The APME Public Service Awards are given to Associated Press or Canadian Press member newspapers for meritorious service to the community, state or nation.

Entries will be judged on the basis of how the newspaper made full use of its resources in serving the public good and on the high quality of journalism exhibited in the work. Work that demonstrates evidence of positive change that has benefited the public or its institutions will be given strong consideration. The entry may be a single article or a series, and, in addition to the primary print coverage, can include sidebars, graphics, online work, commentary and editorials.

Nominations may be made by a newspaper itself, by other newspapers, by AP bureaus or by civic or cultural organizations for work published between July 1, 2007 and May 31, 2008.

There shall be three awards: one for newspapers with average daily circulation to 39,999; one for newspapers with average daily circulation of 40,000 to 149,999; another for newspapers of 150,000 average daily circulation or more, according to the latest audited figures. APME reserves the right to decline to award a winner in any category.

Only newspapers are eligible to submit entries, except that bureau work may be entered by a single newspaper for judging in the 150,000-and-over circulation category regardless of the size of the paper in which the work appears.

All entries will be accepted online at www.omnicontests3.com/apme/omnicontests

Entries should include electronic files of clippings of stories, series and/or editorials and community reaction. No more than 20 electronic files may be submitted, including a detailed letter outlining the background, accomplishments and results of the effort. The letter should discuss significant challenges to the accuracy or the approach of the entry, and steps the newspaper took to address those concerns. The entry must include all published corrections or clarifications.

Questions should be directed to:

Entries must be submitted online by June 2, 2008, to be assessed the normal entry fee, or by June 9, 2008, for an additional $10 assessment.

A $75 contest fee ($50 for current APME Supporting Members) will be assessed entries submitted by June 2. Entries submitted between June 2 and June 9 will be assessed $85.

Follow information on the online application to submit payment by credit card or to send a check.

(For more on APME Supporting Membership go to the APME Web site: www.apme.com/membership).

Judging will be done by the president and three past presidents of APME plus a senior editor of The Associated Press. Winners will be announced a short time later and recognized at the APME annual conference in Las Vegas Sept. 8-11, 2008.

Over 150,000 circulation

The Washington Post for exposing widespread problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

40,000 to 150,000 circulation

The Birmingham News for its investigation of corruption in Alabama's community college system.

Under 40,000 circulation

Virgin Island Daily News for exposing police corruption and incompetence in the police department's Major Crimes Unit.