The Franklin County Times website was recognized this past weekend as it was named the best website for newspapers of its size in the state of Alabama.

The Franklin County Times received the first place award this past Saturday at the 2014 Alabama Press Association summer convention held in Destin, Fla.

“We are thrilled that our website was recognized so highly,” Franklin County Times general manager Nicole Pell said.

“We always strive to provide our readers with the most up-to-date news and events, and we are proud of this honor.”

The award was one of three Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Contest awards won by the Times’ staff.

A photo taken by Kellie Singleton of the Russellville City Council attending the fire training with the Russellville Fire Department was named second place in the Best News Photo category for Division D.

A story written by Kellie Singleton of the continued support the town of Phil Campbell receives from the group of people who share the name “Phil Campbell” won a third place award in the Best Feature Story Coverage category for Division D.

The Times’ staff also received a third place award in the Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations category for Division D for their front page depicting the flash flooding that occurred in the city of Russellville in 2013.

Seventy newspapers across the state submitted 2,606 entries in the annual contest and the West Virginia Press Association judged the entries. The Franklin County Times competes in Category D against publications of comparable size.

In the Alabama Press Association’s Advertising Contest, the Franklin County Times’ staff received two awards.

Nicole Pell received a first place award for an ad she created for Tennessee Valley Recycling in the Best Single Ad over ½ Page-Black and White category.

The Franklin County Times advertising staff also received a third place award for their ad work in Franklin Living magazine.

In the APA Advertising Contest, 37 newspapers submitted 968 entries for this year’s contest that was judged by the West Virginia Press Association.

“Anytime you are recognized by a group of peers, it is special,” Pell said.

“The Franklin County Times has a long history of being recognized as one of the best papers of its size in the state of Alabama. I am proud of the staff here for the work they do and I am glad they have been honored for their work.”