Economy forces Crested Butte Weekly to merge with the News

In a nod to the economic downturn of the past two years, the Crested Butte Weekly is closing its offices and is being rolled into its sister publication, the Crested Butte News.

Crested Butte Weekly owners Robb Hicks and Gary Stevenson made the decision April 22. “We purchased the Weekly, just as the economy began to sour,” explained Hicks. “The economic downturn severely impacted advertising at the Weekly and as much as we wanted to keep it going, we just couldn’t afford to continue operating in the same manner.”
“We lost money each and every year that we owned the Weekly,” said Stevenson. “In fact, over the past two years, we poured over a quarter of a million dollars into the community to subsidize its operation, trying to keep the paper viable. “
“We just couldn’t afford to absorb the increasing losses,” continued Stevenson. “We think the crew was doing a fantastic job and we liked the direction of the Weekly, but the lack of ads was reflective of the hardship local businesses have been feeling.”
Hicks agreed, “We want to commend the recent editors, Molly Murfee and Lisa D’Arrigo and the entire staff at the Weekly for all their hard work and efforts at producing a first-class publication. However, these efforts were simply not enough to keep the paper from losing money. We were forced to take the drastic step of laying off our staff and closing the office. However, the Weekly will live on as a section in the Crested Butte News to continue to serve the entertainment needs of our community.”
Crested Butte News editor Mark Reaman who co-founded the Weekly said this week, “Elements like the Community Profile were appreciated by both visitors and locals and we’ll find a way to add them to our paper. We think there is a desire for alternative content and we will integrate the unique features of the Weekly into the News. There is something sad about the situation but there is no doubt that we will try to continue the spirit and legacy of the Weekly and that ultimately will make the News even stronger.”
News publisher Melissa Ruch said, “The News will work hard to incorporate the much-loved aspects of the Weekly, continuing to bring readers the best in entertainment and culture in the valley.” Details have not been finalized, but look for a new Weekly section in the News this June.
Started in 1999, the Weekly focused on arts and entertainment in the Crested Butte and Gunnison areas. It was published during the summer and winter high seasons.