Better 2018 Newspaper Contest
131st Annual Meeting Oct. 11-13, 2018 Yakima, Wash.
2018 Better Newspaper Contest
Your exceptional efforts serve communities well By Fred Obee This year has been rewarding and eventful. I continue to be awed by the devotion of WNPA members who put their shoulders to the wheel every day, dedicated to the idea that a free press is a noble and worthwhile pursuit. In looking over the contest winners, I can only think that the communities our newspapers serve are extremely lucky. Stories, photos and advertisements all show great attention to detail, pride in
professional standards and a whole lot of human emotion. Smiles. Frowns. Grimaces. Laughter. It’s all there. But don’t take it from me. Listen to this year’s judges who know something about newspapers and reviewed your efforts. To a person, they let you know just how impressed they were. Federal Way Mirror: Well organized layout. Excellent variety of coverage with very good writing. Crisp headlines. A particularly strong and lively
CONTEST FACTS BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
JUDGES: Wisconsin Newspaper Association
opinion section. Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter: Impressive special sections and outstanding photography. Pleasing design and obvious attention to detail. Anacortes American: Great balance between headline stories and photos, combined with strong page design. I was surprised to find all three of these elements, along with some quality news and opinion writing consistently throughout each edition. Lynden Tribune: Lynden
Photography: 305 Web: 30 General Excellence: 51 Number of Participating Newspapers: 62 CONTEST PERIODS Regular Contest: April 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 Tourism Special Sections & Covers: June 1, 2017-May 31, 2018 General Excellence: August 14, 21 and Publisher’s choice
BNC COMMITTEE Committee Members Don Nelson, Chair, Methow Valley News Colette Weeks, Anacortes American Sandy Stokes, WNPA President Fred Obee, WNPA Janay Collins, WNPA NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY DIVISION Advertising: 266 Special Sections: 156 News: 1,146
CIRCULATION GROUPS Circulation Group 1 – up to 2,500 Circulation Group 2 – 2,501-5,000 Circulation Group 3 – 5,001-12,500 Circulation Group 4 – 12,501 and up
About this publication
Contents
This special section was edited, designed and produced by the WNPA staff, Executive Director Fred Obee and Member Services Director Janay Collins. Printing was provided by the Wenatchee World. The betterbnc.com website is provided and hosted by SmallTownPapers (smalltownpapers. com.) Additional copies of this publication are available on WNPA’s Issuu website, or from WNPA. Send requests to Fred Obee at fredobee@wnpa.com or by mail at WNPA, PO Box 389, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
does so much right. Clean, beautiful design, stories with heart, and good photos all stood out. Once again, so much great elements to this. Whidbey News-Times: Has just the right mix of elements this year to get top honors. Stories have personality, photos tell the story, and design is not just paint by numbers. Overall a close finish. And that’s just a small sampling from the General Excellence category. It’s clear the judges appreciate the hard
work WNPA members are doing every day in their communities. So congratulations to this year’s winners. Once again you have shown great heart, persistence and a dedication to reflecting the ups and downs your communities experience. Your work is meaningful and the world is better off for your efforts. I congratulate you on a year of outstanding work. Fred Obee is WNPA’s Executive Director.
Archipley awarded Turnbull; Luna wins Bradley honor Paul Archipley, owner and publisher at Beacon Publishing in Mukilteo, was the 2018 winner of the Miles Turnbull Master Editor/Publisher award. Archipley started his company more than 20 years ago on the shores of Puget Sound after getting his start at California dailies, and he has continually expanded the reach of his publications in Washington. He’s been honored many times by the communities he serves. He was on the WNPA board of directors for several years and was WNPA President in 2010 and 2011. Jeanie Luna is the office manager at the Northern Light in Blaine and is this year’s recipient of the Dixie Lee Bradley award. The award is named for WNPA’s long time office manager who served the organization for 45 years. “All of what we’ve gone through as a company starting basically from scratch, scaling up, introducing new accounting and CRM software systems, she’s been there and done it for us,” said publisher Patrick Grubb.
Advertising Division ............................................................3-6 Special Sections ....................................................................7-8 News Division .....................................................................9-19 General Excellence .............................................................10-11 Photography Division ........................................................20-23 Digital Division .......................................................................23
2 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Advertising Ad of the Year Groups 1 - 4
Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Catherine Darkenwald Hundred North Restaurant The Northern Light
First Place
Dana Moreno Central Washington Home Show Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Doug DeVisser, Janet McCall Pooch Palace & Kitty Kastle The Northern Light
Second Place
Dana Moreno Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Columbia Basin Herald
Effective Use of Small Space Groups 1 & 2
Third Place
Jill Swafford Fugate Ford The Courier-Herald
First Place
Nicole Kiourkas United Methodist Plant & Bake Sale Nisqually Valley News
Single Advertiser, Sale or Event: Smaller than 1/2 Page Groups 1 & 2
Second Place
Erin Goodfellow Whidbey Natural Pet South Whidbey Record
First Place
Casey Clark Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Third Place
Casey Clark Kittitas County Public Health Dept. Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
Casey Clark Central Cascade Embroidery & Screen Printing Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Birch Bay Rollback Weekend The Northern Light
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
David Boehmke Three Brothers Vineyard & Winery The Reflector
Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Semiahmoo Resort The Northern Light
Third Place
Rosalie Black Ten Pin Brewing Columbia Basin Herald
Single Advertiser, Sale or Event: 1/2 Page or Larger Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Afton Corbett, Shannon Chapman Cannafest 2018 The Statesman Examiner
Second Place
Terry Hamberg Office of the Insurance Commissioner Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Gretchen Bundy K.O. Bailey, Author Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Dana Moreno Othello Career Showcase Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Kachele Yelaca, Marian Roh Flurry of Winter Fun Port Townsend Leader
Branding Ad Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Ileana Martinez Toppenish Chamber of Commerce Daily Sun News
Second Place
Erin Goodfellow Christian Life Center South Whidbey Record
Third Place
Erin Goodfellow Windermere Real Estate South Whidbey Record
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Dana Moreno Gary Mann & Team Up Real Estate Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Birch Bay Kite Festival & Pet Show The Northern Light
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Point Roberts Little America The Northern Light
Multiple-Advertiser Ad: 1 or 2 Full Pages Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Erin Goodfellow Shop Local for Valentine’s Day South Whidbey Record
Second Place
Jessica Blancas Mother’s Day Gift & Celebration Guide The Quincy Valley Post-Register
Third Place
Afton Corbett, Bonni Haskell, Shannon Chapman Let’s Fix It Up! The Statesman Examiner
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Carol Greiling, Polly Shepherd, Kevin Tucker Local Dining Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Kachele Yelaca, Marian Roh Window Shopping Port Townsend Leader 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 3
Advertising Community Service
Second Place
Groups 1 - 4 First Place Job Wise Food Drive & Free Movie Daily Sun News
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Janet McCall Holiday Inn & Suites The Northern Light Job Wise, Matthew Sagen Anytime Fitness Daily Sun News
1/2 Page or Larger Ad, Color Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Erin Goodfellow Flower House Cafe South Whidbey Record
Production manager Job Wise worked with the local movie theater on a canned food drive over the Thanksgiving weekend. While parents were out shopping for holiday gifts, children could attend a free showing of “Sing,” with the cost of admission being a donation of nonperishable food items. The event collected hundreds of pounds of food for indigent local families while also giving parents a much needed “babysitter” while they shopped locally.
Multiple-Advertiser Ad: 1 or 2 Full Pages Third Place
Kelsi Weber Columbia Basin Teacher of the Month Columbia Basin Herald
Ad Campaign for Single Advertiser Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Dana Moreno Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Job Wise Hal’s Tree Topping Service Daily Sun News
Third Place
Job Wise Wheeler’s Smoke-N-Gas Daily Sun News
Second Place
Casey Clark Youth Services Mentor Program Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Third Place
Nicole Kiourkas Christensen’s Home Furnishings Nisqually Valley News
Full Page Ad, Color Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Jill Swafford Fugate Ford The Courier-Herald
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Rosalie Black New Hope Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Rosalie Black Ten Pin Brewing Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Jill Swafford NAPA Auto Parts The Courier-Herald
Smaller than 1/2 Page Ad, Color Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Casey Clark Kittitas County Public Health Dept. Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
Jessica Blancas Quincy Farmers Market The Quincy Valley Post-Register
Third Place
Dana Sphar North Cascades Builders Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Big Al’s Diner The Northern Light
Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst CJ’s Beach House Restaurant The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst VW’s Home & Garden The Northern Light
4 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Advertising Smaller than 1/2 Page Ad, Color Group 4 First Place
Jill Swafford Senior Center Benefit The Courier-Herald
Second Place
Jill Swafford Arcadia Home Care The Courier-Herald
Third Place
Jill Swafford Henschell Chiropractic The Courier-Herald
Use of Clip Art in Ad Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Casey Clark Kittitas County Hospital District Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
Nicole Kiourkas Elie Jewelers Nisqually Valley News
Third Place
Erin Goodfellow World Spay Day South Whidbey Record
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Wheel House Bar & Grill The Northern Light
Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst Birch Bay Kite Festival The Northern Light
Third Place
Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst Black Forest Steak House The Northern Light
Promotion of Newspaper, Single House Ad Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Brian Edwards Pot of Gold Nisqually Valley News
Second Place
Nicole Kiourkas Know Your News Source Nisqually Valley News
Third Place
Jessica Blancas Spring Home and Garden The Quincy Valley Post-Register
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Catherine Brewer, Marian Roh OOOooo! That’s a good deal! Port Townsend Leader
5 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Advertising Promotion of Newspaper, Single House Ad Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Proudly Serving the Community The Northern Light
Third Place
Dana Moreno Get In On Everything Local Columbia Basin Herald
Most Original Idea Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Marleen Martinez, Raquee Rivera Ty Evans Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Melanie Morgan Theorem Cannibis Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
Third Place
Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Semiahmoo Resort The Northern Light
Humor in Advertising Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Diana Nelson Grange Farm & Feed Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter
Second Place
Terry Hamberg Laundry Mutt Dog Wash Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Third Place
Doug DeVisser, Catherine Darkenwald Bare Buns Fun Run The Northern Light
Youth-Oriented Content Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Casey Clark Family Eye Clinic Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
Dana Sphar Youth Soccer Methow Valley News
Pinnacle Award Laura Martin The Statesman Examiner WNPA manages a statewide network for small black and white impact ads. The Pinnacle Award is given to the WNPA member who records the highest revenue numbers in sales of these ads. The award comes with a $1,000 check. The contest runs from the Monday after the fall convention through Sept. 30 the following year.
Third Place
Marleen Martinez, Raquee Rivera Alchemy Industrial Arts Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Rosalie Black Dance FX Columbia Basin Herald
6 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Second Place
Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar Loomis Trail Golf Club The Northern Light
Third Place
Brad Thew Port of Pend Oreille Newport Miner
Special Sections
Topical, In-Paper Special Section Groups 1 & 2
Second Place
Staff Moses Lake Magazine Columbia Basin Herald
First Place
Staff Savor the San Juans Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Staff Grant County Magazine Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Staff Spring Sports Preview The Quincy Valley Post-Register
Lifestyle/Culture Special Section Groups 1 & 2
Third Place
Brandon Hansen Winter Sports Preview 2017 Chewelah Independent
First Place
Laura Lofgren Emergency Preparedness Guide Sequim Gazette
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Ruth Lauman Wings over Water Birding Festival The Northern Light
Second Place
Carol Greiling, Polly Shepherd, Kevin Tucker Kids Design an Ad Auburn Reporter
Third Place
Staff Weddings in the San Juans Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Third Place
Staff Independence Day Port Townsend Leader
Tourism Special Section Group 1 First Place
Staff Springtide Visitors’ Guide Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Jacob Wagner, Roger Lucas, Gwen Hilson, Scott Hunter Grand Coulee Dam Area Visitors’ Guide The Star
Third Place
Kerry Moser Ephrata & Northern Grant County Grant County Journal
7 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Group 2
First Place
John Bruijn, Matt Winters Discovery Coast 2017-18 Chinook Observer
Second Place
Laura Lofgren Living on the Peninsula Sequim Gazette
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Brent Lindquist, Calvin Bratt, Ashley Hiruko, Nick Elges Play Whatcom 2017 Lynden Tribune
Staff Explore Central Cascades Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Second Place
Staff Methow Valley Summer 2018 Methow Valley News
Third Place
Third Place
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Donna Etchey, Bryon Kempf Discover Kitsap Port Orchard Independent
Staff Golden Years Newport Miner Diana Nelson 50+ Young and Healthy Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter
Special Sections
Special Events/Festivals Special Section Groups 1 & 2
Special Section Covers Groups 1 & 2
First Place
First Place
Leslie Kelly, Donna Etchey Let it Not Happen Again Bainbridge Island Review
Job Wise, Roger Harnack Lower Yakima Valley Reach 2018 Daily Sun News
Second Place
Second Place
Third Place
Third Place
Groups 3 & 4
Groups 3 & 4
Roger Harnack, Ted Escobar, Job Wise, Staff The Great Eclipse Daily Sun News
Darla Hussey Methow Home 2018 Methow Valley News
Staff Pioneer Days Souvenir Program Northern Kittitas County Tribune
Darla Hussey Methow Valley Health & Wellness 2017 Methow Valley News
First Place
First Place
Staff Performing Arts & Events Center Federal Way Mirror
Stacy Nguyen Lunar New Year Northwest Asian Weekly
Second Place
Staff Thunderbirds Fan Guide Kent Reporter
Third Place
Calvin Bratt, Brent Lindquist, Ashley Hiruko, Nick Elges NW Washington Fair Magazine 2017 Lynden Tribune
Community Guide Special Section Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Second Place Third Place
Staff The Best of Nisqually 2017 Nisqually Valley News
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Staff Profile Port Townsend Leader
Erich Bengal, John Bruijn Our Coast Magazine Chinook Observer
Second Place
Gary Peterson, Joanna Markell Wayfinder Daily Record
Third Place
Second Place
8 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Carol Greiling, Kevin Tucker, Polly Shepherd Residents’ Guide Auburn Reporter Staff Fall Sports Preview Newport Miner
Dana Moreno, Rosalie Black Northwest Weddings Bride Style Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Dana Moreno Adams County Fair 2017 Columbia Basin Herald
News 2018 SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR
2018 NEWS WRITER OF THE YEAR
2018 FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR
First Place Rodney Harwood Columbia Basin Herald Second Place Alexandra Smith Shelton-Mason County Journal Third Place Michael Dashiell Sequim Gazette
First Place Kelly Moyer Camas-Washougal Post-Record Second Place Carolyn Bick Northwest Asian Weekly Third Place Natalie St. John Chinook Observer
First Place Luciano Marano Bainbridge Island Review Second Place Robert Whale Auburn Reporter Third Place Bob Smith Port Orchard Independent
News Story, Long Groups 1 & 2
Third Place
Sarah Highfield Marching in Omak Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
First Place
Sarah Low State investigates Health Care Provider Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber
Group 4
First Place
Second Place
Ray Miller-Still Avalanche Victims Honored The Courier-Herald
Cathy Kane Dr. Brad Larson East County Journal
Second Place
Third Place
Rick Bannan Dogs in Wake of Hurricane The Reflector
Marcy Stamper, Ann McCreary Fire Recovery Continues Methow Valley News
Third Place
Megan Campbell Bus Driver Shortage Kirkland Reporter
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Joe Veyera Soda Tax draws Scrutiny Queen Anne/Magnolia News
Second Place
Jonathan Haukaas Animals Rescue was Never a Rescue The Reflector
Third Place
Allison Arthur Hospital Board quarrels over Email Port Townsend Leader
News Story, Short Group 1 First Place
Bill Reynolds Plunge into New Year La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Mandi Johnson Hiker and Missing Dog Rescued Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Ashley Hiruko New Jail Plan Ferndale Record
9 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Group 2
First Place
Don Nelson Watch Your Step Methow Valley News
Breaking News Story Group 1 First Place
Brian Kelly Two Minutes until Tragedy Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Second Place
Third Place
Third Place
Group 3
Group 2
Dave Burgess Squeeze on Quincy Project The Quincy Valley Post-Register Katie Leithead Hunter’s Stray Bullet The Statesman Examiner
First Place
Lisa Bryan Marina Expansion Faces Opposition Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Sarah Highfield Protestors call for Gun Control Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Kenneth Stern Boat Burns on Channel La Conner Weekly News Kelly Moyer Wildfire leaps Columbia River Camas-Washougal Post-Record
First Place
John McCallum Man Shot, Abducted Cheney Free Press
Second Place
Roger Harnack On Alert Daily Sun News
General Excellence Group 1 First Place Camas-Washougal Post-Record Staff
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THURSDAY A1
Volume 109 No. 33
l
$1.00
‘Black Pearl’ may WA State Patrol completes Guard investigation, sends to prosecutors be developed as penthouses or Major Crimes Team reviewing WSP report involving office-retail space Washougal Mayor Sean Guard Attorney’s Office. WSP Lieutenant Randy Hullinger said last week that WSP had closed its investigation on Aug. 7, and turned its findings over to prosecutors, who will make the decision on whether or not to press charges. A spokesperson for the Clark County Post-Record managing editor Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said the matter was “being reviewed by the maTwo months after opening an investijor crimes team” and that Chief Crimigation involving Washougal Mayor Sean nal Deputy Camara Banfield currently Guard, the Washington State Patrol has has the file. completed its report and forwarded the See Guard, page A7 matter to the Clark County Prosecuting
BY KELLY MOYER
Sean Guard
CAMAS’ FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS ARE IN FULL SWING
Second Place Bainbridge Island Review Staff
Building overlooking C-W marina has been vacant since its construction in 2011 BY DAWN FELDHAUS Post-Record staff writer A 12,000-square-foot concrete, steel and glass building overlooking the Port of Camas-Washougal marina, which has been vacant since its construction six years ago, will soon be the future site of penthouses or possibly a mix of office and retail. The two-story structure, located at 56 S. “A” St., Washougal, had pre-
viously been slated as the site for an upscale restaurant named Black Pearl on the Columbia. That restaurant, which had been expected to open in the spring of 2011, would have featured a bar, banquet and meeting rooms, patio dining and a 5,000-bottle wine cellar with rentable lockers. Bill Sherertz, the managing member of Black Pearl on the Columbia LLC, died in January of 2011, at the age of 64. His widow, Kimberly, said later that year that it was her husband’s wish to open the restaurant, but that she was not as passionate
See Black Pearl, page A2
New school gets a new mascot Washougal welcomes the Columbia River Gorge Elementary River Otters BY DANIELLE FROST Post-Record staff writer
P HOTOS
BY
TORI B ENAVENTE/POST-R ECORD
Clockwise from top: Teresa Cox practices her plate-spinning skills; Lorelei Kelly, 6, and Emilia Kelly, 4, get extra spinning force from their father, Jeff, and mother, Sara; and Karley Cox, 10, puts her hula-hooping skills into action. All were at the Circus Skills with Shireen event, hosted by Camas Parks and Recreation, on Aug. 11. The free Family Fun Fridays take place from noon to 1 p.m., at Crown Park through August. Next up: “Sports Spectacular” on Aug. 18 and “Reptile Man” on Aug. 25.
Third Place Journal of the San Juan Islands Staff
8 Sections, 74 Pages
Camas-Washougal, Washington, Thursday, August 17, 2017
After 263 students and 30 staff members weighed in, Washougal’s newest elementary school has a mascot. Columbia River Gorge Elementary will be the home of the River Otters. The choice was narrowed down from 20 choices, including the Eagles, Hawks, Chinook, Bobcats and Falcons.
See Mascot, page A5
DANIELLE FROST/POST-R ECORD
Columbia River Gorge Principal Tracey MacLachlan shows off the school’s new mascot, Raymond the River Otter.
A Camas family’s devastating loss inspires ‘Our City Cares’ suicide prevention campaign Joe and Sheryl Stephens want to unite community, combat tragedy with positive, hopeful messages BY KELLY MOYER Post-Record managing editor
I
n the days and weeks that followed their 25-year-old son Jon’s suicide in August of 2016, Joe and Sheryl Stephens found themselves inside a powerful and, Sheryl says, complex circle of pain. “For the survivors, the ones left behind after a person chooses suicide, the grief is complicated,” Sheryl says. “There is a sense of guilt, of ‘would’ve, should’ve’ that happens and, if you focus on that, you can find yourself in real jeopardy.” Everyone grieves in their own unique way, but for Joe and Sheryl, finding their path through such an overwhelming pain took a combination of faith, family and community.
“We’re not saying, ‘we’re done, we got this,’” Joe says. “(The grief) is still there. It comes at different times. But, before Jon’s death, we wouldn’t have known what to say or do in this situation. We wouldn’t have understood.” Now, the Stephens understand the catastrophic consequences all too well. They feel the pain inside themselves when they hold one of Jon’s welding tools or try to help one of his C ONTRIBUTED PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STEPHENS FAMILY younger siblings pull through their own grieving process. They see the pain on the faces of Jon’s friends and Above: Joe and Sheryl Stephens, of Camas, have started a suicide members of their tight-knit church community. prevention campaign, “Our City Cares.” The Stephens’ son, Jon, “Suicide sends a subtle message of hopelessness out to killed himself on Aug. 31, 2016. the entire community,” Sheryl says. “The entire community is left with this complicated grief and guilt.” Above Left: Jon Stephens, of Camas, committed suicide in 2016
See Suicide prevention, page A3
at the age of 25, shortly after moving to Ohio.
What’s Inside... Index Obituaries ........... A2 Around Town....... B2 Hometown .......... B1 Business ............B4
Sports ................ A6 Opinion ............... A4 Classifieds..........B5 Public Notices .... C2
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THURSDAY A1
Group 2 First Place Anacortes American Briana Alzola, Jacqueline Allison, Colette Weeks, Joan Pringle Second Place Chinook Observer Matt Winters, Staff
Third Place Chewelah Independent Brandon Hansen, Staff
10 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
COMING OF AGE
LOOK, UP IN THE TREES
Two local artists shift career focus later in life, with great results:
Skamania Lodge Aerial Park captures spirit of adventure in the gorge:
Hometown, Page B1
Sports, Page A6
General Excellence Group 3 First Place Whidbey NewsTimes Staff Second Place Lynden Tribune Calvin Bratt, Ashley Hiruko, Nick Elges, Brent Lindquist Third Place Snoqualmie Valley Record Staff
Second Place Covington/ Maple Valley/ Black Diamond Reporter Sarah Brenden, Kayse Angel, Dennis Box
COVINGTON | MAPLE VALLEY | BLACK DIAMOND
Call Jessica
Mon.- Fri. 8am to 4pm
425-306-9581 to place your: • Classified ads • Estate Sale ads • Garage Sales ads • Help you sell your car
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017
1928489
REPORTER
A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
JESSICA is here in the Kent office and can take classified ads over the phone or in person!
CHECK THIS OUT!
Covington police chief opens victim resource center
Slide into fun
Covington KidsFest took place at the Kohl’s parking lot Saturday. It was free to the public with fun things to do for kids of all ages. There was face painting, slides, free helmet fittings and music. The Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority had fire trucks and the police department brought vehicles for kids to take pictures in and explore. KAYSE ANGEL, The Reporter
BY KAYSE ANGEL Since a space for the resource center was available, it cost virtually nothing to set up this helpReporter ful service for the public, according to McCurdy. The Covington Police have given victims of Currently, the center is not open full time. crime a new outlet when they have nowhere There are limited volunteers to work the center, else to go. making it open only three times each week, — When the King County Sheriff’s Precinct Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 3 in Maple Valley closed in 2012, a space for McCurdy said he asked the council recently to deputies was opened in Covington City Hall. put a budget item in for the center to be open full After the precinct re-opened and City time and to hire more workers. Hall space was vacated, Police Chief He said if they have full-time Andrew McCurdy and the city of Covemployees, there will be more direct ington thought it would be a great idea services for the public when they need to put a victim resource center there. them. The new Covington Police Victim By next year, McCurdy said he hopes Resource Center provides citizens with the center will be open full time. answers to basic police questions, pre“The goal is to have full-time civilian Andrew McCurdy vention resources, information about employees to have a legitimate presence victim advocacy, filing basic police here,” he said. reports and fingerprinting along with other So far, the center hasn’t been too busy, services to be introduced in the near future, according to McCurdy. But he said they have according to McCurdy in a press release. had some traffic through it and did get an He also said it helps show the public how anonymous lead for a case in the area. to prevent crime and how to navigate legal “It was pretty cool to have a major tip on a processes. crime,” he said. “It’s nice to know people are “My goal has been to have a more publicly already aware of it.” accessible area,” he said. “Having an area where McCurdy said victim resources was the the public can ask questions is very important next big thing to focus on. He said he and to me.” his fellow officers have everything else under McCurdy said before opening the resource control for the most part, and it is now time to center, there wasn’t really a place for victims or focus on helping victims of crimes rather than the public to go to ask questions or to get help. the offender. He said they could call the police on the “I think when you’ve been a victim of a phone, but because there is very limited space crime you feel violated,” McCurdy said. “I think where the police are located, it was really hard giving them a place to go can help them reto help everyone in need of it. assemble their lives and find some normality.”
Covington, Maple Valley to celebrate 20 years as cities Both cities have events planned to celebrate – Covington on Aug. 25 and Maple Valley on Aug. 28 KAYSE ANGEL Reporter
This month is the 20th anniversary celebration for the cities of Covington and Maple Valley. Both of the cites were incorporated in 1997 and this month the cities are each having celebrations open to the public.
Covington
According to Karla Slate, communications and marketing manager for Covington, the entire community is invited to celebrate at the Kentwood High School softball field on Friday, Aug. 25. She said the celebration will be Hawaiian-themed and there will be an outdoor family movie to follow the celebration. Mayor Jeff Wagner will do a short ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by cupcakes. At 8 p.m., the celebration will move over to the outdoor family movie area where there will be a hula dancing troupe performing and teaching hula skills to the public. The Disney movie, Moana, will start at about 8:45 p.m. The city Art Commission will also be there helping kids craft leis and the city Human Services Commission will be handing out mini first-aid kits, while supplies last. The Covington Youth Council will be making hand-made complimentary sno-cones and the Covington Chamber of Commerce will be operating a Hawaiian-themed selfie photo booth.
There will also be free face painting, hula hooping, a visit from the character, Moana, and a commemorative 20th birthday giveaway.
Maple Valley
According to Major Sean Kelly, the city of Maple Valley will also be throwing a huge celebration for its 20-year anniversary Monday, Aug. 28 at Lake Wilderness Lodge. He said the first event beginning at 5 p.m. is a street dedication for their first mayor, Laure Iddings Following the dedication everyone will head back to Lake Wilderness Lodge, the primary location for this event, for a quick City Council meeting. Once the meeting is over, the fun begins. Kelly said there will be bouncy toys and other kid-friendly activities for families. The Lions Club will be handing out hot dogs and refreshments and there will also be ice cream served by a local Maple Valley business. At 6:30 p.m., a formal presentation will be given and there will be awards given out and speeches from multiple Maple Valley business, including Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety. Once the formal presentation is done, social hour will continue until about 8:30 p.m.
August 24, 25, 26 at the Enumclaw Expo Center
7:00 PM • Gates open @ 5:00 PM
www.EnumclawProRodeo.com
General Admission: $15 Under 12, Seniors & Veterans: $10 Thursday Family 4 Pack: $40 Under 5: Free Beer Garden
1920711
First Place Federal Way Mirror Andy Hobbs, Heidi Jacobs, Cindy Ducich, Linda Staples
SPORTS | Gold Rush Dancer wins Longacres Mile [page 10]
NEWSLINE 425-432-1209
Group 4
Third Place Issaquah/ Sammamish Reporter Staff 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 11
News Breaking News Story Third Place
Marcy Stamper Quick Response contains Fire Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Michael Heinbach, Brianna Loper False Reports factored into Lockdown Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Michael Heinbach Man Dragging Raccoon hit by Vehicle, Shot Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Nick Twietmeyer Las Vegas Shooting North Kitsap Herald
Group 4
First Place
Steve Powell New Civic Campus Marysville Globe
Second Place
Robert Whale Bringing Comfort Auburn Reporter
Health or Medical Story Group 1 First Place
Hayley Day Island Man’s Bionic Hand Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Second Place
Hayley Day Local Vets Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Third Place
Group 4
Group 2
Second Place
Third Place
Bob Kirkpatrick New CBHA Building Sun Tribune
Group 2
First Place
Sophia Aldous Flu Not Over Yet Newport Miner Dana Kampa Community Opioid Forum Shelton-Mason County Journal
First Place
Samantha Pak Cancer Survivor runs to Raise Awareness Kirkland Reporter
Mandi Johnson Fish Farm Failure Islands’ Sounder Mandi Johnson Vessel Noise affects Whales Islands’ Sounder
First Place
Marcy Stamper Coho Comeback Methow Valley News
Ann McCreary Teen Pregnancy Programs to be Cut Methow Valley News
Second Place
Second Place
Matthew Nash Diabetics seek Local Options for Care Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Third Place
Environmental Story Group 1
Group 3
Second Place
Third Place
Erin Hawkins Local Teen battles Cancer Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Brian Soergel Ban on Crumb Rubber Turf Edmonds Beacon
Raechel Dawson Uptick in Youth Suicide Interventions Bellevue Reporter Mark Klaas Punching Back Auburn Reporter
First Place
Colleen Smith The Litter Man of Orcas Islands’ Sounder
Ryan Kuhn, Joanna Markell Solar Discussions Heat Up Daily Record Sarah Low Zero Waste Vashon Event Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber
First Place
Aaron Kunkler Mountain Goat Options Snoqualmie Valley Record
2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 12
News Community Service
Observer set about filling this information gap via news stories, photos, editorials and — perhaps most notably — a series of 20 columns in which our writer was permitted to pursue unconventional avenues in order to gain access to a community that felt itself under siege and lacking in support from their non-Spanish-speaking neighbors. The paper’s efforts, including several visits to the federal detention center in Tacoma, illuminated ICE’s activities and impacts on a highly vulnerable population. Not only did this stir community engagement and conversations, it attracted the attention of regional, national and international media — including the Seattle Times, the New York Times and BBC — all of which did stories sparked in part by the paper’s coverage. The content presented in the entry was a sample amounting to roughly half of the coverage of this topic during the contest period.
First Place ICE storm on Washington Coast Chinook Observer Matt Winter, Amy Nile, Sydney Stevens, Natalie St. John During 2017, Immigration and Customs Enforcement mounted an intensive campaign of detentions in remote coastal Pacific County, Washington. With a year-round population of 22,000, the county is home to about 1,000 undocumented Hispanic immigrants — long-term residents who usually work in the shellfish, cranberry and hospitality industries. As ICE arrests gained in momentum, the agency offered virtually no public information or responses to news media questions. The Chinook
Environmental Story Second Place
Don Gronning Huge Cougar Tagged Newport Miner
Third Place
Nick Twietmeyer Logging worries Locals North Kitsap Herald
Group 4
First Place
Ray Miller-Still Recycling Center sparks Concerns The Courier-Herald
Second Place
Bob Smith Volunteers harvest Spuds for Food Bank Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
Kayse Angel Local Group questions Asphalt Plant Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter
Business News Story Group 1 First Place
Kelly Moyer Camas Mill eliminating Jobs Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Second Place
Hayley Day Boost for Business Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Hayley Day Local Farmers need Help Journal of the San Juan Islands
13 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Group 2
First Place
Luke Whittaker Green Gamble Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jacqueline Allison Dakota Creek faces Financial Challenges Anacortes American
Third Place
Luke Whittaker Terrible Tuna Chinook Observer
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Oliver Lazenby Hemp Company’s Account Closed The Northern Light
Second Place
Stefanie Donahue Blaine Coffee Roasters The Northern Light
Third Place
Sophia Aldous Roxy Slated to Open Newport Miner
Business Feature Story Group 1 First Place
Colleen Smith A Journey of Two Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Dawn Feldhaus A Bittersweet Goodbye Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Third Place
Luciano Marano Island Chefs get Schooled Bainbridge Island Review
Group 2
First Place
Ann McCreary Methow Investment Network boosts Growth Methow Valley News
Second Place
Luke Whittaker Chef Puts Lid on Delicious Career Chinook Observer
Third Place
Luke Whittaker Legends of the Lure Chinook Observer
Group 3
First Place
Allison Arthur Last Dairy Closes Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
Sophia Aldous Post Office Slated to Close Newport Miner
Third Place
Carolyn Bick Micro Business Loans Northwest Asian Weekly
Group 4
First Place
Jonathan Haukaas Master of his Trade The Reflector
News Business Feature Story Second Place
Carrie Rodriguez Females seek out STEM Fields Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter
Third Place
Steve Powell Banking to Baking Marysville Globe
Education Story Group 1 First Place
Leslie Kelly Bringing Back the Trades to Kids Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Tori Benavente Parkland stirs Safety Fears Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Third Place
Hayley Day School Looks to Renew Levy Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper Totally Cool Math Methow Valley News
Second Place
Erin Hawkins Sequim Teachers Voice their Value Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Erin Hawkins School leads in Science Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Oliver Lazenby Youth Mental Health Crisis The Northern Light
Second Place
Dana Kampa Political Statements by Teachers Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Arlene Kiyomi Dennistoun New Charter School in Rainier Valley Northwest Asian Weekly
Group 4
First Place
Third Place
Steve Powell Teach Kids ‘Good Choices’ Marysville Globe
Government Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Mandi Donohue Need for Volunteer Firefighters Methow Valley News
Second Place
Dave Burgess Water Reuse Plans The Quincy Valley Post-Register
Third Place
Jacqueline Allison Water Rates Potentially Increase Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Jason Cruz Clock Runs Out for Residents Northwest Asian Weekly
Second Place
Dee Camp Kretz Ethics Charge Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Third Place
Laura Guthrie Commissioner calls Prosecutor ‘Snake’ Whidbey News-Times
Group 4
First Place
Ray Miller-Still Water and Sewer Bills The Courier-Herald
Second Place
Bob Smith Mayor seeking New Buyers Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
Megan Campbell City Manager addresses Presentation Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter
Crime and Court Story Group 1 First Place
Brian Kelly Spike in Sexual Assaults Bainbridge Island Review
Mark Klaas Robots, a Sport for the Mind Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Madison Miller Parents protest Vote for Playfield Infill Bellevue Reporter
Third Place
Second Place
Hayley Day, Cali Bagby Coach pleads Guilty to Assault Journal of the San Juan Islands Cali Bagby Criminal Convictions out at Sea Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Natalie St. John Murderer gets 50 Years Chinook Observer
Second Place
Brandon Hansen It is a Biohazard Chewelah Independent
Third Place
Don Nelson Former Marshal contests Firing Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Michael Heinbach Woman sentenced for DUI Homicide Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Richard Byrd Barry Loukaitis Re-Sentenced Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Brandon Gustafson Grandmother spoils School Shooting Plan Mukilteo Beacon
Group 4
First Place
Jonathan Haukaas A Murder in Hockinson The Reflector
Second Place
Steve Hunter Prosecutors Drop Charge Kent Reporter
Third Place
Jonathan Haukaas A Stolen Livelihood The Reflector
Social Issue Story Group 1 First Place
Kelly Moyer Homelessness on Rise Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Second Place
Diana Zimmerman Family tries to get Help Wahkiakum County Eagle
Third Place
Mandi Johnson Stand Up Men’s Message Islands’ Sounder
Group 2
First Place
Andrew Kollar Per Cap Payments fuel Drug Problems Nisqually Valley News
2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 14
News Social Issue Story Second Place
Susan Riemer Joining Forces to Prevent Violence Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber
Third Place
Katie Leithead Privacy Policy Passes The Statesman Examiner
Group 3
Third Place
Leah Abraham Political Campaigns and Social Media Renton Reporter
Comprehensive Coverage, Single Writer Group 1 First Place
Kelly Moyer Mayor Scandal and Investigation Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Comprehensive Coverage, Multiple Writers Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Hayley Day, Colleen Smith Funding the Ferries Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Hayley Day, Heather Spaulding, Mandi Johnson Orcas Journal of the San Juan Islands
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Second Place
Third Place
Groups 3 & 4
Douglas Buell Boxing takes jab at Parkinson’s Arlington Times Arlene Kiyomi Dennistoun Boundless: Empowering Immigrants Northwest Asian Weekly
Third Place
Brianna Loper The ‘Temporary New Normal’ Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Nicole Jennings Seeking Insite Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter
Second Place
Raechel Dawson Help for Homeless Youth Federal Way Mirror
Third Place
Bob Smith Protestors oppose Trident Missiles Port Orchard Independent
Election Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Kelly Moyer Who’s funding Whom? Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Second Place
Marcy Stamper State Voting Law burdens Counties Methow Valley News
Third Place
Brandon Hansen Candidate Forum Chewelah Independent
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Bob Smith Patty Lent Concedes Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Leah Abraham Candidate explains Financial Filings Renton Reporter
15 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Hayley Day Life Care Center Journal of the San Juan Islands Luciano Marano Dispatches from the Academy Bainbridge Island Review
Group 2
First Place
Natalie St. John Deadly Siege: Lethal Flu Chinook Observer
Second Place
Jacqueline Allison The Saga of a Ship Anacortes American
Third Place
Matthew Nash Green Crab Invasion Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Gordon Weeks Mayor violates Law Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Dana Kampa School District Salary Issues Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Don Gronning Newport Law Enforcement Newport Miner
Group 4
First Place
Bob Smith Family Members perish in Fire Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Ray Miller-Still Black Diamond Recall The Courier-Herald
Third Place
Heidi Jacobs Homelessness in Federal Way Federal Way Mirror
Marcy Stamper, Ann McCreary Capital Budget ensnares Local Projects Methow Valley News
First Place
Stacy Nguyen, Ruth Bayang Navigation Center Controversy Northwest Asian Weekly
Second Place
Cheryl Schweizer, Lynne Lynch, Charles Featherstone Chico’s Pizza Parlor Fire Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Steve Powell, Douglas Buell Helping the Homeless Marysville Globe
Investigative Reporting Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Natalie St. John Rossetti may live Outside District Chinook Observer
Second Place
Nick Twietmeyer Abandoned Vessel in Liberty Bay North Kitsap Herald
Third Place
Daniel Person Rape Allegation against Top Cop Mercer Island Reporter
General Feature Story, Long Group 1 First Place
Ashley Hiruko Walking the Line for Cancer Research Ferndale Record
Second Place
Tori Benavente Second Chance at Life Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Third Place
Bob Kirkpatrick Making a Difference Sun Tribune
Group 2
First Place
Karen West Klan Came to the Methow Methow Valley News
News General Feature Story, Long Second Place
Matthew Nash Remembering Robert and Robby Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Rachel Bryan Lewis and Clark Expedition Skamania County Pioneer
Group 3
First Place
Don Gronning Place of Refuge Newport Miner
Second Place
Katie Kowalski A Memorable Development Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Chris Tucker Ready for her Close Up Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
First Place
Steve Powell Suicide Watch Marysville Globe
Second Place
Michelle Beahm Girl Scouts defy Gravity Central Kitsap Reporter
Third Place
Rick Bannan Fire Chief Career The Reflector
General Feature Story, Short Group 1 First Place
Dawn Feldhaus Summer Aviation Camp Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Second Place
Judy Booth Fishtown La Conner Weekly News
Third Place
Mandi Johnson Lighthouse Celebrates 124 years Islands’ Sounder
Group 2
First Place
Michael Dashiell The Viola Comes Home Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Erin Hawkins Twiga’s Small Miracle Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Katie Metzger Finley the Therapy Dog Mercer Island Reporter
Group 3
First Place
Gordon Weeks Collecting Debris in Shelton Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Brandon Gustafson Adapting Toys for Children Mukilteo Beacon
Third Place
Charles Featherstone Getting the Goat Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Group 4
First Place
Robert Whale Rescuing a farm Auburn Reporter
Second Place
Jonathan Haukaas For Better, for worse, for 75 years The Reflector
Third Place
Michelle Beahm An Tir: Royalty and Peerage Central Kitsap Reporter
Personality Profile, Long Group 1 First Place
Luciano Marano A Lot of Lives to Live Bainbridge Island Review
Bob Smith Nimitz returns Home Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Leah Abraham Celebrating ‘Wise Collaboration’ Renton Reporter
Third Place
Second Place
Third Place
Mark Klaas Out of this World Kent Reporter
Lifestyle Feature Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Ann McCreary Extended Independence Methow Valley News
Second Place
Tori Benavente Buzzing About Bees Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Third Place
Brandon Hansen Chewelah’s King of Rocks Chewelah Independent
Group 3
First Place
Janice Nesamani It’s Lit! Northwest Asian Weekly
Second Place
Dana Kampa Tending to the Bees Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Alexandra Smith Shredding the Shoes Shelton-Mason County Journal
Diana Zimmerman Working on the River Wahkiakum County Eagle Kelly Moyer Benevolent Queen Nan Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Group 2
First Place
Susan Riemer The Iditarod Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber
Second Place
Ann McCreary Changing the World One Child at a Time Methow Valley News
Third Place
Erin Hawkins Bill Jevne Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Brian Soergel Dishin’ with Dez Edmonds Beacon
Second Place
Dee Camp Elizabeth Widel Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Third Place
Brianna Loper Musician, 100, Hitting Right Notes Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Mark Klaas Her Patients, Community Kent Reporter
2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 16
News Personality Profile, Long Second Place
Heidi Sanders Operation Christmas Child Federal Way Mirror
Third Place
Steve Powell Vet Remembrance Marysville Globe
Personality Profile, Short Group 1 First Place
Bill Reynolds Iconic Newsman’s Passing La Conner Weekly News
Second Place
Hayley Day A Ferry Tale Ending Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Hayley Day Floating Micro-Ship Journal of the San Juan Islands
Group 2
First Place
Marcy Stamper Inspiration Pays Off Methow Valley News
Second Place
Jacqueline Allison Tuulikki Woods Anacortes American
Third Place
Racquel Muncy Charlotte Matzek Nisqually Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Alyssa Evans Grad Bound for Naval Academy The Northern Light
Second Place
Amy Pollard Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2017 The Northern Light
Third Place
Sarah Highfield Man on a Mission Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Group 4
First Place
Bob Smith ‘Scrubbies Lady’ Feted Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Leah Abraham 102-year-old Woman on Buzzfeed Renton Reporter
17 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Third Place
Bob Smith Bryan Petro, ‘A Gentle Soul’ Port Orchard Independent
Story on the Arts Group 1 First Place
Colleen Smith A Timeless Island Classic Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Colleen Smith ‘The Tempest’ Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Luciano Marano Life. Love. And Landscaping. Bainbridge Island Review
Group 2
Art Reviews Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Bob Smith Year-end Album Winners Port Orchard Independent
Second Place
Kirk Boxleitner ‘Blade Runner’ Magic Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Sarah Brenden ‘13 Reasons Why’ worth Watching Renton Reporter
Feature Page Design Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Adam Drey Santa’s Cookie Conundrum, Dec. 20, 2017 Chinook Observer
First Place
Second Place
Second Place
Third Place
Marcy Stamper Mosaic Project Methow Valley News Marcy Stamper Chamber Music Festival Methow Valley News
Third Place
Erin Hawkins A Jazz Pianist’s Journey Sequim Gazette
Group 3
Michael Dashiell Life Weaving Wood, Jan. 24, 2018 Sequim Gazette Corey Fisher S.O.S., Feb. 7, 2018 Chinook Observer
Group 3
First Place
Katie Kowalski A Memorable Development, Oct. 4, 2017 Port Townsend Leader
First Place
Second Place
Second Place
Third Place
Brandon Gustafson Local creates Coloring Book Mukilteo Beacon Jessica Kai Curry Filmmaker Long Tran Northwest Asian Weekly
Third Place
Katie Kowalski I was there to Tell their Story Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
Katie Kowalski Equality On/Off Stage, Mar. 21, 2018 Port Townsend Leader Katie Kowalski Entertaining History in Park, Aug. 9, 2017 Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
First Place
David Boehmke Easter Egg Hunts, Apr. 12, 2017 The Reflector
First Place
Second Place
Second Place
Third Place
Robert Whale Making Meaningful Music Auburn Reporter Mark Klaas Garbage Band Auburn Reporter
Third Place
Robert Whale Author Scripts Auburn Reporter
David Boehmke How Far will your Dollar Go?, Oct. 11, 2017 The Reflector David Boehmke Lewis Daily Journal, Oct. 11, 2017 The Reflector
News Front Page Design Group 1 First Place
Brian Kelly Oh My Stars, Sep. 8, 2017 Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Cali Bagby Black Bear, Jun 7, 2017 Journal of the San Juan Islands
Third Place
Brian Kelly Eagle Harbor Standoff, Jul. 14, 2017 Bainbridge Island Review
Group 2
First Place
Roger Harnack, Ted Escobar, Job Wise, Staff Districts on Alert, Feb. 28, 2018 Daily Sun News
Second Place
Michael Dashiell Lavender Experience, Jul. 19, 2017 Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Jaymi Allenbaugh Soaring High, Feb. 28, 2018 The Statesman Examiner
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Chris Thew Without a Paddle, Apr. 12, 2017 Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Staff Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Apr. 5, 2017 Newport Miner
Third Place
Adam Rudnick A Little Holiday Magic, Dec. 7, 2017 Shelton-Mason County Journal
News of the Weird Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Hayley Day Seal Bites Tourist Journal of the San Juan Islands
Second Place
Natalie St. John Outhouse Phone Dropper Rescued Chinook Observer
Third Place
Luciano Marano Owl Attacks on the Rise Bainbridge Island Review
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Raechel Dawson Santas Strike at Walmart Bellevue Reporter
Second Place
Dee Camp Skywriting Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Third Place
Kirk Boxleitner Alien Truth Port Townsend Leader
Sports News Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Don Nelson Winning Formula Methow Valley News
Second Place
Aaron Mead Girls notch First Big Win Chinook Observer
Third Place
Brandon Hansen Cougars Catch 2B Class Chewelah Independent
Group 3
First Place
Alexandra Smith Taking the Podium Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
David Pan Team Effort lifts Knights to Title Mukilteo Beacon
Third Place
Rodney Harwood 1A State Championship Columbia Basin Herald
Group 4
First Place
Samantha Pak Gymnastics Culture Change Kirkland Reporter
Second Place
Jonathan Haukaas Hockinson State Champions The Reflector
Third Place
Jonathan Haukaas Success shuts out Football Team The Reflector
Sports Feature Story Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Joan Pringle Women bond in Roller Derby Anacortes American
Second Place
Geno Ludwig Chewelah’s 1977 Football Championship Chewelah Independent
Third Place
Brandon Hansen City of Champions Chewelah Independent
Group 3
First Place
Alexandra Smith Rowdown Revisited Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Alexandra Smith Shelton Mini-Dome Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Jason Cruz Box reveals Baseball Past Northwest Asian Weekly
Group 4
First Place
Jonathan Haukaas Not-so-secret Weapon The Reflector
Second Place
Steve Hunter Gone Forever Kent Reporter
Third Place
Leah Abraham World Orienteering Championship Renton Reporter
Sports Personality Profile Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Luciano Marano Spartan Volunteer Coach Retires Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Michael Dashiell Glasser coming Full Circle Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Michael Dashiell Flight of Riley Sequim Gazette
Group 3
First Place
Jim Waller Eight is More than Enough Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Alexandra Smith Kicking it up a Notch Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Jim Waller Friday Night Lights Fixture Whidbey News-Times
2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 18
News Sports Personality Profile Group 4
Second Place
Adam Rudnick Editor’s Desk Shelton-Mason County Journal
First Place
Jonathan Haukaas Dusty doesn’t Balk The Reflector
Third Place
Dan Whitmarsh Writing by Faith Key Peninsula News
Second Place
Steve Powell Losing Sight Marysville Globe
Group 4
First Place
Third Place
Ray Miller-Still Our Corner The Courier-Herald
Sarah Brenden Sights set on the NFL Renton Reporter
Sports Page Design Groups 1 & 2
Humorous Column or Blog Groups 1 - 4
First Place
Michael Dashiell Payton Glasser Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Jennie McGhan Cleveland Tradition Daily Sun News
Third Place
Second Place
Third Place
Jennie McGhan Thrills & Spills Daily Sun News
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Matt Winters Standing up to Hatred Chinook Observer Don Nelson Shut out by the Legislature Methow Valley News
Group 3
First Place
Pat Grubb What are they Hiding? The Northern Light
Staff Griz claw Spartans Newport Miner
Second Place
David Boehmke Lumber Champs The Reflector
Third Place
Second Place
Third Place
David Boehmke The Nation’s Finest The Reflector
Editorial Group 1
First Place
Kelly Moyer Big Oil and Local Voices Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Second Place
Colleen Smith Ferry Wake-up Call Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Kenneth Stern The Moan from MoNA La Conner Weekly News
Group 2
First Place
Matt Winters ICE strikes at Civil Rights Chinook Observer
Adam Rudnick Forget the Gun Debate Shelton-Mason County Journal Ruth Bayang Lawmakers voted Against Transparency Northwest Asian Weekly
Group 4
First Place
Sarah Brenden Deleted a Facebook Post Renton Reporter
Second Place
Steve Powell We dote on Doty Marysville Globe
Third Place
Bob Smith Farewell to Bryan Petro Port Orchard Independent
Editorial Cartoon Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Brad Skiff The McCleary Decision Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
19 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Second Place
First Place
Ted Escobar Old-Timer’s View Daily Sun News
Brad Skiff Insecure Dream Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Rob Pudim I’m Moving, Right? Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Third Place
Editorial Pages Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Staff Editorial Pages Newport Miner
Second Place
Carolyn Wiley Devil’s Head Diary Key Peninsula News Michael Heinbach Hot Corner Shelton-Mason County Journal
Topical Column or Blog Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Natalie St. John Hearthfire & Brimstone Chinook Observer
Staff Editorial Pages Methow Valley News
Second Place
Bob Smith Editorial Pages Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
Third Place
General Interest Column or Blog Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Don Nelson No Bad Days Methow Valley News
Second Place
Solveig Torvik Hello? Methow Valley News Ted Escobar Old-Timer’s View Daily Sun News
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Alexandra Smith Just Peachy Shelton-Mason County Journal
Mel Anderson Mel’s Misadventures The Statesman Examiner
Second Place
Philip Watness River of Life Skamania County Pioneer
Third Place
Third Place
Group 3
First Place
Kirk Ericson These Times Shelton-Mason County Journal
Don Gronning Rodeo Scene Newport Miner Chris Thew Point of Thew Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Photography Photographer of the Year Groups 1 - 4 First Place Roger Harnack Daily Sun News Second Place Kayse Angel Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter Third Place Brandon Hansen Chewelah Independent Feature, Portrait or Pictorial Photo, B&W Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Brian Kelly Misty Manitou Beach Bainbridge Island Review
Second Place
Matthew Nash Me and Mr. Silly Gilly Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Michael Dashiell Tanks for the Magic Act Sequim Gazette
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Roger Harnack, then of the Daily Sun News, took first place in the Photographer of the Year competition.
Michelle Beahm A Woman’s World Central Kitsap Reporter
Second Place
Michelle Beahm Hanging Out Central Kitsap Reporter
Third Place
Michelle Beahm Thrill Ride Central Kitsap Reporter
Sports Photo, Black & White Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Chris Johnson Maleah Nixon Klein runs Preliminary East County Journal
In the Photographer of the Year competition, Kayse Angel of the Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter took second place with a portfolio that include the picture above of kids watching the eclipse, and Brandon Hansen of the Chewelah Independent took third with an array of photos including the lantern launching shot above.
Second Place
Second Place
Second Place
Third Place
Third Place
Third Place
Groups 3 & 4
Breaking News Photo Groups 1 - 4
Chris Johnson Fan & Coach anticipate 3-pointer East County Journal Chris Johnson Stephanie Fried hits the Ball East County Journal
First Place
John Fisken Wildcat Peyton Rhyne Whidbey News-Times
20 2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Janell Kortlever Seniors Isaiah Russ & Dalton Mouw The Northern Light Alexandra Smith Girls Basketball Advances Shelton-Mason County Journal
First Place
Roger Harnack Fire Bomber Daily Sun News
Luke Whittaker Pacific Dream Rescue Chinook Observer Brian Kelly Power Goes Out Bainbridge Island Review
Photography General News Photo Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Julia Hart Yellow Jacket Daily Sun News
Second Place
Mandi Johnson A Call for Action Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Jacqueline Allison Memorial at Anacortes High School Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Shawna Whelan Helping Dad Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Shawna Whelan A Changed World View Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Gordon Weeks Lake Cushman Leap Shelton-Mason County Journal
Group 4
First Place
Jonathan Haukaas Trump Rally The Reflector
Second Place
Michelle Beahm March for Our Lives Central Kitsap Reporter
Third Place
Michelle Beahm No More Silence Central Kitsap Reporter
Color Feature Photo Group 1 First Place
Colleen Smith Big Sister helps in the Ring Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Colleen Smith Prospero and Miranda Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Colleen Smith A Girl and her Horse Islands’ Sounder
Group 2
First Place
Michael Dashiell Wheel Fun at the Logging Show Sequim Gazette
Lloyd Mullen of the Port Townsend Leader took first place in the Color Feature Photo category for this shot of a festival attendee splashing through a puddle. Second Place
Jesse Mullen On the Snow Covered Trail The Statesman Examiner
Third Place
Jacqueline Allison Soccer Priest Anacortes American
Group 3
First Place
Lloyd Mullen Splashin’ Around Port Townsend Leader
Second Place
Lloyd Mullen All Together Now Port Townsend Leader
Third Place
Katie Kowalski Hot Stuff Port Townsend Leader
Group 4
First Place
Andy Nystrom Soaking up the Spotlight Redmond Reporter
Second Place
Rachel Ciampi Keeper Auburn Reporter
Third Place
Michelle Beahm My Lady’s Favor Central Kitsap Reporter
Color Portrait Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Jacqueline Allison Tuulikki Woods Anacortes American
Second Place
Michael Dashiell A Glass Act Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Damian Mulinix Katie Witherbee-Alsup Chinook Observer
Groups 3 & 4 First Place
Sophia Aldous Getting to Know You Newport Miner
Second Place
Dana Kampa Tending to the Bees Shelton-Mason County Journal
Third Place
Brianna Loper On the Hunt Shelton-Mason County Journal
Color Pictorial Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Marcy Stamper Hyper Inflation Methow Valley News
2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 21
Photography Color Pictorial Second Place
Damian Mulinix Waikiki Beach Concert Chinook Observer
Third Place
Nancy Crowell Amber Waves of Grain La Conner Weekly News
Group 3
First Place
Laura Guido Burn Whidbey News-Times
Second Place
Walter Selden Fourth of July Fireworks The Northern Light
Third Place
Pat Grubb Super Blue Blood Moon The Northern Light
Group 4
First Place
Michelle Beahm Firefall Central Kitsap Reporter
Second Place
Bob Smith Waterfront Carnival Port Orchard Independent
Third Place
Jonathan Haukaas Bridge Over Water The Reflector
Color Photo Essay Groups 1 & 2 First Place
Philip Watness, Allen Diers, Angus Anderson, Contributors Eagle Creek Fire Skamania County Pioneer
Second Place
Laura Guido of the Whidbey News-Times took a first place in the color pictorial category for this grass fire photo.
Steve Mitchell, Dana Sphar, Louise Stevens Methow Valley Rodeo Methow Valley News
Third Place
Third Place
Michael Dashiell, Matthew Nash, Erin Hawkins The Year in Pictures Sequim Gazette
Group 4
Color Sports Photo, Action Group 1
Third Place
Group 3
First Place
Shawna Whelan Plunging into the New Year Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Lloyd Mullen Fourth of July Port Townsend Leader
Louise Mugar, Debbie Harger, Karmen Terris Fourth of July Celebration The Northern Light
First Place
Kayse Angel Kid’s Festival Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter
Second Place
Bob Smith A Nimitz Homecoming Port Orchard Independent
Rachel Ciampi, Mark Klaas Day of Honor, Pride Auburn Reporter
First Place
Colleen Smith High Jump Islands’ Sounder
Second Place
Colleen Smith Riding for the Win Islands’ Sounder
2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 22
Photography Color Sports Photo, Action
Second Place
Third Place
Rachel Ciampi Jam Auburn Reporter
Mandi Johnson Big Catch Islands’ Sounder
Third Place
Rachel Ciampi Soaring Star Auburn Reporter
Group 2
First Place
Roger Harnack Hillclimb Races End Daily Sun News
Color Sports Photo, Feature Group 1 & 2
Second Place
Sebastian Moraga Swimmer Jackson Calloway The Quincy Valley Post-Register
First Place
Roger Harnack Mutton Bustin’ Daily Sun News
Third Place
Katie Leithead Colville player Jimmy Lepp The Statesman Examiner
Second Place
Michael Dashiell Calm before the Storm Sequim Gazette
Group 3
Third Place
First Place
Michael Dashiell Play Ball Sequim Gazette
Chris Thew Basketball 3-on-3 Tournament Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Second Place
Groups 3 & 4
Alexandra Smith Just Keep Chopping Shelton-Mason County Journal
First Place
David Pan Football Fever Heating Up Mukilteo Beacon
Third Place
Shawna Whelan A Fierce Look Shelton-Mason County Journal
Second Place
Alexandra Smith A Hug of Relief Shelton-Mason County Journal
Julia Hart of the Daily Sun News received a first place award for this bee in a jar photo in the general news category.
Third Place
Group 4
First Place
Kayse Angel Bears took on the Chargers Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporter
David Pan Having a Ball Mukilteo Beacon
Digital Web Site Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Steve Powell, Douglas Buell, Jody Knoblich, JoAnn Flynn Marysville Globe
Second Place
Staff The Statesman Examiner
Third Place
Oliver Lazenby, Doug DeVisser, Pat Grubb, Kara Spencer Mount Baker Experience The Northern Light
Online Ad Groups 1 - 4 First Place
Digital Team Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Columbia Basin Herald
Second Place
Digital Team Search Engine Marketing Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Digital Team Riso Foods Columbia Basin Herald
Online Photo Essay Groups 1 - 4
Video Groups 1 - 4
First Place
Michael Dashiell, Erin Hawkins, Matthew Nash 2017 Lavender Weekend Sequim Gazette
Second Place
Michael Dashiell, Erin Hawkins, Patricia Morrison Coate 2017 Sequim Irrigation Festival Sequim Gazette
Third Place
Don Nelson Strictly Ornamental Methow Valley News
First Place
Jacqueline Allison New Beekeeper, Ancient Hobby Anacortes American
Second Place
Charles Featherstone, Rosalie Black Chico’s Pizza Parlor Fire Columbia Basin Herald
Third Place
Dennis Box, Leah Abraham National Night Out 2017 Renton Reporter
2018 WNPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST 23