EAST SAINT LOUIS, Ill. — A local newspaper is ending production after 61 years in business.
The East St. Louis Monitor announced the decision on social media Thursday, saying the paper "has provided a critical lifeline of news and information to the community. It has been an honor and the privilege of a lifetime to continue the legacy of the late Clyde and Anne Jordan."
On State Street in East St. Louis sat a fixture that's taken its responsibility seriously.
"The man who founded this, when he founded it in the 60's, car was firebombed. He and his family's lives were threatened," said head writer Linda Lawson.
But the East St. Louis Monitor had a purpose: keep Black communities informed by any means.
"I actually started as a teenager...My very first interview was with Shirley Chisolm," Lawson said, who got the news this week. "Our Managing Editor, the owner, came in with tears in his eyes, the best boss anyone could ever have, and said 'I've taken it as far as I can take it.'"
Robin Carey-Boyd grew up in East St. Louis. She said the weekly paper is how the Metro East stayed in the know.
"There's nothing that's gone on in East St. Louis that didn't come through The Monitor. If it was your birthday, it was in The Monitor. If someone passed away, they knew it from The Monitor," she said.
That's the sentiment shared online and by phone as people continued to call the office.
"You all were one of the best to ever do it," one person posted on Facebook. "Thank you for always showcasing the photos of our students," another one added.
When a legacy comes to an end, it's not always easy to accept — especially when it's been the monitor of the biggest stories of our time.
"The chance to cover everything big or small in this community, there's no price you can put on that," Lawson said.
The company printed 4,000 newspapers every week. It printed its last issue Wednesday.
Owners said "the current business climate has not made it financially sustainable to continue," and that any money owed for subscriptions or other businesses will be refunded.
The post also asked anyone who owes money to the Monitor to take care of outstanding balances by sending payment to Post Box 2137, East St. Louis, IL 62201-2137.