Keeping the public informed about notable happenings is critical most days of the year, but especially during a year as turbulent as this one. The Chippewa Herald’s news reporter Parker Reed debuts above the fold at number one, writing award-winning hard news on hot-button issues facing the Chippewa Valley community. Rebecca Mennecke of Volume One becomes only the second woman in the history of the award to place; she’s also the first woman in poll history to take second place. WQOW’s Keith Edwards writes in to third. –Luc Anthony