Greenville Newspapers LLC was honored with a total of 11 awards during the 2006 Alabama Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest.

David Moore, chairman of the APA Better Newspaper Contest Committee, announced the winners last week.

67 newspapers submitted 2,733 entries in the annual contest. The Georgia Press Association judged the entries.

&#8220It's always an honor to be recognized by your peers for the work that you do,” said publisher Dennis Palmer. &#8220We have a great editorial staff that works hard every day to provide our readers an interesting, engaging newspaper each and every edition. I am extremely proud of them for what they achieved and am honored to work alongside them.”

Competing in the large weekly newspaper division, The Greenville Advocate placed third in the Best Public Service category for its in-depth special report focusing on sexual predators.

&#8220Newspapers are about serving the public,” said Kevin Pearcey, Group Managing Editor of Greenville Newspapers LLC. &#8220The sexual predator package spotlighted the nature of these criminals, while also offering insight into the devastation they can cause children and families through perpetrating their crimes.”

The Advocate won four first place awards.

n In the Best Business Story or Column category, Kevin Taylor, Jay Thomas, Dennis Palmer and Regina Grayson, were each recognized for a collaborative story about Pioneer Electric Cooperative's selling of Acme Gas.

n In Best Sports Single Event Story, Taylor won first place for &#8220Bound for Birmingham” about the Brantley football team's march through the Class 1A state playoffs.

n Palmer won Best News Photo for capturing a poignant shot of Greenville National Guardsmen Toby Norwood embracing his wife, Nokia, before leaving for a tour in Iraq.

n The Advocate was also honored as having the Best Presswork among all Division C entries.

In other categories, Greenville Newspapers won:

n Second place for Best Layout and Design.

n Second place for Best Local Economic Coverage.

n Second place for Best Sports Page.

n Third place for Best Spot News Story, (&#8220Former band director faces molestation charges” by Kevin Taylor).

n Second place in Best Feature Story in Division D for &#8220Area Poker player to be featured on ESPN” by Kevin Pearcey. The article appeared in the Advocate's sister publication, The Luverne Journal.

n Third place for Best Sports Feature Story for &#8220These chicks can race” by Kevin Taylor.

The awards will be presented July 22, at the APA's 135th summer convention at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach.