By Lucky Kidd
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A selection of an official newspaper for Reno County is on hold after the County Commission tabled final action during Wednesday’s meeting.
Two weeks ago the Commission agreed to designate the Rural Messenger, a Haven based-publication as the official county newspaper. That designation was contingent on it obtaining its periodical designation from the US Postal Service, which at last word was still pending, and matching a bid submitted by the Ninnescah Valley News in Pretty Prairie.
Ninnescah Valley News publisher Nancy Stucky spoke to Commissioners this morning and criticized that action, saying her bid was in good faith and challenging whether the Rural Messenger could qualify as an official publication and even then she said her paid circulation is greater than theirs. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman said he’s still researching some of the legal issues involved. At the time, it was indicated if the Rural Messenger could not qualify as an official newspaper the Ninnescah Valley News would be so designated in place of the Hutchinson News.
