First place: Thomas Boni, Crestview News Bulletin

About this entry: “The community newspaper’s Opinion section should be completely local to best serve its community. The Crestview News Bulletin ensures all the section’s text, then, originates from North Okaloosa County, and that it focuses on issues our readers care about. We mix an editor’s column with local guest columnists, letters to the editor, and featured Facebook comments, providing a robust section for a weekly newspaper.” — Thomas Boni

Read online: Crestview News Bulletin Opinion

Follow Thomas on Twitter @cnbsrpg_editor

These are truly excellent pages. Not only are they entirely local, but they leverage the paper’s social media presence to more deeply engage the community in discussing the issues that matter to readers. Much larger papers could learn a thing or two from this approach.

Second place: Francis Mulligan, Wareham Courier

About this entry: The Wareham Courier’s Opinion section offers readers wonderful local commentary, informative articles and an excellent platform for community voices.

Follow Wareham Courier on Twitter @warehamcourier

These pages feature strong local voices, editorials on subjects important to the community and a touch of whimsy to keep readers engaged.

Third place: Eric Dundon, Hannibal Courier Post

About this entry: The Hannibal Courier Post’s Opinion section offers expert commentary on both local and national issues from staff and also gives community members a forum to have their voices heard.

Read online: Hannibal Courier Post Opinion

Follow Eric on Twitter @HCP_Editor

These pages offer a nice mix of national political points of view and local voices. Including more of the paper’s staff editorials – which are a strong suit – would have made for an even more compelling entry.