North Country This Week and NorthCountryNow.com have been recognized statewide for quality news reporting and advertising design.

The New York Press Association presented NCTW staffers with eight awards in Saratoga Springs last weekend in the annual “Better Newspaper Contest.”

In many cases, NCTW competed against daily newspapers and the largest paid newspapers in the state due to its large circulation.

“We appreciate the validation that our readers and advertisers are served by skilled, experienced reporters, designers and advertising consultants,” said Publisher Bill Shumway. “We are proud of the quality information and marketing services we provide to St. Lawrence County.”

First place awards were received for “Coverage of Education,” for reporting by News Editor Jimmy Lawton and Assistant Editor/Reporters Jeff Chudzinski and Matt Lindsey. Ad designer Debbie Morgan and advertising consultant Amanda Hitterman received first place for ”Best Multi-Advertiser” pages.

The “Coverage of Education” award was presented for reporting about substitute shortages, preparations for electric buses, racial complaints at Heuvelton Central, program cuts at Clarkson University, and a controversy over whether the “Black National Anthem” would be performed at Gouverneur Central’s graduation ceremony. “A solid selection and straight-forward presentation,” said the judges. “Great job.”

“The Multi-Advertiser Page” award was presented for colorful “Holiday Showcase” pages that were published last November and December and featured numerous holiday-themed ads from local retailers.

Other awards received by NCTW included:

Second place in the “News Story” category for an article in which Lawton described the kindness Elizabeth Howell exhibited to her murderer in Potsdam just prior to being shot and killed. “Nice job with lede paragraphs,” wrote the judges. “Then comes a well-timed chronicling of Elizabeth Howell’s main pursuits, her spirit of giving and her stellar reputation.” The Albany Times-Union won first place in the category.

Second place for “Innovative Ad Project,” for “Spotlight” pages that appear regularly in NCTW, that allow organizations a full page to tell their story. “Lovely, creative concept. Exceptionally clean layouts,” the judges said. The award recognized work by Hitterman, Morgan, John Basham and Shumway.

Third place for “Best Large Space Ad,” for a full page for Bill Rapp Chevrolet of Ogdensburg filled with fireworks images that encouraged readers to enjoy the Seaway Festival. The ad was designed by Morgan. “Beautiful,” said the judges.

Third place for “Best Small Space Ad” for a “True Taste of the North Country” ad for Pickens General Store of Heuvelton, also created by Morgan. “The entire feel of this ad is exactly what I’d expect the proprietor wants to convey,” said the judges.

Honorable Mention for “Coverage of Crime/Police/Courts,” was presented to Chudzinski for reporting on the Michael Snow murder case, the assault death of a three-year-old in Ogdensburg, a legal suit filed against Heuvelton Central for alleged racial harassment, the murder of William Freeman of Rossie, and a $4.5 million notice of claim filed against area fire departments by Java Veterinary Center that was destroyed by fire.

Honorable Mention for “Best Multi-Advertiser Pages,” for “Shop, Dine, Visit Canton for the Holidays,” that featured ads by ten Canton businesses designed by Morgan and sold by Hitterman, Basham and Julie Spadaccini.