The Republic-Times newspaper, covering Monroe County and surrounding areas since 1890, on Friday brought home four first place plaques from the Illinois Press Association state newspaper awards contest in Springfield.

For the second year in a row, the Republic-Times won first place in its division for “Best Website” (www.republictimes.net). The paper also won first place in the category of “Best Web Project” for its 2013 Best of R-T program that engaged the community through online voting.

Former web editor Teryn Schaefer, website designer Christine Otten and the entire R-T staff were recognized for these newest accolades.

The Republic-Times also won two first place IPA advertising awards — for “Best Classified Section” and “Best Classified Promotion.” Production manager Tammy Taylor and the R-T advertising department were recognized for these honors.

The Republic-Times also received other awards: second place for “Best Ad Designer” (Tammy Taylor), “Best Full Color Ad” and “Best Holiday Ad,” and third place for “Best Marketing Campaign,” “Most Innovative Project” (Breaking News tool on website) and “Best Sports Photo” (soccer picture taken by John Spytek).

This is the fourth straight year the R-T has won at least one first place IPA award. The paper won first place for “Best Sports Section” in 2010 and 2011, first place for “Best Spot News Photo” in 2011, and first for “Best Website” in 2012.