GUNNISON, Utah — The Henline family published their final edition of the Gunnison Valley Gazette Tuesday.
The family has operated it since 2003.
But according to son, Mark Henline, the newspaper had really been struggling to make ends meet with a big decrease in advertising revenue they say is due to the coronavirus, and the family was forced to sell.
The Gazette has been purchased by a the owner of the Sanpete Messenger, who plans to continue publishing the Gazette.
In a late morning Facebook post, the Messenger said, "Some confusion has led to a lot of people on social media thinking the Gunnison Gazette is closing its doors. Nothing could be further from the truth! Although Mark and Jodi are retiring, and will be GREATLY missed, the Sanpete News Co. is carrying on the Gazette with no missed issues.
"It is not being combined with the Sanpete Messenger. We know how much GV loves the Gazette. Its a pillar of the local community, and we intend to keep it that way! Look for an upcoming story on the transfer of ownership!"
According to another Facebook post, the Henline family started the Gazette 16 years ago, and published more than 830 editions.
Despite having no journalism background, they started the Gazette wanting to focus on the good in the community.
While most newspapers use the back page as prime advertising space, they chose to dedicate the entire page as a section called "Valley Views" - no stories, just photos of people out and about in the community, living small town life.
Everyone who knows the Gazette turned to the back page first.
A tribute was paid to the family in the Monday Facebook post:
"Proud of my parents. Sixteen years after starting our hometown's little weekly newspaper, my mom and dad will be printing their last issue of the Gunnison Valley Gazette tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing the next way they make the world a better place."
