LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
CHRISMAN — The Chrisman Leader, one of the last locally owned newspapers in Edgar County, is in the market for new ownership. Current owners Alice and Kyle Lientz broke the news shortly after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 via a post on the Leader’s Facebook page.
“After much consideration, we would like to announce that the Chrisman Leader is for sale and Lientz Publishing will publish the last edition on August 30th,” the post explained.
Alice Lientz juggles the day-to-day operations of the Leader’s weekly publication with raising and homeschooling her two children. Struggles to maintain a proper work-life balance and growing financial concerns pushed Lientz to make a change.
“(It was) part financially motivated and it just became a lot for me to do,” she said.
While a date is set for the Leader’s final publication under Lientz Publishing, there is still hope the Chrisman Leader will continue to serve Chrisman and its surrounding area.
“We truly appreciate the support we've been shown through the years and want everyone to know this decision wasn't taken lightly. It is our wish that someone will purchase the Leader and continue its publication,” the Leader’s Facebook post read.
So far, Lientz has received one price inquiry.
The Leader boasts a rich history in Chrisman, a history the Lientz family has preserved for nearly 10 years. After moving to Chrisman to be closer to family, Alice and Kyle Lientz soon began working under the Leader’s previous owner. After the old ownership decided to step away, the husband and wife duo were left with a choice.
“Either we took it over then and there or we let it close,” she said.
They chose the former, and Alice Lientz took on the flood of responsibilities that come with running a small newspaper. Thanks to her hard work, Chrisman residents have enjoyed local news tailored to their community for the last decade. Even in the face of a massive workload, Lientz still enjoyed her work.
“There’s always highs and lows. I’ve really just enjoyed telling people’s stories,” she said, recalling an article she wrote about Chrisman’s famed state representative and senator Babe Woodyard that she particularly enjoyed.
Lientz spoke with Woodyard’s wife, Mary D. Woodyard, who later commended her for the story.
“That really meant a lot to me,” Lientz said.
Following Tuesday’s announcement, the Lientz family received an outpouring of support from the community.
“It’s been great. The community has been very supportive,” she explained, adding, “That just feels really good. Even though we are closing it down, we still have everyone’s support in the next chapter of what we do.”
Currently, Kyle Lientz works as the dietary manager at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living in Chrisman. Alice Lientz is not quite sure what her future holds, but regardless of her next job, Lientz plans to stay connected to Chrisman.
“We want to stay involved in the community and stay in touch with everybody,” she said.
To those who read the Chrisman Leader and supported their efforts to maintain a local voice for Chrisman area news, Alice Lientz voiced her deepest gratitude.
“Thank you for all the years of support,” she said. “We appreciate your support moving forward in our future endeavors.”