Spring must be near
This newspaper does not publish unsigned "letters to the editor" nor does it stoop so low as a neighboring free publication to print fictitious questions to itself.
A recent example was used for opportunity to spread highly misleading information in regard to legal publications. Clarification is called for.
The three traditional newspapers of Marion County all are fully certified by state law as "legal publications." They have been published for the prescribed number of years, have paid-in-advance subscription lists, and have what is termed "general circulation."
The rate they charge for publishing legal notices is well below what state law allows. And in the case of official county public notices the rate is much below what the law allows. Notices are published in two of the newspapers absolutely free of charge. County notices are published at the reduced rate in one newspaper and free in the other two. The public is getting a good deal.
However, each year the competition seeks local approval to become a publisher of legal notices.
Two basic points are not met.
1.) Their "free" newspaper can not qualify, due to state law which insists on a paid-in-advance mailing list. Therefore, publication in that newspaper can't be considered. It isn't legal.
2.) Their recently established satellite publication as a subterfuge has only a ridiculously minimal paid-in-advance mailing list which can't be considered "general circulation." It is a limited circulation newspaper while the three traditional newspapers each qualify as having "general circulation."
Unless those limitations can be overcome, all legal publications must be printed in one of the three approved newspapers which serve Marion County.
The owners of those three publications continue to pledge good service, accuracy, and fees below what's approved by state law. The fee will not be increased in 2003, but remain at the same rate as for the past several years.
— BILL MEYER
