The awards were part of the association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest.

The Crier earned second place honors in the category of editorials and sports feature story and third place awards for coverage of education and humor column.

``They took local issues that were controversial and editorialized in a way that made you concerned about the issues. Unafraid to tackle a school issue and call names. We need more of that. Very Good,’’ the judges commented about the Crier’s editorials written by Jim Austin.

``While the judges’ decision was gratifying on a personal level, it was more pleasing to see the awards the Crier received covered the full spectrum of writing by our staff,’’ Austin said.

Eric Ahlqvist’s sports feature, ``CCS’s Pohl plays with U.S. National Team,’’ garnered this comment from judges, ``The story keeps reader’s attention with account of the event. A good feature article that is interesting to non-area residents as well as to those who know Pohl.’’

This marked Ahlqvist’s sixth writing award during his 12 years with the Crier.

``Philip is an athlete that we will be hearing a lot about in the next two years of his high school career and beyond,’’ Ahlqvist said of the Cooperstown junior. ``I’m sure he’ll play Division One baseball and who knows what the future holds for him after that, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play at a high level of professional baseball.’’

The Coverage of Education award went to Crier reporter Casey Campbell, with judges saying his coverage ``goes beyond meetings and events _ good enterprise and creativity.’’

``We made a conscious effort last year to improve the quality and depth of our education coverage and it’s rewarding to see my work recognized,’’ Campbell said.

Crier columnist Jim Atwell, whose popular column, ``From Fly Creek,’’ has received almost a dozen of the annual awards presented by the press association, brought home another this year.

``I could almost see the comical moments he talked about. Jim’s columns are so enjoyable!’’ the judge wrote.

``I’m grateful to be recognized by professional writers, but my real satisfaction comes in comments and encouragement from weekly readers,’’ Atwell said.

Over 4,000 entries for the contest were received from 227 New York weekly newspapers. The entries were judged in a reciprocal arrangement with the Oklahoma and New Jersey Press Associations.