Vermont paper extends contest

Would-be publishers have sent in essays from as far away as Australia with promises to keep a tiny Vermont weekly alive.

But the owner of the Hardwick Gazette said Wednesday he hasn’t gotten enough entries to choose a winner to take over the 127-year-old community newspaper.

Ross Connelly, who at 71 is ready to retire, came up with the $175 essay contest in June when he couldn’t sell the paper. He said he is extending the deadline for a second and final time, until Oct. 10, in hopes of reaching his goal of 700 entries. Entrants are asked to write 400-word essays detailing their experience and vision.

“Rather than walking out the door and saying goodbye ... I want the Gazette to continue,” said Connelly, who’s primarily looking for someone committed to providing local coverage.

The winner would assume ownership of the newspaper and its building, equipment, website and proprietary materials needed to operate the business.

The newspaper is printed off-site at a press not owned by it.

Chronicle News Services