The Tribune's Hometown of the Year honor goes to one area community annually.

Past winners, each having received a $1,000 check, are Wishek in 2002, Washburn in 2003 and Hettinger in 2004.

The winner gets the money and the bragging rights.

The process begins with nominations from Tribune readers. If you think your hometown should be nominated, because of the progress it has made, the good works done or just the plain neighborliness, all it takes is a short written explanation as to why - 100 to 300 words. Mail the nomination to Hometown of the Year, Bismarck Tribune, P.O. Box 5516, Bismarck, N.D. 58506. The deadline for applications is July 20.

Past winners have used funds for community beautification, playground equipment and improvements at the local golf course and city swimming pool. The community can spend the money on whatever it wants, no strings attached.

Up to 30 communities are nominated yearly. From the nominations 10 finalists will be selected and a winner chosen.

The communities nominated and the winner are then the subject of a Tribune special section that will be published Aug. 21.