In a column in today's Joplin Globe, Editor Andy Ostmeyer announced the newspaper is eliminating some of its comics, including Peanuts, Garfield and Beetle Bailey.
The reason, as you might expect, is money.
“Peanuts,” which has been appearing in reruns, and “Garfield” are being dropped from our weekend lineup. Both are among our most expensive comics at a time when we are having to pay careful attention to our budget.
While Peanuts and Garfield are being completely removed from the print edition, Beetle Bailey, which was inspired by cartoonist Mort Walker's experiences while stationed at Camp Crowder in Neosho, will continue to be included in the weekend edition.
Ostmeyer notes that all of the comics remain available on a link on the Globe's website.
What he doesn't mention is that many of the older readers, the ones who are most loyal to newspapers, don't ever visit the Globe's website and may never see their favorite comics again.