Cardinal News is now accepting public notices through its website.
Cardinal has gained court approval to accept legal notices for Roanoke, Roanoke County, Salem, Botetourt County and Franklin County. More localities will be added as court orders are entered throughout Southwest and Southside Virginia.
“We are so pleased to finally be able to offer this valuable service that provides options to those who are required to place public notices, and more importantly, so that our readers are better informed of information vital to their communities,” said Luanne Rife, Cardinal’s executive director.
Virginia is the first state in the nation to allow public notices to be published in online-only news organizations as an alternative to traditional newspapers. The law was amended last year to recognize the changing landscape in local news.
Public, or legal, notices are just that: legally required notices to the public that some action affecting them might occur. Common examples are notices of zoning changes, special meetings, tax rate changes and liquor license applications.
Cardinal is using the same public notice platform as the legacy newspapers, Column.us, and will charge a flat rate, rather than by the word, for notices.
Cardinal also plans to publish in its daily newsletter a summary of the notices so that the public is better informed.
Virginia requires online news organizations, such as Cardinal News, to undergo an audit of their audiences to ensure that they are reaching people in the communities. They then must seek certification in every circuit court in which they seek to publish notices.
Cardinal News is grateful for attorney Ross Hart, who is shepherding its petitions through the court.
