Additionally, other positions recently vacated by resignations will not be filled, said Ralph Gage, director of special projects.

The contraction of the work force is a direct result of the economic conditions affecting the company, he said. He added that the company will continue to evaluate its needs and opportunities in the markets it serves.

In addition to the Journal-World, The World Company publishes weekly newspapers the Baldwin City Signal, Basehor Sentinel, Bonner Springs Chieftain, Tonganoxie Mirror and Shawnee Dispatch. It also publishes news websites in those cities, plus Lansing, Eudora and De Soto.