Citing “tough economic times,” Statesboro Herald publisher Randy Morton said Thursday the paper will merge its Monday and Tuesday editions beginning Jan. 6, 2009.
    The paper, which became a seven-day daily in 1982, will now publish Tuesday through Sunday, Morton said.
    “We looked at every option carefully and came to the conclusion suspending publication of Monday’s paper made the most sense in these tough economic times,” he said. “It’s a challenging business climate for everyone, and merging the Monday and Tuesday papers is an adjustment that is necessary.”
    The Herald is owned by Savannah-based Morris Multimedia, which owns many daily,  weekly and free publications around the United States, and several local television stations.
    Morton said the content of Monday’s newspaper, including Business Monday, would be found in Tuesday’s paper after the new year.
    “Our commitment to being the best source of local news and information has not changed,” he said. “We will roll out some things in 2009 in the newspaper and online I know our readers will enjoy.
    “We are grateful for the support of the Statesboro community that I’m confident will continue.”