Louisiana Town Saves Its Century-Old Newspaper for $1

West Carroll Gazette rescued by local chamber of commerce after Louisiana State Newspapers could no longer sustain it

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The West Carroll Gazette, a 116-year-old newspaper in the small town of Oak Grove, Louisiana, was on the verge of closing down after its parent company Louisiana State Newspapers could no longer keep it running. However, the local chamber of commerce stepped in and purchased the newspaper for just $1, forming a non-profit board to save the Gazette and revive its reporting capabilities.

Why it matters

The rescue of the West Carroll Gazette highlights the challenges facing local newspapers across the country, many of which have struggled to survive in the digital age. This community-led effort to save the Gazette demonstrates how local stakeholders can come together to preserve an important source of news and information for their town.

The details

After Louisiana State Newspapers decided to close the West Carroll Gazette, former Oak Grove Mayor Adam Holland and the local chamber of commerce board stepped in to purchase the newspaper for $1. They have assembled a team of full-time and part-time journalists, including the Gazette's last remaining staff member Jessica Townsend, as well as veteran editors Archie Haley and Milford Fryer. The new non-profit board plans to continue publishing the weekly print edition while also expanding the Gazette's digital and social media presence.

  • Louisiana State Newspapers decided to close the West Carroll Gazette in early 2026.
  • The West Carroll Chamber of Commerce purchased the newspaper for $1 in February 2026.

The players

Adam Holland

A former Oak Grove mayor who owns the local radio station and historic Fiske Theatre. He is a co-chair of the West Carroll Gazette Editorial Board.

Blake Aaron

A local architect who is a co-chair of the West Carroll Gazette Editorial Board.

Jessica Townsend

The last remaining member of the previous West Carroll Gazette staff, who will continue as editor under the new non-profit ownership.

Archie Haley

A previous editor of the West Carroll Gazette who has rejoined the newspaper under the new ownership.

Milford Fryer

A retired managing editor of The Advocate in Baton Rouge who has joined the West Carroll Gazette reporting team.

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What they’re saying

“I literally had people calling me who were crying.”

— Adam Holland, Former Oak Grove Mayor (houmatoday.com)

“The reaction was, 'Let's do it.'”

— Adam Holland, Former Oak Grove Mayor (houmatoday.com)

“We're excited. There are so many news deserts across the country. That won't be the case here. We're prepared to hold those in power accountable and tell our community's stories and provide a sense of place that only local ownership can do.”

— Adam Holland, Former Oak Grove Mayor (houmatoday.com)

What’s next

The new non-profit board plans to continue publishing the West Carroll Gazette's weekly print edition while also expanding its digital and social media platforms to better serve the community.

The takeaway

The rescue of the West Carroll Gazette demonstrates how local stakeholders can come together to save an important community institution like a small-town newspaper in the face of broader industry challenges. This community-led effort could serve as a model for other towns looking to preserve their local sources of news and information.