By Katie Phillips | The News-Review
To Our Readers,
A recent Letter to the Editor regarding the City of Richland’s official publication designation contains several inaccuracies that require clarification.
First, the newspaper referenced as the “Sigourney Review” is incorrectly named. The publication in question is The News-Review, which serves all of Keokuk County and the surrounding area.
Second, no one “from Sigourney” made a proposal to take anything away from Richland. Under Iowa law, cities must annually designate an official newspaper for the publication of public notices. This designation is made by the city council through a vote. Newspapers do not make that decision — elected officials do.
The designation of an official newspaper does not prevent any publication from continuing to cover city business, attend meetings, or report on community events. Coverage decisions remain independent of legal notice publication. Healthy local journalism benefits everyone.
We recognize and respect the long history of local newspapers in our communities. It is also important to note that the other publication referenced in the letter is inaccurately identified. The newspaper has operated as the Clarion Plainsman News since 2022, following an ownership transition to The Southeast Iowa Union, and no longer maintains a staffed office in Richland.
Public notice publication is governed by state statute, and city councils are responsible for making those designations in accordance with the law. Newspapers simply fulfill the role assigned by the governing body.
We appreciate readers who engage in civic matters and encourage community members to direct policy questions to their elected officials.
