Daily Globe changing to weekly newspaper

Today's edition of the Daily Globe will be the last daily edition of the newspaper as it pivots to a weekly format next week.

The Globe, as it will be known, will be published weekly on Thursdays, mailed to subscribers as the daily has been for a number of years, and available in boxes and from vendors, as well.

"While this is a big change, we look forward to continuing to serve the community as a wonderful source of news and advertising," said publisher Sue Mizell. "We thank the community for its support over the years. We look forward to continuing to be part of the community - offering a strong, hyper-local news report each week, as well as a high-quality outlet for advertising to the business community."

Mizell said, sudden press room personnel issues forced the move.

"On Monday of this week, the Daily Globe was a profitable, financially sound newspaper, with an equally profitable print facility. We had no plans or cause to reduce publication days, or close our printing plant. Tuesday, everything changed," she said.

A decision was made Tuesday to close the newspaper's press operation permanently. The paper will now be printed in Brainerd, Minnesota, and mailed to subscribers as normal from local post offices.

A lack of press operators meant the newspaper was unable to print the Wednesday edition this past week, although it was posted online for free. The Thursday edition was printed in Brainerd, as was today's. The Friday edition was also only available online at no charge.

Mizell said she's been searching for well-trained press operators for more than two years, but was able to find few with such skills willing to relocate or stay very long, in an industry where there are fewer and fewer people. The cost of paper, ink, plates and other supplies also continue to rise, she said.

The newspaper was also unable to print the Wakefield News-Bessemer Pick and Axe, and the Iron County Miner this past week.

Besides printing its own daily, the newspaper's press room was serving as a print shop for a half dozen weekly and monthly publications from across the region. Many of them quickly found other printing plans for their coming editions.

Reduction in staffing and hours are always difficult. Because of the sudden plant closure, nine members of the Daily Globe work family have been affected.

"If any employer is looking for a loyal, hardworking employee, please contact me at [email protected] and I will be happy to share your information with them," said Mizell.

The Globe's first weekly edition will be published Thursday. All current subscribers' subscriptions will be extended to reflect the new publishing schedule and rates.

The Globe will continue to post obituaries to its website daily at yourdailyglobe.com. These obituaries will also appear in the weekly printed edition.