The Lawrence Journal-World won 33 news and advertising awards, including best column writing and all three news story awards, in the 2015 Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence contest.

A group of 230 newspapers, the KPA strives to promote and improve newspapers. The organization sponsors the annual contest and recognizes exceptional work by newspapers in the state.

In all, the contest judges newspapers in 35 different categories focusing on writing, photography, design, special sections, websites, ad concepts, ad design and revenue ideas.

This year’s Lawrence Journal-World winners are:

First place news story: Sara Shepherd

Second place news story: Karen Dillon

Third place news story: Sara Shepherd

Third place feature story: Kim Callahan

Second place investigative story: Sara Shepherd, Karen Dillon and Scott Rothschild

First place column writing: Chad Lawhorn

Third place news and writing excellence: Lawrence Journal-World

Third place best environmental story: Karen Dillon

Third place news photo: Nick Krug

First place feature photo: Nick Krug

First place photo illustration: Andrew Hartsock

First place best environmental portrait: Nick Krug

Third place best environmental portrait: Nick Krug

Third place editorial pages: Lawrence Journal-World

First place sports pages: Lawrence Journal-World

First place special section – editorial: Lawrence Journal-World

Third place feature package: Staff

Third place infographic: Janella Williams

Second place design and layout excellence: Lawrence Journal-World

Second place best newspaper website: Lawrence Journal-World

First place best magazine (regular or special event): Lawrence Journal-World

Third place best online video (news): Nick Krug

First place best online video (sports): Benton Smith

First place best automotive AD: Rachel Norlin

First place best classified display ad: Rachel Norlin

Second place best classified display ad: Rachel Norlin

First place best ad series or campaign: Rachel Norlin

Third place best ad series or campaign: Rachel Norlin

Second place best community event ad: Janella Williams

First place best house ad: Rachel Norlin

Second place best house ad: Rachel Norlin

First place best online ad (static): Rachel Norlin

First place special section – advertising: Lawrence Journal-World