Public Information

The Public Information office serves as the central source of information that is released by Morton County. The Public Information Officer (PIO) responds to the news media and the community regarding requests for information and is available to assist news personnel in covering routine news stories and at the scenes of incidents. The PIO also assists with critical messaging during emergencies within the county, working closely with county authorities in order to provide information to the public regarding operations and/or investigations in order to help maintain public health and safety.

MEDIA GUIDELINES

Morton County is committed to creating and maintaining consistent, accurate and timely communication with all members of the media and the public regarding programs, projects, planning, activities and policy decisions of the County Commission. The County values the role media play in communicating County news and information to the public and the value of reporting the public’s views and opinions of Morton County.

Media representatives are welcome to attend all regular and special meetings for the County Commission as well as the County’s various commissions, boards and committees appointed for specific purposes.

This document establishes guidelines for the news media regarding inquiries of Morton County elected officials and staff and likewise guides Morton County elected officials and employees regarding their communication with the news media.

Ways to Stay Informed

One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by making use of the county website, www.mortonnd.org. Other ways to stay informed include:

• Review of County meeting agendas, minutes found on our website.
• Attendance at County meetings or review of televised meetings via Government Access Channel 2, in high definition on 602, and archived at https://dakotamediaaccess.org/.
• County news releases — Contact the Public Information Officer to be sure you are on the e-mail distribution list by calling 701-426-1587 or sending an e-mail to pio@mortonnd.org.
• County Facebook www.facebook.com/mortoncountynd
• County Twitter https://twitter.com/MortonCountyGvt
• Sheriff’s Office Facebook www.facebook.com/MortonCountySO
• Sheriff’s Office Twitter https://twitter.com/MortonCountySO

Inquiries from Reporters

The Morton County Public Information Officer can assist members of the media who need help determining the appropriate contact person(s) for a story, and coordinating interviews. Call 701-426-1587.

Contacting County Staff

Reporters who already know names and phone numbers of staff members they wish to interview may contact those individuals directly. A list of department phone numbers and addresses is available on our County Directory.