"Dear Babby," an essay consisting of letters to an advice columnist, has won first place for Mary Jacobsen of Webster, Wisconsin. The contest was judged by humor writer/speaker Gary Legwold of Minneapolis, Minnesota. "I loved the juicy, gossip column concept," Legwold stated. "It brings lots of voices into the piece." "Should I give up my pink cell phone for love?" Desperate Girl writes to Dear Babby. Girl with Nutty Father complains about her dad: "He says that anyone who leaves large swatches (his word) of skin exposed to the elements is courting, most certainly, fatal pneumonia." Mary was awarded the $50 first prize.

The $30 second prize went to Peter Sherrill of Forestville for his essay, "To the Editor, Modern Medical Journal." In this letter to the editor, Sherrill uses Ole and Lena to diagnose and explain spouse deafness. "The husband offered the presenting complaint. He reported that 'She never hears a thing I say.' I immediately considered the diagnosis of p. matrimonies simplex. His wife, Lena, responded with 'Well, why should I? Ole there—he's the one that's got no ears on his head.'" Judge Legwold said, "Ole and Lena are, well, Ole and Lena at their best. We who are married identify."

The $20 third prize went to Milt Neuhauser of Phillips for his essay, "Benjy." This pet rattlesnake, who was given the run of the house, slithers from room to room. "The understatements and instant tension are fertile ground for humor," Judge Legwold said.

Honorable Mentions went to Judith Sepsey of New Berlin for her essay, "Almost Widows," a "short, sweet account of a vain mistress attending the funeral of her lover," and Darlene Buechel of Chilton for her essay, "Old Bras, Horrid Heat, and Tator Tot Jewelry," filled with humorous self- deprecation and sensuality.

Barb Jensen of Portage, Wisconsin was the chairperson of this year's contest, where 44 writers competed.