The Jeff Davis County Mountain Dispatch will cease its print edition and transition to a fully digital publication beginning in 2026, citing rising printing and postal costs that continue to affect small, independent newspapers in rural communities.
The final print edition is scheduled for Dec. 24.
Under the new model, the newspaper will deliver a full PDF version of each weekly edition directly to subscribers’ email inboxes. The digital edition will be sent every Thursday morning at 6 a.m.
While the format is changing, the Mountain Dispatch said its coverage will remain the same. Local reporting, community news and other content currently published in print will continue to be available through a digital subscription.
The shift to a digital-only format is intended to support the long-term sustainability of the newspaper while allowing it to continue providing locally focused journalism for Jeff Davis County. The Mountain Dispatch serves as a paper of record for the county and publishes public notices.
Subscribers with existing print subscriptions will be able to convert to the digital edition. Readers with questions or who need assistance with the transition are encouraged to email news@mountaindispatchnow.com.
The Mountain Dispatch thanked readers for their continued support and said it looks forward to serving the community in a digital format.
