The Journal of the San Juan Islands is the winner of seven awards, including second place in General Excellence, and first place in best environmental story and best lifestyle feature story, in the 2011 Washington Better Newspaper Contest.

The awards were presented Oct. 7 as part of the 124th annual Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Convention, at the Holiday Inn Downtown Everett.

The Journal competed against other newspapers in Group I and II. The newspapers were judged on work produced from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. The 2011 contest drew 2,523 entries from 78 community newspapers; entries were judged by members of the Texas Press Association.

2011 WBNC Special Award; Second Place: General Excellence, The Journal of the San Juan Islands staff.

First Place: Best Environmental Story; “New life for rescued goats,” Richard Walker

First Place: Best Lifestyle Feature Story; “75 years of love,” Richard Walker

Second Place: Spot News Photo; “Fire destroys home on Argyle Ave.,” Scott Rasmussen

Second Place: Best News Story; “War’s cost hits home,” Richard Walker

Third Place: Best General Feature Story (long); “200 attend fundraiser for 7-month-old girl,” Richard Walker

Third Place: Best Sports News Story; “A great season,” Richard Walker