25-year-old Monticello man buys local newspaper to save it from corporate ownership

“For me, local ownership is so important in community journalism. I think that local ownership aspect is what drives a larger trust in local media as opposed to the mainstream media,” he said.

“Our readers can find me at the grocery store, or see me at a local event and ask questions or talk about what’s happening around town. You don’t get that with a large ownership group.”

Newton acknowledges his youth but is eager to contribute to the growth of the paper’s digital offerings in a way younger generations uniquely can.