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CANTON, MO. -- The Press-News Journal in Canton is under new ownership.

Lewis County’s only weekly newspaper was purchased Friday, July 9 by companies controlled by Bob Ely and Phil Calian, Chicago area investors and entrepreneurs, from the Steinbeck family which has owned it since 1968.

Much of the regular operation of the Press-News Journal will remain unchanged.

“The name is the same. The staff is the same staff as last week. We’re still putting out a weekly news product in print. What we are doing in the change is expanding the newspaper’s role in Lewis County, tapping into using more technology,” said Dan Steinbeck, who continues as Editor of the newspaper. “It’s not a decision we reached lightly. We want our paper to continue to be a vital part of Lewis County lives.”

“Phil and I believe community newspapers have a bright future. We have been looking to purchase a weekly Midwest newspaper for the past three years. We have been close a few times but the Press-News Journal is our first purchase. Counter to the thoughts of many Wall Street types, we believe small newspapers -- especially those who know how to embrace their community and provide relevant news and local information -- have great futures.  The opportunity for many of these newspapers, including the Press-News Journal, is to marry readers and advertisers and their modern on-line habits with a weekly newspaper product.,” said Ely.

“The Press-News Journal is a quality product with exceptional community relationships; a true tribute to the skills and love Dan, Jennifer, JoAnn and the entire Steinbeck family invested in building the newspaper and supporting Lewis County over the past  42  years. We are pleased we are able to work with the Steinbeck family to continue their stewardship of the  paper . We look forward to evolving the Press-News Journal from being operationally dominated by its weekly deadlines to one that includes on-line information such as daily breaking stories, a community calendar and the opportunity for real-time dialogue between readers, said Calian 

“Hopefully, readers will notice few dramatic changes to the newspaper and much greater enhancements to the website. If anyone has any concerns with the newspaper's direction, we hope they will let us know as soon as possible -- our contact information is on the website.  A community calendar and daily postings and updates of local stories may be the biggest change people see,” Calian said.

JoAnn Steinbeck and the late David Steinbeck had purchased the Canton Press-News and the Lewis County Journal, as announced in the May 30, 1968 County newspapers from the late Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Dimmitt. All three Steinbeck children - Dan, Deanna, and Jennifer - have worked at the paper at various times.

Dan Steinbeck is current editor/publisher. Jennifer Steinbeck is office manager. JoAnn Steinbeck has been bookkeeper.

The sale was coordinated through Julie Bergman of W.B. Grimes & Company Media Mergers and Acquisitons.