The provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-597 and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-598 shall not apply in counties wherein only one newspaper is published, although it may not be a newspaper having the qualifications prescribed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-597; nor shall the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-597 and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-598 apply in any county wherein none of the newspapers published in such county has the qualifications and characteristics prescribed in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-597 (1939, c. 170, ss. 2, 4 1/2; 1941, c. 49; 1985, c. 609, s. 1.)