For the second consecutive year, The News clinched the coveted General Excellence award for Division E (biweekly and triweekly newspapers with circulation less than 20,001) at the Georgia Press Association Awards held this weekend at Jekyll Island.
In addition to being named the best newspaper in Georgia in its division, The News took home 16 other editorial awards and three advertising awards — more than for 2007.

“When you are judged by your peers as being the best newspaper in your division, it’s a satisfying moment,” said T. Pat Cavanaugh, general manager of The News, “I am personally proud of not only our editor Jennifer Long and her staff, but also of every one of my colleagues who have cared enough during these trying times to give 150 percent of themselves to make The Covington News the best it can be.”

First place awards went to Colleen Capes Jackson for religion coverage, Josh Briggs for education coverage, Jennifer T. Long for feature writing, former reporter Rachel Oswald for business coverage, Anthony Banks for best sports feature photo and to The News’ staff for page one design.

Second place awards were given to Jennifer T. Long for education coverage, former photographer Mandi Singer for photo essay as well as for best Web gallery along with Tisa Smart Washington and Tyler Smith, Michelle Kim for hard news writing and the The News’ staff for community service, headline writing and the Earth Day special section “Mother Earth.”

Third place honors were received by Anthony Banks for sports feature photo and Josh Briggs for sports writing and feature writing.
The new Web site launched by The News in October received second place honors in Division E.

“This award is a real testament to all the hard work our staff puts in,” said Charles Hill Morris Jr., publisher of The News.
The News’ advertising department also did well in Division E. The department received three second place awards – small page ad, food and apparel, jewelry and accessories.

“Each one of us understands, though,” Cavanaugh said, “that this award means nothing unless our readers and advertisers feel that The Covington News is also a paper of general excellence for our community.”