It is shortly after 5 p.m. Friday and the telephones in the office are ringing off the hook. And that's never a good thing.

Many of our subscribers may have experienced delivery problems late last week. And for good reason.

In the course of a day or two, we've been stung by a number of delivery problems. And in some cases problems compounded.

First, a few independent contractors who deliver The Tribune to area homes decided to quit without warning. That throws a wrench into our circulation delivery system, but our circulation staff, including Norm Bartram, Jennifer Roach, Debbie Milem and Dave Malone kicked into action. And they were not alone.

Everyone in our building, from classified sales representatives to mailroom workers to pressmen helped deliver newspapers when asked.

As we rallied the troops, new carriers were contracted and headed out onto snow-slick roadways in search of those elusive house numbers.

Oh, did I mention the snow? Well, at the same time people were struggling to learn the fine art of bagging and rolling newspapers, snow was falling onto already icy roads.

As if rookie carriers and snowy streets were not enough to dampen the week, at least a handful of carriers have been fighting illness as well. Late last week, some of their woes proved too much for them. So more delivery problems ensued.

I wish I could say we didn't miss anyone's address.

But I know better, especially judging by the number of telephone calls we received in the late afternoons.

First, let me apologize for any delivery problems. Sometimes when a bunch of obstacles pile up, the best plans just don't cut it.

Hopefully, when the new carriers learn their routes and the other routes are filled, these delivery problems will melt away along with the snow.

With a little patience and persistence, we will get the delivery issues fixed.

In the meantime, if you miss your newspaper, please call us and let us know so we can fix any lingering delivery problems. Please call us at (740) 532-1441 and ask for circulation.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com.