Post-Record Roger Harnack Mar. 22, 2017, Field Day Daily Sun News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Richard Walker, Sophie Bonomi Jul. 29, 2016, Canoe Journey North Kitsap Herald

Second Place

Adam Rudnick Aug. 4, 2016, Concussions in Youth Sports Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

David Boehmke Mar. 1, 2017, State Champion!

The Reflector

Ann McCreary State’s Wildlife Officer of the Year Methow Valley News

Group 3

Jason Cruz The Killing Art: Filipino Martial Arts Northwest Asian Weekly

First Place

Patrick Sullivan Daughter, Dad Work Gridiron Together Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Third Place

Best Sports Page Design Groups 1 & 2

Rodney Harwood Wade Leslie hopes to Inspire Others Columbia Basin Herald Sophie Bonomi “Northwest Mermaid” Takes the Plunge North Kitsap Herald 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 18

News Best Editorial Group 1

Second Place

Assunta Ng Reflections on Election Night Northwest Asian Weekly

First Place

Cali Bagby, Colleen Smith Armstrong Abuse of Power should be Against the Law Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Chris Thew Point of Thew The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Second Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong Don’t Let Addiction Hide in the Dark Islands’ Sounder

Best Humorous Column or Blog Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Third Place

Dennis Box Phone, Race and Constitution The Courier-Herald

Dave Burgess District Makes a Point with Parents The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Best Topical Columns or Blog Groups 1 & 2

Group 2

First Place

Michelle Nedved It’s Time Pend Oreille County Realized Marijuana is Legal Newport Miner

Second Place

Roger Harnack, John Fannin Time to Stop Free Passes Daily Sun News

Third Place

Justin Burnett Yeah, We’re not Paying South Whidbey Record

Group 3

First Place

Richard Walker A Possible Solution to Homelessness Bremerton Patriot

Second Place

Richard Walker Best Meet Community Needs Bremerton Patriot

Third Place

Steve Powell Hand this to Panhandlers Arlington Times

Group 4

First Place

Richard Walker The Enduring Lessons of WWII Central Kitsap Reporter

Second Place

Bob Smith City Council Drives Home Message Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Matt Phelps Elected Officials Deserve Respect Kirkland Reporter

First Place

Best Editorial Cartoon Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Brad Skiff Scary Clowns The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Second Place

Brad Skiff Pot Farms The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Third Place

Rob Putim Puppets Shelton-Mason County Journal

Best Editorial Pages Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Staff Editorial Pages Methow Valley News

Second Place

Third Place

Michael Dashiell Editorial Pages Sequim Gazette

First Place

Sebastian Moraga Shine Columns The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Second Place

Mel Damski If I Ran the Zoo La Conner Weekly News

Third Place

Mickey Bambrick Life on the Ridge La Conner Weekly News

Group 2

First Place

Don Nelson No Bad Days Methow Valley News

Second Place

Kellie Trudeau, Brandon Hansen Editorial Pages The Independent

Third Place

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Richard Walker Editorial Pages Bremerton Patriot

Second Place

Adam Rudnick Editorial Pages Shelton-Mason County Journal

19 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Second Place

Patricia Paul Aqiimuk’s Kitchen La Conner Weekly News

Best General Interest Column or Blog Third Place Al Stover Group 1

Michael Wagar Editorial Pages Nisqually Valley News

Third Place

Don Gronning Rodeo Scene Newport Miner

Sophia Aldous Sophie’s Choice Newport Miner Roger Harnack On the Hot Seat Daily Sun News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Elizabeth Widel Exploring the Okanogan The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Crunch Time Cheney Free Press

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Samantha Pak On the Shelf Northwest Asian Weekly

Second Place

Michael Heinbach Hot Corner Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Ryan Kuhn Timeout Daily Record

Photography Photographer of the Year Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Brianna Loper Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Roger Harnack Daily Sun News

Third Place

Brian Myrick Daily Record

B/W Feature, Portrait or Pictorial Photo

Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Philip Watness A Child’s Silhouette Skamania County Pioneer

Second Place

Michael Dashiell One Lump or Two? Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Wayne Diaz Three-day Music Festival Dazzles Audiences The Northern Light

B/W Sports Photo Groups 1 & 2

Brianna Loper of the Shelton-Mason County Journal won First Place for Photographer of the Year with a portfolio that “stood out for the photographer’s ability to find genuine moments of emotion.”

First Place

Roger Harnack Muddy Mess on the Volleyball Court Daily Sun News

Second Place

Brandon Hansen Little League Tournament The Independent

Third Place

Brian Kelly High-powered Twister Bainbridge Island Review

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Roger Harnack of the Daily Sun News took second in the Photographer of the Year competition.

Michael Dashiell Point Guard, for the Block Sequim Gazette

Second Place

Matthew Nash Grip and Grimace Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Michael Dashiell Wolves get a Lift Sequim Gazette

B/W Photo Essay Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Brandon Hansen State 1B Basketball Coming to a Close The Independent

20 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Shawna Whelan Alpaca Antics Shelton-Mason County Journal Gordon Weeks Songs of Joy Shelton-Mason County Journal

Breaking News, B/W or Color Groups 1 & 2 First Place

John Fannin Dialing for a Ride near Sunnyside Daily Sun News

Second Place

Gary DeVon Air Lifted Off Mountain Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

Brian Myrick of the Daily Record in Ellensburg placed third in the Photographer of the Year competition.

Third Place

Kyle Jensen Firefighters Work to Put Out the Flames South Whidbey Record

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Shawna Whelan Fire Destroys Home on Boundary Street Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Ron Newberry A Firefighter Consoles Whidbey News-Times

Third Place

Ray Still Grapple for the Gavel The Courier-Herald

Photography General News, B/W or Color Group 1 First Place

Ashley Hiruko Sen. Doug Ericksen Town Hall Ferndale Record

Second Place

Don Coyote All Lit Up La Conner Weekly News

Third Place

Brandon Hansen National Women’s March The Independent

Group 2

First Place

Michael Wagar Community Comes Together Nisqually Valley News

Second Place

Sophia Aldous Sun Sets on Powwow Newport Miner

Third Place

Don Gronning He Made It! Newport Miner

Group 3

First Place

Nicholas Johnson Remembering Amiyah and Yesterday Mukilteo Beacon

Second Place

Gordon Weeks Trump Supporters Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Matthew Nash Waving in the Lavender Sequim Gazette

Group 4

First Place

Rachel Ciampi of the Kent Reporter took first place in the color feature photo division in Group 4 for this pumpkin patch photo.

Second Place

Mandi Johnson Homecoming 2016 Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Don Coyote Yum! La Conner Weekly News

Group 2

First Place

Ashley Lodato No shoes, no shirt, Badass Wolverine Run Methow Valley News

Second Place

Briana Alzola Arts Festival hosts 2016 Color Run Anacortes American

Dennis Box In Memory Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Third Place

Michelle Beahm P.Ink Helps Women Reclaim their Bodies Central Kitsap Reporter

Group 3

Second Place

Third Place

Leah Abraham Students Protest at City Hall Renton Reporter

Color Feature Photo Group 1 First Place

Colleen Smith Armstrong County Fair: Barn and Raised Islands’ Sounder

Julia Hart “Maybelle” Kicks Off the Fair Daily Sun News

Group 4

First Place

Rachel Ciampi Choosy Kent Reporter

Second Place

Heidi Sanders Hands-on Science Kent Reporter

Third Place

Andy Nystrom Joyous Festival of Color Redmond Reporter

Color Portrait (Human or Animal) Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Brian Kelly Rev. Paul Stumme-Diers Finds his Soft Spot Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Roger Harnack Calming Effect Daily Sun News

First Place

Third Place

Second Place

Group 3

Allison Arthur Thor Fights Flu Port Townsend Leader Nicholas Johnson Chloe Rogers Port Townsend Leader

Third Place

Brianna Loper Here, Fishy, Fishy Shelton-Mason County Journal

Natalie St. John Aida Moradi Ahani Chinook Observer

First Place

Brian Myrick Drenched Dachshunds Daily Record

Second Place

Nicholas Johnson Artist Hopkins Calls Mukilteo Home Mukilteo Beacon

2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 21

Photography Color Portrait (Human or Animal) Group 3 Third Place

Nicholas Johnson Nick Singleton Port Townsend Leader

Group 4

First Place

Rachel Ciampi Low Rider Auburn Reporter

Second Place

Carrie Griffis Wildlife in Pastels Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Jonathan Haukaas Throwing Corn Cobs The Reflector

Color Pictorial Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Don Coyote Hunting La Conner Weekly News

Second Place

Don Coyote Fall Foraging La Conner Weekly News

Third Place

Marcy Stamper Sea of Tranquility Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Brian Myrick Star Party Daily Record

Second Place

Brian Myrick Bees Gather Pollen from a Sunflower Daily Record

Third Place

Ron Newberry A Fiery Celebration Whidbey News-Times

Group 4

First Place

Andy Nystrom My City Redmond Redmond Reporter

Second Place

Jonathan Haukaas The I-5 Bridge Rises out of the Fog The Reflector

Third Place

Steve Powell Stream to Mountain The Marysville Globe

Allison Arthur of the Port Townsend Leader took first place in the color feature photo category in Group 3 with this photo of Thor who joined other super heros in handing out flu shots to children.

Color Photo Essay Group 1 First Place

Brandon Hansen, Jared Arnold, Other Contributors Chewelah Chataqua 2016 The Independent

Second Place

Philip Watness 2016 Skamania County Fair Skamania County Pioneer

Group 2

First Place

Jim Fossett YEE-HAW! Cle Elum Roundup Billed a Winner Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place

Roger Harnack High on Nitro Daily Sun News

Group 3

First Place

Sophie Bonomi Cyclists Show Grit in Twilight Criterium Races North Kitsap Herald

Second Place

Michael Dashiell, Patricia Morrison Coate, Alana Linderoth Sequim’s Irrigation Festival Fun Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Dee Camp Rainy Lake The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Group 4

First Place

Dennis Box Winner and still Champions Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Second Place

Leah Abraham 2016 in Photos Renton Reporter

Third Place

Leah Abraham Multicultural Festival Friday Renton Reporter

Color Sports Photo - Action Group 1 First Place

Sebastian Moraga Axel Medina Scores The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Group 2

First Place

Luciano Marano Big Lead for a Little Racer Bainbridge Island Review

2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 22

Photography Second Place

Erik Pague Navigating the Big Dirty Run Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Third Place

Dan Trujillo Lofstead Vault Record Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Group 3

First Place

Matthew Nash Rugby Race Sequim Gazette

Second Place

Shawna Whelan Hold it Right There Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

John Fisken Oak Harbor Center Fielder Dylan Whidbey News-Times

Group 4

First Place

Jonathan Haukaas Skaters take Advantage of the Last Few Weeks of Sunshine The Reflector

Second Place

Lee Maples A Tangle under the Basket Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Dennis Box Kicking into State Gear Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Digital

Best Website Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Staff MethowValleyNews.com Methow Valley News

Second Place

Oliver Lazenby, Doug DeVisser, Pat Grubb MountBakerExperience.com The Northern Light

Third Place

Pat Grubb TheNorthernLight.com Website The Northern Light

Michael Wagar of the Nisqually Valley News took first place in the sports color feature photo category in Groups 1 & 2 for this photo of Yelm celebrating a state championship.

Color Sports Photo - Feature Groups 1 & 2 First Place

First Place

Brian Myrick End Zone Consolation Daily Record

Michael Wagar Yelm State Champs Nisqually Valley News

Second Place

Don Gronning Getting Ready to Ride Newport Miner

Third Place

Brian Myrick Homecoming Celebration Daily Record

Second Place

Best Online Ad Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Job Wise Anytime Fitness Daily Sun News

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

First Place

Darla Hussey, Don Nelson 49ers Days Parade Methow Valley News

Second Place

Groups 3 & 4

Mandi Donohue, Ann McCreary, Don Nelson July 4, 2016 in Twisp Methow Valley News

Brianna Loper Finding Balance Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 3

First Place

Michael Dashiell Sequim’s Vern Frykholm, Sr. Sequim Gazette

Second Place

Best Video Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Brandan Adam Football Preview The Marysville Globe

Second Place

Michael Dashiell Graduation Walk Sequim Gazette

Matthew Nash Sequim Lavender Weekend Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Group 4

First Place

Briana Alzola Christmas Events 2016 Anacortes American

Steve Powell The Little Schoolhouse in Marysville The Marysville Globe

Second Place

Leah Abraham Return to Renton: Car Show Renton Reporter 2017 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 23

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