Led by Bechman, dozen grads win top ANA awards

The Arizona Republic's Richard Ruelas and Jason Pohl earned Story of the Year among dailies for a piece on a state Border Strike Force.

Kelly Presnell of the Arizona Daily Star and Keith Morris of the Payson Roundup earned Photographer of the Year awards for the second consecutive year.

The awards were handed out at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler.

(University of Arizona graduates won at least 14 first-place individual awards, and other grads or those with UA School of Journalism ties captured at least a combined 24 second- and thirrd-place individual awards.)

Here is the full list of winners (with UA graduates and others with UA Journalism ties in bold). 

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceArizona Capitol Times Associate Publisher: Luige del Puerto

2nd PlaceNogales International Publisher: Manuel Coppola

3rd PlaceThe Camp Verde Journal General Manager: Kyle Larson

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlacePayson RoundupPublisher: Brian Kramer

2nd PlacePhoenix Business JournalPublisher: Ray Schey

3rd Place Green Valley News Publisher: Dru Sanchez

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceNavajo TimesPublisher: Tom Aviso Jr.

2nd PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

3rd PlacePrescott Valley TribunePublisher: Joe Soldwedel, Co-Publisher: Kit Atwelll

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceHerald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

2nd PlaceArizona Daily SunPublisher: Colleen Brady

3rd PlaceCasa Grande DispatchCo-Publishers: Donovan Kramer Jr., Kara Cooper

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st Place Arizona Daily StarPublisher: John D'Orlando. Editor: Jill Jorden Spitz

REPORTING & NEWSWRITING EXCELLENCE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceArizona Capitol TimesAssociate Publisher: Luige del Puerto

2nd PlaceEloy EnterprisePublisher: Donovan Kramer Jr.

3rd PlaceFlorence Reminder and Blade-TribunePublisher: Donovan Kramer Jr.

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlacePhoenix Business JournalPublisher: Ray Schey

2nd PlaceGreen Valley News Publisher: Dru Sanchez

3rd PlaceThe Fountain Hills Times Publisher: Brent Cruickshank

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

2nd PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

3rd PlacePrescott Valley TribunePublisher: Joe Soldwedel, Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceThe Daily CourierPublisher: Joe Soldwedel, Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

2nd PlaceArizona Daily Sun Publisher: Colleen Brady

3rd PlaceCasa Grande DispatchCo-Publishers: Donovan Kramer Jr., Kara Cooper

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceArizona Daily StarPublisher: John D'Orlando. Editor: Jill Jorden Spitz

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS & COPYWRITING EXCELLENCE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceNogales International Publisher: Manuel Coppola

2nd PlaceThe Camp Verde Journal General Manager: Kyle Larson

3rd PlaceFlorence Reminder and Publisher: Donovan Kramer Jr.

Blade-Tribune

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlacePhoenix Business JournalPublisher: Ray Schey

2nd PlacePayson RoundupPublisher: Brian Kramer

3rd PlaceSedona Red Rock News General Manager: Kyle Larson

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS & COPYWRITING EXCELLENCE / continued

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

2nd PlacePrescott Valley TribunePublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

3rd PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceHerald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

2nd PlaceArizona Daily Sun Publisher: Colleen Brady

3rd PlaceThe Daily CourierPublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceThe Arizona RepublicExecutive Editor: Greg Burton

PAGE DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceArizona Capitol Times Publisher: Luige del Puerto

2nd PlaceNogales International Publisher: Manuel Coppola

3rd PlaceThe Verde Independent Publisher: Babette Cubitt

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlacePayson RoundupPublisher: Brian Kramer

2nd PlaceWhite Mountain IndependentPublisher: Brian Kramer

3rd PlaceChino Valley Review Publisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

2nd PlaceExplorer NewspaperPublisher: Jason Joseph

3rd PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceArizona Daily Sun Publisher: Colleen Brady

2nd PlaceHerald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

3rd PlaceThe Daily CourierPublisher: Joe Soldwedel/ Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceArizona Daily Star Publisher: John D'Orlando. Editor: Jill Jorden Spitz

EDITORIAL PAGE EXCELLENCE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceThe Verde Independent Publisher: Babette Cubitt

2nd PlaceThe Camp Verde JournalGeneral Manager: Kyle Larson

3rd PlaceCoolidge Examiner Publisher: Donovan Kramer Jr.

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceSedona Red Rock News General Manager: Kyle Larson

2nd PlaceChino Valley Review Publisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

3rd PlacePhoenix Business Journal Publisher: Ray Schey

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

2nd PlacePrescott Valley TribunePublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

3rd PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceHerald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

2nd PlaceToday's News-Herald Publisher: Mike Quinn

3rd PlaceCasa Grande DispatchCo-Publishers: Donovan Kramer Jr., Kara Cooper

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceArizona Daily Star Publisher: John D'Orlando (Opinon Editor: Sarah Garrecht Gassen, Editor: Jill Jorden Spitz)

BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceNogales International Publisher: Manuel Coppola

2nd PlaceThe Camp Verde Journal General Manager: Kyle Larson

3rd PlaceThe Verde Independent Publisher: Babette Cubitt

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceGreen Valley News Publisher: Dru Sanchez

2nd PlacePayson RoundupPublisher: Brian Kramer

3rd PlaceMaricopa MonitorPublisher: Kara Cooper

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

3rd PlacePrescott Valley TribunePublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

1st PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

2nd PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

3rd PlaceThe Daily CourierPublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

1st PlaceHerald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

2nd PlaceArizona Daily Sun Publisher: Colleen Brady

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceThe Arizona RepublicExecutive Editor: Greg Burton

COMMUNITY SERVICE/JOURNALISTIC ACHIEVEMENT

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceNogales InternationalPublisher: Manuel Coppola

2nd PlaceArizona Capitol TimesPublisher: Luige del Puerto

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceGreen Valley News Publisher: Dru Sanchez

2nd PlacePayson RoundupPublisher: Brian Kramer

3rd PlacePhoenix Business JournalPublisher: Ray Schey

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

2nd PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

3rd PlaceExplorer NewspaperPublisher: Jason Joseph

Combined Dailies

Division 4: Daily under 25,000 & Division 5: Daily greater than 25,000

1st PlaceHerald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

2nd PlaceThe Daily CourierPublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell3rd PlaceCasa Grande DispatchCo-Publishers: Donovan Kramer Jr., Kara Cooper

SPECIAL SECTION

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceArizona Capitol Times Publisher: Luige del Puerto

2nd PlaceThe Verde Independent Publisher: Babette Cubitt

3rd PlaceNogales International Publisher: Manuel Coppola

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlacePhoenix Business Journal Publisher: Ray Schey

2nd PlaceSedona Red Rock News General Manager: Kyle Larson

3rd PlaceArizona Jewish Post Executive Editor: Phyllis Braun

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceTucson WeeklyPublisher: Jason Joseph

2nd PlaceExplorer NewspaperPublisher: Jason Joseph

3rd PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceHerald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

2nd PlaceYuma SunPublisher: Lisa Reilly

3rd PlaceCasa Grande DispatchCo-Publishers: Donovan Kramer Jr., Kara Cooper

SPECIAL SECTION / continued

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceThe Arizona RepublicExecutive Editor: Greg Burton

NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT OR MAGAZINE

Combined ALL Non-Dailies

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceGreen Valley News Publisher: Dru Sanchez

2nd PlaceSedona Red Rock NewsGeneral Manager: Kyle Larson

3rd PlacePayson RoundupPublisher: Brian Kramer

Combined Dailies -

Division 4: Daily under 25,000

Division 5: Daily greater than 25,000

1st PlaceArizona Daily Star Publisher: John D'Orlando. Editor: Jill Jorden Spitz

2nd PlaceToday's News-Herald Publisher: Mike Quinn

3rd PlaceThe Daily CourierPublisher: Joe Soldwedel, Co-Publisher: Kit AtwellNEWSPAPER WEBSITE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceThe Camp Verde Journal General Manager: Kyle Larson

2nd PlaceArizona Capitol Times Publisher: Luige del Puerto

3rd PlaceParker Pioneer Publisher: Mike Quinn

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlacePayson RoundupPublisher: Brian Kramer

2nd PlaceMaricopa MonitorPublisher: Kara Cooper

3rd PlaceSedona Red Rock NewsGeneral Manager: Kyle Larson

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceNavajo Times Publisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

2nd PlacePrescott Valley TribunePublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit Atwell

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceArizona Daily Sun Publisher: Colleen Brady

2nd PlaceCasa Grande DispatchCo-Publishers: Donovan Kramer Jr., Kara Cooper

3rd PlaceThe Daily CourierPublisher: Joe Soldwedel / Co-Publisher: Kit AtwellDivision 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceArizona Daily Star Publisher: John D'Orlando. Editor: Jill Jorden Spitz

Individual Winners by Category

BEST HEADLINE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceGary Grado Senator: Swamp creatures in ties suits roam Capitol, Arizona Capitol Times

2nd PlaceWendy Howell Food Cart Frenzy, Williams-Grand Canyon News

3rd PlaceGary GradoNo More No Promo, Arizona Capitol Times

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceKeith MorrisShe's a killer queen, Payson Roundup

2nd PlaceDan ShearerA Fine Mess, assorted others, Green Valley News

3rd PlaceRyan WinslettEducational award brings Sunshine to New York, The Fountain Hills Times

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceDana Hawman-Trumbull Assorted Headlines, Apache Junction/Gold Canyon News

2nd PlaceBill Van Nimwegen You Can't Get There from Here, Apache Junction/Gold Canyon News

3rd PlaceJeff Gardner Assorted Headlines, Tucson Weekly

BEST HEADLINE / continued

Combined Dailies / Division 4: Daily under 25,000 & Division 5: Daily greater than 25,000

1st PlaceJim WamboldShaking Up History, The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceDave OrdAssorted Headlines, Arizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceMatt PaulsonAssorted Headlines, Casa Grande Dispatch

BEST NEWS STORY

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceJonathan ClarkOn Election Day, military installs razor wire

Nogales International

2nd PlaceArielle Zionts Accused cop-killer confessed

Nogales International

3rd PlaceLoretta Yerian Coyotes: Nuisance or Necessary?

Williams-Grand Canyon News

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlacePatrick O'Grady Power play: Arizona battleground a $40 million fight over the future of solar

Phoenix Business Journal

2nd PlaceRon ElandMerchants hurting with lack of Phoenix adsSedona Red Rock News

3rd PlaceMichele NelsonMan gets probation for violent assault

Payson Roundup

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceKathleen B. KunzCare Bare

Tucson Weekly

2nd PlaceDonovan QuinteroBegay facing 'extreme DUI' chargeNavajo Times

3rd PlaceChristina Fuoco-Karasinski Fentanyl overdose

West Valley View

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceRodney Haas and Brian Wright Vista Grande choice drops out

Casa Grande Dispatch

2nd PlaceMara Knaub Feeling 'duped' - Donors unhappy with Salvation Army's decision to drop Boys and Girls Club

Yuma Sun3rd PlaceScott BuffonFlagstaff DPS dispatch center announces closure

Arizona Daily Sun

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceDan NowickiThe Death of Sen. John McCain

The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceCaitlin Schmidt4 suspects ID'd here after tests on shelved rape kitsArizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceShaq Davis and Caitlin SchmidtInmate, 36, indicted in deaths of two girlsArizona Daily Star

BEST SUSTAINED COVERAGE OR SERIES

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceKendal Blust, Asylum-seekers at the border, Nogales International

Genesis Lara, Arielle Zionts,

Jonathan Clark, Nick Phillips

2nd PlaceJonathan Clark,Government 'hardens' Nogales ports and border

Genesis Lara, Nick Phillips

Nogales International

3rd PlaceKatie CampbellHacienda Rape, Arizona Capitol Times

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceKim Smith, 500-year flood, Green Valley News

2nd PlaceLaura Singleton, Heber Horses Series, White Mountain Independent

3rd PlaceKitty Bottemiller, Me Too, Green Valley News

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceJeff GardnerThe OSIRIS-REx Mission, Tucson Weekly

2nd PlaceDana Hawman-Trumbull Apache Junction School District Coverage, Apache Junction/Gold Canyon News

3rd PlaceLogan Burtch-Buus, 2018 Oro Valley election, Explorer Newspaper

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceNanci HutsonHomelessness in the Prescott area, The Daily Courier

2nd PlaceMax Efrein The opioid crisis and #StopFentanylNow series, The Daily Courier

3rd PlaceArizona Daily Sun StaffRecord-breaking snowstorm hits Flagstaff, Arizona Daily Sun

BEST SUSTAINED COVERAGE OR SERIES / continued

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceJohn D'Anna Solving the mystery of Arizona's Hatbox Baby, The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceRebekah L. Sanders Left on the Street, The Arizona Republic

3rd PlaceCraig Harris, The Charter Gamble, The Arizona Republic

Anne Ryman, Alden Woods, Justin Price

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceKatie CampbellOld School, Arizona Capitol Times

2nd PlaceArielle Zionts Rape allegation preceded fire chief's downfall, Nogales International

3rd PlaceDillon Rosenblatt Criminalized, Arizona Capitol Times

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceChristopher Fox Graham and Ron Eland, SB 1487 complaint against Sedona, Sedona Red Rock News

2nd PlaceKim Smith State owes $12.4 million to over 70 fire districts, Green Valley News

3rd PlaceMichele Nelson Firewood sales during forest closures, Payson Roundup

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceMatt RoyResident accused of making threat, Surprise Today

2nd PlaceCindy YurthKirk, Ryce have history of giving bad investment advice, Navajo Times

3rd PlaceDanyelle Khmara Collateral Damage, Tucson Weekly

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceCindy Barks Waterline breaks plague Cliff Rose neighborhood, The Daily Courier

2nd PlaceMara KnaubNo charges filed against city critics, Yuma Sun

3rd PlaceMatt RoyOfficials seek cause of explosion, Daily News-Sun

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceJason Pohl, Richard Ruelas Border Strike Force, The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceRobert AnglenThe Meadows: Sex addiction clinic hid founder's assault of patient for decades, The Arizona Republic

3rd PlaceMichael KieferRestoration to Competency? The Arizona Republic

BEST SPORTS STORY

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceGenesis LaraNogales' pioneering football player inspires other girls, Nogales International

2nd PlaceBen Giles Wild Pitch, Arizona Capitol Times

3rd PlaceJoey Chenoweth Volleyball not just for girls, Florence Reminder and Blade-Tribune

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceBrandon BrownRising Above Mediocre, Phoenix Business Journal

2nd PlaceBrandon BrownBig League Goal: Phoenix makes pitch for MLS status, Phoenix Business Journal

3rd PlaceKeith MorrisClearing hurdles to a state championship, Payson Roundup

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceSunnie R. Clahchischiligi A team of brothers, Navajo Times

2nd PlaceZach Alvira Running for his life, East Valley Tribune

3rd PlaceRichard Smith His Story Will Be Heard, Peoria Today

BEST SPORTS STORY / continued

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceBrian Bergner Jr.Good deeds lead to special touchdown, The Daily Courier

2nd PlaceBrian WrightDevilish determination, Casa Grande Dispatch

3rd PlaceDoug CookFIGHT OF HIS LIFE: Mayer principal, AD, coach Jeff Duncan facing Stage IV cancer head-on, The Daily Courier

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceAlden WoodsG League tryouts offer first and last chances at hoop dreams, The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceJohn D'Anna Who do we love to boo? The Arizona Republic

3rd PlaceAnne RymanFootball set to disappear at community colleges - but not without a fight, The Arizona Republic

BEST TEAM, SPORT OR SPORTS BEAT COVERAGE

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceJames KelleyMingus edges Prescott to win second consecutive region title, The Verde Independent

2nd PlaceJoey ChenowethCoolidge Bears football,Coolidge Examiner

3rd PlaceJames KelleyShorthanded Mingus Union football suffers first loss, The Verde Independent

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceKeith MorrisPayson softball team Payson Roundup

2nd PlaceKeith MorrisPayson wrestling Payson Roundup

3rd PlaceAndy StatenFootball 2018 White Mountain Independent

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceZach AlviraMountain Pointe football Ahwatukee Foothills News

2nd PlaceChristopher BoanFootball coverage in north Tucson Explorer Newspaper

3rd PlaceDaniel DullumApache Junction High School SoftballApache Junction/Gold Canyon News

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceBrian Bergner Jr.Badgers Football The Daily Courier

2nd PlaceMike HartmanN.Az. Elite Arizona Daily Sun

3rd PlaceDoug CookWhiskey Off-Road coverage and previews The Daily Courier

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceNorma Gonzalez Pima footballArizona Daily Star

2nd PlaceCaitlin SchmidtAthletes investigated at the UAArizona Daily Star

BEST SPORTS COLUMN

Combined Non-Dailies/ Division 1: Non-Daily under 3,500 & Division 2: Non-Daily 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceKeith MorrisAn editor, a teacher and a friend Payson Roundup

2nd PlaceCorky SimpsonBig Time Baseball Green Valley News

3rd PlaceJames KelleyCommentary: Time for soccer to ditch the PK shootouts

The Verde Independent

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceDaniel DullumSeabiscuit's Workout Jockey Also Rode in ArizonaApache Junction/Gold Canyon News

2nd PlaceChristopher BoanThe Weekly Take Explorer Newspaper

3rd PlaceRichard SmithLatest transfer rule not workingas intendedPeoria Today

Combined Dailies / Division 4: Daily under 25,000 & Division 5: Daily greater than 25,000

1st PlaceGreg HansenArizona superfanArizona Daily Star

2nd PlaceBrian WrightAssorted columnsCasa Grande Dispatch

3rd PlaceBeau BeardenState championship provided lasting memoriesKingman Daily Miner

BEST FEATURE STORY

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceCarmen FormanHard LeftArizona Capitol Times

2nd PlaceWendy Howell What's happening to the aspens? Williams-Grand Canyon News

3rd PlaceRofida KhairallaMeet 'Miracle' BabyCoolidge Examiner

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceDan ShearerThey set sail Green Valley News

2nd PlaceMichele NelsonFor veteran, the Arizona Trail a chrysalis for lifePayson Roundup

3rd PlaceAlexis BechmanI tested my grit in Box Canyon Payson Roundup

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceJeff GardnerBrewski BenefitTucson Weekly

2nd PlaceTirion MorrisNostalgia on the MoveTucson Weekly

3rd PlaceBrian SmithHoliday Bell RingersTucson Weekly

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceMara KnaubYuma veteran recalls ambush in IraqYuma Sun

2nd PlaceAlexandra WittenbergLiteracy Center classes at heart of jail's re-entry programArizona Daily Sun

3rd PlaceEmily EllisFort Huachuca band completes final missionHerald/Review

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceJessica BoehmSandra Day O'Connor, the mom The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceJen FifieldThe story of Edward J.B. Keeylocko The Arizona Republic

3rd PlacePerla Trevizo, Fernanda Echavarri 30 days to be a family

Arizona Daily Star

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceKatie CampbellDem Divide: Democratic candidates don't understand rural issues, Arizona Capitol Times

2nd PlaceKatie CampbellIncessant: Prison health care case shaping up for years of litigation, Arizona Capitol Times

3rd PlaceNick PhillipsPort backups weigh heavy on way of life, Nogales International

Combined Non-Dailies/ Division 2: Non-Daily 3,500 to 10,000 & Division 3: Non-Daily greater than 10,000

1st PlacePhilip HaldimanExperiencing a real estate boom in PeoriaPeoria Today

2nd PlaceAndrew PaxtonThe porn problem

Green Valley News

3rd PlaceCorina VanekEstablishing Roots: Real estate presentshurdle for cannabis industry

Phoenix Business Journal

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceMacKenzie ChaseRoden Crater's past and futureArizona Daily Sun

2nd PlaceEmily EllisA legendary mistake: Arizona historians reflect on 1929 bombing of Naco

Herald/Review

3rd PlaceMara KnaubIf the border CLOSED ... Yuma Sun

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceRebekah L. SandersCredit Card Skimmers The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceEmily BregelEvictions: No roof, no reliefArizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceDaniel GonzalezThe U.S. Deported this mother to Guatemala. It kept her 6-year-old son, The Arizona Republic

BEST COLUMN, ANALYSIS OR COMMENTARY

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceJonathan ClarkCounty can take a stand on family separationsNogales International

2nd PlaceJeanie HankinsCheck the Facts, Council in Chaos- Still

The Wickenburg Sun

3rd PlaceChristopher Fox Graham Assorted Editorials

The Camp Verde Journal

BEST COLUMN, ANALYSIS OR COMMENTARY / continued

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceDan ShearerSafeway toying with your walletGreen Valley News

2nd PlaceGreg BarrTrack the 'martini' factor to measure city's progressPhoenix Business Journal

3rd PlaceDan ShearerNo other words: Shame on ADOT Green Valley News

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlacePauly Denetclaw Group seeks diversity, but runs roughshod over us

Navajo Times

2nd PlaceDana Hawman-Trumbull Integrity is Not Made of Half Truths and Inuendo Apache Junction/Gold Canyon News

3rd PlaceTom ArvisoYes, your vote does count!Navajo Times

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceBrian Bergner Jr.Raising Prescott column: A 'zero tolerance' policy worth avoiding as a father, The Daily Courier

2nd PlaceRoxanne MolenarOne action is not reflective of Yuma communityYuma Sun

3rd PlaceTim WiederaendersGood Friday is much more somber for me

The Daily Courier

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceDavid FitzsimmonsMonastery-turned-sanctuary truly extraordinary Arizona Daily Star

2nd PlaceTim StellerThe Chomsky outrageArizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceSarah Garrecht GassenGrowing Pima CountyArizona Daily Star

BEST COLUMN, FEATURE OR CRITICISM

Combined Non-Dailies/ Division 1: Non-Daily under 3,500 & Division 2: Non-Daily 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceScott DykeYou Can't Go Home AgainGreen Valley News

2nd PlaceRyan WinslettLike pulling teethThe Fountain Hills Times

3rd PlaceJeanie HankinsCommunity explore what ifs, reversed rolls stretch hearts and 1,000 parts The Wickenburg Sun

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceBrian SmithBilly Sedlmyer, Bowed But Unbroken Tucson Weekly

2nd PlaceCindy YurthThe one rescue we couldn't doNavajo Times

3rd PlaceMargaret ReganUp Close and PersonalTucson Weekly

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceRoxanne MolenarKindnesses big, small can have impactYuma Sun

2nd PlaceTim WiederaendersThis has to stop, Mr. PresidentThe Daily Courier

3rd PlaceBrian Bergner Jr.Raising Prescott: Neighborhood speedway cause for concern in PV, The Daily Courier

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceDavid FitzsimmonsY.O.T.O. backs youths homes, dreams despite homelessnessArizona Daily Star

2nd PlaceGreg HansenA miracle and a young man named Brian saved my son's life Arizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceDavid FitzsimmonsWhat good cops do Arizona Daily Star

BEST MULTIMEDIA STORYTELLING

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceLoretta Yerian U.S. Marine Corps delivers Christmas cheer Havasupai ReservationWilliams-Grand Canyon News

2nd PlaceGenesis LaraLent brings family culinary tradition of 'capirotada'

Nogales International

3rd PlaceDavid ZambranoInto the FireThe Wickenburg Sun

Combined Non-Dailies/ Division 2: Non-Daily 3,500 to 10,000 Division 3: Non-Daily greater than 10,000

1st PlaceCindy Yurth, Ray Landry Piccadilly circusNavajo Times

2nd PlaceKeith MorrisThe benefits of rock & rollPayson Roundup

3rd PlaceSedona Red Rock News staff Red For Ed education protest story and video

Sedona Red Rock News

BEST MULTIMEDIA STORYTELLING / continued

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceMark LevySalute to Service: Jacqui Clay, U.S. Army Herald/Review

2nd PlaceVanessa EspinozaMagic of Music Kingman Daily Miner

3rd PlaceGabriel Granillo The Word: Jesse Sensibar Arizona Daily Sun

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlacePerla TrevizoPassports to the American Dream Arizona Daily Star

2nd PlaceArizona Republic staffSandra Day O'Connor: Arizona ranch girl, American Legend, The Arizona Republic

3rd PlacePerla TrevizoShifting trends: How do you secure the border when migrants are just turning themselves in? Arizona Daily Star

ONLINE COVERAGE OF BREAKING NEWS

Combined Non-Dailies/ Division 1: Non-Daily under 3,500 & Division 2: Non-Daily 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceAlexis BechmanWinter weatherPayson Roundup

2nd PlaceWendy Howell Suspect wanted for assault, kidnappingincident

Williams-Grand Canyon News

3rd PlaceAlexis BechmanPlane crashPayson Roundup

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceAnne Ryman, Uriel Garcia, Kelsey Mo, Michael Kiefer, Bree Burkitt, Alden Woods, Robert Anglen: Six people killed by Scottsdale murder suspect, The Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceCaitlin Schmidt, Shaq Davis Local man indicted in killing of Tucson girlsArizona Daily Star

BEST NEWS PHOTOGRAPH

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceLoretta Yerian Suspect in Jan. 30 police standoff wanted in assault, kidnapping incidentWilliams-Grand Canyon News

2nd PlaceVyto StarinskasBlaze in CottonwoodThe Verde Independent

3rd PlaceJonathan ClarkSchool bus passing razor wire on border fenceNogales International

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceDavid JolkovskiRelease the OwlSedona Red Rock News

2nd PlaceBobby Joe SmithTeens: This isn't a fadGreen Valley News

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceKatherine Locke U.S. 89 reopens after wash outNavajo-Hopi Observer

2nd PlacePablo RoblesChandler MuseumSanTan Sun News

3rd PlaceLogan Burtch-BuusDorado GraduationExplorer Newspaper

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceOscar PerezBlaze lights up Casa GrandeCasa Grande Dispatch

2nd PlaceLes StukenbergAirplane downThe Daily Courier

3rd PlaceRandy HoeftDusty TuesdayYuma Sun

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceRob SchumacherTropical Storm RescueThe Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceKelly PresnellVigil for murdered studentArizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceRob SchumacherTaken away too soonThe Arizona Republic

BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceDaulton VenglarSpring RoundupThe Camp Verde Journal

2nd PlaceJonathan ClarkCoach gets soakedNogales International

3rd PlaceDaulton VenglarCamp Verde soccer defeats Desert Christian

The Camp Verde Journal

BEST SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH / continued

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceKeith MorrisSpikers shock 2-time champsPayson Roundup

2nd PlaceBobby Joe SmithOn to post season!Green Valley News

3rd PlaceKeith MorrisGirls fighting for their state tournament livesPayson Roundup

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlacePaul NatonabahIt's spring timeNavajo Times

2nd PlacePaul NatonabahTension runs highNavajo Times

3rd PlaceRavonelle YazzieYoung buckarooNavajo Times

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceOscar PerezVaqueras sweep EasternCasa Grande Dispatch

2nd PlaceCody BashoreKeeping it aliveArizona Daily Sun

3rd PlaceOscar PerezCougars pull awayCasa Grande DispatchDivision 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceRob SchumacherTiger Makes HistoryThe Arizona Republic

2nd PlaceKelly PresnellLooming cloudsArizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceKelly PresnellTimeout!Arizona Daily Star

BEST FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceDaulton VenglarCV earns dark sky designation

The Camp Verde Journal

2nd PlaceBill HelmRain slowed, didn't stop Fort Verde Days

The Verde Independent

3rd PlaceWendy Howell Coconino County Teacher of the Year

Williams-Grand Canyon News

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceJim PoulinRedefining college learningPhoenix Business Journal

2nd PlaceBobby Joe SmithBrain mattersGreen Valley News

3rd PlaceBarb CharzukThe tiny detailsThe Fountain Hills Times

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceDonovan QuinteroA long time comingNavajo Times

2nd PlaceKimberly CarrilloGraduation ExcitementAhwatukee Foothills News

3rd PlaceArianna GraineyMexican Imports (History Happens Here)Scottsdale Independent

Division 4: Daily circulation under 25,000

1st PlaceRandy HoeftStay between the linesYuma Sun

2nd PlaceMark LevyFree bird flight trainingHerald/Review

3rd PlaceBen ShanahanParalympians share their stories Arizona Daily Sun

Division 5: Daily circulation greater than 25,000

1st PlaceMike ChristyCloud WalkArizona Daily Star

2nd PlaceMamta PopatLate snowArizona Daily Star

3rd PlaceMamta PopatBrain surpriseArizona Daily Star

BEST FEATURE PHOTO LAYOUT OR PHOTO STORY

Division 1: Non-Daily circulation under 3,500

1st PlaceJeanie Hankins, StaffAmigos del Hospital, Red Sparks light up WickenburgThe Wickenburg Sun

2nd PlaceJonathan ClarkDia de los MuertosNogales International

2nd PlaceJonathan ClarkA community grievesNogales International

Division 2: Non-Daily circulation 3,500 to 10,000

1st PlaceJim PoulinSheep provide new venture for area dairy

Phoenix Business Journal

2nd PlaceJim PoulinScottish brewer celebrates DeafAwareness WeekPhoenix Business Journal

3rd PlaceFountain Hills Times staff Historic snowstorm hits Fountain Hills

The Fountain Hills Times

BEST FEATURE PHOTO LAYOUT OR PHOTO STORY /continued

Division 3: Non-Daily circulation greater than 10,000

1st PlaceArianna GraineyKachina InstallApache Junction Independent

2nd PlaceArianna GraineyCasteel wrestlingQueen Creek Independent

3rd PlaceRuth CarltonSpooky fun on the GetOut pageEast Valley Tribune

Combined Dailies: Division 4: Daily under 25,000 & Division 5: Daily greater than 25,000

1st PlaceKelly PresnellNew border dynamic presents quandary no wall can solveArizona Daily Star

2nd PlaceRob SchumacherBody of WorkThe Arizona Republic

3rd PlaceRandy HoeftFirst day of winterYuma Sun

STORY OF THE YEAR

Non-Daily

Jonathan ClarkNogales International'On Election Day, military installs razor wire'

Daily

Richard Ruelas, Jason PohlThe Arizona Republic'Border Strike Force'

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Non-Daily

Keith MorrisPayson Roundup

Daily

Kelly PresnellArizona Daily Star

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Non-Daily

Alexis BechmanPayson Roundup

Daily

Perla TrevizoArizona Daily Star

NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR

Non-Daily

Navajo TimesPublisher: Tom Arviso Jr.

Daily

Herald/ReviewPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson

GENERAL EXCELLENCE - College DIVISION 2019

First Place

University of Arizona - The Daily Wildcat

Advisor: Brett Fera

Second Place

Pima Community College - Aztec Press

Advisor: Valerie Vinyard