• by Ray Schultz , April 4, 2024

Newspapers published by Southwest News Media will cease operation later this month, the company announced on Thursday. 

The Chaska Herald, Chanhassen Villager and Jordan Independent will appear for the final time on April 25. 

The Shakopee Valley News, Prior Lake American, Savage Pacer and Southwest Saturday will follow on Saturday, April 27.

In addition, publishing of sister newspapers in Hutchinson and Litchfield will end the last week in April and services provided by its affiliate printing plant, Crow River Press, will also cease.

The Shakopee Valley News and Chaska Herald have been publishing for more than 160 years and the Jordan Independent for 140.

Newspapers have been challenged by changing consumption habits, with advertising moving from print publications to digital channels such as Google, Facebook and Amazon, the company notes. 

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic hurt publishers, with ad revenue falling from 25% to 50% for newspaper businesses. 

MediaNews Group, a Denver-based media company that owns Saint Paul Pioneer Press, acquired Southwest News Media and Crow River Media in 2020.