The Panolian claimed two first place awards in the annual Better Newspaper Contest sponsored by the Mississippi Press Association. Sports Editor Myra Bean (right) won first place for sports section, and sports writer Brad Greer (center) was awarded first place in the game story category. The Panolian’s publisher and managing editor, John and Rupert Howell, won a second place for editorial page, and Rita Howell received a second place for lifestyle section. In addition, the newspaper won a third place award for front page. The awards were presented at the MPA annual convention in Biloxi June 25.