It is difficult to realize that only about two weeks after a “Letter to our readers” in which Doug Bennett from Ballantine Communications stated: “We value our partnership with our subscribers ...” And, presumably, our advertisers, that Ballantine newspapers will no longer be printed in Colorado. Newspapers have been printed continuously in Montezuma County for more than 125 years. It would be understandable to cease printing in Cortez if the facility or equipment here had become obsolete. However, that is clearly not the case. The printing plant where this work is being moved to — in Farmington — is reportedly inferior to the plant here in Cortez.
This move will have a significant negative impact on the economy of Montezuma County. In addition, it seems to me, this decision by Ballantine Communications demonstrates a clear disdain for its partnership with subscribers and advertisers here in Montezuma County. Friday, Oct. 24, the last day of newspaper printing in Cortez, was a sad day in our history here.
Greg Kemp
Mancos
