Best-Of-APG-2022

Telling the stories of our communities, holding elected officials accountable, and helping readers understand complex issues and processes is at the core of what our business is all about. 

Excellent journalism has been a constant, despite changes in staffing, restructuring, new technology installations and shifting audience demands. 

Before you get too far into the new goals and challenges of 2023, please take some time to celebrate the best of the stories that our newsrooms published in 2022. The Best of APG showcase is chock-full of work from across the company, a collection submitted by the top editors at each of our sites. 

You’ll find work from across the spectrum – national enterprise projects, new audience initiatives, in-depth enterprise and accountability journalism and short, fun features. 

We’ll expand on this work in 2023, and introduce better technology, new tools, training and priorities to bring in new readers and better serve the more than 130 communities across the U.S. 

Mark Adams

President & CEO


BEST OF ADAMS 2022 

You Won’t Find These Stories Anywhere Else. And, That’s the Point. 


In Florida, even as their own homes were destroyed, powerless or roofless, our journalists helped the community figure out FEMA when Hurricane Ian tore through town. 

In North Carolina, we were there on an international stage as the community played host to the Little League Softball World Series. 

In Wyoming, we explained why the average person should care about the federal infrastructure bill. 

For some of our communities, there were celebrations of state high school championships, and news about new places to eat and shop. 

For others, we just invited readers to settle in with a compelling story: Meet the elephant seal pup in Anacortes, Washington. Hear from the Ukrainian family in Boone, N.C. And, gather ‘round in Idaho to learn about the oldest registered Angus herd continuously kept by the same family west of the Rocky Mountains (103 years!) 

These were among the nearly 150 stories that answered the call for what APG editors were most proud of in 2022. And they were proud for various reasons. The hard work that went into reporting, the service to the community, the unique way the story was told, the collaboration with other newsrooms.

We published two network-wide enterprise initiatives in 2022: One a series on school safety as students were returning to the classroom following the Uvalde, Texas, tragedy. The other on inflation, a yearlong look at how consumers in 10 of our communities were affected by painfully high grocery prices. 

We introduced new product initiatives in an effort to increase and engage more readers. One of the most impressive was a new special Sunday e-edition in Klamath Falls that gave readers four pages of exclusive sports content on a day when the newspaper doesn’t have a print edition. 

We welcomed new colleagues in 2022 as journalists in the Yellowstone group in Montana joined our team. You’ll find a wonderful story from the Lewistown, Montana, News-Argus about Jeanne Erlandson, who lost her home of 70 years in a wildfire in 2021 and was moving into her new home eight months later. 

Behind all the voices and faces, facts and perspectives in this showcase, are journalists who are a valued part of our company and our industry. We’re in a time when community news organizations are reshaping for survival, and it’s difficult not to let that get in the way of a good story. 

So here’s the 2022 Best of Adams showcase, a testament to how essential local journalists are in our communities. A reason to be proud, indeed.

Traci Bauer

APG Vice President of Content


Data & Investigations

Spray-Painted Rental Home on Busy Janesville Street Throws Spotlight on Local Affordable Housing Crisis

Coverage from The Gazette: Janesville, Wisconsin

Criminal Investigation Underway in Klamath Falls Falcons Baseball Hazing; School District Scrutinized For Response

Coverage from Herald News: Klamath Falls, Oregon

Who are Ohio University’s Top Earners?

Coverage from Athens News: Athens, Ohio

Local News

Little League Softball World Series Coverage

Coverage from Greenville, North Carolina: The Daily Reflector

An HOA Said a Boise Homeowner’s Pride Lights Were a Violation. He Took Them Down, But May Sue

Coverage from Nampa, Idaho: Idaho Press

FBI Alleges Edina-based Nonprofit Defrauded Federal Nutrition Program

Coverage from Coon Rapids, Minnesota: Edina Sun Current

Everyone is Shocked By This

Coverage from Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Leader-Telegram

This House is a Testament to the Community

Coverage from Lewistown, Montana: Lewistown News-Argus

Board Says ‘No’ to Three Oaks Quarry

Coverage from Yadkinville, North Carolina: Yadkinville Ripple

Features

An Unexpected Treat: Small-town Pastry Shop Brings Tastes of Europe to Local Residents, Travelers

Coverage from Pocatello, Idaho: Idaho State Journal

Ukraine to Boone: One Family’s Journey From War

Coverage from Boone, North Carolina: Watauga Democrat

Pioneer Gerd of the West

Coverage from Idaho Falls, Idaho: Farm and Ranch, Post Register

Nobody Gets a Double: A Report From the Softball Field

Coverage from New Lexington, Ohio: Perry Tribune

There’s aAlways Hope

Coverage from Coon Rapids, Minnesota: Stillwater Gazette

Elephant Seal Pup Taken to New Home Away From Public Park

Coverage from Anacortes, Washington: Anacortes American

Local Enterprise

Half Empty? Florida Homeowners Facing Harsh Realities of FEMA’s 50% Rule

Coverage from Arcadia, Florida: The Arcadian

Denied by FEMA? Read the Fine Print

Coverage from Charlotte, Florida: Daily Sun

Finding Limited Success

Coverage from Mount Vernon, Washington: Skagit Valley Herald

‘Now This is Real’: Inside the Initial Response to Flooding in Park County

Coverage from Bozeman, Montana: Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Hufcor ‘in the Dirt,’ Former Worker Says, in Bankruptcy, Receivership

Coverage from Janesville, Wisconsin: The Gazette

Investing in Infrastructure

Coverage from Cheyenne, Wyoming: Wyoming Tribune Eagle

Sports & Outdoors

The Tragedy and Redemption of Wally Benton— the Skydiver Who Crashed into Bronco Stadium

Coverage from Nampa, Idaho: Idaho Press

Xavier Guillory’s Long Journey to Acceptance

Coverage from Pocatello, Idaho: Idaho State Journal

Joe Cool keeps Calm and Collected Amid Meteoric Rise

Coverage from Athens, Ohio: Athens Messenger

Special Reports

Inflation Nation Series

Coverage from Across the U.S.

School Security Series

Coverage from Across the U.S.

Editorials

Editorial: Public Education Falling into Grips of Election Year Division

Coverage from Coon Rapids, Minnesota: Morrison County Record

Time to Lift the Veil: The Highest Court’s Secrecy and Declining Public Trust

Coverage from Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Leader-Telegram

Internet Changed How Elections Are Covered

Coverage from Circleville, Ohio: Circleville Herald

Audience Initiatives

Launching a Special E-Edition Sports Report On Sunday Mornings

Coverage from Klamath Falls, Oregon: Herald and News

Emporium of Arts and Entertainment

Coverage from Nampa, Idaho: Boise Weekly

More Noteworthy Stories of 2022

Data, Investigations, Accountability

Kent County News
Kirwan a struggle for Kent County; 36th District delegation talks with Commissioners

Star Dem
Cambridge-based Safe Chain Solutions implicated in massive counterfeit HIV drug scheme

Maryville Daily Times
County commission votes to remove BMH board appointees, declines to disband nominating committee

Dundalk Eagle
Local EMS and law enforcement give perspective to Dundalk’s opioid crisis

Maryville, Tennessee: The Daily Times
‘Elvis has left the building:’ Blount Memorial’s Tom Cunningham died after hospitalization with COVID-19

Editorial

Bay Times Record
Bay Views Vacation Inflation: ‘How Has the high cost of fuel and other costs made you rethink your summer vacation plans?’

Features

Idaho State Journal
‘IT WASN’T JUST A STORE’: East Idaho woman restoring Swan Lake’s historic Thomas Mercantile

Forest Lake Times
Neither snow, nor rain… Mail carrier, hailed neighborhood hero, retires after 38 years with USPS

Star Democrat
‘Curious about everything’ —Easton native Sharon Denny shares her wildlife photography at 51st Waterfowl Festival

Logan Daily News
Couple on nationwide trek to bring books to kids

The Carroll News
Mechanical Michaelangelo – Aspiring engineer recreates motor in cardboard

Athens Messenger
Business is blooming for florist shop

Cecil Daily
Two men save trapped driver in fiery crash near Elkton

Circleville Herald
Remembering ‘Mr. Ashville’ Charlie Morrison

Sun Prairie Star
Sound of Sun Prairie marching band celebrates 50 years

Kent County News
Vigils continue four years later

Athens Messenger
Smathers benefit set for Saturday

Beloit Daily News
You got to keep moving – Beloit fitness instructor still feels the burn at age 94

Athens Messenger
A 15-year-old’s nonprofit provides hygiene supplies to Athens County Youths

Dakota County Tribune
Best buddies fosters lifelong friendships

Sports

Herald Journal (Logan, Utah)
Former Logan High football player says coaches, team shunned him after serious injury

Osseo Maple Grove CD Press
Olympics Bound: Maple Grove’s Faber competes with U.S. men’s hockey team

Dundalk Eagle
Football: Dale Martin shines as Owls advance past Dulaney

Carroll News
Carroll captures first state basketball title

Stillwater Gazette
Diggins readies for third Olympics

Mt. Airy News
Mission Accomplished: Granite Bears capture 1A State Championship

Maryville Daily Times
Alcoa claims state record eighth-straight title

Cecil Whig
Longtime North East football coach leaves legacy of inspiring others

Wyoming Tribune Eagle
All-Laramie County teams: A creative approach with strong features and photos

County News Review
College life suits Olympian McCallum

Idaho State Journal
Sources: Idaho State’s coaching search includes two finalists

Mt. Airy News
‘Price’ of gold doubles at state meet

Athens Messenger
Turner takes leadership role seriously

Local Enterprise

Anacortes American
School Safety: Police, schools have their own back-to-school preparations

Ashland Daily Press
Bear tracks: Study reveals secret lives of Red Cliff bruins

Beloit Daily News
Experienced cops leaving departments

Waunakee Tribune
Amid industry shortage, Waunakee High School offers welding program

Daily Advance
Rivers not sure if City Council will consider rehiring former City Manager

Beloit Daily News
Experienced cops leaving departments

Montpelier
Clint Goodrich of El Camino Donuts talks shop

Daily Advance
State LGC ‘strongly opposed’ to city rehiring Freeman

Cambridge Deerfield
Local education leaders spell out potentially grim financial future for Wisconsin public schools

Special Reports

Boise Weekly
Annual Manual: A guide to the City of Trees

Greeneville Sun
Salute To Industry: Recognizing local businesses and industry, large and small

Daily Sun, Florida
Direct Hit: Hurricane Ian devastates region (Day One story)

Southern Maryland News
Some tobacco holdouts keep plugging along in Southern Maryland

Local News

Tremonton Leader
A step toward the moon: The role a local Northrop Grumman facility is playing in NASA’s efforts

Bay Times Record Observer
Centreville mom gives birth to ‘Star Baby’ in hospital parking lot

Perry Tribune
Homeless advocate group keeps pressure on county for help with shelter

Price County Review
Court sides with Park Falls in paper mill suit

The Logan, Utah, Herald Journal
Accusatory video taken at Logan carnival goes viral

Logan (Ohio) Daily News
Murder case from 2019 ends in complete acquittal

Watauga Democrat
Country-wide efforts help return belongings of WWI veteran back to local family

Dakota County Tribune
Grandfather satisfied with intersection safety plan after granddaughter’s accident

Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Gardiner, Cooke City reeling after historic flooding

Ashland Daily Press
Driver in Bewley crash going 100 mph

Idaho Falls Farm and Ranch
Bancroft man to open restaurant, Airbnb, trading post in tiny SE Idaho town

Forest Lake Times
Hugo re-energizes old Forest Lake schoolhouse restoration project

Skagit Valley Herald
Farmer’s killing of elk sets off legal dispute

Idaho State Journal
Officers wounded by AR-15 gunfire in May shootout still serving and protecting Pocatello

Elkin Tribune
Local Marine remains in hospital following birthday stabbing

Idaho Post Register
As attorneys quit, Bonneville prosecutor asks police to make fewer arrests

Excelsior-EP-Minnetonka Sun Sailor
South Lake Minnetonka Police and Excelsior Fire team-up to rescue ducklings

Brooklyn Park/Center Sun Post
Brooklyn Park looks to implement police scorecard

Monticello Times
Police chief resigns after city, federal investigations into gun purchase

The Daily Reflector
GUC leader, board minutes reveal dealings with crypto miner

Idaho State Journal
Police captain, victim and local funeral home owner reflect on Downard

Post Register
Idaho Falls child diagnosed with dementia: ‘She’s going to un-develop before our eyes’

Edina Sun Current
Lawsuit to end use of Edina Hornet logo

Excelsior-EP-Minnetonka Sun Sailor
South Lake Minnetonka Police and Excelsior Fire team-up to rescue ducklings

Brooklyn Park/Center Sun Post
Brooklyn Park looks to implement police scorecard

Monticello Times
Police chief resigns after city, federal investigations into gun purchase

County News Review
Tips from community needed in Rindahl investigation

Crow River News
Medina firefighter’s noble cause in Ukraine

ABC Newspapers
Roll Call:  Understanding of what the Columbia Heights Police department was doing to further inform residents of public safety issues.

The Courier (Waterloo and Marshall)
Creating ‘active, self regulated, reflective learners’ in Marshall, beyond

Athens Messenger
Athens County honors those who served in the military with Veterans Day ceremonies

Avenue News
How Essex and Middle River are affected by the opioid crisis epidemic

Athens News
Athens celebrates Pride Week

Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie Area School District loses case to former teacher over February 2021 slavery assignment

Bay Times Record Observer
Centreville mom gives birth to ‘Star Baby’ in hospital parking lot

Waunakee Tribune
In Westport, public hearing set on Nau-Ti-Gal historic preservation application

Tremonton
Local Northrop Grumman employees see years of work come to fruition

Price County Review
Couple makes mall their dream

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