The Dakota Scout is the new official paper for the City of Sioux Falls’ public notices.
State law requires local governments to publish certain legal proceedings and announcements. Contracts to publish these notices can be a source of revenue for local newspapers.
The legislature passed a bill earlier this year changing the rules to allow free distribution newspapers to publish public notices. This allowed the Dakota Scout to be eligible and challenge the long-standing contract holder, Argus Leader.
In an 8-0 vote, the city council gave the rights to the two-year-old publication due to cost savings and local ownership.
The Dakota Scout proposal was 70 percent of the current rate the Argus Leader charges.
The next bid is in June 2025.
