The advertising staff and sports staff of The Messenger won multiple awards in the Better Newspaper Contest conducted by the Iowa Newspaper Association.

Michelle Colshan, creative services director, was honored with the first place award for Best Ad Designer.

Sports Editor Eric Pratt received the second place award for Best Sports Columnist.

The advertising staff received two first place awards in Best of Class for a “Black Friday Sales Event” and an ad featuring Iowa State University basketball star Audi Crooks.

The advertising staff also won second place honors in the following categories:

• Best ad featuring agriculture

• Best ad featuring automotive, boats, aircraft, tires, gasoline

• Best ad featuring financial, insurance or other professional services