The Republic-Times newspaper, covering Monroe County and surrounding areas since 1890, received several awards Friday during the Southern Illinois Editorial Association “Better Newspaper” awards luncheon at Giant City Lodge in Makanda.

The Republic-Times won first place in the open division — which includes all participating newspapers in southern Illinois regardless of circulation or frequency of publication — for Best Website  (www.republictimes.net).

Last year, the R-T website received top honors in its division from the Illinois Press Association. This award-winning site was designed by Christine Otten and is currently maintained by web editor Ryan Ledendecker — who recently succeeded previous web editor Teryn Schaefer — with help from the entire staff.

The R-T also took home second place honors in SIEA’s open division for Best News Photo and Best Sports Photo. The news photo of Columbia police dog Cezar’s funeral was taken last year by editor Corey Saathoff. The sports photo of Waterloo High School basketball player Rick Wiegand driving to the basket was taken by staff photographer Alan Dooley.

The R-T also won first place in its division (large weeklies) for Best Newspaper Design, second place for General Excellence and Advertising Excellence, and third place for Best Local News Coverage.

In addition, the R-T earned honorable mentions for Best News Story, Best Photo Essay and Best Local Sports Coverage.

“It takes an entire team to put out an award-winning product, so the credit goes to everyone involved here,” Saathoff said. “Kudos to Christine for developing an amazing website and for Teryn and Ryan for maintaining it. Good job as well to our entire editorial staff, production manager Tammy Taylor, advertising manager Val Chism, general manager Kermit Constantine and office manager Amber Vogel.”

The Republic-Times is also up for several IPA state editorial and advertising awards this year. The IPA awards luncheon takes place in June.