2023 Better Newspaper Contest
2023 Better Newspaper Contest
Contest Facts
JUDGES: Montana Newspaper Association
BNC COMMITTEE
Committee Members
Donna Etchey (Chair), Ellensburg Daily Record
Bob Richardson, Columbia Basin Herald
Teresa Myers, Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Fred Obee, WNPA
Janay Collins, WNPA
NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY DIVISION
Advertising: 211 entries
Special Sections: 97 entries
News: 931 entries
Photography: 292 entries
Digital: 11 entries
General Excellence: 43 entries
Number of Participating Newspapers: 47
CONTEST PERIODS
Regular Contest Eligibility: Published April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023
Tourism Special Sections Eligibility: Published by May 31, 2023
General Excellence Issues: Published weeks of Apr 24 & Aug 14, 2022, plus Publisher’s choice
CIRCULATION GROUPS
Circulation Group 1 – up to 2,000
Circulation Group 2 – 2,001 to 3,399
Circulation Group 3 – 3,400 to 6,499
Circulation Group 4 – 6,500 or more
About this publication
is publication was edited, designed and produced by the WNPA sta , Executive Director Fred Obee and Member Services Director Janay Collins. e betterbnc.com website is provided and hosted by SmallTownPapers (smalltownpapers. com). Printing was donated by the Wenatchee World.
We are also indebted to the Newspaper Managers Association, for helping supply out of state judges each year for our contest.
2 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
Contents Advertising Division ....................................3-6 Special Sections ............................................7-8 News Division ...........................................9-20 General Excellence ...................................10-11 Photography Division ..............................20-23 Digital Division ..............................................23
Advertising
Ad of the Year
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Wings Over Water
The Northern Light
Second Place
Melanie Fair
The Newsroom Pub
Lynden Tribune
Third Place
Analise Hannah & Bill Shaw
Remlinger Brewing
Snoqualmie Valley Record
Single Advertiser, Smaller than 1/2 Page
Groups 1-3
First Place
Kim Fowler
South Sound Appliance
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Harmony Liebert
John L. Scott Real Estate, Tom Earnest
Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
HMAC Team
Sue’s Gift Boutique
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
MD Medical Spa
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Peas in a Pod Mobile Detailing
The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Blaine Harbor Music Festival
The Northern Light
Single Advertiser, 1/2 Page or Larger
Groups 1-3
First Place
Analise Hannah & Bill Shaw
Remlinger Brewery
Snoqualmie Valley Record
Second Place
Kim Fowler
Veterans Clubs of Mason County
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Rhonda Hundertmark
Tulip Map 2022
La Conner Weekly News
Group 4
First Place
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser & Louise
Mugar
Experience Coupeville
The Northern Light
Thanks to our 2023 sponsors!
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 3
Advertising
Single Advertiser, 1/2 Page or Larger
Group 4
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Birch Bay Budz
The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Wings Over Water
The Northern Light
Branding Ad
Groups 1&2
First Place
Brenda Jorgens
Realogics Sotheby’s Realty, Per Sherwin
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Casia Lodge
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Daralyn Anderson & Analise Hannah
John L. Scott Real Estate, Ferriel & Hankin
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Groups 3&4
First Place
Doug De Visser & Gary Lee
Windermere Real Estate, Damian Pr
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Louise Mugar
Discover Coupeville
The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Louise Mugar
Superior Fish
The Northern Light
Use of Small Space
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Old Fashioned 4th of July
The Northern Light
Second Place
David Boehmke
Battle Ground Elks
The Reflector
Third Place
Erin Channis
Love Where You Live
Port Townsend Leader
Multiple-Advertiser Ad
Groups 1&2
First Place
Jeremy Fink
Congratulations on a great post-season
East County Journal
Second Place
Daralyn Anderson & Analise Hannah
Who’s Who Vashon
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Third Place
Daralyn Anderson & Analise Hannah
Women In Business
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Groups 3&4
First Place
Tracy Long & Marie Skoor
Mother’s Day
Kent Reporter
Second Place
Tracy Long & Marie Skoor
Veterans Day
Kent Reporter
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar & Molly Ernst
Advice from the Pros
The Northern Light
Ad Campaign
Groups 1-4
First Place
Tim Heitzman, Rena Blalock & Allison
Zimmerman
Purdy Cost Less Pharmacy
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Tim Heitzman & Debbie Cassidy
Sunnycrest Nursery and Florist
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Oysterfest
The Northern Light
Ads Featuring Animals
Groups 1&2
First Place
Priscilla Wakefield
West Sound Wildlife Shelter
North Kitsap Herald
4 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
Advertising
Ads Featuring Animals
Groups 1&2
Second Place
Lara Stanton
Olympic Game Farm
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Tera Evans
Methow Valley Horsemen
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Erin Channis
Sniffing Out Stories
Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
HMAC Team
Skaug Bros. Carpet One, No place like home
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Pyr Hope Farm
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Carol Greiling & Tracy Long
Animal Health Care Center Grooming
Kent Reporter
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Northwest Kitty Care
The Northern Light
Third Place
Carol Greiling & Tracy Long
Family Dog Training Center
Federal Way Mirror
Romantic Ads
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser & Louise
Mugar
Samson Estates Winery
The Northern Light
Second Place
Lara Stanton
The Lodge at Sherwood Village
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens
Robin Callahan Designs, I Love You
Bainbridge Island Review
Ads Celebrating Where You Live
Groups 1-4
First Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Lynch Creek Farm
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce
The Northern Light
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens
Bainbridge Lending Group
Bainbridge Island Review
Arts & Entertainment Ads
Groups 1&2
First Place
Daralyn Anderson & Analise Hannah
Strawberry Festival Guide
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Tera Evans
Loup Loup Ski Rental Shop
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens
Little Island Crafts
Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3&4
First Place
Dana Moreno
Best of the Basin 2022
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Art Studio Tour
The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Summer Fun in the Park
The Northern Light
Obituary Page Design
Groups 1-4
First Place
Kim Fowler & Karen Hranac
Mark Woytowich
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Karen Hranac
Thomas E. Nelson
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Kim Fowler & Karen Hranac
Thomas Ortis
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Color Ad, Full Page
Groups 1-4
First Place
Melanie Fair
Flow Motion
Ferndale Record
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Dirt Cheap Cycle
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens
The Skating Rink
Bainbridge Island Review
Color Ad, 1/2 Page or Larger
Groups 1-4
First Place
Brenda Jorgens
Ace Hardware Christmas
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Erin Channis
Port Townsend Leader Who’s Who
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Dank of America
The Northern Light
Color Ad, Smaller than 1/2 Page
Groups 1&2
First Place
Brenda Jorgens
Robin Callahan Designs, Aura Nyx
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Daralyn Anderson & Analise Hannah
Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Third Place
Harmony Liebert
Kitsap RV, Year End Inventory
Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3&4
First Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Vander Wal’s Garage
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Erin Channis
Port Townsend Golf Course
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Louise Mugar & Ruth Lauman
Art Studio Tour
The Northern Light
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 5
Advertising
Use of Clip Art
Groups 1-3
First Place
Rhonda Hundertmark
La Conner Chamber of Commerce Ice Cream
Social
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
VIP Insurance
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Kim Fowler, Theresa Murray & Dave Pierik
Nifty Thrifty
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Old Fashioned 4th of July
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Buds Garage
The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Bargain Betty’s Fireworks
The Northern Light
Newspaper House Ad
Groups 1-3
First Place
Dave Pierik
What Happens If You Don’t Advertise
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Dana Moreno
Newspapers in Education Using the News to Learn
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
HMAC Team
Classified Ads Open 24 Hours
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Katie Morgan
We Can’t Teach Hustle
Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Katie Morgan
Shop, Dine & Do Business in Renton
Renton Reporter
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Louise Mugar
Start Exploring Waterside
The Northern Light
Most Original Idea
Groups 1-4
First Place
HMAC Team
Big James Baker for Sheriff
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Erin Channis
Port Townsend Leader Vintage
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Louise Mugar
Catch the Cat Killer
The Northern Light
Humorous Ad
Groups 1-4
First Place
Brenda Jorgens
Hear for Life Audiology Holiday
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Melanie Fair
National Dairy Month Moostache
Lynden Tribune
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens
Hear for Life Audiology Halloween
Bainbridge Island Review
Youth-Oriented Content
Groups 1&2
First Place
Daralyn Anderson & Analise Hannah
Halloween Safety
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Daralyn Anderson & Analise Hannah
Music Together Vashon
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Third Place
Rhonda Hundertmark
2022 Youth Summer Camps
La Conner Weekly News
Groups 3&4
First Place
HMAC Team
Columbia Basin Athletes of the Week
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser & Molly
Ernst
Birch Bay Waterslides
The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser & Molly
Ernst
Pirate Daze
The Northern Light
6 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
Special Sections
Topical, In-Paper Sections
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ian Bivona, Cheryl Schweizer & Rebecca
Pettingill
Gridiron Guide 2022
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
National Fire Prevention Week
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Justin Johnson & Matt Baide
High School Football Preview
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Tourism Special Sections
Groups 1&2
First Place
Tracy Long
Discover Kitsap
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Briana Alzola & Colette Weeks
Explore Anacortes
Anacortes American
Third Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Methow Valley Summer 2023
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Matt Winters & John Bruijn
The Discovery Coast
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Aly McGee, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar & Pat Grubb
Waterside 2023
The Northern Light
Third Place
Eric LaFontaine & Kevin Teeter
Woodinville Magazine Fall 2022
Woodinville Weekly
Lifestyle/Culture Sections
Groups 1&2
First Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Methow Home 2023
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Valley Vows 2023
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Tracy Long
Kitsap Wedding Guide
Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3&4
First Place
Aly McGee, Doug De Visser & Louise Mugar
Pacific Coast Weddings
The Northern Light
Second Place
Jonathan Williams
Our Coast 2022
Chinook Observer
Third Place
The Newport Miner Staff
Voice of the Pend Oreille River Valley
Summer 2022
The Newport Miner
Event/Festival Sections
Groups 1-4
First Place
John Bruijn, Matt Winters & Luke Whittaker
Rod Run to the End of the World 2022
Chinook Observer
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 7
Special Sections
Event/Festival Sections
Groups 1-4
Second Place
Rhonda Staton, Carol Greiling & Tracy
Long
Holiday Greetings 2022
Mercer Island Reporter
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Lisa Moeller & Molly Ernst
Back to School 2022-23
The Northern Light
Community Guide Sections
Groups 1&2
First Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Methow Made 2022
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Health & Wellness 2022
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Tracy Long
Bainbridge Island Almanac
Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3&4
First Place
Laura Theimer & Giselle Lehner
Auburn Residents Guide 2023
Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Tracy Long & Cindy Ducich
Best of Federal Way
Federal Way Mirror
Third Place
The Newport Miner Staff Voice of the Pend Oreille River Valley Fall 2022
The Newport Miner
Special Section Covers
Groups 1&2
First Place
Joe Novotny
Valley Vows 2023
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Daralyn Anderson & Amy Drayer
Destination Vashon 2022-23
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Third Place
Daralyn Anderson & Beachcomber Staff
Island Child
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Groups 3&4
First Place
Giselle Lehner & Laura Theimer
Auburn Residents Guide 2023
Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Matthew Tangeman, Doug De Visser, Ian
Haupt & Louise Mugar
Mount Baker Experience Fall 2022
The Northern Light
Third Place
Aly McGee, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar, Pat Grubb & Alan Majchrowicz
Waterside 2022
The Northern Light
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 8
2023 SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR
First Place
Michael Dashiell
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Justin Johnson
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Ben Ray Federal Way Mirror
Community Service
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ron Judd
Citizens Agenda Project
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
The Newport Miner Staff Festival of Trees
The Newport Miner
Third Place
Doug De Visser, Ian Haupt & Molly Ernst
Athletic Hall of Fame
The Northern Light
News Story, Long
Group 1
First Place
Conor Wilson
Fall City mulls moving downtown totem pole
Snoqualmie Valley Record
Second Place
Kelly Moyer
Parents demand answers following coach’s rape charge
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Third Place
Heather Spaulding
New policies in protection orders
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Islanders endure crash landing of Cathlamet Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Jacob Dimond
‘People should remember Collin as somebody to live for’
Nisqually Valley News
Third Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Short-staffed, Vashon post office reels
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
2023 NEWS WRITER OF THE YEAR
First Place
Ray Miller-Still
The Courier-Herald
Second Place
Julia Lerner
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Kelly Moyer
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Group 3
First Place
Cheryl Schweizer
Up from the ashes
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Brian Kelly
Sunken sailboat prompts emergency
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Kira Erickson
Closed boat launch part of larger problem
South Whidbey Record
Group 4
First Place
Eddie Macsalka
Allegations of unchecked bullying at school
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Peter O’Cain
Lost WWII Marine laid to rest in East
Wenatchee
Wenatchee World
Third Place
Kienan Briscoe
The faithful came out in full-force
Lynnwood Times
News Story, Short
Group 1
First Place
Diane Craig
Local journalism and a healthy democracy
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Elisha Meyer
Vietnam vets honored for their service
Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
David Pan
‘She was the very best parts of all of us’
Mukilteo Beacon
2023 FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR
First Place
Kira Erickson
South Whidbey Record
Second Place
Kienan Briscoe
Lynnwood Times
Third Place
Chris Rurik
Key Peninsula News
Group 2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Islanders stand to show support and love Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Jacob Dimond
Yelm FFA plant sale is breaking record
Nisqually Valley News
Third Place
Briana Alzola
Dog rescued after cliffside fall
Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Patrick Webb & Luke Whittaker
Woman dies in major house fire
Chinook Observer
Second Place
James Sloan
ATM wins in tug-of-war with bank thieves
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Rebecca Pettingill
Kindness is not forgotten
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Sara Thompson
Crabbing not likely to return in foreseeable future
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Rick Bannan
Bi-Zi Farms celebrates 150 years
The Reflector
Third Place
Gabriel Garcia
Buttigieg visits Wenatchee Valley
Wenatchee World
9 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA News
General Excellence
Group 1
First Place
Mukilteo
Beacon
David Pan & Debbie Magill
Second Place
CamasWashougal
Post-Record
Kelly Moyer, Doug
Flanagan & Shelly
Atwell
Third Place
Edmonds
Beacon
Brian Soergel & Debbie Magill
Group 2
First Place
Whitman
County Gazette
Roger Harnack, Teresa Simpson, Olivia Harnack, Justin
Slayton & Staff
Second Place
Sequim
Gazette
Michael Dashiell, Matthew Nash, Emily
Matthiessen, Mary
Field, Linda Clenard, Lara Stanton & Terry
Ward
Third Place
Mercer Island
Reporter
Andy Nystrom, Rhonda
Staton, Andy Hobbs & Carol Greiling
10 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
General Excellence
Group 3
First Place
OmakOkanogan County Chronicle Staff
Second Place
Chinook Observer
Matt Winters, Luke
Whittaker, Brandon
Cline, Jeff Clemens, Patrick Webb, Cate
Gable & Lissa Brewer
Third Place
Whidbey
News-Times
Jessie Stensland, Kimberlly Minervini & Karina Andrew
Group 4
First Place
Cascadia Daily News
Ron Judd & Staff
Second Place
The Reflector
Justyna Tomtas, David Boehmke, Rick
Bannan, Cade Barker, Billy Armstrong & Mike Hormann
Third Place
The Northern Light
Pat Grubb, Louise
Mugar, Molly Ernst, Ian Haupt, Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Grace McCarthy
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 11
Breaking News Story
Group 1
First Place
Ken Stern
BNSF locomotive derailed behind Swinomish casino
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Ken Stern
Car fire put out by local fire departments
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Kelly Moyer
Go Now: Wildfire suddenly expanded
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
Valley copes with brutal winter assault
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Teresa Simpson
Train derails near Hooper
Whitman County Gazette
Third Place
Briana Alzola
Trail trestle damaged by fire
Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Joseph Claypoole
Flooding hits Bonaparte Lake area
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Jeff Clemens
Man lost from crabber Ethel May
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Luke Whittaker
Frantic search for missing swimmer ends well
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Olivia Sullivan
Restaurant owner shot in road rage incident
Federal Way Mirror
Second Place
Audra Anderson & Julia Lerner
Cyclocross racer dies during Ski to Sea race
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Grace McCarthy
Schools in lockdown due to threat
The Northern Light
Health or Medical Story
Group 1
First Place
Kelly Moyer
Surprise ambulance bill shocks Camas family
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Second Place
Colleen Smith
New program helps with transportation to rehab centers
Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Elisha Meyer
Hospital union calls for president’s removal
Port Orchard Independent
Group 2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
A tale of two clinics
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Steve Powell
Residency program helps nurses at St. Michael Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
Sandra Strieby
Getting the most from telehealth
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Jessie Stensland
Hospital officials describe ‘new normal’ Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Don Gronning
She’s very generous and kind
The Newport Miner
Third Place
Dee Camp
Three hospital commissioners call it quits
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Ted Olinger
Third grade cancer fighter tells it like it is
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
Whatcom schools grapple with student mental health
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Ralph Schwartz & Audra Anderson
Reproductive rights uncertain after Roe’s demise
Cascadia Daily News
Environmental Story
Group 1
First Place
Steve Powell
Ready to clean up this town?
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Unpermitted bulkheads impacting forage fish
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Anne Basye
Farm report: Dry and warm with scarce water
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Briana Alzola
Department bans fish net pens in state waters
Anacortes American
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Residents team up to tackle wildfire risks
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Olivia Palmer
Tribes launch fish habitat projects
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Green crab war enters new phase
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jeff Clemens
Research vessel ‘Hero’ demolished
Chinook Observer
Third Place
James Sloan
Students tackle ghost crab pot problem
Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
First Place
Cameron Sheppard
Unintended consequences of the Green River
levee
Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Julia Lerner
Asbestos displaces Swift Creek neighbors
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Chris Rurik
Trees come down to improve the forest
Key Peninsula News
Business News Story
Group 1
First Place
Conor Wilson
Carnation Farms closure highlights lack of resources
Snoqualmie Valley Record
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Cooperative farming in the Skagit
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Elisha Meyer
Clean headstones: Buried but not forgotten
Port Orchard Independent
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 12
News
Business News Story
Group 2
First Place
Steve Powell
From eyesore to eye-popping
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Ashley Lodato
Not just filling in Methow Valley News
Third Place
Marcy Stamper
New owners thrilled with Sun Mountain
Lodge
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Laura Jean Schneider
Flashback, flash-forward
Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
Charles Featherstone
REC Silicon to reopen Moses Lake plant
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Brandon Cline
New stewards take over Chico’s Pizza
Chinook Observer
Education Story
Group 1
First Place
Philip Watness
Students grow knowledge as they grow plants
Skamania County Pioneer
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Dyslexia and individual learning styles
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
Salmon project spawns interest across curriculum
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Michael Dashiell
Students form a Mock Trial club
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Olivia Palmer
Planting the seeds for a lifetime of learning
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Briana Alzola
Police, schools have back-to-school preparations
Anacortes American
Groups 3&4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman
Sumas Elementary reunites in new building
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Sophia Aldous
You cannot reach the mind if you don’t reach the heart
The Newport Miner
Third Place
Patrick Webb
Neat and workmanlike
Chinook Observer
Government Story
Groups 1&2
First Place
Ken Stern
Shelter Bay board sanctions fellow board members
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Elisha Meyer
Forced out of home for pedestrian pathway
Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
Kelly Moyer
Camas residents fume over gas station proposal
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Group 3
First Place
Jeff Clemens
Sheriff’s letter reveals reasons for firing deputy
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jessie Stensland
Council to vote on changing mayor pro tem
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
James Sloan
PT considers how to reduce local deer numbers
Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
First Place
Mario Lotmore
Community protests opening of methadone clinic
Lynnwood Times
Second Place
Sara Thompson
Rep. Michelle Caldier reveals sight impairment
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Pat Grubb
A jump in assessments
The Northern Light
Crime & Court Story
Group 1
First Place
Mike De Felice
Not a coincidence: police down, crime up
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Conor Wilson
Documents detail fatal police shooting in North Bend park
Snoqualmie Valley Record
Third Place
Philip Watness
Youth pleads not guilty to vehicular homicide charge
Skamania County Pioneer
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
Final judgments: Culp reflects on long career
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Briana Alzola
Officers both drawn to work with students
Anacortes American
Third Place
Elisha Meyer
Should criminals be returned to originating cities?
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Dee Camp
Woman stabbed in Omak attack
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Jessie Stensland
New juvenile justice law raises concerns
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Don Gronning
Trial off to shaky start
The Newport Miner
Group 4
First Place
Ian Haupt
U.S. Border Patrol agents off the hook after court ruling
The Northern Light
Second Place
Benjamin Leung
Hyundai falls victim to social media challenge
Renton Reporter
Third Place
Ralph Schwartz
Officer returns to force after killing motorist
Cascadia Daily News
13 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
News
Social Issue Story
Group 1
First Place
David Pan
Kamiak graduate headlines MLK Jr. assembly
Mukilteo Beacon
Second Place
Brian Soergel
No camping ordinance passes
Edmonds Beacon
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
Joining together in resilience
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Leki Lodato Albright & Ashley Lodato
Tackling teens’ mental health issues
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Matthew Nash
The housing crunch
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Andy Nystrom
Islanders speak out against Lava Ridge Wind
Project
Mercer Island Reporter
Group 3
First Place
Karina Andrew
Federal program supports Whidbey homeless youth
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Kira Erickson
Beard photo exhibit hits a snarl
South Whidbey Record
Third Place
Brandon Cline
Ilwaco RV park dispute blows up
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Audra Anderson
Child care challenges plague parents, providers
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Audra Anderson
Clearbrook Church closes after 120 years
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Kienan Briscoe
A mother’s cry for help to the dangers of fentanyl
Lynnwood Times
Election Story
Group 1
First Place
Philip Watness
Candidates discuss political perspectives
Skamania County Pioneer
Second Place
Laura Knowlton
Community hears about Perfect Passage Project
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Third Place
Laura Knowlton
Coroner’s last minute appeal for write-in votes
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Group 2
First Place
Ann McCreary
Rodriguez, Hughes vie for county coroner position
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Matthew Nash
Officials, observers talk elections processes security
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Dale Brown
Election office alarm tripped
Cheney Free Press
Groups 3&4
First Place
Don Gronning
Bruising political season underway
The Newport Miner
Second Place
Cameron Sheppard
Dunn carries torch for King County conservatives
Auburn Reporter
Third Place
Ralph Schwartz
Children’s levy vote reveals urban-rural divide
Cascadia Daily News
Sports News Story
Group 1
First Place
Nicholas Zeller-Singh
Shot in the dark
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Doug Flanagan
Coaches, parents address possibility of no sports in 2023-24
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
Volleyball team banks on rich state title tradition
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Michael Dashiell
Henninger helps WWU’s Vikings score national title
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Briana Alzola
Football team finds stride, stays undefeated
Anacortes American
Third Place
Steve Powell
Field of bad dreams
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Patrick Webb
Hugs prove the X-factor
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Patrick Webb
Joy, tears and a trophy
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Justin Johnson
Opening dogfight
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Connor Benintendi
Graham Morin Memorial tournament returns
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Ted OIinger & Tina McKail
Peninsula Seahawks win Fish Bowl 44
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Ian Haupt
Blaine softball comes up short against Mount Baker
The Northern Light
Art Reviews
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ken Stern
See “Sound of Music” at McIntyre Hall
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Ken Stern
“Henry V” triumphant in war and on stage
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
“Sweeney Todd” is a triumph for local troupe
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 14
News
News of the Weird
Groups 1-4
First Place
Jeff Clemens
Goat’s disappearance raises eyebrows, threats Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jessie Stensland
Talking turkey
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Brian Kelly
Woman rescued after falling into park outhouse
Port Townsend Leader
News Headlines
Groups 1-4
First Place
Don Nelson
Headlines and captions (Mooove aside, please)
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Headlines and captions (Rotary serves food for thought)
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
Headlines and captions (Pet parade raises the woof)
La Conner Weekly News
General Feature Story, Long
Group 1
First Place
Doug Flanagan
Washougal man invited strangers to play catch with him
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Second Place
Ken Stern
Good old days of typewriters
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Brian Soergel
Seeing stars
Edmonds Beacon
Group 2
First Place
Michael Dashiell & Matthew Nash
Sequim students seek ‘Boys in the Boat’ screening
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Steve Powell
Accident, amputation helped her turn her life around
Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
Marcy Stamper
Walking a fine line
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Karina Andrew
Oak Harbor man shares experience in Ukraine
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Karina Andrew
ICOM dispatchers are ‘the calm within the storm’
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Rebecca Pettingill
Warriors surf the wake
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Bo John Brusco
Cut by Curt: Crafting a life post-diagnosis
Lynnwood Times
Second Place
Kienan Briscoe
Helping Ukrainians find peace in Snohomish County
Lynnwood Times
Third Place
Audra Anderson
The leveling chair
Cascadia Daily News
General Feature Story, Short
Group 1
First Place
Neely Stratton
Holocaust survivor’s granddaughter is the messenger
Edmonds Beacon
Second Place
Anne Basye
La Conner residents win ribbons at county fair
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Colleen Smith
Marin the brave
Islands’ Sounder
Group 2
First Place
Matthew Nash
Missionary helps complete home for widow
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Who gives a hoot what owls eat?
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Emily Matthiessen
WAG raising funds for injured lab/husky mix
Sequim Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Gordon Weeks
A story of Christmastown
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Gordon Weeks
Tales of survival
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Karina Andrew
Playing by heart
Whidbey News-Times
Lifestyle Feature Story
Groups 1&2
First Place
Colleen Smith
A passion of intellects
Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
The meaning of Island motherhood
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Steve Powell
Sailing to seven continents
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Joel Martin
Ancient ways
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Charles Featherstone
Lucha Libre in Moses Lake
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Luke Whittaker
Black Lake Fishing Derby is a splashy success
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Ian Ferguson & Madi McKay
Tidepooling Tongue Point
The Northern Light
Second Place
Eric Lucas & Bruce Bjornstad
Time on the Columbia River
The Northern Light
Third Place
Hannah Cross
Pickleball becomes the official state sport
The Northern Light
Business Feature Story
Group 1
First Place
Colleen Smith
Bringing a taste of Rome to Orcas Island Islands’ Sounder
15 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA News
Business Feature Story
Group 1
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Slider Cafe family celebrates Tahoe wedding
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Elisha Meyer
Heavenly Lounge’ wine bar for women
Port Orchard Independent
Group 2
First Place
Briana Alzola
Marina, boatyard sold after almost 60 years in business
Anacortes American
Second Place
Ashley Lodato
A people place by design
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Sandra Strieby
Ancient grains for modern times
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Kira Erickson
Support grows for Whidbey agriculture
South Whidbey Record
Second Place
Patrick Webb
Ministry marks 40 years
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Patrick Webb
New Long Beach postmaster appointed
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Lisa Bryan
KP businesswoman makes her passion her work
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Steve Hunter
Krusteaz Company plant in Kent finds the right mix
Kent Reporter
Third Place
Benjamin Leung
Local business owners deter crime with a few design tricks
Auburn Reporter
Animal Feature Story
Group 1
First Place
Bill Reynolds
Rehabbed bald eagle released La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Colleen Smith
From the rivers of Montana to the beaches of Orcas
Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Tyler Shuey
Nose separates new Kitsap K-9 from the pack
Port Orchard Independent
Group 2
First Place
Briana Alzola
Seals set free in Padilla Bay
Anacortes American
Second Place
Ann McCreary
A desperate year for bears
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Mike De Felice
Finding people is a game for search and rescue dogs
North Kitsap Herald
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Holy halibut
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jessie Stensland
Whidbey elephant seal reveals its aggressive side
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Charles Featherstone
Most excellent animals
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Eddie Macsalka
Be goatful for what you have
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Chris Rurik & Ed Johnson
Eagles and the genius of bird flight
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Krisa Bruemmer & Tina McKail
Local farm animal rescue saves lives
Key Peninsula News
History Feature Story
Group 1
First Place
David Pan
A piece of Mukilteo’s history is on the market
Mukilteo Beacon
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Faith shines through Sacred Heart Church windows
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Ileana Martinez
Honoring Carol Stone: an authentic community spirit
Sunnyside Sun
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
North Cascades Highway brought lasting changes
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Steve Powell
History hard to come by in Scout’s project
Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
Bruce Haulman & Terry Donnelly
Looking back and forward at Portage Store
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Group 3
First Place
Karina Andrew State’s most popular park turns 100
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Matt Winters, Luke Whittaker & Donella
Lucero
Fallout shelter of our very own Chinook Observer
Third Place
Kira Erickson
Joseph Whidbey’s will discovered, donated South Whidbey Record
Group 4
First Place
Ian Haupt
Mount Baker Lodge stood in Heather Meadows
The Northern Light
Second Place
Joseph Pentheroudakis
The bay in the woods: The story of Glencove
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Rick Bannan
First U-Haul employee Hap Carty dies at 95 The Reflector
Arts Feature or Story
Group 1
First Place
Heather Spaulding
Spotlighting the people of Afghanistan
Journal of the San Juan Islands
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 16
News
Arts Feature or Story
Group 1
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Rainbow Bridge mural restored by volunteer artists
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
David Pan
Kamiak Winter Percussion will compete at Nationals
Mukilteo Beacon
Group 2
First Place
Emily Matthiessen
Driftwood artist creations soar
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Tyler Shuey
Book series based in Kitsap County a hit
North Kitsap Herald
Third Place
Olivia Palmer
Pipestone Music’s summer camp scores
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Patrick Webb
Artist’s true colors radiate through
Chinook Observer
Second Place
James Sloan
Musical duo True Reckoning
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Kira Erickson
Flying colors
South Whidbey Record
Group 4
First Place
Amy Kepferle
Becoming Betty Desire
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Kienan Briscoe
National distributor picks up high school film
Lynnwood Times
Third Place
Eddie Macsalka
Working in Hollywood while living in the Key Peninsula
Key Peninsula News
Sports Feature Story
Groups 1&2
First Place
David Pan
Building connections one game at a time
Mukilteo Beacon
Second Place
Briana Alzola
Students compete in Seafarers Cup
Anacortes American
Third Place
Nicholas Zeller-Singh
Spirit Squad provides a lift to all cheerleaders
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Patrick Webb
Fishermen spell victory C-H-E-E-R
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Patrick Webb
Yesterday’s heroes, tomorrow’s champs
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Justin Johnson
Bulldogs ready to grind for wins
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Palmer
Courage on the court
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Eric Trent
Whatcom Preps’ Tyler Anderson is county’s stat junkie
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Connor Benintendi
Sehome freshman is Bellingham’s jiu-jitsu wunderkind
Cascadia Daily News
Sports Personality Profile
Groups 1&2
First Place
Michael Dashiell
Career on the pickleball court
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Paul Delaney
State Champ: Shaffer wheels to title
Cheney Free Press
Third Place
Ashley Lodato
Tim Lewis follows the bouncing ball
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Patrick Webb
A sisterhood beyond sports
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Patrick Webb
Comet soars to leadership role
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Eddie Macsalka
Coach wants Seahawks soaring to new heights
Key Peninsula News
Personality Profile, Long
Group 1
First Place
Philip Watness & Peter Singh
Skamania woman brings moderate views to Congress
Skamania County Pioneer
Second Place
Diane Craig
Remembering Rivkah
Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Mike De Felice
Turning 105 is no big deal
Port Orchard Independent
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
Dave Chantler’s universe of interests left a local legacy
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Emily Matthiessen
Kennel Club’s Cornell leaves a legacy
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Ashley Lodato
Cramer well cast at The Merc’s next executive director
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Kira Erickson
Unicycling into the sunset
South Whidbey Record
Second Place
Karina Andrew
“The Bear” producer feeds Whidbey
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Al Camp
Robbins retires with riches of many friends
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Kienan Briscoe
Local student represents Washington state in DC
Lynnwood Times
Second Place
Eddie Macsalka
Ed Gilkison on life and history in Lakebay
Key Peninsula News
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 17
News
Personality Profile, Long
Group 4
Third Place
Sara Thompson
Carolyn Wiley receives Rotary Star Award
Key Peninsula News
Personality Profile, Short Groups 1&2
First Place
Rodger Nichols
Lofberg ends half a century as sports
announcer
Skamania County Pioneer
Second Place
Ashley Lodato
Rodeo queen has tight bonds with the Methow Valley
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Colleen Smith
Father’s Day profile: Raul Orantes Islands’ Sounder
Group 3
First Place
Karina Andrew
Photo exhibit elicits ‘presence of wonder’
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Gordon Weeks
No matter how damn old I am’
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Patrick Webb
Ghost stories
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Bailey Jo Josie
Renton’s Hudson Portrait Studio celebrates 41 years
Renton Reporter
Second Place
Ian Haupt
Don Leu joins Blaine school board
The Northern Light
Third Place
Carolyn Wiley
Zoie Ewald making the world a better place
Key Peninsula News
Comprehensive Coverage, Single Writer
Groups 1&2
First Place
Mike De Felice
A congressman’s ‘Day in the life’
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Friday Harbor arson fire
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Nicholas Zeller-Singh
Title IX turns 50
Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3&4
First Place
Julia Lerner
A legacy of neglect at county rifle range
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Grace McCarthy
Future of the Alcoa smelter
The Northern Light
Third Place
Mitchell Roland
Wenatchee School District budget cuts
Wenatchee World
Comprehensive Coverage, Multiple Writers
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ileana Martinez & Kennia Perez
Farm workers call for change
Sunnyside Sun
Second Place
Ralph Schwartz, Jenelle Baumbach & Hailey
Hoffman
Beyond Bars: The future of justice in Whatcom County
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Ray Miller-Still & Alex Bruell
The trial of Allan and Joann Thomas
The Courier-Herald
Investigative Reporting
Groups 1-4
First Place
Audra Anderson & Connor Benintendi
Sehome coach knew of hazing, didn’t report
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Kienan Briscoe
Church continues to struggle with abuse disclosure
Lynnwood Times
Third Place
Matt Baide
Mason County Fire 12 fraud investigation
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Sports Page Design
Groups 1-4
First Place
Randy Wrighthouse
Yesterday’s heroes, tomorrow’s champs
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jaya Flanary
A legacy of hoops success
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Justin Johnson
Flying high
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Feature Page Design
Groups 1&2
First Place
Briana Alzola
Snowy views of Fidalgo, Guemes islands
Anacortes American
Second Place
Joe Novotny
Personal choices, personal stories
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Ric Hallock
What it takes to become a volunteer
East County Journal
Groups 3&4
First Place
Randy Wrighthouse
In the mountain’s shadow
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Randy Wrighthouse
Beneath the forest
Chinook Observer
Third Place
David Boehmke
Scenes from Mount St. Helens in the aftermath
The Reflector
18 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
News
News
Front Page Design
Group 1
First Place
Tate Thomson
Congratulations class of 2022
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Tate Thomson
A step forward in solar power
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Tate Thomson
The meaning of Island motherhood
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Joe Novotny
New county software streamlines record requests
Methow Valley News
Second Place
John Myers
Man arrested after Geiger Heights standoff
Cheney Free Press
Third Place
Justin Slayton, Teresa Simpson & Teren
Kowatsch
State champs!
Whitman County Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Jaya Flanary & Hailey Hoffman
All hell broke loose
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Lisa Bryan, Heather Meier & Tina McKail
A new day for Lakebay Marina
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Justin Johnson
A story of Christmastown
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Editorial Group 1
First Place
Colleen Smith
My body, my choice
Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Brian Soergel
Mother’s Day
Edmonds Beacon
Third Place
Colleen Smith
The kindness of strangers and community
Islands’ Sounder
Group 2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
‘We’ll figure it out’
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Steve Powell
Elected leaders must respond to constituents
Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
Don Nelson
In the deep end
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Jessie Stensland
Hospital board violation of OPMA is maddening
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Justin Johnson
In defense of the truth
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Matt Winters
What’s up with so many murders
Chinook Observer
Editorial Cartoon
Groups 1-4
First Place
Brad Skiff
Megawatt Needle
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Brad Skiff
Castaway
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Third Place
Brad Skiff
The Hunt for Red November
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Editorial Pages
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ron Judd & Jaya Flanary
Editorial pages
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Michael Dashiell
Editorial pages
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Don Nelson
Editorial pages
Methow Valley News
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 19
General Interest Columns
Group 1
First Place
Maria Montalvo
Moment’s Notice
Edmonds Beacon
Second Place
Mel Damski
If I Ran The Zoo
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Ken Stern
Musings - on the Editor’s mind
La Conner Weekly News
Groups 2&3
First Place
Kirk Ericson
These Times
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Photography
Photo Essay
Group 1
First Place
Craig Barber
A big day for our little town
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Adrian Catron-Ziegler
Stevenson High School Class of 2022
Skamania County Pioneer
Third Place
Laura Knowlton
National Night Out
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Group 2
First Place
Roger Harnack
Mat Classic
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
Steve Mitchell
Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Ric Hallock, Chris Johnson & Buddy Rose
Loggers’ Jubilee Logging Show
East County Journal
Groups 3&4
First Place
Jeff Clemens
Suicide awareness bus rolls no more
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Shawna Whelan
Shelton High School Class of 2022
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Cate Gable
Coast Chronicles
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Don Nelson
No Bad Days
Methow Valley News
Group 4
First Place
Robert Whale Whale’s Tales
Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Phyllis Henry Coast to Coast
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Shawna Whelan
Training burn
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Breaking News Photo
Groups 1&2
First Place
Job Wise
Dryer sets laundromat ablaze
Sunnyside Sun
Second Place
Andrew Hamil
Second fire on property in a month
Sunnyside Sun
Third Place Job Wise
13th Street house fire
Sunnyside Sun
Group 3
First Place
Al Camp
Burning fire at Fowlers Trailer Court
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Joseph Claypoole
Fire chars land northeast of Omak
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Third Place
Gordon Weeks
Mayhem in Shelton
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Meredith Browand
Key Issues
Key Peninsula News
Topical Columns
Groups 1-4
First Place
Mark Woytowich
On The Go
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Chris Rurik
Into the Wild Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Solveig Torvik
Hello Methow Valley News
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman
Officials monitor the water for oil sheen at derailment site
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
Kayaker comforted after learning of in-law’s death
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Molly Ernst
U.S. Border Patrol agents surround school’s main campus
The Northern Light
General News Photo
Group 1
First Place
Brian Soergel
Recognizing sacrifices
Edmonds Beacon
Second Place
Kennia Perez
Kids learning through magic
Sunnyside Sun
Third Place
Marissa Conklin
A top flight costume for Halloween
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Michael Dashiell
Sequim mourns its lost firefighter
Sequim Gazette
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 20
News
Photography
Photographer of the Year
Groups 1-4
First Place
Don Seabrook
Wenatchee World
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Luke Whittaker
Chinook Observer
General News Photo
Group 2
Second Place
Steve Mitchell
Winthrop Balloon Roundup
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Byrne Bennett
Fright night on The Haunted Train
Cheney Free Press
Group 3
First Place
David Welton
Residents prefer their pot legal
South Whidbey Record
Second Place
Shawna Whelan
Holiday cheer
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Matt Baide
Honoring the fallen
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman
Democrats lead in district house legislative races
Cascadia Daily News
21 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
Photography
General News Photo
Group 4
Second Place
Rick Bannan
Competitors let wood shavings fly
The Reflector
Third Place
Rick Bannan
Barrel racer rounds one of the turns
The Reflector
Feature Photo
Group 1
First Place
David Pan
Picking out a pumpkin
Mukilteo Beacon
Second Place
David Pan
Music in motion
Mukilteo Beacon
Third Place
Marissa Conklin
Serving smiles with your coffee
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Steve Mitchell
Mooove aside, please
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Evan Caldwell
Summer heating up
Stanwood Camano News
Third Place
Roger Harnack
Chicken dancing
Cheney Free Press
Groups 3&4
First Place
Tina McKail
Elementary girls on the run
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
A group of peppermints wait offstage
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Karina Andrew
Lt. Colby Diamond proposes to his girlfriend
Whidbey News-Times
Portrait Photo
Group 1
First Place
Laura Knowlton
Fun at the Fair
Okanogan
Valley Gazette-Tribune
Second Place
Darryl Wyatt
Hummingbird in winter
Skamania County Pioneer
Third Place
Marissa Conklin
Director retires from La Conner Library Foundation
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Michael Dashiell
Wonder of the holidays
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Matthew Nash
Pumpkins, skeletons fall in line
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Steve Mitchell
In the spirit
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Tina McKail
Izzy Edwards wildlife photographer
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
David Welton
Fair fun returns to Whidbey
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
David Welton
Flying colors
South Whidbey Record
Pictorial Photo
Group 1
First Place
Nancy Crowell
A blizzard of snow geese
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Philip Watness
Flowers and smoky sky
Skamania County Pioneer
Third Place
Job Wise
Officer escorted home after shooting
Sunnyside Sun
Group 2
First Place
Ashley Lodato
Bright spots
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Frosty
Methow Valley News
22 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA
This fun at the fair shot took first place in the Portrait Photo category for Laura Knowlton of the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune.
Photography
Pictorial Photo
Group 2
Third Place
Ric Hallock
A ‘rare’ glimpse of blue East County Journal
Groups 3&4
First Place
Joseph Claypoole
Hazy days
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Justin Johnson
Washington coast tides
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Sophia Aldous
Relay for Life remembers
The Newport Miner
Sports Action Photo
Group 1
First Place
Andrew Hamil
Alaina Morgan clears a hurdle
Sunnyside Sun
Second Place
Andrew Hamil
Head-over-heels
Sunnyside Sun
Third Place
Andrew Hamil
Knights earn second at state Sunnyside Sun
Group 2
First Place
Roger Harnack
Spills, thrills and chills
Cheney Free Press
Digital
Newspaper Website
Groups 1-4
First Place
Jaya Flanary
CascadiaDaily.com
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
David Pan
MukilteoBeacon.com
Mukilteo Beacon
Third Place
Steve Powell, Elisha Meyer, Nicholas Zeller-Singh, Tyler
Schuey & Nancy Treder
BainbridgeReview.com
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Evan Caldwell
Reaching new heights
Stanwood Camano News
Third Place
Steve Mitchell
The Great Puckaroo Roundup hockey tournament
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Al Camp
Kamiuse Kid Pakootas hangs on Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Luke Whittaker
Beckett Turner drives in for a layup
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Justin Johnson
Kayla Zembas breaks a bat
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Andy Bronson
WWU’s Raven Borsey throws the ball back
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Finn Wendt
WWU redshirt freshman BJ Kolly chases a loose ball
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Eric Trent
Mya VanderYacht leaps into the air in celebration
Cascadia Daily News
Sports Feature Photo
Group 1
First Place
Andrew Hamil
Alejandro Fernandez embraces his father
Sunnyside Sun
Second Place
Madoc Hiller
Cheers and tears after a long career
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Andrew Hamil
Volleyball: ‘Hounds beat Mustangs
Sunnyside Sun
Group 2
First Place
Teren Kowatsch
State champs!
Whitman County Gazette
Second Place
Steve Mitchell
Hightailing it
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Steve Mitchell
Erik’s run
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Patrick Webb
Coach couldn’t resist a little dance with her team
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Justin Johnson
Big win in Belfair
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Hailey Hoffman
Dustin Hawkins studies the slalom course
Cascadia Daily News
Online Photo Essay
Groups 1-4
First Place
Roger Harnack
Cheney Rodeo
Cheney Free Press
Video Groups 1-4
First Place
Bo John Brusco
Cut by Curt: Crafting a life postdiagnosis
Lynnwood Times
Second Place
Bo John Brusco
Verizon workers in Everett form union after landslide vote
Lynnwood Times
Third Place
Bo John Brusco
Local Eats
Spotlight: Brianna’s Cafe in Marysville
Lynnwood Times
WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST, OCT. 7, 2023, KENNEWICK, WA 23
Printing ● Bindery ● Mailing ● Distribution Welcome to our Production Facility: 3 Ninth St., Wenatchee, WA 98801 Mailing Address: Box 1511, Wenatchee, WA 98807 Providing quality publication printing for customers across the U.S. $2.00 115th year, No. 58 September 22, 2019 Dancing squared Learning to promenade and do-sa-do NCW — Page A2 Hockey Trail Eaters at Wenatchee Wild Sports — Page B1 Comfortable Low: 59 High: 77 Weather, Page B7 Haglund’s Trophies Wenatchee tradition keeps handing out the awards Inside What’s next ABCDE Children of Donor H898 At least dozen are diagnosed with autism New life Cashmere’s waterwheel gets some TLC Tuesday r World staff writer members gathered on the steps of change on stopped at city hall where student organizers and city hall representatives Community screening of the globe, hundreds Students join global march Rhetta Cummings, 13, holds “There’s no Planet B” sign during Youth Climate Strike rally on the steps of Wenatchee City Hall on Friday. Students across the globe participated the march to bring attention to climate change. BELOW: Wenatchee High School junior Andreas Broxson, right, leads “Save Our Planet” chant while students march down Orondo Avenue. The group of roughly 50 students and community members grew rally 150 people outside city hall. Strike 4 climate SI Page A7 World staff writer WENATCHEE — The company that owns the mobile home park on Boodry Street to repair culvert before decides on its next steps. On Aug. 10, three homes were destroyed culvert hillside, pushing mud and debris into the mobile home park below. Hurst & Sons LLCworking with the county and engineers to look at the drainage into the park and see what can do to prevent similar for the future, which the goal,” Romack said. “We’re hoping they get all the drainage to drain to that one point engineer suggests to make sure this doesn’t happen again. There are no guarantees.” county could have predicted, he said. “We got dumped on with this much as anybody, but do much until the county fixes the culvert above the park, he said. The consultant firm PACE Engineers is studying the road and figuring out what hire PACE Engineers after the culvert fixed to look at its drainage, Romack said. It remove them. “We’re just at the county’s mercy here,” he said. “You can’t really blame them either. is unclear what the original drainage plans for the mobile home park were. The Chelan County Community from when the park was creat ed in 1997, said Lynn Machado, Community Development Department manager. supposed to have its own private storm drainage system. also says that the successive property owners of the park drainage system. Tony Buhr: 664-7123 Mobile home park owners consider drainage options after flood “We’re just at the county’s mercy here. You can’t really blame them either. It was flood event and, what can you do?” payroll deduction programs. Announcements issued Friday by two of the region’s largest employers cited local charities receiving money from the pass-through organization. In July, United Way CEO Charity $62,000, drop from the $225,000 provided last year. The reason for the change, she said, was agency refocused and rebuilt its coffers. The agency’s tax records reflected drop in community contributions in the past two years. The plan in the works Courtney Ward, who has been serving as United Way board chair since July, said Friday that still the plan, describing the decisions by the PUD and Confluence as we didn’t have chance to regroup with either one,” she said. “Confluence is major contributor. The impact is not minimal. But we are moving direction solidify other donors.” The board Confluence Health decided it could not wait any longer for things improve.were reported two years ago, the United Way of NCW made public commitments to better manage the resources they were entrusted,” said Andrew Canning, Confluence Health, Chelan County PUD drop United Way Please see UNITED WAY, Page A7 EVENTS FOOD FUN WATER WINE SHOPS SUN INFO THIS WEEK SEPTEMBER 27 OCTOBER LAKE CHELAN HYDROFEST IN MANSON PAGE 2 PAGE 9 EVANS BROTHERS RACING $415,000 12325 Entiat River Road, Entiat homefindersncw.com North Central Washington FREE AUGUST 2019 Monthly Advertising Supplement The Wenatchee World Your Property My Priority 509-784-9016 • 509-670-4679 2019 OFFICIAL PROGRAM PRESENTS Cheri Dudek-Kuhn: The Rider and The Elephant See page 7 Don Brunell: Flying high See page Wenatchee ValleyBuSine SS world SEPTEMBER 2019 | $2 YOUR FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS MAGAZINE Wenatchee The next waterfront boom Walla Walla Point Park becomes a beacon for developers See page 16 We treat every customer with sincerity, fairness and professionalism while delivering a quality product in a timely manner. By providing our clients with the highest quality print services available, in the fastest, most economical way possible without ever sacrificing quality, we will create long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.