The Franklin County Times brought home 11 awards in the 2016 Better Newspaper Contest and Advertising Contest through the Alabama Press Association.

The Better Newspaper Contest and Advertising Contest are statewide competitions in which Alabama newspapers are divided based on circulation and submit their best editorial and advertising publications for judging. The annual contests represent the highest recognition for Alabama newspapers.

The FCT earned recognition for its annual special feature “Know your neighborhood,” winning third place in the Freedom of Information category, and the Times’ feature “Coach of the Year,” recognizing Coach Larry Gilmer, earned second place Best Sports Single Event Story.

Also in editorial awards, the Times won second place Best Editorial Page, second place Best Local Education Coverage, second place Best Local News Coverage, second place Best Humorous Column and third place for special section Looking Back.

A point of pride this year was the Times’ first place nod for Best Presentation of Online Advertising. “We are pleased to offer online advertising that is eye-catching and effective, serving both our local advertisers as well as visitors to our site,” said general manager Nicole Pell. Also in advertising awards, the Times won third place Best Classified Page, third place Sweepstakes award and third place Best Signature Page for “We Remember April 27, 2011.”

In editorial awards, Pell said, “We will continue to strive to provide excellent local coverage in the county, and we are honored to have received this recognition for our efforts to inform and enlighten our readers.”

This year’s contest was judged by the Louisiana Press Association. Awards were presented June 18 at the 2016 Alabama Press Association Convention in Destin, Fla.