Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Mecklenburg Sun Entry Title: Columns on local issues of the day Entry Credit: Tom McLaughlin Judge Comment: Strong and topical columns, especially the ones on gun issues in your state. Well thought out and expressed. Provocative but civil. Loads of information organized into logical bites. It may not make anyone change their mind on the issue, but at least these columns will make people think.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Gazette Entry Title: Recipe Columns 2019 Entry Credit: Shannon Watkins Judge Comment: These "recipe" columns are delightful, and they're really not about recipes at all. At least not for the most part. I'm sure this writer has a following and readers will always be looking to see what she will write next. And the recipes look pretty good, too.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The News-Gazette Entry Title: "A Hefty Price for Holiday Indulgence," "The Skinny on Jeans," "Beans" Entry Credit: Joann Ware Judge Comment: These columns are easy to read and are full of personality. Witty and well-written.