INDIANAPOLIS

The staff of The Tribune was honored Saturday with 18 awards during the 2015 Hoosier State Press Foundation Better Newspaper contest.

The Tribune finished first in the General Excellence category, which is based on points accumulated by newspapers in the 30 individual categories by division.

The Tribune competed in Division 3 for newspapers with paid circulation less than 6,000.

Overall, Tribune staffers won nine first-place, three second-place and six third-place awards during the 49th annual awards banquet at the Indianapolis Marriott North hotel.

The contest period covered entries between July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015.

The Tribune’s winning entries were:

First place

General excellence: Staff

Best News Coverage with No Deadline Pressure: Whitney Riggs and Zach Spicer for “Fire engulfs North Vernon,” an account of a fire that devastated downtown North Vernon.

Best Business/Economic News Coverage: Zach Spicer for “Opening Doors,” an in-depth look at the foreign companies that have invested in Jackson County and now employ more than 5,200 people.

Best Profile Feature: Whitney Riggs for “Directing Young Lives,” the story of Chuck Olson of Seymour. Olson is an 80-plus year old recovering alcoholic who works with emotionally challenged youth at the Jackson County Juvenile Home.

Best Editorial Page: Staff

Best Sports Section: Staff

Best Feature Section or Pages: Staff

Best Community Service: Staff for “Where They Stand,” a different approach to covering an election that allowed the readers and The Tribune to set the agenda instead of those running for office.

Best Newspaper Design: Staff

Second place

Headline Writing: Staff for “And on this farm they had some fun;” “The otter limits: Mammals’ number rise;” “When hoppy met Sally”

Best General News Photo: Aaron Piper

Best Multiple Photo Group: Piper

Third place

Headline Writing: Staff for “Can-do attitude: 450 North hopes to tap new fans with designer packaging;” “Where This Little Piggie calls home: Girl and her ‘Hamie’ take 4-H journal together;” “Fore the youth: Local golf courses offer lessons, leagues”

Best Spot News Photo: Piper

Best Short Feature: Riggs for “Belle of the ball at 93.”

Best Sports Columnist: Jordan Morey

Best Use of Graphics: Staff

Best Feature Section or Pages: Staff