DURANGO, Colo. (AP) — The owner of four southwestern Colorado newspapers says 11 employees have been laid off and some functions will be consolidated.

The changes were announced by Ballantine Communications and reported Thursday by The Durango Herald. Ballantine owns the Herald, The Cortez Journal, The Dolores Star and The Mancos Times.

Three employees were laid off from the Herald and eight from the Journal’s office. Two Journal employees were transferred to different positions within Ballantine Communications.

Layout, news page design and advertising design for all four newspapers will be done by Herald staff.

The Journal publication schedule will be cut from three days a week to two, on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Dolores Star will publish on Thursdays instead of Fridays. The Mancos Times will continue to come out on Wednesday.

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