Shaw Media, owner of the Newton Daily News, and Arthur Publishing, owner of the weekly Jasper County Tribune in Colfax, have joined forces through a joint-operating agreement, the companies announced today in a joint statement.

Under the deal, the Newton Daily News will manage the day-to-day functions of the Jasper County Tribune for the next 12 months and will then have an exclusive option to acquire the company. Allyn Arthur, owner of Arthur Publishing, will serve as a consultant while the joint-operating agreement is in effect.

“This is a great opportunity for our company,” Newton Daily News publisher Dan Goetz said. “It is a big step forward for us as we look for opportunities to grow and to better serve the residents of Jasper County and central Iowa.”