2013 ONPA Pictures of the Year

First Place, Team Picture Story - / The (Toledo) Blade

First Place, Team Picture Story - Dave Zapotosky / The (Toledo) Blade

Overview: 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth went missing on June 2.
Elaina, her 4-year-old sister, and their mother, Angela Steinfurth stayed with the family of ex boyfriend Steven King II on June 1.Elaina's father, Terry Steinfurth, went to the residence to pick up his two daughters the next day, but only Elaina's four-year-old sister could be found. Her disappearance drew worldwide attention.
Based on misleading information provided by Angela Steinfurth, authorities began a months long search of homes, vacant buildings and the Maumee River near downtown for any sign of Elaina while volunteers looked through neighborhoods and parks. Several marches and rallies calling for justice for Baby Elaina were held. The toddlers skeletal remains were ultimately found in a garage on the King family property. Steinfurth and ex-boyfriend King were eventually arrested and pleaded guilty in the killing of baby Elaina.
Caption: Friends and family of missing 1-1/2-year-old Elaina Steinfurth pray on Leonard Street in East Toledo on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. The girl was last seen on Sunday.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Dave Zapotosky / The (Toledo) Blade

Law enforcement officials canvas homes on Federal Street in East Toledo on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, as they search for 1-1/2-year-old Elaina Steinfurth who was reported missing on Sunday.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Amy E. Voigt / The (Toledo) Blade

Terry Steinfurth Jr., father of missing toddler Elaina Steinfurth, is distraught as he and volunteers search for her.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Richard Schiewe, left, and his stepdaughter Angela Steinfurth wait to hear news as Toledo Fire Department divers search the Maumee River for her missing daughter Elaina Steinfurth, 1, Thursday, June 6, 2013. Angela had given law enforcement officials false information about the possible location of her missing daughter, leading them to believe her body was in the river.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Jeffrey Smith / The (Toledo) Blade

Volunteers search in Navarre Park for missing 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth, June 19, 2013.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Cyndi Sting holds her hands in the shape of a heart as marchers continue down Federal during a vigil for Elaina Steinfurth at Federal and Leonard, Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade

Pastor Steve Salyers of North Point Church of the Nazarene leads a prayer during a vigil for Elaina Steinfurth, who was killed by her mother and the mother's boyfriend.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Lori King / The (Toledo) Blade

Terry Steinfurth Sr., grandfather of Elaina Steinfurth, left, and her father Terry Steinfurth Jr.,center, carry Elaina's casket to the hearse at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home in Oregon, Ohio.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Lori King / The (Toledo) Blade

Balloons are released at the Lake Township Cemetery in Millbury, Ohio, following the funeral for Elaina Steinfurth.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Amy E. Voigt / The (Toledo) Blade

Steven King II is walked through the safety building after being arrested in connection with case of missing toddler Elaina Steinfurth.

First Place, Team Picture Story - Amy E. Voigt / The (Toledo) Blade

Angela Steinfurth cries as she arrives for her hearing in Lucas County Common Please Court in Toledo. Steinfurth, who was charged with murder in the death of her daughter Elaina, entered an Alford plea. The Blade/Amy E. Voigt

First Place, Team Picture Story - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Peggy Arnold, left, hugs Ginger Smith, cousin of Terry Steinfurth Sr., during a vigil for Elaina Steinfurth.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - / The Plain Dealer

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Lisa DeJong / The Plain Dealer

The story of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight captivated the nation in May. The three women spent a decade in captivity before escaping on May 6, when Berry kicked out a panel in the front door and crawled to freedom with the help of neighbors responding to her cries for help. The saga continued with DeJesus’ return to her childhood home, the capture and trial of the kidnapper, and the demolition of the house where the women were held. Caption: Charlene Milan, left, gives thanks while talking to Nancy Ruiz, the mother of kidnap victim Gina DeJesus, as they celebrate Gina's homecoming after being held captive for more than 10 years.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Lisa DeJong / The Plain Dealer

An old poster and yellow ribbon are still tacked to a pole while "Welcome Home" decorations adorn the house of Amanda Berry's sister.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Scott Shaw / The Plain Dealer

Amanda Berry escaped when she and a neighbor kicked out the lower panel of the screen door of the Seymour Avenue house where she and two other women were held captive.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Scott Shaw / The Plain Dealer

Soon after the three women were rescued, Charles Ramsey describes how he helped Amanda Berry and her daughter get out of the house. Ramsey, who became an instant celebrity, heard Berry's cries for help and helped her break through the screen door.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

The three rescued women were taken to MetroHealth Medical Center where a large crowd gathered to celebrate their freedom. (Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer)

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Lynn Ischay / The Plain Dealer

A car bringing Gina DeJesus to her sister's house on West 129th Street in Cleveland is greeted by neighbors celebrating her freedom two days after her release.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Thomas Ondrey / The Plain Dealer

Covered by a hooded sweatshirt and shielded by her sister, Gina DeJesus flashes a quick "thumbs up" to cheering neighbors as she walks into her home for the first time in over 10 years. Her father, Felix DeJesus, also raises his arm in triumph.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer

The family of Gina DeJesus speaks to neighbors and the media shortly after DeJesus returned home on May 8. The family asked for privacy to let DeJesus adjust to being home.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer

Ariel Castro, who pleaded guilty to hundreds of counts of kidnapping and rape, pauses while making a statement at his sentencing on Aug. 1. Castro, who fathered Amanda Berry's daughter while in captivity, said he was not an evil person and that the three women were in a happy home. He received a life sentence plus 1,000 years but committed suicide a month later.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer

Kidnap victim Michelle Knight makes a statement during the sentencing of her captor Ariel Castro on Aug. 1. Knight told Castro that she would not let her 10 years in captivity define who she was.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer

The house where Ariel Castro held Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight captive for nearly a decade is torn down on Aug. 7. As part of his plea agreement, Castro deeded the house to the Cleveland Land Bank, which quickly demolished it.

Second Place, Team Picture Story - Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer

As the house where they were help captive is destroyed, balloons are released to mark a new beginning for Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight. The women were home, at last.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - /

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

The Presidents Cup returned to U.S. soil in 2013 with six days of professional golfing excitement at Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Held biennially since 1994, the Presidents Cup features head to head match play between a United States Team and an International Team each consisting of 12 of professional golf's best players. After 34 matches are played the winning team will have accumulated no less than 17.5 points. Despite the torment of heavy rains through out much of the tournament, fans and golfers tried to make the best of a United States victory over the International team 18.5 - 15.5.

Jack Nicklaus places the Presidents Cup Trophy in on the 1st hole before the start of The Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on October 3, 2013.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Matt Kuchar of the United States Team lines up a putt while his caddy, Lance Bennett tries to keep him dry on the 4th hole during the final round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on October 5, 2013.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Lisa Marie Miller / The Columbus Dispatch

From left to right Ben Dewan and Travis Russell (cq) use buckets to bail out water on the bunker of the 13th hole during the second round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on Saturday, October 5, 2013. The men are both interns with the Maintenance Crew and it was the first summer they worked at Muirfield. The men were trying to get the water out of the bunker just after play was delayed to rain damage on the course.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Angel Cabrera of the International Team picks up his ball out of the fairway after his tee shot on the 2nd hole during the final round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on October 6, 2013. (Dispatch photo by Kyle Robertson)

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

The Cox/McCabe family, from Seattle, Wash., reacts as Australian Adam Scott of the International Team's ball lands right next to the hole on the 9th green during the first round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Thursday afternoon, October 3, 2013. At the end of the first round the US Team leads with a score of three and a half to the International Team's two and a half. From left are Marshall McCabe IV, 27; David Cox, 36; Cooper Cox, 3 months; Ashley Cox, 31; Marshall McCabe III, 60; and Mary Ann McCabe, 61.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch

Keegan Bradley of the United States Team hits a shot from behind a tree on the 1st fairway during the fourth round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Oct. 5, 2013.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch

Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar of the United States Team are driven back to the clubhouse after play was called because of darkness during the second round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Oct. 4, 2013.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Graham Delaet of the International Team reacts after missing a putt on the 14th green of singles matches during the final round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2013. The Americans held on to the Presidents Cup in a rain and mud soaked final round win over the International Team with a score of 18.5 - 15.5.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch

A streaker runs down the 18th fairway during the final round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Oct. 6, 2013.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Scott of the International Team reacts to barely missing a putt on the 5th hole during the first round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Oct. 3, 2013.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch

A group of boisterous Australian fans joke around with Jason Day's wife Ellie Day beside the 18th green following the first round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Oct. 3, 2013.

Third Place, Team Picture Story - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch

Keegan Bradley of the United States Team and Tiger Woods' girlfriend Lindsey Vonn run to the 18th green as it becomes obvious that the US team has clinched the win during the final round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Oct. 6, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio Dominican's #14 Abe Johnson slips past a Findlay defender on his way to a large gain in the first half at Panther Field . Ohio Dominican defeated Findlay 41 to 21. Johnson caught seven passes for 86 yards and scored one touchdown.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Lost amongst all the high school basketball, baseball and football tournaments is the Ohio High School State Rodeo Tournament. The sport is huge in the American west, but obscure in Ohio. However, there is a small group of youngsters who are committed to the sport.

Competing in a late winter indoor rodeo, Josie Hume jumps from her horse named Speck during a goat tying event. She was competing in preparation for the upcoming high school rodeo season.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Josie Hume studies a video of her performance taken by her mother on her phone during a late winter rodeo in Springfield, Ohio. She was competing at the indoor event in preparation for the upcoming High School Rodeo season.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Sitting on the steps of their horse trailer with her father Jim, Josie Hume is comforted by her horse Speck after not doing as well as she had hoped in a late winter rodeo in Springfield, Ohio.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

During the heat of a summer day , Josie sought the shade of the barn to practice her rope throw on a plastic calf .

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

After doing some barrel racing practice Josie takes a drink of water from the hose while Speck waits patiently after a session at their house on May 8, 2013.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

A figurine of Jessie the cowgirl featured in the movie Toy Story graces the dashboard of Josie's pickup truck as she takes Speck back to the barn after a practice session at their house.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Josie successfully ropes her calf in the opening event of the Ohio High School Rodeo Championship in Urbana.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Josie Hume uses her father Jim's forearm to practice her goat tying skills before competing in the event in a competition.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Josie Humes successfully ties up her goat during the second day of the Ohio High School Rodeo Championship. She earned enough points at that event to qualiify for that event in the National High School Rodeo competition.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Josie cools down her horse between events at the Ohio High School Rodeo Championship in Urbana.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Philly Brown (10) keeps his eyes on the end zone as he dives for TD reception in the second quarter over defense by Michigan State Spartans safety Isaiah Lewis (9) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ohio.

, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Buckeye football fans are fanatics and happy to hit the road to cheer their team on to victory. Ohio State University football fans Allison Zoltanski, Nina Zoltanski and Samantha Zoltanski pose for their own photo in stands filled with Buckeye fans at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois on November 16, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

South High School's #42 Nicholes Drafton denies Centennial's #4 Joseph Thomas as he goes to the basket in their game at South High School on Feb 28, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

The Ohio State University tennis team poses for a victory photo taken by friends and family after their match home win over Wisconsin on April 5, 2013. The win was the team's 164th home victory and is the longest active among all Division 1 sports.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Jared Boll (40) and Detroit Red Wings right wing Jordin Tootoo (22) get into a fight seconds into the home opener at Nationwide Arena on January 21, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Olentangy Orange's #34 Mya Walker is comforted by teammate Mikaela Lyons after their team's tournament loss to Twinsburg at Nationwide Arena on March 15, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Blake Countess (18) intercepts a pass meant for Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI on November 30, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

The Presidents Cup is a series of men's golf matches between a team representing the United States and an International Team representing the rest of the world minus Europe. The event was plagued by torrential rains.

Phil Mickelson of the United States Team poses for a picture with Charl Schwartzel of the International Team who had donned a fright wig before the start of during the Presidents Cup in Dublin, Ohio on October 3, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Matt Kuchar of the United States Team high fives teammate Tiger Woods after Kuchar earned the team a point one the first hole during the first round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on October 3, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

A hillside of people show their allegiance by holding an American flag in this impressionistic photo at the twelve hole during the first round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on October 3, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Branden Grace of the International Team looks over his putt at the second hole with the help of his caddy, Billy Foster during the final round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on October 5, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Girlfriends and wives follow the fourth round group of Jason Dufner of the United States Team and teammate Zach Johnson, Richard Sterne of the International Team and his partner Marc Leishman during the fourth round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club on October 5, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Matt Kuchar of the United States Team lines up a putt while his caddy, Lance Bennett tries to keep him dry on the 4th hole during the final round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on October 5, 2013.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Dave Kaiser and his granddaughter Olivia decided to stick it out during a rainstorm delay in the third round of the Presidents Cup.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Richard Sterne of the International Team grimaces after missing his putt on 12 during the first round of the Presidents Cup.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Graham Delaet of the International Team reacts to a missed putt on 10 during the third round of the Presidents Cup.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Marc Leishman of the International Team hit this ball just an inch from the cup on 8 where it sank into the muck during the final round of the Presidents Cup.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Phil Mickelson of the United States Team hugs team captain Fred Couples and celebrates the American's victory over the International Team at the end of the final round of the President's Cup.

Award of Excellence, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Chris Russell / The Columbus Dispatch

Hoping for another unbeaten season, Ohio State' cornerback Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown shows his enthusiasm 2013's season. This photo is one of a series of portraits of Buckeye senior football players.