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HOUGHTON - Now, like never before, newspapers across the United States are struggling. Companies of all types are tightening their budgets, and that quickly trickles to newspapers that have already been battling with changes in technology. For Houghton and The Daily Mining Gazette, it hasn't been a problem.

"Everybody's been hearing the challenges of the printing industry," Michael Scott, publisher at The Daily Mining Gazette said. "And The Daily Mining Gazette has worked hard to secure its future.

"Over the last 150 years that we've been in business, we've seen a lot of changes."

To combat the changes, The Daily Mining Gazette has adapted in many ways. Most recently, The Daily Mining Gazette added a new computer-to-plate machine.

"The machine allows us to send our paginated pages via computer to be processed, resulting in a completed aluminum plate that is press-ready," Scott said. "It's basically a machine that has four machines in one."

This eliminates the old four-step process through separate machines that left DMG open for reproduction errors and took some extra time to complete, according to Scott.

"The machine is a large investment for us, and falls right in line with the plans that we have for our continued commitment to covering the news and events of the Copper Country," Scott added.

Besides the added efficiency, the new machine also helps the DMG's efforts at being "green."

All of the paper printed at The Daily Mining Gazette is 100 percent recycled. All of the ink used is soy-based, and therefore is completely recyclable and environmentally clean. The new CTP machine cuts down on the chemicals used in the printing process and the aluminum plates are completely recyclable. The DMG has also put in efforts over the past year to recycle all paper waste inside of the office.

Improvements are also constantly being made to the Mining Gazette's Web edition. The Web site has been very popular among readers and helped the Mining Gazette step into the 21st century.

"Combining both our print and online editions, our daily readership has never been better," Scott said. "What this means to the communities we serve in the four-county area is that more people are informed of news and community events, along with advertisers being able to reach more potential customers than ever.

"The progress we've made over the last few years, embracing the challenges in our industry by planning ahead and making strategic changes has given us this strength," Scott added. "While celebrating our 150th year, our sesquicentennial, we look forward to the next 150 years in this community."

Michael H. Babcock can be reached at mbabcock@mininggazette.com.