2018 WNPA Better Newspaper Contest

Better 2018 Newspaper Contest

131st Annual Meeting Oct. 11-13, 2018 Yakima, Wash.

2018 Better Newspaper Contest

Your exceptional efforts serve communities well

By Fred Obee This year has been rewarding and eventful. I continue to be awed by the devotion of WNPA members who put their shoulders to the wheel every day, dedicated to the idea that a free press is a noble and worthwhile pursuit.

In looking over the contest winners, I can only think that the communities our newspapers serve are extremely lucky. Stories, photos and advertisements all show great attention to detail, pride in

professional standards and a whole lot of human emotion.

Smiles. Frowns. Grimaces.

Laughter. It’s all there.

But don’t take it from me.

Listen to this year’s judges who know something about newspapers and reviewed your efforts. To a person, they let you know just how impressed they were.

Federal Way Mirror: Well organized layout. Excellent variety of coverage with very good writing. Crisp headlines.

A particularly strong and lively

CONTEST FACTS BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

JUDGES: Wisconsin Newspaper Association

opinion section.

Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter: Impressive special sections and outstanding photography. Pleasing design and obvious attention to detail.

Anacortes American: Great balance between headline stories and photos, combined with strong page design. I was surprised to find all three of these elements, along with some quality news and opinion writing consistently throughout each edition.

Lynden Tribune: Lynden

Photography: 305 Web: 30 General Excellence: 51 Number of Participating Newspapers: 62 CONTEST PERIODS Regular Contest: April 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 Tourism Special Sections & Covers: June 1, 2017-May 31, 2018 General Excellence: August 14, 21 and Publisher’s choice

BNC COMMITTEE Committee Members Don Nelson, Chair, Methow Valley News Colette Weeks, Anacortes American Sandy Stokes, WNPA President Fred Obee, WNPA Janay Collins, WNPA NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY DIVISION Advertising: 266 Special Sections: 156 News: 1,146

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

About this publication

Contents

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 on WNPA’s Issuu website, or from WNPA. Send requests to Fred Obee at fredobee@wnpa.com or by mail at WNPA, PO Box 389, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

does so much right. Clean, beautiful design, stories with heart, and good photos all stood out. Once again, so much great elements to this.

Whidbey News-Times: Has just the right mix of elements this year to get top honors.

Stories have personality, photos tell the story, and design is not just paint by numbers.

Overall a close finish.

And that’s just a small sampling from the General Excellence category. It’s clear the judges appreciate the hard

work WNPA members are doing every day in their communities.

So congratulations to this year’s winners. Once again you have shown great heart, persistence and a dedication to reflecting the ups and downs your communities experience.

Your work is meaningful and the world is better off for your efforts. I congratulate you on a year of outstanding work.

Fred Obee is WNPA’s Executive Director.

Archipley awarded Turnbull; Luna wins Bradley honor Paul Archipley, owner and publisher at Beacon Publishing in Mukilteo, was the 2018 winner of the Miles Turnbull Master Editor/Publisher award.

Archipley started his company more than 20 years ago on the shores of Puget Sound after getting his start at California dailies, and he has continually expanded the reach of his publications in Washington. He’s been honored many times by the communities he serves.

He was on the WNPA board of directors for several years and was WNPA President in 2010 and 2011.

Jeanie Luna is the office manager at the Northern Light in Blaine and is this year’s recipient of the Dixie Lee Bradley award. The award is named for WNPA’s long time office manager who served the organization for 45 years.

“All of what we’ve gone through as a company starting basically from scratch, scaling up, introducing new accounting and CRM software systems, she’s been there and done it for us,” said publisher Patrick Grubb.

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

2 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Advertising Ad of the Year Groups 1 - 4

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Catherine Darkenwald Hundred North Restaurant The Northern Light

First Place

Dana Moreno Central Washington Home Show Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Doug DeVisser, Janet McCall Pooch Palace & Kitty Kastle The Northern Light

Second Place

Dana Moreno Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Columbia Basin Herald

Effective Use of Small Space Groups 1 & 2

Third Place

Jill Swafford Fugate Ford The Courier-Herald

First Place

Nicole Kiourkas United Methodist Plant & Bake Sale Nisqually Valley News

Single Advertiser, Sale or Event: Smaller than 1/2 Page Groups 1 & 2

Second Place

Erin Goodfellow Whidbey Natural Pet South Whidbey Record

First Place

Casey Clark Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Third Place

Casey Clark Kittitas County Public Health Dept.

Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place

Casey Clark Central Cascade Embroidery & Screen Printing Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

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

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

David Boehmke Three Brothers Vineyard & Winery The Reflector

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Semiahmoo Resort The Northern Light

Third Place

Rosalie Black Ten Pin Brewing Columbia Basin Herald

Single Advertiser, Sale or Event: 1/2 Page or Larger Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Afton Corbett, Shannon Chapman Cannafest 2018 The Statesman Examiner

Second Place

Terry Hamberg Office of the Insurance Commissioner Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Gretchen Bundy K.O. Bailey, Author Whidbey News-Times

Second Place

Dana Moreno Othello Career Showcase Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Kachele Yelaca, Marian Roh Flurry of Winter Fun Port Townsend Leader

Branding Ad Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Ileana Martinez Toppenish Chamber of Commerce Daily Sun News

Second Place

Erin Goodfellow Christian Life Center South Whidbey Record

Third Place

Erin Goodfellow Windermere Real Estate South Whidbey Record

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Dana Moreno Gary Mann & Team Up Real Estate Columbia Basin Herald

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Birch Bay Kite Festival & Pet Show The Northern Light

Third Place

Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Point Roberts Little America The Northern Light

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

Erin Goodfellow Shop Local for Valentine’s Day South Whidbey Record

Second Place

Jessica Blancas Mother’s Day Gift & Celebration Guide The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Third Place

Afton Corbett, Bonni Haskell, Shannon Chapman Let’s Fix It Up! The Statesman Examiner

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Carol Greiling, Polly Shepherd, Kevin Tucker Local Dining Auburn Reporter

Second Place

Kachele Yelaca, Marian Roh Window Shopping Port Townsend Leader 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 3

Advertising Community Service

Second Place

Groups 1 - 4 First Place Job Wise Food Drive & Free Movie Daily Sun News

Third Place

Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall Holiday Inn & Suites The Northern Light Job Wise, Matthew Sagen Anytime Fitness Daily Sun News

1/2 Page or Larger Ad, Color Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Erin Goodfellow Flower House Cafe South Whidbey Record

Production manager Job Wise worked with the local movie theater on a canned food drive over the Thanksgiving weekend. While parents were out shopping for holiday gifts, children could attend a free showing of “Sing,” with the cost of admission being a donation of nonperishable food items. The event collected hundreds of pounds of food for indigent local families while also giving parents a much needed “babysitter” while they shopped locally.

Multiple-Advertiser Ad: 1 or 2 Full Pages Third Place

Kelsi Weber Columbia Basin Teacher of the Month Columbia Basin Herald

Ad Campaign for Single Advertiser Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Dana Moreno Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Columbia Basin Herald

Second Place

Job Wise Hal’s Tree Topping Service Daily Sun News

Third Place

Job Wise Wheeler’s Smoke-N-Gas Daily Sun News

Second Place

Casey Clark Youth Services Mentor Program Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Third Place

Nicole Kiourkas Christensen’s Home Furnishings Nisqually Valley News

Full Page Ad, Color Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Jill Swafford Fugate Ford The Courier-Herald

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Rosalie Black New Hope Columbia Basin Herald

Second Place

Rosalie Black Ten Pin Brewing Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Jill Swafford NAPA Auto Parts The Courier-Herald

Smaller than 1/2 Page Ad, Color Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Casey Clark Kittitas County Public Health Dept.

Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place

Jessica Blancas Quincy Farmers Market The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Third Place

Dana Sphar North Cascades Builders Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Big Al’s Diner The Northern Light

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst CJ’s Beach House Restaurant The Northern Light

Third Place

Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst VW’s Home & Garden The Northern Light

4 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Advertising Smaller than 1/2 Page Ad, Color Group 4 First Place

Jill Swafford Senior Center Benefit The Courier-Herald

Second Place

Jill Swafford Arcadia Home Care The Courier-Herald

Third Place

Jill Swafford Henschell Chiropractic The Courier-Herald

Use of Clip Art in Ad Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Casey Clark Kittitas County Hospital District Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place

Nicole Kiourkas Elie Jewelers Nisqually Valley News

Third Place

Erin Goodfellow World Spay Day South Whidbey Record

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

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

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Birch Bay Kite Festival The Northern Light

Third Place

Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst Black Forest Steak House The Northern Light

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

Brian Edwards Pot of Gold Nisqually Valley News

Second Place

Nicole Kiourkas Know Your News Source Nisqually Valley News

Third Place

Jessica Blancas Spring Home and Garden The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Catherine Brewer, Marian Roh OOOooo! That’s a good deal!

Port Townsend Leader

5 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Advertising Promotion of Newspaper, Single House Ad Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Proudly Serving the Community The Northern Light

Third Place

Dana Moreno Get In On Everything Local Columbia Basin Herald

Most Original Idea Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Marleen Martinez, Raquee Rivera Ty Evans Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Melanie Morgan Theorem Cannibis Bothell-Kenmore Reporter

Third Place

Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Semiahmoo Resort The Northern Light

Humor in Advertising Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Diana Nelson Grange Farm & Feed Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Second Place

Terry Hamberg Laundry Mutt Dog Wash Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Third Place

Doug DeVisser, Catherine Darkenwald Bare Buns Fun Run The Northern Light

Youth-Oriented Content Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Casey Clark Family Eye Clinic Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place

Dana Sphar Youth Soccer Methow Valley News

Pinnacle Award Laura Martin The Statesman Examiner 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.

The award comes with a $1,000 check.

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

Third Place

Marleen Martinez, Raquee Rivera Alchemy Industrial Arts Bainbridge Island Review

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Rosalie Black Dance FX Columbia Basin Herald

6 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Second Place

Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Loomis Trail Golf Club The Northern Light

Third Place

Brad Thew Port of Pend Oreille Newport Miner

Special Sections

Topical, In-Paper Special Section Groups 1 & 2

Second Place

Staff Moses Lake Magazine Columbia Basin Herald

First Place

Staff Savor the San Juans Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Staff Grant County Magazine Columbia Basin Herald

Second Place

Staff Spring Sports Preview The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Lifestyle/Culture Special Section Groups 1 & 2

Third Place

Brandon Hansen Winter Sports Preview 2017 Chewelah Independent

First Place

Laura Lofgren Emergency Preparedness Guide Sequim Gazette

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Ruth Lauman Wings over Water Birding Festival The Northern Light

Second Place

Carol Greiling, Polly Shepherd, Kevin Tucker Kids Design an Ad Auburn Reporter

Third Place

Staff Weddings in the San Juans Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

Third Place

Staff Independence Day Port Townsend Leader

Tourism Special Section Group 1 First Place

Staff Springtide Visitors’ Guide Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

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

Third Place

Kerry Moser Ephrata & Northern Grant County Grant County Journal

7 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Group 2

First Place

John Bruijn, Matt Winters Discovery Coast 2017-18 Chinook Observer

Second Place

Laura Lofgren Living on the Peninsula Sequim Gazette

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Brent Lindquist, Calvin Bratt, Ashley Hiruko, Nick Elges Play Whatcom 2017 Lynden Tribune

Staff Explore Central Cascades Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Second Place

Staff Methow Valley Summer 2018 Methow Valley News

Third Place

Third Place

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Donna Etchey, Bryon Kempf Discover Kitsap Port Orchard Independent

Staff Golden Years Newport Miner Diana Nelson 50+ Young and Healthy Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Special Sections

Special Events/Festivals Special Section Groups 1 & 2

Special Section Covers Groups 1 & 2

First Place

First Place

Leslie Kelly, Donna Etchey Let it Not Happen Again Bainbridge Island Review

Job Wise, Roger Harnack Lower Yakima Valley Reach 2018 Daily Sun News

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Third Place

Groups 3 & 4

Groups 3 & 4

Roger Harnack, Ted Escobar, Job Wise, Staff The Great Eclipse Daily Sun News

Darla Hussey Methow Home 2018 Methow Valley News

Staff Pioneer Days Souvenir Program Northern Kittitas County Tribune

Darla Hussey Methow Valley Health & Wellness 2017 Methow Valley News

First Place

First Place

Staff Performing Arts & Events Center Federal Way Mirror

Stacy Nguyen Lunar New Year Northwest Asian Weekly

Second Place

Staff Thunderbirds Fan Guide Kent Reporter

Third Place

Calvin Bratt, Brent Lindquist, Ashley Hiruko, Nick Elges NW Washington Fair Magazine 2017 Lynden Tribune

Community Guide Special Section Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Second Place Third Place

Staff The Best of Nisqually 2017 Nisqually Valley News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Staff Profile Port Townsend Leader

Erich Bengal, John Bruijn Our Coast Magazine Chinook Observer

Second Place

Gary Peterson, Joanna Markell Wayfinder Daily Record

Third Place

Second Place

8 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Carol Greiling, Kevin Tucker, Polly Shepherd Residents’ Guide Auburn Reporter Staff Fall Sports Preview Newport Miner

Dana Moreno, Rosalie Black Northwest Weddings Bride Style Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Dana Moreno Adams County Fair 2017 Columbia Basin Herald

News 2018 SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR

2018 NEWS WRITER OF THE YEAR

2018 FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR

First Place Rodney Harwood Columbia Basin Herald Second Place Alexandra Smith Shelton-Mason County Journal Third Place Michael Dashiell Sequim Gazette

First Place Kelly Moyer Camas-Washougal Post-Record Second Place Carolyn Bick Northwest Asian Weekly Third Place Natalie St. John Chinook Observer

First Place Luciano Marano Bainbridge Island Review Second Place Robert Whale Auburn Reporter Third Place Bob Smith Port Orchard Independent

News Story, Long Groups 1 & 2

Third Place

Sarah Highfield Marching in Omak Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

First Place

Sarah Low State investigates Health Care Provider Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Group 4

First Place

Second Place

Ray Miller-Still Avalanche Victims Honored The Courier-Herald

Cathy Kane Dr. Brad Larson East County Journal

Second Place

Third Place

Rick Bannan Dogs in Wake of Hurricane The Reflector

Marcy Stamper, Ann McCreary Fire Recovery Continues Methow Valley News

Third Place

Megan Campbell Bus Driver Shortage Kirkland Reporter

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Joe Veyera Soda Tax draws Scrutiny Queen Anne/Magnolia News

Second Place

Jonathan Haukaas Animals Rescue was Never a Rescue The Reflector

Third Place

Allison Arthur Hospital Board quarrels over Email Port Townsend Leader

News Story, Short Group 1 First Place

Bill Reynolds Plunge into New Year La Conner Weekly News

Second Place

Mandi Johnson Hiker and Missing Dog Rescued Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Ashley Hiruko New Jail Plan Ferndale Record

9 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Group 2

First Place

Don Nelson Watch Your Step Methow Valley News

Breaking News Story Group 1 First Place

Brian Kelly Two Minutes until Tragedy Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Third Place

Group 3

Group 2

Dave Burgess Squeeze on Quincy Project The Quincy Valley Post-Register Katie Leithead Hunter’s Stray Bullet The Statesman Examiner

First Place

Lisa Bryan Marina Expansion Faces Opposition Key Peninsula News

Second Place

Sarah Highfield Protestors call for Gun Control Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Kenneth Stern Boat Burns on Channel La Conner Weekly News Kelly Moyer Wildfire leaps Columbia River Camas-Washougal Post-Record

First Place

John McCallum Man Shot, Abducted Cheney Free Press

Second Place

Roger Harnack On Alert Daily Sun News

General Excellence Group 1 First Place Camas-Washougal Post-Record Staff

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

THURSDAY A1

Volume 109 No. 33

l

$1.00

‘Black Pearl’ may WA State Patrol completes Guard investigation, sends to prosecutors be developed as penthouses or Major Crimes Team reviewing WSP report involving office-retail space Washougal Mayor Sean Guard Attorney’s Office.

WSP Lieutenant Randy Hullinger said last week that WSP had closed its investigation on Aug. 7, and turned its findings over to prosecutors, who will make the decision on whether or not to press charges.

A spokesperson for the Clark County Post-Record managing editor Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said the matter was “being reviewed by the maTwo months after opening an investijor crimes team” and that Chief Crimigation involving Washougal Mayor Sean nal Deputy Camara Banfield currently Guard, the Washington State Patrol has has the file. completed its report and forwarded the See Guard, page A7 matter to the Clark County Prosecuting

BY KELLY MOYER

Sean Guard

CAMAS’ FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS ARE IN FULL SWING

Second Place Bainbridge Island Review Staff

Building overlooking C-W marina has been vacant since its construction in 2011

BY DAWN FELDHAUS Post-Record staff writer A 12,000-square-foot concrete, steel and glass building overlooking the Port of Camas-Washougal marina, which has been vacant since its construction six years ago, will soon be the future site of penthouses or possibly a mix of office and retail.

The two-story structure, located at 56 S. “A” St., Washougal, had pre-

viously been slated as the site for an upscale restaurant named Black Pearl on the Columbia. That restaurant, which had been expected to open in the spring of 2011, would have featured a bar, banquet and meeting rooms, patio dining and a 5,000-bottle wine cellar with rentable lockers.

Bill Sherertz, the managing member of Black Pearl on the Columbia LLC, died in January of 2011, at the age of 64.

His widow, Kimberly, said later that year that it was her husband’s wish to open the restaurant, but that she was not as passionate

See Black Pearl, page A2

New school gets a new mascot Washougal welcomes the Columbia River Gorge Elementary River Otters

BY DANIELLE FROST Post-Record staff writer

P HOTOS

BY

TORI B ENAVENTE/POST-R ECORD

Clockwise from top: Teresa Cox practices her plate-spinning skills; Lorelei Kelly, 6, and Emilia Kelly, 4, get extra spinning force from their father, Jeff, and mother, Sara; and Karley Cox, 10, puts her hula-hooping skills into action. All were at the Circus Skills with Shireen event, hosted by Camas Parks and Recreation, on Aug. 11. The free Family Fun Fridays take place from noon to 1 p.m., at Crown Park through August. Next up: “Sports Spectacular” on Aug. 18 and “Reptile Man” on Aug. 25.

Third Place Journal of the San Juan Islands Staff

8 Sections, 74 Pages

Camas-Washougal, Washington, Thursday, August 17, 2017

After 263 students and 30 staff members weighed in, Washougal’s newest elementary school has a mascot.

Columbia River Gorge Elementary will be the home of the River Otters.

The choice was narrowed down from 20 choices, including the Eagles, Hawks, Chinook, Bobcats and Falcons.

See Mascot, page A5

DANIELLE FROST/POST-R ECORD

Columbia River Gorge Principal Tracey MacLachlan shows off the school’s new mascot, Raymond the River Otter.

A Camas family’s devastating loss inspires ‘Our City Cares’ suicide prevention campaign Joe and Sheryl Stephens want to unite community, combat tragedy with positive, hopeful messages

BY KELLY MOYER Post-Record managing editor

I

n the days and weeks that followed their 25-year-old son Jon’s suicide in August of 2016, Joe and Sheryl Stephens found themselves inside a powerful and, Sheryl says, complex circle of pain.

“For the survivors, the ones left behind after a person chooses suicide, the grief is complicated,” Sheryl says.

“There is a sense of guilt, of ‘would’ve, should’ve’ that happens and, if you focus on that, you can find yourself in real jeopardy.”

Everyone grieves in their own unique way, but for Joe and Sheryl, finding their path through such an overwhelming pain took a combination of faith, family and community.

“We’re not saying, ‘we’re done, we got this,’” Joe says. “(The grief) is still there. It comes at different times. But, before Jon’s death, we wouldn’t have known what to say or do in this situation. We wouldn’t have understood.”

Now, the Stephens understand the catastrophic consequences all too well.

They feel the pain inside themselves when they hold one of Jon’s welding tools or try to help one of his C ONTRIBUTED PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STEPHENS FAMILY younger siblings pull through their own grieving process. They see the pain on the faces of Jon’s friends and Above: Joe and Sheryl Stephens, of Camas, have started a suicide members of their tight-knit church community. prevention campaign, “Our City Cares.” The Stephens’ son, Jon, “Suicide sends a subtle message of hopelessness out to killed himself on Aug. 31, 2016. the entire community,” Sheryl says. “The entire community is left with this complicated grief and guilt.”

Above Left: Jon Stephens, of Camas, committed suicide in 2016

See Suicide prevention, page A3

at the age of 25, shortly after moving to Ohio.

What’s Inside...

Index Obituaries ........... A2 Around Town....... B2 Hometown .......... B1 Business ............B4

Sports ................ A6 Opinion ............... A4 Classifieds..........B5 Public Notices .... C2

U|xaIICGHy02335mzV Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

THURSDAY A1

Group 2 First Place Anacortes American Briana Alzola, Jacqueline Allison, Colette Weeks, Joan Pringle Second Place Chinook Observer Matt Winters, Staff

Third Place Chewelah Independent Brandon Hansen, Staff

10 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

COMING OF AGE

LOOK, UP IN THE TREES

Two local artists shift career focus later in life, with great results:

Skamania Lodge Aerial Park captures spirit of adventure in the gorge:

Hometown, Page B1

Sports, Page A6

General Excellence Group 3 First Place Whidbey NewsTimes Staff Second Place Lynden Tribune Calvin Bratt, Ashley Hiruko, Nick Elges, Brent Lindquist Third Place Snoqualmie Valley Record Staff

Second Place Covington/ Maple Valley/ Black Diamond Reporter Sarah Brenden, Kayse Angel, Dennis Box

COVINGTON | MAPLE VALLEY | BLACK DIAMOND

Call Jessica

Mon.- Fri. 8am to 4pm

425-306-9581 to place your: • Classified ads • Estate Sale ads • Garage Sales ads • Help you sell your car

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

1928489

REPORTER

A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING

JESSICA is here in the Kent office and can take classified ads over the phone or in person!

CHECK THIS OUT!

Covington police chief opens victim resource center

Slide into fun

Covington KidsFest took place at the Kohl’s parking lot Saturday. It was free to the public with fun things to do for kids of all ages. There was face painting, slides, free helmet fittings and music. The Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority had fire trucks and the police department brought vehicles for kids to take pictures in and explore. KAYSE ANGEL, The Reporter

BY KAYSE ANGEL Since a space for the resource center was available, it cost virtually nothing to set up this helpReporter ful service for the public, according to McCurdy.

The Covington Police have given victims of Currently, the center is not open full time. crime a new outlet when they have nowhere There are limited volunteers to work the center, else to go. making it open only three times each week, — When the King County Sheriff’s Precinct Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

3 in Maple Valley closed in 2012, a space for McCurdy said he asked the council recently to deputies was opened in Covington City Hall. put a budget item in for the center to be open full After the precinct re-opened and City time and to hire more workers.

Hall space was vacated, Police Chief He said if they have full-time Andrew McCurdy and the city of Covemployees, there will be more direct ington thought it would be a great idea services for the public when they need to put a victim resource center there. them.

The new Covington Police Victim By next year, McCurdy said he hopes Resource Center provides citizens with the center will be open full time. answers to basic police questions, pre“The goal is to have full-time civilian Andrew McCurdy vention resources, information about employees to have a legitimate presence victim advocacy, filing basic police here,” he said. reports and fingerprinting along with other So far, the center hasn’t been too busy, services to be introduced in the near future, according to McCurdy. But he said they have according to McCurdy in a press release. had some traffic through it and did get an He also said it helps show the public how anonymous lead for a case in the area. to prevent crime and how to navigate legal “It was pretty cool to have a major tip on a processes. crime,” he said. “It’s nice to know people are “My goal has been to have a more publicly already aware of it.” accessible area,” he said. “Having an area where McCurdy said victim resources was the the public can ask questions is very important next big thing to focus on. He said he and to me.” his fellow officers have everything else under McCurdy said before opening the resource control for the most part, and it is now time to center, there wasn’t really a place for victims or focus on helping victims of crimes rather than the public to go to ask questions or to get help. the offender.

He said they could call the police on the “I think when you’ve been a victim of a phone, but because there is very limited space crime you feel violated,” McCurdy said. “I think where the police are located, it was really hard giving them a place to go can help them reto help everyone in need of it. assemble their lives and find some normality.”

Covington, Maple Valley to celebrate 20 years as cities Both cities have events planned to celebrate – Covington on Aug. 25 and Maple Valley on Aug. 28 KAYSE ANGEL Reporter

This month is the 20th anniversary celebration for the cities of Covington and Maple Valley.

Both of the cites were incorporated in 1997 and this month the cities are each having celebrations open to the public.

Covington

According to Karla Slate, communications and marketing manager for Covington, the entire community is invited to celebrate at the Kentwood High School softball field on Friday, Aug. 25.

She said the celebration will be Hawaiian-themed and there will be an outdoor family movie to follow the celebration.

Mayor Jeff Wagner will do a short ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by cupcakes. At 8 p.m., the celebration will move over to the outdoor family movie area where there will be a hula dancing troupe performing and teaching hula skills to the public. The Disney movie, Moana, will start at about 8:45 p.m.

The city Art Commission will also be there helping kids craft leis and the city Human Services Commission will be handing out mini first-aid kits, while supplies last.

The Covington Youth Council will be making hand-made complimentary sno-cones and the Covington Chamber of Commerce will be operating a Hawaiian-themed selfie photo booth.

There will also be free face painting, hula hooping, a visit from the character, Moana, and a commemorative 20th birthday giveaway.

Maple Valley

According to Major Sean Kelly, the city of Maple Valley will also be throwing a huge celebration for its 20-year anniversary Monday, Aug. 28 at Lake Wilderness Lodge.

He said the first event beginning at 5 p.m. is a street dedication for their first mayor, Laure Iddings Following the dedication everyone will head back to Lake Wilderness Lodge, the primary location for this event, for a quick City Council meeting.

Once the meeting is over, the fun begins.

Kelly said there will be bouncy toys and other kid-friendly activities for families.

The Lions Club will be handing out hot dogs and refreshments and there will also be ice cream served by a local Maple Valley business.

At 6:30 p.m., a formal presentation will be given and there will be awards given out and speeches from multiple Maple Valley business, including Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety.

Once the formal presentation is done, social hour will continue until about 8:30 p.m.

August 24, 25, 26 at the Enumclaw Expo Center

7:00 PM • Gates open @ 5:00 PM

www.EnumclawProRodeo.com

General Admission: $15 Under 12, Seniors & Veterans: $10 Thursday Family 4 Pack: $40 Under 5: Free Beer Garden

1920711

First Place Federal Way Mirror Andy Hobbs, Heidi Jacobs, Cindy Ducich, Linda Staples

SPORTS | Gold Rush Dancer wins Longacres Mile [page 10]

NEWSLINE 425-432-1209

Group 4

Third Place Issaquah/ Sammamish Reporter Staff 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 11

News Breaking News Story Third Place

Marcy Stamper Quick Response contains Fire Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Michael Heinbach, Brianna Loper False Reports factored into Lockdown Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Michael Heinbach Man Dragging Raccoon hit by Vehicle, Shot Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Nick Twietmeyer Las Vegas Shooting North Kitsap Herald

Group 4

First Place

Steve Powell New Civic Campus Marysville Globe

Second Place

Robert Whale Bringing Comfort Auburn Reporter

Health or Medical Story Group 1 First Place

Hayley Day Island Man’s Bionic Hand Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Second Place

Hayley Day Local Vets Journal of the San Juan Islands

Third Place

Third Place

Group 4

Group 2

Second Place

Third Place

Bob Kirkpatrick New CBHA Building Sun Tribune

Group 2

First Place

Sophia Aldous Flu Not Over Yet Newport Miner Dana Kampa Community Opioid Forum Shelton-Mason County Journal

First Place

Samantha Pak Cancer Survivor runs to Raise Awareness Kirkland Reporter

Mandi Johnson Fish Farm Failure Islands’ Sounder Mandi Johnson Vessel Noise affects Whales Islands’ Sounder

First Place

Marcy Stamper Coho Comeback Methow Valley News

Ann McCreary Teen Pregnancy Programs to be Cut Methow Valley News

Second Place

Second Place

Matthew Nash Diabetics seek Local Options for Care Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Third Place

Environmental Story Group 1

Group 3

Second Place

Third Place

Erin Hawkins Local Teen battles Cancer Sequim Gazette

Group 3

First Place

Brian Soergel Ban on Crumb Rubber Turf Edmonds Beacon

Raechel Dawson Uptick in Youth Suicide Interventions Bellevue Reporter Mark Klaas Punching Back Auburn Reporter

First Place

Colleen Smith The Litter Man of Orcas Islands’ Sounder

Ryan Kuhn, Joanna Markell Solar Discussions Heat Up Daily Record Sarah Low Zero Waste Vashon Event Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

First Place

Aaron Kunkler Mountain Goat Options Snoqualmie Valley Record

2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 12

News Community Service

Observer set about filling this information gap via news stories, photos, editorials and — perhaps most notably — a series of 20 columns in which our writer was permitted to pursue unconventional avenues in order to gain access to a community that felt itself under siege and lacking in support from their non-Spanish-speaking neighbors.

The paper’s efforts, including several visits to the federal detention center in Tacoma, illuminated ICE’s activities and impacts on a highly vulnerable population.

Not only did this stir community engagement and conversations, it attracted the attention of regional, national and international media — including the Seattle Times, the New York Times and BBC — all of which did stories sparked in part by the paper’s coverage.

The content presented in the entry was a sample amounting to roughly half of the coverage of this topic during the contest period.

First Place ICE storm on Washington Coast Chinook Observer Matt Winter, Amy Nile, Sydney Stevens, Natalie St. John During 2017, Immigration and Customs Enforcement mounted an intensive campaign of detentions in remote coastal Pacific County, Washington.

With a year-round population of 22,000, the county is home to about 1,000 undocumented Hispanic immigrants — long-term residents who usually work in the shellfish, cranberry and hospitality industries.

As ICE arrests gained in momentum, the agency offered virtually no public information or responses to news media questions. The Chinook

Environmental Story Second Place

Don Gronning Huge Cougar Tagged Newport Miner

Third Place

Nick Twietmeyer Logging worries Locals North Kitsap Herald

Group 4

First Place

Ray Miller-Still Recycling Center sparks Concerns The Courier-Herald

Second Place

Bob Smith Volunteers harvest Spuds for Food Bank Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Kayse Angel Local Group questions Asphalt Plant Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Business News Story Group 1 First Place

Kelly Moyer Camas Mill eliminating Jobs Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Second Place

Hayley Day Boost for Business Journal of the San Juan Islands

Third Place

Hayley Day Local Farmers need Help Journal of the San Juan Islands

13 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Group 2

First Place

Luke Whittaker Green Gamble Chinook Observer

Second Place

Jacqueline Allison Dakota Creek faces Financial Challenges Anacortes American

Third Place

Luke Whittaker Terrible Tuna Chinook Observer

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Oliver Lazenby Hemp Company’s Account Closed The Northern Light

Second Place

Stefanie Donahue Blaine Coffee Roasters The Northern Light

Third Place

Sophia Aldous Roxy Slated to Open Newport Miner

Business Feature Story Group 1 First Place

Colleen Smith A Journey of Two Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

Dawn Feldhaus A Bittersweet Goodbye Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Third Place

Luciano Marano Island Chefs get Schooled Bainbridge Island Review

Group 2

First Place

Ann McCreary Methow Investment Network boosts Growth Methow Valley News

Second Place

Luke Whittaker Chef Puts Lid on Delicious Career Chinook Observer

Third Place

Luke Whittaker Legends of the Lure Chinook Observer

Group 3

First Place

Allison Arthur Last Dairy Closes Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Sophia Aldous Post Office Slated to Close Newport Miner

Third Place

Carolyn Bick Micro Business Loans Northwest Asian Weekly

Group 4

First Place

Jonathan Haukaas Master of his Trade The Reflector

News Business Feature Story Second Place

Carrie Rodriguez Females seek out STEM Fields Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Third Place

Steve Powell Banking to Baking Marysville Globe

Education Story Group 1 First Place

Leslie Kelly Bringing Back the Trades to Kids Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Tori Benavente Parkland stirs Safety Fears Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Third Place

Hayley Day School Looks to Renew Levy Journal of the San Juan Islands

Group 2

First Place

Marcy Stamper Totally Cool Math Methow Valley News

Second Place

Erin Hawkins Sequim Teachers Voice their Value Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Erin Hawkins School leads in Science Sequim Gazette

Group 3

First Place

Oliver Lazenby Youth Mental Health Crisis The Northern Light

Second Place

Dana Kampa Political Statements by Teachers Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Arlene Kiyomi Dennistoun New Charter School in Rainier Valley Northwest Asian Weekly

Group 4

First Place

Third Place

Steve Powell Teach Kids ‘Good Choices’ Marysville Globe

Government Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Mandi Donohue Need for Volunteer Firefighters Methow Valley News

Second Place

Dave Burgess Water Reuse Plans The Quincy Valley Post-Register

Third Place

Jacqueline Allison Water Rates Potentially Increase Anacortes American

Group 3

First Place

Jason Cruz Clock Runs Out for Residents Northwest Asian Weekly

Second Place

Dee Camp Kretz Ethics Charge Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Third Place

Laura Guthrie Commissioner calls Prosecutor ‘Snake’ Whidbey News-Times

Group 4

First Place

Ray Miller-Still Water and Sewer Bills The Courier-Herald

Second Place

Bob Smith Mayor seeking New Buyers Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Megan Campbell City Manager addresses Presentation Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Crime and Court Story Group 1 First Place

Brian Kelly Spike in Sexual Assaults Bainbridge Island Review

Mark Klaas Robots, a Sport for the Mind Auburn Reporter

Second Place

Madison Miller Parents protest Vote for Playfield Infill Bellevue Reporter

Third Place

Second Place

Hayley Day, Cali Bagby Coach pleads Guilty to Assault Journal of the San Juan Islands Cali Bagby Criminal Convictions out at Sea Journal of the San Juan Islands

Group 2

First Place

Natalie St. John Murderer gets 50 Years Chinook Observer

Second Place

Brandon Hansen It is a Biohazard Chewelah Independent

Third Place

Don Nelson Former Marshal contests Firing Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Michael Heinbach Woman sentenced for DUI Homicide Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Richard Byrd Barry Loukaitis Re-Sentenced Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Brandon Gustafson Grandmother spoils School Shooting Plan Mukilteo Beacon

Group 4

First Place

Jonathan Haukaas A Murder in Hockinson The Reflector

Second Place

Steve Hunter Prosecutors Drop Charge Kent Reporter

Third Place

Jonathan Haukaas A Stolen Livelihood The Reflector

Social Issue Story Group 1 First Place

Kelly Moyer Homelessness on Rise Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Second Place

Diana Zimmerman Family tries to get Help Wahkiakum County Eagle

Third Place

Mandi Johnson Stand Up Men’s Message Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Andrew Kollar Per Cap Payments fuel Drug Problems Nisqually Valley News

2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 14

News Social Issue Story Second Place

Susan Riemer Joining Forces to Prevent Violence Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Third Place

Katie Leithead Privacy Policy Passes The Statesman Examiner

Group 3

Third Place

Leah Abraham Political Campaigns and Social Media Renton Reporter

Comprehensive Coverage, Single Writer Group 1 First Place

Kelly Moyer Mayor Scandal and Investigation Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Comprehensive Coverage, Multiple Writers Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Hayley Day, Colleen Smith Funding the Ferries Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Hayley Day, Heather Spaulding, Mandi Johnson Orcas Journal of the San Juan Islands

First Place

Second Place

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Groups 3 & 4

Douglas Buell Boxing takes jab at Parkinson’s Arlington Times Arlene Kiyomi Dennistoun Boundless: Empowering Immigrants Northwest Asian Weekly

Third Place

Brianna Loper The ‘Temporary New Normal’ Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

Nicole Jennings Seeking Insite Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Second Place

Raechel Dawson Help for Homeless Youth Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Bob Smith Protestors oppose Trident Missiles Port Orchard Independent

Election Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Kelly Moyer Who’s funding Whom?

Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Second Place

Marcy Stamper State Voting Law burdens Counties Methow Valley News

Third Place

Brandon Hansen Candidate Forum Chewelah Independent

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Bob Smith Patty Lent Concedes Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Leah Abraham Candidate explains Financial Filings Renton Reporter

15 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Hayley Day Life Care Center Journal of the San Juan Islands Luciano Marano Dispatches from the Academy Bainbridge Island Review

Group 2

First Place

Natalie St. John Deadly Siege: Lethal Flu Chinook Observer

Second Place

Jacqueline Allison The Saga of a Ship Anacortes American

Third Place

Matthew Nash Green Crab Invasion Sequim Gazette

Group 3

First Place

Gordon Weeks Mayor violates Law Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Dana Kampa School District Salary Issues Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Don Gronning Newport Law Enforcement Newport Miner

Group 4

First Place

Bob Smith Family Members perish in Fire Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Ray Miller-Still Black Diamond Recall The Courier-Herald

Third Place

Heidi Jacobs Homelessness in Federal Way Federal Way Mirror

Marcy Stamper, Ann McCreary Capital Budget ensnares Local Projects Methow Valley News

First Place

Stacy Nguyen, Ruth Bayang Navigation Center Controversy Northwest Asian Weekly

Second Place

Cheryl Schweizer, Lynne Lynch, Charles Featherstone Chico’s Pizza Parlor Fire Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Steve Powell, Douglas Buell Helping the Homeless Marysville Globe

Investigative Reporting Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Natalie St. John Rossetti may live Outside District Chinook Observer

Second Place

Nick Twietmeyer Abandoned Vessel in Liberty Bay North Kitsap Herald

Third Place

Daniel Person Rape Allegation against Top Cop Mercer Island Reporter

General Feature Story, Long Group 1 First Place

Ashley Hiruko Walking the Line for Cancer Research Ferndale Record

Second Place

Tori Benavente Second Chance at Life Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Third Place

Bob Kirkpatrick Making a Difference Sun Tribune

Group 2

First Place

Karen West Klan Came to the Methow Methow Valley News

News General Feature Story, Long Second Place

Matthew Nash Remembering Robert and Robby Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Rachel Bryan Lewis and Clark Expedition Skamania County Pioneer

Group 3

First Place

Don Gronning Place of Refuge Newport Miner

Second Place

Katie Kowalski A Memorable Development Port Townsend Leader

Third Place

Chris Tucker Ready for her Close Up Port Townsend Leader

Group 4

First Place

Steve Powell Suicide Watch Marysville Globe

Second Place

Michelle Beahm Girl Scouts defy Gravity Central Kitsap Reporter

Third Place

Rick Bannan Fire Chief Career The Reflector

General Feature Story, Short Group 1 First Place

Dawn Feldhaus Summer Aviation Camp Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Second Place

Judy Booth Fishtown La Conner Weekly News

Third Place

Mandi Johnson Lighthouse Celebrates 124 years Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Michael Dashiell The Viola Comes Home Sequim Gazette

Second Place

Erin Hawkins Twiga’s Small Miracle Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Katie Metzger Finley the Therapy Dog Mercer Island Reporter

Group 3

First Place

Gordon Weeks Collecting Debris in Shelton Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Brandon Gustafson Adapting Toys for Children Mukilteo Beacon

Third Place

Charles Featherstone Getting the Goat Columbia Basin Herald

Group 4

First Place

Group 4

First Place

Robert Whale Rescuing a farm Auburn Reporter

Second Place

Jonathan Haukaas For Better, for worse, for 75 years The Reflector

Third Place

Michelle Beahm An Tir: Royalty and Peerage Central Kitsap Reporter

Personality Profile, Long Group 1 First Place

Luciano Marano A Lot of Lives to Live Bainbridge Island Review

Bob Smith Nimitz returns Home Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Leah Abraham Celebrating ‘Wise Collaboration’ Renton Reporter

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Mark Klaas Out of this World Kent Reporter

Lifestyle Feature Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Ann McCreary Extended Independence Methow Valley News

Second Place

Tori Benavente Buzzing About Bees Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Third Place

Brandon Hansen Chewelah’s King of Rocks Chewelah Independent

Group 3

First Place

Janice Nesamani It’s Lit! Northwest Asian Weekly

Second Place

Dana Kampa Tending to the Bees Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Alexandra Smith Shredding the Shoes Shelton-Mason County Journal

Diana Zimmerman Working on the River Wahkiakum County Eagle Kelly Moyer Benevolent Queen Nan Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Group 2

First Place

Susan Riemer The Iditarod Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber

Second Place

Ann McCreary Changing the World One Child at a Time Methow Valley News

Third Place

Erin Hawkins Bill Jevne Sequim Gazette

Group 3

First Place

Brian Soergel Dishin’ with Dez Edmonds Beacon

Second Place

Dee Camp Elizabeth Widel Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Third Place

Brianna Loper Musician, 100, Hitting Right Notes Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

Mark Klaas Her Patients, Community Kent Reporter

2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 16

News Personality Profile, Long Second Place

Heidi Sanders Operation Christmas Child Federal Way Mirror

Third Place

Steve Powell Vet Remembrance Marysville Globe

Personality Profile, Short Group 1 First Place

Bill Reynolds Iconic Newsman’s Passing La Conner Weekly News

Second Place

Hayley Day A Ferry Tale Ending Journal of the San Juan Islands

Third Place

Hayley Day Floating Micro-Ship Journal of the San Juan Islands

Group 2

First Place

Marcy Stamper Inspiration Pays Off Methow Valley News

Second Place

Jacqueline Allison Tuulikki Woods Anacortes American

Third Place

Racquel Muncy Charlotte Matzek Nisqually Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Alyssa Evans Grad Bound for Naval Academy The Northern Light

Second Place

Amy Pollard Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2017 The Northern Light

Third Place

Sarah Highfield Man on a Mission Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Group 4

First Place

Bob Smith ‘Scrubbies Lady’ Feted Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Leah Abraham 102-year-old Woman on Buzzfeed Renton Reporter

17 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Third Place

Bob Smith Bryan Petro, ‘A Gentle Soul’ Port Orchard Independent

Story on the Arts Group 1 First Place

Colleen Smith A Timeless Island Classic Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

Colleen Smith ‘The Tempest’ Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Luciano Marano Life. Love. And Landscaping.

Bainbridge Island Review

Group 2

Art Reviews Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Bob Smith Year-end Album Winners Port Orchard Independent

Second Place

Kirk Boxleitner ‘Blade Runner’ Magic Port Townsend Leader

Third Place

Sarah Brenden ‘13 Reasons Why’ worth Watching Renton Reporter

Feature Page Design Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Adam Drey Santa’s Cookie Conundrum, Dec. 20, 2017 Chinook Observer

First Place

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Marcy Stamper Mosaic Project Methow Valley News Marcy Stamper Chamber Music Festival Methow Valley News

Third Place

Erin Hawkins A Jazz Pianist’s Journey Sequim Gazette

Group 3

Michael Dashiell Life Weaving Wood, Jan. 24, 2018 Sequim Gazette Corey Fisher S.O.S., Feb. 7, 2018 Chinook Observer

Group 3

First Place

Katie Kowalski A Memorable Development, Oct. 4, 2017 Port Townsend Leader

First Place

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Brandon Gustafson Local creates Coloring Book Mukilteo Beacon Jessica Kai Curry Filmmaker Long Tran Northwest Asian Weekly

Third Place

Katie Kowalski I was there to Tell their Story Port Townsend Leader

Group 4

Katie Kowalski Equality On/Off Stage, Mar. 21, 2018 Port Townsend Leader Katie Kowalski Entertaining History in Park, Aug. 9, 2017 Port Townsend Leader

Group 4

First Place

David Boehmke Easter Egg Hunts, Apr. 12, 2017 The Reflector

First Place

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Robert Whale Making Meaningful Music Auburn Reporter Mark Klaas Garbage Band Auburn Reporter

Third Place

Robert Whale Author Scripts Auburn Reporter

David Boehmke How Far will your Dollar Go?, Oct. 11, 2017 The Reflector David Boehmke Lewis Daily Journal, Oct. 11, 2017 The Reflector

News Front Page Design Group 1 First Place

Brian Kelly Oh My Stars, Sep. 8, 2017 Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Cali Bagby Black Bear, Jun 7, 2017 Journal of the San Juan Islands

Third Place

Brian Kelly Eagle Harbor Standoff, Jul. 14, 2017 Bainbridge Island Review

Group 2

First Place

Roger Harnack, Ted Escobar, Job Wise, Staff Districts on Alert, Feb. 28, 2018 Daily Sun News

Second Place

Michael Dashiell Lavender Experience, Jul. 19, 2017 Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Jaymi Allenbaugh Soaring High, Feb. 28, 2018 The Statesman Examiner

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Chris Thew Without a Paddle, Apr. 12, 2017 Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Second Place

Staff Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Apr. 5, 2017 Newport Miner

Third Place

Adam Rudnick A Little Holiday Magic, Dec. 7, 2017 Shelton-Mason County Journal

News of the Weird Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Hayley Day Seal Bites Tourist Journal of the San Juan Islands

Second Place

Natalie St. John Outhouse Phone Dropper Rescued Chinook Observer

Third Place

Luciano Marano Owl Attacks on the Rise Bainbridge Island Review

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Raechel Dawson Santas Strike at Walmart Bellevue Reporter

Second Place

Dee Camp Skywriting Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Third Place

Kirk Boxleitner Alien Truth Port Townsend Leader

Sports News Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Don Nelson Winning Formula Methow Valley News

Second Place

Aaron Mead Girls notch First Big Win Chinook Observer

Third Place

Brandon Hansen Cougars Catch 2B Class Chewelah Independent

Group 3

First Place

Alexandra Smith Taking the Podium Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

David Pan Team Effort lifts Knights to Title Mukilteo Beacon

Third Place

Rodney Harwood 1A State Championship Columbia Basin Herald

Group 4

First Place

Samantha Pak Gymnastics Culture Change Kirkland Reporter

Second Place

Jonathan Haukaas Hockinson State Champions The Reflector

Third Place

Jonathan Haukaas Success shuts out Football Team The Reflector

Sports Feature Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Joan Pringle Women bond in Roller Derby Anacortes American

Second Place

Geno Ludwig Chewelah’s 1977 Football Championship Chewelah Independent

Third Place

Brandon Hansen City of Champions Chewelah Independent

Group 3

First Place

Alexandra Smith Rowdown Revisited Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Alexandra Smith Shelton Mini-Dome Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Jason Cruz Box reveals Baseball Past Northwest Asian Weekly

Group 4

First Place

Jonathan Haukaas Not-so-secret Weapon The Reflector

Second Place

Steve Hunter Gone Forever Kent Reporter

Third Place

Leah Abraham World Orienteering Championship Renton Reporter

Sports Personality Profile Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Luciano Marano Spartan Volunteer Coach Retires Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Michael Dashiell Glasser coming Full Circle Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Michael Dashiell Flight of Riley Sequim Gazette

Group 3

First Place

Jim Waller Eight is More than Enough Whidbey News-Times

Second Place

Alexandra Smith Kicking it up a Notch Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Jim Waller Friday Night Lights Fixture Whidbey News-Times

2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 18

News Sports Personality Profile Group 4

Second Place

Adam Rudnick Editor’s Desk Shelton-Mason County Journal

First Place

Jonathan Haukaas Dusty doesn’t Balk The Reflector

Third Place

Dan Whitmarsh Writing by Faith Key Peninsula News

Second Place

Steve Powell Losing Sight Marysville Globe

Group 4

First Place

Third Place

Ray Miller-Still Our Corner The Courier-Herald

Sarah Brenden Sights set on the NFL Renton Reporter

Sports Page Design Groups 1 & 2

Humorous Column or Blog Groups 1 - 4

First Place

Michael Dashiell Payton Glasser Sequim Gazette

Second Place

Jennie McGhan Cleveland Tradition Daily Sun News

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

Jennie McGhan Thrills & Spills Daily Sun News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Matt Winters Standing up to Hatred Chinook Observer Don Nelson Shut out by the Legislature Methow Valley News

Group 3

First Place

Pat Grubb What are they Hiding?

The Northern Light

Staff Griz claw Spartans Newport Miner

Second Place

David Boehmke Lumber Champs The Reflector

Third Place

Second Place

Third Place

David Boehmke The Nation’s Finest The Reflector

Editorial Group 1

First Place

Kelly Moyer Big Oil and Local Voices Camas-Washougal Post-Record

Second Place

Colleen Smith Ferry Wake-up Call Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Kenneth Stern The Moan from MoNA La Conner Weekly News

Group 2

First Place

Matt Winters ICE strikes at Civil Rights Chinook Observer

Adam Rudnick Forget the Gun Debate Shelton-Mason County Journal Ruth Bayang Lawmakers voted Against Transparency Northwest Asian Weekly

Group 4

First Place

Sarah Brenden Deleted a Facebook Post Renton Reporter

Second Place

Steve Powell We dote on Doty Marysville Globe

Third Place

Bob Smith Farewell to Bryan Petro Port Orchard Independent

Editorial Cartoon Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Brad Skiff The McCleary Decision Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

19 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Second Place

First Place

Ted Escobar Old-Timer’s View Daily Sun News

Brad Skiff Insecure Dream Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Second Place

Rob Pudim I’m Moving, Right?

Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Third Place

Editorial Pages Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Staff Editorial Pages Newport Miner

Second Place

Carolyn Wiley Devil’s Head Diary Key Peninsula News Michael Heinbach Hot Corner Shelton-Mason County Journal

Topical Column or Blog Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Natalie St. John Hearthfire & Brimstone Chinook Observer

Staff Editorial Pages Methow Valley News

Second Place

Bob Smith Editorial Pages Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Third Place

General Interest Column or Blog Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Don Nelson No Bad Days Methow Valley News

Second Place

Solveig Torvik Hello?

Methow Valley News Ted Escobar Old-Timer’s View Daily Sun News

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Alexandra Smith Just Peachy Shelton-Mason County Journal

Mel Anderson Mel’s Misadventures The Statesman Examiner

Second Place

Philip Watness River of Life Skamania County Pioneer

Third Place

Third Place

Group 3

First Place

Kirk Ericson These Times Shelton-Mason County Journal

Don Gronning Rodeo Scene Newport Miner Chris Thew Point of Thew Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Photography Photographer of the Year Groups 1 - 4 First Place Roger Harnack Daily Sun News Second Place Kayse Angel Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter Third Place Brandon Hansen Chewelah Independent Feature, Portrait or Pictorial Photo, B&W Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Brian Kelly Misty Manitou Beach Bainbridge Island Review

Second Place

Matthew Nash Me and Mr. Silly Gilly Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Michael Dashiell Tanks for the Magic Act Sequim Gazette

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Roger Harnack, then of the Daily Sun News, took first place in the Photographer of the Year competition.

Michelle Beahm A Woman’s World Central Kitsap Reporter

Second Place

Michelle Beahm Hanging Out Central Kitsap Reporter

Third Place

Michelle Beahm Thrill Ride Central Kitsap Reporter

Sports Photo, Black & White Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Chris Johnson Maleah Nixon Klein runs Preliminary East County Journal

In the Photographer of the Year competition, Kayse Angel of the Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter took second place with a portfolio that include the picture above of kids watching the eclipse, and Brandon Hansen of the Chewelah Independent took third with an array of photos including the lantern launching shot above.

Second Place

Second Place

Second Place

Third Place

Third Place

Third Place

Groups 3 & 4

Breaking News Photo Groups 1 - 4

Chris Johnson Fan & Coach anticipate 3-pointer East County Journal Chris Johnson Stephanie Fried hits the Ball East County Journal

First Place

John Fisken Wildcat Peyton Rhyne Whidbey News-Times

20 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Janell Kortlever Seniors Isaiah Russ & Dalton Mouw The Northern Light Alexandra Smith Girls Basketball Advances Shelton-Mason County Journal

First Place

Roger Harnack Fire Bomber Daily Sun News

Luke Whittaker Pacific Dream Rescue Chinook Observer Brian Kelly Power Goes Out Bainbridge Island Review

Photography General News Photo Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Julia Hart Yellow Jacket Daily Sun News

Second Place

Mandi Johnson A Call for Action Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Jacqueline Allison Memorial at Anacortes High School Anacortes American

Group 3

First Place

Shawna Whelan Helping Dad Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Shawna Whelan A Changed World View Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Gordon Weeks Lake Cushman Leap Shelton-Mason County Journal

Group 4

First Place

Jonathan Haukaas Trump Rally The Reflector

Second Place

Michelle Beahm March for Our Lives Central Kitsap Reporter

Third Place

Michelle Beahm No More Silence Central Kitsap Reporter

Color Feature Photo Group 1 First Place

Colleen Smith Big Sister helps in the Ring Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

Colleen Smith Prospero and Miranda Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Colleen Smith A Girl and her Horse Islands’ Sounder

Group 2

First Place

Michael Dashiell Wheel Fun at the Logging Show Sequim Gazette

Lloyd Mullen of the Port Townsend Leader took first place in the Color Feature Photo category for this shot of a festival attendee splashing through a puddle.

Second Place

Jesse Mullen On the Snow Covered Trail The Statesman Examiner

Third Place

Jacqueline Allison Soccer Priest Anacortes American

Group 3

First Place

Lloyd Mullen Splashin’ Around Port Townsend Leader

Second Place

Lloyd Mullen All Together Now Port Townsend Leader

Third Place

Katie Kowalski Hot Stuff Port Townsend Leader

Group 4

First Place

Andy Nystrom Soaking up the Spotlight Redmond Reporter

Second Place

Rachel Ciampi Keeper Auburn Reporter

Third Place

Michelle Beahm My Lady’s Favor Central Kitsap Reporter

Color Portrait Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Jacqueline Allison Tuulikki Woods Anacortes American

Second Place

Michael Dashiell A Glass Act Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Damian Mulinix Katie Witherbee-Alsup Chinook Observer

Groups 3 & 4 First Place

Sophia Aldous Getting to Know You Newport Miner

Second Place

Dana Kampa Tending to the Bees Shelton-Mason County Journal

Third Place

Brianna Loper On the Hunt Shelton-Mason County Journal

Color Pictorial Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Marcy Stamper Hyper Inflation Methow Valley News

2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 21

Photography Color Pictorial Second Place

Damian Mulinix Waikiki Beach Concert Chinook Observer

Third Place

Nancy Crowell Amber Waves of Grain La Conner Weekly News

Group 3

First Place

Laura Guido Burn Whidbey News-Times

Second Place

Walter Selden Fourth of July Fireworks The Northern Light

Third Place

Pat Grubb Super Blue Blood Moon The Northern Light

Group 4

First Place

Michelle Beahm Firefall Central Kitsap Reporter

Second Place

Bob Smith Waterfront Carnival Port Orchard Independent

Third Place

Jonathan Haukaas Bridge Over Water The Reflector

Color Photo Essay Groups 1 & 2 First Place

Philip Watness, Allen Diers, Angus Anderson, Contributors Eagle Creek Fire Skamania County Pioneer

Second Place

Laura Guido of the Whidbey News-Times took a first place in the color pictorial category for this grass fire photo.

Steve Mitchell, Dana Sphar, Louise Stevens Methow Valley Rodeo Methow Valley News

Third Place

Third Place

Michael Dashiell, Matthew Nash, Erin Hawkins The Year in Pictures Sequim Gazette

Group 4

Color Sports Photo, Action Group 1

Third Place

Group 3

First Place

Shawna Whelan Plunging into the New Year Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Lloyd Mullen Fourth of July Port Townsend Leader

Louise Mugar, Debbie Harger, Karmen Terris Fourth of July Celebration The Northern Light

First Place

Kayse Angel Kid’s Festival Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

Second Place

Bob Smith A Nimitz Homecoming Port Orchard Independent

Rachel Ciampi, Mark Klaas Day of Honor, Pride Auburn Reporter

First Place

Colleen Smith High Jump Islands’ Sounder

Second Place

Colleen Smith Riding for the Win Islands’ Sounder

2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 22

Photography Color Sports Photo, Action

Second Place

Third Place

Rachel Ciampi Jam Auburn Reporter

Mandi Johnson Big Catch Islands’ Sounder

Third Place

Rachel Ciampi Soaring Star Auburn Reporter

Group 2

First Place

Roger Harnack Hillclimb Races End Daily Sun News

Color Sports Photo, Feature Group 1 & 2

Second Place

Sebastian Moraga Swimmer Jackson Calloway The Quincy Valley Post-Register

First Place

Roger Harnack Mutton Bustin’ Daily Sun News

Third Place

Katie Leithead Colville player Jimmy Lepp The Statesman Examiner

Second Place

Michael Dashiell Calm before the Storm Sequim Gazette

Group 3

Third Place

First Place

Michael Dashiell Play Ball Sequim Gazette

Chris Thew Basketball 3-on-3 Tournament Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

Second Place

Groups 3 & 4

Alexandra Smith Just Keep Chopping Shelton-Mason County Journal

First Place

David Pan Football Fever Heating Up Mukilteo Beacon

Third Place

Shawna Whelan A Fierce Look Shelton-Mason County Journal

Second Place

Alexandra Smith A Hug of Relief Shelton-Mason County Journal

Julia Hart of the Daily Sun News received a first place award for this bee in a jar photo in the general news category.

Third Place

Group 4

First Place

Kayse Angel Bears took on the Chargers Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter

David Pan Having a Ball Mukilteo Beacon

Digital Web Site Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Steve Powell, Douglas Buell, Jody Knoblich, JoAnn Flynn Marysville Globe

Second Place

Staff The Statesman Examiner

Third Place

Oliver Lazenby, Doug DeVisser, Pat Grubb, Kara Spencer Mount Baker Experience The Northern Light

Online Ad Groups 1 - 4 First Place

Digital Team Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Columbia Basin Herald

Second Place

Digital Team Search Engine Marketing Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Digital Team Riso Foods Columbia Basin Herald

Online Photo Essay Groups 1 - 4

Video Groups 1 - 4

First Place

Michael Dashiell, Erin Hawkins, Matthew Nash 2017 Lavender Weekend Sequim Gazette

Second Place

Michael Dashiell, Erin Hawkins, Patricia Morrison Coate 2017 Sequim Irrigation Festival Sequim Gazette

Third Place

Don Nelson Strictly Ornamental Methow Valley News

First Place

Jacqueline Allison New Beekeeper, Ancient Hobby Anacortes American

Second Place

Charles Featherstone, Rosalie Black Chico’s Pizza Parlor Fire Columbia Basin Herald

Third Place

Dennis Box, Leah Abraham National Night Out 2017 Renton Reporter

2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 23