Category 1 - Best Editorial

First Place - Georgetown News Graphic, Mike Scogin

Strong, gusty edit on a contentious topic. Editorial writers take note: readers look for a clear argument, not a long-winded rant. Mr. Scogin does a good job making a point without beating his audience over the head with it.

Second Place - Appalachian News-Express, Staff

Position was a no-brainer, but was presented in a clear, readable manner.

Third Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

Gripping first graph leads into a short and sweet history of topic. Finishes off on a strong statement offering guidance.

Category 2 - Best Spot News Coverage

First Place - Georgetown News Graphic, Erica Osborne

Solid hard news reporting, reporter did a thorough job with two stories!

Second Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, James Mulcahy

Writer uses anecdotal lede, but gets right back into the nuts-and-bolts info.

Third Place - Kentucky Standard, Stacey S. Manning

Great writing breathes life into what should have been a routine fire story.

Honorable Mention - London Sentinel Echo, Allison McCowan

Should have been a first place contender, but the writer let the story get away. Good writing, but we don’t’ find out who did what until well into the jump.

Category 3 - Best General News Story

First Place - Central Kentucky News Journal, Rebecca Dial

A clear, compelling narrative of this emotional trial. The power of it comes from selection, organization and detail.

Second Place - Appalachian News-Express, Russ Cassady

A fine tribute to the first local soldier to die in Iraq. Cassady contributes strong photographs as well.

Category 4 - Best Feature Story

First Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

A very nicely done story with a terrific subject.

Second Place - News Democrat & Leader, Chris Cooper

Sharp, descriptive writing with lots of details.

Third Place - London Sentinel Echo, Carl Keith Greene

An entertaining look at a wonderful subject, although information about closing the office and holding hearings could have been broken out in a sidebar.

Honorable Mention - Kentucky Standard, Lisa Tolliver

Category 5 - Best Column

First Place - Grayson County News Gazette, Royce A. Williams

Nice mix of homespun and meaningfulness. Like many of us, he’d be even better if he wrote a little sharper, but Williams easily outpaced his competitors in the category, especially in terms of consistency.

Second Place - Paintsville Herald, Clyde Pack

Clyde has a wonderful vantage point from which to tell stories. Reminds me a bit of Jesse Stuart, would enjoy reading him regularly. I thought two of the pieces were much stronger than the third, thus second place instead of first.

Third Place - London Sentinel Echo, Willie Sawyers

Solid writing even if a little aloof. I might not agree with Mr. Sawyers, might not even like him, but I would read him.

Category 6 - Best Sports Column

First Place - Appalachian News-Express, Tom Kopacz

Kopacz “rides” a strong column. The broken piece was especially noteworthy.

Second Place - Princeton Times Leader, Todd Griffin

Writer is good at explaining local sports issues, and is effective in inserting his own views and knowledge.

Third Place - London Sentinel Echo, Denis House

The writer’s column is appropriately named. Well done.

Honorable Mention - Kentucky Standard, Jason Nelson

One column each on local, state, national subjects. All well done.

Category 7 - Best Sports Story

First Place - Kentucky Standard, Jason Nelson

The writer gets on trainers view on the eve of the world’s biggest harness race. Drawing in the local tie sand explaining the “climb to the top” pic very effective.

Second Place - London Sentinel Echo, Abbie Tanyhill

It is a difficult task trying to explain how an exchange student suddenly has his athletic eligibility suddenly reversed, but the writer covers the bases. The story could have been more effective if the effects of the player’s loss to the team had been explained, i.e.. scoring, rebounding, etc.

Third Place - Princeton Times Leader, Todd Griffin

A well-written piece on a skilled senior golfer who obviously plays for the sheer enjoyment.

Category 8 - Best Sports Feature Story

First Place - London Sentinel Echo, Denis House

One of Kentucky’s true basketball legends returns home to coach. Good job of surveying the player’s past, present and future.

Second Place - Appalachian News-Express, Justin Schuver

Writer brings out a broad overview of a small-town resident excelling in a big city game.

Third Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Walt Reichert

A player overcomes his inability to hear but plays one of the most physical positions on the football field. Good quotes from parents, coaches and teachers.

Honorable Mention - Georgetown News Graphic, Kevin Hall

A nice job of bringing on a story that makes high school sports so special. I’m sure it was a hit with many readers.

Honorable Mention - Kentucky Standard, Jason Nelson

Writer gets full effect on the type story that can often be difficult to write.

Category 9 - Best Enterprise or Analytical Story

First Place - Central Kentucky News Journal, Rebecca Dial

The article on insurance costs force doctors to stop delivering babies showcases an important issue. Readers across country would be interested in the subject, and besides telling a local story, the writer talks abut the national situation,. Heading with a local patient is a good choice, since it gives story a face and tells how the problem can affect patients.

Second Place - Georgetown News Graphic, Chas Hartman

The writer has found an important and less-known issue. The writer gives the issue a face and voice by interviewing a student and leading with her story. The article has good quotes, especially form the student. The writer has also done his homework, using statistics and experts’ comments. The writer interviewed several sources from both sides.

Third Place - Grayson County News Gazette, Royce A. Williams

Interesting and important topic. Tells one family’s story and by doing that, makes the issue more personal and interesting than it would be if the writer had only interviewed “official sources.” Good quotes.

Honorable Mention - Kentucky Standard, Holly Cecil

A topic most people might never even think about, but they may face the issue someday. An interesting lead that makes the reader want to continue reading.

Category 10 - Best Investigative Story or Series

First Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Walt Reichert

The writer tackles an issue that almost every paper writes about, but he is willing to do more work than most reporters. The writer managed to get interviews with former and current drug users, an accomplishment for most reporters. He also interviewed a multitude of sources and got a lot of information he is able to pass on to his readers. He links drug use to several other types of crime and also explains the national situation without forgetting the local angle. A well-rounded, interesting series.

Second Place - Paintsville Herald, Andrea Collett

Writer writes about how gas prices affect local businesses, an angle not everyone would even think about. She also explains the reasons behind the rising costs and showcases how private companies are not the only ones suffering from high prices, local governments are hurting too. A well-written, clear story.

Third Place - News Democrat & Leader, Joanie Baker

A topic that is likely to interest a wide variety of readers, since almost everyone eats out sometimes. Lead is good, although the second and third paragraphs mainly repeat the first one. Story tells about a problem that almost all small agencies face, but also showcases how understaffing can negatively affect the public. Readers are likely to talk about this story.

Honorable Mention - Paintsville Herald, Loretta Tackett

Few reporters, especially in small papers, can or want to write about environmental issues. This story tells about less-known issues and explains why they exist and what they mean to the area.

Category 11 - Best On-Going/Extended Coverage Story

First Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

Lots of field work here!

First Place - Paintsville Herald, Loretta Tackett

Made a big story out a small one. Timely!!

Second Place - Appalachian News-Express, Russ Cassady

Third Place - News Democrat & Leader, Chris Cooper

Category 12 - Best Business/Agribusiness Story

First Place - Paintsville Herald, Andrea Collett

The writer writes about an issue that almost every town in America faces. Collett uses a multitude of sources from both sides and presents their case clearly. She has good quotes and the story’s structure makes sense. This story shows that the writer was able to think analytically and willing to work hard to get an extensive story. Impressive!!

Second Place - Morehead News, Denver Brown

A good lead. The story is interesting, even those who don’t know anything about cows or agriculture, in general are probably likely to read this. Colorful language, although some of the word choices maybe a little too colorful. Explains why tagging is important how Kentucky ranks in tagging against other states.

Third Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Nathan McBroom

Neat story with a good lead. Readers learn about a topic he/she might not even think about. Where does produce come from. Clear writing. The writer also gives several sources a chance to speak.

Honorable Mention - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

Unusual story that readers are likely to find interesting. Clear writing, good story structure.

Honorable Mention - Georgetown News Graphic, Chas Hartman

Good, short lead. Interesting angle. This phenomena can be seen in many towns across the country, but few reporters seem to write about it. Good quotes.

Category 13 - Best Headline

First Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

The best by far! Hilarious, but it fits beautifully.

Second Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Walt Reichert

Well done interviewing by them all the way through.

Third Place - Appalachian News-Express, Russ Cassady

Another good one. Well done with common thread.

Category 14 - Best Spot News Picture

First Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, James Mulcahy

Great emotion, really tough situation to shoot. Great job.

Second Place - Princeton Times Leader, Jared Nelson

Good framing of woman being rescued.

Third Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Terri Miller

Like the different approach to spot news, liked seeing the whole scene. Would have liked to see more of the guy on the right.

Category 15 - Best General News Picture

First Place - Morehead News, Denver Brown

Clean, strong picture, free of distractions. Animated, graphically well done, great cropping.

Second Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

Strong emotion needs distracting elements cropped, otherwise clean image.

Third Place - London Sentinel Echo, Carl Keith Greene

Good capture of sweet moment.

Honorable Mention - London Sentinel Echo, Carol Mills

Nice image, would have placed second of cropped tight from left, de-emphasizing distracting subjective form hurts graphic quality.

Category 16 - Best Feature Picture

First Place - London Sentinel Echo, Carol Mills

Good look, different angle, nice light.

Second Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, James Mulcahy

Great expression, clean.

Third Place - Georgetown News Graphic, Erica Osborne

Nice framing and moment during a parade.

Honorable Mention - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Terri Miller

Nice environmental portrait.

Category 17 - Best Picture Essay (Spot, General or Feature)

First Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Terri Miller

Second Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Terri Miller

Third Place - Kentucky Standard, Holly Cecil

Category 18 - Best Sports Picture

First Place - Princeton Times Leader, Todd Griffin

Great peak action; could have been stronger with a crop on the left side. A hard to get shot. Liked the helmet coming off.

Second Place - Morehead News, Denver Brown

Great moment expression. Nice elements in one frame.

Third Place - Georgetown News Graphic, Josh Underwood

Also a great moment, would have cropped extra on the bottom. Great to see nice glass used on kids sports.

Category 19 - Best Sports Picture Essay

First Place - Kentucky Standard, Stacey S. Manning

Nice variety and strong photos throughout. This was the only entry that worked as a photo essay. Lede photo could have been cropped tighter.

Category 20 - Special Sections

First Place - Princeton Times Leader, Todd Griffin

An overall great package. Nicely designed with a good mix of editorial and statistics, as well as photography. Easy to both read and look at.

Second Place - Kentucky Standard, Staff

Snapshots of a community is a very comprehensive look at just about every facet of life in Bardstown and Nelson County. Tremendous cover design! Like the fact that design makes it an easy-to-use product for readers.

Third Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Staff

Well-done section on everything from baby-sitters to the challenges faced by local Hispanic children. Loved the cover photo. I thought it really sold the section.

Honorable Mention - Georgetown News Graphic, Kevin Hall, Emily Hendren

Only thing keeping this from placing higher is a lack of editorial coverage. State fairs are packed with feature stories. Would have been a good complement to the great photography.

Category 21 - Best Graphic

First Place - Kentucky Standard, Scottie Watson

I love this graphic. Well conceived and designed. Really does a nice job of grabbing readers’ attention and holding it. Perfect cover for this publication.

Second Place - London Sentinel Echo, Carl Keith Greene

Nicely concept. Having the cicadas spread over the entire front page makes a nice play on the story about the expected boom in the insects’ population.

Third Place - Kentucky Standard, Stacey S. Manning

Category 22 - Best Sports Page/Section

First Place - Appalachian News-Express, Tom Kopacz

Very good on many levels. Interesting locally significant editorial coverage, clean layout, nice use of color, and dramatic photography combine to make this a clean winner in this category.

Second Place - Appalachian News-Express, Tom Kopacz

No one else close to competing with The News-Express in this category. Really like the design of these pages, which work equally well in color or black and white. Like the fact that color is not overused. Clean typography and use of space also.

Third Place - Morehead News, Denver Brown

Very good encapsulation of local spots. Design is a little overdone (seven different highlight colors between the three pages) tends to overwhelm rather than draw attention.

Honorable Mention - Floyd County Times, Steve LeMaster, Heath Wiley

Category 23 - Best Business/Agribusiness Page

First Place - Kentucky Standard, Staff

Reader-friendly layout, good use of photos and strong mix.

Second Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, Staff

Good use of photo illustrations and photos, good mix of stories.

Third Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

Category 24 - Best Lifestyle Page

First Place - Kentucky Standard, Stacey S. Manning

Eye-catching layouts. Designer isn’t afraid to try something bold.

Second Place - Kentucky Standard, Carrie Pride

Little League story had a magazine feel. Liked tiger paws interspersed among cheerleaders photos.

Third Place - Kentucky Standard, Holly Cecil

Designer makes nice use of photos and typography. The monk photos were very nice.

Honorable Mention - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter, Nancy Goss

Good work with pumpkin carving page. Interesting garden photos.

Honorable Mention - London Sentinel Echo, Dale Morton, Carol Mills, Sue Minton

Category 25 - Best Editorial Page

First Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

Solid writing, solid layout, good use of color. Lots of good political stuff. Much for readers to chew on here.

Second Place - Appalachian News-Express, Dena Potter

Nice use of color especially with editorial cartoons. Also liked the way designer presents pro/con issues. Makes it easy for reader to navigate. Nice writing by Bruce Hopkins.

Third Place - Kentucky Standard, Staff

Uniform layout, everything clearly indicated, easy to navigate. Excellent writing by columnists Stacey Manning and Lisa Tolliver.

Category 26 - Best Front Page

First Place - Shelbyville Sentinel News, James Mulcahy

This paper benefits from good photography (hard to find in weeklies), a clan design with consistent headline fonts and white space, also conservative use of promos and teasers. Good coverage and play of big stories. Not crazy about design and play of bitter polls feature, but good effort.

Second Place - Central Kentucky News Journal, Rebecca Dial

This paper has good mix of news and features. Good photography and headline writing. Good “Breaking the Cycle” package. Not crazy about spot color, but worked ok with junior miss, not so well with other three entries from this paper. Nameplate could be bigger. Index at the bottom works, but font in reverse above it is a bit clunky. Excellent effort overall, though. Can tell you are pushing the envelop.

Third Place - Kentucky Standard, Stacey S. Manning

Good photography, clean layout, not too busy. Headline fonts are appealing, but seem a little random. Try to have a lead headline on every page. White space gives an inviting feel, but sometimes spacing is a bit side. Good color and reproduction, good story selection

© Kentucky Press Association