Banner News editor Alan Hodge was surprised on January 30 when a team of three editors from Our State Magazine came to Belmont from the Mann Media office in Greensboro and presented him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine- North Carolina's highest civilian award. The award is given by the Office of the Governor for excellence in the recipient's career field and service to the state. In Alan's case, it was for his 30 years writing for the magazine, especially the monthly NC Quiz- one of the publication's most popular features. In 2017, Alan also received the Old North State Award- North Carolina's second highest honor- for his work with Our State. Katie King, assistant editor at Our State, is seen with Alan at the Order of the Long Leaf Pine presentation.