Madison, WI – The State Bar of Wisconsin applauds the recipients of the 2014 Golden Gavel Awards for their important contributions to the public’s understanding of our system of law and justice. The winners in the Print Media/Newspaper category of the competition are being recognized at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s convention in Waukesha on Friday, February 27.

This year’s Golden Gavel Print Media/Newspaper winners are: 

Samantha Hernandez, Reporter
Door County Advocate
Amending Justice Series

Stephanie Jones, Reporter
Cara Spoto, Reporter
The Journal Times
RICO and the bar owners’ lawsuit against the city

Shereen Siewert, Investigative Reporter
Wausau Daily Herald
The meaning of life

“Journalists play a crucial role in helping the public understand the justice system and appreciate our system of law,” said Attorney Megan McDermott, chair of the State Bar’s Media Law Subcommittee. “Winners of the Gavel Award have exemplified excellence in reporting, by going beyond the headlines to thoroughly explain tough subjects to their readers in an accurate and compelling manner. On behalf of the legal profession, we thank these journalists for a job well done.”

Golden Gavel Certificates of Commendation are going to:

​Edward Byrne, Reporter
The Brillion News
In Wisconsin, On Heroin Series

Judith Davidoff, Editor
Isthmus
He smoked some weed as a teenager. Now this Madison father of two is facing deportation

Dee Hall, Reporter
Wisconsin State Journal
Pizer seeks pardon series

Todd Richmond, Reporter
Associated Press
Admitting Privileges Lawsuit Series

Shereen Siewert, Investigative Reporter
Wausau Daily Herald
Enslaved Series

David Timmerman, Editor
Grant County Herald Independent
County to expand treatment court

Kristen Zambo, Reporter
The Journal Times
Targeting Spanish speakers

The State Bar of Wisconsin created the Golden Gavel Awards competition in 1985. Visit the State Bar’s Newsroom or email GoldenGavel@wisbar.org to learn more.​​