The Dawson Community News has purchased the Dawson News and Advertiser and will merge the two publications into one weekly newspaper to serve Dawson County.

The resulting publication, Dawson County News, debuts its print edition today.

The staff of the Dawson Community News will be responsible for the new publication.

Stephanie Woody will serve as its general manger.

The Dawson Community News is owned by Swartz-Morris Media, which is headquartered in Cumming.

"We are very proud of the Dawson Community News and feel our staff has done an excellent job in providing a great weekly newspaper to the people of Dawson County. With the acquisition of the Dawson News and Advertiser and the potential for combining resources and eliminating expenses, the resultant newspaper is going to be better than ever," said Regional Publisher Charles Hill Morris Jr.

All of those who subscribe to the News and Advertiser will have their subscriptions continued with existing expiration dates for the new publication.

"We hope to make it as seamless a transition as possible for subscribers and advertisers, while at the same time improving the news product to better serve the entire community," said Morris. "This acquisition should make it clear that we are fully committed to doing business in Dawson County and look forward to being part of the community for many years to come."

The Sept. 23 edition was the last printed version of the News and Advertiser. The existing offices of the News and Advertiser will be closed, as will the newspaper's web site.

The News and Advertiser traces its roots back to the Dawson County Advertiser, which was established in 1887. In 1962, that paper was combined with the Dawson County News, which was established in 1956.

The News and Advertiser was owned by Community Newspaper's Inc. based in Athens.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Dawson County for the past 16 years. Initially, we approached the Morris organization about purchasing their newspaper. And since that wasn't a possibility, we felt the community would be best served if the two newspapers were combined. This is a dynamic area, and we wish the very best to Swartz-Morris Media and the newly-merged Dawson County News," said Dink NeSmith, president of Athens-based Community Newspapers Inc. (CNI).

CNI has nine other newspapers in Northeast Georgia, including The Dahlonega Nugget and the White County News.

Any subscriber to the News and Advertiser who fails to receive the new publication should call (770) 532-2222.

For inquiries about advertising and news coverage, call (706) 265-3384.