NINA 2006 AWARD WINNERS

Announced Oct. 27 2006, at NIU

[ Individual Awards ] ... [ Sweepstakes and Special Awards ]

Judges' comments are included for each first-place award

DESIGN

Group I

3rd: The Elburn Herald

2nd: Woodford County Journal

1st: The Woodstock Independent
Judge's comment: The Woodstock Independent's front page layout is clean, visually pleasing, colorful, and easy to read. On the inside pages, advertising is strategically placed and, while not taking away from the flow of the news stories and articles, still catches my eye. I really enjoy when sports news is on the last page of the paper...makes it easy to flip from the front page headline news directly to sports news.

Group II

HM: The Doings

HM: Ledger-Sentinel

3rd: Weekly Journals

2nd: The Galena Gazette

1st: Catholic Explorer
Judge's comment: In a nutshell, the Catholic Explorer is crisp, clean, and colorful. The prominent and well-designed masthead tops off the page and is followed in each issue by photographs which are strategically placed and complement the writing. The font is simple and readable. I especially enjoyed the family-friendly weekly insert which features book and movie reviews as well as highlights community events. A great weekly paper!

Group III

HM: Daily Chronicle

HM: Kane County Chronicle

3rd: Northwest Herald

2nd: The Times

1st: The Daily Journal
Judge's comment: This paper puts a lots of information on its front page, but keeps it readable by employing good use of color and white space, consistent typography, and clearly defined sidebars. The inside sections are colorful, well designed, and include big, bold headlines. The overall paper is clean and bright. I enjoyed reading it.

HEADLINE WRITING

Group I

3rd: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal

2nd: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent

1st: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent
Judge's comment: Millard doesn't hesitate to have some fun, even with a straight news story such as "City trucks new bio-diesel fuel is 'soy' much better.

Group II

3rd: Leslie Glazier-Werner, Lakeland Journals

2nd: Paul Storer, Catholic Explorer

1st: Jason Maholy, The Reporter
Judge's comment: Jason Maholy's lively writing includes this zinger on the debut of new voting machines: 'Let your fingers do the talking.'

Group III

HM: Lisa Yee, The Naperville Sun

3rd: Tim Ahrens, The Daily Journal

2nd: Robert Themer, The Daily Journal

1st: Dave Parro, The Beacon News
Judge's comment: Parro proves the old adage, "less is more," consistently capturing the essence of both story and emotion in a mere two words.

GENERAL FEATURE WRITING

Group I

HM: Julia Voss, Woodford County Journal, "One long ago hot summer"

3rd: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "Eternal struggle"

2nd: Susan O'Neill, The Elburn Herald, "A wall of honor, remembrance"

1st: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald, "He was such a good soul"

Group II

HM: Paul Rock, Weekly Journals, "A festival like no other"

3rd: Lyle R. Rolfe, Ledger-Sentinel, "Mongtomery train wreck remembered"

2nd: Peter Krowiak, Weekly Journals, "Endurance test"

1st: Stephanie Fosnight, Pioneer Press, "Ending life on a good note"

Group III

HM: Jamie Sotonoff, Daily Herald, "The things they brought"

HM: Jason Rodriguez, The Dispatch, "A story of courage, love"

3rd: Justina Wang, The Beacon News, "Dead-end diploma"

2nd: Justina Wang and Heather Gillers, The Beacon News, "No homeless need apply"

1st: Angela Fornelli, The Beacon News, "One family, one disease"

PERSONALITY FEATURE

Group I

HM: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "Returning to the classroom"

3rd: Jonathan Hiskes, The Regional News, "Piloting the waterways"

2nd: Jonathan Hiskes, The Regional News, "What the coffee psychic sees"

1st: Jessie Johnson, The Mendota Reporter, "Community bids farewell to longtime historian and friend"
Judge's comment: This feature rises well above the typical story obituary, providing readers with a warm portrait of the town's "keeper of stories."

Group II

HM: Maura Vizza, The Reporter, "No excuses"

3rd: Kathy Greasy, Lakeland Journals, "Here comes Hollywood"

2nd: Paul Rock, Weekly Journals, "Sycamore girl loses battle with cancer"

1st: Jacqueline Pinn, Catholic Explorer, "Monk makes faith rise through baking"
Judge's comment: Vivid detail, lively writing - this story has just the right ingredients.

Group III

HM: Art Peterson, The News Sun, "Piloting the liberator"

3rd: David Garbe, The Beacon News, "Starting over"

2nd: Paul LaTour, The Naperville Sun, "It's a wonderful life"

1st: Denise Crosby, The Beacon News, "Searching for closure"
Judge's comment: This story of a World War II death camp liberator comes full circle. Denise Crosby is a master of the art of storytelling.

FEATURE SECTION

Group I

2nd: The Woodstock Independent

1st: Woodford County Journal
The Woodford County Journal makes the most of their single page "section." Good writing, great story selection, and solid photography.

Group II

2nd: The Reporter

1st: Jenny Thomas, The Doings
Judge's comment: Nice mix of well-written stories and columns highlighting local residents, all supported by good photography. The section also includes a few surprises - such as terrific restaurant reviews, a crossword puzzle and some comics - that you might not expect to find in a tabloid-sized community newspaper.

Group III

3rd: The Naperville Sun

2nd: The Beacon News

1st: The Dispatch
Judge's comment: The well-written, intensely local content made this section stand out from its competitors, many of which relied heavily on wire material. Great color photography, interesting story topics, fun and engaging layouts and a clean, easy-to-read design make this section one that families probably fight over at the breakfast table.

COLUMN

Group I

HM: Jessie Johnson, The Mendota Reporter, "The role of a small town newspaper"

HM: Ruth McGinnis, The Regional News, "From this view"

3rd: Dr. John Fleming, The Regional News, "Pick of the litter"

2nd: Kim Kubiak, The Woodstock Independent, "Doing something right"

1st: Casey Overly, The Woodstock Independent, "Personal trainer"
Judge's comment: This opinion writer takes a normal every day activity - training a dog - and convinces the reader of the reasons for her method.

Group II

HM: Jay Dickerson, The Galena Gazette, "Ruby's born"

3rd: Joe Grace, Weekly Journals, "Let my Sycamore dance"

2nd: Jason Maholy, The Reporter, "Congress can't ban the burn"

1st: Ramdu Blaser, Pioneer Press, "A 'thing' for speeders"
Judge's comment: This columnist grabs the reader with a strong personal opinion and takes the reader for a multi-layered ride.

Group III

HM: Jana Thompson, Northwest Herald, "Spread the word, but spell it right"

HM: Judy Masterson, The News Sun, "Lost in the nether world"

HM: Steve Lord, The Beacon News, "Vote early"

3rd: Judy Masterson, The News Sun, "Stinking can of worms"

2nd: Tim Ahrens, The Daily Journal, "Three cheers for beer"

1st: Stacy St. Clair, The Daily Herald, "As Tornio turns"

EDITORIAL

Group I

HM: Kim Boyd, The Elburn Herald, "The Cooper legacy"

HM: Jack Murray, The Regional News, "Ruling erodes freedom"

3rd: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "Constant monitoring still needed for electronic age"

2nd: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "Tax caps not advisable due to flaws "

1st: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "Abandon the political tricks"
Judge's comment: Calls local government to account with an effective tone of controlled anger

Group II

3rd: Jason Maholy, The Reporter, "Policy stifles dissent"

2nd: Jason Maholy, The Reporter, "Oak Lawn trustees show lack of class"

1st: Clive Hutchby, Weekly Journals, "Why you don't have to kowtow to eminent domain"
Judge's comment: Very good job of building a case in a non-traditional way. Well-organized into four small "chapters," ending with an effective call to action.

Group III

HM: Staff, The Beacon News, "Calendar just a bad idea"

HM: Chris Rickert, Daily Chronicle, "Vote 'no' on DeKalb County's forest preserve referendum"

3rd: Phil Angelo, The Daily Journal, "Minute by minute"

2nd: Kenda Burrows, The Dispatch, "Why? Because they say so"

1st: Dick Peterson, Northwest Herald, "Tax deal nails neighborhood."
Judge's comment: What a good newspaper is supposed to do: afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. In this case, you looked out for Harvard's less-fortunate, whom the city council sold down the river in favor of a developer.

SMALL SINGLE ADVERTISEMENT

Group I

3rd: Leslie Flint, The Elburn Herald, "Elburn Lions Club"

2nd: Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent, "Kiss me Kate"

1st: Kirk Shepherd, The Regional News, "Kirk Shepherd Photography"
Judge's comment: This is a clean, simple, but effective ad that draws in the reader through its striking photograph. Very little text is used or needed. Excellent!

Group II

1st: Melissa Schumaker, Kendall County Record, "Winding Creek Nursery"
Judge's comment: This seasonal advertisement strikes a nice tone by using basic line drawings to balance the amount of information.

Group III

HM: Carol Manderfield, The Beacon News, "St. Charles Art and Music Festival"

3rd: Peggy Niebuhr, The Times, "Foot care for the whole family"

2nd: Carol Manderfield, The Beacon News, "Jason's Steakhouse"

1st: Carol Manderfield, The Beacon News, "St. Peter Chargers"
Judge's comment: This ad, which skillfully employs a color photo, is notable for recognizing a local basketball team. It is an effective combination of advertising and public service and a nice keepsake for the hoopsters.

LARGE SINGLE AD

Group I

2nd: Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent, "AG Edwards"

1st: Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent, "Subscription drive: Begin the journey to being better informed about your community"
Judge's comment: This ad features a clever use of the newspaper brand in marketing the paper during a subscription drive.

Group II

2nd: Gary Haughton and Dave Hougan, The Observer, "International appeal"

1st: Gary Haughton and Penny Wiegert, The Observer, "Subscription drive: Choose the right path"
Judge's comment: This in-house ad is eye-catching because of its large color photo which reinforces the text. It makes its point without being busy of overbearing.

Group III

HM: Debbie Hayman, The Dispatch, "2006 Pontiac G6 Coupe"

3rd: Joe Cantu, The Beacon News, "Women's Institute"

2nd: Kermit Stevenson III, The Dispatch, "No place like home"

1st: Sheryl Kettenhofen, The Beacon News, "River Street Plaza"
Judge's comment: This real estate ad strikes a successful balance between graphics and information. The bold typeface is hard to ignore.

ADVERTISING SPECIAL SECTION

Group I

3rd: Staff, Woodford County Journal, "One hot summer day"

2nd: Staff, The Woodstock Independent, "Now that's something you don't see everyday"

1st: Staff, The Elburn Herald, "Summer guide"
Judge's comment: This section, which is totally devoted to copy, art work, and photos supporting the summer fun them, really delivers on its promise. The paper created an excellent and useful piece that could be kept all summer since it covered all kinds of activities over a wide geographic area, not just Elburn.

Group II

3rd: Michael Rickman, Tracy Pollack, Ron Novak, Paul Storer, Catholic Explorer, "Catholic schools week"

2nd: Paul Rock, Weekly Journals, "Pumpkin Festival"

1st: Staff, The Galena Gazette, "175th Anniversary of the Galena Fire Department"
Judge's comment: Vibrant, interesting copy, photos, illustrations, and even advertising all work together to celebrate the long history of the Galena Fire Department. Excellent mixture of stories and photos to take us back to the 'old' days as well as to highlight the present.

Group III

HM: Nick Norman, The Dispatch, "John Deere Golf Classic"

3rd: Susan Kling, Kane County Chronicle, Flair: Holiday Issue"

2nd: Staff, Daily Chronicle, "Spotlight 2006"

1st: Mike Cetera, The Beacon News, "Progress 2006: Looking back at our past"
Judge's comment: Substantial in-depth reporting supporting 'progress' theme. .The quality and breadth of the news and information writing gives readers insight into the many and varied aspects of progress in the Aurora area. Excellent use of illustrations and photos, many in color, to add reader interest and impact.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Group I

1st: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "Medicare Part D"
Judge's comment: This series took a complex and intimidating issue and provided meaningful, helpful information in a way that was easy to follow and use and may have removed from so many affected people some of the anxiety associated with this complicated Medicare drug plan.

Group II

1st: Tracy Pollack, Catholic Explorer, "Gift of Christmas"
Judge's comment: This series explained the charity's work by explaining the program itself, but then it want a giant leap further and shared with us the compelling stories of the people on the delivering and receiving sides of the program, their needs, their problems, and the "gifts" truly are.

Group III

1st: Staff, The Beacon News, "$1 Million"
Judge's comment: This series is a shining example of how to tell stories where numbers are involved without overwhelming readers with abstractions by giving them visual images that can be easily understood. Very impressive, fair, and balanced work without portraying itself as a cheerleader for United Way.

SPORTS STORY

Group I

HM: Ken Karrson, The Regional News, "Fractured and soon to be finished"

3rd: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald, "There's no stopping Siebert"

2nd: Jeff Wiseman, Woodford County Journal, "Millenium man"

1st: Mike Slodki, The Elburn Herald, "For Weimer, accomplishments aren't silent"
Judge's comment: A compelling human interest in sport story-it could easily be a tear jerker, but Mr. Slodki has a very unbiased writing style that certainly reflects the strong personality of his subject evenly and without emotional manipulation.

Group II

HM: Kristin Sharp, Ledger-Sentinel, "Ceremony reflects on Pickerills' love of athletics"

HM: Jim Edison, Pioneer Press, "Hard knocks"

3rd: Kevin Marsh, Bureau County Republican, "Special skills, no photos, medals left behind from Special Olympic Games"

2nd: Bill Stone, The Doings, ""Bring it on"

1st: Chris Mayer, Ledger-Sentinel, "Immovable force"
Judge's comment: It featured vivid sports reporting about a local high school basketball player whose drive and determination have made his team stand out in the conference.

Group III

HM: David Brown, Northwest Herald, "Why not here?"

HM: Nick Gerts, Daily Chronicle, "Barbs shock Rochelle to snap losing skid"

3rd: Jeff Long, The Beacon News, "Taking flight"

2nd: Charlie Ellerbrock, The Times, "Klein's shot takes down Carls, St. Bede"

1st: Brad Engel, The Naperville Sun, "Armed and dangerous"
Judge's comment: A strong warning about the dangers young baseball pitchers face by throwing breaking balls before their arms mature. Good combination of medical fact and the pushing of young athletes to try to do too much at a young age.

SPORTS COLUMN

Group I

2nd: Ken Karrson, The Regional News, "Doctor, doctor, give em' the news"

1st: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald, "Caleb's spirit lives on through wrestlers' courage"
Judge's comment: A glimpse behind the scenes of a very difficult week in the life of local wrestlers preparing for sectionals while trying to come to grips with the sudden death of a teammate. A respectful, insightful piece.

Group II

3rd: Kevin Marsh, Bureau County Republican, "You've come a long way, baby"

2nd: Joe Goddard, The Doings, "Controversial call aside, that was one great game"

1st: Kevin Hieronymus, Bureau County Republican, "See you later, buddy"
Judge's comment: A touching look at how a group of college football players coped with the training camp death of a teammate. An interesting study in the different ways young men deal with grief.

Group III

3rd: Charlie Ellerwood, The Times, "Dean Riles: Pieces of a memory"

2nd: Steve Soucie, The Daily Journal, "Thanks for the talk, Dad"

1st: Rick Armstrong, The Beacon News, "Rubber Bowl rematch has some personal irony"
Judge's comment: This isn't so much a column as it is a thank you note recounting how an NIU student journalist and Akron, Ohio emergency personnel saved the life of the columnist after a near fatal heart attach at a football game. It is funny, frightening, hopeful and life affirming, all without being sappy. A terrific piece or writing.

SPORTS SECTION

Group I

3rd: Rich Rostron, The Woodstock Independent

2nd: Andy Tavegia and Mike Slodki, The Elburn Herald

1st: Jeff Wiseman, Woodford County Journal
Judge's comment: Good writing, photography and design give this section a big-time feel.

Group II

HM: Sports Staff, Weekly Journals

3rd: Kristin Sharp and Staff, Ledger-Sentinel

2nd: Kevin Hieronymus and Staff, Bureau County Republican

1st: Jeff Davis and Staff, The Doings
Judge's comment: Comprehensive, high-quality preps coverage. Quality of writing in both news and commentary gives this paper the edge over several worthy competitors.

Group III

HM: Sports Staff, The Dispatch

3rd: Dave Parro and Staff, The Beacon News

2nd: David Schwartz and Staff, Northwest Herald

1st: Brad Nolan and Staff, Naperville Sun
Judge's comment: The winner by a narrow margin in a strong field. The Sun was one of several entries with great preps coverage. Consistently strong enterprise features tipped the scales.

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

Group I

3rd: Kathie Comella, The Woodstock Independent, "Car crashes through storefront"

2nd: Mary Herra, The Elburn Herald, "The game must go on"

1st: Cindy Peterson, The Woodstock Independent, "Woodstock fire/rescue attack roof fire"
Judge's comment: This photo is awarded first place based on strength of composition, balance, and subject lighting. Nicely cropped and excellent reproduction quality.

Group II

3rd: Rob Dicker, Pioneer Press, "Crash rescue"

2nd: Jessica Gray, Bureau County Republican, "Plane crash"

1st: Richard Bajjalich, Pioneer Press, "Firefight"
Judge's comment: Creative use of framing the firefighter through window panes draws viewers attention to the devastation incurred by the residents of this home and gives it a first place rating.

Group III

3rd: Dan Videtich, The Dispatch, "Silvis says 'no' to pork"

2nd: Mike Voss, The Daily Journal, "Trains collide"

1st: Andre J. Jackson, The News Sun, "Drug arrest"
Judge's comment: Shooting at a low level really pulls the reading audience into this shot for a taste of the action. Very nice reproduction quality, and a well-balanced composition with the subjects.

FEATURE PHOTO

Group I

HM: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "Aarrghh"

3rd: Tim Speciale, The Woodstock Independent, "Josh Tillman catches air"

2nd: Christian Arrecis, The Elburn Herald, "Dancing away"

1st: Beth Kink, The Regional News, "Dutch Palos"
Judge's comment: The photo is framed well by the lace and plants, enhancing its subject matter.

Group II

HM: Sandy Bressner, Lakeland Journals, "Wings of Hope"

HM: Terri Simon, Bureau County Republican, "Two hoots at Hidden Lake"

HM: Chris Padgett, Lakeland Journals, "Pressing issues"

3rd: Kathrynne Skonicki, Catholic Explorer, "Therapy blooms in God's garden"

2nd: Buzz Orr, Pioneer Press, "Library reading"

1st: Patrick Pyszka, Pioneer Press, "Ash Wednesday"
Judge's comment: Excellent use of silhouette. Colored circles behind the subject contrast sharply with the solemnity of the occasion.

Group III

HM: Marina Samovsky, The News Sun, "Gospel song"

HM: Tom Sistak, The Times, "Heading south"

HM: Andre J. Jackson, The News Sun, "Flying fighters"

3rd: Heather Eidson, The Beacon News, "Flyers gymnasts"

2nd: Thomas Delany, Jr., The News Sun, "Dummy drag"

1st: Thomas Delany, Jr., The News Sun, "Rotting zombie"
Judge's comment: This is a photo where getting close and personal pays dividends. Very effective in its details and color.

SPORTS PHOTO

Group I

3rd: Cindy Peterson, The Woodstock Independent, "Peterson fights his way past defender"

2nd: Tim Speciale, The Woodstock Independent, "Carrie Waghorn clears a hurdle"

1st: Tim Speciale, The Woodstock Independent, "Becky Stoltz drives"
Judge's comment: The lighting and exposure used for this basketball games makes for a very surreal looking shot. The composition is very strong with players in white framing the girls' drive to the basket. Great use of the rule of thirds and depth of field. The color reproduction is excellent.

Group II

3rd: Kevin Marsh, Bureau County Republican, "Dave Moore, water bucket"

2nd: Kevin Hieronymus, Bureau County Republican, "Hall heartbreak"

1st: Doug Oleson, Weekly Journals, "Heads up"
Judge's comment: Amusing up close and personal facial expressions give this sports shot a first place rating. The photographer had perfect timing to freeze the action at just the right moment with the ball hanging over their heads.

Group III

3rd: Ed Lee, Daily Herald, "World champs!"

2nd: Michael Schmidt, The News Sun, "Pass play"

1st: Donnell Collins, The Beacon News, "Photo gallery"
Judge's comment: Strength of composition, balance, and subject lighting emits a dreamy feeling to this football game shot. Great use of framing with the inflated walls. Photographer relays the feeling of being inside and looking out, and a bit of tension these players must feel before running out on the field. Excellent reproduction quality.

PHOTO SERIES

Group I

2nd: Joe McGee, The Regional News, "Nostalgia transports Harlem"

1st: Beth Kink and Michael Gilbert, The Regional News, "Honor and Remembrance"
Judge's comment: All the photos are perfectly exposed and exhibit a refreshing variety showing all aspects of the day.

Group II

3rd: Paul Newton, The Galena Gazette, "Early morning blaze destroys Elizabeth garage"

2nd: Joanne Pleskovich, Ledger-Sentinel, "Montgomery Fest 2005"

1st: Nathan Morgan, The Galena Gazette, "Hope for a cure"
Judge's comment: The photos capture the spirit of the event, both in their subject choices and variety"

Group III

HM: Chris Birks, Kane County Chronicle, "Windows to the soul"

HM: Danielle Gardner, The Naperville Sun, "All abroad"

3rd: Justin Runquist, The Beacon News, "Holy land: seed of faith"

2nd: Jonathan Munroe, The Naperville Sun, "Katrina aftermath"

1st: Amelia Phillips, Kane County Chronicle, "Wheels that heal"
Judge's comment: Sensitive storytelling of medical aid for the homeless forces viewers to look, but also provides information on that important service.

SPOT NEWS STORY

Group I

3rd: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "Associated Bank Robbed"

2nd: Matt Brennan, The Elburn Herald, "Three people shot at Elburn party"

1st: Beth Kink, The Regional News, "Cops burn cannabis crops"
Judge's comment: Beth does a good job presenting the odd details of the story and illuminating how it matters to readers. She didn't let the list of interesting facts drive her to sacrifice her journalistic creativity. It was written in a way that the significance of the story was pushed beyond the initial impression that one gets when they hear about marijuana plants being found.

Group II

3rd: Penny Wiegert, The Observer, "Leftover from lost love to provide light for Haitian students"

2nd: Leslie O'Neil, The Doings, "Father charged with daughter's murder"

1st: Penny Wiegert, The Observer, "Morrison pharmacist files suit against Governor's rule to dispense Plan B"
Judge's comment: This story brought to light an ethical dilemma that regardless of your position on the issue, it would be hard not to find interesting. As you search for the people directly involved in this story, Penny adds someone to your list and gives you a deeper perspective.

Group III

3rd: Matt Hanely, The Beacon News, "3 murders solved"

2nd: Dan Churney, The Times, "High rises, high volume of calls"

1st: Justina Wang, The Beacon News, "1000 Teen March"
Judge's comment: With a story that has so many angles, sometimes it is easy to give one more attention than the others. Justina thoroughly covered multiple angles surrounding the controversy while effectively connecting them to the main story. I like how the non-scientific quick poll was used to determine one of the angles for this story.

IN-DEPTH NEWS STORY

Group I

HM: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "Firefighters in New Orleans"

3rd: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "State investigating tax assessor"

2nd: Susan O'Neill, The Elburn Herald, "Son's accident a lesson in tort law"

1st: Beth Kink, The Regional News, "Any ideas to renew Swallow Cliff?"
Judge's comment: Excellent in-depth research. An interesting, newsworthy and well-written story.

Group II

HM: Maura Vizza, The Reporter, "New law intended to protect nursing home residents"

HM: John Etheredge, Ledger-Sentinel, "Oswego home demolished"

HM: Roger Matile, Ledger-Sentinel, "New Kendall tax bills vary widely"

3rd: Eric Martin, The Doings, "Limbo in downtown Hinsdale to last even after board rules"

2nd: Jay Dickerson, The Galena Gazette, "Dale Fletcher convicted of murder"

1st: Jonathan Hiskes, The Reporter, "Worth the risk"
Judge's comment: The reporter's research is truly in-depth on an issue of significant importance to readers. The writing is detailed and clear.

Group III

HM: Robert Lewis, The Journal-Standard, "Weathering the storm"

HM: Angela Fornelli, The Beacon News, "Our uninsured, our underinsured"

HM: Steve Elliott, The Dispatch, "The trouble with meth"

3rd: Sara Faiwell, The Daily Herald, "Did he cheat death, too?"

2nd: Ryan Pagelow, The News Sun, "La Luz, Mexico: Pipeline to Waukegan"

1st: Matt Hanley, The Beacon News, "Vicious life of the Insane Deuces"
Judge's comment: Among a large group of excellent entries, this one really stands out for important and courageous in-depth news reporting and editorial decisions on exposing what readers need to know about gang activity and membership in their area. Good use of court records. Engaging and clear writing.

NEWS STORY SERIES

Group I

3rd: Rich Rostron, The Woodstock Independent, "Going smoke-free"

2nd: J.W. Shults and Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "Seefeldt may be asked to resign"

1st: Carol Klusman, The Elburn Herald, "Changes in attitude"
Judge's comment: This interesting story had depth, was well-written, and really was packed full of a lot of information. But more importantly, it was fun to read.

Group II

3rd: Maura Vizza, The Reporter, "Apartment owner faces criminal housing management"

2nd: Ann Piasecki, Catholic Explorer, "Ethics and the environment"

1st: Ken Goze, John P. Kelly, and Andrew Schroedter, Pioneer Press, "Kahle shootings"
Judge's comment: This was a tremendously sad story and the reporters worked quickly and hard to assemble as much information as possible to try to explain an inexplicable shooting.

Group III

3rd: Kara A. Spak, Tara Malone, Patrick Kunzer, and Madeline Doubek, The Daily Herald, "Crossing China"

2nd: Scott Reeder, The Dispatch, "The hidden cost of tenure"

1st: Tammie Sloup, Jonathan Bilyk, Melissa Garzanelli, Charles Stanley, and Craig Wieczorkiewicz, The Times, "Tough jobs"
Judge's comment: This series sparkled with good writing and a light touch. The team obviously had fun putting this together, from conception to execution, and that enjoyment shines through to the delight of readers.

RELIGION REPORTING: OWEN PHELPS AWARD

Group I

3rd: Beth Kink, The Regional News, "For contributions to life"

2nd: Michael Gilbert, The Regional News, "Good works at transfiguration"

1st: Caryl Dierksen, The Woodstock Independent, "Greenwood Church"
Judge's comment: This was a well-told story of change, loss and sadness with the appropriate background and supporting facts. It conveyed a bigger story of issues facing other churches.

Group II

3rd: Barb Kromphardt, Bureau County Republican, "Blogging in faith"

2nd: Barb Kromphardt, Bureau County Republican, "Emmerson renews look of Corpus"

1st: Jeff Goluszka, The Doings, "Hearts of glass"
Judge's comment: This story not only conveyed the rich artistry of these works but it reached into the symbolism behind them and made the all-important "people" connection in telling the story.

Group III

3rd: Andre Salles, The Beacon News, "Church revival"

2nd: Jaclyn Youhana, The Daily Journal, "The great closed book"

1st: Matt DeFour, The Beacon News, "Planting the seeds of faith"
Judge's comment: This was so complete in so many ways. It gave a broad view of the business of developing church properties in a challenging real estate climate. At the same time, it comprehensively told us about the people and human motivations of church-building in the area. Well done.

BUSINESS/FINANCIAL/CONSUMER

Group I

3rd: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "Rocco returns"

2nd: Matt Brennan, The Elburn Herald, "In a smokey room"

1st: Julia Voss, Woodford County Journal, "Proposed I-39 raceway to have dirt track"
Judge's comment: An interesting look at the business size of auto racing, and we can forgive the word play in the opening two paragraphs.

Group II

3rd: Roger Matile, Ledger-Sentinel, "Commercial growth evident on tax bills"

2nd: Tony Scott, Kendall County Record, "After three years, apartments slated for completion"

1st: Barb Kromphardt, Bureau County Republican, "EAV drop has educational impact"
Judge's comment: Tax trends may not be particularly interesting, but this reporter made the topic understandable and illustrated its important connections to funding for education.

Group III

HM: Clive Hutchby, Northwest Herald, "Grape expectations"

3rd: Jenny Lee, The Dispatch, "Lots of hogs, lots of questions"

2nd: Jonathan Bilyk, The Times, "Coming home?"

1st: Dave Garbe, The Beacon News, "Toy stories: One local toymaker thrives as another fails"
Judge's comment: An impressive, local account of the price of competition from China, with details about business strategies that make it a good fit for the business pages.

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY STORY

Group I

3rd: Carol Klusman, The Elburn Herald, "Waste not, want not"

2nd: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "Wind farm likely to be erected near Benson"

1st: Rich Rostron, The Woodstock Independent, "Risk of private wells going dry is remote"

Group II

3rd: Sandy Illian Bosch, The Doings, "Old problem, new name"

2nd: Roger Matile, Ledger-Sentinel, "Rain cited in Briarcliff Lake fish kill"

1st: Jennifer Larsen Duda, The Doings, "Helping Mother Nature"

Group III

3rd: Jonathan Bilyk, The Times, "GMO Rising"

2nd: Dave Garbe, The Beacon News, "Robots to the rescue"

1st: Robyn Monaghan, The Daily Journal, "The unique geology of the proposed landfill: Will water pressure stop leak into aquifer?"

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC

Group I

1st: Staff, The Woodstock Independent, "How they voted"
Judge's comment: This is a clean layout that supplies lots of information for voters, who can choose the issues that most concern them. The headshots help to link names with faces.

Group II

1st: Lenore Krauner and Jason Han, Pioneer Press, "Kohl's Children's Museum cool for kids"
Judge's comment: This bright and colorful ad captures the atmosphere of activity and fun of its subject.

Group III

HM: Sean P. O'Connor, Kane County Chronicle, "Plato Township brawl illustration"

3rd: Jonathon Strube, The Beacon News, "High rate of return"

2nd: Inger Koch, Daily Chronicle, "Cornfest map"

1st: Scott Nychay, Northwest Herald, "Science of football"
Judge's comment: This horizontal layout uses the breadth of the sheet effectively. There are a variety of intriguing entry points that make science interesting, not dry. The color palette reinforces the topic and sets the tone.

EDITORIAL PAGE DESIGN

Group I

3rd: Jack Murray and Jackie Santora, The Regional News

2nd: Staff, The Woodstock Independent

1st: Staff, Woodford County Journal
Judge's comment:This edit page has a wide-open feel that draws in the readers.

Group II

HM: Staff, The Doings

3rd: Staff, The Galena Gazette

2nd: Staff, Catholic Explorer

1st: Staff, Weekly Journals

Group III

3rd: Jennifer Mesenbrink, The Beacon News

2nd: Lonny Cain and Don Hrabal, The Times

1st: Kenda Burrows, The Dispatch

SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS
(for overall excellence in circulation groups I, II, III)

Group I (Don R. Grubb Trophy)

2006 Winner: The Woodstock Independent

Group II (C.V. Amenoff Trophy)

2006 Winner: The Doings

Group III (James Copley Trophy)

2006 Winner: The Beacon News

SPECIAL AWARDS

W.E. WILLIAMS AWARD
(for best single in-depth news story in Circulation Group II)

Jonathan Hiskes, The Reporter, "Worth the risk"

TOM REAY AWARD
(for best single in-depth news story in Circulation Group III)

Matt Hanley, The Beacon News, "Vicious life of the Insane Deuces"

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