For release: Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Contact: Michelle Touchton (205) 871-7737
APA Better Newspaper Contest Award Winners Announced
Winners of the 2010 Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Contest were announced this week by David Moore, chairman of the APA Better Newspaper Contest Committee.
Sixty-four newspapers submitted 2,525 entries in the annual contest. South Carolina Press
Association judged the entries.
The awards will be presented June 5 at APA’s 139th summer convention at Caribe Resort in
Orange Beach. The Story of the Year and Best Newspaper Web Sites will be announced during the awards banquet.
General Excellence awards are based on total points earned from five areas: issues submitted for the general excellence category, awards in eight general categories, awards in the public service and FOI categories, awards in the single event categories and awards from the advertising contest.
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(Enclosed is a list of award winners in all categories)
Alabama Press Association 2010 Better Newspaper Contest Winners
2010 General Excellence Winners
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News 2nd place The Huntsville Times 3rd place Press-Register (Mobile)
Division B 1st place Opelika-Auburn News 2nd place Fort Payne Times-Journal 3rd place Andalusia Star News
Division C 1st place The Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) 2nd place Hartselle Enquirer 3rd place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown)
Division D 1st place The Greenville Advocate 2nd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) 3rd place The Brewton Standard
Best Public Service
Division A 1st place The Decatur Daily for coverage about toxic fertilizer by Eric Fleischaur 2nd place The Decatur Daily for “Inmates go hungry, sheriff pockets savings” by Sheryl Marsh 3rd place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Convicted teacher draws paycheck” by Charlene Schmitz
Division B 1st place The Daily Sentinel for “Security Standoff” by Ken Bonner, Chasity Brown, DeWayne Patterson and Brad Shurett 2nd place Andalusia Star-News for “Bingo Rules” by Stephanie Nelson and Justin Schuver 3rd place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “City Manager Needed?” by staff
Division C 1st place Hartselle Enquirer for “Midway Manor Grandmother fights eviction, wins” by Clif Knight 2nd place The Wetumpka Herald for “Paint the town pink” by staff 3rd place Tri-City Ledger (Flomaton) for “Don’t be stubborn, get your PSA tested today” by staff
Division D 1st place The Brewton Standard for “Paying it forward” by staff 2nd place The Eufaula Tribune for coverage of the proposed community development of Deerfield Place by Patrick Johnston and Ed Trainor 3rd place The Sumter County Record-Journal (Livingston) for “Judge threatens jury duty dodgers” by Herman Ward and Tommy McGraw
FOI – First Amendment Award
Division A 1st place The Decatur Daily for “City CFO placed on paid leave” by Evan Belanger 2nd place The Huntsville Times for “The power of pork” by Challen Stephens 3rd place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Saraland’s search not as open as others” by Rena Havner Phillips and David Ferrara
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Branded for life” by Brittany Whitley, Emily Edge and news staff 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Suspect in deputy’s death goes before Lee judge today” by staff 3rd place The Daily Home for “Park board goes into executive session to discuss its future” by Elsie Hodnett
Division C 1st place The Birmingham Business Journal for “On the road” by Jimmy DeButts 2nd place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Where’s the money and who got the jobs?” by DeeAnn Campbell 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “In your neighborhood” by staff
Division D 1st place The Sumter County Record Journal (Livingston) for “Sheriff’s secret settlement” by Tommy McGraw and Herman Ward 2nd place The Eufaula Tribune for “Residents angry at Quitman Sheriff” by staff 3rd place Madison County Record for “Public to attend chief interviews” by staff
Most Improved
Division A The Birmingham News
Division B The Outlook (Alexander City)
Division C Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana)
Division D The Tuskegee News
Best Presswork
Division A 1st place TimesDaily (Florence) 2nd place The Birmingham News 3rd place Press-Register (Mobile)
Division B 1st place The Outlook (Alexander City) 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News 3rd place The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro)
Division C 1st place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) 2nd place The Arab Tribune 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana)
Division D 1st place Madison County Record 2nd place The Eclectic Observer 3rd place The Greenville Advocate
Best Newspaper Web Site
Divisions A, B, C and D To be announced at the awards banquet on Saturday, June 5 during Summer Convention.
Photograph of the Year The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Local firefighters train” by Bob Crisp
Story of the Year To be announced at the awards banquet on Saturday, June 5 during Summer Convention.
Category 1 — Best Editorial Page or Section
Division A 1st place The Montgomery Advertiser 2nd place The Birmingham News 3rd place Press-Register (Mobile)
Division B 1st place The Fort Payne Times-Journal 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News 3rd place The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro)
Division C 1st place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) 2nd place Birmingham Business Journal 3rd place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown)
Division D 1st place The Tuskegee News 2nd place The Corridor Messenger (Carbon Hill) 3rd place Franklin County Times (Russellville)
Category 2 — Best Lifestyle/Family Pages
Division A 1st place The Decatur Daily 2nd place The Birmingham News 3rd place TimesDaily (Florence)
Division B 1st place The Selma Times-Journal 2nd place The Andalusia Star-News 3rd place The Opelika-Auburn News
Division C 1st place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) 2nd place Hartselle Enquirer 3rd place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville)
Division D 1st place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) 2nd place The Atmore Advance 3rd place The Eufaula Tribune
Category 3 — Best Sports Page
Division A 1st place The Huntsville Times 2nd place The Tuscaloosa News 3rd place The Anniston Star
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News 2nd place The Daily Home (Talladega) 3rd place The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro)
Division C 1st place Hartselle Enquirer 2nd place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) 3rd place The Randolph Leader (Roanoke)
Division D 1st place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) 2nd place Auburn Villager 3rd place The Brewton Standard
Category 4 — Best Layout and Design
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News 2nd place The Huntsville Times 3rd place Press-Register (Mobile)
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News 2nd place The Outlook (Alexander City) 3rd place The Fort Payne Times-Journal
Division C 1st place Hartselle Enquirer 2nd place The Arab Tribune 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana)
Division D 1st place The Eufaula Tribune 2nd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) 3rd place The Corridor Messenger (Carbon Hill)
Category 5 — Best Local Economic Coverage
Division A 1st place The Anniston Star 2nd place The Birmingham News 3rd place TimesDaily (Florence)
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News 2nd place The Messenger (Troy) 3rd place The Fort Payne Times-Journal
Division C 1st place Birmingham Business Journal 2nd place Call News (Citronelle) 3rd place The Arab Tribune
Division D 1st place The Brewton Standard 2nd place The Dadeville Record 3rd place The Atmore Advance
Category 6 — Best Local Education Coverage
Division A 1st place TimesDaily (Florence) 2nd place The Birmingham News 3rd place The Huntsville Times
Division B 1st place The Andalusia Star-News 2nd place Fort Payne Times-Journal 3rd place The Opelika-Auburn News
Division C 1st place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) 2nd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) 3rd place The Randolph Leader (Roanoke)
Division D 1st place Madison County Record 2nd place The Brewton Standard 3rd place The Eufaula Tribune
Category 7 — Best Local News Coverage
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News 2nd place The Huntsville Times 3rd place The Anniston Star
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News 2nd place The Andalusia Star-News 3rd place The Clanton Advertiser
Division C 1st place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) 2nd place Tri-City Ledger (Flomaton) 3rd place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville)
Division D 1st place The Eufaula Tribune 2nd place The Atmore Advance 3rd place The Tuskegee News
Category 8 — Best Use of Photographs/Editorial Content
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News 2nd place The Tuscaloosa News 3rd place The Huntsville Times
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News 2nd place The Outlook (Alexander City) 3rd place The Fort Payne Times-Journal
Division C 1st place The Arab Tribune 2nd place Call News (Citronelle) 3rd place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville)
Division D 1st place The Greenville Advocate 2nd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) 3rd place The Brewton Standard
Category 9 — Best Spot News Story
Division A 1st place The TimesDaily for “Man kills 4, self” by Tom Smith, Bernie Delinski and Lisa Singleton-Rickman 2nd place The Decatur Daily for “Judge jails sheriff” by Sheryl Marsh 3rd place The Birmingham News for “Langford Guilty” by staff
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn news for “Hard Hit” by Beverly Harvey 2nd place The Daily Home for “Some 200 dogs rescued from apparent puppy mill” by Laura Nation-Atchison 3rd place The Gadsden Times for “Man drowns in family pond while fishing” by Lisa Rogers
Division C 1st place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate for “Rescue on Okatuppa” by Tommy Campbell 2nd place The Shelby County Reporter for “Fire destroys apartment building” by Samantha Hurst 3rd place Call News (Citronell) for “Terrorism in Turnerville?” by Chris Henley
Division D 1st place The Greenville Advocate for “Deadly afternoon” by Kevin Pearcey 2nd place The Brewton Standard for “Truck vs. Train” by Kerry Bean and Lisa Tindell 3rd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Snapped” by Melissa Braun
Category 10 — Best In-Depth News Coverage
Division A 1st place The Anniston Star for “The silent partner” by Dan Whisenhunt 2nd place The Tuscaloosa News for “The town with the missing mayor” by Jason Morton 3rd place The Anniston Star for “ A shot in the night” by John Fleming
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Hard Hit” by staff 2nd place The Daily Home for “Health Care Reform” by Chris Norwood 3rd place The Andalusia Star-News for “The Faces of Meth” by staff
Division C 1st place The Randolph Leader (Roanoke) for “Plantation patterns shutdown” by Penny L. Pool 2nd place Birmingham Business Journal for “The Dome” by Lauren B. Cooper 3rd place Shelby County Reporter for “Limestone quarry project” by staff
Division D 1st place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Snapped” by Melissa Braun 2nd place The Brewton Standard for “Cleanup begins” by Lisa Tindell, Adam Robinson and Kerry Bean 3rd place Fairhope Courier for “Shadows on the water” by Mike Odom
Category 11 — Best Business Story or Column
Division A 1st place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Streets where nobody lives” by Ryan Dezember 2nd place The Tuscaloosa News for “Retire? No way” by Patrick Rupinski 3rd place The Birmingham News for “Behind the music at HealthSouth” by Michael Tomberlin
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Hard Hit” by staff 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “AU meeting looks into pay disparity allegations” by Ed Enoch 3rd place The Clanton Advertiser for “End of the Road” by Tim Reeves
Division C 1st place Birmingham Business Journal for “Economy’s heat drying up community banks profits” by Crystal Jarvis 2nd place The Arab Tribune for “Lee: Not your everyday success story” by David Moore 3rd place Shelby County Reporter for “Shopping centsibly” by Samantha Hurst
Division D 1st place The Tuskegee News for “City walking a thin line with lender” by Jeff Thompson 2nd place The Tuskegee News for “FTB tackles issues” by Guy Rhodes 3rd place The Atmore Advance for “BossMan takes on iPhone” by Adam Prestridge
Category 12 — Best Feature Story
Division A 1st place The Decatur Daily for “Practicing a ‘dying art’” by Holly Hollman 2nd place The Huntsville Times for “Happy Valentine’s Day – Despite years of lies, love lives” by Patricia C. McCarter 3rd place Press Register (Mobile) for “Dr. Dipnet and the creatures of the night” by Ben Raines
Division B 1st place The Andalusia Star-News for “Bubba becomes (more) famous” by Stephanie Nelson 2nd place The Selma-Times Journal for “Shouting prayers for Selma” by George L. Jones 3rd place The Clanton Advertiser for “Turtle power – Alligator snapping turtle finds a new home” by Justin Averette
Division C 1st place The Arab Tribune for “Story of a two-story outhouse” by Steve Maze 2nd place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Plum-p and peach-y” by Blenda Copeland 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Haven for hats” by Samantha Hurst
Division D 1st place The Onlooker (Foley) for “The cherub and the chicken” by Bob Morgan 2nd place The Atmore Advance for “True rednecks proud of ways” by Adam Prestridge 3rd place The Greenville Advocate for “From the ashes” by Kevin Pearcy
Category 13 — Best News Feature Story
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News for “Behind the Painted Wall” by Greg Garrison 2nd place The Anniston Star for “Smooth access to doctor’s office crucial to efficient treatments” by Laura Tutor 3rd place The Montgomery Advertiser for “Neighborhood weary of violence” by Jill Nolin
Division B 1st place The Enterprise Ledger for “Unforgettable” by Carole Brand 2nd place The Gadsden Times for “Caution: ‘Dangerous’ reading ahead” by Katheine Poythress 3rd place The Daily Sentinel for “Fixing People” by DeWayne Patterson
Division C 1st place Call News (Citronell) for “Dogs’ fate left to court decision” by Lance Davis 2nd place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “When mom goes to war” by DeeAnn Campbell 3rd place Call News (Citronell) for “ Wildcats grieve” by Lance Davis
Division D 1st place Elberta Lillian Ledger for “Another ‘Trail of Tears’” by Bob Morgan 2nd place The Brewton Standard for “What happened?” by Adam Robinson & Kerry Bean 3rd place The Onlooker (Foley) for “Plane crash witnesses sought…from 50 years ago” by Bob Morgan
Category 14 — Best Editorial
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News for “Operation chaos” by Bob Blalock 2nd place Press-Register (Mobile) for “How Alabama abdicates control of gambling” by Jane Nicholes 3rd place The Tuscaloosa News for “County needs clear policy for speed bumps” by Doug Ray
Division B 1st place The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “It’s time for serious school solutions” by J.D. Davidson 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Debate warranted, councilman’s actions are not” by Joe McAdory 3rd place The Clanton Advertiser for “Is message the problem - or party affiliation?” by staff
Division C 1st place The Randolph Leader (Roanoke) for “Award should elicit pride and shame” by staff 2nd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Hoover Hospital needed” by staff 3rd place Call News (Citronnell) for “Are you a patron of our local businesses?” by Jay McGough
Division D 1st place The Eufaula Tribune for “Chamber exec needs to justify lodging fee hike” by Ed Trainor 2nd place The Brewton Standard for “Crossing gate status is confusing” by Kerry Bean 3rd place The Demopolis Times for “Church finds its strength in a tragedy” by Jeremy Smith
Category 15 — Best Humorous Column
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News for “The naked truth: Blame it on a full moon” by John Archibald 2nd place The Decatur Daily for “Signing on with Arthur Orr” by Mitch Chase 3rd place The Huntsville Times for “Good rockin’ tonight down at the jail” by Mark McCarter
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Talladega, PETA create extra crispy clash” by Joe McAdory 2nd place The Clanton Advertiser for “Losing fight with armadillo” by Mike Kelley 3rd place The Selma Times-Journal for “If the government handed out Oscars…” by George L. Jones
Division C 1st place Hartselle Enquirer for “Taking a blow to the old (old) ego” by Leada Gore 2nd place The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “Acid reflux is certainly no picnic” by Lionel Greer 3rd place Call News (Citronelle) for “Danny’s observances from his hospital bed” by Danny Daniels
Division D 1st place The Tuskegee News for “Bridal registry for seniors” by Paul Davis 2nd place The Madison County Record for “Facing the cold, hard truth” by Leada Gore 3rd place The Onlooker (Foley) for “Fruit basket turnover” Bob Morgan
Category 16 — Best Human Interest Column
Division A 1st place The Birmingham News for “As easy as brain surgery” by Kathy Kemp 2nd place TimesDaily (Florence) for “Memories don’t need visual aides” by Sherhonda Allen 3rd place The Montgomery Advertiser for “My goal is to live” by Kym Klass
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Happiness for other people is dad’s greatest reward” by Joe McAdory 2nd place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “A proud and ‘tired’ parent” by Kenneth Boone 3rd place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Seeing the Christmas spirit in action” by Roger Steele
Division C 1st place Call News (Citronelle) for “Life in the old hood has come full circle” by Joy McGough 2nd place Birmingham Business Journal for “The health care debate comes home” by Cindy Crawford 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “America as I knew it” by Cassandra Mickens
Division D 1st place The Demopolis Times for “Things you don’t learn in school” by Jeremy Smith 2nd place The Onlooker (Foley) for “Get ready to cry” by Bob Morgan 3rd place The Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “Late romance better than none” by Scot Beard
Category 17 — Best Editorial Column or Commentary
Division A 1st place The Tuscaloosa News for “Abortions opponents not same as terrorists” by Robert DeWitt 2nd place The Tuscaloosa News for “Claiming offense is simply an adult temper tantrum” by Robert DeWitt 3rd place The Birmingham News for “Pro-life meets health care reform” by Robin DeMonia
Division B 1st place The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Congress makes right move to delay switch to digital TV” by Jared Felkins 2nd place The Clanton Advertiser for “Paid trip to conference not within means” by Tim Reeves 3rd place The Clanton Advertiser for “Leaders should remember executive sessions are serious” by Justin Averette
Division C 1st place The Randolph Leader (Roanoke) for “Controlled burn a reminder of volunteers’ contributions” by John Stevenson 2nd place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Wisdom in an unexpected place” by DeeAnn Campbell 3rd place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “What the heck are you thinking?” by Mark Clark
Division D 1st place The Brewton Standard for “Polarization hurts pride” by Kerry Bean 2nd place Madison County Record for “Common sense takes a vacation” by Leada Gore 3rd place The Corridor Messenger for “Let’s not turn a blind eye to the real issue of gambling in Alabama, Walker County” by Amanda Blackwood
Category 18 — Best Sports News In-Depth Coverage
Division A 1st place The Montgomery Advertiser for Iron Bowl coverage by sports staff 2nd place The Anniston Star for “Inspiration from infection” by Joe Medley 3rd place The Huntsville Times for “How safe is Nascar?” by Mark McCarter
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Low on bodies” by Andrew Gribble 2nd place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Trojans cut teams” by Dale Liesch and Dusty Harper 3rd place The Clanton Advertiser for “BOE looks at drug testing” by staff
Division C 1st place The Randolph Leader (Roanoke) for “County Conquest: Where Alabama’s best football is played…and why” by Matt Shelley 2nd place Hartselle Enquirer for “Magnificent 7th” by Todd Thompson 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “No longer at home” by Chris Megginson
Division D 1st place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Lights out for Enterprise landmark” by Andy Leonard 2nd place Madison County Record for “Comeback kids” by Todd Thompson 3rd place The Eufaula Tribune for “ Barbour’s Greatest Teams” by Patrick Johnston
Category 19 — Best Sports Single Event Story
Division A 1st place The TimesDaily for “The Bowden Debut” by Gregg DeWalt and Jeff McIntyre 2nd place The Birmingham News for “Tide blocks Vols’ upset bid” by Don Kausler Jr. and Doug Segrest 3rd place The Dothan Eagle for “Alabama block party” by Ken Rogers
Division B 1st place The Daily Sentinel for “Super Six” by Jason Bowen 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “A Magical Day” by Andrew Gribble 3rd place The Gadsden Times for “Practice pays off in Gadsden city win” by Nick Johnston
Division C 1st place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Volunteers would not be denied” by Mike Qualls 2nd place Hartselle Enquirer for “Tigers trump Lions for title” by Todd Thompson 3rd place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate for “CCHS Senior killed in auto accident” by DeeAnn Campbell
Division D 1st place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Lights out for Enterprise landmark” by Andy Leonard, Laura Feziel and Caroline Quattlebaum 2nd place The Eufaula Tribune for “Fantastic finish” by Andy Brown 3rd place The Dadeville Record for “Dadeville rallies, defeats Reeltown” by Dusty Harper
Category 20 — Best Sports Feature Story
Division A 1st place The Tuscaloosa News for “The running man” by Chase Goodbread 2nd place The Birmingham News for “20 years after the move” by Kevin Scarbinsky 3rd place The Anniston Star for “Running to finsh” by Joe Medley
Division B 1st place The Gadsden Times for “Soaring high” by Nick Johnston 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Running for Mom” by Andrew Gribble 3rd place The Messenger (Troy) for “Trivial Knowledge” by Matt Nascone
Division C 1st place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Relaxing on Lay Lake” by Wesley Hallman 2nd place Call News (Citronelle) for “Roping & Riding” by Lance Davis 3rd place The Wetumpka Herald for “Balancing act” by Griffin Pritchard
Division D 1st place The Greenville Advocate for “Keeping the faith” by Kevin Pearcey and Susanna Gaston 2nd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Face off” by Andy Leonard and Laura Fezie 3rd place The Jacksonville News for “Mr. Tennis” by Lori Tippets
Category 21 — Best Local Sports Column
Division A 1st place The Anniston Star for “A football coach and… so much more” by Bryan Strickland 2nd place The Montgomery Advertiser for “A lot of soul searching to do after basket-brawl” by Josh Moon 3rd place The Tuscaloosa News for “Dave Nelson knew how to enjoy life” by Robert DeWitt
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “All about family for Taylor” by Mike Szvetitz 2nd place The Gadsden Times for “Jackets bound by faith, friendship” by Kim Craft 3rd place The Gadsden Times for “Altamont girls coach becomes story himself” by Nick Johnston
Division C 1st place The Wetumpka Herald for “’Last call’ It’s that simple” by Griffin Pritchard 2nd place Call News (Citronelle) for “Under review: ‘Legion Field not so super’” by William Gray 3rd place Call News (Citronelle) for “Under review: ‘Blame game’” by William Gray
Division D 1st place Auburn Villager for “Rachel’s round up” by Rachel Morand 2nd place The Elberta-Lillian Ledger for “Black & White, Purple & Gold” by Tony Whitehead 3rd place The Greenville Advocate for “Iron Bowl: It’s a family tradition” by Kevin Pearcey
Category 22 — Best Feature Photo
Division A 1st place The Anniston Star for “Baby squirrel” by Stephen Gross 2nd place The Decatur Daily for “All I want for Christmas is a taste of your human food” by Gary Cosby, Jr. 3rd place The Montgomery Advertiser for “Seeing through the rain” by Lloyd Gallman
Division B 1st place The Messenger (Troy) for “Smiles & Charm” by Wes Roberts 2nd place The Gadsden Times for “What’s up chick?” by Sarah Dudik 3rd place The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Ducks in a row” by Bob Crisp
Division C 1st place The Arab Tribune for “Green Acres revisited (with a splash)” by David Moore 2nd place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate for “Play ball” by DeeAnn Campbell 3rd place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Slip slidin’ away” by Mark Clark
Division D 1st place The Eclectic Observer for “Stars for a night” by David Goodwin 2nd place The Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “An amazing day” by Melissa Cason 3rd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Children’s festival in the park” by Kim Lewis
Category 23 — Best News Photo
Division A 1st place The Montgomery Advertiser for “Pilots with 187th return from Iraq” by Mickey Welsh 2nd place The Decatur Daily for “Giving others a lift” by Jeronimo Nisa 3rd place The Anniston Star for “Missed warnings leave trailer park residents flooded out” by Stephen Gross
Division B 1st place The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Local firefighters train” by Bob Crisp 2nd place The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Revved up salute to veterans” by Dusty Plunkett 3rd place The Gadsden Times for “Guard unit deployed” by Eric T. Wright
Division C 1st place Call News (Citronelle) for “Family in Mourning” by Lance Davis 2nd place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Honoring those who serve” by Mike Qualls 3rd place Tri-City Ledger (Flomaton) for “Funny money” by Janet Little Cooper
Division D 1st place The Greenville Advocate for “Little grads, big day” by Ashley Vansant 2nd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Bama Jam” by Kim Lewis 3rd place The Greenville Advocate for “Vandal strikes Banktrust” by Kevin Pearcey
Category 24 — Best Spot News Photo
Division A 1st place The Montgomery Advertiser for “Basket-brawl” by Amanda Sowards 2nd place The Decatur Daily for “Decatur woman trapped, hurt when car flips” by Brennen Smith 3rd place TimesDaily (Florence) for “Child dies in fire” by Jim Hannon
Division B 1st place The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Nature’s fury” by Dusty Plunkett 2nd place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Five injured in Sunday crash” by Kenneth Boone 3rd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “10-12 detained in basketball brawl” by Cliff Williams
Division C 1st place Call News (Citronelle) for “Husband shoots wife, then kills himself” by Lance Davis 2nd place Call News (Citronelle) for “Blaze engulfs home” by Willie Gray 3rd place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Two perish in head on wreck” by Josh Dewberry
Division D 1st place The Atmore Advance for “Rescued from raging water” by Adam Prestridge 2nd place The Greenville Advocate for “Floods shut down city” by Michael Rodgers 3rd place The Greenville Advocate for “Accident on Highway 31” by Kevin Pearcey
Category 25 — Best Sports Photo
Division A 1st place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Jags in must-win game against Troy” by G.M. Andrews 2nd place TimesDaily (Florence) for “Lions move into quarterfinals” by Matt McKean 3rd place The Tuscaloosa News for “Super 6 Championships” by Dusty Compton
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Tiger growl” by Vasha Hunt 2nd place The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Oh, so close” by Dusty Plunkett 3rd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Glenwood wins state” by Vasha Hunt
Division C 1st place The Hartselle Enquirer for “Hoop Feast” by Todd Thompson 2nd place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Making a splash” by Mark Clark 3rd place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Glenwood claims 17th baseball title” by Mark Clark
Division D 1st place Madison County Record for “Patriots defense delivers” by staff 2nd place The Brewton Standard for “State champs” by Adam Robinson 3rd place The Piedmont Journal for “Notes from the championship” by Ken Grissom
Category 26 — Best Photo Essay
Division A 1st place The Montgomery Advertiser for “Deluge” by photo staff 2nd place The Anniston Star for “The other side” by Stephen Gross 3rd place The Decatur Daily for “Between 2 worlds” by staff
Division B 1st place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Aquapalooza” by staff 2nd place The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Talladega- the day in pictures” by Bob Crisp 3rd place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Lake Martin’s Jam Session” by Kenneth Boone
Division C 1st place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “The faces of hope” by Josh Dewberry 2nd place The Arab Tribune for “Cleveland’s eye was to the camera born” by Jo Ann Cleveland and David Moore 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Family Fest” by staff
Division D 1st place The Greenville Advocate for “Little grads, big day” by Ashley Vansant 2nd place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Bama Jam” by Kim Lewis and Laura Fezie 3rd place The Brewton Standard for “Special Olympics” by Kerry Bean
Category 27 — Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations
Division A 1st place The Tuscaloosa News for “West Alabama fishing” by Anthony Bratina 2nd place The Tuscaloosa News for “Looking up” by Anthony Bratina 3rd place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Artosaurus!” by Bronwyn Coffeen
Division B 1st place The Opelika-Auburn News for “All eyes on Chizik” by staff 2nd place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Branded for life” by staff 3rd place The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “A time for football” by Dusty Plunkett
Division C 1st place Call News (Citronelle) for “The Intimidators” by Matt Burnham 2nd place Birmingham Business Journal for “Birmingham’s wealthiest zip codes” by Ty West 3rd place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “In your neighborhood” by Cassandra Mickens
Division D 1st place The Bulletin (Daphne) for “The sound of silence” by Thomas Boni 2nd place The Greenville Advocate for “When I group up I’m going to be…” by Ashley Vansant 3rd place The Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “Disappearing teams” by Scot Beard
Category 28 — Best Headline
Division A 1st place The Huntsville Times for “You’re not going to cry, are you? Sir, no Sir!” by Steve Byers 2nd place The Birmingham News for “Flush with pride, Birmingham-Southern wins lavatory laurel” by Nichele Hoskins 3rd place The Birmingham News for “Jesus Christ makes jury pool, but judges not” by Greg Richter
Division B 1st place The Messenger (Troy) for “Still holding court” by staff 2nd place The Andalusia Star-News for “From red clay to bluegrass” by Stephanie Nelson 3rd place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Pizza delivery man robbed for dough” by Tim Reeves
Division C 1st place The Wetumpka Herald for “Teen caught with his hair down in burglary cases” by Kevin Taylor 2nd place Birmingham Business Journal for “Irondale hoping it’s in good hands with Allstate bonds” by Craig Ey 3rd place The Wetumpka Herald for “I’m all a Twitter over Facebook” by Kevin Taylor
Division D 1st place The Islander (Gulf Shores) for “Away from the manger” by Dale Jones 2nd place The Jacksonville News for “JHS 2 txt info 2 u” by John Alred 3rd place The Sumter County Record Journal (Livingston) for “Siblings milk $256,000 out of Barber’s Dairy” by Tommy McGraw
Category 29 — Best Special Section
Division A 1st place The Anniston Star for “The Other Side” by Laura Tutor and Stephen Gross 2nd place The Decatur Daily for “Soldiers Stories” by staff 3rd place The Birmingham News for “Football U 2009 Preview” by staff
Division B 1st place The Gadsden Times for “When homelessness hits home” by staff 2nd place The Messenger (Troy) for “Profile 2009” by staff 3rd place The Daily Sentinel for “Profile 2009” by Ken Bonner, Jason Bowen, DeWayne Patterson and Chasity Brown
Division C 1st place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “24 Hours in Shelby County” by staff 2nd place Call News (Citronnell) for “The Intimidators” by staff 3rd place Birmingham Business Journal for “Top 40 under 40” by Ty West
Division D 1st place The Greenville Advocate for “Profile 2009” by staff 2nd place The Demopolis Times for “Gridiron ‘09” by Jason Cannon, Jeremy Smith & Michael Clements 3rd place The Demopolis Times for “Pink” by staff
Category 30 — Best Niche Publication
Division A 1st place The Anniston Star for “Year of the Dawgs” by sports staff 2nd place TimesDaily (Florence) for “Explore the Shoals” by staff 3rd place The Tuscaloosa News for “Tuscaloosa Magazine” by staff
Division B 1st place The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Lake Magazine” by staff 2nd place The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Prep football” by staff 3rd place The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Mountain Living” by staff
Division C 1st place Hartselle Enquirer for “Champions” by Todd Thompson 2nd place Birmingham Business Journal for “Book of Lists 2010” by staff 3rd place The Wetumpka Herald for “Elmore County Living Magazine” by staff
Division D 1st place The Piedmont Journal for “2009 Class 3A State Champions” by staff 2nd place The Demopolis Times for “The Year of the Tigers” by Jason Cannon, Jeremy Smith and Michael Clements 3rd place The Greenville Advocate for “Greenville Magazine” by staff