By NEWS-TIMES STAFF

Whidbey News-Times will once again serve as the primary publisher of Island County legal notices.

The Island County Commissioners recently approved a contract with Whidbey News Group that makes the Whidbey News-Times the legal newspaper of record.

The contract was previously held by The Whidbey Examiner.

The Island County Auditor’s Office sought bids but Whidbey News Group, which owns all three publications, was the only bidder.

“Publication of legal notices is integral to keeping the public informed,” said Keven R. Graves, executive editor and publisher for the Whidbey Newspaper Group. “We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to doing the best job possible for Island County.”

The notices will be published in the twice-weekly Whidbey News-Times and its sister paper, the South Whidbey Record, and be posted on their respective websites.

The two newspapers enjoy a combined circulation of more than 9,400 and their websites receive more than 80,000 unique visitors per month.

By comparison, the Whidbey Examiner is a weekly publication with a readership based in Central Whidbey.

The newspaper was awarded the contract last year under its previous owner.

The new agreement with Whidbey News Group goes into effect July 1.