Researching and writing the cost of burial

I just got off the phone with Lisa Long, the very helpful clerk for the city of Belleville, and my head is spinning with data. I'm preparing a story about areas in Belleville's Hillside Cemetery that have been reserved for what are called columbaria, monuments in which up to 12 niches may be placed. A niche contains an individual's cremated remains.

I was working with her to develop estimated costs for alternative forms of burial, because I wondered whether the columbarium alternative was less costly. Based on our assumptions, some of which she suggested I confirm with a funeral home, it does appear as if it may be the low-cost alternative.

Sometimes when I research a story and work with a subject matter expert like Lisa, I get a lot more information than I bargained for, and I learn that the task isn't yet done - not if you want to get the story right. You need to make another phone call, and continue your reportorial journey through the development of the story.

Then, when the data is fully gathered, you need to sort out the detailed story for yourself, and the process of simplification begins, in which you need to be truthful and accurate in telling the story, taking care to include only elements that might interest a reader.

Sometimes, I love this part of the job best, but I've learned it's a process. Time to stare at the numbers, call the funeral home, confirm the numbers and write the story.