Voices of the Copper Country communities we serve need to be heard — and they need to be heard in the most immediate manner that we can provide. Promoting the expression of those voices is an ongoing maintenance issue at this newspaper.

We’re always searching for ways to enhance those voices in the news product. The more we can do that, the more relevant and necessary this newspaper becomes to residents of Houghton, Baraga, Ontonagon and Keweenaw counties.

For some time, we have been printing letters to the editor in a forum style on Thursdays and Saturdays. While a forum format more resembles a virtual public square of diverse perspectives and viewpoints meeting in one place, holding letters for a week — and sometimes longer when there are space limitations — tend to remove the timeliness quality of letters, which sometimes are responding to recently published letters.

We have decided to change that format to give submitted letters more timeliness by printing letters daily on the Opinion Page as soon as they are available following verification. Since even before this country was founded, letters to the editor printed in colonial newspapers have been and continue to this day to be the dominant carrier of civil political and social discourse in American life.

Today’s newpapers now offer even more opportunity for the people to both express their viewpoints and report news and information to their neighbors, in both print and digital media.

At this newspaper there are several ways for your voice to be heard. In addition to letters to the editor — every person can submit one letter of up to 400 words each month, at no charge, of course — and can submit news tips and information about personal and community events through our website (mininggazette.com), email (clerk@mininggazette.com), fax (906-482-2726) or postal mail to our office at 206 Shelden Ave., Houghton 49931.

Businesses pay to get their message out, but advertising is also available to any group or individual.

Whatever way you choose, we want to hear from you. That’s our goal as your outlet for the most comprehensive local news, sports and information about your community.

A Daily Mining Gazette editorial