Story development takes on different forms in the world of journalism.
There are timeless stories — those that can be published anytime and entertain readers about a subject.
Then there are the fast-breaking stories. These are full of facts about an event or incident. These run in the upcoming publication and inform readers of the latest news.
And then there are the stories completed as a record of history.
These stories can be tricky as to when they should be written. Reporters run the chance that the record of history could be history before it ever hits the printed page.
It was one of those stories that I researched but never wrote because events changed too quickly.
In February gasoline prices in Minnesota hit a 13-year low. That’s not a monumental number but one that deserved some recognition in the local paper for the sake of history.
At Luverne stations a gallon of retail gas cost drivers $1.49 and the price appeared to be heading lower. The question and the hesitancy in completing the story was how low the gas and diesel prices would go before they would start rising again.
I did some preliminary research and asked a few people about how they felt about the current gas prices.
Eastern Farmers Co-op’s Dan Kindt said the low prices were bringing smiles to everybody who was filling their tanks.
“Wow. This is a lot better than last year,” Kindt reported vehicle owners saying.
Last year in Minnesota gas at the pump averaged $2.43 per gallon, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Two years ago the average was $3.36.
At almost half the price, a story on local gas prices appeared to be warranted. However, I wasn’t fast enough in putting the fingers to the keyboard.
In a matter of days, the price of gas was higher by double digits.
With the story of low gas prices no longer a timely story, my notes lingered on my computer, figuratively gathering dust.
Personally, however, I couldn’t be happier that prices are still relatively low. With a new horse trailer in our driveway, I am looking forward to trying a little camping this year.
Gas prices are forecast around the current $2.04 per gallon for the rest of the year.
It is hoped, however, that my travel plans don’t cause gas prices to rise as they did when I tried to capture history in a story.