We do not subscribe to a newspaper. Can this be mounted without the newspaper section, is that a separate piece?

The newspaper port in The Hampton Mailbox and Post Kit is a separate component but must be included to assemble the complete unit. A similar option (that would not include a newspaper port) would be to purchase The Bradford Mailbox Post (Item# 546110) along with The Hampton Mailbox (Item# 739150). Both of these items are stocked in most Lowes stores and are also available on Lowes.com (type the item numbers into the search bar).