A national press organization has named The Pilot as America's best large-circulation community newspaper.

The Pilot placed first in the Inland Press Foundation's "Best in the Nation" General Excellence competition for non-dailies in the over-10,000 circulation class. Participating papers from across the United States were judged on coverage, presentation, design, writing quality and community focus.

"Hard news, strong opinions, and comprehensive sports coverage, along with substantial feature work, convey a deep commitment to a growing community in each edition," commented the judges, who included Professor David Nelson of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism; Bill Roesgen, a veteran editor and newspaper consultant; and Patricia Colander, publications manager for The Times of Northwest Indiana.

"I believe that The Pilot exists to serve this community," said David Woronoff, publisher of The Pilot, "and that the best way we can accomplish that goal is to put out the best newspaper we can. While I appreciate these accolades from our colleagues across the country, it's the kind words of encouragement from our readers that motivate your great staff to try even harder."

Editor Steve Bouser praised the hard work and talent of the paper's staff.

"We work hard around here to give Moore County the highest-quality newspaper we can three times every week," Bouser said. "Though we're never quite satisfied with the result and always strive to do better, it's nice to pause and enjoy this kind of recognition from our journalistic peers at the national level. I'm so proud of all our staff."

This is the second time The Pilot has won this "Best in the Nation" designation from Inland. The first was for 2002.

In this year's competition, second place in the over-10,000 division went to the Portland (Ore.) Tribune, and third place went to the Capital Press, Salem, Ore. The Nogales (Ariz.) International and the News-Register in McMinnville, Ore., took top honors in their respective circulation divisions.

The purpose of the Inland Foundation competition is "to recognize nondaily newspapers' efforts in producing high-quality editorial material; presenting innovative, attractive packaging of that material; and serving their communities effectively as a source for news and information."

The contest is open to all U.S. newspapers published for general circulation at least weekly but not more than three days per week. The Pilot publishes on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Entries consisted of copies of the paper for three designated weeks.

Faye Dasen can be reached at fdasen@thepilot.com.