Mountaineer

Division

Andrew Marshall

Being Mary: Three women ponder their humble role in live Nativities

Heather Allen

Secrets of the Ice

"Unclear what the actual entry is: the top photo montage or the extended Ice tongs graphic with multiple images. While I get the cleverness of the whole image I preferred the top image alone, or would if there was not another overlapping image dominating attention. In short, while there is a lot of good here, it is just too busy. "

Andrew Marshall

Apple-achian trail: On the hunt for Haywood’s antique apple

Great job bringing the past to life

Aarik Long

Elderly couple gets justice in arson case after two years

Intriguing storytelling of arson and what broke the case. Easy to read and follow. Well executed pieces on an interesting story.

Sarah White

A flood of memories: Remembering Helene one year later

Excellent piece looking back on the disastrous storm. Well written and documented with words and art.

Andrew Marshall

True Grits: Lighter side columns

Extremely entertaining! Keeps the reader engaged and nodding along with every line.

Sarah White

The good the bad the furry; A flood of memories; PAC funding for Pless

Nice scene-setting ledes that bring the readers into the stories right from the start.

Sarah White

Haywood County tackles public health violations

Super close between 1 and 2nd place. Stories really drew me in. Loved the details about cutting down the trees, interviewing the guy with the messy house. Neighbor disputes.

Andrew Marshall

Where the light enters: The quest to solve a 60-year mystery written in glass

A more dense story to tell than the 1st place entry, but well done. It was a tough choice between the two. An intriguing mystery logically structured to make following the tale easier than it could have been in less careful hands.

Andrew Marshall

Stompin’ into a legacy: Maggie Valley clogger named Hall of Fame Legend

The writer on this piece did a great job immersing us into the talent and creative mind of an artist. He didn't just tell us; he showed us. That's a hallmark of great writing. The reporter took us along for the ride and gave us such great insight into what makes this multi-talented guy tick and how interesting he is to be around. Well done!

Staff

Swept Away + Still Standing: Flood Anniversary Special Coverage

Fantastic section that captures the tragedy that devastated your area. This was so well done!!!!

Andrew Marshall

Access denied: Man’s entry to County Clash barred because of service dogs

Sarah White

Trio of tax collector candidates duke it out at debate

Fantastic! The expressions, the framing, the clarity. Killer. After reading the description, I was beyond excited for the product!

Andrew Marshall

Clyde Rising

Compelling series about the future of a small down devastated by flooding, with the personal stories providing insight into the challenges, hopes and prospects for the future.

Andrew Marshall

Human teeth, forgotten graves, and grumpy apple farmers

These ledes certainly grabbed my attention and piqued by interest to read further.

Becky Johnson

Beleaguered Shining Rock charter school on trial, faces closure

Staff

The Mountaineer Community Coverage

Excellent writing gets this entry noticed. Of course the design works and the photos enhance the total package, especially the sports. Community coverage at its finest.

Andrew Marshall

Will “Hope” remain?

A compelling and thorough look at these nonprofits. Quality writing and reporting involving multiple sources and the impact on those in need and those helping them. The dialogue at the contentious meeting and the snowy ascents is good storytelling while being informing and entertaining.

Andrew Marshall

Fly rods, reels, and wicker creels

Wonderfully written with a lot of good description. The writer spent some time on this. Multiple voices and good insights.

Andrew Marshall

Sailing across a sea of beef: A Fat Burger odyssey

This entry was the standout of the field. The writer's voice in the writing is clear and engaging, and sets just the right tone for this burger-binging romp. It's fun, informative and a great read. I was actually hungry for more when I finished. Bravo!

staff

Veteran’s 2025 Edition

Kylie Frazier, Alan Sharp

Crux & Kiln

Pottery can't be described in words the way it is in pictures. The photos used in the ad give a great example of what the store has available. Love the logo place on top of photos with wider white outline.

Kylie Frazier, Jennifer Worley

Junaluska Family Dentistry

What a cute way to draw the attention to the ad.

Kylie Frazier, Alan Sharp

Michelle McElroy Realtor

staff

Easter Blessings

Simple, pretty, and easy to read self promotion.

staff

Shope Downtown Waynesville

Mac Heishman, Jennifer Worley

CROWN & THISTLE

This ad portrays elegance. Dividing the ad with a curved line softens the separation. Good color choice behind the wording in the ad.

Kylie Frazier, Jennifer Worley

Shaggy Chic Pet Salon

Aww how can you not vote for this pup? Super cute ad!

STAFF

DISPLAY YOUR FLAG FOR FLAG DAY

STAFF

MADE IN HAYWOOD

Heather Allen, Jennifer Worley

Lyn Donley

Kylie Frazier, Alan Sharp

Frog Level Brewing

Fun ad! Haven't seen a lot of ads that show the front and back of the business building.

STAFF

FAT BURGER MONTH

Loved the in-your-face size of the burgers, the simple verbiage and the contrasting color for the message.