Morning delivery gets positive reaction

MOSES LAKE — The early returns are showing a generally positive but mixed reaction to the Columbia Basin Herald’s switch to early morning delivery.

Morning delivery started Tuesday, the first time since the Herald was founded in 1941. It’s part of the newspaper’s adaptation to changing times and technology. It’s also a reaction to reader requests for a morning paper focused on local news. The Herald has traditionally been an afternoon paper.

“It’s going well,” said Herald circulation director Sue Cant. Newspapers are delivered by carriers in Moses Lake and other towns in the newspaper's circulation area, while in some rural areas it’s delivered with the morning mail. Readers who live in town and have contacted the Herald office generally are satisfied with the change, Cant said. “They are loving getting the paper early.” Mail delivery has been a little bumpier. “We’re getting kind of mixed reviews on the mail,” she said.

The Herald’s carriers like the idea of being done earlier in the day, Cant said. A newspaper subscriber in the Pelican Point neighborhood who declined to give his name said his carrier has been smiling the last couple mornings when she delivered the paper. And if the carrier is happy, that’s what matters, he said. For F.D. Huntsman, the delivery time didn’t really matter. “It’s fine,” he said – but afternoon delivery was okay too.

Dee Wheat said she likes morning delivery. “Absolutely,” she said. “It works out great for us.” Cathy Sly said morning delivery can provide more timely notification of events and activities, which Wheat said she considered an advantage also.

“A nice way to start the day out,” said Viola Steffler. “So far I like it.” Afternoon delivery sometimes meant she learned of coming events after they were over, she said, a problem solved with morning delivery.

Gary Mann’s paper is delivered to his office at Gary Mann Real Estate, and sometimes it would arrive after he was out for the day, he said. Morning delivery changed that. “Today (Thursday) it was there by 6:30 (a.m.) And I like that.”

There was a little confusion for some mail route customers, which disrupted delivery the first couple days. Smooth paper delivery requires the mailing address, Cant said, if that’s different from the physical address. People with mail delivery who are having issues should contact the circulation office, she said.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.