10/22/2026
Espanola has a long history of regional and local newspapers.
When Espanola was established as a company town in 1903 by the Spanish River Company, the company’s Spanish River News was the first publication with local news. It covered social events, sports, deaths, marriages, and more. After Abitibi Limited acquired the mill in 1928, its publication, Abitibi, included an Espanola Division section with local news.
In 1930, F. W. Rickaby of the Bruce Mines Spectator expanded his coverage across the North Shore. The Espanola Standard served as the local newspaper.
Published by W. J. Patterson of Little Current, The Espanola News ran from 1948 to 1950.
In 1954 or 1955, The Espanola Standard was purchased, and local editions were consolidated. The paper covered communities from Elliot Lake to Espanola.
The Espanola Times, owned by Rudy Kneer and printed in Little Current, was published from November 1958 to October 1962.
After The Espanola Times ceased publication in 1962, W. J. Patterson resumed publishing The Espanola News, which continued until 1965.
In 1965, The Espanola News was acquired, and The Espanola Standard was rebranded to feature mainly Espanola content. It continued until 1978.
The New Paper debuted in December 1973. After three issues, it became The Mid-North Weekly. In 1978, it was renamed The Mid-North Monitor, which will cease print publication October 31, 2026. The online edition will continue, and a new weekly print publication, Northern News This Week, will be delivered by mail.
Around & About began publication in 1996, featuring advertising and news items. It continues to be published today.
Explore our local history digital collection: https://esppubliclibrary.omeka.net
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1. Mid-North, August 15, 1979, microfilm.
2. Espanola Standard, Thursday, November 30, 1967, clippings.
3. Espanola Times, September 30, 1960, clippings.
4. Abitibi, “Espanola Division,” April 1929, clippings.
5. Spanish River News, “Espanola Activities,” p. 11, [1917?], clippings.
