The winners of the Coastal Courier’s first photo contest Best of Liberty have been determined.
Dozens of local amateur photographers competed in 12 categories, each providing photos depicting positive attributes of Liberty County.
Categories included scenic, heritage, wildlife, plants/flowers, lifestyle, patriotism, people, pets, waterways, structures, cultural. and best overall.
One entry was also submitted in the professional photography division. The winner in that division is Jimmy McSalters of Hinesville whose photo showed E.B. Cooper Highway in the Crossroads community.
In his written description about the photo, McSalters wrote, “This road represents the beautiful scenic surroundings of Liberty County and South East Georgia. With the moss and abundance of trees that have been left alone in this ever increasing community where development of homes and industry are so prevalent. Taking this scenic drive on a Sunday morning can truly be a relaxing adventure.”
Entries are posted on the Courier’s web site at www.coastalcourier.com
Winning entries will be featured in the 2007 Newscomers Guide to debut June 24.
The winning entries were chosen by Courier readers who submitted their votes online and by U.S. Mail.
Winners in the amateur division are as follows:
* Best Overall: Patriotism -- a young girl on Warriors Walk at Fort Stewart. Submitted by Kathrin Egner.
* Scenic: Autumn Colors -- This photo shows fall foliage along a Liberty County waterway. Submitted by William C. Watkins.
* Heritage: Midway Church and Cemetery Ñ Dating back to colonial times, the church and cemetery depict Liberty’s rich history and heritage. Submitted by Ernest Tiedemann.
* Wildlife: Lemurs -- Although they are not native to Liberty County, they are residents of St. Catherines Island. Submitted by Tom Burriss.
* Plants/Flowers: Monarch Butterfly on an English Dogwood -- The photo reflects the area’s natural beauty and was taken in a yard on Big Oak Road in Riceboro. Submitted by John Henderson.
* Lifestyle: Full Moon at Half Moon -- Anglers enjoy piece and tranquility along the Newport River. Submitted by Heidi Sage.
* Patriotism: Patriotism -- a young girl on Warriors Walk at Fort Stewart. Submitted by Kathrin Egner.
* People: Blending of the Population -- Two young elementary students exemplify spirit of togetherness. Submitted by Marilyn Williams.
* Pets: Pet Adoption -- A 9-month-old pup, rescued from the Fort Stewart Veterinary Clinic, relaxes among his cuddly toys. Submitted by Anthony Stubbs.
* Waterways: Glow of Sunset -- The glow of a brilliant sunrise at St. Catherines Sound is captured in this photo. Submitted by Lori Parks.
* Structure: One-Room Schoolhouse -- Frank L. Long built the Gum Branch School around 1885 that housed about 15 students. Submitted by Margie DeLoach Love.
* Cultural: Geechee Kundra in Riceboro -- Darien Shouters perform during a cultural heritage event. The shout represents one of the oldest African traditions in America. Submitted by Jim Bacote.