Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

An Editorial Opinion of The Lowndes Signal

In March, Greenville Newspapers, Inc. entered the APA (Alabama Press Association) Media Awards, submitting articles representing coverage published in The Greenville Advocate and The Lowndes Signal. A few of those placed in their respective categories, honoring the people, places and events of Butler and Lowndes County and highlighting the dedication with which our newsroom serves the people living in our local communities.

In The Lowndes Signal Smith’s editorial, ”How We Represent ‘The 4-5’ Matters” won the Best Editorial award. The opinion pointed to the many groups working to better their communities while some elected officials stand in the way of improvements, posturing for political gain instead of advocating for much-needed progress.

The Signal took first place for Best Community Event, too, taking the win for its year-long Athlete of the Week campaign. The effort, which highlighted Lowndes County’s student-athletes, culminated in an Athlete of the Year competition and banquet where all weekly winners were honored and three outstanding high schoolers claimed the honor of representing their school and their team as Athlete of the Year.

Coming in at first place for Best Editorial Column or Commentary was Amy Lewis’s “Ask Amy: Seriously Bad Advice” column. A weekly humor column, “Ask Amy” portrays real-world questions with a few suggestions sure to make every situation worse before suggesting solid advice aimed at providing diplomatic solutions to sticky situations.

In second place, Lewis also earned honors for the article, “Greenville dominates ‘Battle of Butler County.’” The award-winning piece highlighted the GHS shutout victory over Georgiana, 35-0 when the Tigers earned area bragging rights for the season.

Also coming in at second place for Best Humorous Column was Lanell Downs Smith’s “Bachelor rooster seeking henhouse to protect,” the enchanting tale of Fred, a young white leghorn challenging his sire Chanticleer for his head-of-the-flock position.

The accolades exemplify the dedication to excellence with which our newsroom covers community news. But the awards also pay tribute to the heart and spirit of the communities we serve.

We wish to thank our readers and community members without whose support is vital to our success. Thank you for allowing us to cover the people, places and events you hold in high esteem. It is our privilege to document and illuminate the communities we hold dear.