WELCH, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Welch News announced on Monday that the outlet would be closing up shop after nearly 100 years of bringing the news to citizens of McDowell County and surrounding areas.
The news came as a shock to many, with a number of community members expressing their consternation and extending sympathies upon learning of the development.
“After nearly a century of publishing, McDowell County’s only local news source has announced plans to shutter all operations immediately barring any unforeseen circumstances,” came the announcement in the form of an article from Derek Tyson, Editor of The Welch News.
“As a little team with a big heart, we sacrificed many dreams, opportunities, and precious time with loved ones over the years. But sacrifice on that level is never sustainable long-term.”
First founded in 1927, The Welch News initially began as the Welch Daily News, and published six days a week. After nearly 50 years in business, the outlet discontinued Saturday publications in 1975 and began a Monday – Friday publishing schedule.
A sustained decline in the McDowell County population over the decades would eventually impact the sustainability of the paper itself, and by 1995 The Welch Daily News would become The Welch News in keeping with a new printing schedule of three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
“We maintained that same printing schedule through two 100-year floods and an ever-growing economic depression into a global pandemic, finally slowing to printing once a week last year,” said Tyson, expressing gratitude for the continued support throughout the lifespan of the publication.
“Thank you McDowell County for supporting us for this long. Thank you to our faithful subscribers…Thank you to the local businesses…Thank you to all our friends who just pop in to say they love us and our work. We will be grateful for you all for the rest of our lives.”
The historic publication remained based at its original Wyoming Street location throughout the duration of its existence, and in 2020 the outlet would expand to the digital realm by way of the Welch News website.
Despite the slowing of business in later years. The Welch News continued to bring fascinating content to Southern West Virginia readers, including an exclusive interview with beloved chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain.
“We have been absolutely honored to showcase achievements across our community over the years as well as work to showcase our community on a national level and beyond,” continued the release, which would go on to request space and understanding during what will undoubtedly be a challenging period of transition.
In any case, the conclusion of operations for what became a staple of Southern West Virginia media will without question have a substantial impact felt not only throughout the immediate McDowell County region, but throughout the state as a whole.
The team here at LOOTPRESS would like to acknowledge The Welch News for their unwavering dedication to bringing content to the readers of Southern West Virginia for so many years, along with the folks who made it all possible. The efforts of the team and the impact of the publication have already become an indelible facet of our state’s storied history.