Franklin Living magazine, which is published quarterly by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. and the staff of the Franklin County Times, was named the state’s best niche publication for 2011.

Franklin Living debuted in June 2011 and has published quarterly since.

“We are thrilled that Franklin Living was recognized so highly, especially in its first year of publication,” Franklin County Times publisher Jonathan Willis said.

The award was one of three Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Awards won by the Times’ staff.

A photo taken by Amanda Chapman in the wake of the April 27, 2011, tornado was named first place in the Best Spot News Photo category.

The Times’ “Progress 2011: 40 under forty” edition won second place in the Best Special Section category.

DeeAnn Campbell, chairman of the Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Committee, announced the award winners on June 1.

Seventy newspapers across the state submitted 2,477 entries in the annual contest and the Nebraska Press Association judged the entries. The Franklin County Times competes in Category D against publications of comparable size.

The awards will be presented July 7 at the 2012 Southeastern Press Convention in Destin, Fla. Winners in categories for general excellence, best public service, freedom of information, most improved, best presswork, photo of the year and story of the year will be announced at the convention.

“Anytime you are recognized by a group of peers, it is special,” Willis said.

“The Franklin County Times has a long history of being recognized as one of the best papers of its size in the state of Alabama. I am proud of the staff here for the work they do and I am glad they have been honored for their work.

“I am especially proud of their work on Franklin Living magazine and for their tireless efforts in keeping the community informed about the things that affect their daily lives, particularly in the months following last year’s tornado.”