The Bryan County News received four awards in the Georgia Press Association’s 2008 Better Newspaper Contest. This year’s winners were announced Friday during the GPA’s annual convention in Jekyll Island.

Bryan County News reporter Ross Blair racked up three awards. This includes nearly sweeping the ‘Best Online News Project’ category with both a first and third place win.

First place went to an online article "Ross Blair gets tased," which chronicled his attendance at the Richmond Hill Police Department’s taser training course in September.

The web story included a photo gallery and video, which featured footage of RHPD trainees and Blair himself being hit with a taser.

"What an interesting project," judges commented. "Very informative and boy does that video pack a punch!"

Third place in ‘Best Online News Project’ went to the online version of Blair’s story entitled ‘McNeal found guilty on all counts.’ The web story included nine photos and video footage wrapping up four days of courtroom coverage of the case where a Superior Court judge sentenced Cecil McNeil to life in prison on charges of murdering Ellabell man Michael Taranovich.

The News won second place for ‘Best Sports Section.’

Sports was also spotlighted with a second place win for Blair in the ‘Best Sports Writing’ category. Judges noted that Blair’s articles on Black Creek balloonist Andy Cayton and RHHS football’s female kicker Lori Barnes "stood out."

"I could not be happier with the GPA’s decision to spotlight the BCN sports section," said Blair, sports editor. "Sports writers Terry Logan, Tim Traywick and myself work hard in covering all aspects of Bryan County sports. To be recognized for the quality of our work is humbling."