GateHouse Media closes another Missouri newspaper, doesn't bother to use a different closing note

Another long-running community newspaper bit the dust today, once again thanks to GateHouse Media.

The Waynesville Daily Guide published its last issue after 50 years.

Despite the Daily Guide's expiration, anyone wanting to read the letter the company sent to readers still has to answer survey questions.

After you reach the "closure letter" it is clear that GateHouse officials put no more thought into the Waynesville letter than they did into the one that announced the closure of the Carthage Press last week.

In fact, with only a couple of minor changes, it is the same letter. GateHouse officials not only do not know how to run a newspaper, they do not even know how to close one with any consideration for the people who are losing a part of their community.



This is the letter that greeted Waynesville readers:

The Waynesville Daily Guide will publish its final issue Friday, September 7, 2018.

After 50 years, The Waynesville Daily Guide, proudly serving Waynesville, St. Robert and all of Pulaski County, will publish its final issue Friday, September 7, 2018.

“The Waynesville Daily Guide has been a staple in the Waynesville area for more than half a century and has been present for every milestone in the community,” said Dave Cuddihy, Senior Group Publisher. “While we transition our focus, we remain committed to serving neighboring communities. Our sister publication, Rolla Daily News, will cover important Waynesville news.”

Subscribers to The Waynesville Daily Guide publications will receive refunds within 30 days for the balance of their subscriptions.

And we will continue to provide Waynesville businesses comprehensive marketing solutions with our extensive digital offerings, as well as the total market coverage of the Waynesville Extra each Wednesday.

If you have any questions regarding your subscription or advertising options, please contact Dave Cuddihy at 573-346-2132 or dcuddihy@gatehousemedia.com.

This was the closure letter for the Carthage Press:

After 140 years, the Carthage Press will publish its final issue on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

"As Southwest Missouri's Oldest Daily Newspaper, it's been a privilege serving the Carthage communities all these years," said Joseph Leong, senior group publisher. "While we transition our focus, we remain committed to serving neighboring communities. Our sister publication, Neosho Daily News, will cover important Carthage news."

Subscribers to the Carthage Press publications will receive refunds within 30 days for the balance of their subscriptions.

And we will continue to provide Carthage businesses comprehensive marketing solutions with our extensive digital offerings as well as the regional Big Nickel.

If you have any questions regarding your subscription or advertising options, please contact Joseph Leong at jleong@gatehousemedia.com or 417-451-1520.

Those seeking to go to the Carthage Press website are now being automatically directed to the Neosho Daily News.

I was most likely one of the last people to check out the Waynesville Daily Guide website. Shortly after I read the closure letter, which was posted at 6 a.m. today, I was redirected to the Rolla Daily News website.