The trial date for the lawsuit against the Iowa State Daily concerning open records laws filed by Partnership Press has been postponed.

The Iowa State publications board heard a report concerning the trial from Jeff Stein, attorney for the Daily.

The continuance was sought by Partnership Press and the Daily agreed. The date for trial was Sept. 11 and 12, and is now scheduled for Dec. 11 and 12 at 9 a.m.

Janette Antisdel, general manager of the Daily, said she was concerned that since the judge has 60 days to make his decision, the Daily would not be publishing at the time of the decision due to Christmas break.

Partnership Press, publisher of the Ames Daily Tribune, The Campus Reader, and The University Times, had, through a Des Moines law firm, requested records from the Daily last November. When the Daily refused to turn over the records, Partnership Press filed suit.

Stein said the suit involves Chapters 21 and 22 of the Iowa Code which involves examination of public records for governmental bodies. He added that under these laws the Daily is not a governmental body.

Stein said, “Does this law apply to the Daily, and, if so, was it followed in regard to a request made in November of ’95?”

The Daily is a private, non-profit organization owned by ISU students, but, Stein said, Partnership Press contends that due to the Daily’s affiliation with the university that it is part of a governmental body.

In July the Daily and ISU finalized their agreement with the university, which states the Daily “is not a governmental body as described in Iowa Code Chapters 21 and 22, and is therefore not subject to adherence to Iowa Open Meetings and Public Records Laws.”

Antisdel said the agreement “puts into place in written form the agreement we’ve been working under for seal years.”

Other news

People driving down Lincoln Way today can see the new Daily billboard by Wendy’s. The Daily will also have advertising banners at ISU football and basketball events.

John Hobson, publications board president, informed the Daily of an request from ISU President Martin Jischke for a review of the Daily’s professional staff.

Thomas Beell, publications board faculty advisor, said, “If the president continues to have an interest, we need to be able to respond with factual information. The important thing is we should not be forced to alter our professional staff for political reasons.”