Community newspapers strive to thrive amid pandemic challenges

MIA AZIZAH | Nebraska News Service

When the novel coronavirus swept the globe and made its way to the communities across Nebraska, community newspaper publishers like Kurt Johnson of the Aurora News-Register, witnessed how the global pandemic became a challenge much closer to home.

As businesses shut down and positive cases were confirmed in the Aurora area, Johnson said he felt the public angst grow.

And in his 20 years of running the weekly newspaper with a circulation of 2,500, he faced the unknown situation that he hopes won't last long, he said.

"There is no model to follow here," Johnson...