2003 Better Newspaper Contest award winners

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April 18, 2024

2023 Call for Entries

September 29, 2022

2022 Nevada Press Foundation Awards of Excellence (Rules & Categories)

April 8, 2022

2021 Awards of Excellence – Winning Entries

September 22, 2021

Story of the Year
“SAGA OVER PLANNED DUMPSITE SCIENCE OR SCIENCE FICTION”
Benjamin Grove, Las Vegas Sun
“It’s a great combination of writing and reporting.  Impressed that the writer takes what could be a dry and complex subject and explains it in terms a lay person can understand.”

Editorial of the Year
“THE WEASLY WAY OUT”
John Kerr, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Well thought, well worded piece about government pay.  Something nearly every newspaper needs to address at some time.”

Ad of the Year
“R-J/SUN CLASSICOLOR CLASSIFIED (ONE ALWAYS STANDS OUT)”
Mike Miller, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“And this one does!  Clearly the best of all the winners.  Like the white space.  Nice, short, easy to understand message.”

Photo of the Year
“MEMORIAL”
Marilyn Newton, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Powerful photo with lots of visual irony – humorous clown against memorial wall.  The colorful clown against the black and white wall also adds impact.”

Freedom of the Press
Daily Newspapers:
Reno Gazette-Journal
“Bravo to all the entries in this category for fighting for freedom of information.  I’ve got to give the nod to Frank X. Mullen and Marilyn Newton for their dogged persistence in pursuing this story (Cancer Cluster).  They were not to be denied, despite the continual obstacles put in their way.  Erin Brockovich would be proud!  By the way, Frank, I’ve got to ask:  What does ‘X’ stand for?”
Weekly Newspapers:
Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Front-page coverage of the topic (Rejected Input By County).  Easy to understand.  And an editorial in the same issue denouncing the action by the county’s committee.  Well done!”

Outstanding Journalist
Daily Newspapers:
Don Cox, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Don’s work stood out among several outstanding entries.  His stories were the most compelling, the most personal.  He writes with feeling, he writes from the heart.  He can take something ordinary and make it come alive.  His stories have rhythm and punch.  You can tell Don has been doing this for a while, and he’s darn good at it.  Congratulations to a true craftsman.”
Weekly Newspapers:
Kate Silver, Las Vegas Weekly
“Kate has an amazing ability to get to the heart of the story.  We couldn’t help but read every word of each of the submitted stories.  Her attention to detail makes the reader feel as though they are involved in the story.  Her coverage is also diverse – she handled the suicide story with grace just as much as she did the story on drug addicts.  Thanks for the opportunity to read your work!”

CLASS 1 – LARGE DAILES

General Excellence
1. Las Vegas Review-Journal
“A consistent winner – appearance, local coverage, advertising, editorial – ‘Ousting Saddam’ section ensured your first-place finish.”
2. Las Vegas Sun
“An excellent job overall.  Excelled in local coverage.  Fell behind in other categories.”

Journalist of Merit
Kristen Peterson, Las Vegas Sun
“A star is born!  Great stuff – loved the Cher story, butterfly story has wings.  Auschwitz story haunted me.  Consistent excellence makes Peterson a Journalist of Merit in anyone’s league!”

Community Service
1.  “YUCCA MOUNTAIN”
Las Vegas Sun
“Excellent reporting of information on front page, editorials, even cartoons are right on target.  This story not only was of interest to Nevadans but to people throughout the US.”
2.  “THE TRAIN TRENCH”
Reno Gazette-Journal
“Good job on reporting all facets of the story compiled with excellent graphic on pages 8A-9A, Oct. 27 makes it easy for readers to get the total picture of this project.”
3.  “CHILDREN OF CANCER/TUNGSTEN/FALLON”
Reno Gazette-Journal
“Stories, Kennametal, Inc. profile, timeline, graphics all good.  This subject was no doubt a top priority for reading by everyone now (and into the future!).  The newspaper is to be commended for pressing the issue of tests of tap water!”

Best Spot News Story
1. “GRIEVING”
Jan Moller, JM Kalil, Natalie Patton, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Two excellent stories…Mother’s perspective was gripping.  Second story connecting 2003 disaster with 1986 explosion gave story context and a sense of history.  Great teamwork!”
2. “LV SLAYING SUSPECT ATTACKS TEEN”
Ryan Oliver, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Great quotes from police lieutenant.  Oliver really paints a picture of the attacker.  Good work!”
3. “TANKER CRASH”
Staff, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Quotes from witnesses give story an immediacy and weight it would not have had otherwise.  Good story!”

Best Feature Story
NOTE:  “This was a very difficult category because it contained news stories, news features, business features and light features.  It also contained about 50 stories worthy of these prizes!”
1. “UNBEATEN BIRDS:  FOWL PLAY”
Sonya Padgett, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Great read!  This story started strong and interesting, and just kept its tight, strong, well-told-tale stories throughout – as Isabelle Gaudu said in the story – ‘How could you not’ be interested, the way it’s told!”
2. “SILENT PICTURES”
Sevil Hunter, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Strong, poignant account of boy and his teacher’s interaction in one another’s lives, with plenty of multicultural background absolute validation of the difference the wonderful, caring teacher makes in a life.  Good pictures and marginalia information.”
3. “PILOTS GET FEEL FOR ENEMY WEAPONS”
Jace Radke, Las Vegas Sun
“Engrossing story of pilot training, including good historic detail of fighter pilot background and hands-on experience.”
Honorable Mention:  (TIE)
“MENTAL HEALTH:  RUNNING OUT OF ROOM”
Dave Berns, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“HOT PLACE:  CIRCLE OF COOL”
Doug Elfman, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“MYSTERY DEATH”
Jen Lawson, Las Vegas Sun
“All of these stories have leads – quotes and details that grabs the readers interest.”

Best Business Coverage
1. Las Vegas Sun
“July 2, 2002; Story was excellent.  Many details and stats about a crisis; might have been good to say how many employees work at area hospitals.”
2. Las Vegas Review-Journal
“This staff does an excellent job of identifying local issues, downtown strike story very appealing to outsider.  I don’t know if a bartender or waitress’ opinion might have been good to seize up with everyday person’s approach.”

Best Business Story
1. “SOUNDS OF SILENCE”
Bill O’Driscoll, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Good lead that draws reader into story.  And story builds interest all the way through.”
2. “SCIENCE OF SMALL”
Ryan Randazzo, Reno Gazette-Journal
3. “SYMBIOTIC EXISTENCE”
Chris Jones, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Honorable Mention:
“WHAT WENT WRONG”
Jeff Simpson, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Best Investigative or In-Depth Story
1. “SAGA OVER PLANNED DUMPSITE SCIENCE OR SCIENCE FICTION”
Benjamin Grove, Las Vegas Sun
“Coherent explanation of complication surrounding Yucca Mountain dumpsite.”
2. “NEVADA POWER’S STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL
Steve Kanigher, Las Vegas Sun
“The twists and turns of a public utility fighting for its life in complex circumstance.”
3. “IN SEARCH OF MALPRACTICE REMEDY”
Steve Kanigher, Stacy J. Willis and Cy Ryan, Las Vegas Sun
“The hot-button issue of medical malpractice is surrounded by reporting from all angles.”
Honorable Mention:
“BIKER BAR HOTBED OF POLITICAL ACTIVISIM”
John L. Smith, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“A columnist got his teeth into vote fraud and rode it to indictment.”

Best Local Column
1. Cory Farley, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Farley’s writing stands head and shoulders above the other entrants.  These columns are sophisticated, unforced and well-paced.  The humor works and there’s a distinct, and likeable, writer’s voice.”
2. Kathleen Stebbins, Reno Gazette-Journal
“These columns are clever and engaging.  Stebbins writes about food with authority, but never sounds snobby or pedantic.”
3. Jeff German, Las Vegas Sun
“The best of these columns effectively use tense, hard boiled prose to write with apparent knowledge about the subterranean world of wiseguys and their ilk.”

Best Local Non-Staff Column
1. Jon Ralston, Las Vegas Sun
“Ralston is gutsy – period! His no-nonsense column tells it all without any doubt what he’s thinking.  He gives credit where credit is due, but isn’t afraid to knock your legs out from under you if warranted.”
2. Margo Bartlett Pesek, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“In reading Margo’s column, I found myself wanting to grab my shorts, hop a plane and head to Vegas.  She’s an asset to your community and to Nevada as well.”
3. Guy Farmer, Nevada Appeal
“Farmer takes issue with the issues and I like that!  You’re fortunate to have a man of his talent and experience being a watchdog for your community.”

Best Local Sports Story
1. “THE POLITICS OF DESERT RACING”
Jeff Wolf, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Great job presenting all the issues of desert racing.  Everyone got to tell their side of the story in a complicated situation.”
2. “SHOOTOUT LOOMS AT MONTREUX”
Chad Hartley, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Nice style of writing – liked how the quotes told the story.”
3. “PARTY TRAIN”
Rob Miech, Las Vegas Sun
“Great slant on the Super Bowl – follow the game through the food – just what everyone does, only not in this much style.”
Honorable Mention:
“ANOTHER ROUSH HOUR”
Brian Hildergrand, Las Vegas Sun

Best Local Sports Feature
1. “A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE”
Joe Santoro, Reno Gazette-Journal
“This story was a wild ride, a lot like the subjects profiled in the piece.  Santoro can flat-out write, and he keeps pulling the reader along for the ride.”
2. “FORMER RENO SPORTSCASTER FINDS SUCCESS ON NATIONAL SHOW”
Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette-Journal
“This story was as fun to read as the Best Damn Sport Show is to watch.  From start to finish, an engaging read, period.”
3. “COWBOY DREAMS”
Jeff Wolf, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“A heckuva series.  You feel the cowboys!  Glory and pain, their loneliness and common bond.  Even if you’ve never worn a pair of Wranglers, the writer makes you feel what the cowboys feel.”
Honorable Mention:
“THAT’S AMORE”
Rob Miech, Las Vegas Sun
“This one was too fun to pass up.  Only in Vegas!”

Best Local Sports Column
1. Ron Kantowski, Las Vegas Sun
“Columns covered a wide range of sports – were newsworthy and were well written.  Hard to put down.”
2. Jeremy Evans, Nevada Appeal
“I liked the way the writer used history to relate to the present day.  The bull-riding piece was eye opening!”
3. Chad Hartley, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Columns followed up on news stories and offered a new approach to problems.”

Best Entertainment Writing
1.  Jason Kellner, Reno Gazette-Journal
“The entry contained three diverse stories, with clean writing that allowed the subjects to be the story rather than the reporting.  This entry had good stories made better by effecting story telling.”
2. Spencer Patterson, Las Vegas Sun
“The breadth of sources made these stories terrific.  Unfortunately, they had too much depth and only the serious music fan would stay with features this long.  Author obviously loves music and his writing reflects his passion.”
3. Norm Clarke, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Norm’s obviously got a lot of sources feeding him good gossip bits.  He’s either a terrific reporter or mover, but his writing wasn’t quite as good as the top two places in this category.”
Honorable Mention:
Forrest Hartman, Reno Gazette-Journal
“The reviews tell me enough as a reader that I can decide to see them and still be surprised, and/or miss them and not miss much.  Leads were sound – but he ran out of steam and had one cliché conclusion.”

Best Editorial
1. “THE WEASLY WAY OUT”
John Kerr, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Reveals a subtle consequence of an action that could be soft-pedaled by local officials; good specific facts and figures.”
2. “FAIRNESS AND REDISTRICTING”
Vin Suprynowicz, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Excellent analysis of the impact the judge’s decision would have; strong closing statement.”
3. “MEDICAL MALPRACTICE”
John Kerr, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Excellent info; editorial would be ineffective without providing all the legislative components needed.”
Honorable Mention:
“ODOR FROM CITY HALL, NOT FARM”
Dave Clayton, Las Vegas Sun
“Great way to show how government can unfairly impinge on individual lives.”

Best Editorial Page
1. Las Vegas Sun
“Impressive effort to present two sides of important issues while still taking a stand!  Breadth of opinions – both staff and non-staff.  Great sections!  Good letters clean layout.”
2. Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Excellent editorial pages, second to Sun only because of more limited resources.  Good job of presenting issues, solid layout, explaining why it is important to the reader.”

Best Overall Design
1. Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Great dominant photos on every section front, good use of white space, clean layout.  Local coverage is nice.”
2. Reno Gazette-Journal
“Informative and well-designed left hand column on front page, good typography and use of dominant photos.”

Best Page One Design
1. Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Big, bold look.  Strong use of photos, illustrations and graphics.  Nice, clean presentation.  Sunday front is unique – no stories – but it definitely pulls you in.”
2. Las Vegas Sun
“Consistent, classy design.  Very readable.  This is a strong entry.  I like it – a lot.”

Best Page Designer
1. Mark Antonuccio, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Conceptually far ahead of anyone else in the race.  This designer has both design and illustration skill.  He makes tough subjects easy to visualize.  Someone should turn him loose on news pages!
2. Ched Whitney, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Strong, clean news design at its crisp best.  This designer understands how to distill information for readers.”
3. Rob Langrell, Las Vegas Sun
“Great use of photography and smart, simple headlining set apart these sports pages.”
Honorable Mention:
Jeffrey P. Mayor, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Columbia page is strong and bold, but design on the less newsy days haunts the overall portfolio.”

Best Special Section – Editorial
1. “TERROR’S TOLL”
Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Wonderful piece/special section.  Good stories, layout, pictures and color.  Good job!”
2. “2003 CARSON DISCOVERIES”
Nevada Appeal
“Important information for the reader.”
3. “WE PAUSE TO REFLECT”
Reno Gazette-Journal

Best Information Graphics
1. “LEGISLATURE AND HS OFFICES”
Jay Kurowski, Reno Gazette-Journal
“This is simple and clean.  I like it because it’s something that every reader might use someday.  It makes the capital less intimidating for those who do not go there everyday.  This is a page I bet many readers kept.”
2. “DANGER ZONE”
Pam Killinsworth, Las Vegas Sun
“I love how this is incorporated around the story.  Very clean, nice use of color and very informative.  I’m sure drivers who read this graphic will be more careful.”
3. “LIVING IN THE PATH”
Stephen Reich, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Beautiful colors and lots of information.  The ‘Initial Attack Gear’ is a unique idea and probably of interest to a lot of readers.”

Best Illustration
1. “ROCK OF AGES”
David Stroud, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Overall this illustration is the most artistic.  It is clearly identifiable and proves the talent of its creator.  Great job.”
2. “NEVADA POWER/SURVIVOR LOGO”
Pam Killinsworth, Las Vegas Sun
“While the execution of this graphic isn’t the best, it illustrates the creativity and thought-process of the artist.  The edginess of the background is mismatched to the clarity and cartoon-nature of the survivor logo, but the idea is the best with this category.”
3. “POLITICAL GAMBLE”
Mark Antonuccio, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Though this illustration is by far the cheesiest within the category, it is also the cleanest and most eye-catching.  Great job on illustrating such a subject.”

Best Spot News Photo Coverage
1. “DRIVER IN CRASH OF FIVE TEENS DIES”
John Locker, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“The emotion and news value of both the first and second place photos were very similar.  The composition of the first place photo was what moved it to the first place position.  Good moment.  Names of those pictured would have been good.”
2. “BOY SAFE AFTER VALLEY HUNT”
K.M. Cannon, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Very good photo.  I’m guessing the poor crop on this photo was due to layout requirements.  Too bad.  Could have improved this photo with tighter crop.”
3. “RENO RALLIES”
Scott Sady, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Nice moment caught here.  Good composition and really shows how this war effects us here in the US.”

Best General News Photo
1. “AIRMAN LEAVES”
Sam Morris, Las Vegas Sun
“Touching photo that captures a tender moment.  Nice composition.”
2. “A MOTHER’S PAIN”
Aaron Mayes, Las Vegas Sun
“Powerful courtroom moment caught in powerful photo.”
3. “COUNTY COMMISSIONER”
Amy Beth Bennett, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“I just love the look on her face.”
Honorable Mention:
“DEFENDANT IN COURT”
Ethan Miller, Las Vegas Sun
“Neat spin on routine courtroom photo.”

Best Feature Photo
1. “MEMORIAL”
Marilyn Newton, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Very striking photo.  Really grabbed my eye.  Very clean and creative composition.  Tells a good story.”
2. “THROWING IT DOWN”
K.M.Cannon, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“This is a really nice moment.  I can imagine this boy sharing how he has dreams to make it to the NBA.  And it all started with a dumpster, a grocery cart and a ball.  Very nice photo.”
3. “TOURIST TRAP”
Steve Marcus, Las Vegas Sun
“Nice photo sequence.  I would have liked to seen one more frame of them after getting soaked.”
Honorable Mention:
“JOEY A WHITE BOXER SMILES”
Liz Margerum, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Very funny photo.  Very bad cut line.  What the heck is going on here.  Your readers might have believed you digital altered this as some judges here thought.  I assured them it was real, but damned if I could tell what was going on!”

Best Multiple Feature Photos
1. “COWBOY DREAMS”
Amy Beth Bennett, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Very good photo editing and usage.  Photos really help to tell the story.  Good variety of images.”
2. “UNITED BY TRAGEDY:  A HOME GAME AT OHIO STADIUM…”
David B. Parker, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Good photos.  A little bit repetitive over all.  Photos really help tell the story.  Love the photos of the sousaphone player collecting himself.  Very emotional.  Great moment.”
3. “UNITED BY TRAGEDY:  GROUND ZONE”
David B. Parker, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Strong photos over all.  This subject has been shot so much they are now predictable.  Good photo usage.”
Honorable Mention:
“RANGE OF EMOTIONS”
David B. Parker, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Good photo editing.  Nice story telling.  Very nice package.”

Best Portrait
1. “FAMILY”
Lisa J. Tolda, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Excellent quality photo.  Every expression in the book ‘except tears’ is depicted in this photo.  Doesn’t have the look of a posed photo, but rather a natural, comfortable look!”
2. “COWBOY”
Amy Beth Bennett, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“This photo makes you feel you’re part of the action and apart from the crowd.  Interesting the picture leaves something to the imagination of the reader.”
3. “RELATIONSHIP EXPERT”
Aaron Mayes, Las Vegas Sun
“This photo depicts action as the heart is being cut out.  Pleasant.  Quite a creative use of ‘heart back drop’ for the photo.  It tells the story.”

Best Illustrated Photo
1.  “BUCKLE UP”
Andy Barron, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Cool concept that illustrates the story well.”
2. “FREEZE FRAME”
Scott Sady, Reno Gazette-Journal
3.  “OPERATION SPECIAL SESSION”
Clint Karlsen, Las  Vegas Review-Journal
Honorable Mention:
“CHRISTMAS TOY SAFETY”
Candice Towell, Reno Gazette-Journal

Best Sports Photo
1. “GOLFER”
Tim Dunn, Reno Gazette-Journal
“The facial expression of the golfer and crowd tell the story.  Great shot.”
2. “BOXING”
Amy Beth Bennett, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Excellent photo with great stop action and sharp focus.”
3. “STEER WRESTLER”
John Locher, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Nice stop action with the dirt flying.”
Honorable Mention: (TIE)
“SKATEBOARD LEGEND”
Sam Morris, Las Vegas Sun
“SNOW SKIER”
Scott Sady, Reno Gazette-Journal

CLASS II

General Excellence
1. Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Nice clean layout throughout most of the papers.  Very good photo usage.  Clean headline font.  Ad layout is very good.  Editorial page is well laid out.  Very good local coverage.”
2. Elko Daily Free Press
“Very nice photo usage.  Layout is pretty good.  Headline font is too heavy in several instances, pretty average font.”

Community Service
1. “CANCER CLUSTER”
Lahontan Valley News
“Excellent coverage of this local issue.  Everyone should be proud of the coverage and dedication to the story.”
2. “COMMUNITY CLEAN UP”
Lahontan Valley News
“Good subject every newspaper market can most likely cover.”

Best Spot News Story
1.  “PLANE GOES DOWN, FIRE RAGES”
Susan Wood, William Ferchland, Gregory Crofton and Tim Parsons, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Clearly affected local area, good use of eye-witnesses, dramatic event, tempered coverage – good local stories.”
2. “PROBLEM BEARS KILLED AT SPRING CREEK”
Gregory Crofton, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Great lead – treated both sides in a balanced way.  Dramatic storytelling – local concern.”
3. “MINERAL COUNTY DA RESIGNS AMID CONTROVESY”
Marlene Garcia, Lahontan Valley News
“Good spot coverage.  Lots of legal concerns and a tense situation, but varied sources and background make the story clear.”
Honorable Mention:  (TIE)
“RECOUNT IN SPARKS ASSEMEBLY RACE”
Janine Kearney, Sparks Tribune
“Solid, hard-hitting lead.  Good, clear writing.  Excellent story flow with explanations and quotes.”
“BOBBIT GETS HOUSE ARREST – FOR NOW”
Marlene Garcia, Lahontan Valley News
“Reporter covers these trials beautifully.  You can’t stop reading.  Excellent tone, story-telling and flow.”

Best Feature Story
“This was, happily for Nevada readers, a hard category to place.”
1.  “NEVADA’S ‘LOST CITY’ ARISES FROM ITS WATERY GRAVE”
David C. Henley, Lahontan Valley News
“High marks in all judging criteria.  Thought-provoking, well-told detail, historical context good and good headline and deck too.  Locator map would have helped with shaded area showing underground/underwater spot (NOTE:  Your other 2 entries were good, also).  Mr. Henley:  You are to be commended for entering the work of so many of your staff members!”
2. “SHOP WITH A COP”
Marianne Kobak, Elko Daily Free Press
“Good story-good display.  Well-told.  Wished the info about ‘where this money comes from’ had been higher – good detail with many names and good photo support.”
3. “LEGEDARY BACKCOUNTRY PACKER DIES”
Susan Wood, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Great tribute to a guy whose efforts touched many lives.  I remember the National Geographic photo!  Great lead, too.  Good photo package of the guy and his wife.”
Honorable Mention:  (TIE)
“WINE-DINING DOW THE ROAD”
Kathryn Reed, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“LIFETIME OF LOVE”
Becky Bosshart, Lahontan Valley News
“Both of these stories were just plain interesting!  Had no idea what went into the lists at restaurants: ‘sniff, swish, spit’ is the essence nut graf!   And the touching story about the couple married 62 years who ‘don’t fit anywhere else but together’ plus the details, makes this special.”

Best Business Coverage
1.   Tahoe Daily Tribune
“The main writer (Susan Wood) has a great handle on many business areas.  The ski resort story has a lot of good comments and information.  Also, the story about the hospital’s 40 years had a great lead.  One of the best teasers I have read.”
2.  Lahontan Valley News
“The Newspaper is working to be active in the business community.  I liked the Wal-Mart story.  Too often newspapers don’t refute rumors.  It would have been good to tell how many employees the store had.”
3.  Elko Daily Free Press
“I was wondering if Elko Dateline was necessary.  The staff is inventive and industrious.  Too many passive phrases.  Though the story about business trends would have been a great lead story.”

Best Business Story
1. “KNOX’S LAWYER SAYS SHE WANTS TO ‘FESS UP’”
Marlene Garcia, Lahontan Valley News
“Business stories can be boring, but not in Fallon!  Garcia’s series on this story was fascinating and kept readers intrigued.  Great job!”
2. “SALT WELLS BROTHEL FIRES PROSTITUTES”
Marlene Garcia, Lahontan Valley News
“We don’t have this problem where I’m from, so it intrigued me.  Garcia did a great job quoting her sources and getting her facts.  Very interesting.”
3. “SHERIFF INVESTIGATES QUESTIONABLE CLAIMS BY UTAH CONTRACTOR”
Marlene Garcia, Lahontan Valley News
“A business story with a unique twist that kept me reading.  I’m becoming a big fan of Marlene Garcia!”
Honorable Mention:
“CCH STRUGGLES TO FILL CRUCIAL NURSING SPOTS”
Becky Bosshart, Lahontan Valley News
“Becky tells it like she sees it.  Did a good job of digging out the facts and presenting it in a reader friendly form.”

Best Investigative or In-Depth Story
1.  “AMERICAN DREAM”
Staff, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Excellent series using strong writing, good graphics and good photos.  All angles covered.  Very informative and well presented.”
2.  “CANCER SURVEY”
Becky Bosshart, Lahontan Valley News
3.  “COMP TIME”
Marlene Garcia, Lahontan Valley News

Best Local Column
1.  David C. Henley, Lahontan Valley News
“Two columns advocating improvement in the community – excellent what a good local newspaper should do!  Two other submissions with good subjects and colorful quotes – a good mix of columns made this the best in the category.”
2.  David Gouger, The Humboldt Sun
“Well-written columns that carry a reader to the end.  More aggressive topics may have made this entry better.”
3.  Jeffry Mullins, Elko Daily Free Press
“Good local columns are hard to do but his Bull Trout was a nice mix of a national issue with a local angle.”
Honorable Mention:
J. Carmen Kofoed, The Humboldt Sun
“Controversial with a strong opinion – but not enough to place higher.”

Best Local Non-Staff Column
1.  Joe Shannon, The Humboldt Sun
“I really enjoyed Joe’s down to earth wit.  His column is relative to what many of us experience and it’s fun to ‘Remember The Time…’”
2.  Jimmy Boegle, Sparks Tribune
“Jimmy brought to me a satire that took a little getting into.  However, the more I read, the more I felt it was well done.”
3.  Glen McAdoo, Lahontan Valley News
“Although the columns I read were a bit more negative that I like, Glen had fun with it and did a respectable job roasting some folks.”

Best Local Sports Story
1. “LOCAL COACHES WEIGH IN ON PROPOSED NIAA REALIGNMENT”
David Gouger, The Humboldt Sun
“Excellent exploration of how and why a statewide decision might affect local teams.  Clear explanations, good insight, good reporting.”
2.  “REED ROLLS OVER SPARKS IN BATTLE FOR MAYOR’S CUP”
Rob Sabo, Sparks Tribune
“Captured flavor, tone, essence of game – including its meaning.  Consistent in flow, tone.”
3.  “VIKES TAKE IT TO REED IN FINALS”
Steve Yingling, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Great lead.  Good event coverage and analysis.  Nice use of quotes and tone.”
Honorable Mention:
“RENO COULD LOSE ANNUAL PGA TOUR STOP”
Dan Eckles, Sparks Tribune
“Complex legal, economic problems explained well.  Good coverage.”

Best Local Sports Feature
1.  “ALLISTER DOESN’T MISS COLLEGE BALL”
Steve Yingling, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Nice lead, well balanced feature.  Great writing and broad appeal (local and national).  Well researched, great balance.  Nice close, great use of quotes.”
2.  “ALL-AROUND CHAMPION”
David Gouger, The Humboldt Sun
“Great feature on local girl in statewide event.  Nice feature material with her background emphasized.  Nice use of quotes, humor and facts.  Great balance.  Nice lead.”
3.  “TRYING TIMES”
Rob Sabo, Sparks Tribune
“Nice feature about athlete over coming her odds.  Nice lead, solid body and nice close.  Would have been nice to have a teammates perspective.”
Honorable Mention:
“HOOIMANS MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR”
Mike Christensen, Elko Daily Free Press
“The worst thing about this feature is I really kept coming back to ‘I want to know more details,’ you touched on the mom and 5 other siblings and I was left wanting more.  Nice job, nice lead.  Quote from team member would have been nice as well.”

Best Local Sports Column
1.  David Gouger, The Humboldt Sun
“I liked his style and telling it like it is – like ‘she is the straw that stirs the drink.’  Columns covered several aspects of sports – both local and national.”
2.  Dave Woodson, Elko Daily Free Press
“This writer captures your attention – especially if you’re over 50.  Younger people probably are turned off, however.  He is what I call a ‘painter’ writer.”
3.  Steve Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
“Writes well – but a column isn’t like covering a game or event.  Also, the use of ‘I’ always turns readers off.”

Best Entertainment Writing
1.  Jerry Blair, Elko Daily Free Press
“Informative, shows a good knowledge of the subject.”

Best Editorial
1.  “DISAPPEARING MIDDLE CLASS IS A COMMUNITY PROBLEM”
Kathryn Reed, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Local and principled.  Takes the high-road while also providing practical reassurances why it would be preferable.”
2.  “SPARKS ATTITUDE SURVEY:  THE AWFUL TRUTH”
William Albright, Sparks Tribune
“To the point, local, important.  I especially like the last line.”
3.  “BOTTOM LINE:  THE STUDENTS WILL LOSE”
Kathryn Reed, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Gutsy.  I bet you got some nasty letters over this.”

Best Editorial Page
1.  Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Everything on the page was wonderfully local.  Letters to the editor were numerous, well written, and reflected an informed readership.  The page demonstrates a healthy dialogue with your readers about local issues.”
2.  Elko Daily Free Press
“Nice forum provided for guest contributors, but would have liked to seen more local opinion coming from the newspaper itself.”

Best Overall Design
1.  Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Clean Typography and great sizing and positioning of photos on section fronts.  Beautiful weather section, clean stock market quotes and easy-to-read classified section.  Good job.”
2.  Elko Daily Free Press
“Nice color reproduction – especially in October 25th issue.  Clean layout.  Nice photo packages, particularly the cowboy poetry page. Changing the arial/helvetica headline font might bring more sophistication to the paper’s design.”

Best Page One Design
1.  Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Great use of photos, especially the large verticals.  Fonts are classic and readable.  Easily the best in the category.”
2.  Elko Daily Free Press
“Nice, colorful photos.  Very clear story separations.  However, font sizes seem too large and placement of captions are sometimes trapped and unclear.  Good job.”
3.  Lahontan Valley News
“A very well laid out paper.  Very clear story placements and very readable.  However, a varying font for some headlines may make the overall design more sophisticated.  Try using sans serif.”

Best Page Designer
1.  David Gouger, The Humboldt Sun
“Good-sized photos.  Might want to consider fewer stories on front page and give it some white space.  Caption font does not seem to blend with other fonts.”
2.  J. Carmen Kofoed, The Humboldt Sun
“Consider focusing on a dominant photo and using fewer photos on front page.”
3.  Steve Ranson and Thomas Ranson, Lahontan Valley News
“The cleanest layout in the category, but pages are a little too gray.  Consider shortening stories and adding a second headline font.”

Best Special Section – Editorial
1.  “101 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN NEVADA”
The Humboldt Sun
“You and your staff went to work on this one!  Good job!”
2.  “SEPT. 11, 2001 – ONE YEAR LATER”
Elko Daily Free Press
“Good job finding individuals affected and tied to N.Y. firefighters.”
3.  “COWBOY POETRY GATHERING”
Elko Daily Free Press

Best Spot News Photo Coverage
1.  “SHOOTING VICTIM”
Debra Reid, Sparks Tribune
“Very intense photo – timely, appropriate and good composition.  Not overly original.”
2.  “FIRE STATION TAX DEBATE CAR FIRE”
Debra Reid, Sparks Tribune
“Very news worthy and shows how intense the fire was.  Predictable photo for this type of story/event.”
Honorable Mention:
“2 INJURED”
Adam Rudy, The Humboldt Sun
“Photo shows accident well – typical photo however.”

Best General News Photo
1.  “LEADERSHIP ACADEMY”
Debra Reid, Sparks Tribune
“Powerful photo catching a tender moment.  Tells the story well.  A tad out of focus, but that doesn’t take away from shot’s impact.”
2.  “PIG KISSER”
Ross Andréson, Elko Daily Free Press
3.  “FREEDOM’S FLAME”
Ross Andréson, Elko Daily Free Press
Honorable Mention:
“LAYOFF”
Dan Thrift, Tahoe Daily Tribune

Best Feature Photo
“Tough to decide.”
1.  “TALENT SHOW WITH A TWIST”
Megan Kanne, Lahontan Valley News
“I love it!  You really capture a unique moment.  The photo alone tells a story.  Fabulous!  Love the close-up ‘people’ element.”
2.  “RAINBOW”
Jim Grant, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Really beautiful and artistic.  I love the color play with the boats and rainbow.  This was a tough decision … could easily have been 1st.  Great job!”
3.  “COOLING OFF”
Heather Singer, Lahontan Valley News
“Cool composition.  Unique angle and tells a story.  Very artistic.”
Honorable Mention:
“THINGS ARE HEATING UP”
Debra Reid, Sparks Tribune
“This is a really cool shot.  I like the colors and layout.  Good job.”

Best Multiple Feature Photos
1.  “FOURTH OF JULY”
Debra Reid, Sparks Tribune
“Decent layout with large dominant photo.  Perhaps rowboat picture would have mad a stronger lead photo.  Also, I question large gutter and gap between bottom photos.”
2.  “DAREDEVIL SKIERS, SNOW-BOARDERS”
Jim Grant, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Nice layout, but what about trapped white space in center.”
3.  “COWBOY POETS”
Ross Andréson, Elko Daily Free Press
“Strong photos, odd layout with no real dominant shot.”

Best Portrait
1.  “FABULOUS FIDDLES”
Debra Reid, Sparks Tribune
“There is just something about this picture.  Very artistic … it makes me want to read the story.  Good job!”
2.  “NATIONAL BASQUE FESTIVAL”
Ross Andréson, Elko Daily Free Press
“You really capture the theme and excitement of the kids.  Great!”
3.  “MEMORIAL DAY”
Megan Kanne, Lahontan Valley News
“Fits theme perfectly – very emotional photo.  Excellent!”
Honorable Mention:
“LOCAL NAVY RESERVISTS BEAUTIFY SPARKS”
Debra Reid, Sparks Tribune
“Beautiful and majestic.  Nice composition and eye.”

Best Illustrated Photo
1.  “FIREFIGHTERS”
Tara Pielaet, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Beautify – I just love this!  Color, layout, etc.  It really fits the theme.  Good job.”
2.  “AMERICAN DREAM”
Dan Thrift and Chris Morris, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Excellent representation of the theme.  Very creative!”
3.  “FROM THE HEART”
Ross Andréson, Elko Daily Free Press
“Captures the theme.  Adorable!”

Best Sports Photo
1.  “BULL RIDER”
Ross Andréson, Elko Daily Free Press
“Excellent!  Great focus and capturing of the action.”
2.  “ELKO SWIM TEAM”
Mike Christensen, Elko Daily Free Press
“Wonderful timing – good editing and composition.”
3.  “VIKINGS DOMINATE”
Dan Thrift, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Good use of back focus – photo could be a little crisper.”
Honorable Mention:
“VIKINGS TAKE HITS”
Dan Thrift, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Shows great action and intensity.”

CLASS III

General Excellence
1.  Tahoe World
“Great – all aspects are good.  Design is excellent.  Photos dominate.  Local coverage is nice.  Advertising design is unique.”
2.  The Record-Courier
“Design is a little bland.  Opinion page is good.  Advertising sections are a nice touch.”
3.  Henderson Home News
“Use more photos and run them larger.  No caps for legals – TOO difficult to read.  Consistent design.”

Journalist of Merit
Maggie O’Neill, The Record-Courier
“This journalist shows her versatility through factual, hard news stories to light, humorous columns.  Your news stories were easy to follow and provided the right amount of detail.  We laughed out loud while reading your columns.  Great work!”

Community Service
1.  “YUCCA TRUCKS”
In Business Las Vegas
“This special report is a real service to your readers on an issue that impacts every aspect of their community from economy to their health.”
2.  “GIRL’S FIGHT WITH CANCER”
Tahoe World
“Your paper provided excellent coverage on a story that the community took to heart.  Aside from raising money through the ad program for her, you helped make the fundraiser a success with your promotion of it.  Would’ve liked to seen the ads.”
3.  “GIFTS FOR GOOD”
Sierra Sun
“The paper played a key role in this project, but I needed more information – especially wanted to know which local organizations specifically received the funds.”

Best Spot News Story
1.  “RUNAWAY TRUCK NEARLY HITS HOUSE”
Rick Adair, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Great well-written story on deadline.  Good sources quoted to enhance story.  Good job!”
2.  “HIJACKER REMAINS IN CUSTODY/ CALLER: BUS DIDN’T STOP”
Henry Brean and Rich Thurlow, Pahrump Valley Times
“Very informative stories about a very serious situation.  As an outsider I feel I know extensive info about this story.  That’s a result of good reporting and writing on your part.”
3.  “HENDERSON MAN SEES JUSTICE DONE”
Sharon Gerrie, Henderson Home News
“Good story that required some extensive research to complete.  Well written, covered issues well.

Best Feature Story
1.  TIE
“UP, UP AND AWAY (HOT AIR BALLOONING)”
Mike Stotts, Henderson Home News
“Breadth, depth and reader enticement very strong.  Writing is top notch.  Writer’s credentials in field helped with this story.”
“THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT”
Sharon Gerrie, Henderson Home News
“A ‘spell-binding’ tale, fortified by the reporter’s personal research.  Background is great, sets the stage very well.  This lady knows how to write!”
2.  “FORMER SPY TELLS HIS STORY”
Angela Soo, Henderson Home News
“Topic makes this well-written story even better.  Life of double agent and the up and down emotions/fear of being discovered are thoroughly covered.  Well done!”

Best Business Coverage
1.  In Business Las Vegas
“Wow!  This newspaper isn’t afraid to take on stories about consumers needs.  Those aren’t easy to identify but staff finds ways to meet reader needs.”
2.  Las Vegas Business Press
“This newspaper is a gem with lots of useful information.  Some of the photos were not as good reproduction wise, which detracted from stories.  I like stance on empathizing    minorities.”
3.  The Record-Courier
“These two stories by Laura Brunzlick were excellent lead stories on topics that seemed mundane business stories.  She gave a good feel for the business owners.”
Honorable Mention: (TIE)
Sierra Sun
North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Both of these newspapers’ reporters seem eager to get out and cover stories and work to get detail.”

Best Business Story
1.  “WAL-MART”
Jennifer Shubinski, In Business Las Vegas
“Lead lures reader into what could be just another business story.”
2.  “NORTH VEGAS STRIP”
Liz Benston, In Business Las Vegas
3.  “THE HUCK STOPS HERE”
Walter Torbert, Tahoe World
Honorable Mention:
“TRAVEL WOES”
Brian Sodoma, Las Vegas Business Press

Best Investigative or In-Depth Story
1.  “IMMIGRATION”
Megan Feldman, Tahoe World
“Tough story to tackle but one that needed to told.  You’re to be commended for taking this one on.  Very well done.”
2.  “METHAMPHETAMINE PROBLEM”
Doug McMurdo, Pahrump Valley Times
“Really compelling stuff here.  This is anything but boring.”
3.  “TOURISM DILEMMA”
Melissa Vinitsky, Tahoe World
“Balanced reporting on a touchy issue.”

Best Local Column
1.  Doug McMurdo, Pahrump Valley Times
“Columns are full of facts.  They relate to the general public concerns rather than the columnist’s life experiences.  Language is sometimes coarse and abrasive and may offend some readers.”
2.  Melissa Vinitsky, Tahoe World
“Thoughtful observations on national issues with personal impact on everyone.”
3.  Henry Brean, Pahrump Valley Times
“’Fake Chance…’ is a light touch to an absurd endeavor by crooks that offers gentle warning to the gullible.  Excellent translation of human failing and its sad and perplexing outcome in ‘Pahrump’s Troublesome Case…’”

Best Local Non-Staff Column
1.  McAvoy Layne, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“This guy is nuts, but in a hilarious way!  I could hardly wait to read each paragraph and had a lot of good laughs.  Two thumbs up!”
2.  Guy Coates, Sierra Sun
“Here’s a ‘guy’ that knows his community and does an excellent job sharing it with his readers.  I almost felt as if I were there.”
3.  Jon Ralston, In Business Las Vegas
“I really like Ralston.  He cuts through the crap and gets to the meat of the issues in a hurry.  Keep up the exceptional work!”

Best Local Sports Story
1.  “EMPTY NETS”
Kevin Fiddler, Henderson Home News
“Excellent look at a situation that could impact many in the community.  Good research, stats.  Consistent tone.”
2.  “THIRD TIME’S A CHARM”
Walt Torbert, Tahoe World
“Good game coverage, solid reporting, interviews – thorough.”
3.  “GIRL’S SOCCER WINS BIG”
Matt Riddle, Sierra Sun
“Captured the excitement and passion of the event.  Good quotes, stats, story flow.  Excellent insight and background.”
Honorable Mention:
“UNBLEMISHED RECORD”
Ray Brewer, Henderson Home News
“Good lead and story focus – nice interviews, look into young man, his discipline and family”

Best Local Sports Feature
1.  “A LIFETIME OF SKIING”
Matt Riddle, Sierra Sun
“Good background, history and details intertwined with her personal stories.  Good lead, touching story.”
2.  “RETURNING TO THE SOUL OF SKATEBOARDING”
Jessica Perry, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Telling his story is a good feature idea.  Infused chronology with present passions.  People locally will love a story like this – a who-is-that-guy story.”
3.  “GOLF’S GREATEST TEACHER”
Kevin Fiddler, Henderson Home News
“Nice portrait of a man who has been a behind-the-scenes legend.  Nice interview, reporting.”
Honorable Mention:  (TIE)
“THE NATURAL CHOICE”
Matt Riddle, Sierra Sun
“Interesting, unusual topic – excellent way to broaden sports page.  Brings in additional readers.  Thorough, clear and interesting.”
“LIGTNING FAST”
Ray Brewer, Henderson Home News
“Catchy lead, solid reporting, clear writing style.  Touching story.”

Best Local Sports Column
1.  Ray Brewer, Henderson Home News
“Writes well while covering several topics.  Other columnists spend all their space on ‘I’ and ‘me.’”
2.  Matt Riddle, Sierra Sun
“Need to mature.  Writes like he talks, which sometimes gets old.”

Best Entertainment Writing
1. Walt Torbert, Tahoe World
“Nice writing to paint mental picture.  Sometimes it takes awhile for you to get to the point, but you do a good job with routine stories.”
2. Karel Delbecq, The Record-Courier
3.  Kelly Davis, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza

Best Editorial
1.  “NLTRA LACKING VERRUE – SIMILITUDE””
Charles Levinson, Tahoe World
“Excellent background research and facts to support paper’s stand.”
2.  “A PIER TOO FAR”
Kirk Caraway, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Excellent assessment of imminent development.  Great background info.  Maybe too late for readers to do anything but those who will decide will have to face the music played by better-informed readers.”
3.  “SECRECY, MISUSE OF FUNDS INVOLVING LIGHT-SHOW PLAN”
Mike Campbell, In Business Las Vegas
“Excellent summation of how situation has reached current situation.  Good facts and figures and explanation of fund use.  Well stated stand in final sentence.”

Best Editorial Page
1.  Sierra Sun
“Great pages – thank you letter nice addition, as well as, public meeting and club and organizations.  Nice to have those things on editorial pages.”
2.  Henderson Home News
“Good use of local information.  Very close to first place.”
3.  North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Clean layout and word on the street is unique the this category.”

Best Overall Design
1.  In Business Las Vegas
“Excellent typography, clean design, good use of dominant photos.  Your win is based on the redesign you must have done in Fall 2002 – great job!”
2.  Tahoe World
“You earned second place for good typography.  Excellent fronts on sports and Tahoe life sections.  Photos seem a little dim – not sure if it’s photo or reproduction.”
3.  North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Clean design, excellent left column on front page.  Very attractive fronts on living sections.  Kerning a little tight on bolded heads.”

Best Page One Design
1.  In Business Las Vegas
“Great use of white space, nice treatment on Jon Ralston column photo, really like the ‘inside’ box with index and Q&A.  Excellent typography from headlines to body copy.”
2.  The Record-Courier
“Very clean design and good use of dominant photos.  I’m not a fan of the treatment on the ‘burning’ headline in May 11th issue, but overall an easy to read page.  Would note the flag seems dated compared to the rest of the page design.”
3.  North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“I like the info column on the left – it’s clean, attractive and informative.  Good treatment with subhead and box on dominate photos.  Kerning seems a little tight on bolded headlines and ‘Bonanza’ in the flag.”

Best Page Designers
1.  Travis Ambrose, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Overall, these pages are the most interesting, bright and creative.  Your use of fonts and color are fantastic and you’ve really made the most of each photo.  A plus on the overlapping of photos.”
2.  Kelly Davis, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Fantastic use of photos and the text surrounding or overlapping them.  You’ve really captured the feel of the topic through your designs.  Congratulations on always choosing fonts that are appropriate to the story.  Simple and beautiful designs.”
3.  Walt Torbert, Tahoe World
“Your sports pages are the most consistent in their quality.  The color and dominate photos are fantastic.  Your variation in fonts is always appropriate and your sidebars add interest rather than being distracting.  Great job.”

Best Special Section – Editorial
1.  “SPECIAL REPORT:  YUCCA MOUNTAIN”
In Business Las Vegas
“Great section!”
2.  “2002 SOUTHERN NEVADA FOOTBALL”
Henderson Home News
“Great cover.  Great coverage of all the towns’ teams.  An easy read.”
3.  “CARSON VALLEY ALMANAC”
The Record-Courier
“Good layout, very interesting stories and photos.  Depicts your area very well.”
Honorable Mention:
“ELECTION 2002”
Sierra Sun

Best Spot News Photo Coverage
1.  “FIRE AFTERMATH”
Colin Fisher, Sierra Sun
“Nice use of light – the darkness of the background is really dramatic against the woman’s face.”
2.  “MOURNERS OF CRASH VICTIM”
Michael Okimoto, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Photo shows the emotion felt by the tragic fatalist accident.  It would have made a dramatic vertical shot as well by focusing on the two women.”
3.  “MINIVAN ROLLOVER”
Brian D. Schultz, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Women nicely framed by officers.  Photo captured the emotion of the moment.”
Honorable Mention:
“BRUSH FIRE”
Ron Martinez, Henderson Home News
“Sharply focused shot.  I liked the man on the roof looking at the fire.”

Best General News Photo
1.  “HOLDING HANDS”
Keith Sheffield, Tahoe World
“Nice composition that tells a powerful story.”
2.  “TILE WORKER”
Steve Marcus, In Business Las Vegas
“Neat twist on an otherwise hum-drum assignment.”
3.  “TRIAL PHOTO”
Belinda Grant, The Record-Courier
Honorable Mention:
“FUNERAL PICTURE”
Belinda Grant, The Record-Courier

Best Feature Photo
1.  “BUBBLE VIEW”
Shannon Litz, The Record-Courier
“Awesome shot – tells a great deal about the ‘faire’.  Pressman gets major kudos for his work, too.  Wonderful teamwork!”
2.  “STORY TIME”
Brian D. Schultz, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Very good support for kid’s reading program.  Not a difficult photo to take, technically, but certainly the best for human interest.  Who couldn’t vote for an attentive dog?”
3.  “COOL PLACE TO BE”
Belinda Grant, The Record-Courier
“Difficult photo for both camera person and pressman.  Excellent illustrative support for stand-alone on high temps.”

Best Multiple Feature Photos
1.  “FLY FISHING”
Mike Stotts, Henderson Home News
“Strong photos and good photo selection.  Side bar is nice.  Story sort of hard to follow.”
2.  “SUMMER SCRAPBOOK”
Doug Slater, Tahoe World
“Interesting layout and a neat idea.  I sort of wish dominant picture were larger.  Strong second place entry.”
3.  “AUTUMNAL TRANSMUTATIONS”
Brian D. Schultz, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Neat layout and use of top photo.  Typography adds a nice touch as well.
Honorable Mention:
“COWBOY WAY”
Keith Sheffield, Tahoe World
Best Portrait
1.  “MARINE CORPS PHOTOGRAPH”
Belinda Grant, The Record-Courier
“100% great!  Good photo, editing – the works.  Nice use of camera in photo, too.”
2.  “SHOW STORE OWNER”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas Business Press
“I knew the story was about a shoe store before I looked at the headline!  Creative use of mdse.”
3.  “HELICOPTER MECHANIC”
Belinda Grant, The Record-Courier
“Photo has a unique feel.  Nice use of lighting.”

Best Illustrated Photo
1.  “TRAVEL WOES”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas Business Press
“Great illustration and use of photos.  Clean”
2.  “FLY SEASON”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas Business Press
“Great idea!  Good use of photos to make the point.”

Best Sports Photo
1.  “FLYING HIGH”
Belinda Grant, The Record-Courier
“Great angle and expressions.  The black backdrop really brings out the action in this photo!”
2.  “MUD BOWL”
Colin Fisher, Sierra Sun
“This picture just screams cold!  Great decision to use black and white to really bring out the snow!”
3.  “FLAG FOOTBALL”
Brain D. Schultz, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“Great Expressions and action!  The photo doesn’t need any explanation.  Great use of focus.”
Honorable Mention:
“RUBICON ROCKS”
Lindsey Rhynard, Sierra Sun
“Great way to use several photos to show action.”

CLASS IV – SMALL WEEKLIES

General Excellence
1.  Mason Valley News
“Good dominant photos on front page, clean layout with good white space, good local coverage.  Could use a second headline font, effective opinion page.”
2.  Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Ineffective layout because of clutter on some pages, need to use better dominant photos on fronts, good local coverage.”

Community Service
1.  “WALKER RIVER BASIN”
Mason Valley News
“Complete coverage of the issue.  Fair reporting which is a community service in itself.”
2.  “SUBDIVISION PLANNING”
Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Good use of newspaper for this issue.  Great outcome.”

Best Spot News Story
1.  “JOINT EFFORT REUNITES KIDNAPPED GIRL WITH MOTHER”
Robert Perea and Keith Trout, Mason Valley News
“Comprehensive story, captivating storytelling sold reporting.  Vivid details.  (Weakest area – lead, which doesn’t mirror rest of quick pacing.)
2.  “RECORD WINDSTORM WREAKS HAVOC”
Robert Perea and Keith Trout, Mason Valley News
“Thorough coverage of the devastation.  Good use of variety of authorities.  Excellent sidebars.  (More personal stories would have helped this).”
3.  “MAILBOX PIPE BOMB SUSPECT CAPTURED SOUTHWEST OF LOVELOCK”
Gwen Carter, Lovelock Review-Miner
“Solid story, good description, good extended reporting.  (More local impact higher in the story).  Troy Daulton’s sidebar on the suspect helps this as a package.”

Best Feature Story
1.  “MIRACLE GIRL DELIGHTS IN CHRISTMAS”
Laura Tennant, Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Great well written feature about a family and their struggles with cancer and the determination to see it through and not be defeated by it.”
2.  “QUILICI REFLECTS ON HER SERVICE AS DISTRICT ATTORNEY”
Troy Daulton, Lovelock Review-Miner
“Good feature story.  Really had good insight on the life and career of the county attorney.”
3.  “FAMILY’S FIRST HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE”
Laura Tennant, Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“This story is well written with good information, entertaining and almost share the joy with the family as you read it.  Maybe others who read it can get that same desire to succeed.”

Best Business Story
1.  “WASHINGTON BUSINESS WILL NOT RELOCATE”
Troy Daulton, Lovelock Review-Miner
“Photo would have been nice, but the story was very well written.  Both sides fairly portrayed and the reader left to draw their own conclusions.  Personally, I think Fitzgerald was being a jerk!”

Best Investigative or In-Depth Story
1.  “WALKER RIVER BASIN”
Keith Trout, Mason Valley News
“This series of stories shows the news’ commitment to solid community journalism, and to covering a story all the way through and from every angle.”
2.  “MINE STORIES”
Keith Trout, Kit Pearson and Patrick Abanathy, Mason Valley News
3.  “ASG STORIES”
Keith Trout and Laura Tennant, Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier

Best Local Column
1.  Laura Tennant, Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Interesting and highly readable material.  You seem to write about experiences that most people don’t have in their day-to-day lives.  It makes it more fun to read.”

Best Local Non-Staff Column
1.  Charles Lawson, Mason Valley News
“Charlie pretty well tells it like it is.  No frills, no flair, no glamour, but filled with issues readers can think about and make decisions on.”
2.  Eleanor Gottschalk, Lovelock Review-Miner
“A very thought out well written column rich in history about your community.  If I ever get to Pershing County, Eleanor would be my choice as an exceptional tour guide.”

Best Local Sports Story
1.  “BRINKLEY’S KNOCKOUT SPEAKS VOLUMES”
Robert Perea, Mason Valley News
“Quality writing, singular focus nice use of research and background.  Good interview.”
2.  “MCINTYRE CAPS CAREER WITH 3 STATE TITLES”
Robert Perea, Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Solid after-the-fact reporting.  Good lead interview.”
3.  “BICONDOA SIGNS WITH YANKEES”
Troy Daulton, Lovelock Review-Miner
“Excellent interview and perspective.  Thorough background.  Good local story.”

Best Local Sports Feature
1.  “ALLEN AIMING TO MEET NEW CHALLENGES”
Robert Perea, Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Excellent, personal interview.  Tone is earnest; captures young man’s trials and tribulations.  Warm and sincere.”

Best Editorial
1.  “UNYIELDING DISTRICT STRENGTHENS VALLEY FARMING”
Gwen Carter, Lovelock Review-Miner
“What an incredible accomplishment for your community.  Excellent, well-written editorial gives reader the complete overall view of the struggles and accomplishments to keep business at a local level.  Keeping business local is so important to local economy.”
2.  “GET WET WITH QUESTION 10”
Kent Harper, Ely Times
“Very good editorial and the best part is it brought positive results.  When an editorial is written that passes and costs money, even a small amount, that’s a great accomplishment.  Especially without county help.  Good job!”

Best Editorial Page
1.  Mason Valley News
“Page is easy to read and flows well.”
2.  Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“Hard decision, but came down to flow of page.  Letters are difficult to read.”

Best Page One Design
1.  Mason Valley News
“Great job placing photos both above and below the fold.  Nice index that is easy to read.  Might consider a second headline font.”
2.  Lovelock Review-Miner
“Good selection of articles for the front page.  Loved the pumpkin photo.”

Best Special Section – Editorial
1. “REFLECTIONS”
Mason Valley News
“Definite reader appeal.  Good-looking cover.  Good color.  Then and now pictures good idea.”

Best General News Photo
1. “DRUM SAMPLING”
Patrick Abanathy, Mason Valley News
“Nice composition with repetition of barrels.  Good exposure, tells story well.”
2.  “PUMPKIN PATCH”
Troy Daulton, Lovelock Review-Miner
3.  “BONFIRE”
Troy Daulton, Lovelock Review-Miner

Best Feature Photo
1.  “WATERMELON MOUTH”
Keith Trout, Mason Valley News
“Adorable – unusual and I felt compelled to read the story.  Good job!”
2.  “FLYING DIRT BIKE”
Adam Rudy, Battle Mountain Bugle
“Unusual and interesting.  I like the composition.”

Best Multiple Feature Photos
1.  “HOMECOMING”
Keith Trout and Patrick Abanathy, Mason Valley News
“Strong photos but layout lacks focus.  No dominate picture.”
2.  “FAIR”
Keith Trout, Robert Perea and Patrick Abanathy, Mason Valley News

Best Portrait
1.  “DREAMING OF BEING AN EMT”
Keith Trout, Mason Valley News
“Beautiful!  Good composition.  Very impressed with the expression in the young girl’s face – you captured it perfectly.  Mother theme to a ‘T’.”
2.  “ON A SPREE…KIDS’ SHOPPING”
Laura Tennant, Fernley Leader – Dayton Courier
“You really captured the theme well.  I feel the excitement in these kids’ faces.  Evokes emotion – good job.”
3.  “DANCERS”
Patrick Abanathy, Mason Valley News
“Beautiful composition.  This was a tough decision – the lines are fabulous and artistic.”

Best Illustrated Photo
1.  “FIRE PREVENTION WEEK”
Keith Trout, Mason Valley News
“Photo achieves purpose and technically sound.”

Best Sports Photo
1.  “PUTTING ON THE GAME FACE”
Laura Tennant, Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier
“A part of the game you don’t usually see.  Good composition and editing.”
2.  “RACING DIRT BIKES”
Keith Trout, Mason Valley News
“Great timing, very clean.”

CLASS V – ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPERS

General Excellence
1.  Reno News & Review
“Excellent design.  Clean layout.  Excellent page headers.  Advertising is great.  Editorial great.”
2.  Las Vegas Mercury
“Good use of space.  Local coverage is excellent.”
3.  Las Vegas CityLife
“Good coverage of local issues.  Headlines are excellent.  Great layout.”

Journalist of Merit
David Hare, Las Vegas CityLife
“David has proven himself as a journalist who is not afraid of his career.  Each story that was entered was written by a writer who really got to know his subject.  One who wasn’t afraid to ask questions and to truly learn.  I can only imagine that David will improve as the years go by.”

Community Service
1. “CANDIDATE Q & A PROJECT”
Las Vegas CityLife
“Q&As with candidates are always an important way to educate voters, but I particularly liked this one because of the ‘goofy’ questions.  It’s telling to see how candidates reacted to these and it shows whether they have a sense of humor.”
2.  “STOP YUCCA PROJECT”
Las Vegas Mercury
“The drawing contest was a unique way to get the community involved – especially if they aren’t typically activists.  The results surely drew attention – and showed how intense opinions really were among community members.”
3.  “PEVINE MOUNTAIN PROJECT”
Reno News & Review
“This was an extremely worthwhile cause – probably the most compelling issue in this category, but I thought the nature of it called for more action by the paper.  Infographics and photos of the area were needed for readers.”

Best Spot News Story
1.  “BAD BLOOD”
D. Brian Burghart, Reno News & Review
“Excellent trial coverage.  Moving, informative and captivating.  Paint a vivid scene.”
2.  “HOMELESS MEMORIAL VIGIL BRINGS IN THE WINTER”
David Hare, Las Vegas CityLife
“Poignant.  Touching lead.  Good research mixed with scenic details of event.”
3.  “NOT IN OUR NAME”
Deidre Pike, Reno News & Review
“Detailed event coverage.  Excellent interviews, description and placement.  Meaningful to your readers.”
Honorable Mention:  (TIE)
“SHERIFF OF RED ROCK”
Heidi Walters, Las Vegas Mercury
“Obituary writing at its finest.  Colorful, warm and pained.”
“LEAVING BABIES BEHIND”
Deidre Pike, Las Vegas CityLife
“Dramatic lead – excellent story-telling mixed with drier news.  You made the story personal and tender, without being over sentimental.”

Best Feature Story
1.  “SCENSE FROM THE UNDERGROUND”
Peter Thompson, Reno News & Review
“I can tell this took a lot of research.  Very informative – I don’t know if Hunter Thompson could have written a better description of a drug trip.  Awesome read.”
2.  “NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND”
Matt O’Brien and Joshua Ellis, Las Vegas CityLife
“Deeply absorbing.  It pulls you right in and keeps you there.  I loved it.”
3.  “UNEARTHING DOLEMITE”
Damon Hodge, Las Vegas Weekly
“Funny, funny.  Very entertaining and well-written.  I’ve never heard of Dolemite, but I’m going to check him out on the WEB.”
Honorable Mention:
“HIGH ON LDS”
Kate Silver, Las Vegas Weekly
“The only reason you got honorable mention was because the competition was so tough.  Great story.”

Best Business Story
1.  “LAS VEGAS IS GAYTASTIC!”
Bob Shemeligian and Andrew Kiraly, Las Vegas Mercury
“Courting gay and lesbian tourists in the world’s most hetero town is a great angle.  Gay hotel is too!  Tying in state proposition completes the picture.  Good work!”
2.  “IS YOUR DOCTOR OUT?”
Joe Schoenmann, Las Vegas Weekly
“Different perspective on an ubiquitous problem.  Good use of statistics and comparisons of reimbursements.  Important story about important issue.”
3.  “WANDA’S POWER”
Deidre Pike, Reno News & Review
“Wanda Wright’s experiences with Sierra Pacific gave impact to a story that a cold list of facts would not.”

Best Investigative or In-Depth Story
1.  “THIS DOG’S LIFE”
Miranda Jesch, Reno News & Review
“Effective storytelling illustrating the life and death of stray animals.  Well done!”
2.  “RICH SCHOOL…POOR SCHOOL”
Andrew Kiraly, Las Vegas Mercury
“A compelling story defining the why behind support of schools.”
3.  “CLOSE ENCOUNTERS”
George Knapp, Las Vegas Mercury
“Fascinating look at paranormal activities on a Utah ranch.”
Honorable Mention:
“GIFT OF GRAFT”
D. Brian Burghart, Reno News & Review
“Important topic illustrated by solid reporting and writing.”

Best Local Column
1.  Matt O’Brien, Las Vegas CityLife
“Nice, sparse style.  Your subjects are also very interesting, unique.  Just the right length – you get in what would take many writers twice the space.”
2.  Deidre Pike, Reno News & Review
“Liked the style-kind of Jimmy Breslin.  I also like the occasional, well-placed and well-used four-letter word.”
3.  Geoff Schumacher, Las Vegas Mercury
“Easy read.  I especially enjoyed ‘Quietude.’  I’ve experienced places like Crystal before, so I could relate.  Your piece made me miss it and want to experience it again.”

Best Local Non-Staff Column
1.  Tod Goldberg, Las Vegas Mercury
“Great writer.  Nicely adaptable with comedy and drama.  Very emotional.  Well-written.  Nicely surprising.  Deep, intellectual as well as approachable.”
2.  Saab Lofton, Las Vegas CityLife
“I really like his intellectual superiority to the masses approach.  Very well-written, balanced.  Well thought out columns.  Tend to be a bit repetitive in tone, needs to expand his opinions, but very well-written!”
3.  Bruce Van Dyke, Reno News & Review
“Nice well written columns, deep, funny but approachable.  I like the variety of material and encourage him to let loose of some.  I say some of the sarcasm and let his funny out.  It’s there!”
Honorable Mention:
Joshua Ellis, Las Vegas CityLife
“Dark, deep, sarcastic!  Love him; he was just too harried to make a solid point sometimes.  But solid base.  Great potential!”

Best Local Sports Story
1.  “RACIN’ DOWN & DIRTY”
Deidre Pike, Reno News & Review
“An exciting, well-written piece on an alternative sport.  Pike did an excellent job using quotes and showing the personality of her subject.”
2.  “PAR EXCELLENCE”
Kelley Lang, Reno News & Review
“Great coverage of a sport and its benefits outside the sports world.”

Best Local Sports Feature Story
1.  “ZOOM!  ZOOM!”
Adrienne Rice, Reno News & Review
“Excellent combination of personal experience, quality reporting and variety of angles.  Interesting well-written and comprehensive – with a flair.”
2.  “FARM BOY FULLBACK”
Tony Moton, Las Vegas Mercury
“Remarkable focus, insight and tone infused with quality interview, stats and flow excellent personality profile.”
3.  “THE UNCIVIL WAR”
Jimmy Boegle, Las Vegas CityLife
“Complex topic explained well, with good background – going beyond, but relating to, a popular rivalry.”

Best Entertainment Writing
1.  Andrew Kiraly, Las Vegas Mercury
“Fantastic job of going in-depth and gathering all sides of the story.  With each of these pieces I felt I was really getting the whole story and yet I was entertained as well.  Great job!”
2.  Brad Bynum, Reno News & Review
“I’ve never laughed so hard at a restaurant review.  You’ve really added spirit and personality to a usually boring topic.  Top-notch writing that I’d like to see with other subjects.  Keep up this excellent work!”
3.  Jarret Keene, Las Vegas CityLife
“This was the only entry in the category that showed the ability of the writer to be diverse in coverage from profiles to features to reviews the talent is consistent.  The poetry piece is exceptional.”

Best Overall Design
1.  Las Vegas Mercury
“By far the best general design…very clean, very legible.  Conservative look gives weight to news.”
2.  Reno News & Review
“Most consistent design.  Good graphics.  You’ve made an honest effort not to look like every other alternative weekly.”

Best Page One Design
1.  Las Vegas Weekly
“Great use of photos.  Very eye-catching and creative.  Fonts and the placement of them are perfect to each cover ‘Heck On Wheels’ and ‘Smells Like Green Spirit’ covers immediately make me want to read more.  Great job!”
2.  Las Vegas CityLife
“Very nice job at stylizing and choosing fonts to match photos or topics.  The simple black bar of content at the bottom is a great way of keeping focus on the cover.  Overall a very attractive cover.”

Best Page Designer
1.  David Jayne, Reno News & Review
“Fonts and placements of graphics are wonderful.  ‘Chemistry’ is one of the best layouts I’ve ever seen.  With effective use of photos, pull quotes and graphics.  Excellent job!”
2.  Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“Great use of photos as backdrops for the text.  Very nice text wraps and good, simple fonts.”
3.  Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“Great ideas, but not always thoroughly executed.  ‘Geek Love’ has potential, but lacks dominance.  Your best pages are the ‘Human Tornado’ and the music review of Andioslane.  Good job overall.  You have obvious potential for great pages.”

Best Special Section – Editorial
1.  “ELECTION 2002”
Las Vegas CityLife
“Very funny and entertaining!  What a great way to provide information to the younger crowd…and older crowd, too!”
2.  “THE BEST OF THE VALLEY”
Las Vegas CityLife
“This definitely puts the alternative spin on readers’ polls!  Again, entertaining and fun to read.”
3.  “EAT’M”
Las Vegas Mercury
“Definitely caters to music lovers!  Tons of information.  Great program for an event.”

Best Information Graphic
1.  “IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT AD”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“This does everything an infographic should – illustrates the point of the accompanying story.  This is humorous, simple and easy to follow, even if you don’t read the story.”
2.  “YUCCA MOUNTAIN TEST RUN”
F. Andrew Taylor and Andrew Kiraly, Las Vegas Mercury
“Not sure what I think about the satirical approach, but this is a well-designed infographic that definitely made me laugh.”
3.  “WATER CONSUMPTION”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“The water droplets in the pie graph are great.  Nice, clean font for percentage breakdown.  Again, does what infographic should do – illustrates the point of the story.”

Best Illustration
1.  “TEFLON CITY”
F. Andrew Taylor, Las Vegas Mercury
“Great ‘picture’ of the local tourist, as well as, incorporating the main message of the story.”
2.  “SCENCES FROM THE UNDERGROUND”
Sandra Hoover, Reno News & Review
“Makes you want to read the story – great concept.”
3.  “LET’S MAKE A DEAL”
Jeff Henderson, Las Vegas CityLife
“Wonderful use of expressions to create interest and curiosity.”

Best Spot News Photo Coverage
1.  “9/11”
Denise Truscello, Las Vegas Mercury
“Photos are beautiful.  Really tells a story and captures emotions.  Great job.”
2.  “HIGH PROFILE HELDER”
Debra Reid, Reno News & Review
“There’s an intensity to this picture.  Tells a story and has a spontaneous energy to it.”
3.  “NEVADA TEST SITE; MERCURY UPRISING”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“Creative layout.  Tells a story.  I like this!”
Honorable Mention:
“WAR PROTEST”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“I like the composition of this photo.  Relays the tension and excitement surrounding the protest.”

Best General News Photo
1.  “TEST SITE PROTEST”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“Photo tells the story well.”
2.  “THE REV. AL SHARPTON”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife

Best Feature Photo
1.  “LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY”
David Robert, Reno News & Review
“Tells a story.  Details are great – down to the guy’s nasty fingernails.  Layout is unusual – has all the elements.  Excellent!”
2.  “SCRAPBOOKING MEMORIES”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“This was tough (could have been 1st easily).  There is something depressing and interesting about this photo.  Tells the story well.  Woman in the forefront says the most.  Good job!”
3.  “DRY SPELL”
Billy Logan, Las Vegas Mercury
“Beautiful layout.  Creepy subject matter but compels me to read on.  Well done!”
Honorable Mention:
“VEGAS EMO SOLUTION”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“Tells a story with a unique layout.  I like the garage door in the background – fun.  Raw emotion is displayed.”

Best Multiple Feature Photos
1.  “MERCURY UPRISING”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“Strong photos in strong layout.”
2.  “HECK ON WHEELS”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“Strong use of photos.  Strong second place.”
3.  “STAR WARS”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“Cool idea.”
Honorable Mention:
“VILLAGE PEOPLE”
Billy Logan, Las Vegas Mercury

Best Portrait
1.  “DOLEMITE”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“Fabulous!  The lighting, shadows and layout are great.  Very edgy and dark.  Fits the caption and story to a ‘T’.  I love it!  (Very Marcellus Wallace from Pulp Fiction).”
2.  “MAGICIAN”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“This is really great!  Extremely interesting.  Tells the story and is very artistic.  I love it!”
3.  “POETS, PAINTERS, MADMEN”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“Use of lighting and shadows is beautiful!  Mirrors theme really haunting!  Mr. Hughes is a fabulous photographer!”
Honorable Mention:
“SHOSHONE GRANDMOTHER”
Debra Reid, Reno News & Review
“This was a tough race.  This photo is beautiful.  You capture the spirit of these women and the theme of the story.”

Best Illustrated Photo
1.  “THE CLUB”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“Neat photographic magic that works well to illustrate the piece.”
2.  “GAY GUY”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
3.  “HARD ROCK”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
Honorable Mention:
“WE HEAR DEAD PEOPLE”
David Robert, Reno News & Review

Best Sports Photo
1.  “FLYING HIGH AGAIN”
Bill Hughes, Las Vegas CityLife
“Really captures the action.  Nice job.”
2.  “CYCLING/ EARTH DAY 2002”
David Robert, Reno News & Review
“Pairing shows the action, but can’t tell how bikers relate to traffic.”

Best Headline Writing – All Dailies
“This category was fun to judge and hard to judge – many worthy entries.”
1.  John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Sun
“Each head and deck was great – good display, story essence, no awkward splits – I wanted to read all these stories – especially liked Cher and Cher Alike and Celine Dion’s ‘Sell Block.’”
2.  Matthew Crowley, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Fun ‘Know The Territory’ head: ‘RU Free To D8 Me?  Plaue Out Of Luck’ – good!  Liked ‘Spam, Spam, Spam…Scram’.  NOTE:  Brian Vau Hook’s sports heads in this category were great too).”
3. Sal Defilippo, Las Vegas Sun
“These are good Page 1 lead headlines and decks – no awkward verb or modifier breaks – tightly written.  It takes facility with words and usage to consistently do it.”

Best Headline Writing – All Weeklies
1.  Steve Bornfeld, Las Vegas Weekly
“’Travoltage’ and ‘McWisdom’ – good word usage – to draw readers into gist of stories.”
2.  Steve Green, In Business Las Vegas
“These headlines are pretty good.  Watch deck size in relation to headline size, but I liked them all and I’d read the stories.”

ADVERTISING AWARDS – ALL DAILIES

Best Large-Space Ad
1.  “WILLIAM FURS”
Elaine Pawliszyn, Reno Gazette-Journal
“For starters – excellent eye appeal with large photos.  Testimonial letter is terrific!  No better way to sell your services then through your satisfied customers.  Excellent layout. (Pamper yourself!  And feel special! Is enough said).”
2.  “CHAPMAN CHRYSLER-JEEP”
Andrew Van Wie and Chris McDonald, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Excellent theme and layout.  Snowflake highlights benefits of vehicles in flight.  Ample copy with prices, etc. to whet one’s appetite for one of these vehicles.  Signature copy is complete and map is a good idea.”
3.  “JONES-WEST FORD”
Robert Woodward, Reno Gazette-Journal
“I like the fact this is not jus a Ford dealership, but rather a ‘Recreational Headquarters – Family Fun Starts Here.’  Great way to lead the reader into the meat of the ad.  Good layout and copy!”
Honorable Mention:
“NEVADA FITNESS”
Chris Slabaugh and Tara Pielaet, Nevada Appeal
“This is a well-planned ad and pictures showing customers using the facilities adds to the effectiveness of this ad.  Testimonial is effective way to convince others to join.”

Best Black and White Color Ad
1.  “LEXUS OF RENO”
Robert Woodward, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Outstanding press production coupled with an extremely attractive layout makes this a winner!  The photos pretty well say it all.”
2.  “THE CHARME HOUSE”
Shelly Gerhard and Roz Ellifritz, The Humboldt Sun
“This is a great example of how small space with a great layout can grab a bunch of attention!  All the ingredients are there for a great celebration.”

Best Spot Color Ad
1.  “R-J/SUN CLASSICOLOR CLASSIFIED”
Mike Miller, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Very Effective ad – nice use of white space design and type.  Use of color in self-promotion to sell more color needs to be done well.  This hits the mark very effectively!  Very nice ad and message!”
2.  “OAKMAN’S – CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE”
Matthew Lauc, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Nice ad in black and white, enhanced by traditional Christmas red spot without overdoing one color.  Nice use of shadowing and design.  Clean.”
3.  “CIRCUIT BOARD COMPUTING”
Geoffrey Geist and Phillip Wooley, Nevada Appeal
“Nice use of color and duotone.  Very busy ad but effective for its target audience.  Effective size as well.  Nice blending of graphics.”
Honorable Mention:
“SILVERADO CASIO – CRACK THE SAFE”
Penny Helton and Beverly Crossland, Lahontan Valley News
“Not the best designed ad.  Images not consistent with each other, not too clean.  BUT the color makes this ad ‘Pop’ off the page and say ‘Read Me’.  Probably was effective for the advertiser.  Really like the magenta color!”

Best Multi-Color Ad
1.  “FALLON AUTO MALL”
Beverly Crossland and Sylvia Howes, Lahontan Valley News
“This was a fun ad to read with exceptional layout and use of color that popped.  It grabbed my attention, maintained my interest and I wish I could have been there!”
2.  “JONES-WEST FORD”
Elaine Pawliszyn, Reno Gazette-Journal
“This color job really smacked me!  I’ll overlook the failure to cut the car out of the horses nose simply because the color was some of the best I’ve seen.  Give my congratulations to the press crew as well.”
3.  “SHOPPERS SQUARE”
Matthew Lauc, Reno Gazette-Journal
“If you didn’t feel good after looking at this ad, you have no feelings!  Great use of theme, color and photography.  Outstanding layout.”
Honorable Mention:
“DAN OTT PAINTINGS”
Pam Cosmo and Dake Fields, Tahoe Daily Tribune
“I couldn’t get this ad out of my head!  Great layout and idea with impressive use of color.  This ad won out over a lot of full pages, but has great merit in showcasing what color can do in small space.”

Best Special Section – Advertising
1.  “TRIBUNE TAKES A LOOK AT LAKE TAHOE IN THE 1960S”
Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Great section.  Lots of reader appeal.  Good reproduction.  Worth the effort!  Enjoyed the Coldwell ad and Tribune employees’ ad too!  Good job!”
2.  “CARSON COUNTRY BABIES OF 2003”
Nevada Appeal
“Good, fun section, baby pictures just call out look at me.  Great ad in center section!”
3.  “COWBOY POETRY GATHERING 2003”
Elko Daily Free Press
Honorable Mention:
“BACK TO SCHOOL”
Tahoe Daily Tribune

Best In-House Advertising Promotion
1.  “RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN”
Matthew Lauc, Reno Gazette-Journal
“Very creative.  Copy complete.  Color was very good.  Asked for the action.  Great ad series!”

Advertising General Excellence
1.  Tahoe Daily Tribune
“Great color and excellent ‘different’ advertising looks.”
2.  Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Liked spot color option in classified section.  Good variety.”

ADVERTISING AWARDS – ALL WEEKLIES

Best Large-Space Ad
1.  “CENTURY 21 CLARK PROPERTIES”
Victoria Grathwohl, The Record-Courier
“Vote No on Question #4.  Dynamic photo with surprint is very creative.  Good descriptive copy and quite thought provoking.  This ad will not only be read, but probably re-read several times by the reader!”
2.  “SHERIDAN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT”
Victoria Grathwohl and Juliet Beer, The Record-Courier
“This ad offers a lot for the read.  A dinning menu, a dance, a reason to donate time and money.  Nice solution to Sheridan volunteers!”
3.  “SAPPHIRE/ THE SIDEBAR”
Michele Cusac, Las Vegas Mercury
“Excellent ‘eye appeal’!  And, the eyes have it!  A quite simple, but effective layout and copy highlighted with multi-color background is intriguing!”
Honorable Mention:
“LEXIE’S RISTORANTE”
Ina Wilson and Marianne Mancina, Reno News & Review
“Nice layout of menu description copy.  This ad provides all the reasons you would decide on Lexie’s for lunch.  Good clean layout and use of picture for background.”

Best Black and White Ad
1.  “ANGELIA MASSAGE”
Heather Adams, Pahrump Valley Times
“This ad conveys benefit immediately to any eyes skimming over the ad, and does a great job of putting a lot information in the confined space.”
2.  “SHARKEY’S CASINO”
Adele Hoppe and Terrence Gallagher, The Record-Courier
“Quickly conveys what this ad is promoting through the background and art.  I also like the menu idea which can be beneficial to the reader.”
3.  “DICKSON/ INCLINE PROPERTIES”
Lucy Roman, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza
“This ad is very easy to read and pleasant to view.  Good use of space!”
Honorable Mention:
“DEUK DENTAL”
Heather Adams, Pahrump Valley Times
“This ad quickly conveys what it is promoting through its graphics.  Very easy to read with all the information that is put into the ad.”

Best Spot Color Ad
1.  “GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM”
Roger Tinch and Sandy Rea, Las Vegas CityLife
“Very nice use of space.  Great use of spot and duotone accents.  Well balanced, beautiful, appropriate photography and nice type.”
2.  “NEVADA POLICE CORPS”
Alison Winnie, Reno News & Review
“Very nice, clean simple use of spot color.  Effective ad without color, enhanced by the color background.  Nicely balanced.”
3.  “ACE HARDWARD”
Kelley Groswird and Chris Olesen, The Record-Courier
“Very creative use of ad border (paint can) nicely enhanced by spot color.  Nice use of curved type as well – enhancing can look.”
Honorable Mention:
“WWW.GREATBASINMINEWATCH.ORG”
Alison Winnie, Reno News & Review
“Very nice ad.  Nice choice of spot color brown/copper color is nice touch.  Very eye catching ad – nicely accented by spot color.”

Best Multi-Color Ad
1.  “SHARKEY’S CASINO”
Adele Hoppe and Juliet Beer, The Record-Courier
“Great color.  Made me hungry.”
2.  “CAN YOU DIG IT”
Mark Boyd, Las Vegas Mercury
“Good layout and color choices.”
3.  “FLOYD’S ACE AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE”
Ollie Williams, Pahrump Valley Times
“Good use of color.  Just the little green on the elf and no where else in the ad – good idea.”
Honorable Mention:
“MOUNTAIN HOMES”
Jessica Moreland, Sierra Sun

Best Special Section – Advertising
1.  “HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALENA”
Lauren Shearer, Tahoe World
“This is an absolutely ‘gutsy’ way to serve your community.  The article which compliments the section is well-done!  Unique and refreshing!”
2.    “KIDS’ NEWS & REVIEW”
Reno News & Review
“This is a great way to bring your advertisers and your community together!  The editorial does a good job of explaining the purpose of the section.  And it’s an excellent job of opening a child’s eyes to the newspaper industry!”
3.  “CARSON VALLEY ALMANAC”
The Record-Courier
“This special section has tons of relevant, local information.  The ads are all well placed and laid-out!  Very beneficial to your community as well as your advertisers.  A publication I would definitely appreciate as a new resident!”
Honorable Mention:
“15TH ANNUAL FANTASY WEDDING FAIRE”
Reno News & Review
“Great eye-catching ads, plus relevant to the section (minus Big-O Tires).  The information about the faire is very easy to read.  Well done!”

Best In-House Advertising Promotion
1.  “EMPLOYEE CAMPAIGN”
Lee Denmark and Lauren Shearer, Tahoe World
“Very easy to ‘copy’ at any paper.  Great that you used process color on (shock) a house ad!  Campaign makes the newspaper and employees real.”
2.  “MISSED IT THE FIRST TIME AROUND?”
Benjamen Purvis, Las Vegas Weekly
“Great way to promote web site and very clean, easy to read ads – even the smaller ones.”
3.  “WE ARE CITYLIFE READERS…”
Roger Tinch and Sandy Rea, Las Vegas CityLife
“Great way to promote demographics of readers.”
Honorable Mention:
“HOW TO CURE YOUR MONDAY BLUES”
Roger Tinch and Sandy Rea, Las Vegas Business Press
“Nice twist on the ‘instructional’ ad – good humor, too.”

Advertising General Excellence
1.  Tahoe World
“Great color.  Black and white ads also had a great look that differentiated from the other entries.  Excellent.”
2.  Henderson Home News
“Good use of photos and art in ads.  Clear design and layout.”
3.  The Record-Courier
“Difficult choice!  Excellent advertising – possibly add more variety in style of black and white ads.”