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Ely Echo Publisher Nick Wognum announced that starting with the Sept. 19, 2024 edition, the newspaper will be printed at Northstar Media in Cambridge, MN.
Northstar Media is a family- owned printing operation, and will be able to handle the Echo’s current operations, which includes the North Country Saver that is delivered to everyone within 25 miles of Ely.
The newspaper size will remain the same, and Northstar will also be able to handle the special sections the Echo prints throughout the year including the Progress Edition.
The change is being made due to the impending closing of the printing plant in Brainerd.
“We printed the paper right here in Ely for many years but that changed when we moved to our new location on Chapman Street. Since then we’ve had four plants close on us, International Falls, Hibbing, Duluth and Brainerd,” said Wognum. “We’re really hoping Cambridge will be a longterm arrangement.
“Northstar has a topnotch reputation and produces a high-quality product.
Like the Echo, it is a family- owned company. We did look at other vendors capable of handling our operation including a printing plant over in Detroit Lakes, and Northstar’s plant stood out. I believe they can produce the best product, with the flexibility we need, and the least disruption.”
What will be changing?
Due in large part to the postage increase put in place by the U.S. Postal Service in July and other cost increases there will be a change in subscription rates.
“The change in printing plants is one of the reasons for the increases, but not the only one,” said Wognum. “We have received two major postal increases in the past 12 months. And, inflation has also hit us hard the last two years. Subscription price changes are needed to address these increasing expenses.”
One thing that won’t change will be the deadlines and when subscribers will receive their papers.
“Northstar worked with us to accommodate our timelines and the shipping schedule so this should be a seamless transition,” said Wognum.
Newsstand deliveries will remain the same and the timing of the online color e-edition will remain on Friday mornings.
If you have any concerns, you can reach Wognum at [email protected], or call the office at 218-365-3141, Monday through Friday.
