Subscription rates for the Tri County Leader will increase Feb. 1, 2009.

The rate for customers in Smith, Rusk and Cherokee counties will be $26 per year, and those outside those counties will pay $30.

New customers, or those with renewals coming up soon, can still pay the current subscription rate of $20 per year until Feb. 1.

In addition to the increased subscription rates, the company will also be going to a slightly narrower paper in January and advertising rates increased on Jan. 1.

The basic price per column inch for retail advertising will increase from $5 to $5.25; classified rates remain the same.