NINA 2005 AWARD WINNERS

Announced Oct. 28, 2005, at NIU

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

Judges' comments are included for each first-place award

DESIGN

Group I

3rd: Woodford County Journal

2nd: The Elburn Herald

1st: The Woodstock Independent
A very close race between 1st and 2nd. The Independent is the pick, on the strength of its typography and page organization. This is a very easy paper to read quickly, because it's designed with busy readers in mind: Bold headlines, lots of briefs packages, many potential points of entry on each page.

Group 2

3rd: Lakeland Newspapers

2nd: The Doings

1st: Weekly Journals
An example of what a total redesign can do for a community newspaper. These former run-of-the-mill weeklies now sport a sophisticated, magazine look and feel. Everything's well-organized and easy to find. Color is used strategically, not indiscriminately. Typography is simple and elegant.

Group 3

HM: The Rock Island Argus

HM: Kane County Chronicle

3rd: The Beacon News

2nd: Northwest Herald

1st: The Naperville Sun
In a close competition, this tabloid is the pick - largely on the strength of its compelling covers, reader-oriented editorial pages and overall sense of order and sophistication. This paper knows its readers well and engages them.

HEADLINE WRITING

Group I

3rd: Rich Rostron, The Woodstock Independent, "Soph 'canes surf the waves," "Wal-Mart hits dry well with gas station," "Hurricanes ice IC Knights"

2nd: Ryan Wells, The Elburn Herald, "Woo-woooooo: Search continues for silent solution to train whistles," "A little junk between friends," "Knock, knock, knocking on Elburn's door"

1st: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald, "Blackballing the hanging chad," "Hogging the Spotlight," "Just pins, no needles, for Kaneland wrestling"

Group II

3rd: Lisa Yee, Sun Publications, "Eyebrows of the beholder," "He saved the day - and saved it again," "One part heat, two parts heritage"

2nd: Marc Jenkins, Lakeland Newspapers, "Wal-Mart tells woman to clam up," "Air rank isn't good," "Crimson tied"

1st: Marc Jenkins, Lakeland Newspapers, "Mr. Six Appeal," "E-Babe," "Pigment of your imagination"

Group III

HM: Lisa Yee, The Naperville Sun, "Variations on a theme park," "When it snows, it pours," and "Baby, look at them now"

3rd: Lori Nadolski, Kane County Chronicle, "Know the law, don't get burned," "It's a mad, mad world," "Lincoln Memorial video takes a right turn"

2nd: Inger Koch, Daily Chronicle, "The apple of Cortland's Pie," "'Pig Book' squeals on Hastert's pork projects," "Veterans don't want to give peace pole a chance"

1st: Rick Nagel, The Beacon News, "GOP: All we are saying is give Keyes a chance," "We've got the scoop on a new pet service," "It takes a Christmas village...to turn adults into kids, kids into dreamers"

GENERAL FEATURE

Group I

HM: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "Sending a message"

3rd: Jessie Johnson, The Mendota Reporter, "Road trip"

2nd: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "Stockwood brings Beatles to Woodstock"

1st: Jessie Johnson, The Mendota Reporter, "Making peace with Alzheimer's"
Author Jessie Johnson paints a touching portrait of a family's experience with Alzheimer's. Detailed memories of her grandmother illuminate this piece and put a human face on the disease.

Group II

3rd: Polly Rix, The Doings, "A journey to healing"

2nd: Karen Chadra, The Doings, "The road to Rydell High"

1st: Jennifer Cassell, The Doings, "Breaking free: A reporter makes a run toward self discovery"
Caution to readers: Jennifer Cassell's story may inspire you to run 26 miles.

Group III

HM: Dawn Neuses, The Rock Island Argus, "Freedom rings"

HM: Matt Hanley, The Beacon News, "One vote left behind"

3rd: Jenny Lee, The Rock Island Argus, "Remembering Saigon"

2nd: Ed Fanselow, The Beacon News, "Four babies at once"

1st: Matt Hanley, The Beacon News, "Rising from the ashes"
A great feature story usually begins with terrific reporting and ends with superb writing. Matt Hanley delivers both.

FEATURE - PERSONALITY PROFILE

Group I

HM: Ruth McGinnis, The Regional News, "And still very much a clock collector"

HM: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald, "Chasing a dream"

3rd: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "Family tradition"

2nd: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "Last man standing"

1st: Bonnie Morris, The Mendota Reporter, "Magnificent milestone"
Clear, engaging writing laces solid historical research and narration of anecdotes from the subject's memories to bring to life both the featured personality and larger human-interest story of a little known and controversial childbirth method practiced for five decades.

Group II

HM: Rob Backus, Lakeland Newspapers, "Incredible journey"

HM: Maura Vizza, The Reporter, "Welcome home, Dad"

HM: Donna Barker, Bureau County Republican, "Johnson barks out the fun for Ohio"

3rd: Terri Simon, Bureau County Republican, "Koi to the world"

2nd: Ann C. Piasecki, Catholic Explorer, "Melendez steps up music ministry"

1st: Polly Rix, The Doings, "Grandma Geri"
A story about a crossing guard? Yes! This charmingly simple but well-written personality feature rises to the top of a strong pool of entries because its sprightly style powerfully brings the verve and warmth of the character to the foreground for readers.

Group III

HM: Antonio Young, The Daily Journal, "Pounding the pavement"

HM: Scott Reeder, The Rock Island Argus, "Jacob's ladder through politics"

HM: Melissa Garzanelli, The Daily Times, "Shear delight"

HM: Brad Engel, The Naperville Sun, "Roger almighty"

HM: Kelley Casino, Kane County Chronicle, "Duty calls"

3rd: Judy Masterson, The News Sun, "Quite activism"

2nd: Ed Fanselow, The Beacon News, "Hastert's house"

1st: Mike Lyons, The Daily Journal, "Dog man of I-57"
In a group of very strong entries, this one especially goes beyond the ordinary and the already known. The subject matter is fascinating and fortunately, the writer trusts his instincts to intersperse only short, vivid images of his characters as transitions while allowing the featured personalities to come to life by telling their own stories.

FEATURE SECTION

Group I

2nd: The Woodstock Independent

1st: The Elburn Herald
A comprehensive, solid look at a community through a package of news stories.

Group II

HM: Lakeland Newspapers

HM: Ledger-Sentinel

3rd: The MidWeek

2nd: Bureau County Republican

1st: The Doings
Well written, reader-involving, interesting features.

Group III

3rd: Daily Chronicle

2nd: The Beacon News

1st: Kane County Chronicle
Solid features in an attractive package.

COLUMN

Group I

HM: Caryl Dierksen, The Woodstock Independent, "Celebrating the Northwood Tradition"

3rd: Susan Lang, The Regional News, "Gift to library is 'so Palos'"

2nd: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "An end of an era"

1st: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "State CHRGING 4 WARD once again"

Group II

HM: Tony Scott, Ledger-Sentinel, "Dating your way to post-election happiness"

3rd: Jason Maholy, The Reporter, "Congress can't ban the burn"

2nd: Karen Hanson, Sun Publications, "Creating ignorance"

1st: Terri Simon, Bureau County Republican, "Defending fat Cindy"

Group III

HM: Todd Welvaert, The Rock Island Argus, "20 years older and deeper in thought"

HM: John Kelleher, Daily Chronicle, "Maggie Gallagher's 'journalism' isn't acceptable at the Chronicle"

HM: Greg Rivara, Kane County Chronicle, "Talk Light details lost in all the shouting"

3rd: Antonio Young, The Daily Journal, "Men, are your biological clocks ticking?"

2nd: Colt Foutz, The Naperville Sun, "Mom's outcry a crusade for system that works"

1st: Denise Crosby, The Beacon News, "Mom, you need to sit down"

EDITORIAL

Group I

HM: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "Free press means free press"

3rd: Jack Murray, The Regional News, "The power of eloquence in the service of good"

2nd: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "Some children will be left behind"

1st: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "There's no downside to this idea"
A strong local voice gently tackles governmental pettiness and suggests a common-sense solution for the city and school district to help manage growth.

Group II

HM: Roger Matile, Ledger-Sentinel, "A county planning disaster in the making"

3rd: Jason Maholy, The Reporter, "Worth: The troubled village"

2nd: Pamela Lannom, The Doings, "Lawsuit should reign supreme in no land"

1st: Clive Hutchby, Weekly Journals, "This is a strange kind of justice"
Strong combination of logic and measured anger in response to a questionable prosecution of teens.

Group III

HM: John Russell, The Beacon News, "80 questions for Alan Keyes"

HM: Larry Lough, Northwest Herald, "Voter$ need info $oonest"

3rd: John Kelleher, Daily Chronicle, "Students learned wrong lesson from fiasco at DeKalb High School"

2nd: Rick Nagel, The Beacon News, "Mayor candidates: Enough is enough"

1st: Murray Hancks, The Rock Island Argus, "Judge gets it very wrong"
In an extremely strong category, the top three places go to editorialists who not only wrote eloquent arguments, but also strongly and fairly criticized local officials. It's easy to hammer Washington or Springfield, but riskier to take on people whom you might bump into on the street that same day - or have to cover again tomorrow. The winning entry uses legal precedents to expose a judge's ill-advised effort to bar certain media from covering a high-profile case.

SMALL ADVERTISEMENT

Group I

HM: Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent, "Much ado about nothing"

3rd: Leslie Flint, The Elburn Herald, "American tree and turf"

2nd: Leslie Flint, The Elburn Herald, "Kay-9 Petiquette"

1st: Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"
The playing card graphic is sharp, stylistic and grabs attention. The headline fonts also reinforce the setting and themes of the play being advertised. The opera house line drawing is lovely.

Group II

3rd: Meredith Lyon, The Doings, "Mother's Day"

2nd: Meredith Lyon, The Doings, "Grease"

1st: Mike Rickman, Catholic Explorer, "Best Man"
The graphic in this ad makes you laugh before you even know what the advertisement is for. The ad copy then provides an additional chuckle. The logo for the wedding special section is clean and simple.

Group III

3rd: Staff, The Beacon News, "Garage Sale"

2nd: Ryan Myers, The Daily Journal, "Graduation Offer"

1st: Ryan Myers, The Daily Journal, "Identity Theft Seminar"
The photo of the woman contrasts with the menacing image of the bull's eye sight target. The copy is strong and direct.

LARGE ADVERTISEMENT

Group I

3rd: Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent, "Take the Independent with you on winter break"

2nd: Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent, "Woodstock Fire/Rescue District"

1st: Leslie Flint, The Elburn Herald, "Kaneland Foundation"
Nice, clean layout with lots of white space. Good use of the illustrations, color, layout and copy to send a strong reason to readers to vote yes on the referendum.

Group II

3rd: Gary Haughton, The Observer, "A Christmas gift outside the box"

2nd: Deb Finger, The Doings, "Brush Hill Realtors"

1st: Sandy Chaba, The Doings, "Wine'd up in Hinsdale"
Excellent use of color for copy in a very readable way. Good combination of type and illustrations for the headline. Clearly communicates the event and sponsors.

Group III

HM: Staff, The Beacon News, "The Vertical Drop Ski and Snowboard Shop"

3rd: Staff, The Beacon News, "Twice is Nice, Ltd"

2nd: Renee Fritts and Katie Marquardt, The Naperville Sun, "Le Chocolat Bar"

1st: Ryan Myers, The Daily Journal, "Sizzlin' summer mystery movie match"
Good use of color in combination with some black and white to stress the message. Yellow background helps the typeface, background, illustration and logo standout.

ADVERTISING SPECIAL SECTION

Group I

3rd: Margie Moore and Mark Lobo, The Woodstock Independent, "Easter Section"

2nd: Leslie Flint, The Elburn Herald, "Summer Guide"

1st: Staff, The Regional News, "A Tribute to Charles Richards"
An excellent, complete section with substantial interesting and well-written copy about one of the paper's own. It is well-laid out and presented; a nice mix of copy, graphics, and traditional "congratulatory" advertising honoring Mr. Richards.

Group II

HM: Melissa Schumaker, Ledger-Sentinel, "Gifts of Christmas"

3rd: Staff, The Doings, "Holiday Reflections"

2nd: Staff, The Reporter, "Celebrating 45 Years"

1st: Staff, Lakeland Newspapers, "Forefronts"
This section is heavy on interesting stories and photos of "unique people who lake Lake County a better place." So, while advertising plays an important role, it is supported by excellent copy, layout, and graphic elements. The sections gains its power from its purpose and presentation.

Group III

3rd: Amy Fields and Mary Ellen Smith, The Daily Journal, "Holiday Giving"

2nd: Marc Nesseler, The Rock Island Argus, "ASA Nationals"

1st: Jim King, The Beacon News, "The Great Fox Valley Trivia Quiz 2005"
The use of the "trivia" theme gives The Beacon News a great copy platform upon which to construct their "progress edition." The concept provides a lot of interesting, entertaining, and useful information (there are 80 trivia questions) about the Fox Valley.
I believe this approach attracts and interests readers, and helps lead them into the more "serious" aspects of the materials, thus increasing readership in both advertising and copy. The paper also spread the material over three consecutive Sundays, showing the strength of the entire concept.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Group I

2nd: Staff, The Woodstock Independent, "Kid central"

1st: Staff, The Elburn Herald, "Kaneland: Times are changing"
This entry reflected a serious commitment by the Herald staff to explore the subject of school growth from many different perspectives.

Group II

2nd: Tracy Pollack, Catholic Explorer, "Gift of Christmas Fundraiser"

1st: Staff, The Doings, "Partners for a cause: The Community House"
The Doings staff found the people behind what could have been a stuffy social service story and the year-long investment in time paid off.

Group III

HM: Robin Youngblood, Roger Ruthhart, and Murray Hancks, The Rock Island Argus, "Life connection"

3rd: Renee Messacar, Aracely Hernandez, Rob Carroll, Paul Miolajczyk, Chris Rickert, Daily Chronicle, "Home Front: DeKalb County"

2nd: Staff, The News Sun, "School report cards"

1st: Dave Parro, Ed Fanselow, Jim Faber, Matt Hanley, and Steve Lord, The Beacon News, "The people's platform"
The Beacon News took the job of election coverage seriously, these stories must have kept important issues in front of the public during the long campaign process.

SPORTS STORY

Group I

HM: Rich Rostron, The Woodstock Independent, "Karate kids"

3rd: Pete Watson, The Mendota Reporter, "MHS coach, teaching fixture, readies to call is next play"

2nd: Mark Barra, Woodford County Journal, "Miracle finish"

1st: Ken Karrson, The Regional News, "Following the lady leader"

GROUP II

HM: Hank Brockett, The MidWeek, "The amazing racer"

HM: Rob Backus, Lakeland Newspapers, "Shades of dominance"

3rd: Chris Mayer, Ledger-Sentinel, "Retiring in style"

2nd: Dave McCue, Bureau County Republican, "Homecourt advantage"

1st: Kevin Hieronymus, Bureau County Republican, "Mineral spirits"

GROUP III

HM: Jeff Wendland, The Rock Island Argus, "Fight like Maggie, win like Maggie"

HM: Tim Wagner, The Beacon News, "Brotherly love"

3rd: Bobby Narang, Daily Chronicle, "Jolly red Huskies rule the valley"

2nd: Charlie Ellerbrock, The Daily Times, "The moment you fear the most"

1st: Alan Ferguson, The Naperville Sun, "A face in the crowd"

SPORTS COLUMN

Group I

3rd: Ken Karrson, The Regional News, "Having a hall of a time"

2nd: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald, "Eddington tradition lives on"

1st: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald, "A fitting conclusion to roller coaster ride"
A tribute to hard work and persistence, this piece looks behind the headlines to shine the spotlight on a group if high school soccer players who helped transform a program from pretenders to contenders.

Group II

3rd: Dan Patrick, Lakeland Newspapers, "Mascot mayhem"

2nd: Dave McCue, The Bureau County Republican, "Minor leagues"

1st: Joe Goddard, The Doings, "Time out"
This column about a loving father and daughter reminds us that sports can be a path to a close bond between parent and child, and not every parent in the stands is a loudmouth jerk trying to vicariously recapture their youth.

Group III

3rd: Todd M. Adams, The Naperville Sun, "Schroeder's unselfishness sets shining example"

2nd: Paul LaTour, The Naperville Sun, "Stories worth telling not always obvious"

1st: Tim Wagner, The Beacon News, "Waiting game over for West quarterback"
A great day-in-the life piece about the first start of a varsity quarterback who grew up virtually in the shadow of his home stadium. You could practically feel the butterflies in the kid's stomach.

SPORTS SECTION

Group I

3rd: Jeff Wiseman, Woodford County Journal

2nd: Rich Rostron, The Woodstock Independent

1st: Andy Tavegia, The Elburn Herald
Crisp layout, strong writing and terrific photography make this small newspaper sports section a winner. By employing devices like break-out boxes, newsy briefs and other staples of larger papers, this editor makes his section stand out from the competition.

Group II

3rd: Jeff Davis, The Doings

2nd: Kevin Hieronymus, Bureau County Republican

1st: Rob Backus, Marc Jenkins, Dan Patrick, and Matt Pera, Lakeland Newspapers
The editors of this section found a unique and eloquent solution to the question of how to provide fair and equitable coverage to the 12 teams in their area. The section looks, feels and reads more like a sports magazine than a typical sports section. Excellent use of graphics makes it easy to find the team you follow, and every school gets nearly identical treatment. Strong writing, very good photography and an eye for the unusual also help this section stand head and shoulders above the competition.

Group III

3rd: Brian Schaumburg and Staff, Kane County Chronicle

2nd: David Schwartz and Sports Staff, Northwest Herald

1st: Brad Nolan, The Naperville Sun
Solid, complete coverage of a vibrant local/regional sports scene. The section features clean, crisp layout, excellent use of break-outs and sidebars, strong writing and photography. Special packages pop off the pages. In a strong category, the factor that made this section stand out was the editor's willingness to go beyond the basics and take some chances: Season preview packages that look like blockbuster movies posters; columns by key players heading into one of the biggest football rivalry games in the state; an in-depth look at why African Americans shun distance running events. A fun, interesting read.

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

Group I

3rd: Cindy Petersen, The Woodstock Independent, "Rt. 47 accident"

2nd: Christian Arrecis, The Elburn Herald, "Semi wins battle with parked car"

1st: Cindy Petersen, The Woodstock Independent, "Franklinville church fire"
The photographer captured the intensity of the heat with this tight shot of the flames. Very good color reproduction and well-balanced composition.

Group II

3rd: Brad Arnold, The Times-Press, "Watery reflections"

2nd: Lisa Tunney, Bureau County Republican, "House fire reaction"

1st: Eric Miller, Kendall County Record, "A very mobile home"
Very intriguing photo in these days of suburban glut. Nice balance and use of supporting background information to reinforce the rural setting of this event. Very informative cutline.

Group III

3rd: Tom Sistak, The Daily Times, "Frozen maintenance worker"

2nd: Ben Jenkins, Kane County Chronicle, "A friend remembered"

1st: Terry Herbig, The Rock Island Argus, "Minor injuries in East Moline accident"
Good composition and framing of the subject and timely shooting for the win. Best reproduction quality.

GENERAL FEATURE PHOTO

Group I

3rd: Elena Ferrarin, The Regional News, "Year of the rooster"

2nd: Mary Herra, The Elburn Herald, "Sweet thrill of victory"

1st: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "We love a parade..."
An outside, looking in, funny and spontaneous moment frozen in time. The photographer did not create any inhibitions by leaving some space between herself and the subjects. Good color reproduction.

Group II

3rd: Steve Johnston, The Doings, "Ahhh La Grange carnival"

2nd: Herb Shenkin, The Doings, "Lions night walk"

1st: Scott Hardesty, The Doings, "Hold on"
A precious Rockwell moment in the snow that captured the emotion and mood of this child and father outing. Reproduction quality is excellent.

Group III

HM: Bill Manley, Northwest Herald, "Tricky the clown"

3rd: Marianne Mather, The Beacon News, "Searching for closure"

2nd: Stacie Freudenberg, Kane County Chronicle, "Precious gift"

1st: Heather Eidson, The Beacon News, "Pageantry (in progress)"
Strength of composition, balance, and subject lighting emits a positive feeling in a flurry of activity. Excellent reproduction quality.

SPORTS PHOTO

Group I

3rd: Dave Krugley, The Regional News, "Sandburg's Sheila Sarsfield..."

2nd: Christian Arrecis, The Elburn Herald, "Home place collision"

1st: Tim Speciale, The Woodstock Independent, "That's using your head"
Good timing and use of fast shutter speed to freeze the energy. Nice color reproduction and well-balanced composition.

Group II

3rd: Sandy Bressner, Lakeland Newspapers, "College of Lake County baseball"

2nd: Kevin Marsh, Bureau County Republican, "Regional play"

1st: BWB, The Doings, "Touchdown reception"
Photographer had a great positioning and timing to capture the anticipation of this catch. Isolation of the subject keeps it specific. Nice reproduction quality and good informative cutline.

Group III

3rd: Jonathan Miano, The Naperville Sun, "Murphy #24"

2nd: Heather Eidson, The Beacon News, "Buzzer beaters"

1st: Michael Schmidt, The News Sun, "Eight-year-old Tommy Peterson"
Wonderful expression captured showing the spirit of the day. Good composition, timing and positioning for the shot gets it top honors.

PHOTO SERIES

Group I

3rd: Michael Gilbert, The Regional News, "Palos Salutes Old Glory"

2nd: Joe McGee, The Regional News, "All natural recipe for fun"

1st: Cindy Petersen, The Woodstock Independent, "Franklinville church fire"
The photographer offered a number of shots that told the story well. Good use of foreground/background in the church and grave shot.

Group II

HM: Brett Rush, The Reporter, "Children's Museum throws B-day bash"

3rd: Jason Maholy and Brett Rush, The Reporter, "Memorial Day at the Glenn Maker Legion"

2nd: Lisa Tunney, Bureau County Republican, "Reflections"

1st: Brad Arnold, The Times-Press, "Local school chiefs pay up"
The shots are clear, straightforward and well-exposed.

Group III

HM: Kristy Ann Mann, Northwest Herald, "Milk Days Parade"

HM: Todd Mizener, The Rock Island Argus, "Politics: From E to Z"

HM: Heather Eidson, The Beacon News, "Two Men, One Mayor"

3rd: Leslie Barbaro, The Naperville Sun, "Matters of tradition"

2nd: Steve Rosenberg and Donnell Collins, The Beacon News, "City salutes a fallen son"

1st: Bill Manley, Northwest Herald, "In the wee small hours of the morning..."
This is a series of eight photos taken between 10:08 p.m. and 4:14 a.m. All of the photos are good in their own right, but each also tells a separate story well. Original concept and good execution.

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: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "Edgetown Bowl burns"
When your child returns from college and asks how the bowling alley burned, this is the story you want to hand her.

Group II

3rd: Lisa Tunney, Bureau County Republican, "Boy spots fire"

2nd: Jennifer Duda, The Doings, "Darien hearing turns into shouting match"

1st: Marc Jenkins, Lakeland Newspapers, "Cold case cracked by patience"
A breaking news story woven with lots of history and detective work make for an interesting and informative read.

Group III

3rd: Kurt Allemeier, Dustin Lemmon, Brian Krans, Hannah Schroeder, Melissa Vogt, Jenny Lee, Lisa Larranaga, Amy Thon, The Rock Island Argus, "Political crossroad"

2nd: Jonathan Bilyk, The Daily Times, "Ottawa Marine killed in Iraq"

1st: Mike Cetera, The Beacon News, "Feds charge 21 in gang sweep"
This was a major crime story in Aurora and the reporter gave a concise account of its scope and the police work involved.

IN-DEPTH NEWS STORY

Group I

3rd: Gwen Allen, The Elburn Herald, "Life After a Failed Referendum"

2nd: Rich Rostron, The Woodstock Independent, "Animal Control"

1st: J.W. Shults, Woodford County Journal, "School Scheme"
The story did an exemplary job of going beyond simple meeting coverage and comprehensively explored the full scope of this scheme with interesting background and history. It also explained the intricacies of the scheme in an impressively understandable manner.

Group II

3rd: Diane Strand, The MidWeek, "Soy Biodiesel"

2nd: Jessica Heinen-Gray, Bureau County Republican, "PES Looking at Joining NCIB Lawsuit"

1st: Marc Jenkins and Rob Backus, Lakeland Newspapers, "Coach Accused of Abuse"
The writers conducted extensive interviews and told a complex story that went in several directions but tied together well. The facts were comprehensive and complete.

Group III

3rd: Ann Hanson, The Naperville Sun, "Waste Not, Want Not"

2nd: Justina Wang, The Beacon News, "Beyond the Icons"

1st: Derrick Gingery and Allison Smith, Northwest Herald, "Deadly Stretch of Tollway"
The gravity of this story is simply impossible to ignore. The writer took what otherwise might have been a bare statistics story and put a face on it. In giving perspective, the report also raises serious questions about safety.

NEWS STORY SERIES

Group I

3rd: Bonnie Morris, The Mendota Reporter, "Catholic sisters-it's not just a convent, it's a career"

2nd: Matt Brennan, The Elburn Herald, "Sixth DUI nets 9-1/2 Years"

1st: Cheryl Wolfe, J.W. Shults, Rachel Wolfe, and Staff, Woodford County Journal, "Tornado stories"
The vivid details paint a portrait that allows readers to empathize with their fellow citizens as they stood face to face with disaster. It is easy to get lazy when writing stories with so many details to choose from, but the reporters anticipated the questions from their audience and provided answers to keep them reading. The pacing of each day's coverage from the day the category F-4 storm hit, to the volunteers from afar, to the family profiles and stories of animal rescues, gave community members a broad view of their courageous effort to return to normal.

Group II

HM: Donna Barker, Bureau County Republican, " Skateboarders ask for park"

3rd: Marc Jenkins, Rob Backus, Kathy Gresey, Lakeland Newspapers, "Coach accused of abuse"

2nd: Maura Vizza and Jason Maholy, The Reporter, "The fall of Emerald Park Health Care"

1st: Ann Piasecki, Kathrynne Skonicki, Paul Storer, and Jacqueline Pinn, Catholic Explorer, "Incarceration heightens awareness of social issues; boosts need for rehab"
Much attention is given to criminals when they are sentenced, but this series really approached the issues surrounding inmates and the thousands released from prison each year. This series of stories crafted for readers a more complete picture of prison life and brings into focus issues many members of the community may have never thought about. Sharing news of the Illinois Department of Corrections new proposal to ease caseloads for parole agents and offering data that details transitional resources for those released from prison allows for informed civic engagement.

Group III

HM: Steve Lord, Dave Parro, Mike Cetera, The Beacon News, "Ex-alderman faces federal bribe charge"

3rd: Kelly Casino, Kane County Chronicle, "A peek inside Prom"

2nd: Larry Avila and Katie Foutz, The Naperville Sun, "Health Care"

1st: Kurt Allemeier, Dustin Lemmon, Whitney Carnahan, Amy Thon, Kelly Hessedal, Kristina Gleeson, and Todd Welvaert, The Rock Island Argus, "Adrianne Reynolds murder"
The reporters for The Rock Island Argus offered several angles to what was a very complex story. The detailed focus on making the public aware of the tragic events that lead to the death of 16 -year-old Adrianne Reynolds, followed by a series of stories that heightened the public awareness about teen violence and community teen social groups. The stories were written in a way not the label all members of the teen social group as potential perpetrators of horrific criminal acts, while maintaining respect for the victim's family and friends.

RELIGION REPORTING - OWEN PHELPS AWARD

Group I

3rd: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "Local congregation on a mission to let the water flow"

2nd: Susan O'Neill, The Elburn Herald, "Fulfilling the mission"

1st: Elena Ferrarin, The Regional News, "Muslims, Christians bridge divides in interfaith dialogue sessions here"
In about 17 succinct column inches, The Regional News performs an extraordinary service to its readership and to all those who have worried about how religions are playing such a large role in the friction between the west and the Middle East. The news is hopeful. As we find by reading Ms. Ferrarin's fine feature on the "Christian-Muslim Dialogue Group, Inc." much of what separates people is ignorance, but by meeting to dialogue the gap can be bridged. The group was formed to promote acceptance, knowledge and tolerance of each other's faith.

Group II

3rd: Barb Kromphardt, Bureau County Republican, "On the 12th day of Christmas"

2nd: Brian Boyle, The Doings, "Churches unique weapon on battlefront"

1st: Amanda Hudson, The Observer, "Low-gluten hosts help Huntley women come back to Eucharist"
In "This Perfect Bread," The Observer provides a fascinating look at how biology, faith, tenacity and culinary accidents mingle in mysterious ways. Celiac disease - a lifelong, somewhat prevalent, difficulty-to-diagnose digestive disorder prevents its sufferers from properly digesting gluten - a food component in practically everything. Unfortunately, most recipes for the holy Eucharist include wheat and wheat products, leaving many Catholics with few palatable options concerning Communion. The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Missouri began testing different Eucharist recipes that would lower or remove gluten from Communion hosts. The sisters were near despair when they mixed to batches together out of frustration. The result was a winning recipe for a Eucharist that is virtually gluten free, thus enabling worshipers who suffer celiac disease to receive Communion.

Group III

3rd: Dan Waitt, The Beacon News, "Leaps of faith"

2nd: Judy Masterson, The News Sun, "Class of '45"

1st: Dave Parro, The Beacon News, "Celebration, uncertainty"
In "Celebration, Uncertainty," Dave Parro paints a compelling picture of how the life of a church is like the lives of individuals and families. We are born, we live, we age, and we die. But as new members of faith come into our lives, and as we bestow our teachings and faith up younger generations, we live on. The conflict in Parro's story is that for the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Aurora, the cycle of life was breaking because new members are not coming into the church, leaving an entire, 100-year-old congregation to contemplate mortality. But just as individuals join to form new families, renewal and redemption occurred when the Church of the Redeemer merged with St. James Lutheran Church in Aurora.

BUSINESS/FINANCIAL/CONSUMER STORY

Group I

3rd: Caryl Dierksen, The Woodstock Independent, "Underwood Gardens - heirlooms, curiosities, rare plants"

2nd: Beth Kink, The Regional News, "Business owners raise protest against Stroger's sales tax hike"

1st: Eileen Millard, The Woodstock Independent, "When a big box retail store comes to Woodstock"
The building of a new Wal-Mart or other big-box retail stores for a community of virtually any size is no longer really news. But in "When a big box retail store comes to Woodstock," The Woodstock Independent provides an excellent example of explanatory journalism in examining myriad ways a new store affects a community's financial picture. The piece analyzes and clearly explains the difference between residential and commercial development, the plat/plan approval process, the sales and property tax impact, how much leverage a community's government has over what types of businesses may open (less than you think) and residents' responses to the opening of such stores.

Group II

3rd: Barb Kromphardt, Bureau County Republican, "Getting burned on gas"

2nd: Jennifer Duda, The Doings, "Momentary masterpieces"

1st: Roger Matile, Ledger-Sentinel, "Commercial growth evident on tax bills"
Let's face it: examining how commercial growth affects property taxes is just not sexy. But it is important and affects everyone within a taxing district, so when a bewildering process is explained with great clarity, the result is excellent business reporting. Roger Matile explains property taxes and how commercial growth affects the tax situation so carefully that even the math phobics among us get the picture.

Group III

3rd: Jon Krenek, The Daily Journal, "Aventis lost"

2nd: Amy Thon, The Rock Island Argus, "Pay rate double for replacements"

1st: Dave Garbe, The Beacon News, "Fixing downtown's image"
Several entries in every circulation group of this year's Business/Financial/Consumer Story competition traced the demise of business. Without exception, those stories were sad, but what separates, "Fixing Downtown's Image" from the rest of the pack in the Group III competition was a fascinating analysis of perception of a business district, and how perception is perhaps the most powerful force in business. The Beacon News does an extraordinary job showing how - if downtown Aurora is to re-emerge as a good place to do business - merchants, residents and city officials must work together to overcome an inaccurate perception of a perception: that crime is a big problem affecting downtown Aurora.

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Group I

3rd: Elena Ferrarin, The Regional News, "Mother suspects cluster of cancer cases around Blue Island refinery"

2nd: Caryl Dierksen, The Woodstock Independent, "Family's search for answers leads to fragile X syndrome"

1st: Cheryl Wolfe, Woodford County Journal, "A space odyssey"

Group II

3rd: Tony Scott, Kendall County Record, "Expert says waste water can benefit local farms"

2nd: Polly Rix, The Doings, "A man's world?"

1st: Amanda Vinicky, The Doings, "Argonne leads pollution prevention"

Group III

3rd: Matt Hanley, The Beacon News, "If little green men call, tell them we're available"

2nd: Melissa Garzanelli, The Daily Times, "Feeling the pressure"

1st: Jonathan Bilyk, The Daily Times, "Beetle invasion feared"

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC

Group I

1st: Staff, The Woodstock Independent, "How they voted"
A clear, concise scorecard of how city leaders voted on key issues over the course of the year. The type of piece that every voter should hold onto and consult on election day.

Group II

3rd: Jim Slonoff, The Doings, "Pop culture snapshots"

2nd: Greg Wallace, Bureau County Republican, "February calendar"

1st: Marc Jenkins, Lakeland Newspapers, "2005 All-Lakeland Baseball Team"
This page made me feel like a kid opening package of baseball card. The only thing missing was the smell of bubble gum. Each "card" is packed with information, fun facts and good photography.

Group III

3rd: Sean P. O'Connor, Kane County Chronicle, "Fire in the sky"

2nd: Nancy Burgan and Mike Frey, The Daily Journal, "Results: Municipal election 2005"

1st: Becky Clinard, The Daily Times, "Tax Bill 101"
A great primer on the document everybody loves to hate. People who took their time to examine this graphic may not have been any happier with their tax bills, but they couldn't help but understand them better.

EDITORIAL PAGE DESIGN

Group I

2nd: The Regional News

1st: The Woodstock Independent
These editorial pages are consistently clean, crisp, easy to read and interesting to look at.

Group II

HM: Catholic Explorer

3rd: The MidWeek

2nd: Bureau County Republican

1st: The Doings
The Doings produces a clear winner with these highly readable, interesting opinion pages. Columns and articles are cleanly laid out and clearly marked.

Group III

HM: Daily Chronicle

3rd: Kane County Chronicle

2nd: The Rock Island Argus

1st: The Beacon News
The Beacon News was a hands-down winner. Its editorial pages are laid out in a highly interesting and very readable fashion. The use of color photographs was refreshing to see on opinion pages. Rarely do newspapers devote the same amount of attention to layout and design in the editorial pages as in the feature pages.

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

Group I (Don R. Grubb Trophy)

The Woodstock Independent

Group II (C.V. Amenoff Trophy)

The Doings

Group III (James Copley Trophy)

The Beacon News

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