DAVIS, W.Va. — The Weirton Daily Times is among West Virginia’s newspapers to have been recognized as part of the West Virginia Press Association’s 2017 Better Newspaper Contest, receiving five awards.

The awards, in both editorial and advertising categories, were presented during the WVPA’s annual convention, held Thursday through Saturday at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center in Davis, W.Va.

“The staff of The Weirton Daily Times has received numerous recognitions from our peers in the newspaper industry over the years,” Managing editor Craig Howell said. “I am proud to see that continue, reflecting on our mission to provide quality news coverage of our area communities.”

Among the editorial category awards received was second place in the Best Sports Special Section for the newspaper’s “Gridiron 16 — College and Pro Edition,” and second place in the Best Newspaper Design category for the newspaper’s June 17, 2016, and July 4, 2016, editions.

Former sports editor Mike Mathison also was recognized in the category of Best Sports Columnist, receiving a second place award for his opinion writing.

In the advertising categories, the newspaper received two second-place awards, recognized in the Best Progress Edition category for “Pride, Purpose, Prosperity 2016,” and in Best Special Section Sports for “Gridiron 2016,” the newspaper’s annual high school football preview magazine.

“To be recognized as a leader in our industry by the WVPA is a testament to the advertising staff we have here at The Weirton Daily Times,” Delatore said. “We’ve worked hard to develop both our Progress and Football editions, so it’s an honor to be recognized for our achievements. I could not be more proud.”

The Weirton Daily Times competes in Division 2 of the WVPA.