The problem is that it has to be filler. How much local news that actually matter are there in any given day? Maybe news would work better if it only got sent out when there was anything worthwhile.
I live in a similar-sized town that used to have a local paper. There may be some ongoing issue that's somewhat relevant at a given time related to rezoning or funding for schools. But, beyond that, other than a new restaurant that's opened up or whatever there's very little that I actually care about.
Reading news has neutral to negative value for me. For much content I would have to be paid to even wanting to look at it.