The News Courier staff won 14 awards in the annual Associated Press competition, announced Friday.
The staff was honored for news writing, feature writing, sports writing, photography and community service, including three first places.
Winners will receive plaques at a May 5 ceremony in Orange Beach.
Awards include: Deadline reporting, second place, Kelly Kazek for coverage of the T.G.I. Friday’s shooting; honorable mention, Karen Middleton for coverage of local children who saved their father’s severed hand. Non-deadline reporting, first place, Kelly Kazek for coverage of a local teacher who was dismissed for showing obscene material in class. Lifestyles features, first place, Kelly Kazek for a story on the tradition of Decoration Day. Business news, honorable mention, Karen Middleton for coverage of an immigrant rally in Huntsville. Sports deadline reporting, second place, Justin Graves for coverage of the Clements High School’s playoff bid; honorable mention, Justin Graves for coverage of the Athens High School championships. Sports feature, first place, Justin Graves for a story about an athlete born with one hand. Participatory sports, second place, Justin Graves for a story about a swimmer with multiple sclerosis. Best headlines, second place, Kelly Kazek and honorable mention, Kelly Kazek. Spot news photo, second place, Kim Rynders for a photo of fireball caused by a crash on Interstate 65. Photo illustration, honorable mention, Kim Rynders for an illustration for a story on using cell phones while driving. Best community service, honorable mention, Kelly Kazek for an in-depth series on grandparents raising grandchildren.
