IRONTON — The Tribune was honored with 24 awards by the Associated Press Society of Ohio Sunday, receiving the most of any community newspaper in its division.

The Tribune received a variety of awards for its news coverage, photographs, newspaper page and graphic designs, sports coverage, community service and Web site. More than 30 papers competed in Division I for newspapers with a circulation under 8,000.

“We are truly honored and humbled by these awards for our team,” said Tribune publisher Michael Caldwell. “I’ve often said we don’t do this for awards but it really makes you feel like all the hard work and long hours by the staff has been recognized by the AP, and hopefully, the community.”

“These awards show the tremendous dedication and talent of our entire news staff but also should be considered an honor for all our employees because it takes each of us working together to accomplish these successes. Ultimately, this is a community award as well because it is our readers that allow us to share their stories.”

Awards received were:

Best Business Writer: 1st place — Benita Heath; 2nd place — Teresa Moore

Best Editorial Writer: 3rd place — Mike Caldwell

Best Feature Writer: 2nd place — Benita Heath

Best Graphics Artist: 2nd place — Kandi Thompson; 3rd place — Jessica St. James

Best Sports Feature Writer: 1st place — Jim Walker

Best News Writer: 2nd place — Benita Heath

Best Sports Event Coverage: 2nd place — Jim Walker

Best Informational Graphic: 2nd place — Rick Greene, “Testing Analysis”; 3rd place — Rick Greene, “Clinton Rolls in Ohio”

Best Illustration: 3rd place — Jessica St. James, “Troubled Finances”

Best General News Photo: 2nd place — Jessica St. James “Family Unite”; Honorable Mention — Jessica S t. James, “Silent Prayer”

Best Feature Photo: 1st place — Jessica St. James, “Vortex”

Best Photo Essay: 2nd place — Jessica St. James, “Fun Days”; 3rd place — Jessica St. James, “Great Outdoors”

Best Community Service: Honorable Mention — “Election Guide 2008”

Best Special Section: 3rd place — “Profile 2008”; Honorable Mention — “Answer Book 2008”

Best Breaking News: 1st place — “Teacher Stabbed”

Best Full Page Layout: 3rd place — Rick Greene, “Community Grieves”

Best Page One Layout: 2nd place —The Tribune

Best Web Site: 1st place — The Tribune