Courier takes first place for Best Website in state press contest

July 16– The Courier won a first place award for Best Website today in the Tennessee Press Association's 2010 newspaper contest, co-sponored by the University of Tennessee.

The local newspaper competes in Division II, encompassing TPA-member publications with a weekly circulation of 5,000-15,000.

The Courier's website is developed by Lightsmythe, LLC, headed by Terry VanEaton of Savannah.

In other categories, Courier News Editor Ron Schaming earned a second place award for Best Spot News Coverage for a story about a Savannah homeowner catching a pair of burglars in the act at his home and holding them until police could arrive.

Staff Writer Linda Folkerts and Schaming shared writing and photography responsibilities for the Best Special Section entry which took a fresh look at the impact of the disastrous tornado of 2008, taking a third place award.

Folkerts also brought home a fourth place for Local Features, sharing a fourth with Schaming for Best Education reporting.