Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Free Lance-Star Entry Title: Long drives, long lines; K.G. cuts red tape; and King George residents sound off on memorial Entry Credit: Cathy Dyson Judge Comment: Stylish writing on DMV story. Very personal approach to these pieces. Not always on "major" issues, but often the little ways that most people interact with government. Very easy to read and engaging work that also is thorough and well-organized.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The News & Advance Entry Title: Campbell Co. opposes Northam, City manager search, Rustburg Middle's fate Entry Credit: Sarah Honosky Judge Comment: A good eye for detail combined with a lot of strong reporting adds up to a potent combination.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The News & Advance Entry Title: Confederate monuments considered, No COVID-19 here yet, Dozens face eviction Entry Credit: Richard Chumney Judge Comment: The monuments story is handled with sensitivity and care. All of these pieces are exhaustively reported.