FACING THE FINAL CURTAIN

     Perhaps we knew it was coming.........but didn't know when.

     And now, it appears, the time HAS come. 

     Two longtime Boone County newspapers will apparently shut down their operations for good in very short order. In fact, the end of publication of both the Ogden Reporter and Madrid Register News will be this coming Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

      The Ogden and Madrid newspapers are not alone. Small town newspapers in 15 Iowa counties are affected. All of the affected newspapers have been guided by an Iowa based publishing company, Mid America Publishing of Hampton, which has announced its permanent closure.

      The Ogden/Madrid editor for those two publications has indicated that no one has expressed interest in buying them, thus, the difficult decision to conclude operations.

       Madrid editor Craig Schultz was quoted as saying, "there's still a chance if someone wants to come in on the 11th hour to buy the publications, it's possible. But, as it stands, this is the end." A few other newspapers are still hopeful of survival also, due to pending discussions of possible purchase.

       Many of these newspapers have been in operation for many years, some since before 1900.

       A Mid-America Regional Editor said that dwindling readership and advertising revenue have taken their toll on newspapers across the country. He said it was " a sad time for both our company and the communities we have served."

K-----K

       Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone Iowa, 50036-4892. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email stories/memories/comments/death notices........https:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.