Better Newspaper Contests

It's Contest Time!

2012 Call for Entries

The Iowa Newspaper Association is excited to announce its 2012 Better Newspaper Contests. These contests, held annually, were developed to foster competition and quality among Iowa’s newspapers.

If your newspaper hasn’t begun selecting the items you want to submit, now is the time to start. The deadline for entries is Friday, October 21, 2011. Entries must be submitted online or delivered to the INA office by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 or postmarked by Oct. 21. No exceptions or extensions will be made to the deadline.

For the 2012 contests, entries will be submitted electronically using the online entry submission tool at BetterNewspaperContest.com (entries may be submitted beginning Sept. 7). For a handful of categories that feature complete sections or issues as entries, INA members may mail paper tearsheets of their entries (see Call for Entries). Entry information must still be submitted to the online contest tool and entry tags created from the online site for mailed entries.

Using online entry will allow newspapers to save on postage and packaging costs. It will also be a time-saver, since entry tags will be produced and printed through the online entry tool. Newspapers will no longer have to hand-write entry tags and, for the majority of categories, no longer need to spend time taping or stapling tags to entries and envelopes.

To make the new submission process as stress-free as possible, the INA will be providing preparation assistance in the form of detailed instructions, tutorials and a free webinar. The Entry Guide contains detailed instructions on using the online system.

If your newspaper does not have the capability to submit digital entries, the INA will assist you in finding a way to scan your hard copy entries so they can be submitted online. Contact the INA at 515-244-2145 or ina@inanews.com for assistance.

INA’s online contest entry system was developed by SmallTownPapers and specifically designed for newspaper contests. Working with press associations who wanted to streamline their annual better newspaper contests process, SmallTownPapers developed the first all-digital online contest application where newspapers enter their articles, ads and photos as PDF files and judges review them online from their own desktop. The SmallTownPapers online contest administration tool is used by 83 press organizations including individual SPJ and AP member groups and state press associations from Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Indiana, Alaska, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Utah, North Carolina, Nevada, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland/Delaware/DC, Kansas, Florida, Colorado and California.

Judges will be viewing entries and submitting their results using the BetterNewspaperContest.com system as well. This will allow judges to spend their time with the entries when it best fits their individual schedules and will negate the need for them to leave their office and travel to one location on a particular day for a group judging event. Because of this, it will be easier for press associations to find judges, which has become increasingly difficult over the past few years.

2012 contest entries will be judged by members of the Nebraska Press Association. Awards will be presented during the Awards Banquet at the Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 3, 2012.

Rule changes for 2012
The Iowa Newspaper Foundation Board of Directors, on a recommendation from the INF Contest Committee, has made several changes to the rules for this contest year. These include:
• In the Eligibility section of the call for entries, the word "company" was added: “Entry material must have been produced by individuals who were on the staff of the entering newspaper company at the time the material was published.”
• Entries submitted in category W7 Excellence In Editorial Writing cannot also be submitted in category W8 Master Columnist. Entries submitted in W8 would not be eligible for W7.
• If a newspaper wins more than one placing in category E9 Best Editorial Special Section, the newspaper will accumulate General Excellence and Newspaper of the Year points for each placing. In the past, the newspaper received points for just the highest placing entry.
• In category E11 Community Service, the word "overall" was added to the rules: "This award will recognize overall outstanding contributions to community service." Also, the following was removed from the E11 category description: "A specific project which has resulted in a paper winning a first place award in this contest is not eligible in subsequent years."
• Judges will now have the flexibility to not award all three places in a category if there are five or fewer entries and the judge doesn’t feel there are three deserving entries.   
• Entries must be submitted in a way that accurately reflects how the entry was printed in the newspaper. For example, if a photo entry appeared in black and white in the printed newspaper, then it must also be entered in black and white for the contest.

The weekly division class breakdown changes annually based on the current year’s contest participation. For the 2021 contests, classes will be: Weekly 1- 1,300 circulation and under; Weekly 2- 1,301 - 2,160; Weekly 3- 2,161 and greater. The daily division class breakdown remains unchanged: Daily 1- less than 10,000; Daily 2- 10,000 and greater. Circulations published in the 2011 Iowa Newspaper Directory are used for contest classification purposes.

If you have questions during the contest entry preparation process, please contact the INA at 515-244-2145 or ina@inanews.com.

Download the Contest Call for Entries (including Entry Guide)

2012 Contest Timeline

August 31, September 14, 28, 2011 - Distribute 2012 Call for Entries in INA Bulletin

September 7, 2011 - The BetterNewspaperContest.com online entry tool opens for entry submissions

October 21, 2011 - Deadline for entries to be postmarked or delivered to INA

November 2011 - Judging of Iowa contest entries by members of the Nebraska Press Association

February 3, 2012 - Winners announced during INA Annual Convention Awards Banquet

Entries must have been published between Oct. 1, 2010 and Sept. 30, 2011, to be eligible.

Congratulations to the Des Moines Register, the 2011 Newspaper of the Year!

The Des Moines Register has been named the Iowa Newspaper Association 2011 "Newspaper of the Year." The award was announced at the association’s Awards Banquet during the INA 2011 Convention and Trade Show held February 3-4 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel. Presentations were also made to winners of the INA 2011 Better Newspaper Contests, which were judged by the Missouri Press Association. Nearly 4,000 entries in dozens of categories were judged by class, based on circulation. Daily Class 1 is for newspapers published daily with 9,999 circulation and less, Daily Class 2 is for newspapers published daily with 10,000 circulation and more. Weekly Class 1 is for newspapers published weekly with 1,399 circulation and less. Weekly Class 2, 1,400 to 2,234 circulation; Weekly Class 3, 2,235 and above circulation.

Download the award winners press release as a PDF.

Download 2011 Winners Logos here!

View the Awards Banquet slide show

Download the Winners' Tab, showing comments by contest judges

Order a DVD of winning contest entries

General Excellence, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Third Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Second Place- Conrad Record, Third Place- North Liberty Leader. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner, Second Place- Solon Economist, Third Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Second Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune, Third Place- Denison Bulletin.

Best Editorial Pages, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter, Third Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Second Place- Sioux City Journal, Third Place- Davenport Quad-City Times. Weekly 1: First Place- West Branch Times, Second Place- Lime Springs Herald, Third Place- Riceville Recorder. Weekly 2: First Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, Second Place- Shenandoah Valley News, Third Place- Adel Dallas Co. News. Weekly 3: First Place- Iowa Falls Times-Citizen, Second Place- Dyersville Commercial, Third Place- Altoona Herald-Index.

Best Front Page, Daily 1: First Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat, Second Place- Muscatine Journal, Third Place- Newton Daily News. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Second Place- Waterloo Courier, Third Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Weekly 1: First Place- Postville Herald, Second Place- New Sharon Sun, Third Place- Denver Forum. Weekly 2: First Place- Corning Adams Co. Free Press, Second Place- Independence Bulletin-Journal, Third Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun. Weekly 3: First Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News, Second Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune, Third Place- Dyersville Commercial.

Best Sports Page, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal, Third Place- Newton Daily News. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Sioux City Journal, Third Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette. Weekly 1: First Place- Westside Observer, Second Place- Conrad Record, Third Place- Vinton Cedar Valley Times. Weekly 2: First Place- Adel Dallas Co. News, Second Place- Cascade Pioneer, Third Place- Sigourney News Review. Weekly 3: First Place- Kalona News, Second Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune, Third Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune.

Best Feature Page, Daily 1: First Place- Spencer Daily Reporter, Second Place- Oelwein Register, Third Place- Muscatine Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Sioux City Journal, Second Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Third Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Second Place- Lime Springs Herald, Third Place- North Liberty Leader. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner, Second Place- Solon Economist, Third Place- Independence Bulletin-Journal. Weekly 3: First Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune, Second Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News, Third Place- Altoona Herald-Index.

Coverage of Government and Politics, Daily 1: First Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat, Second Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Third Place- Keokuk Daily Gate City. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Third Place- Sioux City Journal. Weekly 1: First Place- North Liberty Leader, Second Place- West Liberty Index, Third Place- McGregor North Iowa Times. Weekly 2: First Place- Solon Economist, Second Place- Tama News-Herald, Third Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Second Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune, Third Place- Altoona Herald-Index.

Coverage of Education, Daily 1: First Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Second Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat, Third Place- Muscatine Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Third Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Weekly 1: First Place- North Liberty Leader, Second Place- West Liberty Index, Third Place- Conrad Record. Weekly 2: First Place- Solon Economist, Second Place- Cascade Pioneer, Third Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun. Weekly 3: First Place- Eldridge North Scott Press, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Third Place- Altoona Herald-Index.

Coverage of Agriculture, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Sioux City Journal, Third Place- Waterloo Courier. Weekly 1: First Place- Conrad Record, Second Place- Stuart Herald. Weekly 2: First Place- Sumner Gazette, Second Place- Sioux Center News, Third Place- Elkader Clayton Co. Register. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Second Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune, Third Place- Eldridge North Scott Press.

Coverage of Business, Daily 1: First Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter, Third Place- Charles City Press. Daily 2: First Place- Waterloo Courier, Second Place- Fort Dodge Messenger, Third Place- Sioux City Journal. Weekly 1: First Place- Conrad Record, Second Place- North Liberty Leader, Third Place- Westside Observer. Weekly 2: First Place- Solon Economist, Second Place- Cascade Pioneer, Third Place- Akron Hometowner. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Second Place- Altoona Herald-Index, Third Place- West Union Fayette Co. Union.

Best Special Section–Editorial, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat. Daily 2: First Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Second Place- Fort Dodge Messenger, Third Place- Sioux City Journal. Weekly 1: First Place- Prairie City News, Second Place- Dayton Review, Third Place- Wellman Advance. Weekly 2: First Place- Solon Economist, Second Place- Akron Hometowner, Third Place- Bloomfield Democrat. Weekly 3: First Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News, Second Place- Monticello Express, Third Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune.

Total Newspaper Design, Daily 1: First Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter, Third Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Second Place- Waterloo Courier, Third Place- Des Moines Register. Weekly 1: First Place- North Liberty Leader, Second Place- Postville Herald, Third Place- Riceville Recorder. Weekly 2: First Place- Adel Dallas Co. News, Second Place- Shenandoah Valley News, Third Place- Elkader Clayton Co. Register. Weekly 3: First Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Third Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News.

Community Service, Daily 1: First Place- Newton Daily News, Second Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald. Daily 2: First Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Third Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Weekly 1: First Place- Westside Observer. Weekly 2: First Place- Toledo Chronicle, Second Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, Third Place- Northwood Anchor. Weekly 3: First Place- Eldridge North Scott Press, Second Place- Humboldt Independent, Third Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News.

Best Headline Writing, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal, Third Place- Spencer Daily Reporter. Daily 2: First Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Second Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Third Place- Waterloo Courier. Weekly 1: First Place- North Liberty Leader, Second Place- West Branch Times, Third Place- Riceville Recorder. Weekly 2: First Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, Second Place- Elkader Clayton Co. Register, Third Place- Lake Mills Graphic. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Second Place- Algona Upper Des Moines, Third Place- West Union Fayette Co. Union.

Best Use of Graphics, Daily 1: First Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Spencer Daily Reporter. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Third Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette. Weekly 1: First Place- Conrad Record, Second Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Third Place- Prairie City News. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Second Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News, Third Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune.

Best Newspaper Website, Daily 1: First Place- Keokuk Daily Gate City, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Spencer Daily Reporter. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Second Place- Des Moines Register, Third Place- Sioux City Journal. Weekly 1: First Place- Keota Eagle, Second Place- Jesup Citizen Herald, Third Place- North Liberty Leader. Weekly 2: First Place- Adel Dallas Co. News, Second Place- Rock Rapids Lyon Co. Reporter, Third Place- Shenandoah Valley News. Weekly 3: First Place- Des Moines Business Record, Second Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune, Third Place- Denison Bulletin.

Best Video, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Second Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Third Place- Iowa City Daily Iowan. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Second Place- Hamburg Reporter, Third Place- La Porte City Progress-Review. Weekly 2: First Place- Adel Dallas Co. News, Second Place- Adel Dallas Co. News, Third Place- Shenandoah Valley News. Weekly 3: First Place- Waverly Bremer Co. Independent, Second Place- Waverly Bremer Co. Independent, Third Place- Hampton Chronicle.

Best Slideshow, Daily 1: First Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Third Place- Davenport Quad-City Times. Weekly 1: First Place- Clarksville Star, Second Place- La Porte City Progress-Review. Weekly 3: First Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune, Second Place- Iowa Falls Times-Citizen.

Best Blog by a Newspaper, Daily 1: First Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Second Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Third Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Second Place- Sioux City Journal, Third Place- Waterloo Courier. Weekly 2: First Place- Shenandoah Valley News. Weekly 3: First Place- Des Moines Business Record, Second Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune, Third Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune.

Best News Story, Daily 1: First Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel-Magdalene Landegent, Second Place- Muscatine Journal-Melissa Regennitter, Third Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel-Magdalene Landegent. Daily 2: First Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald-Andy Piper and Courtney Blanchard, Second Place- Des Moines Register-Jennifer Jacobs, Third Place- Mason City Globe Gazette-Deb Nicklay and Richard Johnson. Weekly 1: First Place- Woodward NE Dallas Co. Record-Bob Eschliman, Second Place- Stuart Herald-Norma Thurman, Third Place- Riverside Current-Mary Zielinski. Weekly 2: First Place- Solon Economist-Lori Lindner and Chris Umscheid, Second Place- Grundy Center Register-John Jensen, Third Place- Shenandoah Valley News-Tess Gruber Nelson. Weekly 3: First Place- Altoona Herald-Index-Krista Kielsmeier, Second Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune-Aaron W. Jaco, Third Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review-Kiley Seligman.

Best Breaking News Story, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal-Melissa Regennitter, Second Place- Muscatine Journal-Cynthia Beaudette, Third Place- Muscatine Journal-Melissa Regennitter. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register-Reid Forgrave and Grant Schulte, Second Place- Sioux City Journal-Dave Dreeszen, Third Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald-Courtney Blanchard. Weekly 1: First Place- West Branch Times-Gregory R. Norfleet, Second Place- Riceville Recorder-Casandra Leff and Marcie Klomp, Third Place- Prairie City News-Criste Scarnati and Peter Scarnati. Weekly 2: First Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun-Jake Krob, Second Place- Corning Adams Co. Free Press-J. Wilson, Third Place- Sac City Sun-Dale Wegner. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review-Dan Breen, Second Place- Waverly Bremer Co. Independent-Anelia K. Dimitrova, Third Place- Dyersville Commercial-Josh Jorgenson.

Best News Feature Story, Daily 1: First Place- Spencer Daily Reporter-Randy M. Cauthron, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter-Russ Mitchell, Third Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat-Robin Delaney. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-David Heitz, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Tory Brecht, Third Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Ann McGlynn. Weekly 1: First Place- West Liberty Index-Lindsay Hoeppner, Second Place- Prairie City News-Criste Scarnati, Third Place- North Liberty Leader-Lori Lindner. Weekly 2: First Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun-Jake Krob, Second Place- Cascade Pioneer-Ben Jacobson, Third Place- Solon Economist-Lori Lindner. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review-Renee Wielenga, Second Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune-Aaron W. Jaco, Third Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News-Andrea Kemp.

Best Personality Feature Story, Daily 1: First Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel-Magdalene Landegent, Second Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat-Chris Faulkner, Third Place- Muscatine Journal-Mike Ferguson. Daily 2: First Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald-Michael Schmidt, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Kay Luna, Third Place- Des Moines Register-Mike Kilen. Weekly 1: First Place- Britt News-Tribune-Megan VerHelst, Second Place- Clarion Wright Co. Monitor-Les Houser, Third Place- Britt News-Tribune-Megan VerHelst. Weekly 2: First Place- Shenandoah Valley News-Tess Gruber Nelson, Second Place- Solon Economist-Chris Umscheid, Third Place- Corning Adams Co. Free Press-J. Wilson. Weekly 3: First Place- Algona Upper Des Moines-Mindy Baker, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review-Dan Breen, Third Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune-Lorri Glawe.

Best Sports Story, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal-Matt Coss, Second Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal-Troy Banning, Third Place- Muscatine Journal-Kristi Nixon. Daily 2: First Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette-Scott Dochterman, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Don Doxsie, Third Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Andrew Peterson. Weekly 1: First Place- Conrad Record-Sam Martin, Second Place- West Liberty Index-Lindsay Hoeppner, Third Place- Clarion Wright Co. Monitor-Les Houser. Weekly 2: First Place- Bloomfield Democrat-Scott Spurgeon, Second Place- Cascade Pioneer-Beth Lutgen, Third Place- Adel Dallas Co. News-Bill Haglund. Weekly 3: First Place- Altoona Herald-Index-Krista Kielsmeier, Second Place- Algona Upper Des Moines-Greg Grabianowski, Third Place- Harlan News-Advertiser-Mike Oeffner.

Best Series, Daily 1: First Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat-Robin Delaney, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel-Newspaper Staff, Third Place- Muscatine Journal-Cynthia Beaudette. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Kay Luna and John Schultz, Second Place- Waterloo Courier-Newspaper Staff, Third Place- Clinton Herald-Samantha Pidde. Weekly 1: First Place- La Porte City Progress-Review-Michael Whittlesey, Second Place- Stuart Herald-John Lonsdale, Third Place- La Porte City Progress-Review-Michael Whittlesey and Jane Whittlesey. Weekly 2: First Place- Eagle Grove Eagle-Kim Demory, Second Place- Mediapolis News-Danny Davis, Third Place- Mediapolis News-Betty Massner and Danny Davis. Weekly 3: First Place- Altoona Herald-Index-Krista Kielsmeier, Second Place- Dyersville Commercial-Ben Jacobson, Third Place- Clarinda Herald-Journal-Bob Eschliman.

Excellence In Editorial Writing, Daily 1: First Place- Newton Daily News-Andy Karr; Second Place- Charles City Press-Giles Bruce, Third Place- Muscatine Journal-Chris Steinbach. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Mark Ridolfi, Second Place- Des Moines Register-Andie Dominick, Third Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette-Jeff Tecklenberg. Weekly 1: First Place- West Branch Times-Gregory R. Norfleet, Second Place- Westside Observer-Janine Kock, Third Place- Riceville Recorder-Casandra Leff. Weekly 2: First Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun-Jake Krob, Second Place- Shenandoah Valley News-Kevin Slater, Third Place- Bloomfield Democrat-Gary Spurgeon. Weekly 3: First Place- Decorah Journal-Rick Fromm, Second Place- Dyersville Commercial-Josh Jorgenson, Third Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune-Amy Duncan, Adam Wilson and Peggy Hugen.

Master Columnist, Daily 1: First Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald-Doug Burns, Second Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat-Robin Delaney, Third Place- Muscatine Journal-Chris Steinbach. Daily 2: First Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette-Orlan Love, Second Place- Mason City Globe Gazette-John Skipper, Third Place- Des Moines Register-Marc Hansen. Weekly 1: First Place- Lake City Graphic-Advocate-Ken Ross, Second Place- Vinton Cedar Valley Times-Kyle Webb, Third Place- Lime Springs Herald-Marcie Klomp. Weekly 2: First Place- Anamosa Journal-Eureka-Michelle Phillips, Second Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun-Jake Krob, Third Place- Shenandoah Valley News-Kevin Slater. Weekly 3: First Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune-Dana Larsen, Second Place- Dyersville Commercial-Steve Halverson, Third Place- Denison Bulletin-Christy Welch.

Best Sports Columnist, Daily 1: First Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal-Troy Banning, Second Place- Washington Evening Journal-Travis J. Brown, Third Place- Spencer Daily Reporter-Jeff Hasselmann. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Craig DeVrieze, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-Don Doxsie, Third Place- Des Moines Register-Sean Keeler. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate-Wayne Dominowski, Second Place- Vinton Cedar Valley Times-Josh Berhow. Weekly 2: First Place- Adel Dallas Co. News-Bill Haglund, Second Place- Shenandoah Valley News-Kevin Slater, Third Place- Akron Hometowner-Steve Peterson. Weekly 3: First Place- Eldridge North Scott Press-Scott Campbell, Second Place- Denison Bulletin-Todd Danner, Third Place- Wilton-Durant Advocate News-Derek Sawvell.

Best News Photo, Daily 1: First Place- Charles City Press-Ryan Kronberg, Second Place- Muscatine Journal-Rebecca Paulsen, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald-Jeff Storjohann. Daily 2: First Place- Iowa City Daily Iowan-Rob Johnson, Second Place- Iowa City Daily Iowan-Christy Aumer, Third Place- Ames Tribune-Nirmalendu Majumdar. Weekly 1: First Place- Woodward NE Dallas Co. Record-Bob Eschliman, Second Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate-Wayne Dominowski, Third Place- Conrad Record-Chuck Friend. Weekly 2: First Place- Adel Dallas Co. News-Corey Munson, Second Place- Corning Adams Co. Free Press-J. Wilson, Third Place- Adel Dallas Co. News-Corey Munson. Weekly 3: First Place- Denison Bulletin-Bruce A. Binning, Second Place- Grinnell Poweshiek County CR-Roxanne Dass, Third Place- Algona Upper Des Moines-Mindy Baker.

Best Breaking News Photo, Daily 1: First Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald-Jeff Storjohann, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter-Randy M. Cauthron, Third Place- Muscatine Journal-Beth Van Zandt. Daily 2: First Place- Ames Tribune-Nirmalendu Majumdar, Second Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald-Dave Kettering, Third Place- Des Moines Register-Justin Hayworth. Weekly 1: First Place- Woodward NE Dallas Co. Record-Bob Eschliman, Second Place- Jewell South Hamilton Record-News-Scott Ervin, Third Place- Jewell South Hamilton Record-News-Scott Ervin. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner-Julie Ann Madden, Second Place- Corning Adams Co. Free Press-J. Wilson, Third Place- Toledo Chronicle-John Speer. Weekly 3: First Place- Denison Bulletin-Gordon Wolf, Second Place- Mount Ayr Record-News-H. Alan Smith, Third Place- Dyersville Commercial-Mary Ungs-Sogaard.

Best Sports Photo, Daily 1: First Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal-Troy Banning, Second Place- Newton Daily News-Ben Frotscher, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald-Jeff Storjohann. Daily 2: First Place- Ames Tribune-Nirmalendu Majumdar, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-John Schultz, Third Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette-Brian Ray. Weekly 1: First Place- Greene Recorder-Ross Hawker, Second Place- Postville Herald-Jason Meyer, Third Place- Greene Recorder-Ross Hawker. Weekly 2: First Place- Cascade Pioneer-Beth Lutgen, Second Place- Elkader Clayton Co. Register-Duane Winn, Third Place- Solon Economist-Doug Lindner. Weekly 3: First Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune-Michael Rolands, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review-Rylan Howe, Third Place- Indianola Record-Herald & Tribune-Michael Rolands.

Best Feature Photo or Photo Story, Daily 1: First Place- Spencer Daily Reporter-Michael Fischer, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter-Michael Fischer, Third Place- Spencer Daily Reporter-Michael Fischer. Daily 2: First Place- Davenport Quad-City Times-John Schultz, Second Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald-Mike Burley, Third Place- Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil-Cindy Christensen. Weekly 1: First Place- Britt News-Tribune-Sarah Sly, Second Place- Nora Springs Rockford Register-John Podgorniak, Third Place- Britt News-Tribune-Megan VerHelst. Weekly 2: First Place- Solon Economist-Lori Lindner, Second Place- Corning Adams Co. Free Press-J. Wilson, Third Place- Northwood Anchor-Becky Haberman. Weekly 3: First Place- Denison Bulletin-Bruce A. Binning, Second Place- Altoona Herald-Index-Adam Wilson, Third Place- Clarinda Herald-Journal-Bob Eschliman.

Harrison "Skip" Weber Investigative Reporting, Daily Winner:  Lee Rood, Des Moines Register. Weekly Winner: Bob Eschliman and Kevin Slater, Clarinda Herald-Journal.

Genevieve Mauck Stoufer Outstanding Young Iowa Journalists Awards: Courtney Blanchard, Dubuque Telegraph Herald; Dan Breen, Sheldon N'West Iowa Review; Emma Struve, Denison Bulletin.

Best Newspaper Marketing, Daily 1: First Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat, Second Place- Muscatine Journal, Third Place- Muscatine Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Des Moines Register, Third Place- Des Moines Register. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Second Place- Westside Observer, Third Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner, Second Place- Shenandoah Valley News, Third Place- Eagle Grove Eagle. Weekly 3: First Place- Denison Bulletin, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Third Place- Denison Bulletin.

Best Ad Featuring Grocery/Food/Entertainment, Daily 1: First Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Second Place- Muscatine Journal, Third Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel. Daily 2: First Place- Sioux City Journal, Second Place- Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, Third Place- Des Moines Register. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Second Place- Stuart Herald, Third Place- Wellman Advance. Weekly 2: First Place- Mediapolis News, Second Place- Cascade Pioneer, Third Place- Marion Times.  Weekly 3: First Place- Eldridge North Scott Press, Second Place- Spirit Lake Dickinson Co. News, Third Place- Decorah Journal.

Best Ad Featuring Financial, Insurance, or Other Professional Service, Daily 1: First Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Third Place- Des Moines Register. Weekly 1: First Place- Conrad Record, Second Place- Buffalo Center Tribune, Third Place- Conrad Record. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner, Second Place- Rock Rapids Lyon Co. Reporter, Third Place- Sac City Sun. Weekly 3: First Place- Denison Bulletin, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Third Place- Decorah Journal.

Best Ad Featuring Furniture, Furnishings, Appliances or Hardware, Daily 1: First Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter, Third Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Davenport Quad-City Times, Third Place- Sioux City Journal. Weekly 1: First Place- Jesup Citizen Herald, Second Place- Conrad Record, Third Place- Conrad Record. Weekly 2: First Place- Grundy Center Register, Second Place- Grundy Center Register, Third Place- Sigourney News Review. Weekly 3: First Place- Decorah Journal, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Third Place- Monticello Express.

Best Ad Featuring Automotive, Boats, Aircraft, Tires, Gasoline, Etc., Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Charles City Press. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Third Place- Des Moines Register. Weekly 1: First Place- Conrad Record, Second Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Third Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate. Weekly 2: First Place- Anamosa Journal-Eureka, Second Place- Akron Hometowner, Third Place- Rock Rapids Lyon Co. Reporter. Weekly 3: First Place- Iowa Falls Times-Citizen, Second Place- Algona Upper Des Moines, Third Place- Cresco Times Plain Dealer.

Best Ad featuring Miscellaneous, Daily 1: First Place- Spencer Daily Reporter, Second Place- Muscatine Journal, Third Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Des Moines Register, Third Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Second Place- Jesup Citizen Herald, Third Place- Jesup Citizen Herald.  Weekly 2: First Place- Sac City Sun, Second Place- Sac City Sun, Third Place- Shenandoah Valley News. Weekly 3: First Place- Algona Upper Des Moines, Second Place- Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune, Third Place- Algona Upper Des Moines.

Best Special Section Advertising, Daily 1: First Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal, Second Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Third Place- Fort Madison Daily Democrat. Daily 2: First Place- Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, Second Place- Sioux City Journal, Third Place- Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil. Weekly 1: First Place- Lime Springs Herald, Second Place- Inwood West Lyon Herald, Third Place- Buffalo Center Tribune. Weekly 2: First Place- Rock Rapids Lyon Co. Reporter, Second Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, Third Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Second Place- Mount Ayr Record-News, Third Place- Algona Upper Des Moines.

Best Ad series or campaign featuring any service or merchandise category, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Third Place- Muscatine Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Second Place- Des Moines Register, Third Place- Iowa City Daily Iowan. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Second Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Third Place- Westside Observer. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner, Second Place- Akron Hometowner, Third Place- Rock Rapids Lyon Co. Reporter. Weekly 3: First Place- Cresco Times Plain Dealer, Second Place- Clarinda Herald-Journal, Third Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review.

Best ad idea for a community promotion or event, Daily 1: First Place- Muscatine Journal, Second Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald. Daily 2: First Place- Waterloo Courier, Second Place- Des Moines Register, Third Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette. Weekly 1: First Place- Wellman Advance, Second Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Third Place- Lime Springs Herald. Weekly 2: First Place- Pocahontas Record Democrat, Second Place- Shenandoah Valley News, Third Place- Elkader Clayton Co. Register. Weekly 3: First Place- Algona Upper Des Moines, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Third Place- Iowa Falls Times-Citizen.

Best Agricultural Advertising, Daily 1: First Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Second Place- Muscatine Journal, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald. Daily 2: First Place- Fort Dodge Messenger, Second Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Third Place- Sioux City Journal. Weekly 1: First Place- Jesup Citizen Herald, Second Place- Jewell South Hamilton Record-News, Third Place- Jesup Citizen Herald. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner, Second Place- Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, Third Place- Hawarden Independent/Ireton Examiner. Weekly 3: First Place- Denison Bulletin, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review, Third Place- West Union Fayette Co. Union.

Best Web Advertisement, Daily 1: First Place- Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal, Second Place- Muscatine Journal, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald. Daily 2: First Place- Cedar Rapids Gazette, Second Place- Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, Third Place- Des Moines Register. Weekly 2: First Place- Akron Hometowner, Second Place- Akron Hometowner, Third Place- Akron Hometowner. Weekly 3: First Place- Denison Bulletin, Second Place- Waverly Bremer Co. Independent, Third Place- Denison Bulletin.

Best Ad Designer, Daily 1: First Place- Le Mars Daily Sentinel-Shannon Jost, Second Place- Muscatine Journal-Tiffanie Weaver, Third Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald-John Sigler. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register-Suzanne Milosevich, Second Place- Des Moines Register-Carrie Flynn, Third Place- Des Moines Register-Luke Larsen. Weekly 1: First Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate-Timothy Loftus, Second Place- Jesup Citizen Herald-Ranee McAtee, Third Place- Jesup Citizen Herald-Robin Harms. Weekly 2: First Place- Marion Times-Meg Stewart, Second Place- Anamosa Journal-Eureka-Kyle Franklin, Third Place- Akron Hometowner-Erica Kjar. Weekly 3: First Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review-Kristin Oldenkamp, Second Place- Sheldon N'West Iowa Review-David Kreykes, Third Place- West Union Fayette Co. Union-Steven Murray.

Best Of Class Advertising, Daily 1: First Place- Carroll Daily Times Herald, Second Place- Spencer Daily Reporter, Third Place- Muscatine Journal. Daily 2: First Place- Des Moines Register, Second Place- Des Moines Register, Third Place- Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Weekly 1: First Place- Jesup Citizen Herald, Second Place- Sergeant Bluff Advocate, Third Place- Jesup Citizen Herald. Weekly 2: First Place- Mediapolis News, Second Place- Anamosa Journal-Eureka, Third Place- Akron Hometowner. Weekly 3: First Place- Iowa Falls Times-Citizen, Second Place- Denison Bulletin, Third Place- Cresco Times Plain Dealer.