The Journal of the San Juan Islands won awards in the news, special sections and Web divisions of the state Better Newspaper Contest, an annual competition presented by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

Two of the winning staff members: Senior reporter Scott Rasmussen and multimedia reporter Jane K. Fox.

Meanwhile, Journal sister newspaper The Islands’ Sounder won awards in the general excellence and news divisions.

The awards will be presented at the Better Newspaper Contest Awards Dinner on Oct. 1 at the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel.

The Washington Better Newspaper Contest draws more than 2,800 entries from about 80 member newspapers. Winners are selected by members of another state’s press association.

Newspapers are grouped by circulation to compete against their peers, and receive certificates for first-, second- and third-place winners in most categories. Trophies are presented to the Feature Writer, News Writer, Photographer and Sportswriter of the Year. Winners of Community Service and General Excellence categories receive plaques.

The Journal was founded in 1906. It publishes on Wednesdays and has a paid weekly circulation of 3,000. SanJuanJournal.com was founded in 1998 and is updated daily. It had 17,959 unique visitors in July.

In addition, The Journal publishes Springtide magazine, a visitors’ guide; The Book of the San Juan Islands, an almanac and relocation guide; and special sections related to business, education, health, sports and the San Juan County Fair.