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The Charlotte Gazette was honored with a second-place award in the annual Virginia Press Association writing contest.

Staff Writer Crystal Vandegrift won the award in the in-depth and investigative reporting category for a story about hemp farming in the area.

The Gazette’s sister paper, The Farmville Herald was honored with 14 awards in the advertising and editorial content categories.

Betty Ramsey, publisher of The Charlotte Gazette and The Farmville Herald, said the awards are the result of hard work and intense focus on providing the best local news in the area.

“Our newsroom, sales and support staff have worked hard to serve our communities and area businesses and it is an honor to be recognized for that work” Ramsey said. “Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for your will, determination and can do attitudes that make what we do possible.”

The VPA’s annual spring awards ceremony to honor winners throughout the state has been postponed until the fall.