Human Remains Revealed at Local Dam Drawdown

Wanapum Dam drawdown reveals human remains

BY KATE PRENGAMAN

Yakima Herald-Republic

Yakima, Wash.

Link:

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/03/04/2859215/drawdown-eases-pressure-on-wanapum.html

While reading through my local paper, this headline caught my attention.  After reading the story, I think it failed to meet expectations due to lack of detail.  While I expected to read more about the gruesome finding, the story gave more information about the water drawdown itself.  The lede could have been more exciting by supporting the headline.  It seemed that the drawdown was the highlight of the story with the human remains part scattered in to keep us reading.  

I think more information regarding the human remains should have been included  (e.g., more information from local authorities as to whom it might be, more detail about the condition of the remains, etc.), as that is what grabbed my attention in the first place.  While reading about cracks in the spill way might be interesting to a Civil Engineer (and I stress the word might since I work with a lot of them), the story also falls short by hiding the local authorities statement regarding the bizarre find too far down.  In addition, the photo provided could have been more supportive of the headline as well (e.g., authorities carrying a bag with the remains, etc.).

On a positive note, the story had good use of quotes and a good number of sources.  Additionally, I thought the story was of sufficient length.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks/Charles

R

ead more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/03/04/2859215/drawdown-eases-pressure-on-wanapum.html#storylink=cpy