DIXON, CA (MPG) - Where there should have been a celebration of 150 years for The Dixon Tribune newspaper, there was bad news. The newspaper that was first published in 1874 by Fred Dunnicliff, Sr., published its last edition Wednesday, January 31. The business has been owned by Gibson Radio and Publishing for about 40 years.

Although there was no news article about it, Dixon Tribune columnist Bil Paul wrote, “Now, the Tribune is closing down and the issue you’re holding could well become a collector’s item…So, goodbye Trib, You’ve had a long and valuable run.”

He included a bit about its history and a tribute to Advertising Manager Sarah Villec, age 86, and Editor Jarrod Kohls.

Villec had started with the company for the Rio Vista newspaper and had worked for a few of Gibson’s other publications until Dixon’s Ad Manager David DeLeon left after 15 years for the Davis Enterprise in 2002.  Villec was then moved to the Dixon office and has stayed since. She has been with the company for more than 30 years now.

“I was planning to retire, just not this way,” she said from her home.

Villec would not comment on closing details. Some residents seemed surprised while others were expecting it, as the paper was no longer being sold in its traditional locations, timely billings were not happening, and advertisements were disappearing from the pages.

“I’ll always treasure my time at the Dixon Tribune,” said former Editor Brianna Boyd. “It was an incredible starting off point in my professional life. It gave me so much experience, and I met incredible people in the community.” She was the editor from 2005 to 2014.

“Reporting and writing on the city and the schools for ten years was so rewarding and I loved it. I’m sad to see it close,” Boyd added. “Sarah put her heart and soul in the paper and took pride in being everyone’s second mom.”