Best Environmental Portrait

Oh, Fiddlesticks: Abilene's strings program shows off members' practice at end-of-semester concert

Hospital patrons express 'affiliation' concerns

Vosburg looks back on 27 years in the military

This was a good feature of a veteran that covered a lot. Good detail of his work and a veteran's life in the service.

Mary Clarkin took me by the hand and led me through the homeless epidemic in Wichita. Her vivid writing brought to life a gallery owner who cleans urine and feces from her business and been accosted by homeless people, yet still has compassion for them. The story was well-sourced and supported with solid data. Homelessness, mental health and substance abuse present a clear challenge to the community, and Clarkin doesn't stop there. She also tells readers the reasons behind the problem and includes the steps leaders are taking to address it.

Parents and grandparents never stop worrying about their kids. This article showed why.

This wasn't about anything earth-shattering, but it was good light reading and gave a perspective from both old and not so old on a simple game that has brought the two together.

News and Writing Excellence

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Alice Hunt Named Belle Plaine's 2021 Quality Citizen

Great feature about a woman who has made a difference in her community. The second paragraph really grabbed me, and I especially liked the quotes throughout the story. The writer did a nice job of recounting Alice�s roots and explaining how she came to settle in Belle Plaine and planted new roots there as a wife and mother. Keep up the great work!

Special Section - Editorial

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

There was a lot of information here that I'm sure you're readers enjoyed. I like the chronological order and that you included plenty of photos.
However, the yellow decoration on the top and side is distracting and I would have liked to see some short cutlines explaining the photos for people who don't read the whole thing.

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

County Students Compete in Robotics Competition

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Alice Hunt Named Belle Plaine's 2021 Quality Citizen

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Governor Kelly Visits Wellington Ascension Via Christi ER

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

The Walls Came Tumbling Down, Oops, Wellington Leaders Thought Ahead to Centennial

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Jesus Wagon, Mules Draw Attention from Hwy 81 Drivers

This is an unusual event that was captured by the photographer. Great job.

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Nice story with strong lede and nut graph. Love the end quote.

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Unemployment In Kansas: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Very well-organized, lots of good information.

Special Section - Editorial

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

There's a ton of great info and photos here, but it seems unorganized and lacks focus. I'm guessing your readers still enjoyed it, though.

Belle Plaine News/Oxford Register

Lack of Coaches Threaten Local Youth Sports

Great catch (by the photographer and the hawk).

Best Environmental Portrait

This photo did not need a cutline to convey what happened.

Best Environmental Story

Global warming questions devastating tornadoes

FCA present "Our souls thirs for God" message

It's impressive to see newspapers cover religious events. Too often they are overlooked, but in times like this, we need more of them! Great work capturing what this athlete has done. It provides hope for us all.

Wonderful composition. Sleek and flowing lines, yet extremely symmetrical. The photograph conveys artistry, concentration, and perfection. It's also as impactful in black and white as it is in color. Congratulations!

Government/Political Story

Crowd gathers for Beloit Area Prayer Breakfast

Again, nice job offering hope to the community through coverage of a prayer event. It neatly captures the power of prayer.

A photograph that beautifully portrays a woman honoring those who've served. Her mask does not hide the sense of appreciation she feels while waving the stars and stripes. Well done!

Best Online Video (News)

Well done! Will have a long shelf life as an archive.

Best Magazine (regular or special event)

This magazine was a close second! Great calendar of events and wonderful articles by Mr. Hay spotlighting issues that affect the 60+ group. What a fantastic resource!

Best Online Video (Feature)

Veterans Day honors unit that lost helicopter in Afghanistan

Best Newspaper Website

This columnist brought awareness to two very important topics -- blood donation and mental health by linking both to her personal story. I also enjoyed reading about the three generations. Congratulations!

Recipe for disappointment: Meal plan rates increase without meeting student needs

Startling data, good voices and solid writing. Clear winner.

Special Section - Editorial

Recipe for disappointment: Meal plan rates increase without meeting student needs

Best Story/Picture Combination

Wow! The impact of the picture along with the article is outstanding. An act of kindness to lift the spirit of sick individuals at a traumatic time in their lives.

Nice use of color and other graphic devices to set off the photos.

From fire to flowers: The history of ESU's sunken garden

Design and Layout Excellence

Best Environmental Story

Interesting environmental topic. Good use of quotes.

Best Newspaper Website

Editorials raise, address important issues. Impact could have been strengthened by seeking and incorporating comments of local officials.

Firefighters return to rekindled fire by ESU campus

Best Environmental Story

Great community project. Simple and clean writing.

Displays context, passion, dedication, historical context, and celebrates community.

Chanute native's travels take him from Kuwait to Costa Rica

Drake LaRoche and the mechanics of pitching

From the lead to the end, this story is told with strong quotes and an engaging tone.

Youthful Rodriquez strives for election to USD 413 BOE

This story was just right. Not too long, not too short, and with all the information I'd want about a candidate profile. I like that it was treated in that way, rather than as a personality profile; he is running for public office, after all. Overall, a great balancing act.

Humor in the graphic design and gnomes wearing masks makes for an entertaining ad.

Best Magazine (regular or special event)

What a great magazine to celebrate 200 years of the Santa Fe Trail. Great spotlight on local attractions that have a broad appeal.

A clever ad that catches the reader's eye. The text on left could have been optimized within the lines. Effective ad!

Best Newspaper Redesign

Fantastic redesign. Pictures on the front and cleaner lines throughout the paper were a great addition!

Good topic for senior interest, but a little rambling.

From the entertaining, "You'll enjoy this Yarn", to the poignant story of Santa Clause, the writer knows how to weave a story. I enjoyed all of the columns.

I like the variety of sports being shown in the paper.

"Free Fallin,'" "Just A Small-Town Girl," "September Born"

Government/Political Story

Chautauqua County Commission violated state transparency law

Why is Cowley County's COVID death rate so high?

Good study of differences in COVID deaths and possible reasons.

This story definitely caught my attention because of the subject matter. I'm glad you put "bat poop" in the headline and called it like it is. Well done in explaining a problem that has a lot of people going batty!

Students schooled in area's role in 1996 olympics

How can we neglect an education story that includes a history lesson? This one tells about one community's recent history and the effort to keep that history alive.

Government/Political Story

Bring on more early season rivalry games 12-15-21

Best Ad Series or Campaign

Better Solution in Home Care Series 6-16-21, 8-25-21, 10-27-21

This made me want to work with these people. Highlighting the trainer was genius. Great copy writing.

Special Section - Editorial

Denesongkham wins regional title for Derby with goal in double OT 11-3-21

Euphoria. The pure joy draws you in, and you realize there's great contrast and framing as well. Definitely newsworthy and high-quality. A winning photo.

Best Professional Service Ad

Perfect structure with benefit headline at top, large attention-getting photo, proof copy with details why to buy a lawn irrigation system. Photos really set this ad apart. So often see these as dull black-and-whites. This is professionally presented. Very nice.

Best Online Video (Sports)

Great headline, and good use of the text to tell a layered story.

Best Ad Series or Campaign

Love the headline, would have liked to see a few more.

Dickinson County News - Times

I typically don't like so many posed photos, but in this case it was appropriate.

Special Section - Advertising

Dickinson County News - Times

Very colorful, fun section. Cover art and font choice very fitting. Loved this one!

Dickinson County News - Times

Boot Camp class increases fitness, stamina for seniors

Great observational lede. An excellent get in Sheets; she adds real color and interest to the piece, especially with her background in the geriatric field. I would have liked to see Sheets and Hight mixed through more; as it is, with all Sheets at the front and all Hight at the end, the second half is a little lackluster.

Dickinson County News - Times

Women-owned business spurring growth in Chapman's downtown

Great lede and a very interesting topic. I like the national v. hyper-local look at women-owned business trends. Great job featuring many businesses.

Dickinson County News - Times

Raising sheep, swine helps 4-H'er learn responsibility

Government/Political Story

Dickinson County News - Times

Hospital relinquished on commissioner's 3-2 vote

Dickinson County News - Times

News and Writing Excellence

Dickinson County News - Times

Dickinson County News - Times

Design and Layout Excellence

Dickinson County News - Times