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2002 Better Newspaper Contest — Community Service

Daily Division
1st. The Baytown Sun – “Landfill” Excellent reporting and mobilization of the community over an important issue. Editorials were strong and clear. Meeting turnouts were evidence that readers were listening.
2nd. The Galveston County Daily News – “Port Authority election” The reporting on the port vote is strong, but the real strength of this project is its success in generating a community debate. The newspaper endorsed the issue but editorially acknowledged its flaws and opened the paper’s opinion columns to opponents and a flood of reader letters.
3rd. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal – “Make kids count” This planned project about great kids was a newspaper-wide effort on a commendable topic. It probably interested kids as well as wrote about them. And the newspaper put some cash, in a scholarship, behind the project.
4th. The Herald Coaster Rosenberg – “Animal control” You know, writing about dogs and cats might seem a little too easy, but it’s hard to argue with the paper’s 100 percent success rate in getting them adopted.

Semiweekly Division
1st. The Canyon News – “Bond issue” July 22 piece was excellent … Aug. 30 Canyon View was good. Little editorial at end was excellent, as well as the letter of introduction.
2nd. The Wimberley View – “Environmentally sensitive Wimberley Valley” Interesting accounts of a problem with no answers. I liked your articles being from various writers. Will the paper take a side?

Weekly Division
1st. The Overton Press – “Beautification” A good project. No one likes messes! Don’t mess with Texas! Tattoo photos great. Dec. 6 & Aug. 23 Before and After. Good! I picked up trash outside the motel (where the judging was held) because of this entry!
2nd. The International Presidio – “Jesus’ Arrest” Powerful! The stories show the power of the people to support what they think is right! A good job!
3rd. Clay County Leader – “City park” Good cover letter! First board auction coverage! Wow! Plugs for park! Well done.
4th. The Clarendon Enterprise – “Turkey Street Festival” Glad to read little fowl play in this! A nice touch of humor in a too serious world.