The Tribune was honored Sunday with a General Excellence recognition from the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors, also earning eight other awards. Competing against more than 40 other newspapers with circulations up to 7,999, The Tribune placed third in the category of General Excellence, the highest recognition from the state news agency.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized as one of the top newspapers in Ohio,” Michelle Goodman, Tribune news editor, said. “Every member of our team works hard to make a difference in the community by fairly and accurately reporting the news. Journalism is not about winning awards, but everyone deserved their honors and I am so proud of each of them.”

Longtime Tribune sports editor Jim Walker received a first place award for best sports feature writer. AP judges called his work “splendid, visual and creative storytelling; a clear winner.”

Also receiving first place awards were Tribune creative director Kandi Thompson for best graphics artist and best page one layout; and community news editor Benita Heath for best news writer.

All the work was published in 2013 and ranged from categories for individual writing to graphic design to special sections.

The Tribune’s awards from the 2013 Associated Press Media Editors newspaper contest were:

• General Excellence: 3rd place;

• Best News Writer: 1st place, Benita Heath;

• Best Graphics Artist: 1st place, Kandi Thompson;

• Best Sports Feature: 1st place, Jim Walker;• Best Informational Graphic: 2nd place, Kandi Thompson, “What is the Emergency?”;

• Best Page One Layout: 1st place, Kandi Thompson;

• Best Feature Photo: 3rd place, Jessica St. James, “Not Everyone Loves a Parade.”;

• Best Photographer: 2nd place, Jessica St. James;

• Best Editorial Writer: 2nd place, Michael Caldwell.