WEBSTER CITY — The two-day trial pitting Ames’ two daily newspapers against each other ended Thursday with Vice President for Business and Finance Warren Madden and Daily General Manager Janette Antisdel testifying.

Both sides have until Jan. 24 to submit written arguments. The judge will issue his verdict 60 days from Thursday.

The lawsuit was filed by Partnership Press, Inc., the parent company of the Ames Daily Tribune, against the Iowa State Daily Publication Board and Antisdel for alleged violations of open records laws.

During the fall of 1995, both the Daily and the Tribune published a similar newspaper with the same name — University Times — furthering a lengthy disagreement.

Several months after the Daily began publishing its version of University Times, Antisdel received notice from Madden recommending the Daily cease its University Times publication. Antisdel testified that it was the Daily Publication Board’s decision to “suspend” publication.

The Daily hasn’t published its version of the University Times since December of 1995.

According to the Tribune, the Publication Board is a government body obligated to abide by open records laws because of its decision to follow Madden’s suggestion to halt the University Times. Tribune officials have requested business information from the Daily, citing open records laws.

Madden also said that the Daily receives many university benefits as an affiliated organization. Included in these benefits, he said, is purchasing discounts, tax exemption, pension plans, use of university facilities and trademarks.

However, the university also benefits from the Daily, he said. “It is a practicum and learning experience for students … and a major communications vehicle” on campus, Madden said.

Another key aspect of Partnership Press’ case is the Daily’s financial accounts with the university.

Madden and Antisdel testified that the Daily runs its payroll, purchasing and other functions through its university account.

Partnership Press lawyer Michael Giudecessi also attacked the Daily’s allocated funds from the Government of the Student Body, funds the Daily says are for paid subscriptions to the paper.

Despite Partnership Press’ argument that the Daily is a public body, Antisdel said that she, as well as everyone who works at the newspaper, is an employee of the Iowa State Publication Board, not the university.

“That was made very clear to me when they hired me,” she said. Antisdel added that she reports only to the Publication Board, not the university, the journalism department or the Board of Regents.

There is not evidence to show that the newspaper is a public arm, Antisdel said.