The Sun Journal won a first place in the general news category for its series on Somali immigrants. The awards were presented at the New England Associated Press News Executives Association’s fall conference held in Springfield, Mass., Oct. 10-12.

The paper’s contest submission detailed the impact Lewiston’s latest wave of immigrants had on the city. Judges called the entry “truly remarkable coverage of a complex issue” and praised the paper for its compelling and even-handed coverage treatment.

“When a racist organization attempted to exploit friction between old and new cultures, the Sun Journal provided unflinching coverage of the group,” judges said. “These stories illuminated an issue. They clearly made a difference to the betterment of a community.”

Staff reporters Scott Taylor, Kathryn Skelton, Lisa Chmelecki and Lindsay Tice contributed to the series, as did former business reporter Patrick Connors and freelancer Seth Golden.

Sun Journal staff received a total of 10 NEAPNEA awards this year. Enterprise reporter Doug Fletcher received a second place in the enterprise category for his story on snowmobiles in Maine. Judge’s called Fletcher’s entry a timely, readable and well-executed look at what apparently is a growing safety issue in Maine: death by snowmobile.

Reporters Kathryn Skelton and Chris Williams placed third in the same category for their look at the Elan School. Judges called their work an admirable off-the-news effort to explore a difficult issue highlighted in a notorious murder trial.

Executive editor Rex Rhoades placed second in the local column section for his piece “Just Setting the Record Straight.” Judges said its forward thrust and confidence was brave and that Rhoades made a number of important points, even in this politically correct era.

“With an ombudsman-like candor, he weaves logic, reality and common sense into a nice comparison and contrast,” they wrote. “Read between the lines and his logic is rational, fair and on the mark.”

Photographer Daryn Slover received a second place award in the portrait or profile photo category for his coverage of Homeless Teens.

Former Managing Editor of Design Tim Frank received a second place for his front page 9.11, A Moment of Silence that marked the one year anniversary of Sept. 11. Pete Gorski and Ursula Albert shared a first place in feature/perspective page design for Splitting Hairs. Judges said the design caught their attention and was “really freaky, really fun.”

Heather McCarthy and Tim Frank tied with the Cape Cod Times for third place in the business page category. McCarthy and Frank received the award for Vanity and Gullibility, which judges called a clever and funny concept. Pete Gorski received a second place for Hearty Debate in the illustration category. Judges said the illustration worked well, running between two opposing commentaries on a local debate over a new cardiac service center. Gorski also received a third place for his illustration Roe v Wade. Judges called Gorski’s creation a great solution for the page.

“With two simple lines we get the feel that this is a woman’s body,” they wrote. “A smart approach to an old and touchy subject.”