In recent weeks, the Marshall County Journal has received numerous reports of delayed newspaper deliveries. Editor Bridget Shileny said the issue has been reported to the local post office multiple times and emphasized that the Journal has not changed how it prepares or mails its papers.
“We apologize to people for the delays and find them equally frustrating as our subscribers,” Shileny said. “We are doing nothing differently on our end and continue to label and send papers as we always have.”
The Journal is not alone. A May report from South Dakota Searchlight highlighted widespread delivery issues affecting small-town newspapers across the state. Publishers say delays are hurting subscriptions and ad revenue. Some papers report deliveries taking over a week—even within South Dakota.
In April, reports surfaced that some mail previously sorted in Huron was being rerouted to Fargo before returning to South Dakota for final delivery. That extra leg is adding days to delivery times. Despite public pushback and a previously announced pause on facility downgrades, sorting changes appear to have moved forward quietly. Publishers like those at the Wagner Post and Winner Advocate say readers often assume their subscription has lapsed, while advertisers grow hesitant.
South Dakota NewsMedia Association Executive Director David Bordewyk said newspapers haven’t changed their sorting practices, and the Postal Service has not provided new guidance. “Are they changing the rules in the middle of the game?” he asked.
The delivery situation has worsened in recent weeks. Last week, the SDNA held a virtual meeting with USPS officials for the second time. Bordewyk described the feedback from newspapers as “unprecedented,” with papers now reporting delays even to nearby towns and counties—not just out-of-state.
“We reported these problems candidly and forcefully,” Bordewyk said. “We wanted them to understand how frustrated South Dakota newspaper publishers are.”
A key topic of discussion at the meeting was a recent change in how USPS trucks service local post offices. In early June, the Postal Service ended the long-standing practice of dropping off incoming mail early in the morning and returning later to pick up outgoing mail. Trucks now stop only once per day, a change that appears to be causing additional problems for timely delivery.
As a result of the meeting, USPS officials agreed to create a reporting form so newspapers can document specific delivery issues. Another virtual meeting is scheduled for early September to continue discussions.
The Marshall County Journal again apologizes for the inconvenience and reminds readers that the paper’s e-edition is a good option if you’re experiencing delivery delays. It’s emailed to subscribers early each Wednesday morning. There is no extra cost to switch to this form of delivery. If you’re experiencing delivery problems or would like to switch to the e-edition, call the Journal office at 605-448-2281.
Temperature: 79°F Town: Britton, SD
Pressure: 1022 hPa
Wind: 9 mph
