Among the exciting new services our Web sites are offering to users is that of text messages on topics such as severe weather alerts, sports scores, and contests and promotions. Users can subscribe to receive these as text messages or as e-mail alerts. The response has been overwhelming.

In the last week, we’ve quadrupled the number of subscribers to the function.

Some points to remember:

•  The only charge is that by a cellular carrier for receiving a message.

• We have nearly worked out a system with the National Weather Service office in Gaylord to automatically send the severe weather watches and warnings they generate. Weather, from the experts.

• We continue to contact northern Michigan districts to expand the number of those using our service to send closing and delay information. Users right now include: Johannesburg-Lewiston, Vanderbilt, Gaylord Community, Public Schools of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Pellston, Charlevoix, Concord Academy — Boyne, and Northwest Academy.  Gaylord St. Mary and Otsego Christian follow closings for Gaylord and are listed there.

• Breaking news comes from all three of our print properties in Petoskey, Gaylord and Charlevoix.

We continue to look for more ways to serve you. Click here to subscribe.