This would have been announced in multiple congregations. This would be major news to every JW.
One CO in one congregation wouldn't be making this announcement.
A letter to all bodies of elders would have went out and a planned announcement date given (just like the beginning of the donation arrangement and the release of the new organized book).
why would they write a letter shortening public talks starting in '08 and then have a CO make an announcement at a local KH that public talks are disappearing?
Sounds like Minimus' mother misunderstood or she has a rogue CO.