By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

The Shelby County Reporter won several editorial awards in the 2012 Alabama Press Association contest.

The awards were announced June 1 by DeeAnn Campbell, chairperson of the APA advertising contest committee.

Seventy newspapers submitted 2,477 entries in this year’s contest, which was judged by the Nebraska Press Association.

The Shelby County Reporter competes in Category C, against other larger community weekly newspapers.

Publisher Tim Prince said winning the APA awards is a sign that the paper’s editorial work continues to reach a standard of excellence.

“We are constantly evaluating our work to ensure that we are bringing the news to our readers every day to the best of our ability,” Prince said. “Winning these awards confirms that we are among Alabama’s best newspapers, but we will continue to search for innovative ways to improve our editorial products and deliver the stories our readers want to see.”

The Reporter won the following awards:

-First place, Best Spot News Story, for “Missing Mt Laurel toddler drowns” by Christine Boatwright.

-First place, Best Business Story or Column, for “Economy forces ‘new normal’” by Amy Jones.

-First place, Best Spots Single Event Story, for “Rebels win first girls’ title” by Wesley Hallman.

-First place, Best Photo Essay, for “Laid to Rest” by Jon Goering.

-First place, Best Special Section, for “Profile 2011” by staff.

-Second place, Best In-Depth News Coverage, for Alabaster to consider city school district” by Neal Wagner.

-Second place, Best Headline, for “False alarm” by staff.

-Second place, Best Niche Publication, for “Shelby Living” by staff.

-Third place, Best Spot News Story, for “Runaway SUV halts traffic in Pelham” by Neal Wagner.

-Third place, Best In-Depth News Coverage, for “Bart Johnson set for April trial” by Neal Wagner, Jan Griffey and staff.

-Third place, Best Sports News In-Depth Coverage, for “Creating tradition” by staff.

-Third place, Best Feature Photo, for “Hitting a high note” by Jon Goering.

-Third place, Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations, for “Shelby County sales and use tax revenues by Jamie Sparacino.

-Third Place, Best Niche Publication, for “Wellness Alabama” by staff.

Winners of the General Excellence Award, the top prize, will be announced in July at the 2012 Southeastern Press Convention in Destin, Fla. Other awards will be presented then as well.