I’ve found no official word yet, but it appears the Paducah, Ky.-based Paxton Media group has added at least one Arkansas newspaper to its holdings, the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway.
Kelly Ferguson-Sublett, who has been publisher in Conway, told friends on Facebook today that the paper was “sold abruptly last week” to Paxton Media. Her job and four others were eliminated, her note said. The publisher of the Paxton-owned paper in Russellville will also oversee the Conway paper.
Arkansas Business reported today on rumors that Patxon might acquire four GateHouse Media newspapers in Arkansas, including the Log Cabin. Also mentioned were papers in Van Buren, Newport and Heber Springs.
Paxton’s Arkansas holdings, in addition to Russellville, are in Batesville, Jonesboro and Paragould.
Ferguson-Sublett commented philosophically on the hard times facing the newspaper business. She closed: “Pray for the staff at the LCD as they go through this transition. And please continue to support your local newspaper.”
David Meadows, publisher of the Courier, was not available when I called him in Russellville today. He was spending the day in Conway, I was told.