In Fergus Falls, City Council Member Mike Mortenson raised concerns about whether The Daily Journal still qualifies as the city’s legal publication for 2025.
During Monday night’s meeting, Mortenson removed a resolution reestablishing The Daily Journal as the city’s legal newspaper from the consent agenda, citing Minnesota Statute 331A.02, which outlines qualifications for legal publications. His concern stems from the Journal’s recent shift to a “newsmag” format and a once-a-week publishing schedule, leaving it unclear if the paper meets the statutory size and format requirements.
Mortenson emphasized the importance of ensuring the city complies with legal requirements, requesting that a representative from The Daily Journal address these concerns at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
As of now, The Daily Journal is still listed as a legal newspaper by the Minnesota Secretary of State, but this registration doesn’t guarantee compliance with all criteria. The Journal has not yet commented on the issue.
For context, Becker County’s legal newspapers are the Detroit Lakes Tribune and the Frazee-Vergas Forum, ensuring DL residents have trusted publications for public notices and official updates.
Citations: Fergus Falls City Council YouTube Channel, January 6, 2025; Minnesota Statute 331A.02; Detroit Lakes Tribune, January 7, 2025.