S.C. Press Association Winners Tabloid

Recognizing the best in S.C. newspaper journalism

2014

NEWS CONTEST AWARD WINNERS

2 • 2014 S.C. Press Association News Contest Winners

Journalist

Year Awardof the

indexOpen Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4All Daily Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6All Weekly Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9All Weekly & Daily Under 18,000 Combined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Daily Under 18,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12Daily Under 18,000 & 18,000-45,000 Combined . . . . . . . . . . 13Daily 18,000-45,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5, 18President ’s Award for Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17General Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17Daily Over 45,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-22Weekly Under 4,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-24Weekly Under 4,500 & Over 4,500 Combined . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Weekly Over 4,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-27Weekly Over 4,500 & 2-3 Times Weekly Combined . . . . . . . . . . . 282-3 Times Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-30Associate & Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

WEEKLY DIVISION WINNERS

Photojournalist

Year Awardof the

PAUL BOWERSCHARLESTON CITY PAPER Paul Bowers is a staff writer at the Charleston City Paper, where he enjoys doing long-form investigative stories, scooping the daily news outlets, and writing occasional fi rst-person narratives. He is a general assignment reporter, but his favorite beats include crime, city politics, music, and protest movements. His current pet project is an interactive map of public urination incidents in downtown Charleston. His work has appeared in Th e New York Times, Huffi ngton Post, Paste, Free Times, undefi ned, Verbatim Poetry, and Patrol. He is married and recently became the father of beautiful twin daughters.

Judges’ Comments: Bowers is recognized for the breadth and depth of his coverage. He clearly tackles topics that people care about and writes stories that matter.

BOWERS

MICHAELE DUKETHE NEWS (KINGSTREE)Born and raised in Goose Creek, Michaele Duke was clever and artistic from the very beginning. Aft er high school she attended the School of Communication Arts where she focused her study in photography. Her passion and expertise gained her employment for a multitude of opportunities. Stationed in Mobile, AL, with her husband Mack, Duke had the opportunity to work for the Mobile Infi rmary Medical Center, where she photographed surgical procedures as a media specialist. She eventually took her talent to Charleston, where she carried the title of senior photographer at Tumbleston Photography. Aft er her daughters Shannon and Morgan were born, she focused on family while continuing her passion as a freelancing portrait photographer. Her skills have to led to several awards for her photography, medical publications, and news advertising, as well as numerous publications of her work. She currently demonstrates her artistry within her career at Th e News in Kingstree. Th roughout her eight years at Th e News, she has contributed as a journalist with a bi-weekly column as well as providing excellent photography for each of her stories. Duke’s passion for journalism and photography is observed in every part of her life and she is recognized as the voice of her community.

Judges’ Comments: Good variety of photos in several categories: pictorial, feature, sports action and news. Captures good moments that show off life in her newspaper’s community.

DUKE

Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism

Michael Smith is editor of the Carolina Forest Chronicle in Myrtle Beach, and online editor of myhorrynews.com. He is a two-time winner of the SCPA Weekly Journalist of the Year, two-time winner of the Reid F. Montgomery FOI award, and past Photojournalist of the Year recipient. He has covered the Heather Elvis case since it began in December 2013.Steve Robertson is owner and publisher of Waccamaw Publishers. His career in journalism spans 42 years. A past president of the S.C. Press Association, Robertson oversees the publication of Th e Horry Independent, the Myrtle Beach Herald, the Carolina Forest Chronicle, Th e Loris Scene, the News & Shopper, the Horry County Business Journal and VISIT!, the newspaper for visitors to the Grand Strand. His papers have won the Reid F. Montgomery Freedom of Information Award on two occasions.Heather Gale began working as a part-time reporter for the Myrtle Beach Herald in 2008 and became a full time reporter for Waccamaw Publishers in 2009. She reported breaking news, wrote feature pieces and covered the education beat for Th e Horry Independent, Carolina Forest Chronicle, Myrtle Beach Herald and Th e Loris Scene for fi ve years. She also helped design and maintain the company’s website, www.myhorrynews.com. In 2014, she became assignment editor for the Sinclair Broadcast Group in Myrtle Beach.

Judges’ Comments: Th e Carolina Forest Chronicle staff was absolutely relentless in reporting on all of the issues surrounding Heather Elvis, despite substantial opposition. Th ey were dogged in pressing for information, overcoming judicial opposition and public pressure. Th is newspaper intensely fought for openness in the face of adversity.

SMITH ROBERTSON GALE

MICHAEL SMITH, STEVE ROBERTSON AND HEATHER GALECAROLINA FOREST CHRONICLE


Journalist of the Year Award ??? Reid Montgomery FOI AWARD ??? Jay Bender Award

for Assertive Journalism ??? Photojournalist of the Year Award ??? Journalist of

the Year Award ??? Reid Montgomery FOI AWARD ??? Jay Bender Award for Assertive

Journalism ??? Photojournalist of the Year Award ??? Journalist of the Year Award

??? Reid Montgomery FOI AWARD ??? Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism ???

Photojournalist of the Year Award ??? Journalist of the Year Award ??? Reid Montgomery

FOI AWARD ??? Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism ??? Photojournalist of the

Year Award ??? Journalist of the Year Award ??? Reid Montgomery FOI AWARD ??? Jay

Bender Award for Assertive Journalism ??? Photojournalist of the Year Award ???







FOI AWARD ??? Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism ??? Photojournalist of the

Year Award ??? Journalist of the Year Award ??? Reid Montgomery FOI AWARD ???

Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism ??? Photojournalist of the Year Award ???







FOI ??? Photojournalist of the Year Award ??? Journalist of the Year Award ??? Reid

Montgomery FOI AWARD ??? Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism ??? Photojournalist

of the Year Award ??? Journalist of the Year Award ??? Reid Montgomery FOI

??? Photojournalist of the Year Award ??? Journalist of the Year Award ??? Reid

Montgomery FOI AWARD ??? Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism ??? Photojournalist

DAILY DIVISION WINNERS

FIRST PLACE – THE POST AND COURIERJudges’ Comments: Large package of clips that show consistent and effective use of the FOIA. This paper shows great ambition in public service reporting. The Post and Courier uses the FOIA as a routine tool across all newsroom departments. Newspaper exhibits wide-ranging use of the FOIA and a dedication to openness. Stand-out entry was “Till Death Do Us Part.”

HONORABLE MENTION – AIKEN STANDARDJudges’ Comments: Commendable effort. An excellent piece of work. Impressive coverage, especially juvenile crime and MOX study. Staff showed perseverance in obtaining information important to the public.

Reid Montgomery

FOI AWARDJournalist

Year Award

of the

Photojournalist

Year Awardof the

ANNA DOUGLAS, THE HERALDAnna Douglas, 25, joined The Herald in Rock Hill in July 2012 as city government and Winthrop University reporter. A graduate of James F. Byrnes High School in Duncan, S.C., she attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, where she majored in mass communication. She graduated in 2011.A former editor of Winthrop’s student newspaper, The Johnsonian, Douglas was named the S.C. Press Association Collegiate Journalist of the Year in 2011.In 2015, Douglas received a President’s Award for outstanding journalism from the McClatchy Co. for her coverage of Jamie Comstock Williamson, the now former president of Winthrop.

Judges’ Comments: Anna Douglas showed tenacity in using the FOIA to uncover the problems with a newly hired Winthrop University president. Her story led to drafting of new policies and the firing of the president. She also used old-fashioned reporting skills, combined with the FOIA, to break tuition increase stories. Amazing job!

DOUGLAS

Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism

PAUL ZOELLERTHE POST AND COURIERAfter several years as a freelance photographer, Paul Zoeller returned to his journalism roots to join the staff of The Post and Courier in January 2013. As a consummate photojournalist, Zoeller draws upon his editorial background to tell the story, capture the peak action moment in sports or find the perfect light while producing stills or multimedia presentations. A native of Texas, he earned a degree in photojournalism at the University of Texas at Arlington. Zoeller enjoys sharing his passion with students who are interested in learning about photography or journalism. While he has collected accolades throughout his career, Zoeller’s most well-known work is his annual crazy family Christmas card. Zoeller enjoys Lowcountry living in Summerville with his wife, Chris, and two kids, Joshua and Dylan.

Judges’ Comments: Good variety of subjects – all with great light, good compositions and decisive moments.

ZOELLER

FIRST PLACE – JOHN MONKTHE STATEJohn Monk, a Maryland native and U.S. Army veteran, started his newspaper career in the 1970s with a now-defunct Georgetown, S.C., paper and, later, The Sun News of Myrtle Beach.In 1979, Monk joined The Charlotte Observer, where he worked as police reporter, Carolinas roving reporter, including covering the 1989 Panamanian invasion, investigative reporter, S.C. bureau chief and Washington correspondent. In 1997, Monk joined The State as an editorial writer, moving to the newsroom in 2000 to report on a variety of topics. His current areas include law, justice and crime issues.

Judges’ Comments: Writer John Monk’s reporting revealed House Speaker Bobby Harrell’s efforts to scuttle a State Grand Jury investigation and Harrell’s subsequent indictment and guilty pleas. He was aggressive, dogged and imaginative on legal and reporting fronts. We are grateful for his coverage, which had statewide significance and impact. He worked hard to overcome the Grand Jury and Harrell’s attorneys’ efforts to keep the investigation secret. Monk was the only one going after this story.

HONORABLE MENTION – FITZ MCADENTHE ISLAND PACKET

Judges’ Comments: Editor Fitz McAden didn’t just retire and walk away. He was relentless in fighting for the public’s right to know about charges against a sitting state representative and a judge sealing formerly public records. Impressive work.

MONK


OPENdivision

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “Till Death Do Us Part”

Judges’ Comments: You looked beyond reporting just the facts of one case, identifi ed a much larger issue and explored all possible avenues. What an amazing story revealing shocking statistics that are presented with real faces of real people. A true investigative piece. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Porter Barron Jr., “Horrors Behind Th ese Walls”THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Frank Bumb, “SLED to look into Calhoun Falls’ records; Duff el bag with cash leads to call to SLED”

SERIES OF SPORTS ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Morning News, Sam Bundy, “Premier Basketball League”

Judges’ Comments: Tough, informative exposé of the Premier Basketball League. A well-documented analysis of a scam. Good reporting. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Aaron

Brenner, “Live from the Combine” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Eric Boynton, “Panthers Camp 20th Anniversary”

CARTOONFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Robert Ariail, “Th e Waste State; Friendliest City; Haley’s Jobs”

Judges’ Comments: Ariail’s technical skill is outstanding and he really has a sharp wit. SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Ed Wilson,

“Bingo; RTA; Myrtle Beach Bikefest” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Roger Harvell, “Eight Tiny Drones?; Ethics Reform; South Carolina Roads”

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “All that jazz”

Judges’ Comments: I was impressed with the theme of the page and use of perspective with the saxophone. Th e music notes along with the muted colors play nicely on the page. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar,

“Fall preview” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner, “2014 schedule” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e State, Barrett Self, “Gamecocks beat Bulldogs”

ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Gary Kyle, “Postpartum”

Judges’ Comments: Illustration works very well with the story. Creative style with thoughtful eff ort. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gill Guerry,

“Restaurant Noise” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Gary Kyle, “Steeplechase hats” HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, Gary Kyle, “Summer camps”

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHICS PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff erJudges’ Comments: Creative and cutting edge graphics that tell the story. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Gill Guerry

INNOVATIVE CONCEPTFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “Till Death Do Us Part”

Judges’ Comments: I love the thought that went into rolling it out in a manner similar to Netfl ix. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Spartanburg

Soaring” THIRD PLACE: Th e State; Cassie Cope, Jamie Self and Andrew Shain; “Th e Buzz”

AFFILIATED OR NICHE WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News; Todd Garvin, Josh Bell and Caroline Evans; GoToMyrtleBeach.com

Judges’ Comments: Attractive site with tons of tourism-related content. Neat interactive features, tight writing and eye-catching photography make this site stand out from the rest. Trusted, insider local content makes this site a real resource in the digitally overcrowded universe of Yelp, TripAdvisor and the like. Makes me want to visit Myrtle Beach! SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Staff , GoGamecocks.com THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff ,

charlestonscene.com

ENTERTAINMENT SECTIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Allison Nugent-Caruso, “Charleston Scene: July 10”

Judges’ Comments: Chocked full of local entertainment, arts, food and event news. A go-to guide for what’s happening with well-written features and lively commentary. Serves community well. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Vicki Grooms,

“Kicks! Exploring Atalaya” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Jake Grove, “Your Hometown Fun: Soul Man”

SPORTS MAGAZINEFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Staff , “GoGamecocks: Quiet Storm”

Judges’ Comments: Very well designed with interesting content. Great cover story. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff ,

“Tideline: May/June” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Staff , “GoGamecocks: Th e Real A’ja” HONORABLE MENTION: Chronicle-Independent, Staff , “Th e Camden Horse & Equestrian - Colonial Cup Edition”

DIGITAL NEWS PROJECTFIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Heather Elvis case”

Judges’ Comments: A complete deal. Information is informative, the videos well done and the additional information was very helpful. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Chris Hessert and Chris

Winston, “S.C. Memorial Wall” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Mike McMillan, “Motor Mouth”

TABLOID PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jan MarvinJudges’ Comments: Eye-catching design. Great use of art, color and fonts. SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Scott Suchy THIRD PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride

JUDSON CHAPMANAWARD FOR

PUBLIC SERVICE

FIRST PLACE: THE POST AND COURIER

“Till Death Do Us Part”A well-written and deeply researched entry on domestic violence. Th e entry resulted in South Carolina taking the fi rst steps toward reducing the state’s exceptionally high rate

of violence against women.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Sexual assault victim says Horry County police never appointed an advocate”

THIRD PLACE: Daniel Island News, Elizabeth Bush, “Honoring the past: DI Cemetery Project seeks to restore and preserve”

HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Colletonian, Christie Slocum, “Avoid a deadly decision: Don’t leave the helpless in locked cars”

FIRST PLACE ONLY: MAAYAN SCHECHTER

AIKEN STANDARD“Delinquent tax notices”

Routine tax listing showed councilman owed back taxes. Great use of public

notice as a news source.

PUBLIC NOTICE JOURNALISM

AWARD


ALL DAILYdivision

2014 ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Staff Judges’ Comments: Sweeping, comprehensive coverage was impressive. A wide-ranging eff ort on election reporting. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Michael Smith, “Public access threatened”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent explanation of FOI challenges from a citizen’s point of view. Th is editorial makes citizens care, shows why FOI matters to them. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Elsa

McDowell, “MUSC board is not a club” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Beth Padgett, “Ruling further undermines FOIA”

REVIEW PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Hanna Raskin, “Choose your own adventure at the Granary; Edmund’s Oast is having some serious fun in the playground of history; Hibachi Grill is the area’s best Vietnamese restaurant disguised as a fast-service Japanese joint”

Judges’ Comments: Enjoyable reads. Reviews are in-depth, honest and helpful to readers, but also really well written. Writer’s tone and style make this body of work stand out. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Bo Petersen,

“Th e Boom’ tells you; Days of Fire; U.S. fi ght against Red Cloud” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Adam Parker, “Capital in the Twenty-First Century; CSO, led by Ken Lam, makes ‘Firebird’ sparkle; When snow stretched time”

HEALTH BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Liv Osby

Judges’ Comments: Excellent writing brings important medical issues to the public in an understandable format. SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Don Worthington THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Dustin Wyatt

FAITH BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes

Judges’ Comments: Good, well-organized, well-written stories about matters of religion that aff ect everyone. Good job. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Carolyn Click THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Laura Oberle

SPORTS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Andrew Miller

Judges’ Comments: Outstanding enterprise reporting on former College of Charleston coach Wojcik. Obviously cultivated a lot of good sources. Tight writing. Strong human interest. Excellent use of quotes. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Tommy Braswell THIRD PLACE - TIE: Herald-Journal, Matt Connolly THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Post and Courier, Aaron Brenner

NEWS HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Beth Harrison, “Still miss that bridge? You’ll be over it soon; Th ese artists thrive on pins and needles; POWERLESS”

Judges’ Comments: Great use of powerful phrases that are catchy, strong and intriguing. It’s done with the reader in mind. SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sandra Ross,

“Peanut batter; Food fl ight; Show & tail” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Don Kausler Jr., “Power struggle; Missions accomplished; City council shoots, scores”

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Beth Harrison, “Leaky boat a symbol for sinking way of life; Concrete proof of lasting love; Folly surfers gear up for a really swell time”

Judges’ Comments: Very clever play on words. Headlines draw readers into the stories. Great work!

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Mike McMillan, “Motor Mouth: Th ree men get the bug for a Bus; Anderson man fi nds joy in the Fury; Th is ‘Vette is not what you expect” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker, “Bean there, done that; Have a BERRY nice Mother’s Day; Call of the wild: Woodworker fi nds beauty in talking turkey”

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST NEWS PHOTO: Paul Zoeller, The Post and Courier

FIRST PLACE PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT, DAILY 18,000-45,000: Nathan Gray, Independent Mail


SPORTS HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee Harter, “Aggie-ny in the opener; Rainy night for Georgia; Clemson leaves Wake behind”

Judges’ Comments: Consistently clever and relevant. Rises to the top in a very tough category. SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Scott Chancey,

“Captain America thwarts Spiderman; OMA-HUH?; Orange you stunned by Duke?” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Nick Foster, “Gurley gashes Tigers; Peak reaching apex; Rory’s four real”

NEWS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Staff , “General election 2014”Judges’ Comments: Lively coverage for political junkies of all stripes! SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Staff , “25

years aft er Hugo” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Staff , “Moving Forward”

SPORTS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Staff , “Saturdays in South Carolina”

Judges’ Comments: A special section on steroids. Amazing amount of work totally surrounding football Saturdays in South Carolina by blending sports items into other sections. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Sports and Design

desks, “Gridiron 2014” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Revved and Reloaded ‘14”

LIFESTYLE/FEATURE SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Marching Madness”Judges’ Comments: Interesting concept. Impressive variety of photos and well-written features. Th is niche section surely won the hearts of band members and their families, as well as the local schools and community. Well done. Clever title, too! SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Staff , “Go Columbia

Insider’s Guide 2014” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Vicki Grooms, “A day in the life: Murrells Inlet, ‘Slice of heaven’”

FEATURE MAGAZINEFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Spartanburg Magazine: Fall 2014”

Judges’ Comments: Packed with exceptional local features on a variety of topics. Th ere’s something for everyone. Eye-catching, clean design with great photography. First place in a very competitive class of entries. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “My

Charleston” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Spartanburg Magazine: Summer 2014”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Pam Stone, “Shortbreaders Anonymous; Something ain’t right in Anderson; Hot fl ashes have never felt so good”

Judges’ Comments: Funny. Deliciously irreverent. Humor for true. SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Chris Trainor, “How

much for Bill Clinton’s cuffl inks?; Pennies are not candy; Th e bread and milk conspiracy” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, David Lauderdale, “Fastlane; Fitbit; Typewriters”

FOOD WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis, “Say, cheese”

Judges’ Comments: Great profi le on small, local cheese producer. Th e writer makes me wish my local paper had someone like her on the food and dining beat. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Lillia Callum-

Penso, “Millennials reshaping food scene” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Hanna Raskin, “Grappling with restaurant preservation” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e State, Susan Ardis, “Th e secret history of chocolate”

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Joey Holleman, “James Brown: His music, his mansion”

Judges’ Comments: Well-written, fascinating look into the real life and foibles of a music idol. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Dan Armonaitis,

“Bill Maher coming to SC” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Charmaine Smith-Miles, “Play it again, professor”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Maddy Jones, “Samantha Ferguson”

Judges’ Comments: Very well thought-out and executed. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees,

“Fish and sides at a ‘Trashfi sh’ dinner” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Iced coff ee”

INTEGRATION OF PRINT AND WEB COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier; Laura J. Gaton, Chad Dunbar, Gill Guerry and Chris Hanclosky; “Hurricane Hugo”

Judges’ Comments: Impressive entry. Print and web components are very strong as stand-alone entries, but complement each other well in this contest. Video interviews and ‘Th en and Now’ gallery added much to stories. Team did a good job in planning and and executing this package. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier; J. Emory

Parker, Laura J. Gaton, Maureen Hartshorn and Chris Hanclosky; “Till Death Do Us Part” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier; J. Emory Parker, Laura J. Gaton, Maureen Hartshorn and Gill Guerry; “Election Day 2014”

USE OF TWITTERFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Andy Paras, @AndyParas

Judges’ Comments: Good mix of lighthearted and serious tweets. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff ,

@postandcourier THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Anna Douglas, @ADouglasHerald

FIRST PLACE GENERAL NEWS PHOTO, DAILY UNDER 18,000: Theophil Syslo, The Beaufort GazetteHONORABLE MENTION HUMOROUS PHOTO, DAILY OVER 45,000: Paul Zoeller, The Post and Courier


ALL WEEKLYdivision

2014 ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE ONLY: Th e Lancaster News, Staff Judges’ Comments: Excellent job of covering issues and candidates. Explained things well for readers.

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

FIRST PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Joe Perry, “Autopsy ruling will keep public in dark”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent explaination of a key legal decision.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, James Denton, “Redaction Jackson” THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Graham Williams, “Why so much secrecy for school board meetings?”

REVIEW PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Jordan Lawrence, “Live Review: Jack White; Live Review: Music Farm Columbia’s Opening Night; Various Artists, SceneSC Sampler Vol. 5”

Judges’ Comments: Th ese colorful, informative reviews are great reads that almost take the reader to the scene. Great job.

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Vincent Harris, “Not your daddy’s bluegrass; Last call; Linda Rodney, a.k.a. Chocolate Th under, 1956-2014” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, William Buchheit, “Drive-By Truckers Album Review; ‘Gone Girl’ Movie Review; Weezer Concert Review”

HEALTH BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, April A. Morris

Judges’ Comments: Great writing and loved the topics. Good research. A very good job.

SECOND PLACE: Daniel Island News, Elizabeth Bush THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn HONORABLE MENTION: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons

FAITH BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tina Graham Anderson

Judges’ Comments: Diverse, interesting selection of work. Ledes do an excellent job of drawing readers into stories. Very clever profi les. SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, John Marks

SPORTS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins

Judges’ Comments: Generally does a good job of introducing us to the players and not talking past them and only to the coaches. As a result, the stories are varied and very readable, giving readers good insight into the area’s sports culture. SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee

NEWS HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Lindsay Street, “My Dead Cat for County Council; Sick of the stink; Haunted warehouse”

Judges’ Comments: Headlines do what they’re supposed to do: draw you into stories without tipping your hand to show what it’s about. SECOND PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, Catherine

Muccigrosso, “Leaders hope vote goes swimmingly; Fields a growing issue for Clover; Former journalist from Lake Wylie fi nds freedom in fi ction” THIRD PLACE: Th e Gazette, Frank Johnson, “It’s rocket science; It was a very good year; ‘Love, love, love’”

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Sully Witte, “We’ll be seeing you: Lee’s Vision closes shop aft er 44 years; Dropping in for lunch; Hammering out their lessons: Laing students design/build greenhouses”

Judges’ Comments: Headlines were clever and creative without being misunderstood. I found it easy to understand what the story was about before reading the story. Other entries were also clever and creative, but lacked the third quality. SECOND PLACE: Th e Island News, Pamela

Brownstein, “Beaufort Beauties was certainly not a drag; Book Smarts & Good Hearts: Th e Sidwells are a winning combination; ‘Ketchup’ with the inaugural Beaufort Tomato Festival” THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Not quite the $6 million dollar man; A fi rm (and bionic) handshake; A ‘love’ that almost killed”

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Th e other Cheek; Th e defense rests; A born Lee-der”

Judges’ Comments: Headlines are catchy and tell the story.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “Carolina hopes to win by a ‘hare’; Lady netters bully Bulldogs; Carolina baseballers ‘gore’ Tennessee Vols” THIRD PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, James Denton, “5-0 and looking for mo’; Friday night frights: Griffi ns survive late Bulldog rally; Red-Hot Blue Streak”

NEWS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Staff , “Upstate Business Journal”

Judges’ Comments: Th is issue of UBJ is clean in its design, with a creative use of graphics and a very strong collection of original news content. All three characteristics set the publication apart from other submissions.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Larry Franklin and Vic MacDonald, “Veterans Salute 2014” THIRD PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Staff , “1964-2014: FIFTY, Celebrating half a century of covering news east of the Cooper River”

SPORTS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Brian Whitmore, “Hit List”

Judges’ Comments: Cute concept. Makes you want to look at the B-Side.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Staff , “Gridion Men, 2014 Football Preview” THIRD PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Guns & Game: Snake Season”

FIRST PLACE GENERAL NEWS PHOTO, WEEKLY OVER 4,500: Brantley Strickland, The Press & Standard


LIFESTYLE/FEATURE SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Staff , “Beaches”Judges’ Comments: Packed full of beautiful art and a variety of well-written features on the area’s history, culture and amenities. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Staff ,

“Flowertown Festival 2014” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Staff , “Men to Watch 2014”

FEATURE MAGAZINEFIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Staff , “TOWN Magazine”

Judges’ Comments: A standout among several very good entries. Stunning photos, art and design paired with interesting, tightly-written copy. Beautifully done. SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Staff ,

“Colleton Magazine 2014” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Manning Times, Staff , “Clarendon” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison, “Focus on Fort Mill Township” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Press & Standard, Staff , “Collette Magazine, Winter 2013”

PUBLIC SERVICEFIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, John Marks and Michael Harrison, “Coverage of sewage spills raised public awareness that helped spur the city’s takeover of a much maligned utility”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent work. Obviously the paper spent considerable time on this story. Very informative reporting about a very important topic. SECOND PLACE: Daniel Island News, Elizabeth Bush,

“Th e Joy Project” THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry and Tom O’Dare, “These dogs deserve a second chance”

FOOD WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Brian Garner, “Don’t Fear the (Carolina) Reaper”

Judges’ Comments: Now this is A HOT article... and HOT interesting! SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Sherry Jackson,

“Andiamo a manginare – Susie and Ed’s Italian Kitchen” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Erin Kirby, “Best burgers in the South: Sambo’s 903 Drive-In celebrates 45 years with regional honor”

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Return shot”

Judges’ Comments: Compelling story. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “AR forfeiting baseball games” THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “ABA suspends local pro basketball team”

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Athena RedmondJudges’ Comments: LOVE the designs. It makes me want to be more creative for my newspapers!

SECOND PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride THIRD PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Scott Suchy HONORABLE MENTION: News and Press, Duane Childers

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, Ashley Ghere, “Takiya Rocks the Runway”

Judges’ Comments: What amazing talent! SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Freedom writers – Journal article spurs creative writing program at Sperry” THIRD PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jennifer Johnston, “Th is dance fl oor is for everyone”

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Krena Lanham

Judges’ Comments: Beautiful photos, creative layout and the turtle leaving prints in the sand pushed this entry above the others. Nice work.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Krena Lanham THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Laura Caskey

PICTORIALFIRST PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Emerging from smoke”

Judges’ Comments: Th e eff ect of the smoke is beautiful. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, William Buchheit, “Great white shark breaches near Seal Island, South Africa” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Sea oats stand out against the amber evening sky”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Coff ee”

Judges’ Comments: Clear message and well executed. SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Scott Suchy, “House Speaker Harrell’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week” THIRD PLACE: Th e Colletonian, Jorge Ruiz, “Ghost Stories”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Staff , MoultrieNews.com

Judges’ Comments: First place selection in a very competitive class of worthy sites. Th is entry stood out because staff posted content to the site several times each day, despite being a weekly. Heavy focus on hyperlocal news pairs well with community features like school lunch menus and upcoming events.

SECOND PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison, fortmilltimes.com THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Staff , myhorrynews.com

FIRST PLACE FEATURE PHOTO, WEEKLY UNDER 4,500: Rob Cottingham, Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch News


ALL WEEKLY & DAILY UNDER 18,000divisions combined

GENERAL NEWS/FEATURE VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Sully Witte and Brett Martin, “Awendaw Blue Crab Festival”

Judges’ Comments: Well shot and edited with excellent audio quality. Wonderful personalities captured and details of festival given in a succinct manner. I want to go! SECOND PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Sully Witte and

Brett Martin, “Meanwhile, back on the farm” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene; Leslie Cantu, Monica Kreber and Jim Tatum; “Remembering Hugo”

USE OF FACEBOOK PAGEFIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison

Judges’ Comments: It’s clear that Facebook is your swiss army knife. Informative and entertaining posts that clearly engage readers. Diverse content from free local food and traffi c updates to breaking crime news. It did not escape me that you personally responded to every post from readers on your page. Th is can be challenging to work into the daily grind of putting out the paper, but I’m sure it means a lot to the residents in your community that they can get a real-time response to a question from the news experts. SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Staff THIRD PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Staff

USE OF TWITTERFIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Staff , @MoultrieNews

Judges’ Comments: Very active on Twitter. Nice interaction with readers. SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore,

@yesevamoore THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison, @fortmilltimes

SPORTS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Delayna Earley, “Battery Creek student gains social skills aft er joining baseball team”

Judges’ Comments: Inspiring story, great interviews. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh, “Double Dutch World Championship” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh and Sammy Way, “Pride of Sumter: Riley Park”

ONLINE PHOTO GALLERYFIRST PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Jessica Nelms, “Oak Creek Road Wreck”

Judges’ Comments: Powerful images in a well-edited gallery. SECOND PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Jessica Nelms,

“Clemson Student Death” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Martha Rose Brown, “Rain doesn’t dampen spirit of Frog Jump”

FIRST PLACE SPORTS ACTION PHOTO, WEEKLY UNDER 4,500: Pete Cochran, Union County News

SECOND PLACE SPOT NEWS PHOTO, WEEKLY OVER 4,500: William Buchheit, The Greer Citizen

SECOND PLACE PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT, DAILY 18,000-45,000: Ken Ruinard, Independent Mail


UNDER 18,000daily division

E.A. RAMSAUR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee Harter, “Haley needs plan with a carrot as well as a stick; S.C. State aid is vital, must come with oversight; Endorsements: No now more than ever”

Judges’ Comments: Not just editorials, but editorials with solutions. SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Michael Ulmer,

“Shelving MOX plan wrong path forward; Hitchcock Parkway decision is abrupt and ill-considered; Th e good, bad and ugly of legislature’s fi nal day” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jeff Kidd, “In city of Beaufort, a tree isn’t just a tree; Bullying task force needs realistic focus; New Blufft on high school deserves its own identity” HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Richard Whiting, “It is past time to talk about it; Domestic violence: Tackle it head-on; Ravenel should drop political run off bridge”

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Maayan Schechter

Judges’ Comments: Good reporting on issues of importance to all the citizens of Aiken. SECOND PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Steven Bradley THIRD PLACE: Th e Union Daily Times, Charles Warner

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Bruce, “Judge denies bond for 4 suspects”

Judges’ Comments: Th e details of what precipitated the two killings and the people involved provided a captivating storyline as to the alleged motives behind each of the killings. SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Staff , “Winter

Storm Pax coverage” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Bruce, “Double murder plea: guilty” HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Measuring ground movements: Savannah River Site monitors activity; Quake shakes Aiken County”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker,‘ It exploded in the air’

Judges’ Comments: Reporter uses vivid images to bring home the horrifi c nature of this tragedy. SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Martha

Rose Brown, “How Miss America made me famous on CNN” THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Horse deaths ‘horrifying’: Roaming dogs raise concerns over animal laws, enforcement aft er equine onslaught”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Teddy Kulmala and Maayan Schechter, “Youth crime reports concealed: City potentially breaking Freedom of Information law; City reverses decision on juvenile documents: Questions of previous releases of incident reports still unanswered”

Judges’ Comments: Good use of exposing the laws for responsible journalism.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, St. Claire Donaghy, “Health clubs not necessarily inaccessible for disabled; Honorary swim team member Romaine motivates others; Burton Center encourages fi tness for disabled” THIRD PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Steven Bradley, ‘Political payback’ HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Sarah Bowman, “Teachers’ return from West Africa raises Ebola concerns”

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Sarah Bowman, “Assessment overload: Th e hidden costs of standardized testing”

Judges’ Comments: Comprehensive series that explains issues well. Installments clearly explain the hidden costs of standardized testing. Interactive features add a lot to coverage.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Dionne Gleaton and Gene Zaleski, “Aff ordable Care Act series” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Aiken Standard, Teddy Kulmala, “Planning for the end” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Bruce, “Domestic Violence”

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Savannah River Site”

Judges’ Comments: What I appreciate most about this series is that they are not the type of stories that just fall in your lap. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Teddy Kulmala, “Crime and Courts” THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Maayan Schechter, “Woodside”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Erin Moody, “‘Shark Teeth Fairy’ shares treasures at Sands Beach”

Judges’ Comments: Strong lede. Interesting topic written in a lighthearted manner matching the topic. Well-craft ed, giving information while entertaining.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Bruce, “Feeding thy sheep” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Sarah Bowman, “USCB commemorates 50th anniversary of desegregation” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Seneca Journal, Caitlin Herrington, “One in a million”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Stephanie Turner, “Recreating history: Author translates Italian diaries in new WWII book”

Judges’ Comments: Amazing story. SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Stephanie Turner, “Biblical fi lms open discussion” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Bruce, “Emerald Baptist street ministry” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Seneca Journal, Caitlin Herrington, “Working K-9 to fi ve”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

FIRST PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Ivy Moore, “Cobbler keeps customers on their feet”

Judges’ Comments: Not a sexy job, but this writer tells the cobbler’s story in a way that makes you feel like you are there. Great job. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh,

“Cancer patient sets goal to live to see New Year” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Bruce, “Always Willie”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Scott Chancey, “Th e Stache Brothers”

Judges’ Comments: Nice way to report a ball game. Enjoyed the ‘stache’ brothers angle. SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard

Walker, “Man says restaurant harassing him about food he didn’t order” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker, “‘Pot-bellied’ man fl ashes female driver”

FIRST PLACE PHOTO, ASSOCIATE/INDIVIDUAL DIVISION: Ryan Wilcox, Charleston Regional Business Journal


COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Graham Osteen, “D-Day heroism etched into human history; Want positive change? Get in the game; A look back at Hurricane Hugo: Day 1”

Judges’ Comments: Easy reads on all three columns. Coast folks can relate to hurricane recollections. D-Day is interesting and informative. Call to First Amendment is always a good rallying point. All the columns are personal and touch a reader without getting smarmy.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Richard Whiting, “Oh, say can you; A chance call; If a tree falls” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Hubert Osteen, “S.C. Supreme Court declares war on 1st Amendment; At the movies, now and then; TV doesn’t get much trashier than ‘Party Down South’”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Stephen Fastenau, “Th e Masters: Bubba Watson wins second green jacket in three years”

Judges’ Comments: Good color putting us on the course. Good golf details and a good fl ow to the story from beginning to end.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Stephen Fastenau, “C.A. Johnson beats Whale Branch boys in OT for 1A state title” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Dennis Brunson, “State Baseball Championship Coverage: Cool under pressure”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Andrew Macke, “Price of being great”

Judges’ Comments: I actually learned something about baseball!

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Ethan Joyce, “Purple Pride” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Scott Chancey, “Making her name” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh, “A special kind of gold”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Andrew Macke, “Addressing the Christ Church conundrum; Dixie will rise again; High school football playoffs”

Judges’ Comments: Journeyman writing gives readers insight and perspective on local sports issues.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Steven Bradley, “Don’t tune out the World Cup just yet; Th e aft ermath of ‘no cheering in the press box’; Clemson should have QB controversy” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Scott Chancey, “College of Charleston men’s basketball players deserve better; Mother’s Day means more to Rankin; Pink has taken new powerful meaning in sports world”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee Harter

Judges’ Comments: Great layout. Good use of white space. Nice use of dominate photo/graphics. Clean overall layout.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Holly Ellington THIRD PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Zack Mauldin HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, Gabi Markovich

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Sandra Ross

Judges’ Comments: Beautiful. Very inviting to reader.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Kyle Semones THIRD PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Jessica Stephens HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, Holly Ellington


FIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee HarterJudges’ Comments: Artful but restrained: use of display type, photo silhouettes, textures and color combine to create a feature page celebration of local personalities.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Holly Ellington THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker

Judges’ Comments: Very unique. SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee HarterJudges’ Comments: Designer uses clear headlines and dominant art including cut-outs and photos with interesting angles: to draw readers into page. Good use of fonts and color. Infographics and sidebars are well-designed. SECOND PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Mike McCombs THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Devin Long

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Eric Russell

Judges’ Comments: Colorful and creative take on ranking local athletes. SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Eric Russell THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds

SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “South Boundary in the snow”

Judges’ Comments: Good community shot with a great perspective. Artistic content of man/nature. SECOND PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Jessica Nelms,

“Firefi ghter gives oxygen to rescued kitten” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker, “Out of control” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “Collision at Broughton Street and U.S. Highway 301”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Th eophil Syslo, “Retirement ceremony at the Marine Corps Air Station”

Judges’ Comments: Good subject matter. Crisp, clean shot. Meaningful photo. SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Rob Novit, “Tree

removal” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Delayna Earley, “Th e Great Southeast Shakeout” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh, “Shakez Bracey’s funeral”

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST FEATURE PHOTO: Delayna Earley, The Island Packet


FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Seneca Journal, Jessica Nelms, “Shop with a Hero”

Judges’ Comments: Wonderful, compassionate shot. Good, clean photojournalism with meaning. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh,

“Boy Scout decorates veteran’s tomb stones on Memorial Day weekend” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Maddy Jones, “Greenwood County Fair” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Seneca Journal, Jessica Nelms, “Northside Elementary School water party”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Th eophil Syslo, “Dixie Boys District 8 baseball tournament”

Judges’ Comments: Great action stoppage. Crisp, clean shot. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Justin Driggers,

“SCISA 3A state track and fi eld meet” THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “Rhett Bane loses his helmet aft er a hard hit” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh, “South Carolina’s Gerald Dixon blocks a third down pass”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “Rasool Clemons hugs teammate”

Judges’ Comments: Great shot that captures the emotion of the moment. Well done. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Michael

Christopher, “Sumter High baseball team getting pumped up” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “Class 3-A playoff game” HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Maddy Jones, “Greenwood junior Courtney Hoff man reacts along with her teammates to their win”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

FIRST PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh, “Paula Scott shows off a pink rose tattoo that symbolizes her breast cancer”

Judges’ Comments: Simple image stops the reader. Good composition.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Amy Banton, “Leslie Fender” THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Tonya Guy” HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Andrew Siders”

HUMOROUS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Bill Bengtson, “Helping deal with a visitor’s automotive trouble”

Judges’ Comments: Great subject. SECOND PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Th eophil Syslo, “Beaufort Water Festival” THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Baby alpacas protected from the cold by children’s sweaters” HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, Teddy Kulmala, “Cattyshack Cat Club Championship and Household Pet Cat Show”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Staff , Th eTandD.com

Judges’ Comments: Paper’s staff works hard to post breaking news 24/7. Site is the go-to place for news in this community. It has something for everyone and content is well organized. Nice multimedia packages.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Kelly Davis, BeaufortGazette.com THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Staff , indexjournal.com


FIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Th eophil Syslo, “Longtime Beaufortonian goes skydiving for her 84th birthday”

Judges’ Comments: A wonderful story to capture. I loved seeing each step of the process from how she heard about the opportunity, getting ready, the incredible footage of her in the air, to people’s reactions as she landed. Highly engaging. Each clip used had a purpose. SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, James Grigsby,

“Relay for Life” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh, “Sumter’s Bat Mobile” HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, James Grigsby and Cindy Kubovic, “Ash Wednesday Service”

USE OF FACEBOOK PAGEFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Kelly Davis and Johnny Woodard

Judges’ Comments: Page lives up to letter of explanation. Buzz worthy community news, interesting photos, great features... most of which drive traffi c to your website. Staff does a good job of conversing with followers on page. SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Staff THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Staff

FIRST PLACE HUMOROUS PHOTO, WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISIONS COMBINEO: Roger Lee, The Summerville Journal Scene

FIRST PLACE PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY, 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY: Nancy Parsons, The News & Reporter

SPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKS from SCPA and its members to from SCPA and its members to

FLORIDA SUN FLORIDA SUN PRINTINGPRINTING

for printing this publication!for printing this publication!


UNDER 18,000 & 18,000-45,000daily divisions

combined

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Kate Hruby

Judges’ Comments: Aggressive reporting combined with good clear writing make these stories the clear winner, with special commendation for the coverage of the John de la Howe debacle.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Sarah Freishtat THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Sarah Bowman

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Dan Burley

Judges’ Comments: Th is reporter does what good business writers do, go beyond the easy feature to delve into the issues that aff ect both business and citizens. Th e work on the environmental mitigation issues of the shopping center is especially strong in its reporting work, balancing business against the environmental concerns of an obviously ‘green’ community.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jason Spencer THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Charles D. Perry

PUBLIC SERVICEFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Staff , “South Carolina State in crisis”

Judges’ Comments: Th is group of stories is exactly why newspapers will never die. No other media could give you this much insight into the problems faced by this state university. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Bowman, Rebecca Lurye and staff , “Newspaper discovers fl aws in schools’ volunteer screenings” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Staff , “Election guide”


FIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Bret McCormick, “Undocumented accomplishments”

Judges’ Comments: Th is story explores the performances of young athletes that are unrecognized because the coaches have failed to submit records. Th is investigative piece goes a long way to motivate coaches to set the record straight. Well reported with lively writing.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Alan Blondin, “Myrtle Beach area reaches back for the glory days of junior golf ” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Scott Adamson, “Noonan: It’s time for major changes”

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Kellie Benn

Judges’ Comments: Strong piece of art has stopping power. It anchors the page and draws reader into the story. Th e rest of the layout provides visual contrast and an easy-to-follow hierarchy. SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Alena Schwarz

PHOTO PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker, “Winter in pictures”

Judges’ Comments: Th e visual “furniture” is all nicely arranged to make a lively photo page – a clear center of visual interest, contrast of shape and size, closeups, establishing shots, with enough white space to let it all breathe, ahhh.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Amanda Criswell, “Slice of heaven” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Jessica Stephens, “Fair fare”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Missing”

Judges’ Comments: Outstanding storytelling with a wide variety of pictures. Excellent composition captures high emotions in the case. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon

Morgan, “Bikefest” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Hugo Th en and Now”

PICTORIALFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Maddy Jones, “Party in the Patch”

Judges’ Comments: Unique angle and the pattern of the pumpkins make this shot a winner. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tom Priddy,

“Cardinal perches on a fence post as snow fl urries swirl around her” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Michael Justus, “A tree is framed by the remains of an old mill building”

SPOT NEWS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Delayna Earley, “Christmas tree fi re burns down Marine’s home”

Judges’ Comments: Engaging subject matter, emotional interview and excellent videography and editing makes this the clear winner. SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Anna Douglas, “Police

arrest a suspect aft er Herald reader recognized his photo from the newspaper” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sumter Item, Matt Walsh, “Sumter man commits suicide during robbery attempt”

SECOND PLACE SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO, DAILY 18,000-45,000: Nathan Gray, Independent Mail

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18,000-45,000daily division


FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Michael Smith, “Much ado about nothing; Public access threatened; Honesty needed”

Judges’ Comments: Th e writer exhibits a style that commands continued reading. Th e points are well argued without ever getting bogged down, the recommendations specifi c and the topics of importance to the people of South Carolina. SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Matt Tate, “SC’s

treatment of mentally ill prisoners must be repaired now; Mammoth bad idea stalls a girl’s good suggestion; Peterson case shows a switch in how we feel about belts” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, James Werrell, “Give some thought to gun safety; Students encounter gay lifestyle all the time; AP courses should teach critical thinking”

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Lynne P. ShacklefordJudges’ Comments: Good reporting that shows initiative and digging. Th e writing is generally clear and easy to follow, making it easy for readers to understand the importance of the stories. SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Anna Douglas THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Felicia Kitzmiller HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Herald, Bristow Marchant

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Anna Douglas, “Winthrop board suspends president, gives notice of fi ring”

Judges’ Comments: Douglas does a nice job on late notice in providing context with a story that surely rocked Rock Hill.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Rachel Southmayd, “Police dash camera captures ‘a bad day in Chester’” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Daniel J. Gross, “Spartanburg man killed in drive-by shooting”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Jason M. Rodriguez, “Analysis of Coast RTA travel receipts show ribeye, salmon and lobster for some executives during trips”

Judges’ Comments: A really informative piece that highlights the lengths to which reporters must go to fully capture the details of a story. Based on information gathered through a FOIA request, the story had a solid foundation and connected numerous moving parts within the article. Th e article could lead to change in governmental policy on a local scale and that truly is the purpose of community journalism.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Ellen Meder, “Th e real facts about arrests in schools” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Sarah Freishtat, “District: As neighborhood poverty rises, students leave local elementary school”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Anna Douglas, “Emails suggest violation by Williamson”

Judges’ Comments: Fascinating, attention-grabbing coverage. Very well written. SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Rebecca Lurye

and Matt McNab, “Mishandled evidence delays trial of men accused of murdering 8-year-old” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “Grandparents of slain child spent months in custody battle; Child’s killing: A wound that never heals; Rock Hill man denied bond on family murder charges; Prosecutor alone could seek death penalty; Mia’s last words: ‘Paw paw, when am I going to stop hurting?’” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Island Packet, Fitz McAden and Dan Burley, “Th e messy divorce and shaky fi nances of Rep. Andy Patrick”

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News - Weekly Surge, Derrick Bracey, “Weekly Surge Warrior Challenge”

Judges’ Comments: Th e reporter takes us inside the challenge so we can feel what the participants feel. I was almost sweating invading Japan. Nice job.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Daniel J. Gross, “Gross on Patrol” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Lindsay Buchanan and John McElwee, “Biggest Loser”

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Rebecca Lurye, “Public Safety”

Judges’ Comments: Consistent writing. Attention to detail. Good storytelling. SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Jonathan McFadden,

“Public Safety” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Amanda Kelley, “Public Safety”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “Pain remains 10 years aft er York County mass killing”

Judges’ Comments: Powerful storytelling on important issue. Lede grabs readers. Th is entry was a standout among 60 other very well-written news features. SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Jonathan McFadden,

“Police use of force leaves battle scars” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Maya T. Prabhu, “Conway family continues to heal a year aft er toddler’s accidental shooting death” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Sun News, Charles D. Perry, “A day aft er losing her father to cancer, Conway girl sees his fi nal wish fulfi lled” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Herald, Don Worthington, ‘WE CAN DO MORE’

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Amy Coyne Bredeson, “Blufft on family, friends, strangers pay it forward in memory of baby who died from SIDS”

Judges’ Comments: Such a compelling, moving story. A pleasure to read. Beautifully written. SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Charmaine

Smith-Miles, “Parents face tough choice, choose life for their son” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Sarah Freishtat, “High school athlete and Special Olympics athlete: ‘Th ey’ve crossed every boundary’” HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, Jenny Arnold, “Shaping a life together”

FIRST PLACE FEATURE PHOTO, DAILY UNDER 18,000: Jessica Nelms, The Seneca Journal



FIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “Amanda ‘touched the hearts of many’ before her tragic death”

Judges’ Comments: Th is shocking story is well written and well organized. A clear winner. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Vicki Grooms,

“Mickey Spillane” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, ‘I WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE’

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Rachel Southmayd, “Teens post Speedo-wearing adventure on social media”

Judges’ Comments: In a delightful retelling of a small-time crime, Southmayd shows fl ashes of understated humor. SECOND PLACE: Morning News, John Russell, “Where

the locals go” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Muscadine grapes a local delight”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Pam Stone, “Learning to notice life’s little ecstasies; Letting go of those we love is never easy; Finding comfort in sacred moments, sympathy of friends”

Judges’ Comments: Loved these columns! SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Issac J. Bailey, “A Diff erent Perspective: Sometimes cops get it wrong, or even lie; President Obama: Start with poor whites to mend racial wounds post Ferguson; Health care cost spiral can’t be cured by individuals” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Don Worthington, “3-D printers make history with bite-size Mustang; Humility breeds success for restaurant manager; FLYING FOR THE FUN OF IT” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “Mia’s last words: ‘Paw paw when am I going to stop hurting?’; A joyful birthday party for all; Tire plant means two things: Jobs and hope”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Scott Adamson, “Clemson overpowers Duke, 72-59”

Judges’ Comments: Great lede and good detail, use of quotes adds to game story. Th is was a tough category with many good entries. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Ryan Young,

“Mauling the Grizzlies: Chants weather cold to blast favored Montana” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Matt Connolly, “Stunning Spartans”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Bret McCormick, “Mom dealt with grief at ballpark”

Judges’ Comments: Very good story about a mother’s love for her dead son and the son’s love for baseball. Not your typical “volunteer-is-recognized” story. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Ryan Young, “Owings

inspiring on, off fi eld: Health issues not enough to derail breakout season” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Rachel Southmayd, “YPA player is team’s ‘heart and soul’”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “Clemson great broke football’s color line; Teen cancer survivor gets honorary Winthrop gig; Far from roots, spotlight will shine brightest on Clowney”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent voice in his writing makes it memorable and easy to read. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Matt Connolly,

“Lattimore changed culture at USC; Spurrier has his ideal QB; It’s offi cial – defensive staff changes needed at South Carolina” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Mike McCombs, “Kuchar’s shot forever woven into Heritage’s tartan fabric; Pete Van Wieren, who died Saturday, belongs in Baseball Hall of Fame; It’s best for all involved if Alina Hamilton-Clark resigns”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sandra Ross

Judges’ Comments: Th e Bobby Harrell package is so eye-catching. Designer has fantastic eye for layout. SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Karen Hatton THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Ashley Fahey HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, R. Keith Hatchell

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jeff Zehr, Dan Sullivan and Luke Connell

Judges’ Comments: Clean simple layout with a superb photo that immediately grabs your attention. SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Karen Hatton THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Rob Moore


FIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Amanda CriswellJudges’ Comments: Nice use of poster-type packages to create contrast and establish a center of visual interest. SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Alena Schwarz THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Kylie Yerka

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, R. Keith Hatchell

Judges’ Comments: Big hair, saturated color, tacky clothes and over the top typography – readers wouldn’t even need a cup of coff ee aft er facing this page. SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Kylie Yerka Herbert THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Claire Byun


FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Robert WaltonJudges’ Comments: Consistent use of strong dominant images and strong type play to creative active and energetic pages. SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Stephen Guilfoyle THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Barry Haapala

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Morning News, Stephen Guilfoyle

Judges’ Comments: Creative photo editing and display type creates an energetic composition that seems to jump off the page. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Robert Walton THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Stephen Guilfoyle

FIRST PLACE SPOT NEWS PHOTO, DAILY 18,000-45,000: Ken Ruinard, Independent Mail

DAILY OVER 45,000FIRST PLACE - Th e Times and Democrat

Judges’ comments: Th is newspaper is best in providing a sense of place, capturing its community with a huge commitment to local news, a diverse sports section and a lifestyle section that involves the next generation of readers. Design is modern and breezy. Easily best of the entries. SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal

Daily Over 45,000 – Th e Post and Courier

Daily 18,000-45,000 – Th e Sun News

Daily Under 18,000 – Index-Journal

DAILY:

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

DAILY:

2-3 Times Weekly – Th e Lancaster NewsOver 4,500 – Greenville JournalUnder 4,500 – Lexington County Chronicle

Over 45, 000 – Th e Post and Courier18,000-45,000 – Herald-JournalUnder 18,000 – Aiken Standard

WEEKLY:

DAILY 18,000-45,000 DAILY UNDER 18,000FIRST PLACE - Th e Sun News

Judges’ comments: Quality of coverage was fi rst rate, Design and photo coverage were exceptional. Th e Sun News deserved its fi rst place ranking. SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald

THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail

FIRST PLACE - Th e Post and CourierJudges’ comments: When looking at the criteria for this award, it was like looking at the two recent Super Bowl teams... great balance of coverage in both entries and depth at the skill positions. But a very small margin of diff erence was given to Th e Post and Courier. Like the Super Bowl, no ties were allowed.

FIRST PLACE - Th e Berkeley IndependentJudges’ comments: Clearly the best. Great writing, good layout and good columns. Great job by the entire staff and shows good team work.

SECOND PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News

FIRST PLACE - Th e Press & StandardJudges’ comments: Excellent tightly written news stories; strong human interest photography; clean, reader-friendly design; sprinkling of well-written feature stories to humanize the paper. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen

THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle

FIRST PLACE - Th e Summerville Journal SceneJudges’ comments: Outstanding publication! Great photography and use of text/graphics throughout. Print quality is superb. Wonderful selection of local news and community photos. Love the canine heroes spread! SECOND PLACE: Th e Hartsville Messenger

THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News

2-3 TIMES WEEKLY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 WEEKLY UNDER 4,500

17 • 2014 S.C. Press Association News Contest Winners16 • 2014 S.C. Press Association News Contest Winners


SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Roof caves in”

Judges’ Comments: Goes beyond normal fi re shot by showing fi remen rushing in. Good composition. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Michael Justus,

“Peetie rescued from fi re” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Fire at Johnson Detail”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Tucker Hipps vigil”

Judges’ Comments: A diff erent take on a moving vigil portrait. Th e lights from the phone make it stand out. Th ere were a lot of good entries in this category that made it hard to pick, but this one stood out. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Jeremy

Lee Moody and his wife Christine smile at each other as they are sentenced to life in prison” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Hejaz Shrine Circus” HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Hattie and the Fox”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Island Packet, Delayna Earley, “Alex Greger does tricks on his fl y board”

Judges’ Comments: Great shot that captures the movement in the moment. SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock,

“Walking in a Winter Wonderland” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Color Run” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Herald, Jeff Sochko, “Boo Ha-Ha”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Quidditch World Cup”

Judges’ Comments: Great timing, exposure and focus capture a great moment in Quidditch. Surely, this is the fi rst Quidditch photo to ever win or place in the sports action contest. SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Lacrosse” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway,

“Darlington’s Chris Hooks throws to fi rst base” HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Spikin’ the Ball” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Clemson’s Chris Okey tags South Carolina’s Grayson Greiner as he dives for home”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Winning feeling”

Judges’ Comments: Great timing captures emotional reaction by player and fans. SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray,

“Push America’s Journey of Hope”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tom Priddy, “Pitcher John Minconeof the Savannah Sand Gnats totes the snacks to the bullpen in a pink ‘My Little Pony’ backpack” HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, Michael Justus, “Sharon Dillon cheers with the team as they score a shot”


FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Middy McClure, owner of EyeZinga”

Judges’ Comments: Great composition. Tells a story. Subject is sharp as a tack.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Pink, her favorite color” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Aspiring Christian rapper Kerry Lee”

HUMOROUS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Charles Slate, “Mallards and pintails search for food”

Judges’ Comments: I hope this had a great headline to go with it because it’s a great photo. Love the moment!

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Hillbilly Game” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “South Florence High School graduation” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Christopher Glenn Alston gives Jim Clements a high-fi ve with Tiger paw gloves during graduation”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Staff , heraldonline.com

Judges’ Comments: Excellent site with timely posts on local, state and national news. Interactive features are integrated into various parts of the site. Serves readers well.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , goupstate.com THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Staff , MyrtleBeachOnline.com


FIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Th eophil Syslo, “Th e Test”

Judges’ Comments: Superb production quality and interviews. It was nice to hear opinions of testing from a variety of vantage points. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Teachers, family, school help Pendleton teen fi nd her place on the stage” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Adaptive Surf Project”

SPORTS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Th eophil Syslo, “Sarah’s Journey”

Judges’ Comments: Good camera angles. Unique take on sports.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Anderson man waits 31 years to see his dream of running competitively come true” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Th e legendary Mr. Danny Cannon has been entertaining the crowds”

ONLINE PHOTO GALLERYFIRST PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Th is is our oasis”

Judges’ Comments: Photographer does an excellent job capturing the farmers’ personalities and life on the farm. Interesting narration pairs well with fi tting images. Captivating black-and-white portraits. SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard,

“Hurricane Hugo 25 years later” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “South Carolina v. Georgia”

USE OF FACEBOOK PAGEFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Staff

Judges’ Comments: Newspaper does a good job of using Facebook page to post breaking news,share deal and event info, and connect with readers. SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Staff THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Kim Brauss, Justin

Johnson and Matt Robertson

FIRST PLACE SPORTS ACTION PHOTO, WEEKLY OVER 4,500: Ross Burton, The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County

18,000-45,000(continued)

FIRST PLACE PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT, DAILY UNDER 18,000: Matt Walsh, The Sumter Item


Over 45,000daily division


FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Cindi Ross Scoppe, “Don’t close court for Harrell’s request; S.C., U.S. need Lindsey Graham back in Senate; Th ere she goes again”

Judges’ Comments: Strong opinion, concise writing. Particularly like calling the governor to stick to the facts. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Beth Padgett, “Find

lasting solutions to homelessness; City should listen about elections; One win against animal cruelty” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Warren Bolton, “Wilson should remove interim Chief Santiago; Appoint all-new county elections board; Benjamin should report trip”

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Jamie Self

Judges’ Comments: Dogged reporting. Well done. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Tim Smith THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, David Slade

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Jamie Self

Judges’ Comments: Shows a wide range of reporting, from insight into racial friction in a school board election to a successful teacher and a complicated fi nancial and legal issue. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Carolyn Click THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Cynthia Roldan

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Andrew Knapp and Glenn Smith, ‘Incomprehensible’

Judges’ Comments: Great writing, reporting, photos and layout. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Staff , “Flooding

kills two, destroys businesses” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Harrison Cahill and Tim Flach, “Motive for killings remains unclear” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Federal judge strikes down state’s gay marriage ban, stays ruling until Nov. 20”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Andrew Knapp, “Culture of sex on cutter Gallatin”

Judges’ Comments: Great use of sources to give an inside look at a culture many would never see otherwise. Great storytelling to boot! SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Lauren

Sausser, “Rural Hospitals Face Emergency” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Harrison Cahill, “Two deaths in Union: Still shocking”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTHFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, David Slade, “Reclaiming the Neck; Addressing a century of pollution; Visions of progress; Gathering discontent”

Judges’ Comments: Great concept, well-executed, and the kind of thing newspapers are meant for. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Andrew Knapp,

“‘Stop and frisk’ in the death of Denzel Curnell” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Jamie Self, “DSS”

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Sammy Fretwell, “Gold Standards”

Judges’ Comments: Fretwell’s shoe-leather reporting took him across the country to research and report on the impact that gold mines could have on South Carolina if not properly regulated. Th is gripping enterprise series explained issues in a way that was easy for readers to follow. Stand-out entry in a highly competitive category. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith,

Cynthia Roldan and Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Th e new asylums” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Jeff Wilkinson, “Coming Home”

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Jeff Wilkinson, “Military”

Judges’ Comments: Covering the military can be daunting, but Jeff Wilkinson shows how to do it and do it well. From putting a face on South Carolina’s war dead to explaining the impact of potential military cuts on the local economy, his stories are clear and supported well. Not an easy feat, but Wilkinson handled it well. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Warren L.

Wise, “Boeing” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Sammy Fretwell, “Environment”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Kristy Eppley Rupon

Judges’ Comments: Rupon is especially effective in relating to the larger community. Nice human interest dimension lifts business stories into a different light. Many impressive entries in this category!

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Jeff Wilkinson THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Rudolph Bell

PUBLIC SERVICEFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “Till Death Do Us Part”

Judges’ Comments: Convincing, thorough and well-executed eff ort to push policy makers and the public on a disturbing topic.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, David Slade, “Few access homebuyer’s tax credit; State may give you $5,000 to upgrade your roof, windows; Out-of-state colleges off er in-state rates” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Lyn Riddle, “Homeless in Greenville”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “When a job is ‘a matter of life, death’”

Judges’ Comments: This well-written and shocking story paints an agonizing picture of the way society treats abused women.

SECOND PLACE - TIE: Th e Post and Courier, Brian Hicks, “Judge no longer ‘lost to history’” SECOND PLACE - TIE: Th e Post and Courier, Brian Hicks, “Life inside the track” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Eric Connor, “A mother’s lonely road”

FIRST PLACE SPOT NEWS PHOTO, DAILY UNDER 18,000: Dede Biles, Aiken Standard


LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier ,Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Quiet sisterhood: Parents join club of grieving parents who have lost babies before birth”

Judges’ Comments: Th is sad and compelling story is well written and there’s no way to stop reading. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Liv Osby,

“Improving the odds” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Adam Parker and Robert Behre, “Bold buildings: How to integrate new architecture into historic urban landscapes”


FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Two little boys. Two families. One nightmare.”

Judges’ Comments: What a heartbreaking piece of journalism that brings you right into these little boys’ lives. And what an intriguing way to present it – two kids diagnosed on the same day. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith

and Schuyler Kropf, “Chief Greenberg remembered as passionate leader, quirky innovator” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “A mother’s (tough) love: Scott credits his single mother for rise from poverty to national stage”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Robert Behre, “Concrete proof of lasting love”

Judges’ Comments: True human interest story told in an economy of space. Th is is the kind of article that draws casual skimmers in and makes them loyal readers. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Anna Lee,

“Offi cers saved man on I-85 span” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Ethen Richardson dies from brain tumor complications” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Prentiss Findlay, “Pig in the surf surprises family on Sullivan’s Island”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e State, Warren Bolton, “Reading level, not race, determines our future; All is not well in the city of Columbia; What elected offi cials do with our power”

Judges’ Comments: Topics that should cause every reader to pause and refl ect. One of Mr. Bolton’s columns is about a hot-button issue: How the inability to read, particularly among black children raised in poverty, is at the root of so many social problems. What distinguishes this column is how he relates personal experiences (i.e., reading to his own sons and a telephone call from a bigoted reader) to shed light on the problem as well as to suggest possible solutions. Too many pundits today use their position as a bully pulpit to either air pet peeves or to infl ate their own image. Bolton writes in a conversational manner like a caring parent anxious to share basic truths – not because they are earth-shaking in originality but because they might help other parents and children. Good job.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, David Slade, “Personal Finance: Avoiding unnecessary PMI charges; State may give you $5,000 to upgrade your roof, windows; Out-of-state colleges off er in-state rates” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Cindi Ross Scoppe, “Th e best defense is an audacious off ense; Bulletproof; What Bobby Harrell taught us”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier; Jeff Hartsell, Amanda Kerr and Gene Sapakoff ; “Academic Magnet fi ring stirs uproar”

Judges’ Comments: Strong reporting of a complex story under deadline pressure. Multiple sources add to the report. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, David

Caraviello, “‘It was meant to be’: Gamecocks cap improbable comeback in overtime victory” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Ed McGranahan, “Clemson ponders athletics fees”


FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Bob Gillespie, “Lucas Glover at a crossroads”

Judges’ Comments: Great insight into the success and struggles of a pro golfer on the course and in his personal life. Pushes him to reveal things that you know are diffi cult to talk about even though some he won’t completely open up about. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Ron Morris, “Th e

Redemption Boys” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Ron Morris, “Th e Pride of Prosperity”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e State, Bob Gillespie, “Th e Most Important Th ing I’ll Ever Do”

Judges’ Comments: Touching story well told. Gives great insight into a father’s love and what he would go through for his child. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Aaron

Brenner, “Darkness to bright: Daughter’s birth date has special signifi cance for Jeremiah Dew, 20 years aft er father’s suicide” THIRD PLACE: The State, Neil White, “The Search for Pokey”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Ron Morris, “Pell Grants instead of paying players; Dave and Dan are Coker College; Father’s echoes of the greatest ever”

Judges’ Comments: Penetrating, strong human interest columns about fi nancial aspects of being a college athlete. Also Morris captured the personalities of Dave and Dan at Coker College. And his column about his father taking him to see the great Willie Mays is heartwarming. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Scott Keepfer,

“Secretariat’s standard may never be matched; Even when it’s chilly, baseball ushers in spring; Many reasons to enjoy the madness” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff , “Worse than pathetic for Th e Citadel; Spurrier’s take on Ray Rice should be law; Eisenhower and Augusta: Ode to a tree” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e State, Bob Spear, “Alex Hawkins: Illness claims Gamecock great; Week of fi rsts for South Carolina golfer; Aim was for authenticity in restoring Pinehurst No. 2”SECOND PLACE PICTORIAL, DAILY UNDER 18,000 & 18,000-45,000 DIVISIONS COMBINED: Tom Priddy, Herald-Journal


PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Maureen Hartshorn

Judges’ Comments: A strong mix of well-researched, in-depth stories and breaking news paired with compelling art and design. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Kelly Cobb

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Maureen Hartshorn

Judges’ Comments: Nice mix of stories and strong photo selection make it newsy, with enough white space to make it seem classic, authoritative and uncluttered. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett


FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, Judges’ Comments: Consistently strong interplay of type, photography, color, art and space to produce rich and lively feature pages that make readers want to eat, dance and sing along. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Krena Lanham

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar

Judges’ Comments: I thought this illustration was beautifully done. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Kelly Cobb THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Krena

Lanham


FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff erJudges’ Comments: Consistent photo illustrations and page design to bring the sports page to life. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chris Tabakian

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

Judges’ Comments: Creative photo illustration captures all the excitement and crazy energy of March Madness. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar

Judges’ Comments: Chock full of information, analysis and solid visual reporting, all presented in a clear, engaging format. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gill Guerry THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Kelly Cobb

PHOTO PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “Bridge Run”

Judges’ Comments: Nice use of mixed photos and sizes to create a visually interesting page. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar,

“Spiritual Places” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner, “Bridge Run” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e State, Kelly Cobb, “Game Week”

SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Charleston Police Department offi cers detain a group on Spring Street aft er shots were fi red”

Judges’ Comments: Good hustle by photographer to get to scene. Good composition. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Heidi

Heilbrunn, “Brush fi re in the Riverwood Farm community” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Goose Creek homicide”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Unity in the Community rally”

Judges’ Comments: Th is was a tough category with lots of really great images. We like the emotion of this picture. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm,

“Heavy summer rains” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Alzheimer’s”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Splash Pad at Saluda Shoals Park”

Judges’ Comments: Great emotion with nice composition. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez,

“Blythewood “Doko” Rodeo” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Icy Stroll”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “K.J. McDaniels dunks against Georgia State”

Judges’ Comments: Unique angle makes this picture a winner. Takes the readers where they can’t otherwise be. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Dive!” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal

McEldowney, “Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Tracy Glantz, “Rain Delay”

Judges’ Comments: Good composition and exposure makes this photo stand out. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Bart

Boatwright, “Clemson huddles” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Out of the Light”


FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Kim Kim Foster-Tobin, “Girls Rock Columbia camp”

Judges’ Comments: A great moment that gives you the feeling of being in the class. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez,

“Wounded Warrior” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Greenville pianist Emile Pandolfi ”

FIRST PLACE PICTORIAL, DAILY UNDER 18,000 & 18,000-45,000 DIVISIONS COMBINED: Maddy Jones, Index-Journal


UNDER 4,500weekly division

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Life on the infi eld at Darlington Raceway”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent variety of shots. Strong composition. Captures spirit of the race. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez,

“Wounded Warrior” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Rodeo”

PICTORIALFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Kim Kim Foster-Tobin, “Veterans Day Parade”

Judges’ Comments: Nice composition and moment. Result is a very nice graphic presentation of a situation we have all seen and maybe tried. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller,

“Volunteer keeps an eye on a fi re as he walks down a smoke-fi lled road used as a fi re line during a prescribed burn” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “South Carolina State Fair” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Leroy Burnell, “Procession carrying Deputy Joseph Matuskovic is escorted down Savannah Highway”

HUMOROUS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Orlando players watch the game against the Stingrays from their bench”

Judges’ Comments: Nice recognition of a found moment resulting in humor. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal

McEldowney, “Byrnes Rebels’ ROTC march on the fi eld before their team hosts the Lexington Wildcats” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Corey Cox” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Citadel Beautiful Bulldog Contest”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , postandcourier.com

Judges’ Comments: Site excels in both in quantity and quality of content blogs: special sections and more. Staff breaks news oft en, and trending topics point readers to important issues.” SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Staff , thestate.com THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Staff ,

GreenvilleOnline.com

SPOT NEWS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Citizen runs into burning apartment to alert residents including 5 children”

Judges’ Comments: Th e only on-the-scene spot news entry in this contest. Video captures emotion of the rescue as well as the scope of the fi re. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal

McEldowney, “Caught on camera” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky, “CofC students protest McConnell hiring”


FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Wounded Warrior”

Judges’ Comments: Great story told in an excellent package. Th e use of the subject’s and videographer’s photos along with the footage added to the whole piece. Th is was a tough category with so many videos deserving recognition. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky,

“Connecting CofC to the Music Industry” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Trauma”

SPORTS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky and Warren Peper, “Family Circle Cup - My Charleston Today”

Judges’ Comments: Professional. Good look behind the scenes. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chris

Hanclosky, “World Cup Fever: Fans Watch USA vs. Portugal” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Two ACL tears can’t keep Mauldin soft ball player from the fi eld”

ONLINE PHOTO GALLERYFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Recognition Day”

Judges’ Comments: Strong, interesting photos that are cropped well. Good mix of images that give readers a real feel for Recognition Day. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal

McEldowney, “Love, sweat, tears and boxing” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Darlington Raceway”

USE OF FACEBOOK PAGEFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff

Judges’ Comments: Page is packed with engaging, interesting content. Great mix of news, features and other posts – many that connect to newspaper’s print and digital products. Especially like the user-submitted photos and how the reporters are using the medium to fi nd sources for stories. P.S. - I am tickled by your fans’ spirited discussions over grocery store coupons and reality TV shows. SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Staff THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Steve Bruss

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles

Judges’ Comments: Good in-depth reporting of county government.

SECOND PLACE: Th e News-Era, Joseph Garris Jr. THIRD PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Will Whaley

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Robert J. Baker and Joe Perry, “Hospital screening patients for Ebola virus”

Judges’ Comments: Took a story that gripped the nation and localized it in a big way. Layered with print and online support.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Cell phone call saves sinking boat” THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Hal Millard, “Emma’s Law”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: News and Press, Jana E. Pye, “Gillespie’s Peanuts: locally grown and oh, so good!”

Judges’ Comments: Great human interest. Good use of quotes.

SECOND PLACE: Th e News (Kingstree), Michaele Duke, “Two Women, two stories, two futures; Living with breast cancer” THIRD PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Larry Franklin, “Local Republicans say Graham ‘out of touch’; Graham has been in elected offi ce since 1993; Censure of Graham has 29 points...”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News; Jerry Bellune, Hal Millard and Rob Cottingham; “Attorney General Alan Wilson v. Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell”

Judges’ Comments: Reporters did an excellent job following the process and sequence of events. Reader able to follow chronologically and have an informed closure to the story.

SECOND PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Terry Ward, “West Columbia mayor at odds with council” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Man denied bond aft er driving into building; Suspect charged with attempted murder” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Kay Gordon, “Chapin mayor at odds with council”SECOND PLACE FEATURE PHOTO, DAILY OVER 45,000: Gerry

Melendez, The State


SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Enquirer-Herald, Staff , “Clover school district bond referendum 2014”

Judges’ Comments: Comprehensive review of tax proposal that identifi es the school district’s needs. Breakout of where dollars will go provides perspective from week to week.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Paramedics there in times of crisis” THIRD PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, “A look back” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e North Augusta Star, Scott Rodgers, “North Augusta Forward”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “Lockhart’s lost sons”

Judges’ Comments: A standout entry in a very tough competition. Many outstanding entries. A touching story that is a true news feature – taking an event in the news – the memorial being built – and digging deeper into the story to feature the departed being honored and their families. Easy-to-follow story with clear organization.

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “BUC Railroad lives on in new book” THIRD PLACE: Jasper County Sun, Anthony Garzilli, “Palm Key helps wounded vets forge connections”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: News and Press, Jana E. Pye, “Memories of Jeff ords’ Mill in Dovesville: corn meal, swimmin’ and fi shin’”

Judges’ Comments: Article is well written. Pictures give the article a nostalgic feel but defi nitely brings the article to life.

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “It’s never too late for love” THIRD PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Robert J. Baker, “Band of Brothers”


FIRST PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “School mourns loss of guidance counselor”

Judges’ Comments: Great eff ort in getting comments from people who were impacted by Anita’s life and death, including social media responses as they are oft en candid.

SECOND PLACE: The People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “Former addict shares story of recovery” THIRD PLACE: The Manning Times, Joe Perry, “100 - Wyboo resident celebrates milestone birthday” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “55 years prowling the sidelines and hallways”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Jerry Bellune, “Pray for Kennedy”

Judges’ Comments: Story shows how one resident identify a need and mobilize the community to benefi t someone with a true need. SECOND PLACE: Th e News (Kingstree), Michaele

Duke, “Painted in mystery: Museum asks citizens to help identify mystery artist” THIRD PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Capt. Hampton’s story takes fl ight” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Cheraw Chronicle & Th e Chesterfi eld Advertiser, Corey Friedman, “GPS leads to pine straw theft arrest”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Andi Mills, “Second Sight: Stranger the Dog; Th e man with three names; Cell phones – friend or foe?”

Judges’ Comments: Conversational style and interesting topics make these columns stand out. SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, Charles “Charlie

Bill” Martin, “A Life Well Lived: Sheer Terror; Normandy; Bootleggers” THIRD PLACE: Th e Cheraw Chronicle & Th e Chesterfi eld Advertiser, Sandi McBride, “Childhood memories in the chinaberry shade; Happy haunting from childhood memories; Sleepless nights worth the tired trade-off ”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Joe Perry, “Light on the ‘Charm’, heavy on the vapid: Did you miss ‘Southern Charm?’; You’re smarter than I; I have a new friend”

Judges’ Comments: Relevant well-written columns infused with biting sarcasm, dry humor and wit. SECOND PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan

Brown, “Snowmeggedon Diary; Steak... on a SWORD!; Should have been a cowboy” THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Graham Williams, “Plastic packaging tries my patience; Shake, rattle and roll; Parking mayhem on Main Street”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Stags put footprint on Region AAA baseball championship”

Judges’ Comments: Great lead sentenceand good interview to get candid quotes which always makes for an entertaining read. SECOND PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic

MacDonald, “A reunion for Red Devil soft ball” THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Brian Whitmore, “Whitmire wins, ends streak” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Lady Stags lethal in clincher”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Jasper County Sun, Anthony Garzilli, “Boston Marathon was ‘amazing’ experience”

Judges’ Comments: Story fi lled with human interest beyond the headline. Easily caught my attention and kept it. Winner in a very tough category. Many outstanding pieces. SECOND PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan

Brown, “Metts brings home wrestling gold” THIRD PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Pinson sisters share tough love on court”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Bob Winters: A coaching career ends; Kyle Garrick = Money; Cruce era offi cially begins”

Judges’ Comments: Great writing about local sports. Able to fi nd stories at home. Good job. SECOND PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e

Dispatch News, Jerry Bellune, “Sports Grouch” THIRD PLACE: Jasper County Sun, Anthony Garzilli, “‘Th is place is hyped’: Writing about world class World Cup writing; An aft ernoon with the World Cup: America’s surge brings soccer fans together; Th e team that made America cheer” HONORABLE MENTION: Union County News, Brian Whitmore, “Gault would be proud; Legislating a break; Union County High can do better than average”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer,

Judges’ Comments: Graphics and layout are great. SECOND PLACE: Pageland Progressive-Journal, Laura Caskey THIRD PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery HONORABLE MENTION: News and Press, Duane Childers

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e North Augusta Star, Holly Ellington

Judges’ Comments: Layout looks great and clean. SECOND PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e North Augusta Star, Holly Ellington THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e North Augusta Star, Holly Ellington

FIRST PLACE SPORTS ACTION PHOTO, DAILY 18,000-45,000: Janet Blackmon Morgan, The Sun News



FIRST PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Travis Boland

Judges’ Comments: Eye-catching, clean design. Good use of graphics and art to draw readers into the page. SECOND PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e

Dispatch News, Mark Bellune

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e News (Kingstree), Michaele Duke and Staff

Judges’ Comments: Design looks great! SECOND PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Travis Boland HONORABLE MENTION: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Mark Bellune

PHOTO PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: News and Press, Duane Childers, “Scare on the Square”

Judges’ Comments: Layout is clean. Looks good overall. SECOND PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer, “Martin Luther King Jr. Day” THIRD PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer, “Faces of the Striped Bass Festival” HONORABLE MENTION: News and Press, Duane Childers and Jana E. Pye, “Darlington Marathon”

SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e News (Kingstree), Michaele Duke, “Ice, Ice, Baby”

Judges’ Comments: Great photo. Th ere is something very ethereal about the photo. Th ere is not a person in it, and it seems as if the trees and life itself, people, movement, activity, are also frozen. Even though it is not fi lled with vibrant color, the point of the photo is still made – it is winter, and it is cold. SECOND PLACE: Th e North Augusta Star, TJ Lundeen,

“Ben Kinsey holds a fl ag on Martintown Road” THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Graham Williams, “House fi re on S. Enterprise Street” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “Paramedics take man away on a stretcher aft er her car hits pole”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Mark Bellune, “Lexington boy called to heaven”

Judges’ Comments: Wow, what a great picture... it tells so much. It shows the heartache and love of two people. Th e clarity of the tears set this apart for the other entries. Great job. SECOND PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic

MacDonald, “You said it wouldn’t explode” THIRD PLACE: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “Barrel racing at the Crescent rodeo” HONORABLE MENTION: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, “Graduating Class of the Darlington County Prison Farm”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Rob Cottingham, “Fun at the Fall Festival”

Judges’ Comments: Wonderful photo. Th e child’s face appears as though she is about to squeal in delight at the bubbles before her and even though she knows that touching them will pop them, she is not quite certain she wants them to touch her face. Good, crisp color. SECOND PLACE: Pageland Progressive-Journal, David

Kellin, “Good times at Watermelon Festival” THIRD PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “Color 5K Run/Walk” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “Special Olympics”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “UCHS’ Payton Martin fi res to fi rst to cut down a Seneca base runner”

Judges’ Comments: Shots like these are sometimes very hard to catch, but this photograph nails it. Th e runner and the person who may or may not determine if she is out are in the same image and the runner is racing against the ball fl ying above her head. SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “East

Clarendon’s catcher loses the ball” THIRD PLACE: Th e Williamston Journal, Michael Lollis, “Back fl ip” HONORABLE MENTION: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “Union County’s Desmond Young eyes the ball”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “State champs”

Judges’ Comments: Th ree great expressions. Clean background. Sharp. A peak moment. SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers,

“BHP second baseman Anna Hamby concentrates on making the catch” THIRD PLACE: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “BHP soft ball player Anagrace Crawford hugs teammates”


FIRST PLACE: Th e North Augusta Star, TJ Lundeen, “Shawn Th omas”

Judges’ Comments: Th is photo almost seems to say “What’s not to like?” Th e smile on this man’s face says “I love crab legs, and I’ve got a plate of them in my hands.” Th e color is good and the background plays into the subject of the photo. SECOND PLACE: Th e Pickens Sentinel, Kasie

Strickland, “Everett Beale” THIRD PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, “Doris Gandy”HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Neva Peagler reminds residents to vote for her husband”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Pickens Sentinel, Kasie Strickland, “Community attends vigil”

Judges’ Comments: More than a collection of disconnected photos at an event. SECOND PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan

Vickery, “Fire at Buck’s Hardware” THIRD PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, Duane Childers and Jana E. Pye, “Bojangles Southern 500”

HUMOROUS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “Big cow lick”

Judges’ Comments: Great tension! Th e cow has a blank look as if it doesn’t know the diff erence between a human and a molasses lick nor does it appear to care. Th e girl’s face is also great. It shows that she loves animals and really doesn’t appear to care that she is being treated like a molasses lick. Good color and cropping. SECOND PLACE: Th e News (Kingstree), Michaele

Duke, “Can you say surprise” THIRD PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, “Take me out to the ball game” HONORABLE MENTION: News and Press, Duane Childers, “St. John’s Class of 1959 - the Class Too Tough To Tame”

THIRD PLACE SPORTS ACTION PHOTO, WEEKLY UNDER 4,500: Michael Lollis, The Williamston Journal


UNDER 4,500 & OVER 4,500

weekly divisionscombined

OVER 4,500weekly division

HARRIS AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Susan Clary Simmons, “Puppet master or police chief?; Th is isn’t progress; Toothless texting ban”

Judges’ Comments: Sound editorials. Th ey make a point and do it well.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, James Denton, “Fashion Police State; From the Adverse Press; Ramblin’ Rec” THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Jerry Bellune, “Penny taxers have a lot to answer for; Who’s abusing their power?; Th e high price of candor”

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers

Judges’ Comments: Nice diversity of coverage. Writer covers important statewide education issues including common core and evolution in a smart manner that resonates with readers. Strong, well-written content in a highly competitive contest.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp THIRD PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Heather Gale HONORABLE MENTION: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Dustin Waters, “ Community Causes”

Judges’ Comments: Touching stories with great headlines and photos that draw the reader in. Human interest very high in these pieces. A complete package. SECOND PLACE: Th e Manning Times, Robert J. Baker,

“Crime and Cops” THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, April A. Morris, “Beer, craft brewing and brewing legislation”

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, April A. Morris

Judges’ Comments: Solid reporting. SECOND PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, James Denton THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, James Denton, “Coach sits out big game in jail”

Judges’ Comments: Talk about being in the right place at the right time! SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Audit

of school district credit cards shows more misuse” THIRD PLACE: Daniel Island News, Elizabeth Bush, “DI family loses dog in alligator attack”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers, “Th e View from Bridgeview”

Judges’ Comments: Hands down winner. Solid reporting good writing: newspapering as good as it gets. SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael

Smith, “Sexual assault victim says Horry County police never appointed an advocate” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Th e death of George Brinsmaid”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Staff , “Heather Elvis case”

Judges’ Comments: Standout in a category with many very strong entries. Comprehensive, continuing coverage. Reporters served community well with in-depth, well-written pieces. SECOND PLACE: Fort Mill Times, John Marks, “In-

depth look at a maligned utility and its eventual takeover by the city” THIRD PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Th e new Bells Elementary; Debate over funding for new school is brewing” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, James Denton, “10 months later, S2 reports incomplete; Documents reveal growing costs of County’s Drawdy Park project; Report: contractors at fault in Drawdy Park wall failure”

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare and Charles D. Perry, “Atlantic Beach Bikefest”

Judges’ Comments: Th is series covered a continuing, sensitive controversy well from all angles. SECOND PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jennifer

Johnston, “Did you catch him? From real man to con man” THIRD PLACE: Carolina Gateway, Christopher Sardelli, “Chain Reaction”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Jennifer Oladipo

Judges’ Comments: In a very tough category that contained plenty of good work, Jennifer’s articles stood out. She is able to clearly explain business-related topics in an easy-to-understand manner, and her research and enterprise in developing her articles is immediately obvious. SECOND PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Dustin Waters THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Sherry Jackson HONORABLE MENTION: Daniel Island News, Jennifer

Johnston

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Ettie Newlands, “Where is Brittanee?”

Judges’ Comments: Th is was by far the strongest piece in the news feature category because of its fi ne news reporting, clear writing style and in-depth account.

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, April A. Morris, “Sleeping rough – under the bridge” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “Looking East”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Kathy Ropp, “Christmas in Conway: Yes Hallmark fans, Christmas movie is set in Conway, S.C.”

Judges’ Comments: Great article. SECOND PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “Special needs students show their spirit!” THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, April A. Morris, “Over the ocean blue”

SECOND PLACE SPORTS ACTION PHOTO, DAILY 18,000-45,000: Jay Karr, The Island Packet

HONORABLE MENTION SPOT NEWS PHOTO, DAILY UNDER 18,000: Larry Hardy, The Times and Democrat

THIRD PLACE GENERAL NEWS PHOTO, WEEKLY OVER 4,500: Michael Smith, Carolina Forest Chronicle



FIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Dustin Waters, “Local artist takes over Batgirl comic”

Judges’ Comments: Good localization of story that could easily have sounded like a press release. Generates interest without succumbing to smaltz. Flowed well. SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “Still

speaking her mind at 105” THIRD PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Sully Witte, “As the saying goes...One local man’s words of wisdom/Words of wisdom from one local man” HONORABLE MENTION: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “Painter’s job has its ups and downs”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Vessel leaves questions in its wake”

Judges’ Comments: Th e reporter’s writing is remarkably fresh and clear. A fascinating story from beginning to end, not simply because of its subject but because of the careful, entertaining release of details. It’s not a straight news story, it’s better. SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson,

“Students tap into tradition” THIRD PLACE: Th e Gazette, Rob Gantt, “GCHS grad shocked by dad’s appearance”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Superintendent’s fi ring was a case of culpability, not color; Bells Elementary: Some want a new school, and others don’t; Deer hunting with dogs disappearing, but it doesn’t have to”

Judges’ Comments: Pleased to see someone not concerned with being politically correct... facts are facts. Also, great diversity in subject matter. SECOND PLACE: Th e Island News, Pamela

Brownstein, “What do you get for a dad who has everything?; When things don’t add up; Just a little letter to let you know the kids are all right” THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Betty Moses, “A Saturday ride-about; I love a small town; Is that woodsmoke I smell?”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Karen Tomas, “Brain Flurries: Yard work by any other name; TV says ‘Let’s Get Small’; Mark Twain: Writer, stalker-ghost”

Judges’ Comments: Enjoyable pieces fl ow well. And fun. SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Chris Haire, “Th e Tragedy of Mark Sanford by William Shakespeare: Et tu, Jenny?; Civil War LARPer Glenn McConnell signs contract for KofC post; Is Mark Sanford a pill popper?” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Billy Cannada, “Blame Cannada: Watching my sports; Being a patriot; Th e injury”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Return To Glory: War Hawks shut down W.W. King, win state championship”

Judges’ Comments: Combination of individual feature, team story and historical perspective really eff ective... well done.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Perfection: Lady War Hawks win state title to cap off undefeated season” THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Knights open new park to big crowd”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “MB couple rolls to honeymoon bowl game – 50 years later”

Judges’ Comments: Memorable story told through solid writing.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Frankie Mansfi eld, “Holy City Outlaws lead local wave of U.S. fandom” THIRD PLACE: Th e Link, Bob Sloan, “18-year-old takes down 500-pound wild hog” HONORABLE MENTION: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “A boat full of miracles”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Julie Holcombe

Judges’ Comments: Eye-catching headlines, good organization/use of space, graphics and art.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island News, Pamela Brownstein THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Gazette, Brandon Lockett

Judges’ Comments: Clean, thoughtful design. Good work in a highly competitive contest. SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael

Smith THIRD PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Susanne Kappler

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, John Zara

Judges’ Comments: “Normal old photos” are much more exciting with the color and placement. Everything about this page works.

SECOND PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jan Marvin THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Gazette, Sandra Schopfer

Judges’ Comments: Excellent usage of photos, all of which show action and emotion. Attractive layout easily leads the reader into the page. Very clean appearance.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith THIRD PLACE: Th e Gazette, Krena Lanham

PHOTO PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Carolina Gateway, Jane Alford, “A Party at Gatsby’s”

Judges’ Comments: Great job portraying a diverse group of faces. Always good to see captions. Eff ective use of layout to allow white space, as well as great use of dominant photo to less dominant photo.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island News, Pamela Brownstein, “A Taste of Beaufort was full of food and fun” THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Betty Moses, “Football Victory” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Happy Holidays”

SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Gazette, Rob Gantt, “Goose Creek High School senior surprised onstage by his father, Army Staff Sgt. Jamie Schott, during graduation”

Judges’ Comments: Extraordinary moment in a typically ordinary event. Who doesn’t love this type of surprise? Emotion well captured.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, William Buchheit, “Family members console each other following an accident” THIRD PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Help arrives”

FIRST PLACE PICTORIAL, ALL WEEKLY: Wallace McBride, The Fort Jackson Leader


GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland, “Beating the heat”

Judges’ Comments: Great moment. Super cute kids expressing lots of fun. SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Jeff Musgrave,

“Oh boa” THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Nightclub killer gets 30 years” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Link, Jeff rey Davis, “Graduation”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “It was everything to him”

Judges’ Comments: Striking image really pulls the viewer in, leaving one to wonder what the story is behind the photo. SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Greg Beckner,

“Globetrotter” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island News, Bob Sofaly, “KidFest”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood and Fairfi eld County, Ross Burton, “Kelsey Briggs leaps toward the Silver Standard”

Judges’ Comments: Great action photo. Good tension. Nothing in the background pulls focus away from the central part of the image. Youthful and fun with the facial expression captured on the girl. Face also shows determination. Color good, too. SECOND PLACE: Th e Island News, Eric Smith,

“Beaufort River Swim” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Lower State fi nal” HONORABLE MENTION: Greenville Journal, Greg Beckner, “Girls soccer tournament at the MeSA complex”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Warrior playoff hopes are high”

Judges’ Comments: Perfectly captures the youthfulness and hopefulness one has right before their high school team is about to score. It appears as though she is taking a deep breath, watching as the ball fl ies toward the hands of the receiver in the end zone. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, William Buchheit,

“Th e Eastside boys’ soccer team capped a 21-0 season to claim the state championship” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Phil Buchheit, “Riverside football players perform a drill at the command of a U.S. Marine instructor” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Gazette, Rob Gantt, “TD!”


FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Don Withers”

Judges’ Comments: Unique angle and appreciate the inclusion of subject’s camera since it is relevant to the subject. SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman,

“Sean Brennan” THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Greg Beckner, “D-Day Vet”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Th omas Hammond, “Postcards from Syria”

Judges’ Comments: Very unique, good selection of a variety of photos to really show a glimpse at another culture and place. A treat to see this series. SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman,

“National Sculpture Association fi gure modeling competition” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Th e light stuff ”

THIRD PLACE PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT, DAILY OVER 45,000: Mykal McEldowney, The Greenville News

FIRST PLACE PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT, WEEKLY UNDER 4,500: TJ Lundeen, The North Augusta Star

THIRD PLACE GENERAL NEWS PHOTO, DAILY OVER 45,000: Grace Beahm, The Post and CourierHONORABLE MENTION GENERAL NEWS PHOTO, DAILY 18,000-45,000: Veasey Conway, Morning News


OVER 4,500 &2-3 TIMES WEEKLYdivisions combined

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey, “Daddy’s garden produced great times, lessons; McMurray won, molded men for the game of life; A miracle to celebrate this yule season”

Judges’ Comments: Nice personal stories. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Billy Cannada, “Blame Cannada - A fi tting farewell; No love for Kobe; Keep your hall of fame” THIRD PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “Johnson envisions Hollywood career; Swinney assailed for faith; Carolina hopes to win by a ‘hare’” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Colletonian, Cindy Crosby, “On Deck with Cindy Crosby”


FIRST PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Jon MartinJudges’ Comments: Interesting, very clean. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Julie Holcombe THIRD PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Joe L. Hughes II HONORABLE MENTION: Carolina Forest Chronicle,

Michael Smith

HUMOROUS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “YMCA swimmers prepare themselves for Mixed Medley Race”

Judges’ Comments: Kids’ attitudes certainly come across in this photo. Priceless expressions! SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman,

“Amy Downing applies her husband’s makeup for a ‘beauty’ contest” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Suz Mole is surprised by Bernus Smith”

2-3 TIMES WEEKLYdivision

HARRIS AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Take the keys; Th e Dark Ages; Accept it”

Judges’ Comments: Well-written editorials show grasp of subjects. Important to local readers. SECOND PLACE: Th e Easley Progress, D. C. Moody,

“Politics of education is hurting Pickens County students; When it comes to education, just keep it simple; Is a brokered peace possible?” THIRD PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Cody Sossamon, “Th is doesn’t pass the smell test...in factit stinks; It’s a perfect time to visit one of our national parks; Th is has been tried before: Will it work this time?”

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli

Judges’ Comments: Great job of making coverage understandable and easy to read. Good reporting. SECOND PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Jim

Tatum HONORABLE MENTION: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Scott Powell,

Judges’ Comments: All about diversity... local funding, human interest and technology promoting learning. Great mix! SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher

Sardelli THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Brian Garner

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Tim Gulla, “Shootout! Suspect dead; many questions unanswered”

Judges’ Comments: Gulla shows us how to write a complete story long before offi cials release a report. SECOND PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins,

“Councilman indicted” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory A. Summers, “Cane Mill Road home explodes”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Will Obamacare impact fi re service?”

Judges’ Comments: Reporter dug deep to fi nd answers on an important issue. Topic was interesting and timely. Writing style was engaging. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene,

Leslie Cantu, “Th e Price of Progress” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Jim Tatum, “Who’ll stop the fl ooding?” HONORABLE MENTION: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “With little warning, Social Security closes Camden offi ce”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Th e Easley Progress, Kasie Strickland, “Dog ordinance fueled by feud; Canine controversy; Easley OKs ordinance limiting dogs”

Judges’ Comments: Forty dogs next door? Wow. Solid reporting, good interviewing with both sides in the dispute. Surely drew high reader following. Nice job. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Monica

Kreber, “Common Core is ‘nowhere near dead’” THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins and Nancy Parsons, “Chester County 911 dispute”

FIRST PLACE SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO, DAILY UNDER 18,000: Mike Adams, Aiken Standard

THIRD PLACE HUMOROUS PHOTO, WEEKLY UNDER 4,500: Samantha Lyles, News and Press


Order duplicate awards and Order duplicate awards and plaque basesplaque bases scpress.org

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Revolving Doors”

Judges’ Comments: Big-interest topic handled in a thorough and logical way.

SECOND PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Brian Garner and Travis Jenkins, “What the penny will pay for” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers, Denyse Clark, Laura Caskey and Reece Murphy, “Making it to the Top: Graduates Who Inspire 2014” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Digital Department Part 1: LPD rolls out new 911 center, CAD system; Digital Department Part 2: LPD unveils evidence barcode scanner, records systems”

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Public Safety”

Judges’ Comments: Sardelli does a great job of turning action and reaction into solid beat reporting. Stories are very well organized, while giving important details. Strong lede captures readers’ interest and keeps them there with meat and potatoes reporting. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, A.M. Sheehan, “Public Safety” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Reece Murphy, “Crime”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Brian Garner

Judges’ Comments: Th is story does a good job explaining how new technology in one business proved to be counterproductive.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Erin Kirby THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Jim Tatum, “What a ride! Seniors take to the sky in vintage bi-plane”

Judges’ Comments: A very interesting topic that follows through with an organized story. What sets this story apart is how well written it is. Well done and deserving of the top honor.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Hartsville Messenger, Ardie Arvidson, “Out of gas” THIRD PLACE: Th e Hartsville Messenger, Ardie Arvidson, “Equine aff ection”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Denyse Clark, “One of the boys”

Judges’ Comments: Wonderful and inspiring! SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Erin Kirby, “Second Chances: Local rescues work to fi nd homes for the county’s abandoned and neglected cats and dogs” THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Taylor Griffi th, “Where is Henry Cuttino?”


FIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, A.M. Sheehan, “On God’s Earth, houseless - not homeless”

Judges’ Comments: Sheehan gives an unsentimental, well-organized account of one man’s homelessness. Th e writer does a good job describing the intersection of society’s intolerance for the homeless and attempts to fi nd solution. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene,

Roger Lee, “Bobby Behr” THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Gary Phillips, “World War II veteran recalls service”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Peay gets his chance out west”

Judges’ Comments: A complete, concise account of determination turning a loss into a win. SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Denyse Clark,

“Coyote ugly” THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “Un dia de campo entre amigos: Community gathers for ALPHA Center Hispanic festival at FAC”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Cody Sossamon, “Memories we will cherish for years to come; Some goings-on I fi nd un-understandable; Welcome to automated land”

Judges’ Comments: Timely, interesting, thought-provoking columns stand out among many top-notch columns that could easily take fi rst place. ‘Welcome to automated land’ made this judge laugh out loud. Readers can relate to this writer’s issues. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Julie

Smith, “I love you, Mother; Some thoughts on punishment; Life is short. Just buy the shoes” THIRD PLACE: Th e Easley Progress, Kasie Strickland, “Yes, it’s Autism – and that’s OK; Don’t sweat the small stuff ; Knitting yields more than just sweaters” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “We’re walking and talking as we continue our healthy initiative; Th e possibilities are endless with G’Ma; From the tunnel to the towers to save others”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Tommy Martin, “GPS - Senior Version; Wanna Be Happy - Eat!; Th e Love Sub”

Judges’ Comments: Many Laugh Out Loud moments reading these. 4 stars!

SECOND PLACE: Th e Easley Progress, Kasie Strickland, “What’s in a game of football? Plenty if you ask my husband; Calling it like I see it: It was a nightmare bus ride; Do fences really make good neighbors?” THIRD PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Cody Sossamon, “Highfalutin neighborhoods demand impeccable attire; Oh no, not again; why don’t you wear a hat?; Th at’s not me; it must be Ella” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Julie Smith, “Men: Can’t live with ‘em…; No more horsing around; All is forgiven, Nicky”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey, “Hinkle claims club crown”

Judges’ Comments: Very good account of 14-year-old’s dominant victory in club golf championship. Good quotes from several diff erent sources. Reader never gets bogged down in too much detail. Lede been done before but fi ts here. SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey,

“IL, AJ net Upstate fi nals” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “Heartbreaker”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Jon Martin, “Family Makes Championship Victory Special For Clarke”

Judges’ Comments: Very nice story. SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey, “Martin’s golf shot pain comes with gain” THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Th e history of a rivalry” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Scott Powell, “Junior football player with broken leg gets surprise visitor”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Sandra Schopfer

Judges’ Comments: Clean, well-designed pages with good hierarchy. Headlines add to overall design. SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory A.

Summers THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Krena Lanham

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Krena Lanham

Judges’ Comments: Very clean and sharp page design. Good balance of news with a dominant feature on archiving history. I would have probably gone lighter with your background graphic to not clutter the copy. Watch out for photos moving off the page at the top. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory A. SummersTHIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Krena Lanham

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Athena Redmond

Judges’ Comments: GREAT overall design. Very creative use of the enclosed text, headline and graphics. Excellent! SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Laura Caskey THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Brandon Lockett HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Summerville Journal

Scene, Sandra Schopfer


SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Joe L. Hughes II

Judges’ Comments: Great use of art. Headline is a grabber. Lots of info for the reader. Tough category. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene,

Krena Lanham THIRD PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Jon Martin

PHOTO PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Laura Parker, “Let Th e Games Begin”

Judges’ Comments: Great subject composition and cropping. SECOND PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Phyllis Lucas,

“More snow and ice” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Athena Redmond, “Safari at Sundown”

SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Reece Murphy, “Old Mill Grocery fi re”

Judges’ Comments: Reminder that the fl ames picture of yesterday is another story today. Good composition, lighting, etc. SECOND PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy

Parsons, “Stranded fi ve-year-old loaded into EMS” THIRD PLACE: Laurens County Advertiser, Daniel J. Lauer, “Th rough the smoke”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Leslie Cantu, “Reverent Celebration”

Judges’ Comments: Composition makes this photo a winner, plus emotion of veterans. SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Clayton Stairs,

“First day of school” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Monica Kreber, “Mock drunken driving crash”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Family’s fi rst grad”

Judges’ Comments: Th e man’s smile, the woman’s tears – enough said about the event... and the image. SECOND PLACE: Laurens County Advertiser, Judith

Brown, “10 years of cultural exchange” THIRD PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Joe L. Hughes II, “A very special day”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “North-South Classic soccer match”

Judges’ Comments: Great example of action shot... facial expressions are fantastic. SECOND PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Scott Powell,

“Indians explode” THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Great Falls Rescue Squad Rodeo”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Winning in the rain”

Judges’ Comments: Great emotion and moment. Clean background. SECOND PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins,

“Season ends” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “Lady Green Wave basketball team rush the court”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Brian Garner, “And the horse he rode in on”

Judges’ Comments: Nice portrait. Photograph does a good job of telling story. SECOND PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy

Parsons, “Henry “Bubba” Stevenson Jr.” THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Brian Garner, “Guardian of the Book”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Great Falls Rescue Squad Rodeo”

Judges’ Comments: A combination of good action and good feature photos. SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene,

Roger Lee, “Summerville Relay for Life” THIRD PLACE: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins and Brian Garner, “Hog on the Hill”

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NEWSPAPER PUBLICATIONFIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Staff , “Fashion Forward; Super Sweet”

Judges’ Comments: Strong content and graphics. Diverse coverage was well-written.

SECOND PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Staff , “August 2014, May 2014” THIRD PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, James T. Hammond and Chuck Crumbo, “June 23, 2014: Taxing Issues, Sept. 1, 2014: Reinventing USC’s Law School”

MAGAZINE OR SPECIALTY PUBLICATION

FIRST PLACE: SCBIZ, Staff , “Summer 2014”Judges’ Comments: Outstanding photography, strong content and good writing makes this the winner in a very competitive category.

SECOND PLACE: GSA Business, Staff , “Intro Upstate 2014” THIRD PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, Licia Jackson and Jean Piot, “Giving”

NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: South Carolina Policy Council -Th e Nerve, Rick Brundrett, “‘Destroyed’ Ethics Commission Letter Released to Th e Nerve”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent reporting on a major news story. Well written.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Liz Segrist, “Who’s to blame for the airport’s asbestos issues?”THIRD PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Ashley Barker Heff ernan, “Campaign disclosure reports not always accurate”

FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Catholic Miscellany, Christina Lee Knauss, “Giving a few hours for life”

Judges’ Comments: Great lede. Immediately engaging. Great detail, scene. Themes flow easily in action and description. Clever use of time markers. The human stories are right there for reader to touch. A moving feature with a huge, understated themes and multiple levels of meaning portrayed in the details and descriptions. SECOND PLACE: Th e Baptist Courier, Butch Blume,

“Men fi nd good food, gospel at ‘Th e Barn’” THIRD PLACE: GSA Business, Bill Poovey, “A matter of taste”

SPORTS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Ron Aiken, “Steele unlikely leader”

Judges’ Comments: Well-done piece that captures the spirit of a team leader. Multiple sources made it stronger. SECOND PLACE: Murrells Inlet Messenger, Tim

Callahan, “NFL player was miserable and enjoyed only payday and Sundays”

EDITORIAL/OP-ED COLUMNFIRST PLACE: Th e Baptist Courier, Rudy Gray, “Remember to Care”

Judges’ Comments: Grabs immediately. Title repeated at end is strong technique. Moving story that reader can’t ignore. Author uses the story to bring home a forceful, poignant message. Memorable and heart-breaking. SECOND PLACE: Charleston Regional Business

Journal, Andy Owens, “Why not just say how you voted?” THIRD PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, James Hammond, “Finish SRS MOX facility to keep U.S. pledge to world”

BUSINESS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, Mike Fitts, “Taxing Issue”

Judges’ Comments: Very important issue and reporting for business community. Good fl ow and balance with comments. Outlines signifi cant issues with tax codes and the impact on business community and future. Seems thorough. SECOND PLACE: Charleston Regional Business

Journal, Ashley Barker Heff ernan, “Gator Growing: Commercial alligator farming legalized in South Carolina” THIRD PLACE: GSA Business, Bill Poovey, “BMW’s Expansion”

FAITH REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Brodie, “From Gilbert to Mzuzu with Love”

Judges’ Comments: Well-craft ed report and engaging story of God’s love at work in people separated by an ocean. Topic is very important and the details pulled reader into deeper meaning. Close might have been stronger but it all carried along very well. SECOND PLACE: Th e Baptist Courier, Butch Blume,

“S.C. Baptist voices join evangelicals calling for ‘just and compassionate’ immigration reform” THIRD PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Brodie, “Showing Up and Being Real”

PHOTOGRAPHFIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Ryan Wilcox, “Flooded with uncertainty”

Judges’ Comments: Photographer turned a routine shot into much more through the low angle and refl ections. SECOND PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate,

Matt Brodie, “Is You the One” THIRD PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Brodie, “Showing Up and Being Real”

GRAPHIC DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Lake Wylie Today, Andrew Sprague,

“Miss Bee Haven!”Judges’ Comments: Cute, creative graphic! All of the elements are well-designed and come together to create a cohesive graphic. SECOND PLACE - TIE: GSA Business, Jean Piot,

“Upgrading Greenville’s most taxing road” SECOND PLACE - TIE: SCBIZ, Ryan Wilcox, “BMW: A timeline of success” THIRD PLACE: Th e Catholic Miscellany, Caroline Lindsey, “2013 Bishops Annual Appeal”

WEBSITEFIRST PLACE ONLY: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Staff , AdvocateSC.org

Judges’ Comments: Attractive, well-designed site. Easy to navigate. Great organization and content. Love the dominant graphics.

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER/PUBLICATION

FIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Staff , “Daily Journal: Daily Business News from the Charleston Regional Business Journal”

Judges’ Comments: Snippets of business news serves readers well. Clean design paired with short, informative briefs. Good job. SECOND PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate,

Jessica Brodie and Matt Brodie, “Th e Messenger eNewsletter” THIRD PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Beverly Barfi eld and Chris McCandlish, “Weekend! 10 Ways to Play”

EVENT MARKETINGFIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Jane Mattingly, “Power Breakfast Series”

Judges’ Comments: Well executed event marketing campaign. Enjoyed reading about the event. Professional, creative design. Looks like great series with a lot of community support. SECOND PLACE: S.C. Farm Bureau Federation, Bill

Johns, “Palmetto Palate”

PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAMFIRST PLACE ONLY: S.C. Farm Bureau Federation, Bill Johns, “Member Benefi ts Campaign”

Judges’ Comments: Strong print and Web components. Well designed with clean copy. Clearly a very successful campaign. Good work!

SECOND PLACE PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT, WEEKLY UNDER 4,500: Kasie Strickland, The Pickens Sentinel

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

VOL. 90, NO. 10 • O

NE DOLLAR

The Twin-City News

114 E. Columbia Ave.

PO Box 2529

Batesburg-Leesv

ille SC 29070

[email protected]

Phone: 803-532-6203

Fax: 803-532-6204

Hours: 9 a.m

.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

2 Sections • 1

4 Pages

www.twin-citynews.com

Classifi eds .....

..........

......... B5

Events ..........

..........

..........

A2

Health Beat .........

..........

...A6

Library Corner ........

......... B3

Obituaries ..........

..........

.... A3

Remembrances ..........

......A6

Schools ..........

..........

......... A7

Sports ..........

..........

..........

..B1

Jay’s View..........

..........

.....B2

Tailgate Talk ..........

..........

B2

Worship ..........

..........

....... A5

INSIDE

Johnston, SC800-200-6494

Edgefield, SC800-237-1655

HERLONG

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DEATHS THIS WEEK

TOP OF THE WEEK

Pancake & Sausage Supper this Saturday!

Saturday, March 7 fro

m 5 - 7 pm. Cost is $6.00 at Naz-

areth United Methodist Church. Eat in or ta

ke out, all you

can eat if you eat in

!

BY ANNA LONG

Work on the Batesburg-Leesville In-

dustrial Park will s

oon begin in earnest as

the Town Council committed in February

to provide the water/sewer infrastructure

that was part of th

e agreement with Lex-

ington County which owns the property.

In return Lexington County is to provide

lighting, roads and curbs as well as some

landscaping.

B-L Mayor Rita Crapps said, “The jour-

ney to get to where we are today has been

long, and at times, tenuous. Lexington

County purchased the 170+/- acre track

for $500,000 in 1999 from a local owner.

The owner came to me wanting to sell the

property and I connected him with Lex-

ington County. After these many years of

talking, planning, and more talk, Bates-

burg-Leesville and Lexington County fi -

nally reached an accord and are moving

forward with developing the property.’

“Town Council made the commitm

ent

February 2014 to provide the water/sew-

er infrastructure, and the County would

provide the roads, curbing, lighting, and

landscaping where necessary. The engi-

neering work complete, we are ready to

go to bid and begin our portion of work.

Lexington county must complete their

work by the end of this year, or forfeit

the $2 million dollars they had put aside

for this project. I

am merely fi nishing the

work that had been started by others.’

“This Industrial Park gives B-L the op-

portunity to bring jobs, better paying

jobs, to our community. I w

ant jobs that

offer our citizens the opportunity to make

more than minimum wage and offer good

benefi ts. I also want to

see more employ-

ment opportunities for our young college

graduates. I want to

provide a reason for

our college educated to come back home

to live, work, and rear a family. This In-

dustrial Park can be a catalyst fo

r system-

ic change for the community. The ball is

now in the County’s court. The property

belongs to them, and it is up to Chuck

Whipple, Director of Economic Develop-

ment, to fi ll

the property with the right

kinds of businesses for Batesburg-Lees-

ville.”B-L Town Manager Ted Luckadoo

added, “Providing infrastructure to our

Industrial Park is a necessity if w

e want

to recruit industry to the Town of Bates-

burg-Leesville. In today’s world of Eco-

nomic Development, if the infrastructure

is not in place, th

ey will elim

inate your

site as an option immediately.”

“This cooperative effort between us and

Lexington County shows the commitment

by both to grow industry in the town. The

County’s commitment of over $2 millio

n

to install roads, landscaping, lig

hting, and

signage coupled with the town’s commit-

ment of up to $2 million to put in

water

and sewer lines, will m

ake our Industria

l

Park attractive to potential new industry

looking to build or relocate.”

At present there is only one business, an

industrial basin manufacturer, lo

cated on

the property. Improvements to the prop-

erty should be completed by Dec. 31.

Work on Batesburg-Leesville

Industrial Park to begin in earnest

BY ANNA LONG

Batesburg-Leesville Town Council held a special meeting

Thursday, February 26 to dismiss their current auditor, and ap-

point their fo

rmer auditor, Dooley and Company. B

-L Mayor

Rita Crapps stated the reason for this action was the town man-

ager had given some information concerning the recent audit

that had been received at the last council m

eeting on February

9. There were issues in getting the audit d

one in a timely fashion

as well as the professionalism of that auditin

g fi rm.

District O

ne Councilwoman Rachel Taylor asked Crapps for

the statute that stated the council had the authority

to appoint

an auditor without putting it o

ut for bid. Crapps replied that S.C.

statute Title 5, Section 7, Article 240 allows council to

appoint an

auditor for a period not to

exceed four years.

A vote was taken following this information to appoint Dooley

and Co. for a four year period. The vote was unanimous.

District 3 Councilm

an Steve Cain, District 4 Councilm

an

Charles Simpkins, District Six Councilwoman Kathy Mingo and

District 8 Councilm

an Frank Fox were absent from the proceed-

ings.The next re

gularly scheduled meeting is slated for Monday,

March 9, 7 p.m. in the courtroom of th

e Public Safety Complex.

The public is cordially invited and encouraged to attend.

Town Council dismisses

current auditor

Don’t forget to

set your clo

cks one hour AHEAD this Sunday!

Batesburg-Leesville Industrial Park located near Hwy. 1 at th

e intersection of Diamond Rd. and Windmill R

d.

Batesburg-Leesv

ille’s general code of ordinances r

ecodified

BY ANNA LONG

Batesburg-Leesville’s General

Code of Ordinances has been recod-

ifi ded after a span of nearly tw

enty

years that began with its adoption in

1996. The long-awaited hard copies

will soon arriv

e at the Town Hall. A

c-

cording to the contract with Munic-

ipal Code Corporation the town will

receive fi ve books. T

wo will remain

at the town hall in

the possession of

Ted Luckadoo, town manager, and

Seth Duncan, assistant town man-

ager. The other th

ree will be given

to the fi re, police, and water depart-

ments.

Lucadoo said, “A Town’s Code of

Ordinances is crucial to day-to-day

operations, how Council operates,

and how we move forward as a Town.

This update to our ordinance book

shows a commitment by Council and

staff that we are committe

d to taking

progressive steps forward.”

Another benefi t to the town, how-

ever, is the posting of th

e codes on

the MuniCode website. MuniCode

has provided their services to numer-

ous towns, counties, and state enti-

ties. Because of th

eir “track record”,

town council voted in October, 2013

to obtain their expertis

e in updating

the town’s ordinances. The cost of

this major undertaking was $11,650.

The annual upkeep of $550 will pro-

vide the codes online at MuniCode

and the new town website will also

have a link to view online. In

addi-

tion, MuniCode will u

pdate any ordi-

nance changes from the town.

According to Luckadoo, the town

ordinances should be online in the

next week or two. R

esidents seeking

information on the website can type

in key works such as “yard trash”.

The site will automatically pull up all

the ordinances with those key words

in them.

The ordinance update was neces-

sary as the town had been operating

off a General Code of O

rdinances to

which many changes had been made

over the years. The amended ordi-

nances were placed into books, fi les,

etc. By utiliz

ing the Municipal Code

Corporation, when Council amends

ordinances, the changes will b

e for-

warded to MuniCode. They will then

make the changes to the ordinance

book as well as the website.

B-L Mayor Rita Crapps said, “T

his

was a necessary step in providing in-

formation to the citizens and is an-

other large step in modernization in

information delivery”.

The process took over a year to

complete with signifi cant time spent

by staff working with MuniCode.

From phone conferences, email-

ing documentation, presentation of

changes to Council, and review by

attorneys for both MuniCode and the

Town Attorney, a great deal of effort

was made to make this possible.

“While this process was tedious

and required much effort by staff,

the end result is going to be an up to

date and quality Code of Ordinances

that serve as a guide on how we oper-

ate and ensure future success of the

Town.” Luckadoo concluded.

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1925

F. Elouise K. Cone

J.B. Wooten

Olin E. Hutto

Joyce M. Puckett

Cleo O. Addy

Jerald F. Drafts

Koon wins!

BY ANNA LONG

There is a new sheriff in

town. For the fi rst tim

e in

nearly 42 years Lexington

County has elected a new

sheriff, Jay Koon. Koon will

replace former sheriff James

Metts who pled guilty to fed-

eral charges of taking bribes

and retired in December of

last year.

Koon won with 58% of the

vote or 15,099. Justin Britt

came in second with 25% of

the vote or 6,546. Dennis Tyn-

dall garnered 9% or 2,463 of

the votes cast and Ed Felix got

6% or 1,767 votes.

Even though this was a Re-

publican Primary, since Koon

received more than 51% of the

votes cast, there will n

ot have

to be a run-off on March 17 or

a special election on April 21.

These are the unoffi cial re-

sults as reported by the Lex-

ington County Registration

and Election Commission.

Jay Koon

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ment, to fi ll



B-L Town Manager Ted Luckadoo



e want




is not in place, th

ey will elim

inate your






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water


ake our Industria

l




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point their fo


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point their fo


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eeting on February


eeting on February






g fi rm.


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to appoint


to appoint






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exceed four years.


exceed four years.




District 3 Councilm


an



District 8 Councilm


District 8 Councilm


ings.ings.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is slated for M

onday,

March 9, 7 p.m. in the courtro

om of the Public Safety Complex.

March 9, 7 p.m. in the courtro

om of the Public Safety Complex.




current auditor



d.

Batesburg-Leesv


ecodified


rdinances to




etc. By utiliz




e for-



��Cele

brating

, Motiv

ating

and Ed

ucati

ng Real

Women

A Survivo

r’s STRENGTH

You Choose the R

oad You Want to

Walk (Ju

dith Evans)

by Amy P

ittsen

barge

r

photo

s by H

eathe

r Sarg

ent P

hotog

raphy

Aiken W

omance

lebr ate

s the su

r vivo

r in yo

u

Cover Sto

ry:

Judith Evans to

speak

at Com

munity

Yom H

aShoah

Remem

brance A

pril 19

see page 6

Have you given to th

e

Federatio

n campaig

n?

see pages 1

2-13 fo

r an update

d

listin

g of donors

Photo courte

sy o

f

Heather S

argent P

hotogra

phy

Non Profit Org

US Postage

PAID

Columbia, SC

Permit No. 48

Issue 2 | V

olum

e XL | M

arch &

April

2015

Colum

bia

J e wi s h

Ne w

s

Columbia Jewish Federation

306 Flora Drive

Columbia, SC 29223

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Joyce M. Puckett

Cover Sto

ry:

Judith Evans to

speak

at Com

munity

Yom H

aShoah

Remem

brance A

pril 19

see page 6

Have you given to th

e

Federatio

n campaig

n?

see pages 1

2-13 fo

r an update

d

listin

g of donors

Photo courte

sy o

f

Heather S

argent P

hotogra

phy

Non Profit Org

US Postage

PAID

Columbia, SC

Permit No. 48

Issue 2 | V

olum

e XL | M

arch &

April

2015

Columbia Jewish Federation

306 Flora Drive

Columbia, SC 29223

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED The Cath

olic Misce

llany

The Cath

olic Misce

llany

February 26, 2015

www.themiscellany.o

rg

BY CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS

THE CATHOLIC MISCELLANY

By signin

g the B

ook of the

Elect a

nd bowin

g thei

r hea

ds

for b

lessin

gs, hundre

ds of

people

contin

ued th

eir c

onver-

sion at

Rite

of Elec

tion ce

rem

o-

nies h

eld on th

e fir

st wee

kend

of Len

t. Bish

op Rober

t E. G

ugliel-

mone c

elebra

ted th

e rite

for

the P

iedm

ont dea

nery F

eb. 2

0

at S

t. Pau

l the A

postle

Church

in S

partanburg

; the M

idla

nds

deaner

y Feb

. 21 a

t St.

John

Neum

ann Churc

h in C

olum

-

bia; t

he Coast

al and P

ee D

ee

deaner

ies a

t the C

athed

ral o

f

St. John th

e Bap

tist F

eb. 2

2;

and the L

owco

untry dea

nery

Feb. 2

3 at S

t. Pet

er C

hurch in

Beaufo

rt.

The rite

is tr

aditionally

held aro

und the f

irst

Sunday

of Len

t and is

a chance

for

cate

chum

ens a

nd candid

ates

to

com

mit

to en

teri

ng the C

hurch

at th

e Easte

r Vig

il on H

oly

Saturd

ay.

At the v

igil,

cate

chum

ens

rece

ive t

he sacr

amen

ts of

baptis

m, h

oly C

omm

union and

confir

mat

ion. C

andidat

es are

those

who h

ave a

lready bee

n

baptiz

ed in

another

Chri

stian

denom

inat

ion, a

nd they

com

e

into

full

com

munio

n thro

ugh

being co

nfirm

ed and re

ceiv

ing

the E

uchari

st.

About 500

men

and wom

en

partici

pated

in th

e cer

emonie

s,

accord

ing to

Mich

ael M

artoc-

chio

, dir

ecto

r of t

he dio

cesa

n

Office

of Cat

eches

is and C

hris-

tian E

ducatio

n.

“Len

t is a

tim

e of p

rayer

and

refle

ctio

n for a

ll of u

s, but i

t

is es

pecia

lly in

tense

for t

hese

people,

” Mart

occhio

said

.

“They

are en

teri

ng into

the

final s

tage o

f thei

r pre

paratio

n.

It’s a

life

-changin

g proce

ss.”

During th

e Rite

of Elec

tion,

cate

chum

ens c

ome f

orward

with th

eir s

ponsors

to si

gn

the B

ook of the E

lect

, whic

h

sym

boliz

es th

eir c

omm

itmen

t

SEE RITE,

PAGE 17

Choosi

ng to c

hange

their l

ives

PEOPLE & EVENTS

2

PRIESTS APPOINTMENTS 2

FRIENDSHIP NINE

3

BISHOP’S CALENDAR 4

PRINCIPALS LEAVING 4

LENT SPEAKERS

5

FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM 6

OBITUARIES

7

SILENT NO MORE

8

LITERACY PROGRAM 9

MARRIAGE EVENT

10

SSMN HISTORY IN SC

11

40 DAYS FOR LIFE

12

PARISH LIFE

12-13

LOCAL AUTHORS

14

NATION/WORLD

15-16

WORSHIP

18

COMMENTARY

19

Volume 47Number 4

Celebra

ting the

sacram

ent of

marriag

e. 10

MISCELLANY/DOUG DEAS

Jose

ph Baisi, a

catech

umen from St. J

ames Church

in Conway, si

gns the Book of t

he Elect durin

g the Rite

of Electio

n held Feb. 22 at t

he Ca-

thedral o

f St. J

ohn the Baptis

t in Charle

ston fo

r the Coasta

l and Pee D

ee deaneries.

He is w

itnesse

d by his sp

onsor, M

ary W

illiams, a

nd Bishop

Robert E. G

uglielm

one.















last year.




the vote or 6,546. Dennis Tyn-to be a run-off o

n March 17 or





Jay Koon

BY ANNA LONG



point their fo


-L Mayor


ager had given some information concerning the recent audit Town Council dismisses

current auditor



d.



last year.

last year.












6% or 1,767 votes.

6% or 1,767 votes.







ot have


ot have







THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

VOL. 90, NO. 10 • O

NE DOLLAR

The Twin-City News

114 E. Columbia Ave.

PO Box 2529

Batesburg-Leesv

ille SC 29070

[email protected]

Phone: 803-532-6203

Fax: 803-532-6204

Hours: 9 a.m

.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

2 Sections • 1

4 Pages

www.twin-citynews.com

Classifi eds .....

..........

......... B5

Events ..........

..........

..........

A2

Health Beat .........

..........

...A6

Library Corner ........

......... B3

Obituaries ..........

..........

.... A3

Remembrances ..........

......A6

Schools ..........

..........

......... A7

Sports ..........

..........

..........

..B1

Jay’s View..........

..........

.....B2

Tailgate Talk ..........

..........

B2

Worship ..........

..........

....... A5

INSIDE

Johnston, SC800-200-6494

Edgefield, SC800-237-1655

HERLONG

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DEATHS THIS WEEK

TOP OF THE WEEK

Pancake & Sausage Supper this Saturday!

Saturday, March 7 fro

m 5 - 7 pm. Cost is $6.00 at Naz-

areth United Methodist Church. Eat in or ta

ke out, all you

can eat if you eat in

!

BY ANNA LONG

Work on the Batesburg-Leesville In-

dustrial Park will s

oon begin in earnest as

the Town Council committed in February

to provide the water/sewer infrastructure

that was part of th

e agreement with Lex-

ington County which owns the property.

In return Lexington County is to provide

lighting, roads and curbs as well as some

landscaping.

B-L Mayor Rita Crapps said, “The jour-

ney to get to where we are today has been

long, and at times, tenuous. Lexington

County purchased the 170+/- acre track

for $500,000 in 1999 from a local owner.

The owner came to me wanting to sell the

property and I connected him with Lex-

ington County. After these many years of

talking, planning, and more talk, Bates-

burg-Leesville and Lexington County fi -

nally reached an accord and are moving

forward with developing the property.’

“Town Council made the commitm

ent

February 2014 to provide the water/sew-

er infrastructure, and the County would

provide the roads, curbing, lighting, and

landscaping where necessary. The engi-

neering work complete, we are ready to

go to bid and begin our portion of work.

Lexington county must complete their

work by the end of this year, or forfeit

the $2 million dollars they had put aside

for this project. I

am merely fi nishing the

work that had been started by others.’

“This Industrial Park gives B-L the op-

portunity to bring jobs, better paying

jobs, to our community. I w

ant jobs that

offer our citizens the opportunity to make

more than minimum wage and offer good

benefi ts. I also want to

see more employ-

ment opportunities for our young college

graduates. I want to

provide a reason for

our college educated to come back home

to live, work, and rear a family. This In-

dustrial Park can be a catalyst fo

r system-

ic change for the community. The ball is

now in the County’s court. The property

belongs to them, and it is up to Chuck

Whipple, Director of Economic Develop-

ment, to fi ll



ville.”B-L Town Manager Ted Luckadoo



e want




is not in place, th

ey will elim

inate your






n


hting, and



water


ake our Industria

l


looking to build or relocate.”



cated on



Work on Batesburg-Leesville

Industrial Park to begin in earnest

BY ANNA LONG



point their fo


-L Mayor




eeting on February




g fi rm.

District O



to appoint




appoint an


exceed four years.



District 3 Councilm


an


District 8 Councilm


ings.The next re

gularly scheduled meeting is slated for Monday,

March 9, 7 p.m. in the courtroom of th

e Public Safety Complex.



current auditor

Don’t forget to

set your clo

cks one hour AHEAD this Sunday!



d.

Batesburg-Leesv


ecodified

BY ANNA LONG

Batesburg-Leesville’s General

Code of Ordinances has been recod-

ifi ded after a span of nearly tw

enty

years that began with its adoption in

1996. The long-awaited hard copies

will soon arriv

e at the Town Hall. A

c-

cording to the contract with Munic-

ipal Code Corporation the town will

receive fi ve books. T

wo will remain

at the town hall in

the possession of

Ted Luckadoo, town manager, and

Seth Duncan, assistant town man-

ager. The other th

ree will be given

to the fi re, police, and water depart-

ments.

Lucadoo said, “A Town’s Code of

Ordinances is crucial to day-to-day

operations, how Council operates,

and how we move forward as a Town.

This update to our ordinance book

shows a commitment by Council and

staff that we are committe

d to taking

progressive steps forward.”

Another benefi t to the town, how-

ever, is the posting of th

e codes on

the MuniCode website. MuniCode

has provided their services to numer-

ous towns, counties, and state enti-

ties. Because of th

eir “track record”,

town council voted in October, 2013

to obtain their expertis

e in updating

the town’s ordinances. The cost of

this major undertaking was $11,650.

The annual upkeep of $550 will pro-

vide the codes online at MuniCode

and the new town website will also

have a link to view online. In

addi-

tion, MuniCode will u

pdate any ordi-

nance changes from the town.

According to Luckadoo, the town

ordinances should be online in the

next week or two. R

esidents seeking

information on the website can type

in key works such as “yard trash”.

The site will automatically pull up all

the ordinances with those key words

in them.

The ordinance update was neces-

sary as the town had been operating


rdinances to




etc. By utiliz




e for-



book as well as the website.

B-L Mayor Rita Crapps said, “T

his

was a necessary step in providing in-

formation to the citizens and is an-

other large step in modernization in

information delivery”.

The process took over a year to

complete with signifi cant time spent

by staff working with MuniCode.

From phone conferences, email-

ing documentation, presentation of

changes to Council, and review by

attorneys for both MuniCode and the

Town Attorney, a great deal of effort

was made to make this possible.

“While this process was tedious

and required much effort by staff,

the end result is going to be an up to

date and quality Code of Ordinances

that serve as a guide on how we oper-

ate and ensure future success of the

Town.” Luckadoo concluded.

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1925

F. Elouise K. Cone

J.B. Wooten

Olin E. Hutto

Joyce M. Puckett

Cleo O. Addy

Jerald F. Drafts

Koon wins!

BY ANNA LONG

There is a new sheriff in

town. For the fi rst tim

e in








last year.







6% or 1,767 votes.





ot have







Jay Koon Florida Sun Printing

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