A possible end to an era
By Shari Harris, Publisher
It has been more than a century and a quarter since The Licking News began publishing, sharing the local news not just with the people of Licking, but the surrounding area as well, from Montauk to Plato, Edgar Springs to Raymondville, and many other locales in the region.
The newspaper has been a unifying presence over those decades, and has shared triumphs and failures, joyous and sad occasions with its readers. It is my belief that a community newspaper continues to have a role, not just as a historical record of a community, but as a single location containing a collection of information about that community.
It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that I will no longer be publishing the newspaper as of the end of December 2026. I have actively sought someone to continue the newspaper, and the search continues. I believe a tech savvy, community-minded individual could take the newspaper into the upcoming decades and be profitable. However, for a number of reasons, it is time for me to step aside.
At this point, my attempts to find a successor have been fruitless. As a result, I am taking steps to plan for the closure of the newspaper at the end of the year, unless someone steps up between now and then. Subscription renewals for the remainder of the year will only be through December 31, 2026. If the newspaper does close, those subscribers who have balances left on their subscription as of December 31, 2026, will be reimbursed.
Thank you for your continued readership over the years. It has meant more than you may think, not only to me, but to the publishers who were here before me. We have been blessed to have you as readers.
I hope you will continue to read The Licking News until it is no longer in print. My goal after retirement was to walk to the mailbox and get The Licking News each week, and I hope that can still happen. If you or someone you know is interested in owning a community newspaper, and having an active role in your community, please contact me at The Licking News office, 573-674-2412.
