Is this the end?

On the front page of this week’s News Letter Journal we have a story highlighting the recent closure of the Dogie Theatre in Newcastle. This closure, according to the theater management, was brought on by both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the rising use of online streaming services and delayed new movie releases.
This leads us to question if we are witnessing the beginning of the end to not only small-town theaters but public movie theaters in general. 
With continued advances in technology and streaming speeds, it has become easier than ever to enjoy all of your favorite movie and television material at the click of a button, in the comfort of your home. While this idea seems more than enough for some, we think that public screening venues have the ability to make a comeback.
Going to the movie theater, to us at least, is less about what you are going to watch and more about the experience of seeing it on the big screen. 
Ask anyone and they are more than likely to recall the first film they saw on the big screen, who they were with and what snacks they enjoyed. This is because the experience was not about the movie but about making the memory. 
Whether they are old-time favorites or hot new releases, we can see the public, especially in Newcastle, continuing to frequent the Dogie Theatre. Not only to make memories and enjoy the entertainment, but to also support our fellow community members and the long-time local business. 
Here in Weston County we are known for rallying behind anyone and everyone whenever hardship strikes, and we know whatever the future holds, and the Dogie Theatre decides to do, the community will be behind them 100%. 
Until the future is known, we will sit here at the News Letter Journal with our fingers crossed, hoping this isn’t really the end of a staple in entertainment that has lasted several decades. That and movie theater popcorn can’t be beat!