Independent Record lays off 5

The Independent Record in Helena, Mont., has laid off a full-time copy desk editor, three part-time copy editors and a part-time sports reporter. Two open positions -- one full-time and one part-time -- also were eliminated. Publisher Randy Rickman said the economic slowdown caused the layoffs; other expenses also have been cut, he said.

(Via e-mails. Send tips and Lee news to lee.ent.watch@gmail.com.)

Lee posts 2Q profit

On the heels of furlough, layoff and pay cut announcements, Lee Enterprises announced Tuesday that it is making money.

Total revenue was $185.7 million. Operating expenses and compensation costs (part of that furlough, layoff and pay cut plan) also are down. Add it up, and Lee reported a profit of $3 million for the second quarter; this is the company's third consecutive profitable quarter.

• Editor & Publisher story
• Associated Press story
• Lee's financial release

Oregon employees required to take unpaid furloughs

Full-time Mid-Valley Group employees and managers were told Wednesday they will have to take a five-day unpaid furlough between late May and Sept. 31. The Oregon group includes the Corvallis Gazette-Times, the Albany Democrat-Herald and the Lebanon Express.

(Via e-mail. Send tips and Lee news to lee.ent.watch@gmail.com.)

Ex-Lee VP named CEO of Texas newspaper company

Former Lee Enterprises vice president Jim Hopson has been named chief executive officer of ASP Westward in Houston.

Hopson was publisher of the Wisconsin State Journal from 2000 to 2006 and was a Lee vice president for publishing. He retired from the State Journal to walk across the country and write a book. Hopson has served on the board of Westward since July 2009. Westward publishes 60 daily and weekly papers in Texas and Colorado.