Demopolis Says Goodbye to a Local Legend: The Demopolis Times Closes Its Doors

After a whopping 137 years, The Demopolis Times has officially called it a day. That's right, the newspaper that's been the voice of Marengo County since the 1800s has published its final edition. Say it ain't so!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The Times, started back in 1887 by C.A. Berbeck, has seen a lot of changes over the years. We're talking about a roster of awesome owners like Edward S. Cornish, Ben and Libba George, Hollis Curl, and Jim McKay. Then, in '79, Boone Newspapers Inc., led by James B. Boone, Jr., took the reins.

A New Chapter, Cut Short

The Boone family ran things until just recently, when JM Media Group, LLC, helmed by Jeff and Michelle Schumacher (with a combined 45 years of newspaper experience!), stepped in. They bought the Times, along with a few other Alabama papers, on May 1, 2025. Sadly, their time at the helm was brief.

From Daily to Weekly, to Gone

The Times used to hit the streets daily, but like many papers, it eventually went weekly, landing in mailboxes every Wednesday. Even with the change, the paper scooped up awards from the Alabama Press Association and was a big supporter of local arts and community events.

Part of a Bigger Story

The closure comes as the newspaper industry faces some tough times. Remember when the Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile’s Press-Register stopped printing and went all-digital? The Demopolis Times is another reminder of this shift.

A Legacy of Local News

So, with its final edition hitting newsstands, The Demopolis Times leaves behind a major legacy. Here's to 137 years of keeping Demopolis informed and connected. You'll be missed!