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The Wisconsin legislature is currently considering a bill that would give local governments the option to stop publishing a summary of their actions in local newspapers. Senate Bill 55 would allow local municipalities to post meeting minutes on their websites instead.

Removing existing publication requirements would remove important, third-party oversight of government, as well as create holes in this invaluable statewide database while also neglecting the needs of those who lack adequate computer and internet access. The WNA is asking all members to help defeat this bad public policy that undermines government transparency by:

• Calling your state senator today
• Publishing these house ads
• Running this letter to the editor

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association will hold its 2021 annual meeting virtually on Thursday, Feb. 25, via Zoom.

Traditionally held during the WNA Convention, the annual meeting includes approval of the association board's slate of officers for the upcoming year. Changes to the existing by-laws also will be proposed to reduce the number of executive officers on the WNA board. Additional details, including an agenda and instructions on how to join the meeting, will be sent out prior to Feb. 25.

Newspaper Association Managers, Inc., a consortium of North American trade associations representing the industry, has launched a website aimed at promoting legal notices in newspapers.

The website, USALegalNotice.com, provides direct access to 47 public notice websites from across the country, each of which is operated by state newspaper associations. The site allows the public to more easily access legal notices nationwide, including foreclosures, public hearings, financial reports, ordinances and resolutions, and other important government proceedings.

The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors is seeking entries for its annual Golden Quill contest, which recognizes excellence in editorial and opinion writing.

The contest is open to all newspapers that publish fewer than five days per week, including non-ISWNE members and students.

The WNA is joining with the Iowa and Minnesota newspaper associations to hold a virtual Tri-State Convention on Feb. 4-5, 2021.

Be sure to check out new, exciting changes to the program line-up, information about speakers and innovative networking opportunities this year! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your skills and meet other newspaper industry leaders.