2010 scpa news contest tabloid of winners

2010 SCPA News Contest Winners • 1

Recognizing the best in S.C. newspaper journalism

2010NEWS CONTEST AWARD WINNERS

First Place Personality Photo: The Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Alissandra Von Rose”

2 • 2010 SCPA News Contest Winners

Daily Division DAVID WRENTh e Sun News

David graduated from Radford University in Virginia with a degree in mass communications/journalism.

His fi rst reporting job was at Th e Journal-Messenger in Manassas, Va., covering Prince William County. He went from there to the Daily Herald in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., and then to the Martinsville Bulletin in Martinsville, Va., where he was assistant sports editor.

He fi rst came to Th e Sun News as a sports copy editor in 1991, but quickly moved into reporting, where he quickly set the stage for what would become his trademark:

dogged persistence and the patience to delve into the documents that hold the real story. In 1999, he left Th e Sun News to work for Th e Rocky Mountain News in Denver, but

returned to Myrtle Beach in 2001 as metro editor. Eventually his heart would lead him back to reporting where he has excelled at classic watchdog reporting, uncovering untold examples of tax spending abuses by public agencies and charities.

Judge’s Comments: Wren’s work fulfi lls journalism’s core mission: speak truth to power. His reporting reveals the intensity of his curiosity and the depth of his inquisitiveness. A remarkable body of work that rips away the veil on public and private corruption. Taxpayers and readers should thank him.

Weekly DivisionJERRY BELLUNELexington County Chronicle &Th e Dispatch News

Jerry and his wife MacLeod publish the Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News and a variety of niche publications. Since his days carrying a before-dawn route for Th e Greenville News, Jerry has been involved in every aspect of the newspaper industry, from small weeklies to large Metropolitan dailies.

Th e Chronicle has won more than 300 national and state awards for excellence in advertising and journalism under his leadership.

Since his fi rst newspaper job with Th e Greenville News, he worked at newspapers in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania before returning to South Carolina to publish the weekly newspaper in Lexington.

He is also a published author with numerous books in print about motivation, leadership and being an entrepreneur.

Judge’s Comments: It’s been said that “old guys rule.” Jerry Bellune has been running his race long enough to (semi-) retire, and he’s still as good as and sometimes better than his competitors. His readers continue to benefi t from his dedication to old-style journalistic integrity, and each one ought to thank him personally.

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AWARD JUDSON CHAPMANPUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Daily Winner

The Charleston Post and Courier deserves fi rst place for its holistic approach to Freedom of Informa-tion and the kind of reporting it requires. This year’s Post and Courier FOI eff orts, even dissected into parts, would be a collection of strong entries. The most compelling ingredient in the body of 2010 work was the tenacious reporting by Diane Knich on South Carolina State University’s slap-dash accounting for governmental grant money. The school had stonewalled media inquiries for almost 20 years but Knich’s reporting forced disclosures and ultimately an audit by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Reporters David Slade and Glenn Smith also produced strong series on Charleston governmental spend-ing practices and an investigation into a fi re that killed nine fi refi ghters, respectively. But that wasn’t all the Post and Courier did. There were other impressive examples of strong reporting that helped taxpayers understand what kind of

work was being done for their money. The entries show strong leadership of the newsroom man-agement team, including Editor Bill Hawkins and City Editor Rick Nelson.

SECOND PLACE

Myrtle Beach Sun News reporter David Wren seems to never have a shortage of doors that need to be kicked open in and around the Grand Strand, and in 2010 he focused on William Bailey, the public safety direc-tor for North Myrtle Beach, who lied about whether he had locked his city-issued handgun in his pickup truck the night it was stolen. When the lie was exposed, Bailey was suspended, demoted and then ultimately forced to resign. That story became broader after Bailey’s suspension, when a former offi cer who questioned

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff , “Th e Guardians”

Judges Comments: Excellent job giving children a voice in society. A clear outcome here: double the number of advocates.

SECOND: Greenville Journal, April Silvaggio, “Nobody’s Choice”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier; Katy Stech, David Slade and Yvonne Wenger, “Boeing’s whopping incentives”

Congratulationsto the 2010 News Contest Winners!


CREDITSThe South Carolina Press Association and its members would like to thank The Times and Democrat for printing this special publication. Production credit goes to Michael Ball of the Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch News. Thanks to the members of the Arkansas Press Association who judged the 2010 News Contest.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AWARDCONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Bailey’s leadership produced secretly taped con-versations that showed a police department in which political favors were common, offi cers were intimidated and senior offi cers made sexually of-fensive remarks about co-workers and crime vic-tims. This was yet another clear example of Wren’s intrepid reporting, and Sun News Editor Trisha O’Connor’s commitment of newsroom resources to pursue its invaluable watchdog role.

Weekly WinnerThe Middle Tyger Times earned top honors for in the weekly division for an entry that would make any daily or weekly proud. The Times was involved in a months-long eff ort starting in the summer of 2010 with reporter Jay King leading

the way with a series of hard-hitting stories into an illegal meeting of the Holly Springs Fire Com-mission, which voted in a secret, unannounced meeting to fi re Chief Lee Jeff coat. A judge or-dered the chief reinstated and the board backed down on the fi ring. Later the board members faced criminal charges for the FOI violations, after a judge found probable cause that they vio-lated the FOI law. This was a fi rst in South Caro-lina for a public offi cial to face criminal charges under the FOIA. That matter is still pending.

PHOTOJOURNALIST OF THE YEARDaily DivisionJANET BLACKMON MORGANTh e Sun News

Judges’ comments: Best overall portfolio in a very competitive division. Great eye. Your photos have great impact and tell a story. Th e body of work is varied and we were impressed with the overall quality and creativity of your work.

Weekly Division

MICHAEL SMITH Carolina Forest Chronicle

Judges’ comments: Best all around. A good photographer is out in his or her community interacting and capturing the stories for readers. It is clear that Mr. Smith is everywhere that he can be. A top notch portfolio that is not only well rounded in topics portrayed, but is thoughtful and creative.

First Place Pictorial : The Sun News. Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Refl ection at the fair”

“Daisy chomps a strawberry,” by Michael Smith, Carolina Forest Chronicle


DAILY DIVISIONDaily Over 60,000Spot News Reporting

FIRST: Th e State, Noelle Phillips and Adam Beam, “City Manager Fires Columbia Police Chief”

Judges’ comments: Comprehensive, thorough coverage of a breaking news event with multiple sources, solid background and details on how the event could help impact city and county residents.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Ron Barnett, “Afghan Blast Ends Soldier’s Lifelong Dream”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Prentiss Findlay, “‘Weakest Moment’ Results in Death”

Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, David Slade and Diane Knich, “Why is College Tuition So High?”

Judges’ comments: Th e reporters and their newspaper performed a public service by examining the data and proving that steep tuition increases resulted from college administrator’s bricks-and-motor arms race more than tight state budgets. Strong analysis and clear writing.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Katy Stech, David Slade and Yvonne Wenger, “Boeings Whopping Incentives”THIRD: Th e Greenville News, Ron Barnett and Th omas

Woodham, “College Athletics Spending Climbs”

Business ReportingFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Warren Wise

Judges’ comments: Great job on both non-original and original articles, particularly the grease thieves story.

SECOND: Th e State, Andrew ShainTHIRD: Th e State, Kristy Eppley Rupon

Lifestyle Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Greenville News, Donna Isbell Walker, “Are You Heartier than a Fourth Grader?”

Judges’ comments: Wonderful portrayal of a day with kids. Turned an outing into a beautifully portrayed story. Extremely tough competition in this category-well deserved #1.

SECOND: Th e State, Joey Holleman, “Chaos Th eory”THIRD: Th e Greenville News, Lillia Callum-Penso, “Living Apart”

News Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Schuyler Kropf, “Th e Afghan War Widow”

Judges’ comments: Th is story-with both human interest and news angle-rose to the top in a competitive fi eld.

SECOND: Th e State, Noelle Phillips, “‘I Only Need One to Live’”THIRD: Th e State, Adam Beam, “Columbia a Refuge from Catastrophe”

Profi le Feature Writing or StoryFIRST: Th e Greenville News, Lillia Callum-Penso, “Touching Lives”

Judges’ comments: Th is story does a great job of capturing the personality of the youth Josh Schmidt. It is touchingly well-written.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Donna Isbell Walker, “Guitar Man”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, “Losing Faith”

Short StoryFIRST: Th e State, Dawn Hinshaw, “Wanted: A Good Home For ‘Morticia’”

Judges’ comments: Nice, concise, and yet simultaneously informative and entertaining.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Bo Petersen, “Invasive Insects Make Big Stink”THIRD: Th e Greenville News, Scott Keepfer, “Lightning Strikes for 92-Year-Old Golfer”

Column WritingFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Brian Hicks

Judges’ comments: Th is guy stands up for the little guys. On in the case of one column, the best, the little kids.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, David SladeTHIRD: Th e State, Cindi Ross Scoppe

Humor Column WritingFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Brian Hicks

Judges’ comments: Th is guy stands up for the little guys... or in the case of one column – the best – the little kids.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Ken BurgerTHIRD: Th e State, Gregory Hardy

Spot News Photo First: The Greenville News, Ken Osburn “Train derailment”


Series of ArticlesFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Adam Parker and Gene Sapakoff , “State of Abuse”

Judges’ comments: Well-written, comprehensive report in critical issue.

SECOND: Th e State, Staff , “12 Lives”THIRD: Th e State, Jeff Wilkinson, “Battle of the Bulge”

Reporting-in-DepthFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Katy Stech and David Slade, “Boeing’s Ambitious Promise”

Judges’ comments: Well-written, well-researched, and interesting. Fantastic job of fi nding multiple angles for the reader and reaching beyond the obvious story line.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Tim Smith, “Problems at Agency for Jobless”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Warren Wise, “SCE&G Rate Hike”

Beat ReportingBEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, “Crime”

Judges’ comments: Smith proves-with great analytical power-the idea that journalism is the chronicling of the human condition.

SECOND: Th e State, John O’Connor, “General Assembly”THIRD: The Post and Courier, Bo Petersen, “Environment”

Public Service for a DailyFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Bill Hawkins, “College Tuition”

Judges’ comments: Th is series exemplifi es journalism at its best-identifying a problem, searching out information the public would never otherwise see and, most importantly, presenting it clearly and eff ectively so as to pave the path to reform.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Chris Weston, “State Spending”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Bill Hawkins, “Grading Teachers”

Spot Sports StoryFIRST: Th e Greenville News, Eric Connor, “Th rong Cheers Lattimore’s Cap”

Judges’ comments: Th is one stood out from the hundreds of routine signing stories that everybody does. Loved the lead. Great job of storytelling and capturing the moment.

SECOND: Th e State, Seth Emerson, “Making the Point”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff , “When Basketball Takes a Backseat”

Sports Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Th e State, Ron Morris, “Th e Most Powerful Man in College Sports”

Judges’ comments: Th is was the best in a crowded fi eld of superb eff orts. By the time readers had consumed Morris’ to-the-bone story, they may have felt as if Mike Slive was seated on their sofa, across from their easy chair.

SECOND: Th e State, Joseph Person, “NCAA-USC”THIRD: Th e Greenville News, Rudy Jones, “Coaches Prepared”

Sports Feature StoryFIRST: Th e State, Ron Morris, “Family Matters”

Judges’ comments: When reading this story, there were several times when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better-and yet it always did. Expertly written and reported, Morris’ “Family Matters” is a rare gem.

SECOND: Th e State, Akilah Imani NelsonTHIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Tommy Braswell, “In Good Company”

Page One Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Tim Th orsen

Judges’ comments: Well organized. Excellent, clean use of photos, graphics, sidebars and headlines.

SECOND: Th e State, Tracy BurlisonTHIRD: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

Inside Page DesignFIRST: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

Judges’ comments: Incorporates many layers and textures to pay tribute to a player-text doesn’t distract from photos. Everything meets together fabulously. Very, very well done.

SECOND: Th e State, Julie WyattTHIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Marcus Amaker

Feature Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e State, Susan Ardis

Judges’ comments: Th e pages embody content-driven design, from the text forming a Christmas tree to the images being arranged in a galaxy.

SECOND: Th e State, Elizabeth M. SmithTHIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Betsy Miller

Best of the Best General News Photo: The Post and Courier, Brad Nettles “Citadel knobs”


Spot News PhotoFIRST: Th e Greenville News, Ken Osburn, “Train derailment”

Judges’ comments: Shows enormity of the event. Like lines and color.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Disastercare Fire”THIRD: Th e Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “Augusta St. public hearing”

General News PhotoBEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Brad Nettles, “Citadel knobs”

Judges’ comments: Great plebe facial reactions makes this a fi rst place standout.

SECOND: Th e State, Tracy Glantz, “Funeral procession for fallen soldier”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Alan Hawes, “Ionia White’s great loss”

Feature PhotoFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Charleston Bed Race”

Judges’ comments: Great action captured. Nice, clean photo.

SECOND: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Dinner’s ready” THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, Carolina Day”

Sports Action PhotoFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Family Circle Cup”

Judges’ comments: Nice concentration. Good selective focus. Way to work the tennis match

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Floor Fight”THIRD: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Th e Hustle”HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Th e Igor Eff ect”

Sports Feature PhotoFIRST: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Round & Round”

Judges’ comments: Simple, well composed photo.SECOND: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Th e Pain”THIRD: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Gatorade Shower at Dorman”HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Folly Beach Wahine Classic”

Personality Photo or PortraitFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Alan Hawes, “WWII veteran”

Judges’ comments: Nice portrait. Nice angle of an old WWII vet. Stunning light and detail.

SECOND: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Jarriel King”THIRD: Th e State, Kim Kim Foster-Tobin, “Th e Restoration”

Photo IllustrationFIRST: Th e State, Kim Kim Foster-Tobin, “iPhone wrist”

Judges’ comments: Nice, well thought out. Cutting edge, original illustration. Good color and attention to detail.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Bryce’s interview techniques”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Brad Nettles, “Spring Flings veggies”

WebsiteFIRST: Th e Post and Courier

Judges’ comments: Very well organized, easy to navigate, good eye-appeal and a lot of local news makes this the clear winner. Good job!

SECOND: Th e Greenville NewsTHIRD: Th e State

Integration of Print & Web CoverageFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Phil Bowman and Andrew Miller, “PrepZone”

Judges’ comments: Nice way to feature high school sports in a variety of ways. Great convergence of print and web media! Certainly is a hit with readers in your community!

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, “Losing Faith”THIRD: Th e Greenville News, Honor Flight

Spot News Photo First: Anderson Independent-Mail, Nathan Gray, “Woods fi re near Hayes Road”

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Photo Gallery on a WebsiteFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “S.C. guardsmen to Afghanistan”

Judges’ comments: Great story created of a diffi cult assignment. Th is gets the story of the day with emotion. Th e photos show touching moments. Th e shots are diverse with close-ups and far away perspectives. Great lighting in tough conditions... Striking images. You got close enough to capture the emotion, but really respected people’s privacy. A clear winner.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Bishop England falls to Batesburg-Leesville in Boys Soccer”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Colonial Dorchester”

Online VideoFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Warren Peper and Chris Hanclosky, “Honor Flight”

Judges’ comments: Meaningful content with great video footage and editing.

SECOND: Th e State, Andrew Haworth and Dwayne McLemore, “2001 Entrance”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Bryce Donovan and Sarah Bates, “15 minutes with Bryce – Personal Fowler”

Daily Over 60,000 & 20,000 - 60,000 Combined

News Headline WritingFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Beth Harrison

Judges’ comments: Writer shows she can create a clever headline in two words or more. Th e headlines caught my attention immediately.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Bob KinneyTHIRD: Th e State, Bobby Bryant

Sports Column WritingFIRST: Th e State, Ron Morris

Judges’ comments: What stands out here is the variety-you save memories of a longtime friend, gave South Carolina fans perspective on a national title and opined on a critical social issue. Good job of using your format and voice.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Bart Wright Th ird: Herald-Journal, Eric Boynton

Sports Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

Judges’ comments: Clean design overall. Good use of fonts and photos. Interesting out-of-the-box thinking with “crazy like a fox” horizontal layout.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Luke ReasonerTHIRD: Herald-Journal, Nick Foster

Daily 20,000 - 60,000Spot News Reporting

FIRST: Anderson Independent-Mail, Michael Ellis, Ken Ruinard, Charmaine Smith-Miles and Nikie Mayo, “Mother, Baby Die in Crash”

Judges’ comments: Good story with sport news from the U.S. Army National Guard-a hard source to get immediate information from. Great team eff ort!

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Gary Glancy, “Man, 73, Collars Intrude”THIRD: Th e Herald, Kimberly Dick and Andrew Dys, “Girlfriend Charged in Slaying of York Ex-Mayor”

Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Morning News, Tucker Mitchell, “Offi cials Rally to Keep Delta”

Judges’ comments: When a story creates controversy-you’ve done your job.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Jason Spencer, “Family Discovers Car”THIRD: Morning News, Jamie Rogers, “A Lifesaving Sport”

Lifestyle Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Expectant Mothers”

Judges’ comments: Powerful. Moving. Left me in awe. Great job covering a sensitive topic.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Kim Kimzey, “Marks with a Message”THIRD: Anderson Independent-Mail, Mike Ellis, “96-Year-Olds Say I Do”

Best of the Best Feature Photo: Anderson Independent-Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Fun at the fair”


News Feature WritingBEST OF THE BEST: Herald-Journal, Jason Spencer, “Much More than a Number”

Judges’ comments: Extremely well-written, creative, and very touching and yet very informative.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Kim Kimzey, “Couple’s Common Bonds”THIRD: Th e Herald, Shawn Cetrone, “South Pointe Principal Takes SPIN Seriously”

Profi le Feature Writing or StoryFIRST: Herald-Journal, Kim Kimzey, “Everything’s Coming Up Rosie”

Judges’ comments: Creative feature; very entertaining and well-written. Really grabbed my attention.

SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Nikie Mayo, “Celebration of Hope Speaker: ‘Having a Mental...’”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Lee G. Healy, “Lucky Seventy”

Short StoryFIRST: Anderson Independent-Mail, Nikie Mayo, “Pendleton Bluegrass”

Judges’ comments: Nice short story, well-written and edited with all pertinent elements. All-in-all, a good story well done.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Lee G. Healy, “Happy Ending”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Luke Connell, “Fire Claims Twin Brothers”

Column WritingFIRST: Th e Sun News, Isaac Bailey

Judges’ comments: Good, harsh opinion. Wonderfully presented. K-Mart column is a textbook case of juxtaposition for dramatic eff ect. I wish I had written that column.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Lane FillerTHIRD: Th e Sun News, Johanna D. Wilson

Humor Column WritingFIRST: Th e Herald, James Werrell

Judges’ comment: Writing humor is a challenging gig but Werrell pulls it of in spades. Th e columns bring a chuckle to making a point. It’s diffi cult doing both. Werrell does it consistently.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Lane FillerTHIRD: Herald-Journal, Pam Stone

Series of ArticlesBEST OF THE BEST: Th e Sun News, Isaac Bailey, “Social Services Breakdown”

Judges’ comments: A bureaucratic nightmare brought to life. Can this really happen? Journalism committed.

SECOND: Th e Sun News, Adva Saldinger, “Extreme Makeover Home Edition”THIRD: Th e Herald, Matt Garfi eld, “Museum of York County”

Reporting-in-depthFIRST: Th e Sun News, David Wren, “Real estate meltdown and fraud”

Judges’ comments: Good, thorough investigation.SECOND: Th e Sun News, David Wren, “North Myrtle Beach Public Safety”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Jason Spencer, Bob Dalton, Lynne Shackleford, Trevor Anderson, Luke Connell and Craig Peters, “Spartanburg County Police Corruption”

Beat ReportingFIRST: Anderson Independent-Mail, Mike Ellis, “County Government”

Judges’ comments: It would be hard to find a reporter who tops Ellis in detailed knowledge of his beat.

SECOND: Th e Herald, Matt Garfi eld, “Spratt/Mulvaney Congressional Race”THIRD: Anderson Independent-Mail, Anna B. Mitchell, “Hartwell Lake/Savannah”

Public Service for a DailyFIRST: Th e Sun News, Trisha O’Connor, “Myrtle Beach Real Estate Meltdown”

Judges’ comments:Th e eff ort and knowledge required to pull out reporting as good as this is a rare and wonderful thing.

SECOND: Th e Herald, Paul Osmundson, “Army National Guard”THIRD: Th e Sun News, Trisha O’Connor, “North Myrtle Beach Public Safety”

Spot Sports StoryBEST OF THE BEST: Th e Sun News, Alan Blondin, “Mickelson Mastery”

Judges’ comments: Blondin skillfully captured one of the most emotional moments in sports in 2010 while exhibiting fi rst-class reporting of the fi nal round of the Masters.

SECOND: Th e Sun News, Alan Blondin, “McIlroy Makes Statement”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Todd Shanesy, “Dogs Dancing”

Sports Feature StoryFIRST: Herald-Journal, Todd Shanesy, “Full Speed Ahead”

Judges’ comments: Probably a once-in-a-lifetime story and masterfully done. An excellent lede pulls the reader into the second paragraph, and the fl ow continued throughout. Th e photos added to the story’s impact.

SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Brad Senkiw, “Building through relationships”THIRD: Th e Sun News, Alan Blondin, “Eyeing perfection”

General News Photo First: The Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Westboro gets the fi nger”


Page One Design PortfolioBEST OF THE BEST: Herald-Journal, Shana Gray

Judges’ comments: Nicely done.SECOND: Herald-Journal, Todd MoneyTHIRD: Th e Sun News, Amanda Criswell

Inside Page DesignFIRST: Th e Sun News, Amanda Criswell

Judges’ comments: Clean design. Very eye-catching!

SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Kylie YerkaTHIRD: Anderson Independent-Mail, Emily Sparr

Feature Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Herald-Journal, Todd Money

Judges’ comments: All three pages were superb! Th e use of white space and size of artwork stood out.

SECOND: Morning News, Emily KillianTHIRD: Th e Sun News, Amanda Criswell

Spot News PhotoFIRST: Anderson Independent-Mail, Nathan Gray, “Woods fi re near Hayes Road”

Judges’ comments: Waited and got a good picture. Saw beyond the actual fi re fi ghting.

SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Nathan Gray, “Fatal shooting”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Firefi ghters work to free man entrapped in a one-vehicle accident”

General News PhotoFIRST: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Westboro gets the fi nger”

Judges’ comment: Great capture of a split-second moment.

SECOND: Th e Sun News, Steve Jessmore, “Haley”THIRD: Morning News, R.J. Ducker, “Mourning for a soldier”HONORABLE MENTION: Anderson Independent-Mail, Nathan Gray, “Coroner shaves head for Relay for Life”

Feature PhotoBEST OF THE BEST: Anderson Independent-Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Fun at the fair”

Judges’ comments: Really good geometry. Creative way to show having a good time at the fair. Generally just a cool picture.

SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Ellissa’s waterfall”THIRD: Th e Sun News, Randall Hill, “Kids sledding”HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, R.J. Ducker, “Band refl ection”

Sports Action PhotoFIRST: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Wrestling hold”

Judges’ comments: High school wrestling can move fast and you captured the right moment. Nice action shot!

SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Jetski Flip”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Gerry Pate, “Motorbiking”

Sports Feature PhotoFIRST: Th e Sun News, Randall Hill, “Braves huddle”

Judges’ comments: Way to capture the moment.SECOND: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “800 Meter”THIRD: Anderson Independent-Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Girls State Championship loss”

Personality Photo or PortraitFIRST: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Alissandra Von Rose”

Judges’ comments: Creative angle. Good color and sharp image.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Senator”THIRD: Anderson Independent-Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Jack Walls”

Photo IllustrationFIRST: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Football Zen”

Judges’ comments: Nice creativity.SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Nathan Gray, “Vegetables”THIRD: Morning News, R.J. Ducker, “Homelessness”

WebsiteBEST OF THE BEST: Th e Herald

Judges’ comments: Good looking website full of local news and a variety of other off erings set this apart from others.

SECOND: Herald-JournalTHIRD: Th e Sun News

Online VideoFIRST: Morning News, Elizabeth Lamb, “Mud n’ Fun”

Judges’ comments: Great videography and editing. Very professional.

SECOND: Morning News, Elizabeth Lamb, ‘Lamar Family”THIRD: Morning News, Steff ani Nolte, “Fair Food”

Sports Feature Photo First: The State, C. Aluka Berry “Round & Round”


Daily 20,000-60,000 & Under 20,000 CombinedBusiness Reporting

FIRST: Th e Herald, Don WorthingtonJudges’ comments: By providing an extended explanation sheet, I was encouraged to read Don’s stories. Well done!

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Josh McCannTHIRD: Herald-Journal, Gary GlancyHONORABLE MENTION, Th e Times and Democrat, Gene Zaleski

Sports Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Sam McDowell and Justin Jarrett, “Gray Area of Recruiting”

Judges’ comments: A hot topic, thoroughly and objectively reported.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Sam McDowell, “Everything Lines Up Right for Bobcats”THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Th omas Grant Jr., “Shelving the Legacy Bowl”

Integration of Print and Web Coverage

FIRST: Anderson Independent-Mail, “Orange and White”

Judges’ comments: Th e site’s reader engagement abilities and the print edition’s promotion of the site’s content give both sets of readers a complete sports experience.

SECOND: Th e Sun News, “Common Chords”THIRD: Th e Herald, “York Comprehensive High”

Photo Gallery on a WebsiteFIRST: Th e Sun News, Randall Hill and Charles Slate, “9-11 Remembered”

Judges’ comments: Suprised by how good this was. Th ere were a lot of photos but I never got bored. Good variety of shots. Nice lighting. Got width and scope, as well as the solemnity of the event. Could have been edited tighter, but I did not get tired of looking at these.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Blufft on Bobcats fi ght to the fi nish in loss against Berkeley”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Tom Priddy, “Dorman does it! State Champs”

Daily Under 20,000

News Headline WritingFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Gene Crider

Judges’ Comments: Only headline entry that

had me laughing out loud! Great play on

words! I wish more editors could have this kind

of fun with their publication...

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Jedd Rosche

THIRD: Th e Island Packet, Steven Austin

Spot News ReportingBEST OF THE BEST: Th e Times and Democrat, Staff ,

“Kids Pulled From River; Mother Held,”

Judges’ comments: Excellent staff coverage of a

horrifi c event. Reporting, writing, editing,

layout and photography are top-notch.

SECOND: Th e Item, Joe Perry, “Logs Crush Driver”

THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker,

Phil Sarata and Dale Linder-Altman, “One Day:

Two Leaders Lost”

Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Index-Journal, Chris Trainor, “Neighborhood in Crisis”

Judges’ comments: Showcases excellent writing and editing skills. Th orough, but doesn’t bog down readers. A stand-out in revealing issues aff ecting residents.

SECOND: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Kate Cerve, “Does School Start Too Early”THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Dale Linder-Altman, “School Board Travel”

Lifestyle Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Hannah Carroll, “Ready to Roll”

Judges’ comments: Interesting... Overall, just a great read. Good job!

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker, “Nightmare on Main Street”THIRD: Th e Journal, Seneca, Jessica Sibley, “Together in Life”

General News Photo First: The Times and Democrat, Christopher Huff , “Hope Rivenburg”

Congratulations Winners!


News Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Josh McCann, Ice Cream Float

Judges’ comments: Excellent story-unique! Aft er reading your story-I’m tempted to go to Hilton Head to see the fl oating ice cream oasis.

SECOND: Index-Journal, Chris Trainor, “His A-Mays-ing Life”THIRD: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Juliann Vachon, “Beaufort Offi cial Uncover”

Profi le Feature Writing or StoryFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Dale Linder-Altman, “Worth a Th ousand Words: From Depression to Digital”

Judges’ comments: Very creatively written and yet still informative and entertaining. Enjoyable to read and hard to put down.

SECOND: Blufft on Today, Gwyneth J. Saunders, “My Mother’s Hands”THIRD: Th e Journal, Seneca, Jessica Sibley, “Myrna, Decade at Keyboard, a Lifetime of Stories”

Short StoryFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Gene Crider, “Neighborhood Mourns, Awaits Information”

Judges’ comments: way to work with little information from offi cials.

SECOND: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Patrick Donohue, “For Marines, Th eir Families”THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker, “Night Deposit Angler Comes Up Empty”

Column WritingFIRST: Blufft on Today, Annelore Harrell

Judges’ comments: Th is column is relatable and causes me to think back on similar life experiences. Very entertaining with a deeper lesson underneath humor.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Gene CriderTHIRD: Index-Journal, Richard Whiting

Humor Column WritingFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Liz Farrell

Judges’ comments: Oh my goodness... You are too funny. Want to read more!

SECOND: Aiken Standard, Michael GibbonsTHIRD: Index-Journal, Richard Whiting

Series of ArticlesFIRST: Th e Journal, Seneca, Brett McLaughlin, Greg Oliver, Andrew Moore, Carlos Galarza and Jessica Sibley, “Bible Belt turns a page”

Judges’ comments: Well-rounded, expansive look at what was and what is. You took a sensitive issue and provided extensive interviews from many perspectives and diff erent denominations. Th is was not only informative, but you made it interesting. I especially liked that you delved into the generational and political issues in such a respectful, but still insightful way. Standout in a very competitive category.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Staff , “Breaking the Burglars”THIRD: Index-Journal, Felicia Kitzmiller, Nicole E. Smith, Matt Anderson and Justin Schoenberger, “Erskine College and the ARP Church”HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Journal, Seneca, Brett McLaughlin, “Looking in the mirror”

Reporting-in-DepthFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee Harter and Staff , “Five Days of Trauma”

Judges’ comments: Appreciated the eff ort to cover many diff erent angles of this story.

SECOND: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Patrick Donohue, “Trouble in the Treasurer’s Offi ce”THIRD: Th e Item, Jade Anderson, “Sumter School

Consolidation”

Beat ReportingFIRST: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Juliann Vachon, “City of Beaufort”

Judges’ comments: Vachon’s coverage is broad, deep and readable-a local reporting hat trick.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker, “More than Cops”THIRD: Th e Island Packet, Cassie Foss, “Crime Reporter”

Public Service for a DailyFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee Harter, “Breaking the Burglars”

Judges’ comments: Great job looking past the feel-good stats to discover that things are not as rosy as presented.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Josh McCann, “OKatie Crossings”THIRD: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Patrick Donohue and Staff , “Trouble in the Treasurer’s Offi ce”

Spot News Photo First: The Journal, Seneca, Jessica Nelms, “Janet Reese loses her home to fi re”


Spot Sports StoryFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Justin Jarrett, “Close Horse”

Judges’ comments: Nice job of storytelling and capturing drama, on and off the course, at a memorable Masters.

SECOND: Index-Journal, Adam Regan, “He Changed Lives”THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Brian Linder, “Ricky Sapp is an Eagle”

Sports Feature StoryFIRST: Index-Journal, Scott Chancey, “Her Field of Dreams”

Judges’ comments: A Touching Story that Revolved Around a Poem-Well Told

SECOND: Index-Journal, Scott J. Bryan, “Masterful Martin”THIRD: Th e Island Packet, Sam McDowell, “New Life Found”

Sports Column WritingFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Th omas Grant Jr.

Judges’ comments: Outstanding job of developing your thoughts into though-provoking columns. Smooth-fl owing style. Great piece on phrases that should be banned in sports.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Justin JarrettTHIRD: Index-Journal, Scott J. Bryan

Page One Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Cate Westberg

Judges’ comments: Excellent use of photo and text elements. Clean design that is informative and visually appealing.

SECOND: Th e Journal, Seneca, Amber WilsonTHIRD: Aiken Standard, Brandon Lockett

Inside Page DesignFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Cate Westberg

Judges’ comments: A clever concept backed by solid execution helped this entry distinguish itself from a close second.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Leigh CokerTHIRD: Th e Island Packet, Ellis Harman

Feature Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jennifer Alliet

Judges’ comments: Th e best submissions-case in point, this one-in this highly creative fi eld were not only visually stimulating, but led the reader’s eye on an ordered, logical journey through the content.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Ellis HarmanTHIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Leigh Coker

Sports Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Michelle Kerscher

Judges’ comment: Dynamic use of photos in a well organized layout. Great contrast and balance.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Brian Linder and Michelle KerscherTHIRD: Th e Island Packet, Mike Bragg

Spot News PhotoFIRST: Th e Journal, Seneca, Jessica Nelms, “Janet Reese loses her home to fi re”

Judges’ comments: Captured the right emotional moment. On top of the news.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Beach plane crash”THIRD: Aiken Standard, Amy Banton, “Car on fi re”

General News PhotoFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Christopher Huff , “Hope Rivenburg”

Judges’ comments: Good capture of emotion.SECOND: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jonathan Dyer, “Confederate Memorial Day service”THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Christopher Huff , “Sheriff Larry Williams burial”

Feature PhotoFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Water Day”

Judges’ comments: Nice selective color.SECOND: Blufft on Today, Sara Wright, “Honey Horn May”THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Christopher Huff , “Cows keep cool”

Sports Action PhotoFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Alexis King”

Judges’ comments: Good emotional reaction that makes this picture fi rst place.

SECOND: Th e Journal, Seneca, Kenny Fey, “Head of the Class”THIRD: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jonathan Dyer, “Wrestling”

Sports Feature PhotoFIRST: The Beaufort Gazette, Jonathan Dyer, “Furyk wins”

Judges’ comments: Nice moment of celebration with the family. Captured good facial expression.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Brian Linder, “A.J. Cann”THIRD: Index-Journal, Sam O’Keefe, “Emma Byland”

Feature Photo First: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “Mud Run”


Personality Photo or PortraitFIRST: Index-Journal, Sam O’Keefe, “Glenda Kingsmore”

Judges’ comments: An interesting view.SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “Charles Payne”THIRD: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Joseph McGill Jr.”

Photo IllustrationFIRST: Index-Journal, Sam O’Keefe, “Cereal boxtops”

Judges’ comments: Nice composition. Nice photo. Interesting take.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Leigh Coker, “Alshon Jeff ery”THIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Michelle Kerscher, “Shamier Jeff ery”

WebsiteFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat

Judges’ comments: News on this site is well-organized and well-written containing a variety of issues that likely have great local appeal. Good work!

SECOND: Th e Island PacketTHIRD: Th e Beaufort Gazette

Online VideoFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Out of the Darkness Walk raises money for suicide prevention”

Judges’ comments: Well edited. Really enhanced article content.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Sentences by Vinny Krishna”THIRD: Aiken Standard, Tim O’Briant and Staff , “Mr. Central Game of the Week”

All Daily DivisionNews Special Edition or Section

FIRST: Th e State, Staff , “Our Patriots” Judges’ comments: Great special section theme. Layout is nice; articles tell a variety of stories outside the traditional Veteran’s Day genre.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Staff , “Breast Cancer Awareness”THIRD: Th e Herald, Staff , “York County Magazine”

Sports Special Edition or SectionFIRST: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Monumental Expectations”

Judges’ comments: Amazing work even had it been for college ball in a huge market. Exceptional writing, graphics, layout and planning. Best high school preview I have ever seen anywhere.

SECOND: Index-Journal, Staff , “Kickoff 2010”THIRD: Th e Island Packet, Staff , “Storming the Course”

Critical WritingFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Bill Th ompson

Judges’ comments: Using the English language as a sharp stick, this review writer tells readers what they need to know. His reviews refl ect a sense of institutional memory for the arts, and his content contains useful examples of support for his comments.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Paul HydeTHIRD: Anderson Independent-Mail, Kathryn Smith

Health ReportingFIRST: Th e State, Joey Holleman

Judges’ comments: An impressive piece on West Nile Virus pushed Holleman’s reporting ahead of a very strong runner-up.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Renee DudleyTHIRD: Th e Greenville News, Liv Osby

Education ReportingFIRST: Th e Item, Jade Anderson

Judges’ comments: Th is reporter covers a range of stories important to many community members, uses a good number of diverse sources, and places quotes appropriately. Language use is excellent.

SECOND: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Kate CerveTHIRD: Herald-Journal, Gary Glancy

Sports Beat ReportingFIRST: Th e State, Joseph Person

Judges’ comments: Really dove inside South Carolina athletics from a variety of angles. Does not bog stories down with just stats.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Eric BoyntonTHIRD: Herald-Journal, Todd Shanesy

All Daily, Humorous Photo First: The Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Jacob looks in his pants”


Feature Headline WritingFIRST: Th e Times and Democrat, Wendy Jeff coat Crider

Judges’ comments: Tough to place in order from the top entries, but these edged out all the rest because all three samples were clever and conveyed the story without being too silly. Good graphics never hurt.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Sandy SchopferTHIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Beth Harrison

Sports Headline WritingFIRST: Herald-Journal, Mike McCombs

Judges’ comments: Your headlines were catchy but also descriptive. Told essence of story. Th ey draw the reader in.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, Mark EganTHIRD: Th e Times and Democrat, Michelle Kerscher

Photo Page DesignFIRST: Th e State, Kelly Cobb, “Grand Rebirth”

Judges’ comments: Good, clean design allows photos to shine.Package certainly catches the reader’s eye.

SECOND: Th e State, Kelly Cobb, “Chaos Th eory”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “Designs on Chefs”

PictorialFIRST: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Refl ection at the fair”

Judges’ comments: Spotted a nice photo. Good use of lighting really makes photo pop. Won because you saw beyond the normal. Creative use of refl ection to present standard subject matter.

SECOND: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Warhol Show”THIRD: Th e Sun News, Steve Jessmore, “Foggy morning”HONORABLE MENTION, Th e Sun News, Steve Jessmore, “Hot air balloon”

Humorous PhotoFIRST: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Jacob looks in his pants”

Judges’ comments: Funniest of all! Caught our attention right off the bat! Nice moment.

SECOND: Th e Greenville News, Heidi Heilbrunn, “National Cat Groomers Institute”THIRD: The State, Gerry Melendez, “Lexington High fans”

Entertainment SectionFIRST: Th e Island Packet, Liz Farrell, “Th e Guide”

Judges’ comments: I liked how the front page of the section stayed consistent. Th e use of large photos and white space were also visually appealing.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Marcus Amaker, “Charleston Scene”THIRD: Anderson Independent-Mail, Jake Grove and Kylie Yerka, “Upstate Be”

Lifestyle/Feature Special Edition or Section

FIRST: Th e State, Th e Sun News, Th e Island Packet, Th e Herald and Th e Beaufort Gazette, “Celebrate South Carolina”

Judges’ comments: Well-written, informative articles about the area. Layout very strong for a broadsheet in a category with many strong tab designs. Overall, well done. Good collaborative eff ort.

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “My Charleston”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “North Charleston”

E.A. Ramsaur Memorial Award for Editorial Writing in a Daily Newspaper

FIRST: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jeff KiddJudges’ comments: Editorials that are accessible, make sense, and take seriously the issues – but not themselves – refreshing, no?

SECOND: Anderson Independent-Mail, Bonnie WilliamsTHIRD: Th e Greenville News, Beth Padgett

Photo Series or Photo StoryFIRST: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, Abbie Dorn’s battle”

Judges’ comments: Really spent a good amount of time capturing this story. Shows a tremendous amount of eff ort was put forth. Th e time, sensitivity and dedication to this project shows. A heartfelt, full story is told through your photos. I feel for Abbie and her family. Could not have been told better than you did with this story.

SECOND: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Migrant Workers”THIRD: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “West Niles”HONORABLE MENTION, Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Grand Hotel”

General News Photo First: The Messenger, Jim Faile, “Firetruck”

PROUD TO REPRESENT 17 DAILY AND MORE THAN 100 WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS IN SOUTH CAROLINA!


WEEKLY DIVISIONTwo-To-Three Times WeeklySpot News Reporting

FIRST: Th e Press & Standard, George SalsberryJudges’ comments: Th e brief explanation provided with this entry set it apart from the others. George’s time, attention and persistence were right on. Awesome!

SECOND: Chronicle - Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “Two Dead in Clearwater.THIRD: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, Denyse Middleton and Nancy Parsons, “Two Dead Aft er Monday”

Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Red Ventures Not Hiring Locals?”

Judges’ comments: Good lead provoking curiosity to read the rest of the story; good initiative to notice-and research-the problem.

SECOND: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “District 41 Candidate Defends Past Arrest”THIRD: Th e Messenger, Jim Faile, “City Manager Search ‘Tainted’ By Illegal Meetings”

Lifestyle Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Th e No. 1 Breakfast Around”

Judges’ comments: Well-written and interesting. Good use of quotes makes me want to visit there.

SECOND: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers, “Little Wings”THIRD: Chronicle - Independent, Keri Todd Boyce, “Dancing Her Way to the Top”

News Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers, “In Search of Buried History”

Judges’ comments: Very interesting and informative layout design in an excellent “attention getter.” Really enjoyed reading this one! Th ank you!

SECOND: Georgetown Times, Clayton Stairs, “7th Grader Saves Toddler from Pond”THIRD: Georgetown Times, Kelly Fuller, “Seed Grows Into Tree-Sized Plant”

Profile Feature Writing or StoryFIRST: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Th e Peddler”

Judges’ comments: Good lead. Tight, yet creative writing. I could “hear” Mr. Melton talking.

SECOND: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Scott Powell, “l-85 Landmark Eatery”THIRD: Th e Press & Standard, Linda Salsberry, “Art is Everyday Th ings”

Short StoryFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Stefan Rogenmoser, “‘Dear John’ Premier Draws Large, Screaming Crowd.”

Judges’ comments: First sentence drew me in and also summed up the whole article. I was interested the whole time and not distracted by the language.

SECOND: Th e Press & Standard, Linda Salsberry, “English Rotary Club Tours”THIRD: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Sloan’s Letter of Intent”

Column WritingFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Julie Smith Judges’ comments: Column subjects were relatable and entertaining.SECOND: Th e Lancaster News, Barbara RutledgeTHIRD: Th e Press & Standard, Charles Rowland

Humor Column WritingFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Judy Watts

Judges’ comments: Nothing is funnier than interactions between spouses-no matter the topic. Excellent!

SECOND: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Cody SossamonTHIRD: Th e Press & Standard, Charles Rowland

Series of ArticlesFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers, Jesef Williams, Jenny Arnold and Christopher Sardelli, “Cold Case Files”

Judges’ comments: Th is was a compelling, well-written serious that was likely well-read and discussed in the community. Th is is a great example of what newspapers do best. A clear winner!

SECOND: Th e Herald-Independent, James Denton, “SACS Report”THIRD: Th e Lancaster News, Jenny Arnold, Robert Howey, Barbara Rutledge, Christopher Sardelli, Jamey Shepherd, Greg Summers, Aaron Morrison and Jesef Williams, “Always on Call”

Reporting-in-depthFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Jenny Arnold, “Police Offi cer Fired”

Judges’ comments: Hats off to this reporter for staying with and seeing through this complex topic that obviously has a lot of local interest. Good use of available resources.

SECOND: Th e Journal Scene, Leslie Cantu, “Impact Fees”THIRD: Th e Messenger, Jim Faile, “Hartsville Veterans Memorial”

Beat ReportingFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Lancaster County Beat”

Judges’ comments: Articles are very informative and easy to follow. Sardelli has an excellent gift of spreading the emotions.

SECOND: Th e News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Great Falls”THIRD: Th e Lancaster News, Jenny Arnold, “Cops and Court”

Spot Sports StoryFIRST: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Scott Powell, “Student Makes $10,000 Shot”

Judges’ comments: A very well-written and entertaining piece and not the usual sports story, which is why it stood out. Nice job.

SECOND: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Larry Hilliard, “Indians State Champs!”THIRD: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland, “Brock Miller Resigns”

Sports Feature StoryFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey,“Rings of Honor”

Judges’ comments: Loads of facts and fi gures, and a lot of good quotes. I bet this piece brought back a lot of memories and even found its way into the conversations of the current football players.

SECOND: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland, “Th under and Th under”THIRD: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Old School”

Sports Column WritingFIRST: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland

Judges’ comments: Nice smooth writing style on a variety of topics. Fun and easy reads.

SECOND: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins THIRD: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey


Page One Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Press & Standard, Katrena McCall and Taylor Smith

Judges’ comments: Very clean layout. Excellent use of photos, graphics and headline fonts/sizes. Centerpiece layout for “15 gang suspects arrested in sweep” is very well done.

SECOND: Th e Lancaster News, Jamey ShepherdTHIRD: Th e Journal Scene, Chris Hanclosky

Inside Page DesignFIRST: Chronicle - Independent, Keri Todd Boyce

Judges’ comments: Well organized and greatly informative through use of photos, map, graphic alternative storytelling. Very well done.

SECOND: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Laura ParkerTHIRD: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Joe L. Hughes II

Feature Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers

Judges’ comments: Great use of photos and graphic elements in a well organized manner. Independence Day page is a great example of clean, concise design tying it all together.

SECOND: Th e Journal Scene, Chris HancloskyTHIRD: Georgetown Times, Zena Altman

Sports Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland

Judges’ comments: Well organized layout. Good use of large photos and consistent multiple entry points.

SECOND: Th e News & Reporter, Phyllis LucasTHIRD: Th e Journal Scene, Chris Hanclosky

Spot News PhotoFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Mike Olson, “Man survives log truck accident”

Judges’ comments: Nice image. Right place at the right time.

SECOND: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Stripmall burns”THIRD: Th e Messenger, Jim Faile, “Fire”

General News PhotoFIRST: Th e Messenger, Jim Faile, “Firetruck”

Judges’ comments: Good action. Nice patterns with water.

SECOND: Th e Herald-Independent, Jill Cincotta, “Ridgeway fi re”THIRD: Th e Journal Scene, Stefan Rogenmoser, “Teacher of the Year”

Feature PhotoFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Stefan Rogenmoser, “High voltage”

Judges’ comments: Good lightning capture. Good lens selection. Neat photo.

SECOND: Th e Messenger, Lisa Chalian-Rock, “Dogwash”THIRD: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Klonie Jordan, “Bird in snow”

Sports Action PhotoFIRST: Th e Messenger, Lisa Chalian-Rock, “Little League”

Judges’ comments: Good action and cute picture!SECOND: Th e Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “Wrestling”THIRD: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland, “In good hands”

Sports Feature PhotoFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Paul Zoeller, “Football players in tunnell”

Judges’ comments: Nice lighting and composition. Th at’s art... Killer photo.

SECOND: Th e Messenger, Lisa Chalian-Rock, “Northern Farm League champs!”THIRD: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Stevo Squirewell fl exes”

Personality Photo or PortraitFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Paul Zoeller, “Victor ‘Goat’ Lafayette”

Judges’ comments: Good face. Really nice character photo. Tells a story all by itself. Contrast, lighting and exposure are dead on.

SECOND: Th e Journal Scene, Paul Zoeller, “Beard and Moustache Society”THIRD: Th e Journal Scene, Stefan Rogenmoser, “Tea time well spent”

Photo Series or Photo StoryFIRST: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Cody Sossamon, “Ten days in Italy”

Judges’ comments: Feel like I was there... Nice photos. Only one thing missing. Where are all the photos of Italian girls?!

SECOND: Th e News & Reporter, Holly Hindman, “HILLarity 2010”THIRD: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Lando Days 2010”

Sports Action Photo First: The Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Alexis King”

WWW.SCPRESS.ORG


Weekly Over 6,000 Spot News Reporting

FIRST: Lake Wylie Pilot, Catherine Muccigrossoand John Marks, “Iconic River Rat Closing”

Judges’ comments: Great use of Facebook post and traditional fact fi nding reporter skills. Very enjoyable story!

SECOND: Myrtle Beach Herald, Staff , “Everyone was panicking”THIRD: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Shock and Disbelief”

Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Unfair market values or not?”

Judges’ comments: Excellent job on uncovering an important story. Very well done. Lots of good examples. details, etc. Th is was a very strong category with lots of excellent stories entered.

SECOND: Free Times, Eva Moore, “Green Burial”THIRD: Myrtle Beach Herald, Amanda Kelley, “Beneath the Surface”

Lifestyle Feature WritingFIRST: Th e Horry Independent, Kathy Ropp, “Real deal Santa”

Judges’ comments: I learned a lot about the art of being Santa through your story. Excellent!

SECOND: Moultrie News, Sully Witte, “Love knows no boundaries”THIRD: Th e Greer Citizen, Krista Gibson, “Empty bowls full of promise”

News Feature WritingFIRST: West Wateree Chronicle, Claire Byun, “A problem with pigs”

Judges’ comments: Th e story had a great lead in that it captured the reader’s attention and kept it. It explained the problem and the reasoning. Great job!

SECOND: Charleston City Paper, Erica Jackson, “Unbound: libraries adjust”THIRD: Spartanburg Journal, Cindy Landrum, “In the land of their loss”

Profi le Feature Writing or StoryFIRST: Charleston City Paper, Greg Hambrick, “Queen Mary: Th e Victor and Th e Spoilers”

Judges’ comments: Extensive look at a woman who has fought encroachment of her island by the larger city of Charleston, yet now faces opposition from former supporters. Good work.

SECOND: Free Times, Patrick Wall, “Th e year of Toro”THIRD: Spartanburg Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Milliken: Th e Man”

Short StoryFIRST: LINK, Greenville, Matt Wake, “Winter sounds have a CD only their fans could make”

Judges’ comments: Interesting presentation of a music-funding idea that ties in use of the Web and fan base; clever art helped, too.

SECOND: Th e Gazette, Frank Johnson, “All OK aft er van crushes wall”THIRD: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, “A sign of change, respect: MB football team takes fi eld for national anthem”

Column WritingBEST OF THE BEST: Greenville Journal, Lyn Riddle

Judges’ comments: Pithy, personal, pitch-perfect. All the attributes of great column writing are on display here.

SECOND: Free Times, Kevin FisherTHIRD: Greenville Journal, Susan Clary SimmonsHONORABLE MENTION: LINK, Greenville, Clayton Kale

Humor Column WritingFIRST: Th e Greer Citizen, Leland Burch

Judges’ comments: Th ree VERY funny columns – consistently humorous on a variety of topics. Great writing style. Really puts readers at ease. “Th ought of the week” is a very funny touch.

SECOND: Th e Columbia Star, Mike CoxTHIRD: Th e Columbia Star, Mike Maddock

Series of ArticlesFIRST: Fort Mill Times, Jenny Overman, “Tainted water”

Judges’ comments: Great series that stood out from the rest. Well written and well edited. A safe water supply is a very emotional issue for property owners. Th is series told the story from all perspectives. A clear winner!

SECOND: Carolina Gateway, Jenny Arnold, Beverly Lane Lorenz and Christopher Sardelli, “Good neighbors”THIRD: Fort Mill Times, Toya Graham, “Born to Serve”

Reporting-in-DepthFIRST: Myrtle Beach Herald, Staff , “Socastee High School shooting”

Judges’ comments: Excellent job of covering many angles of the shooting and raising important questions on behalf of Th e Herald’s readers.

SECOND: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Tourism tax errors”THIRD: Free Times, Ron Aiken, “HUD/CEZ Issues”

Beat ReportingFIRST: Carolina Gateway, Christopher Sardelli, “Indian Land”

Judges’ comments: Very good looks into a community. Particularly compelling was the miracle on the Hudson article.

SECOND: Th e Greer Citizen, Matthew Burdick, “Crime”THIRD: Charleston City Paper, Greg Hambrick, “State and local politics”

Spot Sports StoryFIRST: Myrtle Beach Herald, Amanda Kelley, “Cool running”

Judges’ comments: Great example of fi nding the story when the paper could have just written a “race canceled” brief. Good quotes, really captured the can-do spirit of those who came and ran anyway.

SECOND: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Fort Mill hopes pinned”THIRD: Th e Middle Tyger Times, Jed Blackwell, “Dorman does it”

Sports Feature StoryFIRST: Fort Mill Times, Jason Chisari, “More than just wins and losses”

Judges’ comments: A crisp, fresh reminder that any sport is nothing more than a game, and games are meant to be fun learning experiences that make for happy memories.

SECOND: Th e Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “Conway regrets Willie Mays’ off er”THIRD: Myrtle Beach Herald, Ashley Bruno, “Hearing the call”

Sports Column WritingFIRST: Laurens County Advertiser, Nick Herman

Judges’ comments: Nice, readable style and good job of taking on some controversial subjects and making a case.

SECOND: Th e Horry Independent, Robert AndersonTHIRD: Th e Greer Citizen, Joel Fitzpatrick

Page One Design PortfolioFIRST: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

Judges’ comments: Creative use of color, graphics and headlines... like teasers to draw readers inside.

SECOND: Carolina Gateway, Jane AlfordTHIRD: Myrtle Beach Herald, Betty Moses


Feature Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Greenville Journal, Sally Boman

Judges’ commetns: Boman’s pages are simple, yet also sleek and compelling. Proof positive that less is sometimes more.

SECOND: Th e Greer Citizen, Darah PattersonTHIRD: Th e Greer Citizen, Ryan King

Sports Page Design FIRST: Th e Greer Citizen, Darah Patterson

Judges’ comments: Your Year in Review really jumps out and makes story very readable. “Heartbreak” presentation is creative and your graphic on hockey equipment spares a lot of words.

SECOND: Th e Greer Citizen, Jennifer AnnisTHIRD: Th e Greer Citizen, Julie Holcombe

Spot News PhotoFIRST: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis “Storm destroys the Curetons’ home”

Judges’ comments: Image tells story. Heartbreaking photo. Way to capture this tragic scene for your readers.

SECOND: Th e Link, Cheraw, Lance Aldridge, “Plane lands on highway”THIRD: Th e Greer Citizen, Preston Burch, “Boys will be boys”

General News PhotoFIRST: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Th e Engel family embrace”

Judges’ comments: Timing was everything for this picture. Nice reaction in court. Emotion is well felt.

SECOND: Greenville Journal, Greg Beckner, “Nutcracker rehearsal”THIRD: Th e Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Soldier’s funeral procession”

Feature PhotoFIRST: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “Mud Run”

Judges’ comments: Nice color. Nice action. Nice emotion. Just a nice fl ow to this picture.

SECOND: Moultrie News, Vickey Boyd, “Lights alive”THIRD: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “Mechanical Bull”

Sports Action PhotoFIRST: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “Head battle for the ball”

Judges’ comments: I like the intensity of their expressions. Nice action. Nice double header.

SECOND: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “Upper State Baseball Championship”THIRD: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “100M Butterfl y”HONORABLE MENTION: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis “Girls Soccer”

Sports Feature PhotoBEST OF THE BEST: Th e Link, Cheraw, Leighton Bell, “Fan taunts wrestler”

Jusges’ comments: Th e fan’s reaction makes this a winning shot. Good color. Like the depth of this photo. Great work.

SECOND: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “Mauldin disappointed with loss”THIRD: Tribune-Times, Gwinn Davis, “SC beats Alabama”

Personality Photo or PortraitFIRST: LINK, Greenville, Mykal McEldowney, “Local rapper JT”

Judges’ comments: Nice use of the security mirror. Unusual angle. Creative.

SECOND: Th e Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Old Glory”THIRD: Greenville Journal, Greg Beckner, “Milliken”

Photo Series or Photo StoryFIRST: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Bash at the Beach”

Judges’ comments: Nice, well-rounded story. Presentation is appealing.

SECOND: LINK, Greenville, Mykal McEldowney, “Taxidermy”THIRD: Fort Jackson Leader, Chris Rasmussen, “Vehicle Recovery”

Weekly Over 6,000 & Under 6,000 CombinedInside Page Design

FIRST: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Shrine of Nature”

Judges’ comments: Th e muted colors add to – no, color – the mood. Love the handwriting...

SECOND: Carolina Gateway, Gregory Summers and Jane Alford, “A trip to the woodshed”THIRD: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Brandon Bell “Top 10 of 2009”

Weekly Under 6,000Spot News Reporting

FIRST: Spartanburg County News, Leon G. Russ, “Shooting shatters school, scatters students”

Judges’ comments: Russ provided great detail about a tragic event.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “Guilty plea brings closure, not justice”THIRD: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “White powder scare is a lesson”

Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “New groin project stalls as agencies await word from country”

Judges’ comments: Writer did a nice job of sorting out what had become of the project due to bureaucratic inactivity. Story reported agencies’’ responses without unfairly placing blame.

SECOND: Hampton County Guardian, Michael M. Dewitt Jr., “Broken Dreams: Failed housing development now eyesore, hazard”THIRD: Lake City News & Post, Charles Tomlinson, “Caught at the Crossing: Tractor trailers get stuck on Lake City RR tracks”

Lifestyle Feature WritingFIRST: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “Love of the Land”

Judges’ comments: Th e couple’s love of the land and each other comets through in the reporter’s use of quotes and back story.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “A journey of hope”THIRD: Th e Berkeley Independent, Frank Johnson, “Believe in ghosts?”

News Feature WritingFIRST: Jasper County Sun, Anthony Garzilli, “McCormack an honored veteran”

Judges’ comments: Th e reporter did a good job of weaving McCormack’s story with that of the larger issue, which is that many veterans are being honored for their service just in time.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Roger Greene, “Living the miracle”THIRD: Th e Woodruff News, Phil Buchheit, “A dog named Doc”

Profi le feature writing or storyFIRST: Th e Star, Phyllis Britt, “‘Papa Doc’ turns 100”

Judges’ comments: Th e lead does a great job of putting the doctor’s age into context. Th e reporter writes of his background with a confi dence that shows she spent time with him. His personality shows through.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “Liberty and justice for all”THIRD: Th e Inman Times, Jed Blackwell, “Stirring up memories”


Short StoryFIRST: Hardeeville Today, Erinn McGuire, “A sweet goodbye”

Judges’ comments: A cute story about a sweet subject. Th is writer’s skill at storytelling separated her from a pack of compently-craft ed submissions.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “In the swim”THIRD: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Shrine of Nature”

Column WritingFIRST: Hampton County Guardian, Michael M. Dewitt Jr.

Judges’ comments: Top entries stood out from the rest. Strong lead-ins. Winner did excellent job of explaining why things are reported/presented the way they are in the newspaper. We should all do more of that.

SECOND: Union County News, Graham Williams THIRD: Th e Manning Times, Daniel Lackey

Humor Column WritingFIRST: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Tommy Martin

Judges’ comments: As an old faithful follower of the 60s Classic Gunsmoke, I knew the auothor nailed it. I’ll probably get a subscription to Th e Cherokee Chronicle now. Very funny!

SECOND: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Larry FranklinTHIRD: Hampton County Guardian, Michael M. Dewitt Jr.

Series of ArticlesFIRST: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “Pink Journeys”

Judges’ comments: Th is is an excellent series that focuses on the human side of cancer. Th ese are good stories well told. A clear winner in the group. Good job!

SECOND: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Jerry Bellune, “Greatest Generation”THIRD: Th e Citizen News, Mike Rosier, “Faces of 2010”

Reporting-in-DepthFIRST: Th e Woodruff News, Th eron Willis, “Prayer Controversy”

Judges’ comments: Lots of work went into this package, and it shows. Good, balanced reporting shows both sides of a touchy issue. Great work!

SECOND: News-Chronicle, Elaine Ellison-Rider, “FOIA request prompts investigation”THIRD: Hampton County Guardian, Michael M. Dewitt Jr., “Offi cer-related car crash”

Beat ReportingFIRST: Coastal Observer, Jackie Broach, “Local politics”

Judges’ comments: Broach’s dedication to the political beat shows in this series.

SECOND: News-Chronicle, Elaine Ellison-Rider, “Police-crime”THIRD: Th e People-Sentinel, Susan C. Delk, “Government”

Spot Sports StoryFIRST: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Life saved in the stands”

Judges’ comments: I was impressed both by the thoroughness of reporting, the use of quotes to tell the story and the number of voices you used to describe a dramatic event. Well-told and well reported.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Warriors defy fans”THIRD: Jasper County Sun, Anthony Garzilli, “Heavy loss for Canes”

Sports Feature StoryFIRST: Coastal Observer, Roger Greene, “Fantasy”

Judges’ comments: Solid writing lift ed this eff ort to the top spot.

SECOND: Th e Woodruff News, Jed Blackwell, “Heart of the Team”THIRD: Th e Chesnee Tribune, Jed Blackwell, “Chesnee’s Ace”

Sports Column WritingFIRST: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown

Judges’ comments: Fine free-fl owing style. You add some personality to this and I feel your passion.

SECOND: Th e Manning Times, Drew TrippTHIRD: Th e Travelers Rest Monitor, Roger Jewell

Page One Design PortfolioFIRST: Th e Star, Brandon Lockett

Judges’ comments: Excellent use of photos and fonts to deliver the message. Clean layout helps readers navigate.

SECOND: Th e Weekly Observer, Emily KillianTHIRD: Th e Manning Times, Jason Lesley

Feature Page Design PortfolioFIRST: Hardeeville Today, Barry Kaufman

Judges comments: Excellent balance and contrast on each page. Good use of photos and infoboxes/sidebars.

SECOND: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Joshua Th orpTHIRD: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson

Pictorial First: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman “Pawleys Creek”


Sports Page Design PortfolioFIRST: News and Press, Elicia Kiker

Judges’ comments: Excellent non-traditional layouts. Visually appealing with good balance.

SECOND: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Travis Boland THIRD: Th e Woodruff News, Jed Blackwell

Spot News PhotoFIRST: Union County News, Robert Brown, “South Church Street fi re”

Judges’ comments: Photographer was Johnny on the Spot. Nice color. Great image.

SECOND: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “Firefi ghters revive dog”THIRD: Th e Woodruff News, Th eron Willis, “Main St. wreck”HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Manning Times, Daniel Lackey, “I-95 wreck”

General News PhotoFIRST: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “New Year’s Day Fire”

Judges’ comments: Th e coloring, the angle, the expressions are all right on. Impactful photo. Tells complete story. Allows readers to really connect and feel for this family.

SECOND: Th e Berkeley Independent, Stefan Rogenmoser, “Election results”THIRD: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Mark Bellune, “Haley and Palin”

Feature PhotoFIRST: Th e Star, Mike Adams, “Second Saturday”

Judges’ comments: Nice color and leading lines.SECOND: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Spring Tide”THIRD: Th e Woodruff News, William Buchheit, “Open Up!”

Sports Action PhotoFIRST: Holly Hill Observer, Doug Rogers “Tennis”

Judges’ comments: Facial reaction of player shows intensity of action. Nice job.

SECOND: Holly Hill Observer, Doug Rogers, “Football”THIRD: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Mud Bowl”

Sports Feature PhotoFIRST: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers, “Hunter Richey”

Judges’ comments: Great eye for something diff erent. Action isn’t always the most important or interesting thing at a sporting event.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Mallards in the outfi eld”THIRD: Holly Hill Observer, Doug Rogers, “Coach talks to #17”

Personality Photo or PortraitFIRST: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Minnie Kennedy”

Judges’ comments: Really tells the story of her life. Powerful, moving and beautiful photo.

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Goldberg farmers”THIRD: Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise, Andrew Golden, “Millie Scott”

Photo Series or Photo StoryFIRST: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Safe at Home”

Judges’ comments: Images here tell the best story. Good job!

SECOND: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Windows on the World”THIRD: Th e Star, Mike Adams “Lending a hand...”

All Weekly DivisionNews Special Edition or Section

FIRST: Th e Lancaster News, Staff , “Discover Lancaster County”

Judges’ comments: Perfect!SECOND: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Staff , “Veterans Salute 2010”THIRD: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Staff , “Horizons 2010”

Sports Special Edition or SectionFIRST: Th e Greer Citizen, Staff , “High School Confi dential”

Judge’s comments: Interesting concept. Very good execution. Managed to take some old boring football content and make it very interesting.

SECOND: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Travis Boland, “Breaking Th rough”THIRD: News and Press, Staff , “Southern 500”

Critical WritingFIRST: Free Times, Mary Bentz Gilkerson

Judges’ comments: Banning puts face on faceless bureaucrats and Colin Quashie off ers racial commentary, Th is writer’s reviews refl ect sophistication and simplicity. Readers are provided suffi cient context, in language that is a joy to read.

SECOND: Moultrie News, Chris McCandlishTHIRD: Th e Woodruff News, William Buchheit

Health ReportingFIRST: Myrtle Beach Herald, Amanda Kelley

Judges’ comments: Amanda showed in-depth coverage on an interesting issue. Good job!

SECOND: Lake Wylie Pilot, John MarksTHIRD: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers

Education ReportingFIRST: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Tommy Martin,

Judges’ comments: Excellent use of FOIA to uncover information about the school district’s dealings.

SECOND: Th e News & Reporter, Travis JenkinsTHIRD: Free Times, Ron Aiken

Sports Beat ReportingFIRST: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins,

Judges’ comments: I like your variety and versatility. Hard news, breaking news, commentary and personality. You present them all well.

SECOND: Th e Journal Scene, Roger LeeTHIRD: Myrtle Beach Herald, Amanda Kelley

Feature Headline WritingFIRST: Greenville Journal, Melissa Blanton

Judges’ comments: Great play on words. Smart!SECOND: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry THIRD: Th e News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins

Sports Headline WritingFIRST: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry

Jugdes’ comments: Clever headlines that make the reader want to dive in head-fi rst.

SECOND: Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch NewsTHIRD: Th e Berkeley Independent, Frank Johnson

Photo Page DesignFIRST: Th e Link, Cheraw, Ashley Hatcher, “Wallace Mud Bog”

Judges’ comments: Creative use of graphics. Like the mud spots.

SECOND: Fort Jackson Leader, Susanne Kappler, “CIIP tailors to new soldiers”THIRD: Coastal Observer, Christine Sokoloski, “Tea Party”

PictorialFIRST: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Pawleys Creek”

Judges’ comments: Nice composition. Creative use of refl ection. Good leading lines. Generally just a very pretty photo. Makes me wish I was there.

SECOND: Th e Citizen News, Mike Rosier, “Pond draped in Winter”THIRD: Th e Journal Scene, Stefan Rogenmoser, “Fog Walk”


Humorous PhotoFIRST: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman “Winnie the Pooh”

Judges’ comments: It’s funny. Nice moment caught.

SECOND: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Mark Bellune, “Lexington Oktoberfest Parade”THIRD: Moultrie News, Helen R. Hammond, “Mojo”

Harris Award for Editorial Writing

FIRST: Th e Herald-Independent, James DentonJudges’ comments: Sensible and well-written arguments. Long enough to make the necessary point, and short enough not to tax the reader’s patience. A sound point of view that doesn’t cater to any one side or ideology. Very well done.

SECOND: Greenville Journal, Susan Clary SimmonsTHIRD: Laurens County Advertiser, Staff

Public Service FIRST: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Mark Bellune, Jerry Bellune and Vicki Shealy, “Education’s Rising Cost”

Judges’ comments: Statements of explanation were critical to judging this contest. Th ere is no other way for us to gauge impact. Winner provided valuable service in pushing FOIA requests for info that would not have come to light otherwise. Well done.

SECOND: News and Press, Cathy Elliott, “Unserved Warrants”THIRD: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, “Socastee High School Shooting”

Sports Enterprise ReportingFIRST: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Video lets you weigh in on match”

Judges’ comments: Great job in applying new approach to the Youtube age. You attacked a controversy from a diff erent slant. I appreciate the tedious video viewing that went into your presentation.

SECOND: Th e Woodruff News, Jed Blackwell, “Short Yardage Situation”THIRD: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Amanda Kelley, “Field House of Dreams”

Business ReportingFIRST: Th e Press & Standard, George Salsberry, “Arnoti touts county facilities, etc.”

Judges’ comments: Th e fact that Arnoti was not identifi ed almost cost fi rst place, but writing and evaluation was good.

SECOND: Greenville Journal, Dick Hughes, “Women in the board room?”THIRD: Th e Messenger, Jim Faile, “Sonoco shareholders”

Photo IllustrationFIRST: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Th oughts for Food”

Judges’ comments: Good color. Nice photo. Certainly sets the scene!

SECOND: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Now you can pay meters by text”THIRD: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “How Souper Bowl XII stacks up”

WebsiteFIRST: Charleston City Paper

Judges’ comments: Terrifi c site. Good local news content and opinion with just the right amount of “edge.” Nice fl ash ads and excellent graphic design on home page. Well done!

SECOND: Clarendon CitizenTHIRD: Carolina Forest Chronicle

Integration of Print and WebFIRST: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith and Staff

Judges’ comments: Prominently featuring cross-referencing of web extension, coupled with solid enterprise in both platforms sets this one apart. A clear winner. Impressive!

SECOND: Th e Journal Scene, Staff THIRD: Th e Weekly Observer, John Sweeney and Staff

Photo GalleryFIRST: Th e Journal Scene, Paul Zoeller, “Oyster harvesting”

Judges’ comments: Th is is a quiet story that could be easily overlooked, but you chose strong images that are not redundant. Th e black and white was a good decision that allows readers to look at the content without distractions. Th e lighting is nice. Th is gallery tells story of this guy’s life. We really get a sense of what he tromps through everyday. I would frame these and put them on the wall.

SECOND: Greenville Journal, Greg Beckner, “Whitsitt’s funeral”THIRD: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “History by Night”

Online VideoTHIRD: Th e Weekly Observer, Staff , “Sibling Rivalry”

Judges’ comments: Good local story with strong images.

SECOND: Charleston City Paper, Mike Ledford, “Lowcountry Local fi rst revival”THIRD: Charleston City Paper, Joshua Curry, “Marionettes”

Lifestyle/Feature Special Edition or Section

FIRST: Fort Mill Times, Staff , “Fort Mill Township Focus” Judges’ comments: Good balance of stories, maps and directories. Nice graphic quality. Helpful to community.

SECOND: Charleston City Paper, Staff , “Spoleto 2010: Week One”THIRD: Th e Clarendon Sun, Staff , “Lakeside”

News Headline WritingFIRST: Greenville Journal, Melissa Blanton

Judges’ comments: All three headlines grab the reader’s attention and make the reader want to know more. And they avoid cliches... Th at’s an art.

SECOND: Fort Jackson Leader, Crystal BrownTHIRD: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry

OPEN DIVISIONSports Series of Articles

FIRST: Th e Herald, Barry Byers, “Dennis Moore” Judges’ comments: Fantastic job of storytelling. You drew me in from the beginning. Great job of letting the key people tell their stories. Could be a TV movie...

SECOND: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Games we used to play”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff , “Centers of Attention”

Online Column WritingFIRST: Herald-Journal, Jason Spencer, “On Sanity”

Judges’ comments: Th is thoughtful column makes its point succinctly and with just the right amount of detail.

SECOND: Free Times, Dan Cook, “Columbia: Where godliness grows”THIRD: Th e Herald, Jason Foster, “Biz Buzz Blog: Valentine’s Day”


CartoonFIRST: Herald-Journal, Robert Ariail

Judges’ comments: Wonderful sense of humor mixed with irony. Brings timing to cartoon – an art.

SECOND: News-Chronicle, Mike BeckomTHIRD: Th e Greenville News, Roger Harvell

Mixed Media IllustrationFIRST: Free Times, Joey Ayer, “Showdown at 701”

Judges’ comments: Very cute and comical way to take the dullness out of politics.

SECOND: Th e Times and Democrat, Michelle Kerscher, “Gamecocks”THIRD: Th e Journal, Seneca, Amber Wilson, “S.C. hopes to be in the money”

IllustrationFIRST: Herald-Journal, Gary Kyle, “Witch Night”

Judges’ comments: Creativity at its best!SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Gill Guerry, “Unfair Labor”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Gary Kyle, “Pesky Pets”

Informational Graphics Portfolio

FIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Gill Guerry Judges’ comments: Map-based graphics provide clear picture for readers without being overwhelming.

SECOND: Th e Island Packet, Drew MartinTHIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar

Unpublished PhotoFIRST: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Viewing for the Duley boys”

Judges’ comments: Captures a wealth of emotion – sadness, anger, pain. In this instance, editors were wrong not to run such emotional and dramatic picture that tells Orangeburg’s tragic story. Yes, it is graphic, but in some cases, the rules are meant to be broken. Th is photo tells it all...

SECOND: Morning News, John D. Russell, “West Florence Girls Tennis”THIRD: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Ezell Jackson”

Single Online PhotoFIRST: Th e Journal, Seneca, Jessica Nelms, “Reese reacts”

Judges’ comments: Awesome capture of the heat of the moment. Should have been front page of your paper too. Wish I would have shot that. We can feel her pain.

SECOND: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Morgan Weaver”THIRD: Th e Journal Scene, Paul Zoeller, “Victor ‘Goat’ Lafayette”

Innovative ConceptFIRST: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “Content Sharing”

Judges’ comments: Th e sharing of content and pooling of resources by newspapers not sharing ownership is a great indication of a willingness to innovate to survive in an ever-challenging business environment. Good Job!

SECOND: Th e Sun News, Jake Spring and Staff , “24 Hours at Peaches Corner”THIRD: Aiken Standard, Tim O’Briant and Staff , “ASTV Channel 95”

Online News ProjectFIRST: The Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, “Losing Faith”

Judges’ comments: Excellent play of a highly compelling story that likely drew huge local readership. this is a great example of what newspapers can do to extend their reach. Good job!

SECOND: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “Election Day”THIRD: Th e Post and Courier, Diette Courrege and Paul Nguyen, “Teacher Performance”

ASSOCIATE/INDIVIDUALBest Newspaper Publication

FIRST: S.C. United Methodist AdvocateJudges’ comments: Nice layout and excellent reproduction enhance exceptional content. Th is publication was a clear winner in the class.

SECOND: University of South Carolina Creative ServicesTHIRD: Th e Independent Voice of the People’s Republic of Blythewood

Best Magazine/Special PublicationFIRST: S.C. Farm Bureau, “Fall 2010”

Judges’ comments: Good issue... Interesting reading and intelligent design.

SECOND: University of South Carolina Creative Services, CarolinianTHIRD: S.C. Lawyers Weekly, Carolina Paralegal News, Feb. 2010

Best Published Feature StoryFIRST: Murrells Inlet Messenger, Tim Callahan, “Autism speaks to Georgetown, Horry counties”

Judges’ comments: A wonderfully written story that brings together a well informed article with an uplift ing and heartwarming emotional touch.

SECOND: Murrells Inlet Messenger, Tim Callahan, “Courageous student overcomes adversity”THIRD: Murrells Inlet Messenger, Tim Callahan, “Michael Brown: My son Chandler”

Best Published News StoryFIRST: S.C. Policy Council; Rick Brundrett, Eric Ward and Chip Oglesby; “Th e High Cost of S.C. Lawmakers” from Th e Nerve

Judges’ comments: Interesting. Very well researched and extremely well written.

SECOND: S.C. Policy Council, Rick Brundrett, Eric Ward and Kevin Dietrich “Boeing: Th e story behind the story” from Th e NerveTHIRD: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Connor “Campus funds frozen”

Best Editorial/Op EdFIRST: Murrells Inlet Messenger, Tim Callahan “Younger brother’s death”

Judges’ comment: Heartbreaking. Hopeful. Touching. We all need to have Kevin’s heart.

SECOND: S.C. Lawyers Weekly, Paul Th arp “You can take a break...”THIRD: Th e Catholic Miscellany, Alison Griswald “We all still need our mothers”

Best Published PhotoFIRST: The Catholic Miscellany, Keith Jacobs “Boy Scouts”

Judges’ comments: Good angle. Nice photo all around.SECOND: University of South Carolina Creative Services, Michael Brown “South Carolina Medicine: Pregnancy”THIRD: Th e Catholic Miscellany, Keith Jacobs “Deacon Johnson”

Best Graphic DesignFIRST: S.C. Lawyers Weekly, Jim Sleeper, “Paralegal personality”

Judges’ comments: Very nice illustration. Nice use of headline with illustration.

SECOND: S.C. Chamber of Commerce, Bobby Baker “Purple Statehouse template”THIRD: S.C. Lawyers Weekly, Mike Zellmer “No camera, No DUI”

Best Event MarketingFIRST: University of South Carolina Creative Services, “May Carolina”

Judges’ comment: Beautiful artwork and design.SECOND: S.C. Lawyers Weekly, “Leadership in Law”THIRD: University of South Carolina Creative Services “Parents Weekend”


Best PR CampaignFIRST PLACE ONLY: S.C. Farm Bureau, “AG-tivity”

Judges’ comments: Th is campaign was successful in educating kids (and probably their parents and teachers) about the importance of farming in South Carolina. Well thought-out and implemented! Certainly a great resource for teachers! AG-tivity was well designed, informative and fun to look at!

Best WebsiteFIRST: University of South Carolina Creative Services, sc.edu/president

Judges’ comments: Creative and simple, but with tons of information. Great photos and design. Is not the same old pattern.

SECOND: S.C. Policy Council, thenerve.orgTHIRD: Ask & Receive, Inc., sharingluxury.com

Best Electronic Newsletter/Publication

FIRST: S.C. Chamber of Commerce, Competitiveness Update

Judges’ comments: Th orough and easy to navigate. Surely serves the Chamber’s members well. I like that the briefs are short enough to quickly read, but not so short that they don’t educate the reader on the issues. Th umbs Up/Down and Worth Watching are nice features. Innovative way to inform readers on key issues at Th e Statehouse without bogging them down.

SECOND: Ask & Receive, Inc., HR News You Can UseTHIRD: Ask & Receive, Inc., Golden Career Strategies

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

PLATINUM – AT&TAT&TGOLD

ATHLON MEDIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA

SCANA VERIZON

SILVERMEDIASPAN • TOWN NEWS •WALTON PRESS

BRONZEPUBLISHING GROUP OF AMERICA

First Place Feature Photo: The Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Charleston Bed Race”

Best of the Best Sports Photo: The Link, Leighton Bell,

“Fan taunts wrestler”


GENERAL EXCELLENCEDaily Over 60,000

FIRST: Th e Post and Courier

Judges comments: A comprehensive, boldly designed, well-written publication. Strong photography, good use of graphics. Impressive overall, especially in local coverage.

Daily 20,000-60,000

FIRST: Anderson Independent-Mail

Judges comments: Good newspaper with excellent local coverage. Good use of photos, graphics. Solid Op-Ed page with lots of local features.

SECOND: Th e Sun NewsTHIRD: Herald-Journal

Daily Under 20,000

FIRST: Index-Journal

Judges comments: Strong local news enterprise and editorial page set this one apart in tough division. Th is was a tough call but the little things give this the edge. Good job!

SECOND: Th e Island PacketTHIRD: Th e Beaufort Gazette

Two-to-Three Times Weekly

FIRST: Chronicle-Independent

Judges comments: Well-rounded paper. Good writing and presented wonderfully!

SECOND: Th e Press & StandardTHIRD: Th e Lancaster News

Weekly Over 6,000

FIRST: Myrtle Beach Herald

Judges comments: Good, solid, strong weekly paper. Strong in most areas, weak in none.

SECOND: Carolina Forest ChronicleTHIRD: Th e Greer Citizen

Weekly Under 6,000

FIRST: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News

Judges comments: Clear winner in a competitive category. Superior work in all areas – layout, writing, coverage. Very clean look. Best content of them all as well as superior sports coverage. Solid editorial page.

SECOND: Th e Berkeley IndependentTHIRD: Th e Manning Times

PRESIDENT’S CUP FOR EXCELLENCE

Daily Over 60,000 – The Post and Courier

Daily 20,000-60,000 – Herald-Journal

Daily Under 20,000 – The Times and Democrat

Two-to-Three Times Weekly – The Journal Scene

Weekly Over 6,000 – Myrtle Beach Herald

Weekly Under 6,000 – Coastal Observer

SWEEPSTAKES AWARD

VOL. 17 NO. 32 AUGUST 6, 2010

M Y R T L E B E A C H

Garden City | Murrells Inlet | Myrtle Beach | Socastee | Surfside BeachY O U R L O C A L N E W S P A P E R S E R V I N G

| INSIDE |

AROUND TOWN 10B

BUSINESS JOURNAL

CLASSIFIEDS BJ5

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 8A

CROSSWORD 4B

DIXIE DIVAS 5A

EDITORIAL 4A

ENTERTAINMENT 5B

FAITH CALENDAR 7A

LIFESTYLE 4B

MY SENIOR MOMENT 5A

OBITUARIES 8A

SPORTS 1B

STRAND TENNIS 3B

THE GOLF COLUMN 3B

| INSIDE |

Former Surfsidetop cop sues townSee Page 9A

See Page 9A

Five Pointsmerchants raisingdowntown profileSee Page 11A

Who has the bestseafood?See Page 5B

Congratulations!Surfside boys win

Dixie Juniors World Series

The bus no longer stops at the VA clinic in Myrtle Beach.

DAVID CHRISTIAN | THE HERALD

BY CHARLES D. PERRY AND AMANDA KELLEYTHE HERALD

Andrew Sheldrick is look-ing for a ride.

A 73-year-old retired Ma-rine, he used to takethe Coast RTA busto the Veterans Af-fairs clinic in MyrtleBeach.

But the MarketCommon bus route— which Sheldricktook to get to theclinic — was sus-pended Sunday.

Now the MyrtleBeach man, whouses an oxygen ma-chine and a wheel-chair, must find another wayto get his medications orhave a doctor look at hiseyes.

There’s no other bus routethat stops at the VA clinic.

“We go all over on those

buses,” said Sheldrick’s wife,Martha. “That’s what wehave to depend on.”

Coast officials say budgetcuts have forced them to stopthe Market Common service.

Running the routecosts about $2,000per day and Coasthas been absorbingthat expense sinceits new fiscal yearbegan on July 1.

Although it’s un-clear exactly howmany veterans usedthe service, the clin-ic had seen an in-creased interest inthe bus servicesince it added a

stop at the clinic last year,said Wade Wallace, the ad-ministrative officer at the VAclinic in Myrtle Beach.

“We’re having more and

See COAST RTA, Page 2A

A child enjoys a day in Myrtle Beach, which was recently slammed in a national report about beach pollution.

BY STEVE PORTERTHE HERALD

The people who own hotels and resorts onthe Grand Strand make no secretof their aggravation with the Nat-ural Resources Defense Council,which has just released its yearlyreport on beach pollution aroundthe country.

“That is the most official sound-ing hatchet group that we have come across,”said Brad Dean, president of the Myrtle BeachArea Chamber of Commerce. The problem with the report, officials say, is

that it contains misleading information and itgets into tourism and travel publications thatreceive wide distribution on the Internet.

One place that is taking a big hit in the reportthis year is the Springmaid BeachResort. That’s not because it wasnamed specifically, but becausethe report just made a general re-port that Springmaid Beach ingeneral is one of the more pollutedbeaches in South Carolina, if not

the nation. The other South Carolina locations mentioned

See BEACHES, Page 3A

ASHLEY BRUNO | THE HERALD

Bus servicecuts route toveterans clinicCoast RTA officials blamebudget woes for change

We go allover onthose buses.That’s whatwe have todepend on.Martha Sheldrick

BY CHARLES D. PERRY AND ASHLEY BRUNOTHE HERALD

The family of a sunbather who wasrun over by a beach service truck in Mayis taking the beach service, the truckdriver and the City of Myrtle Beach tocourt.

Erik Rabon, 34, was severely injuredwhen a Huggins Beach Service truck

ran over him as he was lying on thesand.

On July 29, a lawsuit was filed onRabon’s behalf by his brother, AdamRabon, who is now Erik Rabon’s legalguardian.

Court documents state that ErikRabon suffered multiple crushed verte-brae and his spinal cord was perma-nently damaged because of the acci-dent. He also sustained brain injuriesand “has been rendered unconsciousand in a coma-like state.”

The lawsuit asks for unspecified dam-ages for Erik Rabon’s injuries, lostwages, medical treatment and disabili-ties.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m. on May 14,Erik Rabon was lying on the sand be-

tween 8th and 9th avenues north whenthe accident happened, according thelawsuit.

Craig Risbourg, 60, was driving a 2004Chevrolet truck when he tried to make aU-turn and ran over Rabon, accordingto a Myrtle Beach police report.

Risbourg told police that he hadstopped to look at the ocean. After hestarted to turn, he heard a noise comingfrom under his truck. That’s when hegot out and found Rabon.

Risbourg is quoted in the police re-port as saying he “just did not see himover the hood line.”

The lawsuit describes the accidentlike this:

“Risbourg drove said vehicle over andon top of Erik Rabon at a fast, rapid and

dangerous rate of speed and with greatforce and violence.

“Defendant Risbourg was unaware ofErik Rabon being pinned under said ve-hicle and continued to drive forwardand pushed and dredged Erik Rabonforward by his head and other parts ofhis body for a distance through thebeach sand until said vehicle could nolonger continue to travel forward.”

The lawsuit says Rabon was scream-ing while he was stuck under the vehi-cle.

“While he was pinned beneath saidvehicle, he was required to endure thevehicle’s hot motor and other truckparts for a long period of time until a

See LAWSUIT, Page 6A

Injured sunbather’s family sues Myrtle BeachBeach service

truck ran over MBman in May

THE WATER’S FINE

Report shows‘dirtiest beaches’getting cleaner.

See Page 3A

Officials blast report about beach pollution

Chamber president calls researchers ‘hatchet group’

Partly sunny. High 90. Low 77.Complete 5-day forecast, 8B

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McDaniel farfrom satisfiedInstinct. Athleticism.Attitude. Standout safetyDeAndre McDaniel has it all. But his surprising return to Clemson shows he wants more. 1C

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S.C. cities have much to offerFrom Greenville to Beaufort, South Caroli-na’s Top 5 City Getaways prove you don’t have to leave the Palmetto State to have a good time. 1E

Contained and maintainedThat container garden on your back porch probably has seen betterdays. Give new life to container plantings as they move into fall. 1D

Mosque issue stirs passionConstitutional, emotional and security concerns play key roles in the debate on building an Islamic community cen-ter near ground zero. 1G

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Juvenileoffendertherapypraised

BY RENEE DUDLEYThe Post and Courier

An internationally recognized treat-ment aimed at preventing the most troubled juvenile offenders from spi-raling into lives of crime has gained traction throughout the country but remains mostly un-available in South Carolina, the state where it was devel-oped.

Supporters say Mul-tisystemic Therapy, f irst researched at MUSC beginning in 1992, is more effec-tive and less costly than putting juvenile criminals in tradi-t iona l prog ra ms, which include wilder-ness camps and group homes.

The treatment, which caters to re-peat offenders between the ages of 12 and 17, relies on trained therapists providing intensive guidance to chil-dren and their families at their own homes several days a week for up to five months.

Therapists address underlying fac-tors contributing to children’s mis-behavior, including substance abuse, poverty and domestic violence. They have small caseloads — usually around five families at once — and are on call to intervene 24 hours a day.

The program is available in 31 states and a dozen countries and is widely used in North Carolina, Florida, Con-necticut and Pennsylvania. A group of Japanese officials recently were trained in Charleston.

But only five counties in South Carolina offer the treatment, and supporters say it remains unavail-able in the urban areas that need it most, including Charleston, which is “in dire need of a team,” according

One problem: Programnot available locally

ALAN HAWES/STAFF

Judy Woods, who moved here from San Francisco with her fiance, has struggled to find work but was able to find medical care at the Dream Center Medical Clinic.

The rapid growth in South Carolina’s Medicaid program serves as evidence

of unmet health care needs.

BY YVONNE WENGERThe Post and Courier

COLUMBIA — Every day, an average of 112 people — most of them the newly poor — sign up for free government health care in South Carolina.

Since the recession officially hit in December 2007, some 3,300 people a month, on average, have signed up for Medicaid in a state that outpaces the nation for poverty, obesity and diseases such as diabetes. Yet, South Carolina’s political leaders have been among the most vocal in the country in opposition of the new health care law.

The new law is intended to provide insurance cov-erage to a portion of the nearly 17 percent of state residents estimated to be without it. But it won’t come cheap: The law will cost the cash-strapped state nearly $1 billion more over the next decade, even after the federal government kicks in its share.

Advocates and academics alike say the federal

plan is critical for South Carolina’s future prosper-ity. Healthy workers draw in new businesses, they say, and an educated population starts with children who aren’t sick when they go to school.

But many say Medicaid is only part of the answer to South Carolina’s grave health care needs. Oth-ers think government-run health care should not be the solution.

‘In that black hole’Judy Woods picked up and moved from San Fran-

cisco with her fiance, Dennis French, to Hanahan to be close to family. They left behind their health insur-ance with two steady paychecks that provided them with more than $100,000 a year, sold most of what they owned and took for granted that they could find work and visit the doctor when they needed.

A year and countless job applications later, the

‘She’s the real deal’Female high school football coach has a will of steel — and a loud mouth.

$275 IN COUPONS AND SAVINGS IN TODAY’S PAPER

READ MORETo read our Probation and Parole series, go to postandcourier.com/parole.

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Sunday August 22 , 2010

Wednesday/6.2.10 Anderson, S.C. www.independentmail.com

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Louise Smith Osborne attends a meeting of the An-derson Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

JOHN DAVID MERCER Press-Register

Crews collect oil that washed up on coastline of Dauphin Island, Ala.

hometownerYour all-local

inside today

Gubernatorialcandidatessquare off/12a

Economy benefiting from gains in buildingand manufacturing/7b

Feds open probe into BP

■ BP, related companies see stocks take a dive■ Civil, criminal investigation announced/13a

Honoring a pioneer

Senecawomanpraised forwork in CivilAir Patrol/4a

Former Anderson County administrator Joey Preston cleared of DUI/5a

■ $3.7 million would pay forrepaving, upgrades

■ Cindy Wilson expresses concernabout trains blocking roads/3a

County Council OKscontract for airport work

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Kershaw County Library to build on early literacy concepts

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Jeepers creepers

Students in Libby Davis’ class at Wateree Elementary School “wormed” up to the new school year well, finding themselves “digging in” to lots of reading, writing, math and science early. Students read the novel, “How to Eat Fried Worms” by Thomas Rockwell, responded to their reading in their student writing journals, and played with real worms.

Students observed the worms and recorded their observa-tions in their science journals. They measured their worms and recorded adjectives to describe their squirmy, wormy friends. Student Hunter Haven contemplated eating a worm, like the character Billy in the novel.

Boogertown citizens still

resist Jordan Street plan

By MARTIN L. CAHNC-I (Camden, S.C.) associate editor

Three residents of Camden’s “Boogertown” community who live near the intersection of Hampton and Jordan streets spoke out at a Camden City Council meeting Tuesday morn-ing in anticipation of that eve-ning’s Camden Planning Com-mission (CPC) meeting. They opposed the inclusion of a plan to extend Jordan Street from its current dead-end point through the old Camden Middle School (CMS) SITE to Laurens Street in a subdivision proposal.

With council’s unanimous approval of changes to Chap-ter 156 of the city’s code of ordinance, governing subdivi-sions of property, the CPC is officially empowered to review and approve major subdivi-sion sketch plans. A sketch plan that includes the Jordan Street extension originally ap-proved for one set of develop-

ers in April was to be consid-ered again for a new developer Tuesday night.

Hampton Street residents Charlsey Lindsay, Peggy Og-burn and Clarence Mahoney and Carrison Street resident Norma Young all spoke during council’s public forum section of Tuesday morning’s meeting.

“My husband, John, and I

By ASHLEY LEWIS FORDC-I (Camden, S.C.) staff reporter

Last June, the Kershaw County School Dis-trict (KCSD) placed the old Camden Middle School (CMS) and old Pine Tree Hill School (PTHS) properties on the market. At the time, NAI Avant Broker-In-Charge Gene Green said he hoped the properties would be sold within the next year, in spite of the current economic climate.

Fourteen months later, the KCSD has not only accepted offers on the old CMS and PTH sites, but has also vacated the Continuous Learning Center (CLC) by moving its students into the old Jackson School property.

Last year, Green said the properties were priced at what he felt were reasonable asking prices, taking into account the current econom-ic crisis, and zoning and demolition costs.

The first piece of PTHS property to go was a small portion purchased by the adjacent Lake-shore Drive Church of God. PTHS’s remaining property was divided into two separate pieces,

which included 8.15-acre and 7.64-acre parcels.Byrd said the parcels were sold for a total of $350,000.

“The old Pine Tree Hill property was sold to the city (of Camden),” said KCSD Director for Communications Mary Anne Byrd. “It’s com-pletely out of our hands now.”

A portion of the PTHS property was, in turn, sold by the city to KershawHealth.

The old CMS property was originally put on the market for $575,000. A 1.13-acre parcel of the school, which includes Memorial Hall, was sold to Grace Episcopal Church for $85,000 in June 2009.

In December, Robbie Lackey, Roddy Partin, Tim Hudson and Hank Green entered into a contract to purchase the old CMS property, but later dropped plans to develop 17 homes and extend the southern portion of Jordan Street to Laurens Street after determining the project would be too costly.

Since then, Cypress Pointe LLC has entered into a contract with the school district to pur-chase the old CMS property.

Terri Horton, a RE/MAX real estate agent representing Cypress Pointe, said the company

School district’s inventory lighter with building sales

Councilman favors cap on county sewer

chargesBy TREVOR BARATKOC-I (Camden, S.C.) staff reporter

The cost some Kershaw County customers pay for their sewer service has been a much-discussed topic for Ker-shaw County Council recently, and talks continued during last week’s finance committee meeting.

County Councilman Jimmy Jones, who chairs the com-mittee, continues to insist that certain customers in the West Wateree are charged for sewer services they aren’t re-ceiving since the water used to fill their swimming pools or water their lawn isn’t treated by the county’s sewer system.

Sewer bills are based on water usage information the

Cypress Pointe Inc. holds a contract with the school dis-trict on the old Camden Middle School site. If the contract moves forward to sale, the group plans to develop 19 resi-dential lots on the downtown property.

A small part of the old Pine Tree Hill School property was sold to an adjacent church. Two other parcels were sold to the city of Camden. Soon after, the city sold approximately half the property to KershawHealth.See Cap, Page A5 See KCSD, Page A5

“I believe it is my right to speak and your oppor-tunity to listen and hear concerns of citizens and gather informa-tion for decision-making.”-- Norma Young

See Reports, Page B4

SCHOOL BOARDS:Twenty-nine candidates have filed in the county’s five school board races including one Chapin woman critical of the Irmo-Chapin district. Stories are on Pages A3 and A6.

Accuracy and credibility are our major concerns. If you see an error, please e-mail [email protected] or call 359-7633. Copyright 2010, Lexington Publishing Company, Inc.

INSIDE TODAY _|Calendar ..................... B4Church Guide .............A5Columnists ..............B5-8Front Porch ...............A14 Most Wanted ............A12Obituaries ...................A5Opinion .....................A13Phantom Driver .........A12Sports ......................B1-2

CHRONICLE POLL Does Congresscost too much?Go online to vote at

www.lexingtonchronicle.comPrevious poll: Should all politicians be required to disclose all of their

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OLD GRUMP _|I don’t know if they did a rain dance or what, but Pelion Peanut Party organizers must have Indian friends. Their party Saturday was overcast and cooler than it has been in weeks and the deluge of rain didn’t really hit our area until Sunday and Monday. Maybe they will share their secret with other area festivals.

Thursday, August 19, 2010 | Vol. 139, 44th Edition | Three sections, 62 pages www.lexingtonchronicle.com | Lexington, S.C. | 75 CENTS

LEXINGTON COUNTY

AND

The Dispatch-NewsSINCE 1870

ChronicleSpecial Section Inside

Lexington traffic plan moves on50 YEARS: Lexington County Arts Association anniversary celebrates 50 years of produc-tions. Spe-cial insert, Pages A8-9.

SCHOOL LAWSUIT: Lexington School District One, mother head back to court. Story, Page A4

Community honorsGreatest Generation, Page A14

BY VICKI [email protected]

A Lexington traffic im-provement plan for U.S. 378 will move ahead without concrete medians.

Town Council voted 6-1 Monday evening to endorse its traffic improvement plan without the barriers.

The project will continue to be evaluated and medi-ans can be added at a later date if needed, according to state transportation officials.

The plan, now six years in the making, is expected to improve traffic congestion along a two-block stretch of U.S. 378 between Butler Street and Park Road.

The vote paves the way for work to begin. But it could be at least three more years before the intersection improvements are complete.

Monday’s decision was lauded as one of the most improtant that council members will make — solv-ing the town’s traffic woes.

It was not as amicable as the vote implies.

Council members spent more than an hour in a con-

tentious and heated debate — ignoring a recommenda-tion by their traffic commit-tee and rejecting a request by three council members for more time to decide.

Medians were not part of the plan as originally pro-posed in 2007.

But the concrete barriers were added last year after traffic engineers decided they would help improve traffic flow and safety.

That decision came after state DOT officials met with some council members who presented information on how the barriers would neg-tively impact business in the

Columbia Avenue area.Some on the traffic com-

mittee called the meetings “Politics at its worst,” result-ing in “a backroom deal to remove the medians.”

Councilman Ted Stamboli-tis, who asked for the meet-ing, said he was exercising a first amendment right in presenting information about the project for DOT leaders to evaluate.

Stambolitis owns a shop-ping center at one intersec-tion of the project.

He said the barriers would impair access to more than 80 businesses and impact jobs for their 2,000 employees.

Council members Hazel Tyndall, Kathy Maness and Todd Shevchik, who say they were not privy to infor-mation affecting that deci-sion, wanted time to meet with DOT officials.

Mayor Randy Halfacre chided council members for trying to delay the project.

“We are on the brink of approving this plan,” he said.

Tyndall, council’s liason on the traffic committee, said she couldn’t vote to spend $12.5 million without abso-lute assurance that “we are getting the maximum im-provements for our citizens.”

U.S. 378 barriers ditched for now

LITTLE MISS: Congrat-ulations to Sarah Adkins of

Lexington, daughter of Jarett and Christal Adkins, who was crowned Little Miss S.C. (ages

0-6) recently in Hartsville.

NUTS FOR PELION

PHOTOS BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

ABATE of Lexington members wave to the crowd at the Pelion Peanut Party Parade Saturday morning in the Town of Pelion.

Dwayne Schumpert of Irmo, far left, made his own peanut hat, belt and necklace that he wore to the Pelion Peanut Party.

Pelion beauty queens ride the route, right, with an escort. More photos from the Pelion Peanut Party are on Pages B3, B20.

BY JERRY [email protected]

Hard-pressed school districts are trying to hold fees at last year’s levels.

With cuts in state money, districts are in-creasing class sizes, cutting elective classes and downsizing payrolls through atttri-tion to avoid raising fees and caf-eteria breakfast and lunch costs.

Student fees in Lexington 3 in Batesburg-Leesville and Lexington 5 in Chapin-Irmo will not rise.

Lexington 1 is raising only $25 in athletic fees, according to spokes-woman Mary Beth Hill.

Lexington 2 in Cayce-West Co-lumbia is raising only its year-long athletic fees.

High school sports fees will go from $50 to $75 and middle school from $25 to $50, according to Da-nette Bickley of Lexington 2.

Lexington 4 in Gaston and Swansea has not yet responded to a request for information on fees.

Lexington 5 held the line on fees but raised student breakfast fees to $1.25 and lunch in elementary schools to $2.25 and middle and high schools to $2.50, according to spokeswoman Michelle Foster.

Bill will open ethics probes to publicBY JERRY [email protected]

A Lexington County senator wants open ethics investigations of public officials.

Sen. Jake Knotts introduced a similar bill last year that passed in both the House and the Senate.

His bill was vetoed by Gov. Mark Sanford who was under investiga-tion himself.

Sanford was later cleared of vio-lation of state law on misuse and abuse of state and private aircraft.

The House overrode the veto but the Senate failed to do so.

Knotts said he would not push for similar disclosure of House and Senate investigations of its own members for fear it would kill his bill to open state Ethics Commis-sion investigations.

Student fees rise in county

BY JERRY [email protected]

It’s painful, closing a business. It’s like losing a family member.

Tom Neal and his family are go-ing through that now.

They are closing their Depot Building Supply & Hardware store on U.S. 1 west of Lexington.

They’re selling their hardware, garden and building supplies.

The Neals first opened their hardware business in 1979 near the old Columbia train station.

“That’s where we got the name Depot,” the founder Tom Neal said.

The family moved the business to Lexington in 1984 and expand-ed into lumber and other supplies.

Over the years, the company grew to 40 employees including Tom Neal’s wife Gloria, their sons Bryan and Mitch and their sons’ wives, Gay and Doris.

The Neals, like many famly re-

tailers, are in a no-win competitive battle with large discounters.

“We’ve enjoyed it and appreciate our loyal customers,” Neal said.

“We’ve got 9.35 acres here,” he said. “We’d like to sell it but you can’t just let it sit here. You’ve still

got insurance and taxes to pay.”So what does a family of busi-

ness people do in a tight retail and real estate market?

“If we can’t find a buyer,” Neal said, “we just might decide to start another business.”

Labor of love: Depot Building Supply closing

Depot Building Supply founder Tom Neal, right, and his son, Bryan Neal.

JERRY BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

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R udy Perez could write a book about his life.

In fact, that’s exactly what the 77-year-old native of the Philip-

pines is trying to do.Perez and his wife, Zanaida, arrived in

the United States in 1989, first landing in Florida before moving to Greenwood to live with their daughter in Hunter’s Creek in 2007.

However, Perez’s story — where his auto-biography begins, that is — starts much earlier than his career in the Philippines as a lawyer or his wife’s career as a pharma-cist.

It dates back to his childhood — growing up on the island of Sibale, which became occupied by Japan in 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“My adoptive father was the supply offi-cer of the local resistance group, and one unit of the guerrilla band stayed for a week or two in our house,” Perez writes of a time when he was about 9.

When the guerrillas heard the Japanese were coming, they left, but one dropped a bullet on the floor. The Japanese found it when they arrived and interrogated those

Story by JUSTIN SCHOENBERGER [email protected]

Rudy Perez’s life was rough in the Philippines, sohe and his family came to the United States to seek the

AMERICAN DREAM

Rudy and Zanaida

Perez take a walk in Hunter’s

Creek.

STAFF PHOTO BY T.M. JAMES

See DREAM, page 9A

By NICOLE E. [email protected]

Two more candidates will compete in the race for the McCormick County probate

judge position.Patsy Wilson will face Ernest

Willis on the Republican ticket for the June 8 primary.

Wilson has lived in McCor-mick all of her life and attributes

her fairness and equality to fol-lowing her parents’ examples.

“Having been a resident of McCormick County all my life, I know the people,” said the 58-year-old. “I care about the

people. I’m compassionate, fair, honest and I think my record anywhere I’ve worked would back that up. I’m anxious to

By CHRIS [email protected]

Greenwood County Council took another step Tuesday toward passing a 2010-11 operating bud-get that would not call for a prop-

erty tax increase in relation to the county’s opera-tions, but does call for the elimi-nation of seven county positions.

Council unan-imously passed second reading of an ordinance to adopt operating and capital budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011. There was a public hearing Tuesday in relation to the budget, but no one came forward to speak.

Third and final reading will be

at council’s June 15 meeting.The county’s general fund

budget for 2010-11 is set to be $19,698,506, which is down three percent from the 2009-10 budget of 20,204,931.

The county’s millage levied for 2010-11 is set to be 54.40, which would be the same as 2009-10.

However, the county is set to lose several employees. The 2009-10 budget accounted for 373 county employees, while the 2010-11 budget calls for 366 county employees.

County manager Vic Carpen-ter said positions will be cut in administration and in parks and recreation, among other spots. He emphasized no departments have been eliminated or phased out.

“I think it is very good to note

PATSYWILSON

CLAUDEGILCHRIST

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

Two other candidates vying for probate postWilson, Gilchrist seeking judgeship in McCormick County

Gubernatorial candidates debate issues. 5A

See PROBATE, page 9A

No tax hike, but 7 jobs will be lostCouncil approves second readingof budget with no public comments

STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS TRAINOR

Greenwood County Councilmen, from left, Robbie Templeton, Rhett Dominick and Chuck Moates share a laugh Tuesday during council’s regular meeting.

By CHRIS [email protected]

If you are a soldier from Green-wood County who is away at war and have not yet paid your 2009 property taxes, you’ve got a bit more time to pay without penalty.

Greenwood County Coun-cil adopted a resolution Tues-day night extending the time for the payment of property taxes for

people serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard in or near a hazardous duty zone until June 30. The move does not relieve those individuals from paying the property taxes, just extends the deadline by which they must pay.

The resolution came up Tuesday during councilman Rhett Domi-nick’s justice, public safety and mil-itary affairs committee report.

“We do have some military per-sonnel, who are on active duty in combat or hazardous duty zones, that have not been able to pay their property taxes for 2009,” Dominick

Soldiers get extensionon paying property taxes

RHETTDOMINICK

See SOLDIERS, page 9A

See BUDGET, page 9A

Related Abbeville

school district working on a lean budget. 3A

2010 scpa news contest tabloid of winners

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