The Beachcomber was awarded 16 awards from the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association on Oct. 3.

In this year’s Better Newspaper Contest, the paper won seven awards for its news coverage, including two first places; six awards for its advertising content, including three first places; two special section awards — for its Destination Vashon 2008 publication and its Vashon Home & Garden pullout; and one photography award.

All staff members won at least one award — publisher Daralyn Anderson, editor Leslie Brown, advertising representative Mary Kay Rauma, design artist Nance Scott, reporter Susan Riemer, reporter Amelia Heagerty and sports editor Eric Horsting.

The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, established independently in 1957, is now one of 26 papers in the region owned by Sound Publishing.

The Beachcomber is one of nine Sound Publishing newspapers that won 10 or more awards each. Topping the list was the Central Kitsap Reporter with 18, followed by The Beachcomber.

The first-place awards won by the paper are:

• Best general feature story (long): “Lost boy comes to Vashon from Sudan,” by Leslie Brown

• Best personality profile (long): “Augie Takatsuka’s colorful life spans decades of Island history,” by Amelia Heagerty

• Best full-page multiple advertiser ad: “Women In Business,” by Daralyn Anderson, Nanace Scott and Mary Kay Rauma

• Best use of clip art in an ad: “Clyde’s retiring!” by Nance Scott

• Best youth-oriented contest: “Above and Beyond Allstars,” by Nance Scott and Mary Kay Rauma

• Best special section on lifestyle or culture: “Vashon Home & Garden,” by The Beachcomber Staff.

The Beachcomber can be found online at www.vashonbeachcomber.com. Its office is located in downtown Vashon on the east side of Vashon Highway, just north of Bob’s Bakery and just south of Amiad & Associates Realty. Its office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.