The Tribune was honored Sunday with a General Excellence recognition from the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors, also earning 14 other awards — twice as many as any other newspaper in its division.

Competing against more than 40 other newspapers with circulations up to 7,999, The Tribune placed second in the category of General Excellence, the highest recognition from the state news agency.

“Very thorough, informative election coverage,” the judges from AP bureaus in eight states wrote. “The Focus and Health pages, thorough sports and thoughtful, balanced commentary make The Ironton Tribune a very square deal for readers. And well displayed.”

Michael Caldwell, Tribune publisher and editor, said the awards are proof that the size of a newspaper should never be perceived as a limitation on quality or professionalism.

“Every year I say that none of us went into journalism to win awards, but truly I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” he said. “They work extremely hard to fairly and accurately report the news as well as showcase our great community.”

All the work was published in 2012 and ranged from categories for individual writing to graphic design to special sections.

“We feel there are many important things we do as a community newspaper that will never receive an award — a local calendar, obituaries, social news, police reports and more — but it is certainly rewarding when our peers recognize the high standard that we strive for each day,” Caldwell said. “But we are not content. Our goals are always to work harder, do even better and continue to tell the stories that are important to Lawrence County.”

Caldwell said he and the staff are especially proud Profile 2012, the newspaper’s largest and most-read special section, was once again recognized with a first-place award because of what it means to the community.

“A truly comprehensive and very readable ‘profile’ of the folks from the Ironton area who have made a difference,” the judges wrote.

The Tribune and its parent company Ironton Publications Inc. also produce the bi-monthly lifestyle magazine Tri-State Living and partner on a variety of other products that showcase the community for organizations that include the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization.

 

 

The Tribune’s awards from the 2012 Associated Press Media Editors newspaper contest were:

• General Excellence: 2nd place.

• Best Headline Writer: 3rd place, Jim Walker.

• Best Business Writer: 2nd place, Michelle Goodman.

• Best Feature Writer: 2nd place, Benita Heath.

• Best Graphics Artist: 1st place, Kandi Thompson; 2nd place, Jessica St. James.

• Best Sports Columnist: 3rd place, Jim Walker.

• Best Sports Feature Writer: 2nd place, Jim Walker.

• Best News Writer: 2nd place, Benita Heath.

• Best Special Sports Section: 2nd place, Jim Walker, “Pigskin Preview.”

• Best Informational Graphic: 1st place, Kandi Thompson, “Report Card Time”; 3rd place, Kandi Thompson, “Hunger Strike.”

• Best Illustration: 1st, Jessica St. James, “Synthetic”;

• Best Spot News Photo: 2nd, Jessica St. James, “Young and Reckless.”

• Best Special Section: 1st place, “Profile 2012.”