BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Winners of the Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. annual awards for the best individual, team and staff journalism in 2006 among the group's daily and non-daily newspapers were announced today.

More than 650 entries competed in 11 categories in two daily divisions and one non-daily division of the Birmingham-based media group. CNHI owns and operates newspapers in more than 200 communities across the country.

Newspaper of the Year honors went to The Salem, Mass., News in the largest daily division. Judges praised the paper for "comprehensive coverage of its communities, superb organization, clean design and strong editorial section, with a full op-ed page featuring many local columnists."

The Times West Virginian of Fairmont, W. Va., was named Newspaper of the Year in the smaller daily division. Judges said it was "packed full of local stories with and about ordinary people," offering a strong sense of community.

The Sentinel-Echo of London, Ky., was cited as the non-daily Newspaper of the Year. It topped competing entries with the "strongest writing, strongest design, and good local coverage."

The Joplin, Mo., Globe won the coveted public service award for larger dailies with its comprehensive breaking news and subsequent investigative reporting of a Nov. 27 fire that killed 11 people at a group home for the mentally impaired. The Globe not only thoroughly covered the cause and tragic consequences of the fire, but also pored over hundreds of public documents to turn up evidence of lax inspections and weak regulations.

Public service honors in the smaller daily division went to The Tahlequah, Okla., Daily Press for an insightful look at a fundamental Christian community. The judges described the presentation as "a very eye-opening, illuminating discussion on religion in the 21st century."

Twelve senior CNHI editors judged the competition. Winners receive a $500 cash award. William B. Ketter, CNHI vice president for news and chairman of the judging panel, said the purpose of the contest is to recognize and encourage top-notch community journalism.