COLUMBUS — The Tribune newspapers were honored Sunday by the Associated Press Society of Ohio with 20 awards, more than double the other individual newspapers in its division.

The Tribune staff received excellence awards from 2009 for news writing, sports, photography, design, special sections and its Web site. More than 30 publications competed in the APSO’s Division 1 category for community newspapers.

“I couldn’t be more proud of each and every member of our entire team. This shows both the talent that they have but also the hard work and dedication required to achieve this tremendous success,” said Tribune Publisher Michael Caldwell.

“This continues our six or seven-year run of double digit honors, an achievement in itself, and is the third straight year with 20 or more. Each year I say that we don’t do it for the awards, but it is nice when our team can get recognized for all they do.”

The awards spanned the gamut of work and featured honors for nearly every aspect of the newspaper’s content, Caldwell said, adding that these honors also reflect the support of the community.

“We couldn’t do any of this if it wasn’t for all the wonderful people who share their stories with us, let us into their lives and use our medium to get their advertising messages out to thousands of readers each day,” Caldwell said. “When I say team award, I think that team is every reader, every citizen, every advertiser, every employee and everyone else who helps make this possible.”

Awards were:

Best Business Writer: Third place – Teresa Moore

Best Feature Writer: First place – Benita Heath

Best Graphics Artist: Second place – Kandi Thompson; Third place – Jessica St. James

Best Photographer: Second place – Jessica St. James

Best News Writer: First place – Benita Heath

Best Sports Event Coverage: Third place, Jim Walker, “Win No. 361.”

Best Sports Enterprise: Second place – Jim Walker, “Taking a Bike Ride;”

Best Special Sports Section: Second place – Jim Walker, “Win No. 361;”

Best Illustration: 2, Jessica St. James, “Trim the Edges

Best Spot News Photo: Second place – Jessica St. James, “Fifth Street Flip;” Third place – Jessica St. James, “The Little Survivor.

Best General News Photo: First place – Jessica St. James, “Showing Respect;” Third place – Jessica St. James, “Welcome Home Zach!”

Best Photo Essay: First place – Jessica St. James, “Hanging Around the Barn;”

Best Community Service: Second place – Teresa Moore and Staff, “Most Wanted;”

Best Enterprise Reporting: Honorable Mention – Teresa Moore, “Understanding the Abuse.”

Best Full Page Layout: First place – Kandi Thompson, “Taking the Court;”

Best Page One Layout: Second place – Mike Caldwell and Kandi Thompson

Best Web Site: Third place – The Tribune