The 36-year-old newspaper serving Columbia and Rensselaer counties fell victim to the bad economy that has impacted the industry, the region and the nation.
      Employees were notified of the closing of the business Thursday morning.
      "It's obviously regrettable that we aren't going to be able to continue and serve the readers and advertisers with whom we've had relationships for so long," said Tom Cincotta, publisher of The Independent, which is owned by Journal Register Co. of Yardley, Pa.
      "It's particularly difficult for our fine employees, who worked very hard over the years to produce a quality community newspaper," Mr. Cincotta said.