Update: Fergus Falls City Council Prepares for Legal Action Against The Daily Journal

The Fergus Falls City Council has set the stage for potential legal action against The Daily Journal to determine if the publication meets the qualifications to serve as the City’s legal publication.
During the January 21st meeting, Ward 3 Council Members Al Kremeier and Mike Mortenson questioned The Daily Journal’s status following significant formatting changes introduced earlier this year.
Key Developments:
• Councilmember Kremeier proposed petitioning the district court for a declaratory judgment to assess the publication’s compliance with state laws for legal publications.
• The Daily Journal Publisher Ken Hardy opposed the legal challenge, asserting that the newspaper has met statutory requirements for over 150 years.
• Despite Hardy’s assurances, Kremeier stated, “Why would you not want to prove that you are correct if you’re so confident? It’s very simple to me.”
City Attorney Rolf Nycklemoe advised the Council that the legal process could take months and cost the City over $5,000.
The Council took two actions:
1. Unanimously affirmed The Daily Journal as the City’s legal publication for 2025.
2. Passed a resolution (5-2) to authorize the City Attorney to draft a petition for a declaratory judgment. Councilmembers Kvamme and Kilde opposed the action.
This story was reported by Derek Sidian from our sister station KBRF in Fergus Falls. For updates, visit the Lakes Area Radio App.