The Selma Times-Journal has once again been named one of the top daily newspapers in Alabama.

The Times-Journal earned third place in the General Excellence category of the Alabama Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

The Times-Journal competes in the community daily division with other newspapers with a circulation below 22,000.

The award was announced this past weekend during the Alabama Press Association’s Summer Convention in Orange Beach.

The Times-Journal finished behind The Opelika-Auburn News and The (Alexander City) Outlook this year.

The Times-Journal also won second place for Best Public Service for “Sellers’ Remorse,” Justin Averette’s coverage of a possible sale of the St. James Hotel that fell apart after information on the prospective buyer’s past came to light.

Additional, the newspaper won third place First Amendment Award for “Public records come with stipulations,” Justin Fedich’s reporting on the city’s public information policy.

This year’s APA contest was judged by members of the Georgia Press Association. More than 74 newspapers submitted 2,753 entries in the annual competition.

“Much effort went into what was accomplished this year by Selma’s new staff,” Publisher Dennis Palmer said. “The awards are a testament to their hard work and the caring and commitment shown to the community we serve. I’m proud and honored to have the opportunity to work with each of them.”

In addition to the major awards, the Times-Journal staff earned additional honors:

*First place Best Lifestyles/Family Pages

*First place Best In-Depth News Coverage for “Sellers’ Remorse” by Justin Averette

*First place Best Business Story or Column for “Sellers’ Remorse” by Justin Averette

*First place Best Editorial for “Time for city to change language in information policy” by staff

*First place Best Headline for “Safelite Replaced” by Justin Averette

*First place Creative Use of Multimedia for “Battle of Selma” by Justin Fedich

*First place Online Breaking News Coverage for “Man dies during standoff at Selma Police Department” by Blake Deshazo

*First place Best Original/Creative Idea (advertising) for “Precious Pearls” by Tina Yelverton

*First place Best Innovative Online Advertising – Single Ad for “Leap Year” by staff

*Second place Best Local Economic Coverage

*Second place Creative Use of Multimedia for “Bridge Crossing Jubilee” by Justin Fedich

*Second place Best Use of Social Media for “Selma Mayoral Forum” by Justin Averette

*Second place Best Innovative Online Advertising – Single Ad for “Memorial Day Special” by staff

*Second place Best Magazine Periodical (advertising) for Selma The Magazine

*Third place Best Sports Coverage

*Third place Best In-Depth News Coverage for “Selma Police Department officers call in sick” by Justin Averette and Daniel Evans

*Third place Best Editorial for “Council put eggs in one basket and lost” by staff

*Third place Best Sports News In-Depth Coverage for “Schools cancel games with Marion amid TB outbreak” by Daniel Evans

*Third place Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations for “Falling Slightly” by Justin Averette

*Third place Creative Use of Multimedia for “Bridge Crossing Jubilee” by Justin Fedich

*Third place Best Use of Social Media for “Gridiron Coverage Contest” by Daniel Evans

*Third place Best Niche Publication (advertising) for Selma The Magazine