Behind the Headlines

Man oh man. Our phone system has been wonky for over a week now. This is highly vexing. Voice mails – forget it. Navigating the system – not going to happen. Calls coming through – it’s dicey.

For reporters this is particularly harsh. Depending on how the individual reporter works, we try to get out of the office to do a story. But that’s not always possible. Many times we’re tethered to our desks by the umbilical phone lines or the ensnaring glow of our computer screens. Other appointments, deadlines and odd schedules, combined with the size of the county, sometimes make it impossible to get to all the places we want to get to. It’s then that we make our calls or wait for calls or send out emails and hang on for responses.

This week it’s been a little like the lottery. We wait anxiously until something comes through. Hopefully it’s the call one really needs. (of course, they’re all pretty important, but deadlines drive priority.) Like right now, I’m waiting to talk to Kathy Angerer about a recent bill she authored in the House. She’s on the floor and when they take a break I’ll hear from her. What if I have to go to the bathroom?

Anyway. Those who are trying to reach us can call a direct line, email or call the main line. If you call a direct line and get no one, call the main line (734-242-1100) and leave a message in the traditional way – with a person who is writing it down.

Call now. Operators are standing by. At least until Saturday when they promise we’ll be back and ready for action.