The Wireless Emergency Notification System, or WENS, and the state’s decision to fund the service was discussed at yesterday’s Washington County Local Emergency Planning Commission meeting. WENS is the system that allows authorities to send text message alerts to people in the area. With the state funding the service, any non-emergency messages would have to be sent using an administrative account, which costs the county $3,250. Previously, WENS was funded by Washington County Public Health, Washington County Emergency Management Commission, the 911 board, and Washington County Hospital and Clinics.