





Closure of Midwest-based newspaper chain leaves dozens of communities without a news source


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Midwest Newspaper Chain Closure Leaves Dozens of Communities Without a Local News Source
By [Your Name]
Published August 26, 2025 – Star Tribune
In an alarming blow to local journalism, a long‑running mid‑western newspaper chain has announced its sudden shutdown, leaving more than 40 small towns across the region without a dedicated news outlet. The announcement, released on Friday through the chain’s own website, marked the end of a family‑owned media legacy that had been in operation for three decades. With the loss of the newspapers, residents, local businesses, and civic organizations in the affected communities will lose a critical source of news, public notice, and advertising.
The Chain That Served a Generation
The chain, known as Midwest Community Newspapers (MCN), operated 18 weekly publications in rural counties across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Its titles ranged from the Mankato Gazette to the Owatonna Herald, each featuring coverage of local politics, school events, business news, and community stories that were rarely addressed by larger regional dailies. According to the chain’s press release, MCN had a cumulative circulation of roughly 65,000 copies each week, with a digital presence that mirrored the print editions.
Former owner and publisher, Daniel “Danny” L. O’Brien, had written a heartfelt statement on the chain’s website. He cited “years of declining advertising revenue, the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic, and the continuing shift toward online media” as the main drivers behind the decision. “It is with a heavy heart that we close these doors,” O’Brien wrote. “We are grateful for the trust that our communities have placed in us for so many years.”
The chain’s demise is not an isolated incident. The article links to a National Journalism Review piece that details the broader national trend of local newspaper closures, noting that over 1,200 daily and weekly titles have shut down in the past decade. The review emphasizes that rural and small‑town outlets, which traditionally rely heavily on classified and local business advertising, are among the most vulnerable.
Communities in the Line of Fire
The Star Tribune’s reporting enumerates several of the towns that will be without a weekly paper. Some of the more prominent names include:
- Mankato, Minnesota – home of the Mankato Gazette, the chain’s flagship publication.
- Owatonna, Minnesota – home to the Owatonna Herald.
- Cedar Falls, Iowa – served by the Cedar Falls Chronicle.
- Fond du Lac, Wisconsin – which had the Fond du Lac Ledger.
Each of these communities, and many of their neighboring townships, has relied on MCN to provide timely coverage of local school board meetings, council agendas, public notices, and community events. Without these newspapers, residents will have to turn to digital sources that may not cover the same depth of local detail.
The article also links to an editorial from the Mankato Tribune, which discusses the potential impact on local elections. “Voters will be left with fewer resources to understand the policies of candidates running for local office,” the editorial warned. “The closure could reduce voter engagement in upcoming municipal elections.”
Economic and Workforce Consequences
Beyond the loss of news, the closure has immediate economic ramifications. MCN employed 45 staff members, including reporters, editors, photographers, and printing staff. A local human‑resources firm, Bark, that had provided consulting services to the chain, confirmed that the layoffs will be finalized over the next two weeks. The chain’s website lists a notice for employees seeking new opportunities, including a link to Indeed.com for those interested in similar roles elsewhere in the Midwest.
The chain’s advertising partners, largely small businesses that had advertised in the weekly papers for decades, are now scrambling to find alternative outlets. The Star Tribune article links to an interview with the owner of a local bakery, “Sanchez Bakes,” who expressed uncertainty about how to reach his customer base after losing a steady platform for weekly specials. “We’ve seen our foot traffic drop by 15% since we went digital,” Sanchez said. “Without the paper, I worry we’re losing out on community events and local marketing.”
A Broader Story About the Future of Local Journalism
While the closure of MCN is a stark reminder of the precarious state of local journalism, the Star Tribune also highlights potential pathways forward. The article cites a link to a University of Minnesota study that proposes community‑owned cooperative models as a viable alternative. It also references a new nonprofit initiative, Midwest News Network, which aims to provide digital content and grant funding for underserved rural newsrooms.
Several local leaders have responded positively to these initiatives. In Cedar Falls, a city council member referenced a recent town‑hall meeting where residents discussed forming a “citizen‑run” news platform to cover council meetings, school board decisions, and community events. “We can’t let our town be left voiceless,” the council member said.
Closing Thoughts
The closure of Midwest Community Newspapers represents a painful moment for the communities it served. While the digital era offers new possibilities, it also creates gaps in coverage for the most vulnerable populations. The article, which is a feature piece from the Star Tribune, underscores the urgent need for sustainable business models, community support, and innovative delivery methods to keep local journalism alive.
For those who want to learn more about the closure, the chain’s official statement can be found on its website ([ www.midwestcommunitynewspapers.com ]), and the National Journalism Review article detailing nationwide trends is available at [ www.njournalismreview.org ]. The Star Tribune’s editorial on local election impact is archived in the “Mankato Tribune” section of their website.
As the Midwest grapples with the loss of a trusted news source, the onus falls on citizens, local governments, and media advocates to find ways to preserve the civic pulse that only local journalism can provide.
Read the Full Star Tribune Article at:
[ https://www.startribune.com/closure-of-midwest-based-newspaper-chain-leaves-dozens-of-communities-without-a-news-source/601451590/ ]