• by Ray Schultz , November 28, 2024

Two Oklahoma newspapers, the Cleveland American and the Hominy News-Progress, were slated to publish their final editions on Wednesday.  

In addition, a third paper, the Pawnee Chief, was to be sold or closed, Newson6.com reports, quoting Publisher Rusty Ferguson. There is a potential  buyer, but a deal has not been reached. 

Ferguson blames the conditions in the industry for the closures.  

“When you can't pay your bills and debt starts climbing, you've got to do something,” he said, according to newson6.com. 

Subscription and advertising revenue have fallen for all three newspapers. To support the products, Ferguson has taken a job as a history teacher at Cleveland Middle School.