The Marshall Independent picked up six Better Newspaper Contest awards Thursday at the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s annual convention and trade show in Bloomington.

In the business category for All Dailies, Marshall Independent Editor Mike Lamb received first place for a special section agriculture story called “I love farming.”

Advertising Manager Tara Brandl received a first place for institutional advertisement, which was for a special section on the Tracy tornado.

Dailies under 10,000, social issues, the newsroom staff received second place for a series of stories titled “Remembering the Lakeview School Bus Crash.”

The Independent also received a second place general excellence award. Judges’ comments were “Enjoyed front page art — celebrated community people and activities. Good use of different fonts and sizes. Sports section excellent throughout.”

Other awards were for typography and design, second place for dailies under 10,000; and a third place for breaking news.