Judges from the Modesto Bee had these comments about some of the Vindicator winners:

Judges from the Modesto Bee had these comments about some of the Vindicator winners:

Dennis B. Mangan, best editorial writer: “In these four editorials, the writer demonstrates strong reporting skills and versatility in writing. The Canfield piece resulting in change; the softball editorial was just fun. The use of ‘we’ is both conversational and shows the paper’s role as part of the community.”

William D. Lewis, best photographer: “All-around most versatile portfolio, with some outstanding individual shots. Photographer has an excellent eye for composition.”

Richard P. Logan and John Cruz, best full-page layout: “Lots of good things about this page. Creative treatment to centerpiece with magnifying glass and links to Youngstown stories on nine different news sites. Package at bottom of page on road work incorporated easy-to-understand map and real-people quotes. Campaign story had solid info box. Rail had numerous entry points to paper.”

Staff, best Page A1 layout: “Dynamic, engaging design. Excellent use of graphic elements, headline sizes, etc. A paper readers should look forward to reading.”

SAMPLING OF SECOND PLACE COMMENTS

Joe Scalzo, best sports feature writer, “Over a wide range of topics, this writer shows the right stuff.”

Robert McFerren, best illustration: “Clever use of photos and color to depict Normal Rockwell’s iconic ‘Freedom from want’ painting. I love the bright red plastic cups, the cell phone, iPod and extreme orange hair-do. Robert even has two of the subjects looking at us as does the true Rockwell. Bravo!”

David Skolnick, best breaking news: “Lots of good things here. Detailed and well-researched. I liked it as a setup, rather than waiting for the hammer to fall. Also nice use of other paper’s opinions, the ongoing investigation box and quote rail. Made for an effective package.”

SAMPLING OF THIRD PLACE COMMENTS

Don Shilling, best business writer: “Did a good job of writing clearly, explaining how incubator works. Multiple sources.”

Robert K. Yosay, best general news photo: “A nice moment that could have been missed if the photographer hadn’t been paying attention. Good timing and composition. Nice photo.”

Denise Dick, best community service: “The paper stuck with the story of one immigrant from arrest through freedom. In the process, the coverage educated readers about the red tape, inadequacies and frustrations in America’s flawed immigration system. Stories put a local face on a topic that’s been a part of the national conversation recently.”

BERTRAM GETS MENTIONED HONORABLY

Best columnist: Bertram de Souza, honorable mention. “Bertram de Souza clearly does his homework, which makes his columns a pleasure to read. And he effectively takes the reader behind the scenes when it isn’t the safest approach.”