Monett Times acquired by local media group

A local media group has purchased The Monett Times, a publication that launched more than a century ago.

Squibb Media LLC, based in Mount Vernon, announced the purchase yesterday. Through the deal, The Monett Times is merging with the Lawrence County Record, also owned by Squibb Media.

Ryan Squibb, owner of Squibb Media, could not be reached for comment by deadline.

The announcement – published by the Lawrence County Record – indicates the deal goes into effect July 1. Starting July 3, the weekly product will be called “Lawrence County Record and continuing The Monett Times,” and it will cover Barry and Lawrence counties.

"Monett content won’t be minimized to a section of the paper, but will be found throughout," officials said in the announcement. "Longtime Monett Times reporter Murray Bishoff will also make the move to the Record, bringing with him his Monett-area beats, as well as decades of journalistic professionalism highly valued by Squibb Media."

The business is being sold by Lisa Craft, who reportedly bought The Monett Times in 2023 from CherryRoad Media. Squibb Media bought the Lawrence County Record in 2013, according to past reporting.

Monett Times subscribers will have their subscriptions honored at the Lawrence County Record, and advertisers are being welcomed, as well, according to the announcement.

Squibb Media, which operates at 312 S. Hickory St. in Mount Vernon along with the Lawrence County Record, also operates the Greene County Commonwealth.