In a blow for journalism in Montana, it looks like one of the state's only independent news outlets has been shut down for good. Employees of the Missoula Independent received an email this morning stating that Lee Newspapers has closed the offices and they aren't to report to work or enter the building.

John S. Adams of the Montana Free Press has been discussing the story on his Twitter feed, where he notes that he began his journalism career at the Indy in 2005 and was proud to be covering stories no one else was covering. He also states that some employees didn't get the email and went to work only to find the doors locked.

Adams does report that some of the staff are gathering at a coffee shop this morning to discuss next steps, according to Derek Brouwer, one of the paper's reporters. For anyone who values unique voices in journalism, this is a tough pill to swallow - hopefully the staff will be able to bounce back, and maybe even create something better.

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