Nodaway County to cease severe weather alert texts

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Maryville Department of Public Safety and Nodaway County Emergency Management announced it will discontinue the use of Textcaster, a service which sends severe weather alerts to phones in the area.

The department announced Thursday that it would cease the use of the program by Dec. 31, 2026.

According to a news release, Textcaster restructured its fee schedule, which included raising its rates.

The department decided to discontinue the service, as there are free weather apps the community could utilize to receive severe weather alerts.

In addition, the department is also encouraging the Maryville and Nodaway County communities to look at and utilize other methods to receive severe weather alerts.

A news release said it is encouraged for families and homes to have at least two different methods of receiving severe weather communications.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service offer severe weather alerts and updates.

In addition, KQ2's Storm Tracker Weather app is available to download for free.