Effective May 1, 2025, the West Liberty Index will merge operations and become part of the Wilton-Durant Advocate News.
These newspapers, in addition to The North Scott Press in Eldridge, make up Eastern Iowa Publications LLC, owned by Blackbird Newspapers.
Beginning with the May 1 edition, residents of West Liberty and its neighboring communities can expect to see coverage of local news, school and city government, sports and obituaries under the masthead of the Advocate News, as well as coverage of events in Muscatine County.
“In today’s economy and media market, controlling costs is critical to the success of any business,” said John Elchert, COO of Blackbird Newspapers and regional publisher of Eastern Iowa Publications LLC. “Production and distribution costs continue to rise for our local community newspapers. Merging the Index and the Advocate News will help manage those spiraling costs.
“Combining the Index with its sister paper, the Advocate News makes sense. This combined product will continue coverage of important news and events in West Liberty, as well as all of Muscatine County. The combined distribution will increase the audience receiving the West Liberty and Wilton-Durant area news coverage.”
Andrea Grubaugh will continue as a reporter, with regional sports editor Ross Shinberg overseeing sports coverage. Advertising representative Braedan Garrett will also continue to serve customers in these markets.
“Our eastern Iowa newspapers are blessed with many talented and dedicated employees,” said Elchert. “They will continue to work hard to provide top-notch, unbiased coverage important to our communities and readers.”
Readers with questions may call Eastern Iowa Publications headquarters in Eldridge at 563-285-8111.