By Pat Cheek

General Manager

This is one of the saddest days of my working career.

This week marks the last week the Middlesboro newspaper will print four publication days on a weekly basis. I’m saddened by the loss, for me personally and for our community.

The newspaper has meant so much to me through the years. It’s been my personal means to help support my family, but it’s also my connection to my community. It keeps me informed of our local politics, economy and businesses.

I seek it out for school news on my grandkids, who in my neighborhood or community may have died, what new business may have opened and what the city government is working on. I’ve always seen it and enjoyed it for the service it provides to our community.

It gives me a clearer idea and understanding of what is happening in this area and it does so with verification of the content it provides. I know I can count on its accuracy and that it is presented truthfully and without bias.

I understand the necessity of reducing our frequency. Costs continue to rise, and we have to match our current revenues to the expenses of running a newspaper. The bottom line is, we have to make a profit to stay in business.

To our subscribers, you’ll see the prices decreased on your next renewal statement and any prepayments you have made will stretch out to cover an equal number of papers.

Our commitment to this newspaper and this community is, we will continue to serve the informational needs of our community and produce the best possible newspaper our community and our limited resources will support. We’re here for you, our readers, our businesses, our government, our schools and everyone living in this area. Please feel to contact us as the need arises and allow us to continue to serve you.