The Republic-Times newspaper, serving Monroe County and surrounding areas for more than 125 years, received the top award in its division at the Southern Illinois Editorial Association’s annual luncheon on April 15.

The Republic-Times won the General Excellence plaque — earning the honor of top large weekly newspaper in Southern Illinois.

The paper last won SIEA’s General Excellence plaque in 2012.

The Republic-Times also won SIEA first place honors for Local Sports Coverage, Local News Coverage, Best Use of Photography, Best Sports Photo and Best Feature Story.

The winning sports photo was taken by John Spytek of Waterloo High School track athlete Hannah Finnerty landing in the sand following a long jump during a meet.

The winning feature was written by Andrea Saathoff about the funeral of longtime Monroe County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Sari and the sense of loss felt throughout the community.

The R-T earned SIEA second place honors for Best Feature Photo, Best Website (www.republictimes.net) and Best News Photo and third place honors for Newspaper Design.

“It truly takes a team to put out an award-winning product, and the Republic-Times staff pours its heart and soul into this paper every week,” Republic-Times editor Corey Saathoff said.

In addition to top SIEA honors, the Republic-Times is also up for 12 advertising and 10 editorial awards through the Illinois Press Association, including General Advertising Excellence, General Editorial Excellence and Best Website, which it has won the past three years.

The IPA awards luncheon takes place June 9-10 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield.

In addition to Best Website, the Republic-Times took home IPA first place honors last year for Best Feature Photo, Best Classified Promotion, Best Small Ad and Best Marketing Campaign.