The Republic-Times newspaper, covering Monroe County and surrounding areas since 1890, won a handful of state awards this week. The Illinois Press Association handed out hardware for its Excellence in News and Excellence in Advertising contests during a convention held Thursday and Friday in Springfield.

In the Excellence in News contest, the Republic-Times won first place in the state for Best Website (www.republictimes.net), second place for Best Web Project (winter sports preview videos and articles), second place for Best Feature Photo (sky contrails photo) and second place for Best Spot News Photo (Cahokia VFW fire photo).

This is the third straight year the Republic-Times has taken home a first place plaque in at least one IPA editorial contest category. Last year, the newspaper enlisted the services of local website developer Christine Otten to revamp its website and work with R-T web editor Teryn Schaefer to bring an enhanced web product to the community, along with the help of the Republic-Times staff and Editor Corey Saathoff that helps populate the site each and everyday. Each of the nominated photos were the work of R-T photographer Alan Dooley.

In the Excellence in Advertising contest, the Republic-Times took home second place for Best Holiday Ad, third place for Best Full Page Ad and honorable mention for General Advertising Excellence. R-T production manager Tammy Taylor created these ads, along with the assistance of the R-T sales staff of Val Chism and Kermit Constantine.

The Republic-Times is proud to receive these awards and is honored and determined to deliver news and information in the most innovative and informative way possible to Monroe County and the surrounding areas.

Please take the time to make the Republic-Times a part of your everyday life by making the award-winning website your homepage and subscribe to the award winning weekly publication.