Two local newspapers covering southwestern Minnesota communities printed their final editions this week. Announcements in the Thursday editions of the Fulda Free Press & Murray County News, and the Nobles County Review, said the papers were closing down.

A few different factors went into the decision to close the papers, according to an announcement in the Thursday editions.

“This decision has been made due to continued health concerns for publisher Jerry Johnson, high costs of printing and postage, the increased demands for digital-over-print information, and lower numbers of subscribers and advertisers,” it said.

The announcement marks the end of more than 50 years in the newspaper business for Jerry and Louise Johnson. The Minnesota Newspaper Association said the Johnsons bought the Fulda Free Press in 1972, the Tri County News in Heron Lake in 1985, and the Nobles County Review in Adrian in 1987. The founded the Murray County News in Slayton in 1992, and also founded the Murray County ADvantage Shopper in 1994. The Shopper published its final edition on Monday.

On Friday, Louise Johnson said it was a difficult decision to close the newspapers.

“We’ve met a lot of nice people through the paper,” she said.

In their farewell statement, the Johnsons and newspaper staff said they “Want to express their deepest thanks to all who have supported the newspapers throughout the years. You have held us accountable, encouraged us and challenged us as we brought you the area news, sports and events.”