(4 entries)

Judge: Dennis Swibold, University of Montana
Swibold is a journalism professor at the University of Montana

First place
MARY TOLAN
Arizona Daily Sun
"Lose the money - and run"
"A first-rate job of in-depth reporting on an investment scheme gone bad. The lessons in this story ought to resonate with every reader. The writing was clear, crisp and compelling. It kept me moving through a long and intricately detailed piece. Impressive work."

Second place
TIM CALLAHAN
The Daily Courier
"Money Makers is their name"
"An interesting feature on the working of an investment club. The story is a little slow to the nut graph and the reporter never tells us if the group is making or losing money. But it does offer some good advice for those thinking about starting clubs."

Third place
TIM CALLAHAN
The Daily Courier
"Big bulls still big business"
"A sharper focus on one of the aspects of this event would have improved the piece. But the writing was clear, informative and engaging."