2024 Better Newspaper Contest
Awards presented Oct. 5, 2024 in Olympia, Wash.
2024 Better Newspaper Contest
WNPA’s annual contest celebrates great work
We are thrilled to once again celebrate the great work published each year in Washington’s community newspapers.
Inside these pages you will find the results of this year’s contest in advertising, special sections, news, general
excellence, photography and digital contributions.
When you see the broom graphic, that means all three places in a category were swept by the same person.
Contest Facts
JUDGES: Arizona Media Association
NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY DIVISION
General Excellence: 41 entries
Advertising: 184 entries
Special Sections: 93 entries
News: 913 entries
Photography: 314 entries
Digital: 17 entries
Number of Participating Newspapers: 50
The awards are presented each year in October at the annual convention, so it is good to mark your calendars and plan to attend. Much is gained from coming together.
Generally, the Better Newspaper Contest site opens in April and stays
CONTEST PERIODS
Regular Contest Eligibility: Published April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024
Tourism Special Sections Eligibility: Published by May 31, 2024
General Excellence Issues: Published weeks of Apr 16 & Aug 13, 2023, 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
open for about a month. An extra month is given for tourism sections that generally publish later in the spring. There is a an entry fee for submissions. The contest is an important fundraiser for WNPA that helps provide WNPA services.
General Excellence, our top award, is always free to enter, and we would love to one year have every member enter that category.
Congratulations to our winners and thanks to everyone who participated. Keep up the good work!
This publication was edited, designed and produced by WNPA. Contact: wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938 The betterbnc.com website is provided and hosted by SmallTownPapers (smalltownpapers. com) of Shelton, WA. Printing was donated by The Wenatchee World.
Advertising
Ad of the Year
Groups 1-4
First Place
Melanie Fair
Yeager’s Sporting Goods
Lynden Tribune
Second Place
HMAC Team
Envy Us Lawn Care
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Wings Over Water
The Northern Light
Single Advertiser, Smaller than 1/2 Page
Groups 1&2
First Place
Lara Stanton
The Lodge at Sherwood Village
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Cascades Outdoor Store
Methow Valley News
Third Place
MyKenzie Bennett
LaFonda Lopez Restaurant
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Olympic Stove & Spa
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Lloyd Mullen
Quimper Sound
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
HMAC Team
Guardian Roofing & Exteriors
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
David Boehmke
KTown Korean BBQ
The Reflector
Second Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Bargain Betty’s Fireworks
The Northern Light
Third Place
David Boehmke
First Church of Christ, Scientist
The Reflector
Single Advertiser, 1/2 Page or Larger
Groups 1&2
First Place
Margaret Webb
WorkSports & Outdoor
The Courier-Herald
wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938
Second Place
Angela Larson
OK Chevrolet
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Groups 3&4
First Place
Kim Fowler
OysterFest
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Cyrus Gubelman & Meg Visger
Port Townsend Symphony
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Blaine by the Sea
The Northern Light
Branding Ad
Groups 1&2
First Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Windy Valley Landscaping
Methow Valley News
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Casia Lodge & Ranch
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Kitsap Design Team
Ace Hardware Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Team Chaos Riding Academy
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Sierra Pacific Industries
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Verle’s Outdoor Recreation
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser & Louise Mugar
Coupeville Chamber of Commerce
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Gary Lee
Trippy Hippie Cannabis
The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Gary Lee
Windermere Real Estate, Damian Pro
The Northern Light
Use of Small Space
Groups 1-3
First Place
Angela Larson
Jon Avis Celebration of Life
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Second Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Han Bui
Fairy Tale Dental
Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
John Jaeger
Plaza Jewelers
Sequim Gazette
Group 4
First Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
The Northern Light
Second Place
David Boehmke
Women’s Wellness Clinic
The Reflector
Third Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Water Wisely Schedule
The Northern Light
Multiple-Advertiser Ad
Groups 1&2
First Place
Jeremy Fink, Chris Johnson & Cathy Kane
Good Luck at District
East County Journal
Second Place
Jeremy Fink, Chris Johnson & Cathy Kane
Congratulations on your Postseason
East County Journal
Third Place
Jeremy Fink, Chris Johnson & Cathy Kane
Congratulations on season
East County Journal
Advertising
Multiple-Advertiser Ad
Groups 3&4
First Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar & Molly Ernst
Advice from the Pros
The Northern Light
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Varsity
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Wesley Moran & Schuyler Copeland
Historic Downtown Oak Harbor
Whidbey News-Times
Ad Campaign
Groups 1-3
First Place
John Myers
Wild Bill’s Long Bar
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Harlequin Productions
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Vander Wal’s Garage
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
MD Med Spa & Wellness
The Northern Light
Second Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Oysterfest
The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Whole Pilates of Birch Bay
The Northern Light
Ads Featuring Animals
Groups 1-3
First Place
Terry Hamberg
Paws On Parade
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
Terry Hamberg
Doggie Olympics
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Han Bui
Paws & Fins Pet Shop
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Canine Divine Pet Grooming
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman &
Louise Mugar
Whatcom Humane Society
The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Pet Photo Contest
The Northern Light
Romantic Ad
Groups 1&2
First Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Northern Farms
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Lara Stanton By Design Group
Sequim Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman &
Louise Mugar
Samson Estates Winery
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Gary Lee
Majestic Inn and Spa
The Northern Light
Third Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Mottet Fine Jewelry
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Ads Celebrating Where You Live
Groups 1-4
First Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Point Roberts Chamber & Visitor Center
The Northern Light
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Christmastown Tree Maze
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Blue Sky Real Estate
Methow Valley News
Arts & Entertainment Ad
Groups 1-3
First Place
Angela Larson
Okanogan County Fair 2023
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Methow Valley Rodeo
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Han Bui
Esther’s Fabrics
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 4
First Place
Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst & Louise Mugar
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser, Danielle Gaughen & Molly
Ernst
Birch Bay Visitor Information Center
The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Blaine Maritime Festival Week
The Northern Light
Obituary Page Design
Groups 1-4
First Place
Kim Fowler & Karen Hranac
Cherie Blake & Bob Okonek
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Karen Hranac
Donald Anderson
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Kim Fowler & Karen Hranac
Daniel Florek, Sr. & Skip Rand
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Full Page Ad
Groups 1&2
First Place
John Myers
Cheney Lanes
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Welcome Home Senior Living
Methow Valley News
Third Place
John Jaeger
Y&K International Cuisine & Bar
Sequim Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Wings Over Water
The Northern Light
Second Place
HMAC Team
The Home Center
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Cyrus Gubelman & Lloyd Mullen
Sheri’s Ultimate Dreams Travel
Port Townsend Leader
1/2 Page or Larger Ad
Groups 1-3
First Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Han Bui
Bainbridge Island Construction
Bainbridge Island Review
Advertising
1/2 Page or Larger Ad
Groups 1-3
Second Place
HMAC Team
Moses Lake Taxi
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Terry Hamberg
Builders’ Guide
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Sahara Pizza
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
7 Elements Physical Therapy
The Northern Light Third Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst Bank of America
The Northern Light
Smaller than 1/2 Page Ad
Groups 1-3
First Place
John Myers
Modern Electric Water Company
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
HMAC Team
Moses Lake Taproom
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Melanie Fair
Yeager’s Sporting Goods
Lynden Tribune
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
VW’s Home & Garden
The Northern Light Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Vista Materials
The Northern Light Third Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Water Conservation
The Northern Light
Use of Clip Art
Groups 1&2
First Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Han Bui
It’s New to You Consignment
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Methow Valley News Subscriptions
Methow Valley News
Third Place
John Myers
Mobile Small Engine Repair
Cheney Free Press
Group 3
First Place
HMAC Team
Lakeside Disposal Schedule
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Kristmas Town Kiwanis
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Moment of Truth Musical Drama
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Paso del Norte Restaurant
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Black Forest Steak House
The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Grace Lutheran Church
The Northern Light
Newspaper House Ad
Groups 1&2
First Place
Terry Hamberg
Leap Year Subscriptions
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
We’ve Got Issues
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Terry Hamberg
Inflation Ahoy! Subscriptions
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Group 3
First Place
Lloyd Mullen
Front Row Subscriptions
Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
HMAC Team
40 Under Forty Nominations
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Lloyd Mullen
Whatever it Takes Subscriptions
Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
Did You Know Circulation
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Louise Mugar
News & Lifestyle Publications
The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug De Visser & Louise Mugar
A Newspaper was Born Circulation
The Northern Light
Humorous Ad
Groups 1-4
First Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Kitsap Design Team
Hear for Life Audiology, MC Duties
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Han Bui
Hear for Life Audiology, Halloween
Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
Terry Hamberg
Cle Elum Eagles
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Youth-Oriented Content
Groups 1-3
First Place
Brenda Jorgens, Tracy Long & Han Bui
Hear for Life Audiology, Holidays
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Dave Pierik
Crafty Time
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Casey Clark
Congratulations Cheerleaders
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Group 4
First Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Birch Bay Waterslides
The Northern Light
Second Place
Doug De Visser & Molly Ernst
Athletic Hall of Fame
The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Molly Ernst
Summer Fun in the Park
The Northern Light
General Excellence
Group 1
First Place Mukilteo Beacon
David Pan & Debbie Magill
Second Place Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Kelly Moyer, Doug Flanagan, Shelly Atwell & Teresa Keplinger
Third Place Islands’ Sounder
Colleen Smith Summers, Diane Craig, Heather Spaulding & Toby Cooper
Group 2
First Place Bainbridge Island Review
Steve Powell, Tyler Shuey, Nicholas Zeller-Singh, Molly Hetherwick, Elisha Meyer, Nancy Treder & Damon Williams
Second Place Sequim Gazette
Michael Dashiell, Matthew Nash, Emily Matthiessen, Mary Field, Linda Clenard, Lara Stanton & Eran Kennedy
Third Place Anacortes American
Andrew Paxton, Caleb Sprous, Colette Weeks, Briana Alzola & Cameron Martinez
General Excellence
Group 3
First Place Chinook Observer
Matt Winters, Luke Whittaker, Brandon Cline, Jeff Clemens, Cate Gable, Patrick Webb & Madeline Kalbach
Second Place
Lynden Tribune
Bill Helm, Luke Seymour, Joe Kramer, Sarah McCauley, Taras McCurdie & Nathan Schumock
Third Place
The Newport Miner
Staff
Group 4
First Place
The Wenatchee World
Nancy Niles
Second Place
Key Peninsula News
Heather Meier, Ted Olinger & Lisa Bryan
Third Place
Kent Reporter
Steve Hunter, Marie Skoor, Andy Hobbs, Ben Ray & Elvira Anderson
Special Sections
Topical, In-Paper Sections
Groups 1&2
First Place
Second Place
Angela Larson, Gary DeVon & Bryon Kemph
Recreationland Winter Guide 2023
Roger Harnack, Justin Slayton, John Myers, Matthew Stephens & Linda Pantzer Firestorm 2023
Whitman County Gazette
Second Place
Casey Clark
Back to School Information Guide 2023
Northern Kittitas County Tribune Third Place
Colleen Smith Summers, Heather Spaulding & Diane Craig
Women in Business 2024 Islands’ Sounder
Groups 3&4
First Place
Columbia Basin Herald Team
Gridiron Guide 2023
Columbia Basin Herald Second Place
Kim Fowler & Theresa Murray
Anniversary Salute 2024
Shelton-Mason County Journal Third Place
Grace McCarthy, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar & Molly Ernst Active Seniors
The Northern Light
Tourism Special Sections
Group 1
First Place
Gary DeVon, Angela Larson & Bryon Kemph
Recreationland Summer Guide 2024
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Third Place
William Shaw, Carol Greiling, Conor Wilson, Andy Hobbs & Sharon Newman-Adjiri
Snoqualmie Valley Residents Guide 2024
Snoqualmie Valley Record
Group 2
First Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Methow Valley Winter 2023-24
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Rhonda Staton, Katherine Miller, Olivia Sullivan & Sharon Newman-Adjiri Island Guide 2023
Mercer Island Reporter
Third Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Methow Valley Summer 2024
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Port Townsend Leader Staff
Getaway Guide 2024
Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
John Bruijn, Hattie Marvin, Luke Whittaker & Matt Winters
The Discovery Coast
Chinook Observer
Third Place
The Newport Miner Staff
Pend Oreille River Valley Visitor Guide 2024
The Newport Miner
Group 4
First Place
CT Publishing Visitors Guide for Southwest Washington 2024/25
The Reflector
Second Place
Sianna Foster, Olivia Sullivan, Bailey Jo Josie & Sharon Newman-Adjiri
Renton Residents’ Guide 2023
Renton Reporter
Third Place
Cindy Ducich, Olivia Sullivan, Bailey Jo Josie, Andy Hobbs & Carol Greiling
Explore Federal Way 2023
Federal Way Mirror
Lifestyle/Culture Sections
Groups 1&2
First Place
Methow Valley News Staff Valley Vows 2024
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Northern Kittitas County Tribune Staff
Upper Kittitas County Builders’ Guide 2023
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Third Place
Andrew Paxton, Caleb Sprous, Oliver Hamlin, Vince Richardson & Dan Ruthemeyer
A Season to Remember
Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Columbia Basin Herald Editorial Team
Hope Builders
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Columbia Basin Herald Team
Strength
Columbia Basin Herald
Special Sections
Lifestyle/Culture Sections
Group 3
Third Place
The Newport Miner Staff
Golden Years 2023
The Newport Miner
Group 4
First Place
Groups 3&4
First Place
Jaya Flanary & Andy Bronson
Ski to Sea
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Dave Burgess & Gabriel Garcia
Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day
The Quincy Valley Post-Register
Nolan Baker, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar & Pat Grubb
Mount Baker Experience Winter 2023/24
The Northern Light
Second Place
Aly McGee, Louise Mugar & Doug De Visser
Pacific Coast Weddings 2024
The Northern Light
Third Place
Jessica Drake, Emily Thornton & Stephanie Daugherty
Go! Arts & Entertainment
The Wenatchee World
Event/Festival Sections
Groups 1&2
First Place
Northern Kittitas County Tribune Staff
Holiday Gift Guide & Event Schedule 2023
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
Northern Kittitas County Tribune Staff
Pioneer Days 2023
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Third Place
Drew Lawson & Michelle Van Diest
Odessa DeutschesFest
Cheney Free Press
Third Place
Kim Fowler, Theresa Murray, Gordon Weeks, Matt Baide & Justin Johnson
Forest Festival
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Community Guide Sections
Groups 1-4
First Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Methow Made 2023
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Methow Valley News Staff
Health & Wellness 2023/24
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Columbia Basin Herald Team
Adams County Magazine 2024
Columbia Basin Herald
Special Section Covers
Groups 1&2
First Place
Terry Hamberg
Holiday Gift Guide & Event Schedule 2023
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Methow Valley Summer 2024
Methow Valley News
Third Place
John Myers
Fall Sports Preview 2023
Cheney Free Press
Group 3
First Place
Dana Moreno Grant County Magazine
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Port Townsend Leader Staff
Working Waterfront
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Port Townsend Leader Staff
Olympic Peninsula Lifestyle
Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
First Place
Colin Wiseman, Doug De Visser, Nolan Baker, Louise Mugar & Pat Grubb
Mount Baker Experience Spring 2024
The Northern Light
Second Place
Rick Lawler, Doug De Visser & Aly McGee
Waterside 2024
The Northern Light
Third Place
Grant Gunderson, Doug De Visser, Nolan Baker, Louise Mugar & Pat Grubb
Mount Baker Experience Winter 2023/24
The Northern Light
News Story, Long
Group 1
First Place
Philip Watness
Tunnel 5 fire 80 percent contained; evacuations lifted
Skamania County Pioneer
Second Place
David Pan
Buttigieg touts federal support for transportation
Mukilteo Beacon
Third Place
Elisha Meyer
Cold case heats up
Port Orchard Independent
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
Navy’s training area expansion raises local concerns
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Praise, criticism for proposed winter wildlife closures
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Caleb Sprous & Cameron Martinez
A space for community
Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Patrick Webb
Beloved newsman comes home to die Chinook Observer
Second Place
Luisa Loi
Last bats evicted from North Whidbey home
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Don Gronning
Scary week of fire
The Newport Miner
Group 4
First Place
Elliott Almond
A chance encounter changed their lives
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Peter O’Cain
Saudi custody case
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Ralph Schwartz
Fentanyl takes a deadly toll on Whatcom families
Cascadia Daily News
News Story, Short
Group 1
First Place
Bill Reynolds Student rescues two swimmers
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Pride display fixed within hours after vandalism
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
Swinomish officer has heroic week
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Andy Nystrom
Emotional reunification at airport for refugee
Mercer Island Reporter
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Young girl, father rescued at Boulder Creek Falls
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Andy Nystrom
I know we’ll get through this Mercer Island Reporter
Group 3
First Place
Lucrezia Cuen Paxson
Highway 104 is deadly
Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
Joel Martin
Keeping household weapons secure
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Joel Martin
Symposium digs deep in eco-gardening techniques
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Peter O’Cain
Charity run honoring slain deputy comes to an end
The Wenatchee World
Second Place
Grace McCarthy
Community group officially forms as Birch Bay Inc.
The Northern Light
Third Place
Eddie Macsalka
Fire destroys Key Peninsula home
Key Peninsula News
Breaking News Story
Group 1
First Place
Judy Booth
La Conner Drug Store closes
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Ileana Martinez & Job Wise
False 911 call prompts lockdown
Sunnyside Sun
News
Breaking News Story
Group 1
Third Place
Gary DeVon
Eagle Bluff fire estimated at 15,349 acres Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
Flooding and storm leave Methow awash in damage
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Molly Hetherwick
School superintendent suspect in political sign thefts
North Kitsap Herald
Third Place
Marcy Stamper
Community unites to honor Kierra Reichert Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker & Matt Winters
Historic inferno blows past containment efforts
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jessie Stensland
Growler malfunction over Whidbey raises concern
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Justin Johnson
Wildfire hits central county
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Nolan Baker
Man charged for opioid death of fellow inmate
The Northern Light
Second Place
Nolan Baker
Blaine man arrested on suspicion of killing neighbor
The Northern Light
Third Place
Peter O’Cain & Jennifer Rodas
Teen saves baby, family of 19 displaced by house fire
The Wenatchee World
Health or Medical Story
Group 1
First Place
David Pan
Hope for preventing suicide Mukilteo Beacon
wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938
Second Place
Judy Booth
Small drugstores, high drug prices
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Isabel Ashley
Covid vaccine availability
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Cathy Kane
Being ‘pin pals’ will continue for a lifetime
East County Journal
Second Place
Roger Harnack & Teresa Simpson
Paul’s Place closed due to crime and lack of safety
Whitman County Gazette
Third Place
Tyler Shuey
Healing House provides Suquamish its own clinic
North Kitsap Herald
Groups 3&4
First Place
Grace McCarthy
PeaceHealth palliative care
The Northern Light
Second Place
R. Hans Miller
AMR ambulance service ceases operations in county
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Kira Erickson
Enso House celebrates 20th anniversary
South Whidbey Record
Environmental Story
Group 1
First Place
Heather Spaulding
Saving the gregarious sunflower sea stars
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
David Pan
Mukilteo comes out in full force for Earth Day
Mukilteo Beacon
Third Place
Adam Sowards
Drought persists, requires adjustments and acceptance
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Roger Harnack
Secret dam breaching pact unveiled Whitman County Gazette
Second Place
Matthew Nash
Sequim’s irrigation ditch draws ire
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Isabella Loy
Restoration efforts pay off for Chinook salmon
Stanwood Camano News
Group 3
First Place
Luisa Loi
Homeowners find 1,000 bats in walls
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Luke Whittaker
Top trappers fight against the invasive green crab
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Kira Erickson
Ghost ship ends eerie journey on Clinton beach
South Whidbey Record
Group 4
First Place
Chris Rurik
Following salmon under the new Minter Creek bridge
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Keelin Everly-Lang
Federal Way resident protecting beloved wetland
Federal Way Mirror
Third Place
Isaac Stone Simonelli
Salmon management 50 years after the Boldt Decision
Cascadia Daily News
Business News Story
Group 1
First Place
David Pan
Arnies says goodbye
Mukilteo Beacon
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Investing in buildings, business and community
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
David Pan
A place where everybody knows your name
Mukilteo Beacon
Group 2
First Place
Ray Miller-Still
Businesses wants public to weigh in on street closures
The Courier-Herald
News
Business News Story
Group 2
Second Place
Don Nelson
Bjornsens carve new track with line of ski poles
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Caleb Sprous
Chiropractic owner sells company to workers
Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
CranBear Bogs bringing berries back Chinook Observer
Second Place
Kira Erickson
Pizza business offers redemption
South Whidbey Record
Third Place
Cheryl Schweizer
Ice cream truck provides marketable skills
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Frank Catalano
Bellis Fair mall grows as downtown struggles
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Steve Hunter
Space Summit puts Kent front and center
Kent Reporter
Third Place
Gabriel Garcia
WSU researchers present new apple variety
The Wenatchee World
Education Story
Group 1
First Place
Bill Reynolds
Madison Huscher named regional Teacher of Year
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Enrollment drop means school staff cuts La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
David Pan
National story drives outside hate mail
Mukilteo Beacon
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
Community partnership drives new auto-tech facility
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Introducing children to the world of words
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Michael Dashiell
Sequim board approves school reconfiguration
Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Don Gronning
Janitor shortage leads to smell and mice
The Newport Miner
Second Place
Anna Rose
Students and families share harassment horror stories
Daily Record
Third Place
Joel Martin
New Almira School rises from the ashes
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman Students learn empathy from tiny teachers - babies
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
Point Roberts Primary, one of smallest schools
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Pat Grubb
School staff cuts prompt student walkout
The Northern Light
Government Story
Group 1
First Place
Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
County Council considers Argyle project proposals
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Code Enforcement as a process toward compliance
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
Condo project plan bears a familiar sounding name
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper
Post office grapples with surge in large packages
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Don Nelson
Twisp mulls option for interim police coverage
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Marcy Stamper
County property value
assessments going up 30%
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Jeff Clemens
Sheriff response times
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Don Gronning
Do inaccurate IRS responses matter to EDC?
The Newport Miner
Third Place
Brandon Cline
Willapa ferry is feasible
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Bailey Jo Josie
Renton family seeks reparations from school district
Renton Reporter
Second Place
Steve Hunter
Neighbors seek pedestrian upgrades along street
Kent Reporter
Third Place
Emily Thornton
Port Authority works to fill weather radar gap
The Wenatchee World
Crime & Court Story
Group 1
First Place
Mike De Felice
Drones without officers
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Ken Stern
Tulip Town sues Tulip Valley Farms
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Heather Spaulding
Jason Aldous sentenced to seven years
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Matthew Nash
School district settles suit with former employee
Sequim Gazette
News
Crime & Court Story
Group 2
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Rawson steps down after long career on the bench
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Islander arrested on human trafficking charges
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Group 3
First Place
Jessie Stensland
Jurors deadlocked again in child rape retrial
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Jessie Stensland
Trial in shooting death set for March 12 Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Kira Erickson
DNA results identify bones as missing man
South Whidbey Record
Group 4
First Place
Steve Hunter
Officer fired for telling residents to seek ‘street justice’
Kent Reporter
Second Place
Peter O’Cain
1st Amendment auditor goes to court
The Wenatchee World Third Place
Benjamin Leung
Jury acquits Renton man in death of 2-year-old boy
Renton Reporter
Social Issue Story
Group 1
First Place
Heather Spaulding
Ending racism for a better America
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Transgender Visibility Day
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Colleen Smith Summers
The long and winding road to permanent residency Islands’ Sounder
Group 2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Sweeping Archdiocese plan brings change
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938
Second Place
Sandra Strieby
Searching for shelter in the Methow Valley
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Ray Miller-Still Re-offense rates are a problem
The Courier-Herald
Group 3
First Place
Luisa Loi
Langley women protest solitary confinement
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Caleb Sprous
Local veterans lacking dental provider
Daily Record
Third Place
Caleb Sprous
Affordable housing a critical ongoing concern Daily Record
Group 4
First Place
Charlotte Alden
Homeless cleanups weigh compassion against complaints
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Isaac Stone Simonelli
A farm-to-food plan
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Keelin Everly-Lang
How one Federal Way father is overcoming homelessness
Federal Way Mirror
Election Story
Groups 1&2
First Place
Ann McCreary
Methow Aquatics District proposal qualifies for the ballot
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Isabella Loy
Camano Fire seeks increase in fire levy
Stanwood Camano News
Third Place
Kelly Moyer
Anonymous attack ads target Camas candidates
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Groups 3&4
First Place
Peter O’Cain & Oscar Rodriguez
Questions raised over ‘The Wenatchee Record’ political mailer
The Wenatchee World
Second Place
Don Gronning
Dansel touts access to Trump
The Newport Miner
Third Place
Oscar Rodriguez
Man behind political mailer wanted to ‘connect the dots’
The Wenatchee World
Sports News Story
Group 1
First Place
Mike De Felice
COVID leads to golf course improvements
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Murdock captures two state titles
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
La Conner High School football future in doubt
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Rick Lewis
Scholz repeats as state champ in mountain biking
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Nicholas Zeller-Singh
Bainbridge open arms to Maui pickleball players
Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
Rick Lewis
LBHS returns to 11-man football in 2024 season
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Patrick Webb
Track tears turn to smiles
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Brian Kelly
Lions hold on to beat Bulldogs for state title
Daily Record
Third Place
Joseph Claypoole
Growth of girls wrestling
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Rand Stevens
Friday high school roundup
The Wenatchee World
News
Sports News Story
Group 4
Second Place
Ben Ray
Auburn boys lose shocker in state tourney
Auburn Reporter
Third Place
Eddie Macsalka
Gig Harbor wins 45th Annual Fish Bowl
Key Peninsula News
Art Reviews
Groups 1&2
First Place
Ken Stern
‘The Tempest’ is stormy, but ends well La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Sarah Walls
Review Matika Wilburs ‘Project 562’ La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Ken Stern
‘Something Rotten’ is anything but La Conner Weekly News
Group 3
First Place
Kirk Boxleitner
‘Dune: Part Two’ offers the adaptation
Herbert’s novel deserves Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
Kirk Boxleitner
‘Umberto Eco’ enlightens and entertains
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Dee Camp
‘Wind in the Willows’ is a great family musical
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Bailey Jo Josie
Prog-rock Tool plays the Tacoma Dome Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Jose Alaniz
Learning From ‘Gender Queer: A Memoir’ by Maia Kobabe
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Jose Alaniz
Review of ‘On a Sunbeam’ by Tillie Walden
Key Peninsula News
News of the Weird
Groups 1&2
First Place
Sandra Strieby
Susans (and variants) find common ground
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Brian Soergel
Will the real Rick Steves stand up?
Edmonds Beacon
Third Place
Elisha Meyer
Burger ends Whopper of a knife standoff
Port Orchard Independent
Group 3
First Place
Laura Jean Schneider
‘The queen of Kittitas’ was recently kidnapped Daily Record
Second Place
Sam Fletcher
Sasquatch researcher calls Whidbey home
Whidbey News-Times
Third Place
Laura Jean Schneider
Beer cans sold a house, now a book? Daily Record
Group 4
First Place
Jessica Drake
Batman’s on a mission
The Wenatchee World
Second Place
Pat Grubb
The Ents of Point Roberts?
The Northern Light
Third Place
Pat Grubb
Hey Siri ... Wait what the?!?!
The Northern Light
News Headline
Group 1
First Place
Kurt Batdorf
Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, SPAM
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Volleyball team crushes Concrete on road
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Ken Stern
Take on ‘Shrew’ is anything but Tame at Rexville
La Conner Weekly News
Groups 2-4
First Place
Don Nelson
It’s been sweet, but Cinnamon Twisp Bakery owner ready to sell
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Ric Hallock
Being ‘pin pals’ will continue for a lifetime following emergency East County Journal
Third Place
Pat Grubb
Hey Siri ... Wait what the?!?!
The Northern Light
General Feature Story, Long
Group 1
First Place
Nicholas Zeller-Singh
Majd’s journey from Gaza to glory
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Philip Watness
Volunteers work to revive former Wind River
Nursery
Skamania County Pioneer
Third Place
Kelly Moyer
On top of the world
Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Group 2
First Place
Geno Ludwig
Remembering the Yale Hotel
Chewelah Independent
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Lost, and found, in the wilderness
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Steve Powell
Arms around cancer
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Luisa Loi
Navigating rough waters
Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Brian Kelly & Laura Jean Schneider
It’s a fair-for-all centennial celebration
Daily Record
Third Place
Patrick Webb
Adventures in the dark
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Ted Olinger
Key Peninsula Fire Department saves life of boy
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Gabriel Garcia
Mother shares journey to regain custody of her children
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Alex Bruell
Corey Nettles brought Federal Way together Federal Way Mirror
News
General Feature Story, Short
Group 1
First Place
Elisha Meyer
Photographer shoots
portraits on grounded ferry
Port Orchard Independent Second Place
Colleen Smith Summers
‘Squirrel Dialogues’ is moving off the island Islands’ Sounder Third Place
Heather Spaulding
Jennifer Armstrong receives achievement award Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Don Nelson
Daisy the macaw is headed for a new home
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Matthew Nash
Pearle sings to the world
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Jacob Dimond
Defy Showdown raises $15,000 to send Yelm girl to Paris
Nisqually Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Gordon Weeks
Bucket list included skydiving
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Gordon Weeks
Two peas in a pod
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Sam Fletcher
Diver-turned-citizen scientist provides ongoing data
Whidbey News-Times
Group 4
First Place
Cocoa Laney
Late-in-life love at Bellingham’s Senior Activity Center
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Jennifer Rodas
Eastmont High School principal returns to the classroom
The Wenatchee World Third Place
Vicki Biggs
Artist Tweed Meyer transforms herself once again
Key Peninsula News
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Lifestyle Feature Story
Group 1
First Place
Brian Soergel
A great time to be selling records
Edmonds Beacon
Second Place
Brian Soergel
A sanctuary for healing Edmonds Beacon
Third Place
Bill Reynolds
The Esquires keep rocking a decade later La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Michelle Schmidtke
A place where horses and humans commune
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Twisp Christmas bird count identifies 86 species
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Tyler Shuey
Local conquers Salish 100 in solo rowboat to honor her dog
North Kitsap Herald
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Legends of the fall
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Patrick Webb
The Grange expands its range
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Gordon Weeks
Every day is Christmas
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Lisa Bryan
The extraordinary life of Phyllis Henry
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Rand Stevens
Paddleboarding the Columbia River
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Jaya Flanary
Crossword creator Matt Jones has made his mark
Cascadia Daily News
Business Feature Story
Group 1
First Place
Mike De Felice
They hope sex sells in Port Orchard
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Radio story on Weekly News heard nationally
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Philip Watness
New PlayFront facilities made for children
Skamania County Pioneer
Group 2
First Place
Ray Miller-Still
Bonnie’s Buns opens in Buckley
The Courier-Herald
Second Place
Ann McCreary
Baker took the full plunge in launching business
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Emily Matthiessen
A ‘family’ that heals
Sequim Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Frank Catalano
Hardware Sales emphasizes people
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Emily Thornton
Businesses partner to reduce wildfire risk, create better soil
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Frank Catalano
Faithlife repositions as its new CEO marks 18 months
Cascadia Daily News
Animal Feature Story
Group 1
First Place
Heather Spaulding
Returning to the wild
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Elisha Meyer
Police have an ‘emu’sing time
Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
Tokitae’s death ends dream to return her Journal of the San Juan Islands
News
Animal Feature Story
Group 2
First Place
Ann McCreary
Golden eagle’s death attributed to lead poisoning
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Ann McCreary
Rangers trek to find goat killed in avalanche
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Molly Hetherwick
Newt crossing guards help amphibians survive Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Gabriel Davis
Pet Rescue in danger of going under Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Kira Erickson
Whidbey bids farewell to Tokitae
South Whidbey Record
Third Place
Patrick Webb
Peninsula guides a dog-gone miracle
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Bailey Jo Josie
Local horse rescue organization falls on hard times
Renton Reporter
Second Place
Gabriel Garcia
WSU doctors save Leavenworth reindeer from close call
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Bailey Jo Josie
Puget Sound Goat Rescue saves up to 300 goats a year
Renton Reporter
History Feature Story
Group 1
First Place
Elisha Meyer
Restored totem pole a work of art
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Adam Sowards
Keeping history alive at Northern State Hospital
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Heather Spaulding
Pioneer Building renovations underway Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Molly Hetherwick
The Indipino Community records its oral history
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Isabella Loy
Utsalady Ladies Aid celebrates 100 years in historic building
Stanwood Camano News
Third Place
Ashley Lodato
‘Let’s Paint Winthrop’ campaign revives a vibrant past
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Joseph Pentheroudakis
Service stations of the Key Peninsula
Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Sara Thompson
Two Wauna women reach a landmark
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Kira Erickson
Langley library turns 100
South Whidbey Record
Arts Feature or Story
Group 1
First Place
Meg Holgate
Natalie Nieback lives life as an artist
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Anne Basye
Shelter Bay Chorus holiday concert sings strong
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Adam Sowards
‘Surge’ exhibit intersects art and science
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Steve Powell
‘Swifties’ shake it off and get Taylor tickets
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Andy Nystrom
Marching band to perform in Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Mercer Island Reporter
Third Place
Andy Nystrom
Sophomore directs ‘Hand to God’ at Seattle
Rep YouthFest
Mercer Island Reporter
Group 3
First Place
Anna Rose
Existential angst in Ellensburg
Daily Record
Second Place
Cheryl Schweizer
Written in stone
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Joel Martin
Seattle Rock Orchestra bring a different sound to the Beatles
Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Madisun Tobisch
Famed architect talks of his Blaine home
The Northern Light
Second Place
Sara Thompson
Wauna artist Mardie Rees unveils bronze
sculpture
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Cameron Sires
Trolls from Denmark make their mark across Puget Sound
Renton Reporter
Sports Feature Story
Groups 1&2
First Place
Nicholas Zeller-Singh
Legacy continues through Biddle Foundation
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Rick Lewis
Paz embraces motherhood and mat success
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Chloe Ferrone
Skihawks Special Olympics team finishes strong
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Group 3
First Place
Ian Bivona
It’s the brotherhood we have
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Patrick Webb
Willapa Valley’s McGough does it again
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Dee Camp
Backyard Brawl game preview
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Sports Feature Story
Group 4
First Place
Steve Hunter
Candlelight vigil honors Kent Little League
catcher
Kent Reporter
Second Place
Ben Ray
Kentwood senior and father form super combo
Kent Reporter
Third Place
Rand Stevens
Panthers are ‘ready to do it all again’
The Wenatchee World
Sports Personality Profile
Groups 1&2
First Place
Rick Lewis
After 60-plus years of coaching tennis, advantage Dave
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Paul Delaney
Hunting the Paralympics
Cheney Free Press
Third Place
Michael Dashiell
Sequim’s Little looks to cap dominant prep career
Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
R. Hans Miller
An infectious smile
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Ian Bivona
Overcoming challenges
Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Don Gronning
World champ no stranger to Newport
The Newport Miner
Group 4
First Place
Eric Trent
Breaking the sound barrier
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Rand Stevens
Dale Blair and his ‘marketable’ student legacy
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Eddie Macsalka
Softball star shares her struggles and successes
Key Peninsula News
Personality Profile, Long
Group 1
First Place
Mike De Felice
Eatery helps ex-addict turn his life around
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Bill Reynolds
Bud Moore rowed for champion Husky crew
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Diana Zimmerman
Macie Elliott lives life on her terms
Wahkiakum County Eagle
Group 2
First Place
Dylan Reubenking
A voyage of a lifetime
Nisqually Valley News
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
An extended adventure
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Matthew Nash
From kinder to senior Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Anna Rose
Ellensburg woman reflects on a century of adventure
Daily Record
Second Place
Justin Johnson
Wildlife camerawoman aims to give back and inspire
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Sam Fletcher
Keeping the faith
Whidbey News-Times
Group 4
First Place
Audra Anderson
Longtime bus driver finds purpose in the front seat
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Sara Thompson & Tina McKail
Retired Paralympian returns to the Key Peninsula
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Keelin Everly-Lang
Jacqueline Garcia Castillo is the Hometown Hero for October
Federal Way Mirror
Personality Profile, Short
Group 1
First Place
Heather Spaulding
D’Errico aims to make the impossible possible Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Ileana Martinez
Travis Jones joins Wrigley Field grounds crew
Sunnyside Sun
Third Place
Colleen Smith Summers
A life with color Islands’ Sounder
Group 2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Vashon resident Glenn Cooper dies at 82
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Cathy Kane
Sara greets everyone with smiles
East County Journal
Third Place
Molly Hetherwick
Ex-diver becomes accomplished woodworker
Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3&4
First Place
Gordon Weeks
Around the world in 100 years
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Peter O’Cain
World War II veteran receives surprise promotion and honors
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Keelin Everly-Lang
A lifesaving match made right here in Federal Way
Federal Way Mirror
Comprehensive Coverage, Single Writer
Group 1
First Place
Elisha Meyer
Bremerton’s homeless camp
Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Philip Watness
Stevenson utility issues
Skamania County Pioneer
Third Place
Philip Watness
Courtyard Park plaza proposal
Skamania County Pioneer
Group 2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Seattle Indian Health Board care facility
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
News
Comprehensive Coverage, Single Writer
Group 2
Second Place
Ray Miller-Still
Enumclaw Community Center
bond measure process
The Courier-Herald
Third Place
Olivia Harnack
Bryan Kohberger prosecution
Whitman County Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Anna Rose
Neo-Nazis Zoombomb city council meeting
Daily Record
Second Place
Eddie Macsalka
Heart of a survivor
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Jaya Flanary
Bowling clears a lane for sport and community
Cascadia Daily News
Comprehensive Coverage, Multiple Writers
Groups 1&2
First Place
Tyler Shuey, Elisha Meyer & Molly Hetherwick
North Kitsap superintendent resignation
North Kitsap Herald
Second Place
Drew Lawson, Teresa Simpson & Clare McGraw
Winds of change
Cheney Free Press
Third Place
Alex Bruell & Ray Miller-Still Enumclaw school bond
The Courier-Herald
Groups 3&4
First Place
Cascadia Daily News Staff
Terminal Building fire
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Luke Whittaker, Brandon Cline & Cate Gable
Community steps up after Ilwaco Landing fire
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Gordon Weeks & Kirk Boxleitner
Back to school
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Investigative Reporting
Groups 1&2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Vashon teacher investigation
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Caleb Sprous
Evaluations shed light on port termination
Anacortes American
Third Place
Steve Powell
The cost of public records
Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3&4
First Place
Isaac Stone Simonelli
Bellingham blazes put code in spotlight
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Grace McCarthy
Birch Bay Waterslides
The Northern Light
Third Place
Caleb Sprous
City of Kittitas pays former police chief Daily Record
Sports Page Design
Groups 1-4
First Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Whiteout Racing Kennel gets ready to head out
Methow Valley News
Second Place
MyKenzie Bennett
Mountain Lions roar to state title
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Roger Harnack & Olivia Harnack
Pure horsepower
Whitman County Gazette
Feature Page Design
Groups 1-3
First Place
Ric Hallock Schools
East County Journal
Second Place
Michael Dashiell
Historic Cadillac gets a spotlight at The Henry Ford
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Michael Dashiell
Exploring Patagonia
Sequim Gazette
Group 4
First Place
Stephanie Daugherty
Eagle Lake
The Wenatchee World
Second Place
Stephanie Daugherty
Batman
The Wenatchee World
Third Place
Stephanie Daugherty
A night in Ancient Lakes
The Wenatchee World
Front Page Design
Group 1
First Place
Kennia Perez & Ileana Martinez
Rodeo sells out
Second Place
Kurt Batdorf, Rhonda Hundertmark & Ken Stern
Onward to glory
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Kurt Batdorf, Rhonda Hundertmark & Ken Stern
Step back in time
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
MyKenzie Bennett
LBHS romps to second state football title
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Ric Hallock
Morton Loggers’ Jubilee
East County Journal
Third Place
Justin Slayton
Robotics Team to compete at EWU
Whitman County Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Port Townsend Leader Staff
Here’s the THING
Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
The Newport Miner Staff
McMorris Rodgers visits Pend Oreille County
The Newport Miner
Third Place
Justin Johnson
Clauses come to Lilliwaup
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Jaya Flanary & Hailey Hoffman
The reshaping of Bellingham Bay
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Stephanie Daugherty
That’s how the ball bounces
The Wenatchee World
Group 4
Third Place
Jaya Flanary
Our boys in the boat
Cascadia Daily News
News
Editorial
Group 1
First Place
Ken Stern
Free speech in Shelter Bay
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Heather Spaulding
Protecting our youth
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Ken Stern
And then there were none La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Bertha Cooper
The gift of time
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Writing about the orcas? Dive deeper
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Third Place
Don Nelson
Live and let live
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Lloyd Mullen
Reader outrage sparks a debate
Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
Matt Winters
We’re overdue for Upper Columbia salmon action
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Jessie Stensland
There is no conspiracy behind endorsements
Whidbey News-Times
Group 4
First Place
Ron Judd
Suggested schools course
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Lisa Bryan
Love medicine
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Lisa Bryan
Communication is essential
Key Peninsula News
Editorial Cartoon
Groups 1&2
First Place
Len Baublitz
Valentines candy
Methow Valley News
wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938
Second Place
Len Baublitz
Don’t want to die together in war
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Len Baublitz
The exhausted majority
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Brad Skiff
Unfair fight
Omak-Okanogan
County Chronicle
Second Place
Brad Skiff
Fire cameras
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Third Place
Brad Skiff
Bad magician
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Editorial Pages
Groups 1&2
First Place
Kurt Batdorf
Editorial pages
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Don Nelson
Editorial pages
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Michael Dashiell
Editorial pages
Sequim Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Matt Winters
Editorial pages
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Ron Judd
Editorial pages
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Port Townsend Leader Staff
Editorial pages
Port Townsend Leader
General Interest Columns
Group 1
First Place
Mel Damski
If I Ran the Zoo
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Ken Stern
Musings - On the Editor’s Mind #1
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Ken Stern
Musings - On the Editor’s Mind #2
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Don Nelson
No Bad Days #2
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Tom Tyner
Latte Guy
Bainbridge Island Review
Third Place
Don Nelson
No Bad Days #1
Methow Valley News
Groups 3&4
First Place
Kirk Ericson
These Times
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Ron Judd
Ron Judd column
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Richard Gelinas
Empirically Yours
Key Peninsula News
Topical Columns
Group 1
First Place
Greg Whiting
Skagit Valley Clean Energy Cooperative
La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Pat Paul
Aqiimuk’s Kitchen
La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Solveig Torvik
Hello? #1
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Solveig Torvik
Hello? #2
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Paul Delaney
My Side Line View
Cheney Free Press
Groups 3&4
First Place
Kayla Heidenreich
Outdoors
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Katrina Herringbottom
KP Cooks
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Kamryn Minch
KP Gardens
Key Peninsula News
News
Feature Writer of the Year
Groups 1&2
First Place
Matthew Nash
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Andy Nystrom
Mercer Island Reporter
Third Place
Sandra Strieby
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Kira Erickson
South Whidbey Record
Second Place
Anna Rose Daily Record
Third Place
Gordon Weeks
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Audra Anderson
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Ted Olinger
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Eddie Macsalka
Key Peninsula News
Sports Writer of the Year
Groups 1&2
First Place
Michael Dashiell
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Rick Lewis
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Paul Delaney
Cheney Free Press
Digital
Newspaper Website
Groups 1-4
First Place
MyKenzie Bennett
MethowValleyNews.com
Methow Valley News
Second Place
Jaya Flanary & Cascadia Daily News Staff
CascadiaDaily.com
Cascadia Daily News
Group 3
First Place
Ian Bivona
Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Justin Johnson
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Patrick Webb
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Connor J. Benintendi
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Eddie Macsalka
Key Peninsula News
Third Place
Rand Stevens
The Wenatchee World
News Writer of the Year
Groups 1&2
First Place
Elizabeth Shepherd
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Ray Miller-Still
The Courier-Herald
Third Place
Matthew Nash
Sequim Gazette
Groups 3&4
First Place
Isaac Stone Simonelli
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Charlotte Alden
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Jessie Stensland
Whidbey News-Times
Community Service Groups 1-4
First Place
Ron Judd, Cascadia Daily News Staff
Citizens Agenda 2023
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
John Myers, Linda Pantzer, Justin Slayton & Cheney Free Press Staff
Thank you, firefighters
Cheney Free Press
Third Place
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman, Gary Lee & Louise Mugar
Fundraiser for Northwest Avalanche Center
The Northern Light
wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938
Third Place
Steve Powell, Tyler Shuey, Molly Hetherwick, Nicholas Zeller-Singh & Elisha Meyer
BainbridgeReview.com
Bainbridge Island Review
Online Photo Essay
Groups 1-4
First Place
Nancy Treder
Graduates from Bainbridge schools
Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Michael Dashiell & Emily Matthiessen
Irrigation Festival’s Second Weekend
Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Olivia Harnack
Webb’s Slough sprint boat racing
Cheney Free Press
Video
Groups 1-4
First Place
Finn Wendt
The Goat’s Coat
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Finn Wendt
Whatcom Creek Salmon
Cascadia Daily News
Photography
Photographer of the Year
Groups 1&2
First Place
Roger Harnack
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
K.S. Brooks
Chewelah Independent
Third Place
Steve Mitchell
Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Chinook Observer
Second Place
David Welton
South Whidbey Record
Third Place
Al Camp
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Andy Bronson
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Tina McKail
Key Peninsula News
Photo Essay
Group 1
First Place
Colleen Smith Summers
Shining stars come out at the county fair Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Don Coyote
Brodie remembrance
La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Andrew Hamil
Sunnyside celebrates 35th
annual Cinco de Mayo
Sunnyside Sun
Group 2
First Place
Ric Hallock
After 102 years, Randles come home to Randle
East County Journal
Second Place
Ric Hallock, Chris Johnson & Buddy Rose
Jubilee logging show
East County Journal
Third Place
Jana Stoner & Carl Nelson
The Queen’s coronation for Pioneer Days
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Life in Pacific County
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Luke Whittaker
Historic inferno blows past containment efforts
Chinook Observer
Third Place
Luke Whittaker
July 4th on the Long Beach Peninsula
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Jasmine Long, Ian Haupt, Doug De Visser & Pat Grubb
Northwest Tune-up
The Northern Light
Second Place
Louise Mugar, Grace McCarthy & Doug De Visser
Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman & Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2
Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival
The Northern Light
Breaking News Photo
Group 1
First Place
Gary DeVon
Two fire bombers drop water on Eagle Bluff fire
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Second Place
Job Wise
Aftermath of a multi-vehicle collision
Sunnyside Sun
Hailey Hoffman, Cascadia Daily News
Luke Whittaker, Chinook Observer
Roger Harnack, Cheney Free Press
Photography
Breaking News Photo
Group 1
Third Place
Ken Stern
Horrific car crash worse than it appears La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Roger Harnack
Thank you, firefighters
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
Roger Harnack
Fire Boss dropping water
Whitman County Gazette
Third Place
Roger Harnack
Firestorm 2023
Whitman County Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Historic inferno blows past containment efforts
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Shawna Whelan
Inferno of home and property
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
David Welton
Fire destroys farm building
Whidbey News-Times
Group 4
First Place
Steve Rice
Morning after the Terminal Building fire
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Stephen Fowler
Maple tree crushes car during windstorm
The Northern Light
Third Place
Andy Bronson
Baker River Hotshots head
home after fighting fire
Cascadia Daily News
General News Photo
Group 1
First Place
Nancy Crowell
This summer was a dry one La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Kennia Perez
13,000 fruit bins destroyed by fire
Sunnyside Sun
Third Place
Gary DeVon
Rubber band powered water bottle submarines
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune
Group 2
First Place
Matthew Stephens
Eagle grads fill Spokane Arena
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
Carl Nelson
The double bucksaw competition
Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Third Place
Jerry Goertz
Flag endures in fire recovery
Cheney Free Press
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Coast Guard braces for Buoy 10 fishing season
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Don Gronning
Brandon Baumann after he was found not guilty
The Newport Miner
Third Place
Joseph Claypoole
Hot air balloons prepare to take flight
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman
Fentanyl takes a deadly toll on Whatcom families
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Finn Wendt
Kim Lund reacts to election results
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Ian Haupt
Splash Days provides summer entertainment
The Northern Light
Feature Photo
Group 1
First Place
David Pan
Sink or swim for Kamiak engineering students
Mukilteo Beacon
Second Place
Bear Carpenter
Moondoggie’s angling for some juice
Edmonds Beacon
Third Place
Job Wise
Youngsters enjoy sledding down the hill
Sunnyside Sun
Group 2
First Place
Chris Johnson
Annual fireworks display
East County Journal
Second Place
Steve Mitchell
Stars of the show
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Emily Matthiessen
Neverland creature
Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Luke Whittaker
Born to barrel race
Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jeremy Johnson
Here’s the THING
Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
David Welton
Whale parade surfaces again
Whidbey News-Times
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman
Nooksack Days Pow Wow
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
Dairy cow greeting
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Hailey Hoffman
Roots of empathy
Cascadia Daily News
Portrait Photo
Groups 1&2
First Place
Emily Matthiessen
Our colorfully-winged neighbors
Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Marcy Stamper
Friends at the fair
Methow Valley News
Third Place
Damon Williams
Ruth Reese of the Manette Historical Society
Bainbridge Island Review
Group 3
First Place
Don Gronning
Georgene Blomgren hugs a student
The Newport Miner
Second Place
David Welton
The show must go on
South Whidbey Record
Photography
Portrait Photo
Groups 1&2
Third Place
Luke Whittaker
Welder David Allsup
Chinook Observer
Group 4
First Place
Andy Bronson & Finn Wendt
Kaelin Blakley softball portrait
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Molly Ernst
Fireworks silhouette
The Northern Light
Third Place
Finn Wendt
Kai Johnson on the bleachers
Cascadia Daily News
Pictorial Photo
Groups 1&2
First Place
Justin Slayton
Celebrating 50 years
Whitman County Gazette
Second Place
Ric Hallock
Rain fireworks
East County Journal
Third Place
Roger Harnack
Not quite a ring of fire
Cheney Free Press
Group 3
First Place
Al Camp
Blue moon
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Al Camp
Hoar frost in Okanogan
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Third Place
Joseph Claypoole
Sapling in winter light
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Andrew Grubb
Parting shot
The Northern Light
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
Starlink streaks through sky
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Molly Ernst
wnpa.com | (360) 344-2938
Sunset brightens Semiahmoo Bay
The Northern Light
Sports Action Photo
Group 1
First Place
Kennia Perez
Senior Alondra Ruiz dives for home plate
Sunnyside Sun
Second Place
Kennia Perez
Taking it to the hoop
Sunnyside Sun
Third Place
Andrew Hamil
Mabton defeats Napavine in first round of Regionals
Sunnyside Sun
Group 2
First Place
Roger Harnack
Ranch bronc
Cheney Free Press
Second Place
Olivia Harnack
Webb’s Slough crash
Whitman County Gazette
Third Place
Roger Harnack
Washington Nitro National hill climb
Cheney Free Press
Group 3
First Place
Joseph Claypoole
Bronc sends him head-over-heels
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Justin Johnson
Bulldogs blitz Bremerton
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Joseph Claypoole
Tanner Grooms dives through the gap
Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Andy Bronson
Munson raises fist in the air
crossing finish line
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Cade Barker
Elijah Andersen makes a touchdown catch
The Reflector
Third Place
Andy Bronson
Mutton-busting competition
Cascadia Daily News
Sports Feature Photo
Groups 1&2
First Place
Chris Johnson
Reflection of state basketball tournament
East County Journal
Second Place
Matthew Stephens
Disc dog
Cheney Free Press
Third Place
Ric Hallock
Blueberry Festival brawling kickboxers
East County Journal
Group 3
First Place
Justin Johnson
All smiles
Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Brian Kelly
Players line up along the baseline
Daily Record
Third Place
Don Gronning
A true all-around cowboy
The Newport Miner
Group 4
First Place
Hailey Hoffman
Ski to Sea race at 50
Cascadia Daily News
Second Place
Hailey Hoffman
Kayak water polo
Cascadia Daily News
Third Place
Eric Trent
Bernardy battles at the net
Cascadia Daily News
Kennia Perez, Sunnyside Sun
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