MATT DRISCOLL: THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER >>>

Rumors regarding the Weekly Volcano’s demise have been greatly exaggerated â€" almost to the point of absurdity.

In the name of accurate information, here’s the scoop on what’s going with the South Sound’s premiere source for arts and entertainment coverage, which is still the Weekly Volcano:

The economy is in crummy shape. We all realize this, and I’m sure we’ve all felt it. So has the Weekly Volcano.

In an effort to cut costs and avoid layoffs, the decision has been made to stop distributing the Volcano separately of the Fort Lewis Ranger â€" another paper owned and produced by Swarner Communications, Inc.  The Weekly Volcano started as the arts and entertainment insert of the Ranger, and has always remained part of that paper, so this change really isn’t as drastic as it may sound to some. When you pick up the Ranger you’ll get the Volcano â€" it’s a package deal, and it always has been. This is the plan moving forward. It’s a cost cutting measure that will save us significant money on press runs and inserting costs. In times like these such actions are necessary. With this change our finances are extremely sound.

The decision has also been made to focus on our strength â€" which is arts and entertainment in the South Sound. The music, arts, film, dining, film and theater coverage you’ve come to expect out of the Weekly Volcano won’t be going anywhere.

We have, however, decided to cut the news section of the Weekly Volcano â€" including the Tacomic, which has obviously led to some of the misinformation that’s been floating around today. It’s a decision that pains me greatly â€" as I know it does our entire staff. We would have loved to keep the news section, and I (personally) feel like we were just picking up steam, but given the aforementioned circumstances the decision to drop news is the best course of action possible for our family-owned company.  

We appreciate this chance to clarify the situation, and look forward to continuing to serve the South Sound with top-notch arts and entertainment coverage.

LINK: Weekly Volcano online