Normally published on Tuesday, The Gazette shifts its publication day to Thursday starting next week.

This week’s issue is the last Tuesday publication of The Gazette. Starting Dec. 29, The Gazette will publish on Thursday. The move aims to provide readers with more in-depth coverage of both county and municipal government proceedings.

“The move allows The Gazette to better manage its coverage of local government,” said editor Tobie Baker. “We want to ensure that residents stay informed of news that matters to them.”

The move means that subscribers in Ocean Springs can expect to receive their newspaper in the mail no later than Saturday, according to U.S. Postal officials.

Another publication change is also planned with the Dec. 29 issue. To help save printing cost, The Gazette will transform from a 13 ¾” wide publication to a more modern 12 ½” wide newsprint. The smaller format is a nationwide industry trend, Baker said.

In related events, The Gazette hopes to partner with local charitable organizations looking for fund raising opportunities. The initiative was implemented to help boost Gazette subscriptions.

“It’s relatively simply,” said Baker. “For each newspaper subscription the charity sells, The Gazette will turn around and give that organization $5. It’s a win-win situation for the newspaper and the local charity.”

Baker explained that any charitable organization could join the partnership, and there is no limit on the number of subscriptions that can be sold to benefit each charitable organization. Each organization can choose how to sell subscriptions, he said.

“Charities can get volunteers to go door-to-door if they like or they can set up a booth outside of a local business,” said Baker. “The possibilities are endless.”

Baker also said The Gazette is examining the potential of limited same day home delivery service. Readers shouldn’t have to wait to receive the news, he said. Although details have yet to be finalized, residents could have The Gazette delivered to their front door for a nominal fee.

“It’s not a done deal yet, but we’re hoping to set up some neighborhood paper routes,” Baker said. “The effort would not only help us deliver our product faster but also put a little spending money into somebody’s pocket.”

For additional information, email thenews@oceanspringsgazette.com.