The Howard County Times has been named 2010 Newspaper of the Year by the Suburban Newspapers of America, the Baltimore Sun Media Group announced today. The newspaper ranked nationally at the top of its category, non-dailies with circulation between 10,001 and 22,500.

The SNA, a non-profit association, has a membership of more than 2,000 newspapers with a combined circulation of 22 million in the United States and Canada.

In awarding the honor, SNA judges praised the news coverage and called the paper “…a powerhouse, with some impressive investigations and strong local news.” The design was also singled out, with judges noting that the “engaging covers aren’t just fluff: photos and graphics enhance the hard news,” and further adding that the Go! section is colorful and well-designed.

The Times also won the Newspaper of the Year designation in 2004 and 2005. In 2008, the Times earned second place in the category from SNA.

“Receiving this award is a great tribute to the Times staff members who work so hard to ensure they provide local readers with the best reporting, editing and photography possible,” said Trish Carroll, BSMG’s Senior Vice President of Targeted Media.

“It’s important to us to tell great stories about Howard County through compelling writing and photography,” added Paul Milton, Executive Director of News Operations for Targeted Media. “It’s gratifying that SNA has recognized our commitment to community journalism.”

The Times is accompanied online by ExploreHoward.com, which receives an average of a quarter of a million page views a month*.

*Source: Omniture Site Catalyst, 2010