• by Ray Schultz , August 21, 2023

Ness Press, a 101-year-old old family business, has closed, resulting in the closure of eight weekly newspapers serving northeastern North Dakota. 

Ken Ness, who volunteered at the business founded by his immigrant father, said "there was nobody to take it over," according to local Fox News. 

Ness told the Associated Press that the town “had no advertising," Fox adds. “There wasn't any businesses, so there's no advertising.” 

Truman Ness, the 88-year-old editor, publisher and owner, sent a thank-you note to readers with his wife Carol. 

"It is with both sadness and happiness that I tell you that this week's newspaper is the last one I will send to you,” they wrote.  

The message continues, “After 60 years and more operating the newspaper plus being a ‘printer’s devil' during my growing years this will be different, but I expect to join the crowd of retired people." 

Truman and Ken Ness are brothers.