NATCHEZ — The Natchez Democrat won 21 awards Saturday at the Mississippi Press Association’s 2007 Better Newspaper Contest for Advertising.

The newspaper won the first-place award for advertising excellence in its circulation division.

In addition, the newspaper’s staff won seven first-place awards.

“We’re honored to have been recognized as the best among our peers,” said Kevin Cooper, publisher. “Congratulations to our advertising sales staff on their accomplishments, but also the people behind the scenes who make sure ads are built and scheduled correctly.

“Each one of them works hard each day to help provide the best marketing venue in the Miss-Lou.”

Other awards included:

Best Automobile Ad, spot or process color — Ryan Richardson, first place for a Heritage Chrysler Dodge Jeep ad.

Best Political Ad, spot or process color — Barbara DePrato, first place for an Eddie Walker for circuit clerk ad.

Best House Ad, classifieds — Kevin Cooper, first place for the Yo Mama series.

Best Grocery or Restaurant Ad, black and white — Adam Gwin, first place for a Natchez Eola ad.

Best Institutional Ad, spot or process color — Debra Merritt, first place for Natchez Water Works ad.

Best Niche Publication — staff, first place for 2007 community calendar.

Best Institutional Ad, black and white — Debra Merritt, first place for a Parkway Baptist Church ad.

Best Institutional Ad, black and white — Barbara DePrato, second place for a Pentecostals of the Miss-Lou ad.

Best Grocery or Restaurant Ad, spot or process color — Ryan Richardson, second place for The Markets’ ad.

Best House Ad, classified — Kevin Cooper, second place for Face it.

Best Overall Newspaper Promotion, Web — Ben Hillyer, second place.

Best Service Ads, spot or process color — Rita Brooks, second place for a Paul Green & Associates ad.

Best Institutional Ad, spot or process color — Ryan Richardson, third place for Trinity School ad.

Best Grocery or Restaurant Ad, black and white — Adam Gwin, third place for a King’s Tavern Restaurant ad.

Best Political Ad, black and white — Ryan Richardson, third place for Tonja Butler for coroner ad.

Best Section or Edition Dedicated to an Editorial Topic — Staff, third place for Profile 2007.

Best Service Ad, spot or process color — Adam Gwin, third place for City of Natchez ad.

Best Service Ad, black and white — Ryan Richardson, third place for The Laser Clinic ad.

Best Theme Page — Staff, third place for Pigskin Picks.

Best Series of Ads — Adam Gwin, honorable mention for Mrs. Holder’s Antiques ad.