For release: Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Contact:Chris McDaniel
(205) 871-7737
APA Better Newspaper Contest Award Winners Announced
Winners of the 2015 Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Contest were announced this week
by Dee Ann Campbell, chairman of the APA Better Newspaper Contest Committee.
Seventy newspapers submitted 2,888 entries in the annual contest. Tennessee Press Association judged
the entries.
The awards will be presented June 20th at the 2015 Alabama Press Association Convention at the Hil-
ton Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. The following editorial categories will not be announced until the
awards banquet: General Excellence, Best Public Service, Freedom of Information, Most Improved, Photo of
the Year, and Story of the Year. All winners in these categories will be announced during the banquet, and the
first place winners will be asked to come forward to receive their award. In General Excellence and Advertising Sweepstakes, all winners in all divisions will be asked to come forward. Publishers will be notified if their
newspaper is among the first place winners in any of the these categories.
Winners in the editorial categories 1-8 and in online categories will be announced at the banquet, but
plaques will not be presented during the event.
Congratulations to all of the winners.
-30(Enclosed is a list of award winners in the announced categories)
Alabama Press Association
2015 Better Newspaper Contest Winners
2015 General Excellence Winners
Best Public Service
FOI – First Amendment Award
Most Improved
Best Newspaper Website
Photograph of the Year
Story of the Year
Category 1 Best Editorial Page or Section
Category 2 Best Lifestyle/Family Pages
Category 3 Best Sports Page
Category 4 Best Local Economic Coverage
Category 5 Best Local Education Coverage
Category 6 Best Local News Coverage
Category 7 Best Use of Photographs/Editorial Content
Category 8 Best Layout and Design
All categories listed above will be announced at the Summer Convention awards
banquet on Saturday, June 20.
Category 9 — Best Spot News Story
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Birmingham News for “Tragedy at UPS” by Carol Robinson and staff
The Anniston Star for “Snow Daze: The surprise storm of 2014” by staff
The Decatur Daily for “Deadly day in Valley” by Ronnie Thomas, Bayne Hughes
Division B
1st Place The Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) for “Tornado damage in county” by Jennifer Cohron,
Elane Jones
2nd Place The Opelika-Auburn News for “INDICTED” by Drew Taylor
3rd Place The Cullman Times for “I’ve never seen so much chaos” by Trent Moore
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “Fire claims home, business” by Elizabeth Summers
The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “6 injured during chase” by Elizabeth Summers
The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) for “In the midst of tragedy” by Jennifer Davis Rash
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Greenville Standard for “Beauties and the beast” by Jeanne Callen
The Wetumpka Herald for “Athlete found near swimming location” by Kevin Taylor
The Greenville Advocate for “BODIES FOUND” by Andy Brown
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “Scott indicted” by John Pilati
Cherokee Post (Centre) for “Baker resigns; Liberty Day cancelled” by staff
The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “Students face charges after threats against schools” by Megan Barber
Category 10 — Best In-Depth News Coverage
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Tuscaloosa News for “Secret struggles of pastors” by Jamon Smith
Press-Register (Mobile) for “America’s Amazon” by Ben Raines
Montgomery Advertiser for “Hornet’s Nest” by Josh Moon
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Opelika-Auburn News for “SENSELESS TRAGEDY” by staff
The Opelika-Auburn News for “‘Like a war zone’” by staff
The Messenger (Troy) for “Save the Rock Building” by staff
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Tornado shakes local towns” by Denise DuBois, Katherine Haas
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for winter storm coverage by staff
Birmingham Business Journal for “Zero Sum Game: Birmingham’s turf war” by Ryan Poe, Ty West
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Tallassee Tribune for “KKK recruits in Tallassee” by Griffin Pritchard
The Tallassee Tribune for “Tallassee residents plagued by identity crisis” by Griffin Pritchard
Moundville Times for “G’boro child dies in cross fire, shootout” by Travis Vaughn
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Cherokee Post (Centre) for “Law final blow for wind project” by staff
280 Living (Birmingham) for “Gridlock” by Jessa Pease
The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “District 6 Senate race (Stutts/Recount)” by John Pilati
Category 11 — Best Business Story or Column
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Huntsville Times for “Workers say hard goodbyes” by Lucy Berry
The Anniston Star for “Working the numbers” by Tim Lockette
Montgomery Advertiser for “Wind power projects at risk” by Kala Kachmar
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Clanton Advertiser for “Road to somewhere” by Emily Reed
The Opelika-Auburn News for “‘We’re going to lose an awful lot’” by Sara Falligant
The Opelika-Auburn News for “Costly Complaints” by Michael Hill
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Birmingham Business Journal for “Zero Sum Game: Birmingham’s Turf War” by Ryan Poe, Ty West
The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville) for “Outlet purchase pays off ” by Malarie Allen
Birmingham Business Journal for “Where’s our Airbus?” by Bryan Davis
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Opelika Observer for “Gettin’ saucy” by Alison James
The Demopolis Times for “Cuts at BWWMH” by Justin Averette
Opelika Observer for “Getting in the spirits” by Donna Williamson, Robert Noles
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 280 Living (Birmingham) for “Spicing up 280” by Jessa Pease
Homewood Star for “New brewery looks to call Central Avenue home” by Sydney Cromwell
Cherokee Post (Centre) for “About Cotton Pickin’ Time” by Cheryl Lewis
Category 12 — Best Feature Story Coverage
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Montgomery Advertiser for “It was hot, scary being homeless” by Kym Klass
The Birmingham News for “Border stories” by Ana Rodriguez
The Decatur Daily for “‘Live, people, live’” by Catherine Godbey
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Clanton Advertiser for “Feels like home” by Emily Reed
The Gadsden Times for “Family dedication — Family builds memorial to Vietnam veteran” by John Davidson
The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “A military man” by DeWayne Patterson
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Blount Countian (Oneonta) for “Women of the cloth” by Nicole Singleton
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “One-wheeled warriors” by Neal Wagner
The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Do you take? No it’s fake!” by Denise DuBois
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Baldwin Times (Bay Minette) for “From Flora-Bama to finding God” by Cliff McCollum
Auburn Villager for “Merchant Recalls 9/11” by Brian Woodham
Auburn Villager for “U.S. Army medic Owen saved lives on Hamburger Hill” by Allison Blankenship
Division E
1st Place Hoover Sun for “Winning the battle” by Katie Turpen
2nd Place Homewood Star for “‘Learning how to be brave’” by Sydney Cromwell
3rd Place The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Dad remembers fallen soldier: ‘I loved him’” by Amy
Guckeen Tolson
Category 13 — Best News Feature Story Coverage
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Dothan Eagle for “Ethan the survivor” by staff
The Decatur Daily for “Choosing the bright side” by Jonece Dunigan
The Tuscaloosa News for “Bloody Tuesday” by Angel Coker
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The News Courier (Athens) for “Leaving it in God’s hands” by Lora Scripps
The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Hooton” by Zac Al-Khateeb
The Clanton Advertiser for “Feels like home” by Emily Reed
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “A city’s love” by Neal Wagner
The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) for “Putting love into action” by Neisha Roberts
The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “No Lone Survivor” by Dee Ann Campbell
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Auburn Villager for “Clones carry on oaks’ legacy” by Allison Blankenship
The Brewton Standard for “Miracle Girl” by Stephanie Nelson
Sumter County Record-Journal (Livingston) for “Controversy continues with county park” by Herman B. Ward, Jr.
Division E
1st Place 3rd Place 3rd Place Vestavia Voice for “Chickens in the Hills” by Katie Turpen
Cherokee Post (Centre) for “Special Deliveries” by staff
Homewood Star for “Liquid gold” by Madoline Markham
Category 14 — Best Editorial
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Birmingham News for “Important to keep talking, but action overdue” by staff
The Birmingham News for “Close Tutwiler prison” by Michelle Holmes, Anthony Cook
The Huntsville Times for “Student social media spying should be shut down” by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Franklin Broke New Ground with Courage” by editorial staff
The Andalusia Star-News for “Why reward excellence only in football?” by staff
The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Y’all come to Alabama February” by editorial staff
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Nothing holds more power than our votes” by Denise DuBois
The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “It’s time we choose the ‘Yes’” by Dee Ann Campbell
The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) for “Is cooperation a principle or a convenience?” by Bob Terry
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Eufaula Tribune for “City council should hear citizens” by Ed Trainor
The Wilcox Progressive Era (Camden) for “Who said the county is broke?” by Glenda Curl
The Wilcox Progressive Era (Camden) for “Let’s keep those doors wide open!” by Glenda Curl
Division E
1st Place The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Hoping pink will make you think” by Amy Guckeen Tolson
2nd Place The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “City feels like home” by Amy Guckeen Tolson
3rd Place Cherokee Post (Centre) for “Do your part to help Weiss tourism” by Jerry Culberson
Category 15 — Best Humorous Column
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Birmingham News for “Holier than y’all” by Kyle Whitmire
The Tuscaloosa News for “My operating system: if it ain’t broke, don’t upgrade it” by Robert DeWitt
The Huntsville Times for “Rent a Gent” by Kelly Kazek
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Enterprise Ledger for “Hello, is this the number I dialed?” by Kyle Mooty
The Outlook (Alexander City) for “The quest to cure an uncommon cold” by Mitch Sneed
The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “How one Thanksgiving almost put an end to DeSoto State Park”
by Huck Treadwell
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Hissy Fits” by Virginia Loftis
The Advertiser-Gleam (Guntersville) for “Between You & Me -- Ambulance Ride” by Angela Otts
The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “15 things true Southerners understand” by Jane Martin
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Demopolis Times for “French frying my way to gold” by Andy Brown
The Greenville Standard for “Currently Failing” by Michelle Styron
The Islander (Gulf Shores) for “Life lessons from the Burger King drive-thru window” by Cliff
McCollum
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Heart” by Sue Murphy
Courier Journal (Florence) for “Humor - Snootiness” by Jim Fisher
Cherokee Post (Centre) for “The Big Chill” by Tim Sanders
Category 16 — Best Human Interest Column
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Birmingham News for “A twist of fate” by John Archibald
The Tuscaloosa News for “Kids can’t be protected from everything” by Lydia Seabol Avant
Press-Register (Mobile) for “Noble Beasley made Mobile look at itself ” by Frances Coleman
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Legacy of Love” by Mike Szvetitz
The Enterprise Ledger for “When a memory consumes your thoughts” by Kyle Mooty
The Fort Payne Times-Journal for “Robin could change the world” by Heather Buckner
Division C
1st Place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Remembering Shorty and Norman” by Dee Ann Campbell
2nd Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “These men should have won the medal of honor” by George Thomas Jones
3rd Place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Because of the day, the sky, and the girl”
by Dee Ann Campbell
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Brewton Standard for “She’s a rock star” by Stephanie Nelson
The Tallassee Tribune for “The reason I Relay” by Griffin Pritchard
The Eufaula Tribune for “Enjoy the rarity of the cold and snow” by Tiffiny Woo
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Not Over the Rainbow” by Sue Murphy
Courier Journal (Florence) for “Talk It Up” by Cathy Turner
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Six Geese A-laying and Two Ducks” by Sue Murphy
Category 17 — Best Editorial Column or Commentary
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place } TIE!
3rd Place Montgomery Advertiser for “VA hospital’s employee standards all cracked up” by Josh Moon
The Huntsville Times for “Cop cameras come too late” by Mark McCarter
Montgomery Advertiser for “Not all Alabamians so callous toward children” by Josh Moon
The Huntsville Times for “High school students need a voice” by Mark McCarter
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Cullman Times for “Vote without party pressure” by staff
The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “It’s time the state has a lottery” by DeWayne Patterson
The Selma Times-Journal for “More questions should have been asked” by Josh Bergeron
Division C
1st Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Museum lawsuit helps nobody” by George Thomas Jones
2nd Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “The boy who was traded for a horse” by Pete Black
3rd Place The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham) for “Rashional thoughts: Redeeming the Time” by Jennifer Davis Rash
Division D
1st Place
2nd Place 3rd Place The Eufaula Tribune for “Can we save it or do they pave it?” by Ed Trainor
Auburn Villager for “A Plainsman for all seasons” by Ralph Morris
The Eufaula Tribune for “A pocket full of change” by Ed Trainor
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Courier Journal (Florence) for “Blacks, Women ARE OUR History” by Tom Magazzu
The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “Better ways” by John Pilati
The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “A lot fewer trips” by John Pilati
Category 18 — Best Sports News In-Depth Coverage
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Montgomery Advertiser for “Auburn’s BCS title game loss to Florida State” by Brad Zimanek
Montgomery Advertiser for “National Signing Day” by Brad Zimanek
The Tuscaloosa News for “National Signing Day” by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Opelika-Auburn News for “‘SENSELESS TRAGEDY: Suspect charged in death of Auburn,
former OHS football player’” by staff
The Opelika-Auburn News for “MONEY MATTERS: Auburn’s athletic budget grows to more
than $100 million” by Mike Szvetitz
The Messenger (Troy) for “END OF THE ERA” Larry Blakeney retirement by staff
Division C
1st Place Birmingham Business Journal for “Did the dragon have to die?” by Alan Alexander, Bryan Davis
2nd Place
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Sullivan cycling record” by Drew Granthum
3rd Place The Advertiser-Gleam (Guntersville) for Bassmaster Classic Coverage by Mike Easterling,
Anthony Campbell
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Auburn Villager for “Slive, Jacobs push for autonomy for major conferences” by Brian Woodham
Auburn Villager for “Auburn readies for launch of SEC Network” by Brian Woodham
The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “High Class” by Casey Strickland
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “Bulldogs reclaim county title ” by Mike Self
The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “Playoff time” by Mike Self
Vestavia Voice for “Solid start for Smylie” by David Knox
Category 19 — Best Sports Single Event Story
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Tuscaloosa News for “Return of the Ring” by Tommy Deas
The Birmingham News for “Blazer football R.I.P.” by staff
The Tuscaloosa News for “Patterson passes the torch” by Tommy Deas
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Cullman Times for “‘Blessing from God’” by Rob Ketcham
The Opelika-Auburn News for “Evans: ‘Alabama the right school for me’” by Tom Green
The Cullman Times for “Ayers taking talents from Saints to Samford” by Rob Ketcham
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “MA falls” by Mike Qualls
The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Woodrow dismissed as Central’s HC” by Mark Clark
The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Last play of half sparks Central victory” by Mark Clark
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Brewton Standard for “‘He was a great man’” by Adam Robinson
The Wetumpka Herald for “Crimson Tide to the Center” by Cory Diaz
Hartselle Enquirer for “Walkoff Champs” by Brent Maze
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Vestavia Voice for “Oh, Buddy” by David Knox
The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “Faith and Family” by Mike Self
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Buddy” by Lee Davis, Lee Walls
Category 20 — Best Sports Feature Story
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Tuscaloosa News for “The making of Nick Saban, West Virginia roots shaped Crimson Tide coach” by Tommy Deas
The Tuscaloosa News for “Long Journey, Adam Griffith story” by D.C. Reeves
The Tuscaloosa News for “Finding Strength” by Aaron Suttles
The Opelika-Auburn News for “The Strength Within” by Tom Green, Sara Falligant
The Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) for “Realizing a dream” by Johnathan Bentley, Brian Hale
The Daily Mountain Eagle (Jasper) for “‘I can’t believe I work in the SEC’” by Johnathan Bentley
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “One-wheeled warriors” by Neal Wagner
The Advertiser-Gleam (Guntersville) for “Fought giant catfish” by Anthony Campbell
Birmingham Business Journal for “Iron Bowl Inc. From Shoulder pads to Suits” by Alan Alexander
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Auburn Villager for “Hood finishes what he started” by Brian Woodham
The Moulton Advertiser for “Unified flag football team” by J. R. Tidwell
The Greenville Standard for “A Man’s World?” by Deanna Stinson
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Homewood Star for “Ameer legend” by David Knox
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Darwin’s Theory” by Lee Davis
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Patriots” by Lee Davis
Category 21 — Best Local Sports Column
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Birmingham News for “Saban beats Malzahn at own brand of football” by Kevin Scarbinsky
The Birmingham News for “If only we’d already told Servati’s story” by Kevin Scarbinsky
The Dothan Eagle for “HA’s title dream doesn’t splinter” by Jon Johnson
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Clock strikes midnight on Auburn’s fairy-tale season” by Mike Szvetitz
The Cullman Times for “Funny Business” by Rob Ketcham
The Gadsden Times for “Classic Angler - World championship chase continues to fuel Klein” by Kim Craft
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Birmingham Business Journal for “UAB football: A missed opportunity for Birmingham”
by Ty West
Birmingham Business Journal for “Three business lessons from the gridiron” by Ty West
The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Why do some not coach?” by Mike Qualls
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Eufaula Tribune for “I’ll bet a bucket of balls” by Ed Trainor
The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Memories made” by Casey Strickland
The Greenville Advocate for “Sportsmanship isn’t dead” by Jonathan Bryant
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Franklin Free Press (Russellville) for “This year’s failure is next year’s fuel” by Mike Self
Courier Journal (Florence) for “Knight’s Korner - All American Local MD” by Jerry Knight
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Father Figure” by Lee Davis
Category 22 — Best Feature Photo
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Birmingham News for “Museum reflections” by Tamika Moore
The Tuscaloosa News for “Images of 2014” by Robert Sutton
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Rainbow crop” by Matt McKean
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Gadsden Times for “FIREWORKS” by Marc Golden
The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Cannon fire at Horseshoe Bend” by Kenneth Boone
The News Courier (Athens) for “Opening the doors to learning” by Lora Scripps
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Young dreamer” by Josh Dewberry
The Blount Countian (Oneonta) for “Snow Much Fun” by Ginger Perkins
The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Ice bucket challenge” by Mike Qualls
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Jacksonville News for “Little Girl marshmallow” by Anita Kilgore
Hartselle Enquirer for “Welding jamboree” by Clif Knight
Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “RB “ by Nicole Pell
Division E
1st Place Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Showers of Blessings” by Lee Walls
2nd Place Hoover Sun for “Selfless service” by Karim Shamsi-Basha
3rd Place The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Fred Bundy enjoys applying pie to the face of his boss” by Skip Vaughn
Category 23 — Best News Photo
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Montgomery Advertiser for “Mourning death of classmates” by Albert Cesare
The Birmingham News for “UAB protest” by Joe Songer
The Dothan Eagle for “Wilder fired” by Jay Hare
The Selma Times-Journal for “‘Disappointing Result’” by Jay Sowers
The Cullman Times for “‘God has a plan for us’” by Tiffeny Owens
The Opelika-Auburn News for “Found Guilty” by Todd Van Emst
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Fun for all ages” by Josh Dewberry
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Purple versus Gold” by Jon Goering
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Students cheer” by Jon Goering
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Wetumpka Herald for “Heartbroken” by Cory Diaz
The Piedmont Journal for “Training facility” by Anita Kilgore
The Brewton Standard for “A little competition among friends” by staff
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “State trailer hot spot” by staff
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “NASA launches memories astronaut” by staff
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Palmer” by Bill Singleton, Lee Walls
Category 24 — Best Spot News Photo
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Dothan Eagle for “Slocomb fire” by Jay Hare
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Collapsed house rescue” by Matt McKean
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Cypress Creek” by Jim Hannon
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Trying to save man’s best friend” by Bob Crisp
The Opelika-Auburn News for “‘Like a War Zone’” by Albert Cesare
The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Corn field fire” by Bob Crisp
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Man injured in fire” by Josh Dewberry
The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Driver trapped” by Josh Dewberry
The Advertiser-Gleam (Guntersville) for “2nd Wreck” by Lane St. John
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place The Moulton Advertiser for “Train meets truck...” by Jeff Edwards
The Greenville Standard for “Tracking dogs sniff out car thief ” by Michelle Styron
The Atmore Advance for “Home burns” by Allison Brown
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Snow Down” by Gary Holder
The Madison Record for “Two die in shooting” by Charles Molineaux
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Coming home” by staff
Category 25 — Best Sports Photo
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Decatur Daily for “Overwhelmed” by Gary Cosby Jr.
The Tuscaloosa News for “Flat at the Met” by Erin Nelson
The Decatur Daily for “Great In Green” by Gary Cosby Jr.
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Clanton Advertiser for “Full of emotion” by Brandon Sumrall
The Selma Times-Journal for “What a leap” by Jay Sowers
The Cullman Times for “Never Quit” by Rob Ketcham
Division C
1st Place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City) for “Making a splash in the playoff games” by Glenn Peppers
2nd Place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Rider on bucking bronco” by Jon Goering
3rd Place The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “State Champs” by Dee Ann Campbell
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Greenville Standard for “Greenville Dixie Minors lose to Enterprise” by Cecil Folds
The Greenville Standard for “Ghost man on second” by Cecil Folds
The Demopolis Times for “Future Sluggers” by Justin Averette
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Looking” by Marvin Gentry
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Shake it up” by Marvin Gentry
Hoover Sun for “Forget the Titans” by Dan Starnes
Category 26 — Best Photo Essay
Division A
1st Place The Huntsville Times for “Sheer happiness” by Eric Schultz
2nd Place The Decatur Daily for “Spring Fashion” by Jeronimo Nisa
3rd Place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Hiawayi Robinson laid to rest” by Mike Kittrell, Sharon Steinmann, Mike Brantley
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Gadsden Times for “No Limits” by Eric T. Wright
The Selma Times-Journal for “Their Next Step” by Jay Sowers
The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Reflections” by Bob Crisp
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Winner Take All” by Jon Goering
The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “For the good of all” by Josh Dewberry
The Choctaw Sun-Advocate (Gilbertown) for “Shooter Drill” by Dee Ann Campbell
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “EHS graduates” by Laura Fezie
The Greenville Advocate for “Snow Kidding” by Andy Brown
The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “4th of July” by Laura Fezie
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “Never Forget” by Lee Walls
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Oktoberfest entertains families for weekend” by staff
Homewood Star for “Learning the ropes” by Karim Shamsi-Basha
Category 27 — Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Tuscaloosa News for “Game Day” by Anthony Bratina
Press-Register (Mobile) for “Battle of the Burger” by staff
The Decatur Daily for “Jobs added by county from 2012-13” by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Iron Bowl” by Joseph Huntley
The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Finding a home” by Elizabeth Law
The Clanton Advertiser for “Celebrate our nation’s independence” by Stephen Dawkins
Division C
1st Place Birmingham Business Journal for “Falling flight total” by Derek Morrow
2nd Place The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Arson map” by Josh Dewberry
3rd Place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “In your neighborhood” by Jamie Dawkins,
Amanda Porter
Division D
1st Place The Southeast Sun (Enterprise) for “Elite 11” by Laura Fezie, Slayton Shaw
2nd Place The Greenville Advocate for “Red, white and boom” by Andy Brown
3rd Place Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “Staying informed-sex offenders” by Nicole Pell
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Village Living (Birmingham) for “Grab your walking shoes” by Keith McCoy
Homewood Star for “Take a peek” by Keith McCoy
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Cummings Research Park cover” by Kelley Lane Sivley
Category 28 — Best Headline
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Birmingham News for “Sweet HeArt” by Jessilyn Justice
The Birmingham News for “UAB Blazer Football R.I.P.” by Staff
Montgomery Advertiser for “Big bang weary” by Faye Davis
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Cullman Times for “Oh ‘Nole” by Amanda Shavers-Davis
The Selma Times-Journal for “Reunited: And it feels so good for classic car owner” by Justin Averette
The Opelika-Auburn News for “Good hare day: Rabbit returned after 7 years” by Patrick Johnston
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Blount Countian (Oneonta) for “Sprucin’ Up Downtown” by Nicole Singleton
Birmingham Business Journal for “All dressed up, but fewer places to go” by staff
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Building character” by staff
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Wetumpka Herald for “Sunday sales on the rocks” by Kevin Taylor
The Greenville Advocate for “Questions laid to rest” by Andy Brown
Opelika Observer for “Finding a fix for spay/neuter problem” by Alison James
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Homewood Star for “Not your mama’s textbook” by Madoline Markham
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Food Truck Fest feeds federal foodies” by staff
Cherokee Post (Centre) for “Law final blow for wind project” by Scott Wright
Category 29 — Best Special Section
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Birmingham News for “Unjust Justice” section by staff
The Decatur Daily for “Opportunity” section by staff
The Tuscaloosa News for “College Football 2014” section by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Gadsden Times for “Kickoff with The Times” section by staff
The Selma Times-Journal for “Horizon 2014” section by staff
The Daily Home (Talladega) for “Update” section by staff
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Profile 2014” section by staff
The Blount Countian (Oneonta) for “2014 High School Football Preview” section by staff
The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Welcome” section by staff
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Hartselle Enquirer for “Building Blocks” section by staff
The Brewton Standard for “City of Blessings (Progress)” section by staff
The Atmore Advance for “Progress 2014” section by staff
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham) for “High School Football Preview” section by staff
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Veterans Day 2014” section by staff
The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville) for “Home Sweet Huntsville” section by staff
Category 30 — Best Niche Publication
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Anniston Star for “Longleaf ” magazine, spring by staff
TimesDaily (Florence) for “Explore the Shoals” by staff
The Tuscaloosa News for “Tuscaloosa Magazine” - Carrying on the Croyle Tradition by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Southern Charm” by staff
The Outlook (Alexander City) for “Lake Magazine” August 2014 by staff
The Daily Sentinel (Scottsboro) for “Jackson” magazine by staff
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Birmingham Business Journal for “Book of Lists” by staff
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Shelby Living” magazine, December by staff
The Monroe Journal (Monroeville) for “Walk Monroeville” by Glenda Price, Barbara Qualls
Division D
1st Place Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “Franklin Living” by Nicole Pell
2nd Place The Wetumpka Herald for “Elmore County Living” magazine by staff
3rd Place The Baldwin Times for “Big Beautiful Baldwin” by Jill Clair Gentry, Cliff McCollum,
Sudie Gambrell
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 280 Living (Birmingham) for “High School Football Preview” by David Knox
The Madison Record for “Madison Living” magazine by staff
Courier Journal (Florence) for “Kidsville News!” by Andrea Gray, Gwyn Jones
Category 31 — Creative Use of Multimedia
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Press-Register (Mobile) for “America’s Amazon” by staff
Montgomery Advertiser for “Hornet’s Nest: Gwendolyn Boyd’s rocky tenure at ASU” by Josh Moon,
Elizabeth Zaremba, Steve Arnold
The Birmingham News for “Alabama prisons: Why we cannot look away” by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Opelika-Auburn News for “Auburn High’s Rashaan Evans commits to Alabama” by staff
The Opelika-Auburn News for “Salem, Smiths Station residents survive Tuesday morning storms” by staff
The Selma Times-Journal for Central Alabama Fair photo galleries by Alaina Denean
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place
3rd Place Birmingham Business Journal for “Top 40 Under 40” by staff
Birmingham Business Journal for “Birmingham’s apartment boom” by Bryan Davis, Derek Morrow
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for interactive special sections page on website by staff
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Greenville Advocate for Greenville Advocate website by Tracy Salter
Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “Progress 2014” by Nicole Pell
Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “Franklin Living” magazine, Sept. 2014 by Nicole Pell
Division E
1st Place The Madison Record for “Madison Street Festival Parade” photo gallery on Facebook by Nick Sellers
Category 32 — Online Breaking News Coverage
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Hiawayi Robinson’s father arrested in her slaying” by staff
Press-Register (Mobile) for “Hangout Festival, Day 1” by staff
TimesDaily (Florence) for coverage of Oct. 13 tornado by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
The Cullman Times for “‘I’ve never seen so much chaos’: 150+ pack school board in heated rally for FHS principal” by staff
The Opelika-Auburn News for “UPDATED: Arrest made in shooting death of former Opelika standout, Auburn freshman Jakell Mitchell” by staff
The Selma Times-Journal for “State takeover” by staff
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Birmingham Business Journal for “UAB cuts football” by staff
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “2014 winter storm” by staff
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Missing diver” by Molly Davidson
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Wetumpka Herald for “Drowning of WHS student on Coosa River” by Kevin Taylor
Franklin County Times (Russellville) for “Pleasant Bay employees quit, Shoals ambulance
approved as provider” by Nicole Pell
The Wetumpka Herald for “Council votes to terminate Dixon” by Peggy Blackburn
Division E
1st Place The Madison Record for “Plane crash at Huntsville International Airport leaves three dead” by Nick Sellers
2nd Place Madison Weekly News for “Praise for Madison Police” by John Few
Category 33 — Best Use of Social Media
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Press-Register (Mobile) for “Flashback to school in 1986” photo gallery by Angela Levins
The Birmingham News for “A Dusting of Chaos: The January snowstorm” on Facebook by staff
Press-Register (Mobile) for “Homeless father and son” on Facebook by staff
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Selma Times-Journal for “Gridiron Cover Contest” on Facebook by staff
The Opelika-Auburn News for “Lee County weather” by staff
The Selma Times-Journal for “Central Alabama Fair photo galleries” by Alaina Denean
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Birmingham Business Journal for “#BlackLivesMatter” protest coverage on twitter by Ryan Phillips
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “Trending: What store would you most like to see come to your city?” sourced from Facebook by staff
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana) for “SPOTTED: A Day Out with Thomas the Train”
photos on Facebook by staff
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Greenville Advocate for “SPOTTED” photos of people in the community on Facebook by
Tracy Salter, Jonathan Bryant, Andy Brown
Sumter County Record-Journal (Livingston) for “One escapee captured in Tuscaloosa. Two
Murder suspects still at large” breaking news on Facebook by Tommy McGraw, Kasey DeCastra
The Wetumpka Herald for Facebook video of search for missing teen by Kevin Taylor
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Cherokee Post (Centre) for “Pet Project 2014” by staff
The Madison Record for “Madison Street Festival Parade” on Facebook by Nick Sellers
Madison Weekly News for Madison Weekly Facebook page by John Few
Best Presswork
Division A
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Montgomery Advertiser
The Decatur Daily
The Birmingham News
Division B
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Opelika-Auburn News
The Selma Times-Journal
The Outlook (Alexander City)
Division C
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Citizen of East Alabama (Phenix City)
The Alabama Baptist (Birmingham)
Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana)
Division D
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Hartselle Enquirer
Franklin County Times (Russellville)
The Tallassee Tribune
Division E
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place The Redstone Rocket (Huntsville)
Over the Mountain Journal (Birmingham)
The Madison Record