What’s New in WBIW Obituaries? Recent Stories You Can’t Miss
If you’ve ever turned to WBIW obituaries for community news, you’ll notice a handful of changes over the past few months. The station’s online tribute pages have been revamped, new search filters were added, and a few heart‑warming stories have already sparked conversation across Terre Haute. Below is a rundown of the most useful updates, plus tips on how to navigate the fresh layout and share memories that matter.
Redesigned Tribute Pages Make Browsing Faster
The first thing users see now is a cleaner, card‑style grid that groups each notice by date and family name. Each card expands with a single click, revealing the full obituary, photo gallery, and a “Send Condolences” button that links directly to the family’s email address. This shift from the old list view reduces scrolling time by roughly half, according to feedback from regular visitors.
Beyond aesthetics, the redesign improves mobile responsiveness. Whether you’re on a phone in a waiting room or a tablet at home, the layout adapts without sacrificing readability. The new font size and line spacing also help older readers, a demographic that WBIW has long served.
Enhanced Search Tools Let You Find Names Quickly
Finding a specific obituary used to require typing the full name into a single search bar. Now the system offers three distinct filters: name, date range, and relationship keyword (e.g., “veteran” or “coach”). You can combine any two or all three to narrow results dramatically. For example, entering “Smith” with a date range of the past six months pulls up just a handful of entries instead of dozens.
There’s also a “Recent Highlights” carousel at the top of the page, showcasing the most viewed notices of the week. This feature surfaces stories that have resonated with the community, like the tribute to longtime teacher Margaret “Maggie” Jensen, whose former students posted video messages directly on the page.
New “Legacy Stories” Section Adds Depth
Beyond the standard notice, WBIW now includes a “Legacy Stories” sidebar for families who want to share longer narratives. These pieces can run up to 1,000 words and often incorporate scanned letters, newspaper clippings, or even short audio recordings. The first story featured was about John “Jack” Turner, a local carpenter whose handmade furniture adorned many homes in the county.
Submitting a legacy piece is optional, but the platform guides you through a simple upload wizard. You can add captions to photos, embed a YouTube clip, or request a custom tribute video from the station’s production team. The added depth has encouraged more community members to participate, turning the obituary page into a living archive.
How to Submit an Obituary or Update an Existing One
Submitting a new notice is now a three‑step process:
- Start online: Click “Submit Obituary” on the homepage and fill out the short form with basic details (name, dates, and a brief bio).
- Upload assets: Add up to five photos, a scanned newspaper clipping, or an audio remembrance.
- Review & confirm: A WBIW staff member reviews the submission for accuracy, then sends you a preview link to approve before publishing.
If you need to correct an existing entry—perhaps a typo in a date or a missing middle name—you can click the “Edit” link at the bottom of the notice. After making changes, the same review step applies, ensuring that all updates remain respectful and accurate.
Community Interaction Features Keep Memories Alive
WBIW has added a comment thread under each obituary, allowing friends and relatives to leave short messages. These comments appear after a quick moderation check, protecting the page from spam while still fostering genuine interaction. Additionally, the “Send Condolences” button now triggers a pre‑formatted email that you can personalize before sending, saving you the hassle of hunting down contact details.
For those who prefer a more private tribute, the site offers a “Private Memory Box.” After selecting this option, the obituary remains visible to the public, but any attached photos or videos are accessible only via a secret link shared with invited family members.
Where to Find Archives and Historical Records
All obituaries from the past five years are now indexed in a searchable archive. The archive page includes a “Download PDF” button for each notice, making it easy to print or save a copy for family records. If you’re looking for older entries—say, from the 1990s—you can still request them through the station’s public records department, though a modest fee may apply for digitization.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of WBIW Obituaries
Bookmark the “Recent Highlights” carousel. It updates daily and often features stories that have been widely shared on social media.
Use the keyword filters wisely. Pairing a name with a relationship term (like “veteran”) can surface hidden tributes you might otherwise miss.
Consider the “Legacy Stories” option. A longer narrative gives a fuller picture of a loved one’s impact, and families appreciate the added personalization.
FAQ
How can I view the latest WBIW obituaries?
Visit the WBIW website and click the “Obituaries” tab on the main navigation bar. The page will display the newest notices first, with the “Recent Highlights” carousel showing the most viewed tributes of the week.
Can I submit an obituary to WBIW online?
Yes. Use the “Submit Obituary” button on the obituary homepage, fill out the short form, upload any photos or videos, and wait for a brief staff review before the notice goes live.
Are older obituaries available for free?
Obituaries from the past five years are freely searchable and downloadable as PDFs. For records older than five years, you can request them from the station’s archives, though a small processing fee may be charged.
Is it possible to keep a tribute private?
Absolutely. By selecting the “Private Memory Box” option during submission, you can limit access to photos and videos to a secret link shared only with invited family members.
