Category 1 - Best Editorial

First Place - Anderson News, Don White

Violations of open meetings laws are a sore spot with me. This editorial was brief and to the point. The writer told us what has happened and made his point with quotes from the Press Association attorney. That’s all he needed to do.

Second Place - Jessamine Journal, Randy Patrick

This editorial accurately reflects Joseph Pulitzer’s “free press” quote under it.

Third Place - Pulaski News Journal, Terry Barger

A thorough discourse on the need for opinions to cover all angles.

Honorable Mention - Lebanon Enterprise, Chris Hamilton

Category 2 - Best Spot News Coverage

First Place - Oldham Era, Julie Satterly

Story goes beyond the straight. Instead of news of drug arrests to show the context of why it was being done and the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Good use of info boxes on arrests to make that information easily accessible to readers

Second Place - Grant County News, Rebecca Russo

Good clean narrative of the main event that also works in good quotes form witnesses and bystanders. Also congrats to fellow responder Jamie Baker Nantz for sidebar on efforts to rescue two little girls.

Third Place - Mt. Sterling Advocate, Tom Marshall, Tonja May

Good team effort to develop a package of stories that detail the incident, report the impact on the community and raise a potentially lifesaving safety issue for the public.

Category 3 - Best General News Story

First Place - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Trent Knuckles

Great writing style. Great use of quotes and in-depth coverage of this issue earn this piece honors. The accompanying photos are excellent as well.

Second Place - Oldham Era, Nathaniel Kissel

This story features strong quotes from the mayor as well as a copy of the original letter sent to her. It has good writing style.

Third Place - Pulaski News Journal, Sharon Dodson

Excellent description of how the family reacted upon hearing the verdict! Usage of a few quotes would have made it even better.

Honorable Mention - Jessamine Journal, Lisa King

This is an intriguing story! It was well-written, but would have been awesome if either of the men could have been reached for comment!

Honorable Mention - Lebanon Enterprise, Chrystal Batcher

This was such a touching story! I believe it would have taken a higher place however, if it had been entered in the “feature” category.

Category 4 - Best Feature Story

First Place - Anderson News, Don White

Very moving account of a subject that could at first been by some as “seedy” or inappropriate, especially in the South! Great use of quotes and an interesting twist, considering that a transsexual is very religious. Great job!! Looks like something from a large metro paper.

Second Place - Anderson News, John Herndon

Nicely done setting the scene for a different kind of hero. Good idea to look at a life out of the limelight. Effectively executed.

Second Place - Ohio County Times News, Don Wilkins

This is a very good story but could have been made better if it flowed more easily. Quotes were great but it seemed to jump around a little too much. Overall, an interesting story though.

Third Place - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Trent Knuckles

Great writing on a story that one might not expect to be an award winner. Awesome lead and good quotes!

Third Place - Lebanon Enterprise, Chris Hamilton

Good in-depth article detailing a remarkable feat. It felt like the reader was on the course that day.

Honorable Mention - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Trent Knuckles

Again, a great lead and very good quotes! It seemed that a few details were missing. If not for that, I would’ve scored it higher.

Category 5 - Best Column

First Place - Oldham Era, Nathaniel Kissel

Well written, humorous, particularly like the wrestling column. I like the glimpse of the writers life.

Second Place - Grant County News, Jamie Baker-Nantz

Writes well, draws you in, thoughtful. You get a sense of who the writer is.

Third Place - Cynthiana Democrat, Donald Richie

Good material, well written.

Category 6 - Best Sports Column

First Place - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Trent Knuckles

This column is obviously a big hit with the sports community.

Second Place - Anderson News, John Herndon

Informative and entertaining.

Third Place - Pulaski News Journal, Doug Eads

Not far from first or second. Columnist seems to be quite a personality in his area.

Honorable Mention - Casey County News, Jeff Bastin

Honorable Mention - Lebanon Enterprise, Shelton Young

Category 7 - Best Sports Story

First Place - Casey County News, Jeff Bastin

Bastin spotted a great story in the form of human bodies. His details are in-depth reporting never loses track of the people who suffered. Fantastic.

Second Place - Grant County News, Wayne Yeager

Category 8 - Best Sports Feature Story

First Place - Jessamine Journal, Joshua Thomas

The most powerful quote did not lead off this story, but it still draws the reader into the tale of a brave man running against time, or out of it. Nice job.

Second Place - Anderson News, John Herndon

Third Place - Lebanon Enterprise, Chris Hamilton

Category 9 - Best Enterprise or Analytical Story

First Place - Casey County News, Donna Carman

I loved the intricate lead and the topic. Ms. Carman delved into the humanistic aspects of obesity and desperate measures people take. In this, the alternative surgery is gaining popularity and her writing skills enable people to feel compassion rather than revulsion at the very common problem with an uncommon solution.

Second Place - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Trent Knuckles

What a read! This story was concise and understanding in the dilemma of crime victims who are repeatedly robbed who decide to take measures into their own hands. The writer’s lead broken into paragraphs of fragmented thoughts is extremely effective.

Third Place - Oldham Era, Nathaniel Kissel

A very in-depth story that must have been time consuming, but worth it. The subject of development encroachment was emotional and extremely informative. This article unfolds into a story, on written by a talented journalist.

Honorable Mention - Jessamine Journal, Randy Patrick

A very intriguing approach to explaining the inner workings of the ancient office of the omnipotent sheriff. This was a very novel style of writing that transforms the issue into a form people can ponder while learning more.

Category 10 - Best Investigative Story or Series

First Place - Union County Advocate, Paul Monsour

Budgets are always a headache to follow, even without the implementation of an occupational payroll tax to further confuse readers. The writer fully researched and covered the issue and clearly explained it to the public. Excellent in every way!

Second Place - Hazard Herald, Bobby Maggard, Sheldon Compton

This is an excellent story covering an important issue. The writing and coverage are terrific, and the quotes are good. The only things that prevented it form being a first-place winner were the typos in the piece.

Third Place - Oldham Era, Christopher Carpenter, Julie Satterly, Nathaniel Kissel

Excellent writing, very thorough. Courage of the issue!

Honorable Mention - Lebanon Enterprise, Stevie L. Daugherty

Kudos for covering an issue that, unfortunately, we are seeing more and more of every day.

Category 11 - Best On-Going/Extended Coverage Story

First Place - Jackson County Sun, Connie Esh, John Butwell, George Ferrell

Awesome reporting! The coverage was well-written and thorough. Extremely interesting and accompanied by great art. Excellent use of quotes! This is definitely a winning piece.

Second Place - Casey County News, Donna Carman

Very thorough coverage from beginning to end, great writing style.

Third Place - Grant County News, Jamie Baker-Nantz

Excellent follow-up, especially with interviewing families that were reunited with their pets. The story was also very descriptive, giving readers the feeling of actually experiencing the horrific conditions.

Honorable Mention - Casey County News, Linda Carmicle

Although the subject matter of this story -budget woes - is common to so many areas, this story was interesting, factual and had good quote usage. A lot of time and effort went into this well written piece.

Category 12 - Best Business/Agribusiness Story

First Place - Grant County News, Sarah Adams

Covers all the bases without sounding like a PR-piece for the business. Includes quotes from customers, too!

Second Place - Lebanon Enterprise, Stevie L. Daugherty

Cow feed can be interesting! Nice blend of research and quotes.

Third Place - Casey County News, Donna Carman

Good look at the top people behind a business. Would’ve liked a comment from a customer, though.

Category 13 - Best Headline

First Place - McCreary County Record, Ken Shmidheiser

Second Place - Pulaski News Journal, Stuart Arnold

Third Place - Anderson News, Jay Cason

Category 14 - Best Spot News Picture

First Place - McCreary County Record, Janie Slaven

Great storytelling image.

Second Place - Casey County News, Linda Carmicle

Comical spot news picture.

Third Place - Cynthiana Democrat, Donald Richie

Nice story telling image. Needs a tighter crop on the left and bottom to bring emphasis to the bike.

Honorable Mention - McCreary County Record, Steve Cornelius

Nice job being on the scene.

Category 15 - Best General News Picture

First Place - Cynthiana Democrat, Donald Richie

Nice of capturing the emotion of the moment.

Second Place - Jessamine Journal, Zoya Tereshkova

Great job of capturing a moment of true emotion.

Third Place - Casey County News, Linda Carmicle

Excellent job of finding a non-cliche’ photo to illustrate a story that runs every year.

Category 16 - Best Feature Picture

First Place - Union County Advocate, Paul Monsour

Funny, funny, funny. Made us laugh.

Second Place - Casey County News, Linda Carmicle

Fun summer photo. Peak moment.

Third Place - Jessamine Journal, Zoya Tereshkova

Good angle. Good framing.

Honorable Mention - Cynthiana Democrat, Robin Smiley

Very unusual photo. Photographer did well to be there when steeple work was being done.

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

First Place - Anderson News, Don White

Whimsical down-home snapshot of an event.

Second Place - Jessamine Journal, Zoya Tereshkova

Story prevails over a cluttered setting. Kids expressions caught well.

Third Place - Anderson News, Jay Cason

Good clean images, minimal narrative but enough for flavor.

Category 18 - Best Sports Picture

First Place - Lebanon Enterprise, Jesse Osbourne

Well executed, real action.

Second Place - Oldham Era, Mickey Patterson

Good body language, nice layout.

Third Place - Jessamine Journal, Matt Coy

Excellent timing, cropped too tight on top.

Category 19 - Best Sports Picture Essay

First Place - Anderson News, John Herndon

Nice page and variety. Use of man could have been larger and drop two of the smaller pictures.

Second Place - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Jim McAlister

Page rocks, but needs one or two pix behind the scene pix and maybe a tight detail.

Third Place - Casey County News, Donna Carman

Nicely done, but got to have a sharp action pix and loose one of the still shooting pixs!

Category 20 - Special Sections

First Place - Jessamine Journal, Staff

Very well put together. A great blend of editorial content as well as photographs. The section is useful, as well as interesting in today’s society. I like that it ties in nationally as well as locally. The center, color photo spread makes the section really stand out from the rest.

Second Place - Casey County News, Staff

Great articles make this historical section stand out. Good job of really capturing the feel of the paper 100 years ago. The old photos made the section stand out form other similar entries. I think a color photo spread or some old photos on the front page would’ve made it a first place entry.

Third Place - Oldham Era, Staff

This is a good section for today’s women. The articles are useful and timely (and not just about make up and fashion). I think the articles and layout is put together well. More outstanding photos would’ve also helped the section stand out more. Also a historical perspective on area women would’ve been interesting.

Honorable Mention - Oldham Era, Staff

I love the photo work on the front page. It really encapsulates the idea of past, present and future. The editorial content isn’t as high as other entries, but the front and the layout and idea behind the section are great!

Category 21 - Best Graphic

First Place - Jessamine Journal, Matt Coy

Graphic instantly communicates the point, minimal explanation needed. Pleasing color palette and typography. Very readable. Well executed and nice size and display.

Second Place - Casey County News, Randall Vaught

Dog in cage communicates nature of story (though dog coloring and cage coloring a little too similar).

Third Place - Lebanon Enterprise, Stevie L. Daugherty

Good clean presentation. Reader can quickly see how a school scored, progress over recent years and how a school compares to others. Good comparison of numerical info. Art excellent adds appeal.

Honorable Mention - Benton Tribune-Courier, Justin McGill, Tabitha Armstrong

Good instinct on presentation for numerical data in very accessible format. Background graphic good idea, but makes some type hard to read. Bolder type or larger type?

Honorable Mention - Lebanon Enterprise, Chris Hamilton

Good idea for timeline, but background graphic interferes with readability of text. Lighter screen with darker text might have worked better than shift between black text and white text.

Category 22 - Best Sports Page/Section

First Place - Butler County Banner, Joshua Keown

Josh came up with a very creative idea for a team shot and then executed it extremely well. He uses typography and color well, making the cards work without any detraction. Kudos for taking what could have been a boring group shot and making it into something interesting and fun.

Second Place - Oldham Era, Julie Satterly, Mickey Patterson

These pages are lively with a wide range of styles on interesting topics. Nice to see breakouts of schedules and other info. That ‘s helpful to readers. Good use of color and type. Clean cutouts.

Third Place - Hazard Herald, Misty Feltner

Misty’s pages are fun. She’s not afraid of going big with type. Good use of cutouts.

Honorable Mention - Butler County Banner, Joshua Keown

Category 23 - Best Business/Agribusiness Page

First Place - Lebanon Enterprise, Chris Hamilton, Chrystal Batcher, Stevie L. Daugherty

Very clean section designs. Interesting photos. The breakout of the tobacco bills was a smart idea that’s helpful for readers. Stories were interesting and written well.

Second Place - Casey County News, Donna Carman, Randall Vaught

Clean well-balanced pages. Farm and home looks like it can be challenging to design, but the designer did a nice job of getting a lot of local faces in at a reasonable size. Good consistency in the design between the two business pages.

Third Place - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Trent Knuckles

Consistently well-designed pages. Lots of visual hooks. I especially enjoyed the RC Speedway story.

Honorable Mention - Anderson News, Mary Madden

The father-daughter page is nicely done. Good use of white space. Nice job adding elements like the cover of the chamber directory to dress up pages.

Category 24 - Best Lifestyle Page

First Place - Anderson News, Mary Madden, Staff

All the sections are interesting, well-designed, with a broad range of topics. Good use of photos on the front. The one quibble I have with the front is that the photo of Chelsea Pearl is too provocative with the thigh up. I was curious about how many readers complained about that photo? A real effort was made to get art on all the pages. Very clean design throughout.

Second Place - Anderson News, Janie Bowen

A lot of pictures to deal with on all three fronts. The designer found attractive ways to handle them. Excellent choice on the main photo on “The Covered Bridge.” Could type have come down to regular size to fit more art? Was curious about the other six bridges. The Mayans story was interesting but is there any local connection? Seemed odd choice. I really enjoyed looking through these sections.

Third Place - Oldham Era, Julie Satterly

“Like father like daughter” is an elegantly done page. Good variety is stories among the section fronts.

Category 25 - Best Editorial Page

First Place - Pulaski News Journal, Stuart Arnold

Great editorials, layout and has a nice local feel to page. Good combination of articles and letters submitted.

Second Place - Casey County News, Donna Carman

Nice layout and combination of editorials, letters and photos. Editorials catch readers’ attention.

Third Place - Corbin/Whitley News Journal, Staff

Nice local content and layout. Editorials are interesting and funny.

Category 26 - Best Front Page

First Place - Anderson News, Staff

Clean, easy to read layout. Photos and layout of horses really my favorite of all front pages today. Nice use of color and photos. Small info sections at bottom, easy to use and out of the way. Consistently good design and content.

Second Place - Oldham Era, Julie Satterly

Very clean layout and design. Looks professional and easy for readers to follow. Photography well done. Info to other sections well placed and easy to understand. Overall look very clean.

Third Place - Grant County News, Jamie Baker-Nantz

Clean layout and design. Good use of white space. Main story has good amount of white space and importance. Top story on death of couple very emotional and very well done.

Honorable Mention - McCreary County Record, Ken Schmidheiser

Very attention grabbing headlines, stories and photos on each front page. Fewer front page stories and dividing lines would make page more clean and easy to read.

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