POTSDAM -- The winners of the Historical Writing Contest have been announced.

The contest, sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie Jenne and NorthCountryNow.com, offers aspiring authors an opportunity to share stories based on the region's long and rich history.

The writing contest was open to people of all ages with three age brackets: children up to age 12, young adults from age 13 to 18, and adults 19 or older. Contestants must live in Jefferson or St. Lawrence counties.

First place in the children’s category went to Rylee Presley, a fifth grader at Indian River Intermediate School, Evans Mills. Second place went to James E. Rainville II, 10, of Morristown Central. Third place went to Aiden Cain, a third-grader from Fort Drum.

In the youth category, Asa Douglas, 12, of Heuvelton captured first place, and Misty Yarnell, 18, of General Brown Central School took second.

First place in the adult category went to Lewis P. Beers Jr., 73, of Alexandria Bay and second place to Morgan Elliot, 27, of Canton. Third place went to Diane Pena, 43, of Watertown.

The winning stories can be read online at http://NorthCountryNow.com/contest.