The Lincoln County Commission on July 11 chose The Western News as the county’s newspaper of public record for fiscal year 2019, replacing The Montanian.

The newspaper of public record is the county’s primary choice of media outlet for the publication of items required by law — such as legal notices and job postings — and other items of public interest.

The Western News and the Kootenai Valley Record bid for the designation. Both papers bid identical prices for the insertion of legal notices, while The Western News bid lowest for display ads.

Commissioners Jerry Bennett and Mike Cole voted to accept The Western News bid. Commissioner Mark Peck was absent.

The Montanian bid June 27 to remain the newspaper of public record and won. However, the county sought new bids after learning that Montana law again requires a newspaper to have bona fide and paid circulation to be eligible.

In addition to publishing the county’s legal notices and ads in print, The Western News will publish these items online at www.thewesternnews.com.