For release: Friday, May 25, 2018 Contact: Jaclyn Langan (205) 871-7737
APA Better Newspaper Contest Award Winners Announced
Birmingham, AL (May 25, 2018) – Select winners of the 2018 Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Contest were announced by Dee Ann Campbell, chairman of the APA Better Newspaper Contest Committee. This year, 62 newspapers submitted 2,129 entries in the annual contest. The Virginia Press Association judged the entries. The awards will be presented on Saturday, July 21 at the 2018 APA Summer Convention at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, AL. The following editorial categories will not be announced until the awards banquet. First place awards in these categories will be presented at the banquet. Publishers will be notified if their newspaper is among the first place winners in any of these categories. • General Excellence • Best Use of • Best Local Economic Photographs / Coverage • Public Service Editorial Content • Story of the Year • FOI – First • Best Editorial Page or • Best Local Education Amendment Award Section Coverage • Most Improved • Best Lifestyle / Family • Best Local News • Best Newspaper Pages Coverage Website • Best Sports Page • Best Layout & Design • Photograph of the Year
Other first place awards presented at the banquet (also announced within) will include: • • •
Best News Feature Story Coverage Best Headline Best Sports Single Event Story
• •
Best Online Breaking News Coverage Best News Photo
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Alabama Press Association 2018 Better Newspaper Contest Winners
Category 9 – Best Spot News Story Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
TimesDaily (Florence) for "Colbert coroner dies in accident" by Bernie Delinski Alabama Media Group for "2 brothers dead in Birmingham murder-suicide" by Carol Robinson The Tuscaloosa News for "A larger than life legacy" by Mark Hughes Cobb The Selma Times-Journal for "Not The Selma I Grew Up In" by Blake DeShazo The Outlook (Alexander City) for "Plane crashes near Dadeville" by Mitch Sneed The Cullman Times for "Standoff ends in fire, man’s death" by Benjamin Bullard
The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for "Hurricane Irma" by Taylor Beck, Jay Beard The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for "Twister rips residents from mobile home" by Dee Ann Campbell The Call News (Citronelle) for "Dog fight operation is busted" by Jason Boothe The Islander (Gulf Shores) for "Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade Accident" by Crystal Cole The Greenville Standard for "Brawl at GHS leads to 12 arrests" by Bruce Branum Sumter County Record-Journal (Livingston) for "Prystupt Packaging fires suspicious" by Thomas Ausborn The Auburn Plainsman for "Alt-right leader Richard Spencer visits results in largely peaceful protests" by Chip Brownlee The Auburn Plainsman for "Two Tiger Transit employees charged with rape" by John Pilati The Auburn Plainsman for "Chuck Person to be charged with fraud" by Chip Brownlee
Category 10 – Best In-Depth News Coverage Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Decatur Daily for “Sheriff Ana Franklin” by Keith Clines Alabama Media Group for “Lawmaker under investigation after taking money, fighting Superfund cleanup of toxic neighborhoods” by John Archibald, Kyle Whitmire Alabama Media Group for “Too poor to vote: How Alabama's 'new poll tax' bars thousands of people from voting” by Connor Sheets
Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Don Siegelman” by DeWayne Patterson Opelika-Auburn News for “NCAA investigation of Auburn coach, Chuck Person” by Kara Coleman, Keith Huffman, Josh Vitale The Selma Times-Journal for “Water turned off” by Blake Deshazo The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Sheriff’s deputy Chris Parsons” by Jason Johnson Birmingham Business Journal for “Amazon Incentives Project” by staff Birmingham Business Journal for “What Trump's environmental policy will mean” by Stephanie Rebman The Courier (Daphne/Fairhope) for “Fairhope Mayor Assault Claim” by Cliff McCollum The Eufaula Tribune for “Eufaula gives go-ahead to vote” by Tiffiny Woo, Kyle Mooty The Moundville Times for “Domestic violence murders, suicide and responses” by Travis Vaughn Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “UAB School Series” by staff The Auburn Plainsman for “Protection and collateral damage” by Kris Martins The Cherokee Post (Centre) for “New hospital CEO” by staff
Category 11 – Best Business Story or Column Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Farmers Assess Diaster's Toll” by Ed Enoch Alabama Media Group for “Mr. Jim's Last Vegetable Plate” by Bob Carlton The Decatur Daily for “Hospitals' storm” by Eric Fleischauer The Selma Times-Journal for “What Happened: St. James Hotel boarded up” by Justin Averette The Clanton Advertiser for “Sixty years later” by Anthony Richards Opelika-Auburn News for “Flying high over a briar patch by Troy Turner Birmingham Business Journal for “The Other Side of Amazon” by Ty West, Stephanie Rebman The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Growing market for the Southern oyster” by Jason Johnson Birmingham Business Journal for “What the future holds for Regions Harbert Plaza” by Brent Godwin The Auburn Villager for “Lawsuit filed against Planning Commission” by Allison Blankenship The Demopolis Times for “Still Pumping After 75 Years” by Robert Blankenship The Greenville Advocate for “City to purchase hospital” by Tracy Salter Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “A New Age of Business” by Sydney Cromwell Village Living (Mountain Brook) for “The biggest day in Smith's history” by Lexi Coon The Cherokee Post (Centre) for “Cavanagh’s farm a long way from home” by Kathy Roe Buttram
Category 12 – Best Feature Story Coverage
Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “Gregg Allman” by Matt Wake Alabama Media Group for “Immigration transformed this rural Alabama town” by Anna Claire Vollers Alabama Media Group for “Wayne Perkins” by Matt Wake The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Sojourn in the saddle” by Mitch Sneed The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Kendrick goes back in time to produce one last bale of cotton” by Mitch Sneed The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Floral Brilliance: Pat Fuller has created a rainbow of colors on Maple Street” by Mitch Sneed The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) for “Uncle Cudjo” by Grace Thornton The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Constructing History” by Dee Ann Campbell Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Segregated Sunday” by Briana Harris The Greenville Advocate for “Chance online encounter reunites family with photo “ by Angie Long The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Homeless in the City of Progress” by Michelle Mann Sumter County Record-Journal (Livingston) for “Ms. Blackie, 'Hwy. 80 dog' dies” by Herman Ward 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Building robots, building confidence” by Erica Techo Cahaba Sun (Trussville) for “New York Story” by Jesse Chambers The Homewood Star for “Aidan Cockrell: On the Ball” by Sydney Cromwell
Category 13 – Best News Feature Story Coverage Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D
Alabama Media Group for “The unexpected addict: How heroin destroyed an Alabama drug counselor” by Amy Yurkanin Dothan Eagle for “Enterprise Tornado: 10 years later” by Staff The Decatur Daily for “Averting disaster” by Michael Wetzel The Cullman Times for “Cold Springs native among Americans not forgotten for war sacrifices” by Benjamin Bullard The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Don Siegelman” by DeWayne Patterson The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Remembering Coach Strickland” by DeWayne Patterson The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “DACA recipients face uncertainty as Trump asks Congress to act” by Dale Liesch Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Suicide leads to culture change in tight-knit city” by Neal Wagner The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) “Pray for Mount Zion” by Margaret Colson
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Onlooker (Foley)for “Elberta Police Chief” by Cliff McCollum The Auburn Villager for “The struggle to keep Auburn's tradition alive” by Brian Woodham The Demopolis Times for “Hero in Demopolis” by Robert Blankenship 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Expanding a dialogue” by Alyx Chandler Village Living (Mountain Brook) for “These are our people” by Lexi Coon Vestavia Voice for “Family, friends of Ginny Bourland continue fight for gynecological cancer awareness, research” by Emily Featherston
Category 14 – Best Editorial Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “Alabama voters must reject Roy Moore; we endorse Doug Jones for U.S. Senate” by John Hammontree The Dothan Eagle for “Someone Needs to Speak Up” by Bill Perkins The Tuscaloosa News for “A courageous response sends strong message” by staff Opelika-Auburn News for “Auburn University's board of trustees owes AU family a full explanation” by Troy Turner Opelika-Auburn News for “It's time Moore steps aside for Alabama's sake” by Troy Turner Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) for “Our View: We must pass tax for our future” by staff Birmingham Business Journal for “Another tone deaf lawsuit puts Alabama brand at risk” by Ty West Birmingham Business Journal for “Alabama's self-inflicted wounds taking their toll” by Ty West The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) for “Racism is wrong” by Dr. Bob Terry The Baldwin Times for “What will you decide to do?” by Gulf Coast Media Editorial Board The Demopolis Times for “Time to move past city's statue debate” by staff The Greenville Advocate for “Battling those holiday blues” by Angie Long Courier Journal (Florence) for “Eradicate The Founding Fathers?” by Tom Magazzu The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Cancer screening guidelines provide proactive plan” by Katie Skelley Courier Journal (Florence) for “Does Genderless Mean Senseless?” by Tom Magazzu
Category 15 – Best Humorous Column Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Dothan Eagle for “Parenting, not so well done” by Jim Cook Alabama Media Group for “Alabama braces for devastating 1 to 2 inches of snow” by Matt Mitchell TimesDaily (Florence) for “Another one of those nights” by Bernie Delinski The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “I’ve always loved blowing things up” by Bradley Roberts The Outlook (Alexander City) for “A man dog shouldn’t be smarter than the man” by Mitch Sneed Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) for “Some holiday traditions happen by accident” by James Phillips
Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Hidden Agenda: The humor columns of Ashley Trice” by Ashley Trice The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Damn the Torpedoes: The humor of Rob Holbert” by Rob Holbert The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “I Hope They Don't Mistake Me for a Seal” by Dee Ann Campbell The Baldwin Times (Foley) for “Call center crazies” by Cliff McCollum The Eufaula Tribune for “I think I'll just stay here and swat gnats” by Kyle Mooty The Wetumpka Herald for “Holidays bring fireworks ... to my kidneys!” by David Granger Courier Journal (Florence) for “Not All It's Cracked Up To Be” by Jim Fisher Courier Journal (Florence) for “Facebook Frenimies” by Jim Fisher Courier Journal (Florence) for “You Are All Going To Die” by Jim Fisher
Category 16 – Best Human Interest Column Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “My journey of being ashamed to be black” by Jonece Starr Dunigan Alabama Media Group for “The Bad News: I don’t have Parkinson’s” by Mike Oliver The Tuscaloosa News for “A dad who took pride in being a father” by Joey Chandler Opelika-Auburn News for “A boy's ice cream melts hearts” by Troy Turner The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “A love of baseball” by DeWayne Patterson The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Lessons learned from life's hard knocks” by Mitch Sneed The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “The Little Can Overshadow the Big After All” by Dee Ann Campbell Call News (Citronelle) for “Hop on the biased media Time Machine” by Emmett Burnett The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Perhaps too late I learned the difference” by Mark Clark The Eufaula Tribune for “My generosity did not include welcoming cats” by Kyle Mooty The Eufaula Tribune for “Remembering the good times at Western Auto” by Kyle Mooty The Dadeville Record for “What you think of you is all that matters” by Mitch Sneed Courier Journal (Florence) for “Give Christmas a Hand” by Cathy Turner Courier Journal (Florence) for “Strength Through Struggle” by Steve Shelton Courier Journal (Florence) for “What a Mule Taught Me” by Steve Shelton
Category 17 – Best Editorial Column or Commentary Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “2017: The year of peak Alabamafication” by Kyle Whitmire Alabama Media Group for “Was that monkey experiment email racist?” by John Hammontree The Tuscaloosa News for “Roy Moore was not the only loser on Tuesday” by Tommy Stevenson
Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Outlook (Alexander City) for “My two cents on the heart of Russell Corp.” by Mitch Sneed Opelika-Auburn News for “Yes, LGBTQ put a float in the parade; don't miss the bigger headline” by Troy Turner The Clanton Advertiser for “The Possum King of Chilton County” by Billy Singleton The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Damn the Torpedoes: The columns of Rob Holbert” by Rob Holbert The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Hidden Agenda: The columns of Ashley Trice” by Ashley Trice The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “An open letter to all NFL protestors” Bo Bolton The Baldwin Times (Foley) for “Alabama can be better” by Cliff McCollum The Wetumpka Herald for “Facebook killing sparks quests for answers” by David Granger The Demopolis Times for “Park & Recreation swinging for the fences” by Robert Blankenship The Auburn Plainsman for “For the good of Auburn, Jay Jacobs must go” by staff Courier Journal (Florence) for “When Your Whole World Changes” by Tom Magazzu Courier Journal (Florence) for “Relentless Leader Inspired Others” by Tom Magazzu
Category 18 – Best Sports News In-Depth Coverage Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Should Your Kid Play Football?” by staff Alabama Media Group for “Title IX investigation found ex-Auburn football player Landon Rice 'responsible' for sexual assault” by James Crepea Alabama Media Group for “Inside the technology giving Alabama a competitive edge” by Rainer Sabin The Selma Times-Journal for “Champs” by Thomas Scott, Alaina Denean Deshazo Opelika-Auburn News for “Jay Jacobs stepping down as Auburn's athletics director” by Josh Vitale The Clanton Advertiser for “Man and machine” by Anthony Richards Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Dabo Swinney coverage” by staff The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “Former Boaz coach dies at 39” by Shannon Allen Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Regions Tradition coverage” by Alec Etheredge, Keith McCoy The Eufaula Tribune for “Basketball success; Caesar took EHS” by Kyle Mooty The Auburn Villager for “Chuck Person charged in bribery scheme” by Brian Woodham Cherokee County Herald (Centre) for “The Meat of the Sandwich” by staff Village Living (Mountain Brook) for “Lacrosse capital of Alabama” by Sam Chandler Cahaba Sun (Trussville) for “Going the Distance” by Sam Chandler 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Juggling Act” by Kyle Parmley
Category 19 – Best Sports Single Event Story
Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “The story inside Alabama's stunned locker room 'like a death in the family'” by Michael Casagrande The Tuscaloosa News for “Tide AD” by Ben Jones, Aaron Suttles Alabama Media Group for “From Tim Cook to Jarrett Stidham, Auburn's Iron Bowl celebration for the ages” by John Talty The Cullman Times for “Cullman County Tourney: Lady Aggies storm past Cold Springs to win 1st county title since 198” by Jake Winfrey The Cullman Times for “'Never Give Up: Willoughby overwhelmed with outpouring of community support” by Jake Winfrey The Selma Times-Journal for “Thanks Coach: DC wins, holds ceremony to honor Moore's career” by Daniel Evans Citronelle Call News for “You’ve got to have faith” by Tommy Hicks Citizen of East Alabama for “Wright gets 600th win” by Mark Clark The Monroe Journal for “Bulldogs do it again” by Mark Kent Cherokee County Herald (Centre) for “Hateful D earns Spring Garden” by Shannon Fagan The Greenville Advocate for “Georgiana football ends abruptly” by Jonathan Bryant The Moulton Advertiser for “Chiefs return from the dead” by Caleb Suggs The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Amputee softball team inspires just by taking field” by Skip Vaughn Vestavia Voice for “State track and field: Thomas' triumph highlights Day 1” by Sam Chandler Madison Weekly News for “Its All Good” by Bob Labbe
Category 20 — Best Sports Feature Story Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “The beat goes on: How drums helped Auburn's Stephen Roberts triumph over tragedy” by Tom Green Alabama Media Group for “How the coach who followed Bear Bryant still has his fingerprints on Alabama” by Rainer Sabin Alabama Media Group for “Late father a motivator for Alabama's latest walk-on success story” by Matt Zenitz The Selma Times-Journal for “1977 Selma team looks back on championship” by Daniel Evans The Daily Mountain Eagle for “Wrestling perfect fit” by Johnathan Bentley Opelika-Auburn News for “The Man Behind The Mask” by Josh Vitale Citronelle Call News for “When ‘Bama’ was ‘The Natural’” by Tommy Hicks Citronelle Call News for “Tribute to Satsuma player’s mother” by Darron Patterson The Monroe Journal for “World Champion” by Mike Qualls
Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Eufaula Tribune for “Troy to honor Eufaula legend” by Kyle Mooty The Wetumpka Herald for “Monster Motivation” by Cory Diaz The Greenville Advocate for “Local takes first in martial artist tourney” by Jonathan Bryant Hoover Sun for “First lady of Hoover football” by Jon Anderson Vestavia Voice for “Playing Hardball” by Kyle Parmley 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Uncommon Star” by Kyle Parmley
Category 21 — Best Local Sports Column Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “Man goes in creek for Saban autograph and adventure begins” by Joseph Goodman The Tuscaloosa News for “Remembering a dad who took pride in being a father” by Joey Chandler Alabama Media Group for “Hugh Freeze proven to be a sanctimonious fraud” by John Talty Selma Times-Journal for “Celebration long overdue for Concordia basketball” by Daniel Evans Selma Times-Journal for “Coaches often face tough scenarios” by Daniel Evans Athens News Courier for “Anthem protests dividing country” by Jeff Edwards Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Nafe will be remembered for never giving up” by Alec Etheredge Call News (Citronelle) for “Joey Jones built the Jaguars” by Tommy Hicks The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “He ate his way to the top of his sport” by Mark Clark The Greenville Advocate for “Powell transformed Georgiana” by Jonathan Bryant Opelika Observer for “Alabama Withdraws Myers's Scholarship Offer” by D. Mark Mitchell The Auburn Villager for “SEC should swap divisions for Auburn, Missouri” by Brian Woodham Courier Journal (Florence) for “A Touch of Love and Class” by Jerry Knight 280 Living (Birmingham) for “High School Athletics Year in Review” by Kyle Parmley Madison Weekly News for “For Johnny, signing to play in college was a little different” by Bob Labbe
Category 22 – Best Feature Photo Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Downtown hosts First Friday” by Jim Hannon The Decatur Daily for “Crescent Moon Smile” by Crystal Vander Weit The Decatur Daily for “Puddle Reflection” by Jeronimo Nisa The Selma Times-Journal for “Purple rain” by Alaina Denean Deshazo The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Eclipse with church steeple” by Mitch Sneed Opelika-Auburn News for “Lake Martin Polar Plunge” by Todd Van Emst
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Praise in the Park” by Andrea Graham The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Bone Chillin’ Cold” by Dee Ann Campbell The Advertiser-Gleam for “Snow and Sleigh” by Adam Prestridge The Greenville Advocate for “GHS grads” by Jonathan Bryant The Greenville Advocate for “Eclipse” by Jonathan Bryant The Demopolis Times for “Baptism Aboard the Wedge” by Robert Blankenship The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Path to education” by Bryan Bacon Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “UAB Marching Band” by Sarah Finnegan Cahaba Sun (Trussville) for “Hewitt-Trussville High School Band” by Sarah Finnegan
Category 23 — Best News Photo Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Dothan Eagle for “Dothan Mourns Slain Teen” by Jay Hare The Decatur Daily for “Little Activist” by Jeronimo Nisa Alabama Media Group for “Biden at the BJCC” by Joe Songer Opelika-Auburn News for “Vigil for fatal mobile home fire” by Todd Van Emst The Clanton Advertiser for “Jemsion graduation” by Steven Calhoun Athens News Courier for “Solar eclipse at SPARK Academy” by Jessica Barnett Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Live-fire training” by Keith McCoy The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Homecoming (Embrace)” by Dee Ann Campbell Call News (Citronelle) for “Music and smiles at USA” by Brad McPherson The Greenville Advocate for “Pioneer Electric meeting” by Angie Long The Courier (Daphne/Fairhope) for “Walk to School Day” by staff Opelika Observer for “Auburn Beats Bama” by Robert Noles Hoover Sun for “Gary Palmer Town Hall” by Sarah Finnegan The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Raise a glass” by Bryan Bacon The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Sgt Maj takes a moment” by Bryan Bacon
Category 24 — Best Spot News Photo Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “Impending Bentley resignation” by Joe Songer The Montgomery Advertiser for “Air show acrobatics” by Matt McKean The Tuscaloosa News for “Claybrook Fire” by Erin Nelson The Selma Times-Journal for “Not The Selma I Grew Up In” by Alaina Denean Deshazo Opelika-Auburn News for “Richard Spencer protestors clash with supporters” by Todd Van Emst The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Fire claims home” by Candra Roberts
Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Fiery Crash” by Dee Ann Campbell The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Cemetery flooding” by Blenda Copeland The Advertiser-Gleam (Guntersville) for “Tree was only escape option” by Joe Cagle The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Murder suspect captured” by Laura Fezie Clay Times-Journal (Lineville) Journal for “Fire Destroys Mountain Home “ by Justin McCullers The Auburn Plainsman for “Protester at Richard Spencer event in Auburn” by Matthew Bishop Vestavia Voice for “Vestavia Flood Drone” by staff The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Commander in chief” by Bryan Bacon
Category 25 – Best Sports Photo Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Alabama Media Group for “AISA State Championship” by Julie Bennett The Decatur Daily for “Excited Fan” by Jeronimo Nisa TimesDaily (Florence) for “Three-Peat” by Matt McKean The Clanton Advertiser for “Dirt bike ride” by Anthony Richards The Enterprise Ledger for “Wildcats Smash Smiths Station” by Henry Otto Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) for “Oakman leap” by Johnathan Bentley Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Husky Heroes” by Keith McCoy The Advertiser-Gleam (Guntersville) for “Seniors hug after loss” by Joe Cagle The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Justyn Ross one handed catch” by Glenn Peppers The Dadeville Record for “Pressure is on” by Cliff Williams Opelika Observer for “Tim Hudson Pitches for Miracle League” by Robert Noles, Rebekah Martin The Greenville Advocate for “Georgiana falls to Sacred Heart” by Jonathan Bryant The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Autograph” by Bryan Bacon Vestavia Voice for “Pole Vault at Sunset” by Sarah Finnegan Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “Timothy Alexander and UAB Football” by Sarah Finnegan
Category 26 — Best Photo Essay Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place
The Decatur Daily for "Robert is my hero" by Crystal Vander Weit Alabama Media Group for “Election in Alabama” by Joe Songer The Tuscaloosa News for “Honor Flight” by Gary Cosby Jr. The Cullman Times for “Highs & Lows” by Amanda Shavers-Davis The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Fight Night Halloween 2017” by staff
3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Clanton Advertiser for “History in action” by staff Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Prepped for disaster” by Keith McCoy Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “The blue map” by Keith McCoy The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Ripped Apart: Tornado hits Choctaw” by Dee Ann Campbell The Dadeville Record for “Play Ball: Opening Day” by Cliff Williams The Eufaula Tribune for “One driver still critical after Friday wreck” by Tiffiny Woo Opelika Observer for “Flashy Fourth” by Robert Noles, Rebekah Martin The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Oktoberfest” by Bryan Bacon Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “Record number of fans celebrate UAB football's return” by Sarah Finnegan 280 Living (Birmingham) for “280 Living Fido Fest 2017” by Emily Featherston
Category 27 — Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Concussion Awareness has shot through the roof” by staff The Tuscaloosa News for “A future without football?” by staff Alabama Media Group for “Reckonaissance Reports” by Ramsey Archibald The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Driven” by Kenneth Boone, staff The Daily Sentinel for “Debt consolidation” by DeWayne Patterson The Selma Times-Journal for “Deadly year” by Blake Deshazo Birmingham Business Journal for “Mapping the Surge” by Derek Morrow Birmingham Business Journal for “How values are changing in key areas” by Derek Morrow The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Top 10 moments” by staff The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “JS2S helps new students feel welcome” by Laura Fezie The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Farm City Week” by staff The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Weather Worry “ by Laura Fezie 280 Living (Birmingham) for “A Bridge Too Far” by Kristin Williams The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Hall of Heroes” by Amy Tolson, Bryan Bacon, Kelley Lane Vestavia Voice for “Holiday in the Hills Event Map” by Melanie Viering
Category 28 – Best Headline Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Alabama says no Moore” by Ken Roberts The Tuscaloosa News for “Glazed and enthused” by Ken Roberts TimesDaily (Florence) for “Mollie's full, bright future” by staff
Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Cullman Times for “Uh, The Dude? Big Lebowski, Saban among local write-in votes” by Amanda Shavers-Davis The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Chicken Truck Cluck Up” by Mitch Sneed The Selma Times-Journal for “Cease Fire” by Justin Averette Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Cutting the grass” by Alec Etheredge The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Train slams into stranded” by Bo Bolton The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Barley Legal” by Dale Liesch Opelika Observer for “'Keepin' it Reel'” by Rachel King The Greenville Advocate for “KFC grilled by customer complaints” by Jonathan Bryant The Eufaula Tribune for “I've got a 50 percent chance of being right, right?” by Kyle Mooty Village Living (Mountain Brook) for “Living La Vida Local” by Kristin Williams Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “Didgeridude” by Sydney Cromwell Hoover Sun for “Absinthe Minded” by Erica Techo
Category 29 — Best One Time Special Section – Newsprint or Glossy Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Should Your Kid Play Football?” by staff The Tuscaloosa News for “Ten, A decade of dominance” by staff The Tuscaloosa News for “Mercedes, A Driving Force” by staff Opelika-Auburn News for “Road to Atlanta” by staff The Clanton Advertiser for “Progress “ by staff The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Alexander City Outlook 125 Years of Service” by staff Birmingham Business Journal for “Partners in Philanthropy” by staff The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Forestry” by Bo Bolton The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “The Making of Men Football Guide” by staff The Greenville Advocate for “Pet Calendar” by staff The Demopolis Times for “Demopolis 200” by staff The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Veterans Day” by staff The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Breast Cancer Pink” by staff The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Memorial Day” by staff The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Veterans Day” by staff
Category 30 — Best Niche Publication – Newsprint or Glossy Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Running Wild” by staff Editorial TimesDaily (Florence) for “Tennessee Valley Brides” by staff The Tuscaloosa News for “2018 Photo Calendar” by staff
Athens News Courier for “Blitz 2017” by Jeff Edwards The Selma Times-Journal for “Gridiron 2017” by staff The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Driven” by staff
The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) for “The Alabama Baptist: Celebrating 175 Years of Informing, Inspiring and Connecting Baptists” by staff Shelby County Reporter for “Shelby County football 2017” by Alec Etheredge Birmingham Business Journal for “Book of Lists” by Dan Bagwell, Derek Morrow, Brooke Howell The Greenville Advocate for “Chamber Magazine” by staff The Greenville Advocate for “Football Magazine” staff The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Bride” by staff
Hoover Sun for “The History of Hoover” by staff 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Birmingham Metro Football Magazine” by Kyle Parmley, Sam Chandler, Sarah Finnegan The Auburn Plainsman for “Welcome Back” by staff
Category 31 — Creative Use of Multimedia Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Decatur Daily for “Robert is My Hero – A mother’s journey to secure medical marijuana for her son” by Crystal Vander Weit, Catherine Godbey The Decatur Daily for “Last Man Standing: Episode 1, The Man and the River” by Jeronimo Nisa, Catherine Godbey The Tuscaloosa News for “Your guide to Tuscaloosa regional softball” by Tommy Deas, Molly Walsh Opelika-Auburn News for “Alt-right speaker Richard Spencer visits Auburn University” by staff The Cullman Times for “LIVE RESULTS | Cullman Co. voters turn out in droves to support Moore in unsuccessful senate bid” by Tiffeny Owens The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Chicken Truck Cluck Up” Mitch Sneed Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Game of the week football videos” by Alec Etheredge The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “SunTV” by staff Birmingham Business Journal for “Crane Watch” by Brent Godwin The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “City cemetary holds key to Enterprise history” by Laura Fezie The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Local children show off their creative transformations” by Laura Fezie The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Walls up at new Coppinville” by Cassie Gibbs, Michelle Mann
Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
280 Living (Birmingham) for “A Bridge Too Far” by staff The Auburn Plainsman for “A day in the life: Ric Smith and a behind the scenes look at the Auburn Gameday” Gannon Padgett Vestavia Voice for “Taming the Flow” by Emily Featherston, Alyx Chandler
Category 32 — Online Breaking News Coverage Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Boyfriend charged in woman’s shooting death” by Tom Smith The Decatur Daily for “Area braces for remnants of Hurricane Irma” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “Tommy Arthur Execution” by Tom Smith, Bernie Delinski The Selma Times-Journal for “Not The Selma I Grew Up In” by Blake Deshazo The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Two suspected killers in custody, charged in the killing of LaDarrell Hart” by Mitch Sneed The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Highway 280 shooting” by Mitch Sneed Birmingham Business Journal for “Birmingham lands national historic monument designation for Civil Rights District” by staff Birmingham Business Journal for “Coverage of launch of Innovate Birmingham” by Ty West, Tyler Patchen Birmingham Business Journal for “Bentley resignation” by staff Sumter County Record-Journal (Livingston) for “Escapee Captured” by Tommy McGraw, Travis Vaughn, Kasey DeCastra The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Murder suspect captured during SWAT raid” by Cassie Gibbs The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Cooper new Enterprise mayor” by Michelle Mann Vestavia Voice for “Heavy rain causes ‘unprecedented’ flooding in lower U.S. 31 Corridor” by Emily Featherston 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Hoover teen killed Tuesday night remembered as charismatic, fun-loving guy” by Jon Anderson Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “Birmingham Mayoral Election Coverage” by Lexi Coon, Jesse Chambers
Category 33 — Best Use of Social Media Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C
Alabama Media Group for “Reckon by AL.com” by Ramsey Archibald and staff The Tuscaloosa News for “Tide Sports- Twitter” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “Ronnie Pannell sees son’s memorial for the first time” by Matt McKean The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Inside the lines live” by Lizi Arbogast and Scott Hardy The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “100th Day of School” by staff The Selma Times-Journal for “Gridiron Cover Contest” by Alaina Denean Deshazo, Thomas Scott
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Football game of the week Facebook videos” by Alec Etheredge The Advertiser-Gleam (Guntersville) for “Facebook Page” by staff Birmingham Business Journal for “Birmingham Business Journal Facebook Live Series” by staff Sumter County Record-Journal (Livingston) for “Escapee Captured” by Tommy McGraw, Travis Vaughn, Kasey DeCastra The Atmore Advance for “Facebook“ by staff The Moundville Times for “Missing from the Family Dollar?” by Kasey DeCastra, Travis Vaughn Vestavia Voice for “July 2017 Flood Coverage” by Emily Featherston Hoover Sun for “Gary Palmer Town Hall” by Lexi Coon, Sarah Finnegan 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Snow Day Photos” by Alyx Chandler
For release: Contact:
Friday, May 25, 2018 Jaclyn Langan (205) 871-7737
APA Better Newspaper Advertising Contest Award Winners Announced Birmingham, AL (May 25, 2018) – Select winners of the 2018 Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Contest were announced by Dee Ann Campbell, chairman of the APA Better Newspaper Contest Committee. This year, 39 newspapers submitted 803 entries in the annual contest. The Virginia Press Association judged the entries. The awards will be presented on Saturday, July 21 at the 2018 APA Summer Convention at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, AL. The awards for Advertising Sweepstakes and Ad of the Year will be announced and presented at the awards banquet on July 21, 2018, along with the other Better Newspaper Contest winners. Other first place awards presented at the banquet (also announced within) will include: • Best Original Creative Idea • Best Use of Humor • Best Single Ad Over ½ Page Color • Best Regularly Scheduled Special Section, Newsprint or Glossy Congratulations to all of the winners!
Alabama Press Association 2018 Better Newspaper Contest- Advertising Winners
Cat. 02 Best Classified Page or Section Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place
TimesDaily (Florence) The Dothan Eagle The Tuscaloosa News The Clanton Advertiser Opelika-Auburn News The Cullman Times
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) Call News (Citronelle) The Greenville Advocate The Greenville Advocate The Greenville Standard
Courier Journal (Florence)
Cat. 03 Best Single Ad 1/2 page and under black and white Division A 1st Place TimesDaily (Florence) for “Sweet Feet” by Cherri Sutherland, Rita Stricklin 2nd Place The Decatur Daily for “Weight Loss” by Stephen Johnson, Greg Stone 3rd Place TimesDaily (Florence) for “Follow Your Bliss” by Cherri Sutherland, Rita Stricklin Division B 1st Place Opelika-Auburn News for “March of Dimes - Signature Chefs Auction” by Jessica Henderson 2nd Place (tie) Opelika-Auburn New for “Swanson Diamond Center” by staff 2nd Place (tie) The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Highlands” by staff 3rd Place The Selma Times-Journal for “Perry County Historical Society” by staff Division C 1st Place The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Sanctuary Salon” by Laura Mattei 2nd Place The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “Gilbert & Baugh” by Sherrie Hall 3rd Place The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “D&S Lock and Key” by Sherrie Hall Division D 1st Place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Southeast Gas” by Slayton Shaw 2nd Place The Greenville Advocate for “Camellia Communications” by April Gregory 3rd Place The Greenville Advocate for “Reid State Technical College” by April Gregory Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Courier Journal (Florence) for “University Buick GMC” by Gwyn Jones The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “AB Construction” by Rhonda Stennett The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Property renovation” by Rhonda Stennett
Cat. 04 Best Single Ad 1/2 page and under color Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Cloth + Stone” by Cherri Sutherland, Rita Stricklin The Dothan Eagle for “Holiday Fun In Headland” by Traci Kimble The Tuscaloosa News for “Ervins” by staff Opelika-Auburn News for “Reynolds Outdoors” by Jessica Henderson The Cullman Times for “Quality Staffing” by Chasity Barnett The Selma Times-Journal for “Valley Grande Mexican Grille” by Karen Lawler The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Second Chance Dealer “ by Dan Melvin The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Monroe County Hospital” by Josh Dewberry Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Chelsea Chiropractic” by Kim McCulla The Dadeville Record for “Lake Martin Community Hospital” by Audra Spears The Wetumpka Herald for “Brandino Brass” by Hallie Holloway The Greenville Standard for “Express Roofing” by Kristy Houston Vestavia Voice for “Rocky Ridge Hardware-More Than Just a Hardware Store” by Matt Crawford, Michelle Haynes Vestavia Voice for “Chronic Tacos Now Open” by Warren Caldwell 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Buff City Soaps” by Don Harris
Cat. 05 Best Single Ad over 1/2 page black and white Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “NUCOR-Vulcraft Group Industry” by Leann Stallings The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Bruce’s Coloring Page” by Sonya Maynard/Andi Williams The Clanton Advertiser for “Trinity Custom Homes” by Brandy Clackley Call News (Citronelle) for “AM/NS” by staff The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “D&D” by Josh Dewberry The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Tail Chaser” by Josh Dewberry The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Enterprise Paint” by Slayton Shaw The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Madison Heights” by Slayton Shaw The Greenville Advocate for “Norman Computer” by Courtney Neese
Cat. 06 Best Single Ad over 1/2 page color Division A 1st Place
Montgomery Advertiser for “Montgomery Symphony” by Holly Calloway
2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Tuscaloosa Tire” by staff The Dothan Eagle for “Whitten Homes” by Traci Kimble The Selma Times-Journal for “International Paper Renewable Resources” by staff The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Holman Floor Company” by Audra Spears The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Bone & Joint Specialists, P.C.” by Hallie Holloway Call News (Citronelle) for “Southern Style Reality” by staff The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Children's and Women's Hospital” by staff The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Kitchen on George” by Laura Mattei The Dadeville Record for “Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce” by Audra Spears The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Bryan Pharmacy” by Kimberly Myers The Greenville Standard for “City of Greenville” by Bruce Branum 280 Living (Birmingham) for “DeSoto Caverns” by Don Harris, Matt Crawford 280 Living (Birmingham) for “White House Interiors” by Don Harris Courier Journal (Florence) for “Shoals Primary Care” by Gwyn Jones
Cat. 07 Best Regularly Scheduled Special Section Newsprint or Glossy Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Shoals Woman Holiday Edition” by Lin Reynolds, Cecilia Brumley TimesDaily (Florence) for “Athlete of the Year” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “Living Here” by staff Opelika-Auburn News for “Weddings-Fall 2017” by Jessica Henderson Opelika-Auburn News for “Holidays in East Alabama” by Jessica Henderson The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Gridiron 2017-High School Football Preview” by Mitch Sneed, Lizi Arbogast, Kenneth Boone The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Graduation” by staff The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Visions 2017” by staff Call News (Citronelle) for “Football Preview 2017” by staff The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” by Kimberly Myers, Slayton Shaw The Greenville Advocate for “Football Magazine” by staff The Greenville Advocate for “Greenville Alabama Chamber Magazine & Welcome Guide “ by Tracy Salter, April Gregory, Courtney Neese 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Fall Home & Garden” by staff 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Medical Services Directory” by by staff 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Women in Business 280” by staff
Cat. 08 Best One Time Special Section - Newsprint or Glossy Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Mercedes” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “Beyond Grits and Greens” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “A Legacy of Champions” by staff Opelika-Auburn News for “Spring Look Book” by Abby Scroggins Opelika-Auburn News for “The Road to Atlanta” by staff The Outlook (Alexander City) for “125 Years of Service” by staff The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Salute to the Vols” by staff The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Nuptials “ by staff The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Salute to the Tigers” by staff The Greenville Advocate for “Board of Education Annual Report and Calendar “ by April Gregory The Greenville Advocate for “Greenville All Stars” by April Gregory, Courtney Neese The Greenville Advocate for “Back to School “ by April Gregory, Courtney Neese The Corner News for “Welcome Home” by Jessica Henderson 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Shelby County Schools booklet” by Matthew Allen
Cat. 09 Best In-Paper Promotion of Newspaper Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Amazing Teachers” by staff The Tuscaloosa News for “Impact” by staff The Dothan Eagle for “Christmas Giveaway” by Traci Kimble The Cullman Times for “Take Us...Everywhere!” by Terry Connor, Chasity Barnett Opelika-Auburn News for “112 Years” by Jessica Henderson The Selma Times-Journal for “See What’s Brewing” house ad by staff Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Friday the 13th” by staff The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “Reader's Choice” by Sherrie Hall The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “Throw a Bone” by Emily Nixon The Greenville Advocate for “Classifieds are a Rip Off” by staff The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Thank you Fort Rucker” by Slayton Shaw The Wetumpka Herald for “Power of Print” by Audra Spears 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Women in Business” by Matt Crawford 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Summer Fun Photo Contest” by Kristin Williams
3rd Place
280 Living (Birmingham) for “Gameday Photos” by Matt Crawford
Cat. 10 Best Advertising Campaign Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Montgomery Advertiser for “Go Play 334” campaign by Holly Calloway The Dothan Eagle for “Our New Baby” campaign by Traci Kimble Montgomery Advertiser for “Meet Montgomery” campaign by staff The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Raymond James” campaign by staff The Selma Times-Journal for “Moore-Stewart Ford” campaign by staff The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “First State Bank Progress” campaign by Linda Stiefel Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Chelsea Chiropractic” campaign by Kim McCulla Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Shelby Humane Society” campaign by Kim McCulla Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Andrews Family Dental” campaign by Kim McCulla The Greenville Advocate for “Dr. Keri Stanley” campaign by Courtney Neese The Greenville Advocate for “Board of Education” campaign by April Gregory The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Bryan Pharmacy flu shots” campaign by Kimberly Myers 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Leaf & Petal” campaign by Layton Dudley 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Plantation Prestige” campaign by Rhonda Smith, Emily Vandermay Courier Journal (Florence) for “Helen Keller Hospital” campaign by Judy Cox, Gwyn Jones, Andrea Gray
Cat. 11 Best Original / Creative Idea Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Holiday Sale” by Stacey Gallos, Rita Stricklin, Lin Reynolds The Decatur Daily for “Eclipse Jimmy Smith Jewelers” by Stephen Johnson, Shelia Smith TimesDaily (Florence) for “The Art of Southern Cooking” by Cecilia Brumley, Lin Reynolds Opelika-Auburn News for “Dad Knows Best” by Jessica Henderson Opelika-Auburn News for “National Bike Month” by Jessica Henderson Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) for “Friday the 13th” by James Phillips, Malarie Brakefield The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Cream & Sugar” by Laura Mattei The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Firefighter Subscription Drive” by Dan Melvin, Dee Ann Campbell Call News (Citronelle) for “We're All Ears” by staff The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Waterstone Mortgage: The Waterstone Bunch” by Slayton Shaw The Greenville Standard for “Valentines” by Jennifer Klontz The Dadeville Record for “Easter False Front” by Audra Spears
Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
280 Living (Birmingham) for “Narrows Family Eye Care -- eye chart” by Matthew Allen 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Michelson Laser Vision” by Don Harris Iron City Ink (Birmingham) for “ALDOT Public Meeting” by Matt Crawford, Matthew Allen
Cat. 12 Best Classified Display Ad Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Tuscaloosa News for “Another Broken Egg” by staff The Decatur Daily for “Gary's Car Elimination” by Rhonda Stennett TimesDaily (Florence) for “Shoals Homefront” by Brad Taylor, Rita Stricklin The Cullman Times for “Quality Staffing” by Chasity Barnett The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Southern Properties” by Leann Stallings The Cullman Times for “Mitch Smith” by Chasity Barnett The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Billy Barnes” by Josh Dewberry Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Lawn Mower for Sale” by Daniel Holmes The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Reid State Technical College” by staff The Greenville Advocate for “Coastal” by April Gregory The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Tartan Pine Community” by Slayton Shaw The Greenville Standard for “Country Charm” by Bruce Branum Courier Journal (Florence) for “Classified Ad” by Joe Broadfoot, Gwyn Jones Courier Journal (Florence) for “Classified Ad” by Judy Cox, Gwyn Jones Courier Journal (Florence) for “Classified Ad” by Heather Ridinger, Andrea Gray
Cat. 13 Best Signature Page Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Make a House a Home” by staff The Decatur Daily for “1 in 8 Women” by Stephen Johnson The Tuscaloosa News for “Martin Luther King” by staff The Outlook (Alexander City) for “We Are Ben Russell” by Audra Spears, Darlene Johnson, Hallie Holloway The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Halloween Safety” by Audra Spears, Darlene Johnson, Hallie Holloway The Cullman Times for “Warehouse District” by Chasity Barnett and staff Call News (Citronelle) for “Surrender Oak Festival and 5k” by staff The Arab Tribune for “Basketball” by Janet Calhoun Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Small Business Celebration” by staff
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Greenville Advocate for “Breast Cancer Awareness “ by Courtney Neese, April Gregory The Dadeville Record for “Go Tigers” by Audra Spears, Darlene Johnson, Hallie Holloway The Tallassee Tribune for “Go Tigers” by Audra Spears, Darlene Johnson, Hallie Holloway
Cat. 14 Best Niche Publication Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Explore the Shoals” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “TN Valley Brides Magazine” by Lin Reynolds, Cecilia Brumley The Dothan Eagle for “2017 National Peanut Festival” by staff The Clanton Advertiser for “Kickoff” by staff The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Lake Martin Living -September 2017” by staff The Selma Times-Journal for “Selma The Magazine-April/May, 2017” by staff Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Shelby County Football” by staff The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Discover Monroe County Outdoors” by Josh Dewberry, Glenda Price Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Visitors and Newcomers Guide” by staff The Greenville Advocate for “First Responders Coloring Book “ by April Gregory, Courtney Neese The Greenville Advocate for “Humane Society Pet Calendar “ by Tracy Salter, Angie Long The Wetumpka Herald for “Elmore County Community Calendar 2018” by Audra Spears 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Football Preview Magazine” by Advertising staff Village Living (Mountain Brook) for “Mountain Brook 75th Anniversary Magazine” by staff Hoover Sun for “Hoover 50th Anniversary Magazine” by staff
Cat. 15 Best Use of Humor Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place
The Decatur Daily for “Smarty Plants” by Rhonda Stennett, Greg Stone TimesDaily (Florence) for “Are you house hunting?” by Brad Taylor, Rita Stricklin TimesDaily (Florence) for “Dentists Aren't Scary” by Sharon Goens, Rita Stricklin The Clanton Advertiser for “Donkey” by staff The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Not Again!” by Sonya Maynard, Andi Williams The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Advanced Heating & Air” by Audra Spears The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Greater Mobile Urgent Care” by Laura Mattei The Lagniappe (Mobile) for “Cream & Sugar” by Laura Mattei Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Lawn Mower for Sale” by Daniel Holmes The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Dack Auto Service” by Slayton Shaw The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “McDonalds: Santa's Lovin' It” by Slayton Shaw
3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Greenville Standard for “Stuckey's Barber and Style Shop” by Kristy Houston 280 Living (Birmingham) for “NextHome Southern Realty” by staff Courier Journal for “Quips and Quotes” by staff Vestavia Voice for “One Man & A Toolbox-DIY Isn’t For Everyone” by staff
Cat. 16 Best Presentation of Online Advertising Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Montgomery Advertiser The Tuscaloosa News TimesDaily (Florence)
Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) The Fort Payne Times-Journal The Cullman Times
The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) The Wetumpka Herald The Tallassee Tribune The Greenville Advocate
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) Courier Journal (Florence) 280 Living (Birmingham)
Cat. 17 Best Innovative Online Advertising - Single Ad Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division D
Montgomery Advertiser for “ASF Christmas Carol” by Miranda Watt The Tuscaloosa New for “Piggly Wiggly” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “The Art of Southern Cooking” by Cecilia Brumley, Lin Reynolds The Selma Times-Journal for “Preffered Eyecare” by staff The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Russell Marine Boat Show” by Audra Spears The Clanton Advertiser for “Diane Knight, Real Estate Associates” by Brandy Clackley Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Gifted” by Rhett McCreight Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Valleydale Animal Clinic” by Rhett McCreight Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Greystone Antiques” by Kerrie Thompson
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place
The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “First Baptist-Join Us for Worship” by Kimberly Myers The Greenville Advocate for “Dr. Keri Stanley” by Courtney Neese The Greenville Advocate for “First Steps” by April Gregory Courier Journal (Florence) for “Laila Jager” by Russell Roden 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Alabama Allergy” by Emily VanderMay
Cat. 18 Online Revenue Builder Division A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division C 1st Place 2nd Place Division E 1st Place 2nd Place
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Stay One Step Ahead” by staff The Tuscaloosa News for “Amazing Teachers” by staff TimesDaily (Florence) for “Find the home that fits you best” by staff Opelika-Auburn News for “Dad Knows Best” by Jessica Henderson Opelika-Auburn News for “Cutest Couple Contest” by Jessica Henderson Opelika-Auburn News for “National Bike Month” by Jessica Henderson The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Sun TV Live Sports” by staff The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Sun TV” by Dee Ann Campbell, Lauren Wilkins, Clint Franks 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Daily E-blast” by staff 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Football Recap Video” by staff
For release: Friday, May 25, 2018 Contact: Jaclyn Langan (205) 871-7737
APA Better Newspaper Magazine Contest Award Winners Announced Birmingham, AL (May 25, 2018) – Select winners of the 2018 Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Contest were announced by Dee Ann Campbell, chairman of the APA Better Newspaper Contest Committee. This year, 24 magazines submitted 274 entries in the annual contest. The Virginia Press Association judged the entries. The awards will be presented on Saturday, July 21 at the 2018 APA Summer Convention at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, AL. The awards for Magazine of the Year and Best Overall Design will be announced and presented at the awards banquet on July 21, 2018, along with the other Better Newspaper Contest winners.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Alabama Press Association 2018 Better Newspaper Contest- Magazine Winners
Cat. 02 Best Single Feature Story 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Vestavia Hills Magazine for “Roman Revival” by Madoline Markham Walker magazine for “Secrets of a storyteller” by Jennifer Cohron Lake Martin Living for “Lost But Not Forgotten” by Betsy Iler, Peter Van Der Linden
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Vestavia Hills Magazine for “Lending his ear” by Jennifer B. Slaton Hoover's magazine for “Proof miracles happen” by Emily Sparacino, Keith McCot Tuscaloosa magazine for “Fuller Goldsmith” by Drew Taylor
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Elmore County Living for “Bulletproof” by Amy Passaretti Jackson Magazine for “Solid Rock” by Elizabeth Law, Will Whaley Tuscaloosa magazine for “Sold!” by Becky Hopf
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Tuscaloosa magazine for “Dressing the Part” by Gary Cosby Jr. Tuscaloosa magazine for “Healing Hands” by Gary Cosby Jr. The Greenville Advocate for “Reiki “ by Angie Long, April Gregory
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Elmore County Living for “Born to Fly” by Kenneth Boone 280 Living for “CD Daniels” by Sarah Finnegan Peach Living for “fig grower” by Keith McCoy
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Shelby County Living Vestavia Hills Magazine Peach Living
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Tuscaloosa magazine for “Get Beach Ready, The Locker Room” by staff Village Living for “City of Mountain Brook” by Emily Vandermey, Warren Caldwell 280 Living for “Ray and Poynor” by Matt Crawford
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Selma, the magazine for “Boyd Financial” by staff Shelby County Living for “Alabaster Optical” by staff Walker magazine for “City of Jasper” by Malarie Brakefield
Cat. 03 Best Personality Profile
Cat. 04 Best Business Feature
Cat. 05 Best Photo Essay
Cat. 06 Best Single Photograph
Cat. 07 Best Individual Website
Cat. 08 Best Single Ad
Cat. 09 Best Advertising Campaign or Series
Cat. 10 Best House Ad or Self-Promotion 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
280 Living for “Starnes Football” by Matt Crawford Peach Living for “Peach Living Best of the Best “ by staff Peach Living for “Subscription” by staff
Cat. 12 Best Cover Photo or Illustration 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Lake Magazine Elmore County Living Troy Life