Anybody out their feel they have all the journalism training they could ever need?

This is for the rest of us.

The Associated Press Media Editors’ News Train program is coming to Salt Lake City Nov. 2-3. The program, which will be at the Brigham Young University Salt Lake Center in downtown, offers cutting-edge training for news managers, editors and reporters. Among the sessions that are being offered are planning and coaching across different media platforms, finding watchdog stories, and managing and surviving change.

The nice thing with this program is it features two tracks, so you won’t have to worry about missing programs because of scheduling conflicts.

The program costs $50, and that includes breakfast and lunch. The program is hosted by the Associated Press, The Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret News, The (Ogden) Standard-Examiner, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. Lodging is available at the Crystal Inn Hotel and Suites.

You can get more information here.

It was great seeing so many people from Region 9 down in New Orleans. It was a rather informative conference, and our regional meeting was no exception. Here’s a recap of what we went over:

Star System: The national board of directors voted 12-8 to abolish the star ranking system for chapters. The regional directors, who make the initial recommendation on what a chapter should be ranked, found that the system had become too punitive. Right now, chapters will be deemed in good standing or not in good standing. The requirements for that are to have a minimum of three programs a year that involve the chapter membership and the journalism community, as well as reflect the society’s mission (FOI, ethics, diversity, etc.), and file an annual report on time. John Ensslin has also appointed two chapter doctors to work with struggling chapters, one of them being our own Deb Hurley.

Dues: I regret to report that the board voted to increase dues $3 a year for pros, and $1.50 for students, effective Jan. 1. The purpose of the dues increase is to raise money to further the society’s operations. Joe Skeel, the executive director, explained that membership dues are the only relatively reliable source of income the society has, and that there has not been a dues increase for 10 years. Joe also pointed out that other organizations, such as RTDNA, charge far more than our increased dues, so we are still a bargain.

So you know, I did argue for a dues decrease as a way of recognizing the struggles journalists are having in this economy, as well as possibly bringing in more revenue by making membership accessible to more people.

The delegates unsuccessfully attempted to reverse the increase on the convention floor.

Regional Conference: First, kudos to Utah Headliners for pulling off an excellent regional conference in Salt Lake City in April. At-large director Bill McCloskey, who represented the executive board at the conference, thought it was an informative program.

Now, for 2012.

The conference will be April 13-14 in Denver. So mark your calendar, and plan to have your income taxes filed before then.

This time, we’re doing something different in planning the programs. Instead of having one chapter do all the heavy lifting, we have a committee with people from each of the pro chapters that will meet and plan the conference and assist Colorado. The committee includes Cara Degette, Deputy Regional Director Holly Wolcott, Julie Ann Grimm, Tom Haraldsen, Sheryl Worsley and myself. If you have a suggestion on a program you’d like to see at regional let me know.

Volunteers: SPJ couldn’t function without volunteers. And, keeping with John’s tradition, I want to honor those folks who go above and beyond the call of duty. At New Orleans, I recognized David Brown for stepping in as an interim president in New Mexico, and Colorado Pro’s team that restarted the Auraria campus chapter. The winners receive a Sigma Delta Chi pin, from the days when SPJ was known by Greek letters.

If you know of anyone who deserves recognition, let me know.

Again, thank you for all you do, and let’s look forward to an even greater year.

Here are the results of The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies journalism competition for Region 9.

These are the winners from Division E.

Please note: in a few categories, the judges found no winners. Those categories are not listed.

E27

General reporting

First place:

Univision

“Depredadores cibernéticos”

“A good piece, with very good visual effects and video edition, but most of all a piece that focuses on prevention and education instead of having a sensationalist approach to this issue.”

Second place:

Univision

Hector Esparza shooting

Honorable mention:

Univision

“Storm in Colorado”

E28

Breaking News

First place:

Univision

“Aurora agent killed”

“The reporter tries to provide all the possible answers in this case and reports with serenity without repeating herself, which is what happens frequently in these cases.”

E31 

Blog.

1^st Place:  Artist Blog- Artist Network.com

The judges believed this blog is unique, helpful to a variety of artist, good archives, and multi media.

E32:

1^st place:  Western Citizen.com

The judges thought this website was well organized and colorful. The site demonstrated good utilization of slide shows with effective graphics and interactive elements.

E34

Feature story

First place:

Univision

“Mama dejame dormer”

“It’s a very interesting story, although very sad also. The element of surprise plays a key role in this piece. Totally visual, not any other way to present it.”

Second place:

Univision

“Arbolito de chocolate”

Honorable mention:

Swingvote Magazine

“Leon Kelly interview”

Here are the results of The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies journalism competition for Region 9.

These are the winners from Division D.

Please note: in a few categories, the judges found no winners. Those categories are not listed.

D28

Breaking News

First place:

Mike Klis

Denver Post

“Broncos fire coach Shanahan”

“It’s a well done, straight and simple breaking news story. We think the post starts well with nice context, and we like that it ends with looking ahead. The quotes from Shanahan’s son are a nice addition to the coverage; we would have like to have seen quotes from the coach though. The related photo galleries, message boards and videos would keep the reader’s attention. Overall, it’s hard to judge a breaking news story without knowing how it was covered while it was breaking.”

D30 General Website Excellence.

1^st place: Denver Post

Judges believed that this website was comprehensive with strong content, multi media and not defined by popularity hits. Three thumbs up!

 

D31 Blog.

1^st Place- Gazette.com- Side Street Blog. The judges believed this blog was not only insightful but gripping in both content and style of presentation.

Runner up: Gazette. com- Data Geek

Honorable Mention:

Salt Lake Tribune.com

“The Plural Life”

 

D 32 Website Design

1^st Place:

Denver Post.com Media center.

 

D33

Online Interactive

First place:

Denver Post Neighbors

Denver Post

Comment:  We love how Neighbors is a UGC site that incorporates reporting from The Denver Post. It’s a great idea to have a section dedicated to the most-read stories, not only at that exact moment (which most news organizations do) but of the last few hours, last 24 hours or past week even. This really opens up a lot of topics for reader discussion.

We like that people can rate each other’s comments and view which stories are the most popular in their geographic area. The “Today’s top commenters” section provides a smart, easy way to reward the readers who are most active in the community. We also enjoyed the nod to new members in the “say hi to our newest members” section.  The UGC photo tools and the display of recent comments are other highlights. It could be a bit more user-friendly and less cluttered, but overall the amount of information and opportunities for readers to engage with the site makes it the winner.

Second place:

Fresh Ink

Gazette

D35

Photo slideshow

First place:

“Motel Life: Families reach last-stop motel”

The Denver Post

“This is a wonderful example of pairing good storytelling with excellent images. We felt connected to the people in the stories. The handling of this topic gave the people dignity that could have been lost if it had been done differently. The audio really brought the images to life and it was edited in a way that really made sense and told the story while the photos faded in and out. The background music set the perfect tone. This was a really difficult category to judge because there were so many stand-out slideshows, but this one really had a lasting impact on us.

Second place:

“The Stock Show”

The Denver Post

D36

Video story

First place:

Matthew Roberts

Rocky Mountain News

“Final Edition”

“It’s impeccably produced and captures the emotion of the viewer.  You don’t have to have ever step foot in a newsroom to understand the anguish and loss of everyone in the piece.”

Second place:

Paula Pant

“Health on Shoestring”

Boulder Women’s Magazine

D37

Interactive database

First place:

Denver Post

Denver Post Data Center

“The Data Center provides a host of information that is relevant to readers’ lives and presented in a clear, usable format”

 

Second place:

The Gazette

“Gazette Real Estate Guide”

D38

Best use of social networking

First place:

Denver Post

Facebook

Second place:

Rocky Mountain News

Twitter/Final Edition

D39

Best live blogging

First place:

Dennis Huspeni

“Castle West trial”

 

Here are the results of The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies journalism competition for Region 9.

These are the winners from Division C.

Please note: in a few categories, the judges found no winners. Those categories are not listed.

C1

News reporting

First place:

Nissa LaPoint

Westminster Window

“Local homes in jeopardy”

“She has a good balance of emotions and facts mixed together in this informative piece”

Second place:

Brady Delander

Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel

“Sound of Silence”

Honorable mention:

Joseph Kolb

Gallup Herald

“Searching for Talamate”

C2

Breaking News

Joseph J. Kolb
first place:

The Gallup Herald

“Jury convicts former Navajo Nation cop of execution-style killing of his wife”

“The excellent opening-graf evocation of classic literature gives way
to a story that not only relates what happened, but also captures the
flavor of how it unfolded, and what it was like to be there at this
climactic moment in a big story.”
second place:

Namon Bills

The Sentinel

“Hero emerges in house fire”

C3

General reporting

Gail Binkly

Four Corners Free Press

“The furor over pot hunting”

“A fascinating issue that I knew little about. The author writes with authority about its impact and resonance on Native Americans and non-Indians alike. She covers all facets of a surprisingly complex issue.”

Second place:

Nissa LaPoint

Westminster Window

“Council member dethroned”

Honorable mention:

Gail Binkly

Four Corners Free Press

“What to do about Cortez street people”

C4

Investigative/enterprise reporting

First place:

David A. Fryxell

Desert Exposure

“Scout’s Honor”

“This entry was well done and thorough. David spent time getting the different sides to an obviously frustrating and intense fight”

Second place:

Caroline Kipp

Westminster Window

“Eminent Danger”

Honorable mention (tie)

Joseph Kolb

Gallup Herald

“Could DUI have been prevented?”

Tammy Krantz

Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel

“Roll Call”

5B

News Feature:

First place:

Joseph J. Kolb

Gallup Herald

“Fear and Loathing on the Streets of Gallup,”

“Vividly written; this work allowed us the rare chance to hear the
voices of people who live outside the stream of polite society, people
from whom we seldom hear.”

second place:

Nissa LaPoint

Westminster Window

“A Love that Stands the Test of Time,”
honorable mention:

Nissa LaPoint
Westminster Window

“Forgotten Contributors”

C6

Personal columns

First place:

John Hazelhurst

Colorado Springs Business Journal

“There goes the neighborhood” et al.

“Interesting look at how a community will change if local schools are closed. Appreciated writer’s disclosure about his own interest. Articles were passionate and included info to back up this position.”

Second place:

David Fryxell

Desert Exposure

“Continental Divide”

Honorable mention:

John Hazelhurst

Colorado Springs Business Journal

“Perhaps it’s best”

C7

Editorials

First place:

John Hazelhurst

Colorado Springs Business Journal

“At Issue”

“These were interesting, readable piece that conveyed opinion and facts nicely. It’s important for editorials top not just state facts and opinions but to also be entertaining and at times edgy. I believe these pieces included all of this and more.”

Second place:

David Fryxell

Desert Exposure

“Editors’ Notebook”

Honorable mention:

Kate Hawthorne

Northern Colorado Business Report

C8

Headlines
first place:

Gail Binkly

Four Corners Free Press

“These headlines are not only catchy, with creative use of the classic
double-meaning technique, but also simply and clearly written, and
therefore effective.”

 
second place:

Noah Guillaume

Northern Colorado Business Report 

C9

Education reporting

First place:

Tammy Krantz

Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel

“Following the signs”

Second place:

Caroline Kipp

Westminster Window

“New Year, new educational system”

Honorable mention:

Caroline Kipp

Westminster Window

“Building safer schools”

C10

Political reporting

First place:

David Fryxell

Desert Exposure

“Pirates of the Roundhouse:

“Strong piece of political watchdog reporting chronicling the cost of New Mexico’s lax government ethics rules. Fryxell is a thorough reporter and entertaining writer.”

Second place:

Josh Smith

SUU Journal

“Gun Run”

Honorable mention:

John Hazelhurst

Colorado Springs Business Journal

“Inaugural collectibles”

C12

Science/Environment/Healthcare reporting

First place:

Jim Mimiaga

Four Corners Free Press

“A tangle of questions about tamarisk”

C13

Sports reporting

First place:

Michael Rinker

Hurricane Valley Journal

“Hurricane quiets the Thunder”

“How do you make a 54-0 rout sound interesting to a reader? Michael Rinker succeeds in a conversational style that mixes quotes with great detail!”

Second place:

Joseph Kolb

Gallup Herald

“Questionable decision”

Honorable mention:

John Jackson

Spanish Fork News

“5A Champions”

C14

Sports Feature

First place:

Jayme Otto

Women’s Adventure

“Shades of Gray”

“Well written and thorough based on extensive research story flows well from start to finish. Numerous quotes enhance readability”

Second place:

Namon Bills

The Sentinel

“Goal oriented”

C16

Business reporting

Kristen Tatti

Northern Colorado Business Report

“Dispute over Iphone apps breaks legal ground and wind”

“Ms. Tatti’s story clearly tells the tale of two technology companies caught in a legal battle, but importantly uses the piece to give readers a much broader understanding of intellectual property rights within a quickly evolving market. The story features a strong balance of news and information relevant to business readers. Finally, the article is written in an objective style with language that is appropriate to the subject matter yet rightly resists the temptation to overuse clichés.”

C17

Business feature

First place:

Kristen Tatti and Chad Collins

Northern Colorado Business Report

“Banking industry has deep roots”

“Ms. Tatti and Mr. Collins take the time to give readers an in-depth look at one of their local community’s most important and relevant industries – banking. The authors smartly use names and histories, instead of companies, to trace the story of this local industry’s local roots. News and historical facts are presented well within the framework of a business feature. Finally, the story’s design and presentation should be noted as an excellent way to communicate the story’s content.”

Second place:

Anne Cumming Rice

Northern Colorado Business Report

“For the love of the art of construction”

Honorable mention:

John Hazlehurst

Colorado Springs Business Journal

“Real? Fake?”

C18

Business Enterprise

First place:

Sonja Horosko

Four Corners Free Press

“Inherit the wind”

“A thorough well-reported probe into both the high stakes – and big players – in the push for green power. The author did a solid job in weaving together the political and economic issues.”

Second place:

John Hazlehurst

Colorado Springs Business Journal

“It the pension fund safe?”

C19

Business columns

First place:

Steve Porter

Northern Colorado Business Report

“Mr. Porter uses his columns to tackle important topics that may surprise readers, an essential part of any columnist’s mission. The strength of this author’s submissions comes from conveying human tales within a compelling news context, which makes each piece relevant to readers.”

Second place:

Kristen Tatti

Northern Colorado Business Report

C20

Arts and entertainment feature

First place:

Sonja Horosko

Freelance/Durango Herald

“Indian artist’s show opens in Cortez”

“Good opening lead. Descriptive, interesting and insightful”

Second place:

Sonja Horosko

Freelance/Durango Herald

“Artist looks for essential form”

Honorable mention:

Tammy Krantz

Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel

“Most peoples’ junk mail…”

C21

Arts and entertainment criticism

First place:

Tammy Krantz

Metro North News

“Old Man River”

C22

Arts and entertainment (food and beverage)

First place:

Jane Albritton

Northern Colorado Business Report

“Restaurants in recession”

C24

News photography

First place:

Kate Jarman

Spanish Fork Press

“North Park”

“Great spot news fire photo to capture the wildlife in the middle of the fire was great. Hands down 1^st place winner.”

Second place:

Elliot Evans

The Lowry News

“Brush fire at Lowry”

Honorable mention:

Richard Harris

Spanish Fork Press

“House fire”

C25

Feature photography

First place:

Richard Joyce

Redstone Review

“A bald eagle”

“Caught the animal in motion at the perfect time. Stood out over the other entries. Good job”

Second place:

Richard Harris

Spanish Fork Press

“Peaceful wind power”

Honorable mention:

Namon Bills

Spanish Fork Press

“Tall and short”

C26

Sports photography

First place:

Todd Roach

Spanish Fork Press

“Face it”

“Great high moment in softball. Good job.”

Second place:

Michael Rinker

Hurricane Valley Journal

“Tigers chew Redmen”

Honorable mention:

Danette Clayson

Spanish Fork Press

“SF rallies”

Here are the results of The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies journalism competition for Region 9.

These are the winners from Division B.

Please note: in a few categories, the judges found no winners. Those categories are not listed.

B1

General News

First Place
Sara Israelsen-Hartley
“The Pull of Pills: Many Are Abusing Legal Prescriptions”
Deseret News
 
Comment: A thorough story that used compelling personal narratives to convey the gravity of a statewide problem.
 
2nd Place
Baylie Evans
“400 Days Apart”
Wyoming Tribune Eagle

Honorable mention:
Laura Hancock
“A Rolling Protest Ride”
Deseret News

B2

Breaking news

First place:

Jason Auslander

Santa Fe New Mexican

“Burglars flee trail of bullets”

“The feature-style story telling the reporter used effectively explains and builds suspense in this story. Readers can feel the anxiety this victim must have endured.”

B 3 – Gen. Reporting Series or package

1 Elaine Jarvik and Lois Collins – Deseret News – Gray Area: Utah as it ages

2 Karen Hunt Lambert – The Herald Journal – New neighbors

3 J Adrian Stanley – Colorado Springs Independent – Not here, not yet

4B, Investigative/Enterprise

first place: Laura Snider, Daily Camera, Boulder’s fall from the Kyoto protocol

judge’s comments: The package explains easily a complex matter. It offers several sidebars that allow the reader to reach his own conclusions.

second place: Josh Loftin, Salt Lake City Weekly, They are watching you

Honorable mention: Adrian Stanley, Colorado Springs Independent, Tabor Tyranny

B5

News Feature

First Place:
Baylie Davis
Wyoming Tribune Eagle

“Crashing Halt”
 
Comment: Davis told a compassionate story about a tragic accident and then used it to look at the history of drinking in Wyoming and the state’s political and social attitudes towards drinking. The context added complexity and interest to the Enyeart’s story and highlighted what a big problem drunk driving is in Wyoming.

2nd place
Lois M. Collins
Caught in the Middle
Desert News
 
Honorable Mention
Laura Snider
Looking Back on a Brush with Destruction
Daily Camera

B6

First place:

Personal columns

Doug Robinson

Deseret News

B7

Editorials

First place:

D. Reed Eckhardt

Wyoming Tribune Eagle

“Agenda 2009: Education”

“Thoughtful, persuasive well-written argument”

B8

Headlines

First place:

Dale Shrull

Glenwood Springs Post-Independent

“None Given”

“Creative and clever while still explanatory and of all the entries, Dale was the only one who wrote all heds in his entry.”

Second place:

Staff

Denver Business Journal

Honorable mention:

Copy desk

Wyoming Tribune-Eagle

B9

Education reporting

First place:

Kirsten Akens

Colorado Springs Independent

“Sample problems”

10B

Political Reporting

1st — Julie Ann Grimm, The Santa Fe New Mexican, “Transfer Tax Showdown”

Comments:  A very thorough examination of a transfer tax ballot issue, with great use of the MLS database to determine how many recent home sales would have been affected.  Well-sourced and clearly written.

2nd — Lee Davidson and Bob Bernick, Jr., Deseret News, “‘Reform’ creates big, new loophole for gift reporting”

3rd — Ed Sealover and Bob Mook, Denver Business Journal, “Rating Ritter”

11B

Legal Affairs

1st — Pamela White, Boulder Weekly, “Until Proven Guilty”

Comments:  An exceptionally thoughtful, well-researched story about what has gone wrong with the juvenile justice system.  Very nice exploration of all sides of the issues, brought to life by compelling stories of several juvenile offenders.

12 B  Science/Environmental/Healthcare Reporting – 12B
1st Place winner: J. Adrian Stanley, Colorado Springs Independent, “The Tick and the Time Bomb”
Judge’s comments: A fascinating account of a man’s battle with a mysterious illness. Excellent research and explanatory reporting on the medical debate surrounding Lyme disease.

2nd Place winner: Staci Matlock, Santa Fe New Mexican, “Tracing Water’s Hidden Journey”
Judge’s comments: A capable analysis of a complex issue that affects people’s everyday lives. This report shed light on the reasons some wells run dry, using government research and interviews to explain how aquifers work.

Honorable mention: Eric Peterson, Salt Lake City Weekly

13B

Sports General Reporting

First place:

Morgan Stanfield

The O&P Edge

“Beautiful Rebels: Paradox Sports Celebrates Guts, Gimps and Glory”

“Eye-opening article. An easy, entertaining article that was a pleasure to read.”

14B  Sports Feature – 14B
1st Place winner: Ian St. Clair, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “Lane Frost”
Judge’s comments: A sensitive portrayal of a rodeo legend who is remembered with affection 20 years after his death. Solid research, good use of quotes and a well-crafted story.

2nd Place winner: Wren Abbott, Salt Lake City Weekly, “Child’s Play”
Judge’s comments: Vivid descriptions made this feature on children’s motocross come to life. The story provides an intriguing look into this controversial sport.

3rd Place winner: Dale Shrull, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, “Stonehouse dreams big”

15B Sports Columns

first place: Dale Shrull, Post Independent, Sports columns

                Judge’s comments: Dale’s columns reveal a lot of reporting and a good eye for detail. His readers are not drowned in verbiage, but emerge with strong impressions of the people and events. Dale should watch his length, though, or break stories up with sidebars.

dshrull@postindenpendent.com

second place: Ralph Routon, Colorado Springs Independent, Sports Columns

honorable mention: Ian St. Clair, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Sports Columns

istclair@wyomingnews.com

16 B  General Reporting Business

Eric Peterson, “Jacked”  City Weekly

Good read, you felt you got the whole enchillida when you finished Peterson’s story.  He took a complicated subject and made it understandable.  Nice work

2nd Renee McGaw  “Losing HQ’s”  Denver Business Journal

I do have to commet on Ms McGaw’s work for this story.  This was exceptional work by the reporter…. It was tough to separate the first two place finished because both are

what superior reporting is about.

3rd    Renee McGaw   “Banks Struggle to Lend”  Denver Business Journal

17B  Feature Writing Business

Greg Avery “Remembering the Cable Boom”  Denver Business Journal

Reporter Avery has written a fact filled, fast passed and interesting read on the cable industry and

the influence of Denver on the industry and the industry on Denver.  Award worthy for sure.

2nd  Jasen Lee  “Blind Real Estate-Keen Insights”   Deseret News

3d.  Greg Campbell    “Street Smart”  Yellow Scene Magazine

18B  Investigative/Enterprise Business

Eric Peterson   “All Bets Are Off”    Salt Lake City Weekly

A fast talking con man is taken down.  Looks like this story was part of an ongoing series of

reports on Mr. Koerber.  The reporter did a good job of covering this from A to Z. 

Interesting read—

2nd Renee McGaw  “Lenders Bitten by Jaguar”  Denver Business Journal

rmcgaw@bizjournals.com

3rd  Paula Moore  “Advisor Faces Legal Trouble”  Denver Business Journal

pmoore@bizjournals.com

19B Business Columns

First place:

Neil Westergaard

Denver Business Journal,

“Consistently well written and informative columns.”

nwestergaard@bizjournals.com

B 20 – A&E Reporting – News of feature

1 Edie Adelstein – Colorado Springs Independent – Big and Beautiful

edie@csindy.com

2 Andra Coberly – Yellow Scene magazine – The Glass House

editorial@yellowscene.com

3 Bill Foreman – Colorado Springs Independent – Dead Air

bill@csindy.com

B 21 – A&E Reporting – Criticism

1 Kevin Wingert – Wyoming Tribune Eagle – Video game reviews

kwingert@wyomingnews.com

2 Lacy Boggs – Yellow Scene Magazine – Cuisine reviews

editorial@yellowscene.com

24B — News Photography

1st — AAron Ontiveroz, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “Off to War”

Comments:  This photo is very nicely framed and captures a sweet moment in a different way, with the little girl crouched at her father’s feet and gazing up at him.

aontiveroz@wyomingnews.com

2nd — Kathleen Lavine, Denver Business Journal, “For their Future”

klavine@bizjournals.com

3rd — Michael Smith, AAron Ontiveroz and Jerret Raffety, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “Photo Story: Divine Disorder”

msmith@wyomingnews.com

aontiveroz@wyomingnews.com

jraffety@wyomingnews.com

25B – Feature Photography

1st — Shauna Stephenson, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “Western legend won’t die”

Comments:  The moody lighting and depth of this photo make it a winner.

sstephenson@wyomingnews.com

2nd — Kathleen Lavine, Denver Business Journal, “RK”

klavine@bizjournals.com

3rd — Kathleen Lavine, Denver Business Journal, “Fall”

klavine@bizjournals.com

26B — Sports Photography

1st — Michael Smith, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “All strung up for CFD”

Comments:  An excellent action shot.  The details are perfect — the rolling eye of the bucking horse, the clenched jaw of the rider.  You can almost feel the weight of the horse as it comes down on the rider’s shoulders.

msmith@wyomingnews.com

2nd — Dan Vukelich, Sun Country Golf Magazine, “Missing Right”

dvukelich@comcast.net

3rd — AAron Ontiveroz, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “Riding for Him”

aontiveroz@wyomingnews.com

 

Here are the results of The Society of Professional Journalists Top of the Rockies journalism competition for Region 9.

These are the winners from Division A.

Please note: in a few categories, the judges found no winners. Those categories are not listed.

1A News reporting

First place:

Hailey Heinz

“If the system worked he wouldn’t be dead”

Albuquerque Journal

Comment: The story went beyond telling the reader the system would work if only the system had more money. What impressed was the detail on the difficulties and regrets of the officers who encounter the story’s central character and the too many unfortunate people like her.”

Second place:

Brandon Loomis

“Moab slow to grow”

Salt Lake Tribune

Honorable mention:

Vic Vela

“Holy Rebellion”

Albuquerque Journal

2A Breaking News

First place:

Mike Klis

“Cutler: trade me”

The Denver Post

Comment: Reporter shows his skills with concise, informative breaking news story that is thoroughly sourced, written in a way that even non-sports readers can understand.

Second place:

Erin Alberty and Lindsay Whitehurst

“Teen shot to death near school”

Salt Lake Tribune

Honorable mention:

Shots kill 1 cop, wound 2

Denver Post

3A
General reporting

First place: Patty Henetz, et. al.

“Artifacts investigation”

Salt Lake Tribune

Comment: By turns exhaustive, riveting and layered, the cultural plundering of ancient tribal lands, the resulting investigation and the human tragedy that resulted was a cut above in an extremely competitive category.

Second place:

Staff

“Columbine – ten years later”

Denver Post

Honorable mention:

David Olinger

“”State of Decay

The Denver Post

4A

Investigative/Enterprise reporting

First place:

Dave Philipps

“Casualties of War

Gazette

“A forceful story rooted in tremendous access and a deep documentary record”

Second place:

Julia Lyon et al.

“Refugees in Utah”

Salt Lake Tribune

Honorable mention:

Staff

“DUI”

Denver Post

5A

News feature

First place:

Peggy Fletcher Stack

“Love and theory collide”

Salt Lake Tribune

Comment: Heartbreaking, fascinating story, beautifully written, a pleasure to read. So human and lovely.”

Second place:

Max Potter

“All the News that’s fit to kill”

5280 Magazine

Honorable mention:

Matthew D. LaPlante

“The 10^th Man”

Salt Lake Tribune

6A

Personal columns

First place:

Susan Greene

“Signs were Max’s anchor”

Denver Post

Comment: “Maybe you met him” Susan Greene writes in the opening of “Signs were Max’s anchor” “a boy with blue rubber glasses (who) walked up, grabbed your hand and led you toward a sign.”

Maybe you didn’t meet Max until Susan introduced you to him, but then you loved him. With vivid words and details well chosen, Susan takes us into the autistic world of unabashed Max. And in the short space of a newspaper column, we know him.

What a wonder that newspapers still print work like this, and prominently.

Second place:

Tina Griego

“DUI’s bitter aftertaste; Blanket of denial”

Denver Post

Honorable mention: (tie)

Leslie Linthicum

“Peeling off-center’

Albuquerque Journal

And

Peg McEntee

“Crandall Canyon”

Salt Lake Tribune

7A

Editorials

First place:

D’Val Westphal

Albuquerque Journal

Comment: A snappy series of editorials on the absurd treatment given to released prisoners by the local police – dumped in a deserted downtown neighborhood. The problem is identified and explained. Reasonable options are offered. And an opinion is strongly expressed, all without sanctimony or sarcasm.

Second place

Chuck Plunkett

Denver Post

Honorable mention:

Alicia Caldwell

Denver Post

8A

Headlines

First place:

Val Mass

Denver Post

Second place:

Greg McElvain

Gazette

Honorable mention:

Brian Schoeni

Denver Post

9A

Education reporting

First place:

Kirsten Stewart

“Embattled developer defies critics”

Salt Lake Tribune

Comment: This entry rises to the top because of the outrage factor. This is the best kind of education story because it doesn’t read like one.

Second place:

Jeremy Meyer

“Enabling kids”

Denver Post

Honorable mention:

Jeremy Meyer

“Teacher placement can add to disparities”

Denver Post

10A

Political reporting

First place:

Michael Riley & Karen Crummy

“GOP aims to rebuild, refocus”

Denver Post

Second place:

Ed Sealover

“Young voters ignite a new activism”

Rocky Mountain News

Honorable mention:

Cathy McKitrick

“Is Shurtleff crossing the line with anti-BCS event?”

Salt Lake Tribune

11A

Legal Affairs reporting

Patrick Doyle & Natasha Gardner

“The Politics of Killing”

5280 Magazine

Comment: An in-depth, well-written and informative examination of the collision of politics and the criminal justice system. Good job!

Second place: Judy Fahys

“Fugitive nearly went out in ‘blaze of glory’”

Salt Lake Tribune

12A

Science/Environment/Health Care reporting

First place: Sheena McFarland

“Bright lights, dark city”

Salt Lake Tribune

“This story is well written and thoroughly reported. There is strong attention to detail and Sheena McFarland gives the ins and outs of a very complex subject. She covers broad ground without overwhelming the reader, presenting the information in a clear, concise and interesting way.”

Second place:

Jennifer Brown

“Quiet place draws the troubled”

Denver Post

Honorable mention

Judy Fahys

“Clash of dreams, economy”

Salt Lake Tribune

13A

Sports reporting

First place:

Mike Klis

“Sacked”

Denver Post

“Tightly written behind-the-scenes look at a coach’s firing that draws on sources other than the coach or owner. Well done context and forward-looking view.”

Second place:

Benjamin Hochman

“Melo’s drive delivers’

Denver Post

Honorable mention:

Troy E. Renck

“Lidge nails down Philadelphia’s first World Series title in 28 years”

Denver Post

14A

Sports feature

First place:

Robert Sanchez

“This is Ted Johnson’s Brain”

5280 Magazine

“Very in-depth, well-written, good research”

Second place:

Lindsay Jones

“Their favorite sons”

Denver Post

15A

Sports column

First place:

Dave Krieger

Denver Post

“Krieger takes his work – but not the world of sports – seriously. Balance. Humor. Human interest.”

Second place:

Gordon Monson

Salt Lake Tribune

Honorable mention:

Woody Paige

Denver Post

16A

Business reporting

First place:

Miles Moffeit and Aldo Svaldi

“Failed”

Denver Post

“A comprehensive and compelling story with strong sense of local impact”

Second place:

Kevin Vaughan, Miles Moffeit, Tom McGhee

“Trust broken”

Denver Post

Third place:

Richard Metcalf

“Eclipse files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy”

Albuquerque Journal

Honorable mention:

Greg Griffin

Local lender key in meltdown”

Denver Post

17A

Business Feature

First place:

Richard Metcalf

“Collateral Damage”

Albuquerque Journal

18A

Business Enterprise

First place:

Allison Sherry

“Economy”

Denver Post

“Ms. Sherry’s article chronicles the effects of the recession in an array of ways: welfare fraud, scams proliferate, towns struggle, colleges adjust and aid givers get overwhelmed.”

19A

Business Columns

First place:

Winthrop Quigley

“For sake of argument, stick to the facts”

Albuquerque Journal

“Informative, clear, rational – exactly the tone needed in the healthcare debate”

20A

Arts and Entertainment reporting

First place:

John Wenzel

“Songs of the Times”

Denver Post

“This excellent overview concept was splendidly done by John Wenzel. Each vignette both stood on its own and melded with the others”

Second place:

Catherine Reese Newton

“Keith Lockhart’s farewell to the Utah Symphony”

Salt Lake Tribune

21A

Arts and Entertainment criticism

Sean Means

Salt Lake Tribune

“Means film reviews are crisply and cogently written. He supports his critic’s judgment with specific examples from the movies in question.”

Second place:

Joanne Ostrow

Denver Post

22A

Arts and Entertainment (food/beverage)

First place:

Douglas Brown

“Start to finish: goat cheese from the pen to the plate”

Denver Post

“Interesting topic. Nice to learn about the topic from beginning to end, to learn “goat cheese” terms and how it’s made”

23A

Spot News photography

First place:

R.J. Sangosti

“Pearls and Protest”

Denver Post

“Great job capturing the tension from what could have been a mundane event”

Second place:

Jim Urquhart

“Wildfire clean up”

Salt Lake Tribune

Honorable mention:

Joe Amon

“All in the day’s work”

Denver Post

24A

News photography

First place:

Rick Egan

“Swarmed”

Salt Lake Tribune

“You can feel this man’s joy at seeing his kids. So great to see the soldier’s emotions as opposed to the family. Nice moment.”

Second place:

Joe Amon

“Tears of tribute”

Denver Post

Honorable mention:

Francisco Kjolseth

“Making history”

Salt Lake Tribune

25A

Feature photography

First place:

Judy DeHaas

“Excuse me?”

Denver Post

Second place:

RJ Sangosti

“Wing and prayer”

Denver Post

Honorable mention:

Chris Detrick

“Perpetual trek”

Salt Lake Tribune

26A

Sports photography

First place:

Joe Amon

“Karl takes cover”

Denver Post

“Instantly rose to the top. Never seen this before and told the story well”

Second place:

Trent Nelson

“BCS bound”

Salt Lake Tribune

Honorable mention:

Jim Urquhart

“Tight finish”

Salt Lake Tribune

Every once in a while, a good deed gets repaid and a smart choices bears results.

This is one of those times.

About 16 years ago, the Denver Press Club started an event called the Damon Runyon banquet.

Each year we celebrated the legacy of one of the club’s earliest members – the great columnist and author of Guys and Doll – by honoring a contemporary journalist of national renown.

We also started a tradition of giving out scholarships to college students who showed a flair for narrative.

In the third year of the Runyon, one of those students was a young woman from Colorado State University named Kelly Kennedy.

Kelly had that Runyonesque knack for telling a story. And like Runyon, she knew at an early age that she knew she wanted to cover a war some day.

Well, she got her chance and made the most of it.

In 2005, Kelly went to work as a reporter for the Gannett-owned Army Times, where she covers military health and medical issues.

 In June 2007, she was embedded with an infantry unit in Iraq and saw some particularly intense fighting.

 Next month, Kelly’s account of what she saw can be found with the publication of her first book, “They Fought for Each Other – The Triumph and Tragedy of the Hardest Hit Unit in Iraq.”

And in April, Kelly will return to Denver and to the Press Club as one of the keynote speakers at SPJ’s Spring Regional Conference on April 9-10.

I don’t mean to exaggerate the role of the Runyon scholarship in all this. The dollar amount was modest and Kelly’s accomplishments are the result of her grit and determination.

But it does make me feel good to see things come full circle and to realize that the student who wins a scholarship one day can grow up to be an author and keynote speaker 13 years later.

The fledging New Mexico chapter had an interesting problem recently.

The chapter has not been around long enough to have much in the way of funds.

However, the a non-profit foundation associated with the Santa Fe New Mexican was kind enough to offer a $500 grant to help get the newly revived chapter up and running.

Only one problem though. The foundation could only provide the funds to an IRS approved 501c3. Like most chapters, New Mexico Pro is not set up as a non-profit.

But thanks to the folks at the SDX Foundation, we were able to find a solution.

Last month, the newly elected New Mexico Pro board voted to turn the grant money over to SDX, which in turn, will set up an education fund that the chapter will be able to use.

SDX takes $50 for overhead, but that still leaves the chapter with $450 to use for such educational purposes as bringing in a speaker for a seminar.

There are strict limits on what the money can be used for, but this way the new chapter will be able to get starting with a meaningful event that lives up to the SDX guidelines.

This is a win-win situation both for the chapter and SDX.

The SPJ Chapter at the University of Northern Colorado is showing renewed signs of life.

On March 10 from 5-7 p.m., SPJ will be hosting a Sunshine Week event (a bit early, because of Spring break) on the UNC campus in Greeley.

Panelist include: Bob Moore, executive editor of the Fort Collins Coloradoan; Dale Edwards, assistant professor of journalism and mass communications at UNC, Jakob Rodgers, a reporter for the Greeley Tribune and Lee Christian, an attorney who specializes in mass communications law.

For more details, contact chapter advisor Lynn Klyde-Silverstein at lynn.klyde@unco.edu 

Meanwhile, the Colorado Pro Chapter also has some great events planned:

-On Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., SPJ will sponsor a talk with Mike Madigan, author of “Heroes, Villains, Dames and Disasters.” The book recounts the colorful history of The Rocky Mountain News, which closed down last Feb. 28, just a few weeks shy of its 150^th anniversary.

-On March 8 at 6 p.m. Colorado SPJ and the Denver Women’s Press Club will co-sponsor a discussion of the state of investigative reporting.

Panelists include Laura Frank, former investigative reporter for The Rocky Mountain News, Tony Kovaleski, investigative reporter for KMGH – Channel 7, Steve Zansberg and Chris Beall, partners in the Denver law firm of Levine, Sullivan, Koch & Schulz, which specializes in media law.

-On March 25 at 6 p.m., Colorado SPJ will host an evening with James McGrath Morris, author of “Pulitzer: A Life in Politics, Print and Power. The book is billed as the first comprehensive biography of publisher Joseph Pulitzer in more than 40 years.

All three of these Colorado SPJ events will be held at the historic Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm Place. For more details, contact Sara Crocker at sara.c.crocker@gmail.com