AASFE named the top 10 features sections Sept. 24 at its annual conference in Portland. In alphabetical order, here's what the judges said:

In alphabetical order

Charlotte Observer

The Charlotte Observer's sections have good sense of community and cover a good range of topics from fashion to local arts to food. Several of the features include online elements including online slide shows and videos. The writing is fresh and the section design is solid. The inside pages are nicely organized and inviting.

Edmonton Journal

Variety is the watchword for the Journal's pages. Some pages seem like magazine covers, with no stories at all, while others seem designed specifically to showcase the good writing. The diverse cover designs, use of alternative story forms, and creative graphic touches all are executed well. Inside pages, too, including the stylish double trucks, show care, rewarding the reader for opening the section.

Kansas City Star

At a time of cost-cutting and downsizing, the impulse to play it safe

can be strong. Don't tell that to The Kansas City Star. The features

section wins the award for most successful risk-taking. Bold

presentation. Imaginative ideas. Lively writing. Section after section

comes across as strongly rooted in place. Readers see themselves in the

pages of these sections and connect with stories -- in print and online

--  in meaningful and powerful ways.

Lincoln Journal Star

The Lincoln Journal Star uses creative, fresh approaches to tell local stories. The section takes one topic each day and explores all angles of it for a local audience. We were particularly impressed with the section front that focused on the Lincoln Marathon and told the story through graphics, a Q&A and lists, as well as a feature story. We appreciate how the section editors decide to focus on one topic for each section and then throw all their resources at that topic and give it a local flavor.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Star Tribune pages show a strong local and regional signature and sense of identity.  The covers showcase dramatic photography, creative use of color and special effects, and a variety of writing styles, including key contributions from readers. The pages have a well-edited feel, with catchy short headlines, captions that pay off, and writing that suggests positive writer-editor collaboration.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The diversity and spirit of this section seem aimed at reflecting a dynamic community and market. A range of  "cool stuff," as one judge called it, brings special energy to the pages: creative graphics, imaginative use of double trucks, clever headlines and head formats, and multiple and inviting elements and entry points. Overall, the Sun-Sentinel offers a fresh blend of engaging graphics and high-quality writing.

St. Petersburg Times

The St. Petersburg Times features sections strike the right balance

between writing and design. Engaging photography and illustrations draw

you in, and the writing -- crisp and clear -- keeps you there. The

sections convey a strong sense of place and mission. They also give you

the impression that a wise editor's hand is at work.

St. Paul Pioneer Press

The St. Paul Pioneer Press sections demonstrate a sense of fun and creativity, along with strong reader interactivity. We were particularly impressed with the "Land of 10,000 Look A Likes" photo page and the "Match the eco-friendly Hollywood stars to their chosen cause" quiz. The content and writing are strong throughout the section and the section front offers readers several points of entry.

Washington Post

You read The Washington Post features section, and this becomes clear:

The staff puts a premium on originality and storytelling. While the

sections of many papers did some things right -- a clever centerpiece,

an amusing column -- the Washington Post hit all the notes. It's

surprising, witty, risk-taking. Stories are generated off the news. Writing is polished, right down to the deck on a food story. Weekly sections rise to the challenge of being useful without becoming banal. The result: You feel rewarded and eager to return tomorrow.

Wilmington Star-News

This paper performs far above its weight class, starting with its abundance of well-written local copy, from columns to features to reviews. Wire copy is used innovatively to create special lists and other effects. Design is clean and attractive, with a variety of small touches and appealing entry points. Not only do pages look bright and interesting, but readers can select from an exceptionally broad and varied menu of content.