To provide greater flexibility for those who have lost a loved one, the Eagle is implementing new policies for its free obituaries.

Obituaries up to 300 words will be edited less, primarily for spelling and punctuation. The Eagle reserves the right to edit any information submitted for this free service we provide the community, but the intent is to provide families more freedom in the drafting of an obituary. One color mugshot photo may be published with a free obituary.

Obituaries should still include the person’s name, age, residence, date and place of death, funeral information, date and place of birth, parents and surviving and predeceased family members. Childhood, education, armed forces, occupation, organization, hobby, family and other information can be included as space allows.

Obituaries longer than 300 words must be published as paid memorials. The cost is based on the size, which is billed at the nonprofit rate of $6.10 per column inch for black and white. A single, mugshot-size color photo may be included in a black and white obituary for an additional $5. For large or multiple photos or a full color obituary, the standard color rate of $5 per column inch applies.

Death notices and service notices will still be edited and published for free.

Send obituaries and notices by email, office@bmeagle.com; fax, 541-575-1244; or mail, 195 N. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845. For more information, or to inquire about a paid memorial, call 541-575-0710.