The Apache Junction and Gold Canyon News, in operation for more than 23 years as a weekly newspaper delivered to homes and that recently changed to online-only, has ceased operations.

“On May 6, 2020 Apache Junction and Gold Canyon News will close its doors for the final time,” according to an auto-reply e-mail from Shandi Bartnett, office and media manager for the business.

“It is with deep sorrow that I am sending this message. The Apache Junction and Gold Canyon News has been a cornerstone in this community for more than 23 years,” according to the e-mail.

Robin Barker, publisher, wrote in July 1997 at the newspaper’s 20th anniversary that she, her husband, Ed, and Chuck and Patti Baker, started the newspaper business, according to ajnews.com/site/story.html.

The AJ News’ last online publication, Vol. 24, No. 19, includes photos of staff members and others from the past years of publications and can be seen at ajnews.com. It also includes a death certificate titled “Cause of Death: COVID-19,” which states the business “says goodbye.”

Because of COVID-19, eight weeks ago many small businesses stopped advertising and the newspaper lost its main source of revenue, it states.

The AJ News stopped printing and distributing its weekly newspaper and went to online only, starting with Vol. 24 No. 15.

“We tried to balance the loss of revenue. We let go seven contracted employees, stopped printing, went digital only, and for safety reasons, started working from home. It was not enough,” the notice states.