The Chapin Times has closed after 42 years.

Owner Dee Timmons said she and her husband Bud were unable to find a buyer.

The newspaper was founded by Lexington resident Thad Bruner Feb. 25, 1976.

He and his brother Don had worked for their patents, Wilburn and Mary Bruner, at The Dispatch News in Lexington.

The two brothers, who own Bruner Publishing in Lexington, printed the Chapin Times.

Bruner Publishing has also closed its doors.

Thad Bruner, as first editor and publisher, stated in the first issue, “The Times will seek to offer a voice, a means of communication, and a source of news for all residents in the growing Chapin area. In founding The Times, we feel that this area offers great community spirit and tremendous growth potential.”

Bud and Dee Timmons took over the paper and continued the Bruner’s vision.

In 1976, the price for a subscription was $1 a year.

Addy Dodge advertised their “unbelievable deal” for the new Dodge Aspen. It was $427 less than the Ford Granada.

The local Village Square restaurant advertised 1 meat, 2 vegetable, a salad, with coffee for only $2.

The town’s only grocery store, the Red & White, advertised specials: 66 cents for a dozen eggs, .79 cent a pound for ground beef and a 2 lb coffee can for $2.99.

A 64-ounce Pepsi was just .69 cents.

“Bud’s illness has become increasingly debilitating and that has made it difficult for us to produce the paper each week,” Dee Timmons said.

“Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult for newspapers to survive with rising publication costs, declining numbers of subscriptions and ever-increasing competition for advertising dollars.”

Chapin Town Hall media coordinator Nicholle Burroughs is concerned about the legal ramifications since the town has to send notices on town meetings, and agendas to a local news source and is looking for solutions.

The Chapin Times will be missed.

We offer a grateful thanks to the Timmons family for their 42 years of service to the community and local journalism.