I would like to take a moment to clear up some incorrect information that has been reported regarding the new ownership of the Cook County News-Herald. CherryRoad Technologies Inc., more specifically our media division, CherryRoad Media Inc., acquired the paper. CherryRoad’s current corporate entity was formed in 2006. However, the company existed in another corporate entity going back to 1983. The terms of the sale of the newspaper are not being disclosed, which is a common practice in the sale of a closely held business.

Fifteen Grand LLC purchased the building at 15 1st Avenue West in Grand Marais, which houses the News- Herald. This is the transaction and associated sale price reflected in the public documents that have been reported on by another news outlet.

Now that this confusion has been cleared up, let me address the question that I imagine is on everyone’s mind. Why did CherryRoad, a nationwide technology company, purchase the Cook County News-Herald? We made this decision because we feel that we can use our technology capabilities to improve the readers’ experience, both in print and online. This year has been a tough year for local newspapers around the country. We need to look no further than right next-door in Lake County, where the News Chronicle ceased production earlier this year. In order to better fight against these economic forces, a local newspaper needs an infusion of creativity, energy, and resources.

When you look at the News-Herald, it is clear to see that Brian Larsen and Jean Marie Modl have plenty of creativity and energy. As a technology company, CherryRoad can bring all sorts of additional resources to the newspaper. Over the coming weeks, you will start to see us bring this all together into an improved experience for our readers. Working with Brian and Jean Marie, our goal is to make the Cook County News-Herald into the best local newspaper in the country.

In closing, I would like to make it clear that we purchased the News-Herald to publish a newspaper and to improve its online capabilities. We did not purchase it to have a website that also happens to print newspapers. The print edition will continue to be the primary focus of our efforts. When I visited the newspaper office in November and saw the bound volumes of every newspaper edition going back to 1891, this really made an impression on me. We at CherryRoad understand the role the printed newspaper plays in the community and the responsibility that comes along with it.

We look forward to continuing to serve the local communities in Cook County and the North Shore and hope that you will continue to enjoy our newspaper.