This Alabama newspaper has gone out of business after almost 120 years

The Demopolis Times, an award-winning newspaper based in Marengo County, has ceased publication.

“After evaluating the status and business outlook of the Demopolis Times, JM Media Group has decided to close down the publication,” an announcement on the website reads. “This issue, June 4, 2025, will be the last.”

The paper was one of four purchased by Jeff and Michelle Schumacher back in April from Boone Newsmedia, according to Editor & Publisher. Also included in the sale were the Andalusia Star-News, The Atmore Advance and the Brewton Standard.

Attempts to reach the Schumachers for comment were not immediately successful.

Demopolis has had newspapers since 1887, but the Times was formed when the competing Demopolis Express and Demopolis Dispatch were bought and combined in 1905 by a group of local businessmen.

Edward Cornish was associated with the paper from 1910 until his death in 1936, and it continued through several editors and owners.

In July 1941, the newspaper offices and printing plant were destroyed by a fire, according to a contemporary account by the Montgomery Advertiser. The fire started when gasoline was being used to clean the type machine. The blaze caused $15,000 worth of damage, but the paper continued and was printed in Selma.

Boone Newspapers bought the newspaper in 1979.

The Times began as a daily newspaper, then shifted in recent years to weekly printing on Wednesdays.