Times Journal reporter and photographer Kim Graham brought home two awards from the Kentucky Press Association’s Excellence in Kentucky Newspapers competition this past weekend in Louisville.

Graham brought home first place in the “best general news picture” category and third place for the “best business/agribusiness story” in Weekly Class 2.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by KPA,” said Graham. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to have a job I love and be of service to my community.”

Graham captured both awards for the same package, a story in the Nov. 26, 2009 entitled, “Tobacco season keeping barns full”

The story followed Larry and Junie Gosser through the stripping and grading of burley tobacco on their farm. The photo showed the Gossers and hired workers Fernando and Mataio Lopez working in the tobacco barn.

The first place photo recieved the following comment from the KPA, “I love the depth, action in foreground and background. Interesting photo.”

The third place story recieved these comments, “Nice lead; anyone who’s been around cured tobacco knows that smell. Brought back memories!!”

“Coming from a farming background, it was easy to relate my own experiences working in tobacco to the story and photo,” Graham said.

Graham was presented her awards at the Kentucky Press Association’s Winter Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Louisville.