Board votes 2–1 to keep Newton Kansan as official legal notices publisher for 2026

The Harvey County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 voted 2–1 to continue contracting with the Newton Kansan to publish the county’s legal notices in 2026.

County staff reported that Harvey County Now was the only response to the 2026 Request for Proposals; it is a weekly paper with circulation 2,548 offering $6.50 per column inch. The Newton Kansan, published three times weekly with total circulation of 641, offered $2.25 per column inch and did not submit a new RFP but could be continued under the existing arrangement. Kevin Frymire, County Administrator, told the commissioners the county published about 2,220 column inches in 2024 at a total cost of approximately $4,900 and that 2026 column inches may increase.

Chad Frey, Managing Editor of The Newton Kansan, clarified the statutory requirement: "Kansas statutes require publication of legal notices by a third party (newspaper) but do not restrict publication on websites or other sources," a point commissioners discussed while weighing circulation and cost. Commissioner Terry Scott argued Harvey County Now should be selected because it submitted the only RFP and is locally owned; Commissioner Becky Reimer provided pricing comparisons from neighboring counties but opposed the increased unbudgeted cost. Chairman Don Schroeder noted circulation figures are not statutorily required and questioned whether website posting diminishes the need for newspaper publication.

After debate, Commissioner Terry Scott moved to continue using the Newton Kansan for 2026 legal notices; Chairman Don Schroeder seconded and the motion passed 2–1 (opposed: Commissioner Becky Reimer). The commission later adopted Resolution 2026-2 formally designating the Newton Kansan as the official county newspaper.