Burnet Citizens Gazette closes after 35 years

BURNET – After 35 years of serving the Burnet community, the Citizens Gazette ceased to publish in July.

The decision to close came after the newspaper received word that the printing plant which produces the newspaper would be shutting down and would no longer be offering printing services to the Gazette and numerous other newspapers which it printed.

The closure of the press in Taylor was the second plant closure in recent years which affected the Citizens Gazette. The Citizens Gazette had printed for over 30 years in Georgetown at the Williamson County Sun, but that operation ended its printing services a little over four years ago, citing aging equipment and financial losses. The Citizens Gazette was able to relocate to Taylor and continue to publish, although the newspaper had to adjust its schedule and increase its travel time and cost.

The closure of the Taylor plant would have forced the Gazette to find another press with options that included travel starting at more than 100 miles away, with additional costs associated as well. The situation made the continuation of the newspaper unsustainable.

“We are being forced to basically bend to the current headwinds of the industry,” Publisher Rick Espitia said in making the decision to end the Citizens Gazette run. “I deeply regret having to say good-bye to those who have been our partners in helping Burnet stay connected as a people and a community, but it seems the decision was made for me.”

The Citizens Gazette began in November 1991 and throughout its history was recognized as one of the top small market newspapers, twice winning the sweepstakes award from the Texas Press Association for its overall coverage and presentation. The newspaper also won many other awards for individual writing, photography and news coverage.

“Perhaps it is fitting that we ended in our 35th anniversary year,” Espitia noted. “Despite the challenges of being the little guy and having fewer resources than other newspapers, we were able to put together a newspaper that consistently put out a top quality product that was respected and professionally recognized. And we never missed a deadline.”

– From the Citizens Gazette