Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Progress-Index Entry Title: Argumentative government Entry Credit: Bill Atkinson Judge Comment: Excellent stories about battling local government boards; The third is exceptionally entertaining and told in a conversational style that conveys the absurdity of it all.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: The homeless population in Charlottesville has grown, but it's shelter space has shrunk Entry Credit: Jason Armesto Judge Comment: This is excellent reporting on a very difficult issue, with the reporter obtaining and maintaining sources among the homeless, a group that must be shown you can be trusted.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: Tom Garrett campaign donors footed bill for travel, hotel where alleged assault occurred Entry Credit: Jason Armesto Judge Comment: Excellent reporting that uses documents and court records to inform interviews and examine a very troubled candidate.
Competition Comment: This was a very difficult competition to judge because of the high quality of all the entries. Getting deep into the issues and personalities of who has been chosen to conduct public business is the bread-and-butter of good journalism and elevates the community discourse.
