MOSES LAKE — Residents will have a chance to sit down, share their thoughts and get to know the new leadership at the Columbia Basin Herald during a casual “Coffee with the Editor” event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. 

The informal gathering will be held at the Herald’s office, 813 W. Third Ave., and is designed to open the doors between the local newspaper and the community it serves. Attendees can expect complimentary coffee, bagels and donuts, along with a chance for conversation with Managing Editor Ken Smith, who is nearing the end of his first month in Moses Lake. 

Smith said the event is intended to foster meaningful, face-to-face connections. “It’s always good for a new editor to meet community leaders, business leaders and residents to get an idea of what’s going on that you can’t otherwise get unless you have personal engagement,” he said. “For me to be knowledgeable about the community, this is very helpful.” 

Rather than focusing solely on formal discussion, Smith emphasized that the gathering is open to anyone with an interest in the newspaper, whether they are longtime readers or simply curious about local journalism. He especially hopes to meet readers who have followed the Herald for years. 

“I’d love to see our avid readers, people who have a long history reading the newspaper,” Smith said. “They give me a perspective on the news over the years. They can educate me more than I can educate them. I’m the one looking to learn and understand the community.” 

Participants are encouraged to share ideas for future stories, discuss issues important to them, and offer feedback on past coverage. Smith said these conversations will help guide the newsroom as it continues to serve the Columbia Basin. 

“What I’m hoping to learn are the issues that matter most to people, stories they’ve cared about and stories they want to see in the future,” he said. “It’s also a chance to gain a historical perspective – where the paper has been and where the community would like to see it go.” 

Smith said the timing of the event is intentional, as he has had several weeks to settle into his role and become more familiar with Moses Lake and surrounding communities. 

“It’s been a sharp learning curve, but I’m feeling comfortable now,” he said. “I understand the community better than when I first arrived, and I think that makes for a more engaging interaction. It’s a good time for people to approach me with ideas while I still have fresh eyes.” 

Since arriving, Smith has attended local meetings, explored the area, and worked to understand the region’s unique character. He said the event is also meant to be a friendly introduction, not just a formal exchange of information. 

“It doesn’t have to be all business,” he said. “It’s a hello, how are you, nice to meet you. It’s a chance to connect face-to-face instead of through email or a phone call.” 

Publisher Bob Richardson echoed that sentiment, describing the event as an opportunity for transparency and community engagement. 

“It’s an opportunity for our community to get to know our new editor and ask questions about how we cover what we cover and why we cover it,” Richardson said. “It’s important for people to see the individuals who are the heartbeat of our newspaper, and the managing editor is a very important role here.” 

Richardson added that events like this help highlight the passion behind local journalism and strengthen the relationship between the paper and its readers. 

“We want people to see the dedication we have for the news we produce every day,” he said. 

Along with conversation, attendees can enjoy coffee – “if we were British, it’d be tea,” Smith quipped – as well as a spread of bagels, cream cheese and donuts. The relaxed setting is meant to provide a comfortable environment for discussion and connection. 

Smith hopes the event will give residents a reason to step outside their daily routine and interact with their local newspaper in a new way. 

“Let’s change things up,” he said. “Come meet the editor, have a cup of coffee and a bagel, and have a conversation.” 

While this is the first “Coffee with the Editor” event, Smith said it could become a recurring opportunity depending on community interest. 

For now, he encourages anyone interested – from civic leaders to curious readers – to stop by, share their perspective and help shape the future of local news in Moses Lake. 

Coffee with the Editor 

June 24 

9-10:30 a.m. 

Columbia Basin Herald office 

813 W 3rd Ave, Moses Lake