function check_notes(Branch)
declare function set_property, fieldcount, get_property, msg, dialog_box
* begin condition
* pre:
* post:
* end condition
$insert msg_equates
$insert note_ptrs_equ

if xlate( 'NOTE_PTRS', @user4, 'NEW_MESSAGES', 'X' ) then
    NotePtrRec = xlate( 'NOTE_PTRS', @user4, '', 'X' )
    if NotePtrRec<note_ptrs_new$,1> = 'Yes' then
        * the top one is new meaning they got a new one
        MsgInfo = ''
        MsgInfo<micon$> = '!'
        Mtext = 'You have a new message from ':NotePtrRec<note_ptrs_from$,1>:'.'
        MsgInfo<mtext$> = MText
        MsgInfo<mcol$> = -2
        MsgInfo<mrow$> = -2
        Void = msg( '', MsgInfo )
    end
end
Return 0