LONG BEACH – You may notice some pleasing changes in Chinook Observer obituaries starting next week.

Limitations on what can be included by families in an obituary are largely being removed. This will free writers of the reports to expand listings of people who were important to the deceased as well as adding information about interests and other items of importance.

The change comes as the Chinook Observer adopts policies for obituaries that are in place at most newspapers. The expanded format is made possible by instituting a charge for the longer obituaries.

A standard price of $75 will be instituted for obituaries up to 400 words. An additional charge of $30 for each 100 words beyond the 400 words will enable those writing the reports to include as much as they wish. A picture will be included.

Meanwhile, expanded funeral notices will be run at no charge. This will assure that all families can give notice of the death of a loved one with no expense. This includes information about services.

Our new policies have come after years of listening to readers and families ask that they be able to write obituary tributes in the manner they wish. They have been eager to include a significant amount of information that goes beyond the space made available by our past obituary limitations.

Simply, we are adopting an obituary policy that largely eliminates our need to say no to family requests while also freeing them to be sure the obituary is written in a style and manner they desire. The cost of these expanded life stories will be covered by the modest charge.

This new approach to printing obituaries has proven popular with families and readers at other newspapers. Most that have gone to this policy for obituaries also have found that the tributes are more colorful and have greater reader interest.

All obituaries, as well as the expanded death notices, will also be posted on the Chinook Observer website, www.chinookobserver.com/obituaries, at no additional charge.

At the same time, the Observer will partially revert to our older policies regarding thank you letters. Simple letters of thanks of up to 100 words will continue to be published at no charge. A standard price of $30 for each 100 words beyond the 100 words will allow longer thank yous to contributors, benefactors and participants.

Please contact Marlene Quillin at 642-8181 or mquillin@chinookobserver.com to arrange publication of paid obituaries and letters of thanks. This information also is available on our website at www.chinookobserver.com.