The newspaper said Wednesday that effective Jan. 11 it will eliminate distribution in 22 counties: Banks, Butts, Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Greene, Habersham, Haralson, Heard, Jackson, Lumpkin, Morgan, Pickens, Rabun, Spalding, Towns, Troup, Union, and White in Georgia, and Cherokee, Clay and Macon in North Carolina.

The move will reduce daily and Sunday circulation about 5 percent.

The company offered 215 employees severance packages under restructuring of the circulation department, but they may apply for 59 jobs created by the changes. The net reduction is 56 full-time and 100 part-time positions.