Arlington Heights, Ill.
Owner: Sun-Times Media Group
Effective: Jan. 15, 2009

The weekly paper has closed. 15 employees will be laid off from 12 suburban papers.
Sources: Wheeling Countryside; Editor & Publisher

* Updated March 8, 2009, with an additional source and number of laid off employees.

A note to our readers

January 15, 2009

This will be the last edition of the Wheeling Countryside.

One of the most difficult exercises a journalist can experience is announcing the closing of a newspaper. It means breaking a connection to the Wheeling community, to our readers and to our advertisers.

The death of any newspaper is a blow to our democracy and to your local economy. We are proud of our award-winning history serving as watchdog and as town crier.

We took pride in being your eyes and ears behind the scenes and at public events large and small. And we value our long association with local businesses.

But as much as it is a public service, the Wheeling Countryside is also a business. It must be profitable. In the current economy, it is not. Subscribers will soon receive a letter explaining circulation options including an opportunity to receive the Chicago Sun-Times.

Thank you for your loyalty and support over the years. It has been an honor to serve you and your neighbors. We are going to miss you.
Sincerely,

Larry Green

Publisher