AUGUSTA, Ga. - Morris Communications has agreed to sell The Norfolk (Neb.) Area Shopper and The Advisor in Albion, Neb., to the Norfolk (Neb.) Daily News. The Columbus (Neb.) Area Choice will be sold to the Columbus Telegram. The new ownership becomes effective July 1.

The new owners expect to continue operating the three shoppers as separate publications. The Norfolk Area Shopper will remain in its present Norfolk Avenue location under the continuing direction of General Manager Julie Hermsen and existing staff.

"It was a difficult decision to sell this portion of our free paper network, but it makes good business sense to consolidate operations in certain areas," said President Will Morris. "Our two remaining Nebraska shoppers are in communities where we also publish daily newspapers."

The two Morris free community papers remaining in Nebraska are the Grand Island Triangle, Grand Island, and Trade & Transactions in York. Morris also owns and publishes the daily Grand Island Independent and York News-Times in those communities.

Morris Communications is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, book publishing and distribution, and computer services. For more information see the company's Web site at www.morris.com.