Westmore News to close Dec. 20 after publishing for 60 years

December 12, 2024 at 1:15 a.m.

Bound books of Westmore News papers covering 60 years of local news fill an entire wall in the publication’s offices at 327 Irving Ave. in Port Chester. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

After 60 years in business, the Westmore News will cease publication with its Friday, Dec. 20 issue.

After running the paper founded by Bernard Abel for 40 years, Bernard’s son Richard Abel and wife Jananne will be retiring to take on new challenges and spend more time with their family members who live on the West Coast.

“Over the decades, we’ve witnessed our community grow and change and have had the privilege of sharing its stories,” Editor Jananne Abel said. “Every issue has been a labor of love—covering local events, school and government issues, highlighting residents’ achievements and holding those in power accountable.”

“I treasure the relationships I've built with readers, advertisers, community leaders and local organizations,” Publisher Richard Abel said. “The newspaper has been more than just a business; it's been our life for 40 years, a vital part of the community and a platform for voices that might not otherwise be heard.”

“Like my father, I’m a big believer in the First Amendment and people’s right to know,” he added.

The Abels took Bernard’s crusading alternative newspaper and turned it into a mainstream publication. Over the years Westmore News has published special historical and progress sections, a monthly restaurant guide and for 17 years produced a Spanish-language newspaper called America Latina. Westmore News was broken into two editions—one for Port Chester and one for Rye Brook—in 1996 to give each village its own identity.

Realizing how important a local newspaper is to a community, not wanting to create a news desert in Port Chester and Rye Brook and wishing to carry on the Abel family legacy, efforts were made to sell the paper, and a deal was in the works with a newspaper in a neighboring municipality. However, the owners of that paper got cold feet and pulled out at the last minute.

“We encourage the community to cherish and support local journalism in all its forms, as it plays a crucial role in fostering connection, accountability and dispelling rumors. Though the newspaper may be closing, we hope the spirit of community engagement continues to flourish,” Jananne said. “Maybe one or more people will step forward to fill the role the Westmore News has played for 60 years.”