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2019 Page One Awards in Newspaper Journalism
MNSPJ congratulates all the winners recognized Tuesday night at the annual Page One Awards! Here’s a list of winners for excellence in newspaper journalism.
BREAKING NEWS
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First place
“’It felt like a bomb’ — Explosions, fire rock Superior oil refinery.”
John Myers, Jana Hollingsworth and Jimmy Lovrien, Duluth News Tribune
The judge said the story “had incredible quotes, plenty of sources and terrific detail.”
Second place
“Grim discovery on quiet street.”
Andrew Haffner, Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation:
First place
Coverage of the Jacob Wetterling case
Rochelle Olson and Jim Walsh, Star Tribune
The judge described it as “a huge amount of material that was put together to make a most fascinating story,” adding, “as soon as I started reading it, I knew it was the first place winner.”
Second place
Coverage of the charges against former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor
Libor Jany, David Chanen, Brandon Stahl and Faiza Mahamud, Star Tribune
DEADLINE NEWS COVERAGE
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First place
“UND, donor at odds over logo.”
Tom Miller, Grand Forks Herald
The judge said: “I love it when reporters use open records laws to dig up facts that might not have otherwise become public, which Miller did here. He put a lot of work into this.”
Second place
“A call for action.”
Dylan Thomas, Southwest Journal
Third place
“A ‘hostile’ relationship.”
Andrew Haffner, Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation
First place
Coverage of the 2018 Super Bowl
Star Tribune staff
The judge called it “Well-written” and “comprehensive,” “from the beginning to the end.”
Second Place
Coverage of the 2018 Election
Star Tribune staff
Third place
Coverage of the Minnesota Vikings
Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press
FEATURE
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
“The cost of a home.”
Michelle Bruch, Southwest Journal
The judge said: “This piece does an excellent job of connecting faces and personal stories to an issue that would otherwise be all about impersonal statistics.”
Second Place
‘Not just a sandwich’ — Duluth’s beloved ‘micro-smokery’ celebrates 20 years”
Jana Hollingsworth, Duluth News Tribune
Third Place
“Life after lotto.”
Brad Dokken, Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation:
First Place
Selection of feature stories
Rachel Hutton, Star Tribune
The judge said: “These entries do a great job of translating big personalities onto the page.”
Second Place
“50 years ago, St. Paul police tear gassed a barricaded dance hall. So began the Stem Hall race riots.”
Nick Woltman, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Third Place
“The #MeToo movement in Minnesota’s immigrant communities.”
Mila Koumpilova, Star Tribune
Enterprise/In-Depth (Single story)
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First place
“Silent Killer: Family loses loved ones to poisoning.”
Brian Arola, Mankato Free Press
The judge called it “well-written,” and “a touching article about a family’s loss and grief due to a silent killer that could have been prevented.”
Second Place
“Parents’ rights unsolved.”
Janelle Vonasek, Grand Forks Herald
Third Place
“Mom speaks out after autistic son sent to jail.”
Trey Mewes, Mankato Free Press
50,000+ circulation:
First Place
“The Wall of Forgotten Natives: Inside Minneapolis’ largest homeless encampment.”
Susan Du, City Pages
The judge said: “The reporter did a good job reminding everyone that homeless people are important members of society, they once had jobs and homes but due to hard times or crisis they have hit rock bottom.”
Second Place
“Fatal plunge into Lake Minnetonka tests a father and a marriage.”
Mary Lynn Smith, Star Tribune
Third Place
“Adoption numbers plummet in Minnesota and nationwide.”
Shannon Prather, Star Tribune
Enterprise/In-Depth (Series)
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
“The risk remains.”
Brooks Johnson, Duluth News Tribune
The judge called it a “well-written article that sheds light on potentially dangerous chemicals that are in our communities that we are not aware of, or don’t think about until disaster happens.”
Second Place
“Sustainable.”
Frank Jossi, Finance & Commerce
Third Place
“UND budget cuts.”
Andrew Haffner, Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation:
First Place
“Aging parents, stressed families.”
Jackie Crosby, Star Tribune
The judge said: “This reporter touches on the lives of families that are struggling to deal with the medical diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and the walls they face as they decide how to care for their aging parent … Good job exploring a subject that needs to be brought to the forefront.”
Second Place
“A Test of Faith: The Un-churching of America.”
Jean Hopfensperger, Star Tribune
Third Place
“Minnesota Historical Society broadens how it tells the state’s history.”
Shannon Prather, Star Tribune
Investigative
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
“Dentistry in decay: Twin Ports dentists struggle to see area’s poorest children.”You can also search for the best dentist near New Hyde Park to sort out any kind of dental issues.
Brady Slater, Duluth News Tribune
The judge called it “a well-sourced story that details both the local and broader scope of the problem, looks at a current model of care and lays out potential solutions.”
Second place
“Sex buyer ‘john’ has a name.”
Sara Marie Moore, Shoreview Press
Third place
“The saga of Superintendent Rod Thompson.”
Amanda McKnight and Deena Winter, Shakopee Valley News
50,000+ circulation:
First Place
“Denied Justice.”
Brandon Stahl, Jennifer Bjorhus, Renee Jones Schneider and MaryJo Webster, Star Tribune
The judge said the story “is very well written and draws the reader into the story right away … Readers should be angry that this is happening and work with these women to seek justice not only for them, but for others as well. Good job.”
Second Place
“The Unknowable Truth: Jurors think Mariel Grimm nearly killed a baby. How she did it, no-one could say.”
Susan Du, City Pages
Third place
“Lake Elmo didn’t make 3M pay.”
Bob Shaw, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Business news coverage
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
“Firm footing for now.”
Andrew Haffner, Grand Forks Herald
The judge described it as “Great coverage” with and “enticing layout” and “graphics [that] really grab your attention. Top notch.”
Second Place
“Surly tip-pooling settlement has a ripple effect.”
Michelle Bruch, Southwest Journal
Third Place
Selection of stories
William Morris, Finance & Commerce
50,000+ circulation
First Place
“Legal War Engulfs 3M Device.”
Joe Carlson, Star Tribune
The judge called it “An entry to be proud of, and a joy to read.”
Second Place
“Raise Your Hamm’s: As Minnesota craft beer booms, the humble ‘Beer Refreshing’ is having a resurgence of its own.”
Em Cassel, City Pages
Third Place
“Hey St. Paul: Here’s some TIF Advice.”
Frederick Melo, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Sports News Coverage
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First place
“Maverick Hockey Section.”
Shane Frederick, Pat Christman and Jackson Forderer, Mankato Free Press
The judge called it “A solid preview section. It’s packed full of information and offers a little bit of everything for fans of MSU hockey. Well done.”
Second place
“NCHC ref Dan Dreger takes puck to face.”
Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald
Third place
“A year after cutting sports, UND athletics adjusts.”
Tom Miller, Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation:
First Place
Coverage of the Minnesota Vikings
Ben Goessling, Star Tribune
The judge said: “Ben’s writing style is smooth and entertaining. The story about Diggs’ playoff-winning touchdown provided a jolt while reading it, despite it being well more than a year later.”
Second place
Coverage of the Minnesota Wild
Sarah McClellan, Star Tribune
Third place
Coverage of the Minnesota Gophers
Marcus Fuller, Star Tribune
Sports Feature Story
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First place
“The draw of history.”
Melinda Lavine, Duluth News Tribune
The judge said: “You follow the No. 1 rule of feature writing: You show rather than tell. Great job on getting me hooked on a topic I don’t normally read.”
Second place
“YouTube punter.”
Tom Miller, Grand Forks Herald
Third place
“All aboard.”
Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation:
First place
Ben Goessling, Star Tribune.
The judge said: “Ben has a knack for telling behind-the-scenes stories that pique the interest of even non-Vikings fans. That peel-back-the-curtain style is exactly what feature writing should be.”
Second Place
Rachel Blount, Star Tribune
Third place
Dennis Anderson, Star Tribune.
Sports column [NOTE: no distinction in this category based on circulation]
First place
Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune.
The judge said: “Good style with a mix of opinion and strong storytelling. Great job.”
Second place
Shane Frederick, Mankato Free Press.
Third place
Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald.
Arts & Entertainment Coverage
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First place
Selected Arts & Entertainment coverage
Christa Lawler, Duluth News Tribune
The judge said: “Each of these stories really brings the emotions of the subjects to the forefront, and that makes for compelling tales.”
Second Place
“The art of entertaining: Burlesque dancers make strides toward acceptance.”
Melinda Lavine, Duluth News Tribune
Third Place
“When arena rock tribute band Hairball plays Prince at the Minnesota State Fair.”
Jackie Renzetti, Hastings Star Gazette/Rivertown Multimedia
50,000+ circulation:
First place
Jon Bream, Star Tribune
The judge complemented Bream’s writing in particular, saying, “Like Springsteen, you are a great storyteller.”
Second Place
Jeff Baenen, Amy Forliti, and Doug Glass, Associated Press.
Third Place
Jenna Ross, Star Tribune
Arts Criticism/Reviews
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First place
“Exhibition as experience.”
Dylan Thomas, Southwest Journal
The judge said: “The author obviously knows much about the arts, but also a lot about how the arts are presented in exhibition. Armed with this expertise, the reviewer deftly places the exhibition in context … a strong effort.”
Second place
“On Movies: Crazy Rich Asians.”
Yun Ji Nam, Red and Green
50,000+ circulation:
First Place
A selection of theater reviews
Pamela Espeland, MinnPost
The judge complimented Espeland’s “crisp writing” and thoughtful approach.
Second Place
A selection of restaurant reviews
Hannah Sayle, City Pages
Third Place
Selected reviews
Laurie Hertzel, Star Tribune
Column
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
A selection of columns
Robb Murray, Mankato Free Press
The judge said: “Mr. Murray’s columns displayed not only meaning and emotion but personal courage … These were three fine pieces of writing that I truly enjoyed.”
Second Place
“My Minneapolis.”
Jim Walsh, Southwest Journal
Third Place
“Maybe the Reddi-Bacon will return.”
Tim Krohn, Mankato Free Press
50,000+ circulation:
First place
A selection of metro columns
Jennifer Brooks, Star Tribune
The judge said: “All three columns discuss topics that are timely and relatable, not only for local readers, but on a national level.”
Second Place
“Frederick Melo: You don’t know TIF!”
Frederick Melo, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Third Place
A selection of metro columns
Ruben Rosario, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Editorial
Less than 50,000 circulation (all winners submitted a selection of editorials):
First place
Brian Hunhoff, Yankton County Observer
The judge said: “It’s not often that an editorial can be considered a “joy to read,” but Brian Hunhoff pulled it off three times with his entries. All are well-written, engaging and take definitive stands on issues of consequence.”
Second place
Joe Spear, Mankato Free Press
Third Place
Mike Jacobs, Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation:
First place
“Lives at stake, voices raised.”
Star Tribune Editorial Board
The judge said: “The editorial board is to be commended for its clear, concise arguments that are supported well and draw logical conclusions. All of the submissions addressed important community topics, and the board’s stands provided thought leadership on those issues.”
Second Place
A selection of columns
Lori Sturdevant, Star Tribune
Third place
“The new war on birthright citizenship.”
Star Tribune Editorial Board
Graphics/Art and Illustration
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
“Ranking risk.”
Carli Greninger, Grand Forks Herald
The judge said: “The primary art for this graphic actually made me say, “Wow,” out loud … Great work.”
Second place
“Is ignorance bliss?”
Isis Cabral, Red and Green
50,000+ circulation:
First Place
“Warm, but not too warm.”
Ray Grumney, Star Tribune
The judge said: “Using nothing but data as a visual illustrator for a story is incredibly difficult, but you’ve done it masterfully here … Absolutely stunning.”
Second Place
“No big deal.”
Ben Ramsden, Mark Reilly and Patrick Rehkamp, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Third Place
“Holiday book guide.”
Mike Rice, Star Tribune
Page Design
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
“Gold rush/Hockey town hero.”
Kirsten Stromsodt and Meaghan MacDonald, Grand Forks Herald
The judge said this submission’s “striking layout stops the eye cold – in all the right ways.”
Second place
“The year that was with Lizz Winstead.”
Brenda Taylor, Southwest Journal
Third Place
“The fig is up.”
Micah Edel, Southwest Journal
50,000 circulation:
First Place
“Portraits of Prince’s Hometown Love Affair.”
Mike Rice and Tom Wallace, Star Tribune
The judge called this submission an “excellent marriage of headline, story and photo … Good thinking and execution went into this page design.”
Second place
“Super Bowl bet.”
Ben Ramsden, Mark Reilly and Dirk DeYoung, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Third Place
“Gold rush.”
Josh Jones, Star Tribune
Headlines
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
“Flushing truth down an Oval hole”; “An angel walked among us” and “Ghosts of aging dream still haunt Devil’s Nest.”
Brian Hunhoff, Yankton County Observer
The judge said: “These headlines accurately and concisely highlight each article’s most intriguing angles.”
Second Place
“A touch of classic Yankton”; “Love the Mall you have” and “The bird man of downtown Yankton.”
Kathy Church and Brian Hunhoff, Yankton County Observer
50,000+ circulation:
First place
“These kids hope to be arrow-dynamic”; “For some, skiing is believing” and “Cue snow globe, it’s Super Sunday.”
Mark Wolleman, Star Tribune
The judge said: “Your headlines are on the right side of the line between being clever and corny. Good job.”
Best Issue
Less than 50,000 circulation:
First Place
Mankato Free Press
The judge said: “The Free Press has a good balance of sharing the national and local news. One of their features in this issue on Somali language classes for Mankatoans points out the importance of diversity in the local as well as national arenas. A delightful plus for the paper is their inclusion of fiction as part of their Sunday edition.”
Second Place
Grand Forks Herald
50,000+ circulation:
First place
Star Tribune
The judge said: “This newspaper won hands down with the reporting, writing, photography, graphics and layout … I’d look forward to a Sunday read with this newspaper.”