CHERYL SCHWEIZER
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities.
Recent Stories
Two arrested on narcotics charges after search of Moses Lake residence
MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of distributing narcotics following the search of a residence on Kathy Drive in Moses Lake Thursday.
Road projects scheduled for Grant, Adams counties in 2026
GEORGE — While the Washington Department of Transportation doesn’t have a lot of roadwork projects scheduled for the Columbia Basin in 2026, a multi-year project will be starting up for the season in about a month. Construction on the Vantage Bridge will be in its third year. “Construction resumes in March,” said Summer Derrey, assistant communications manager for the South Central region of the Washington Department of Transportation.
2 MLFD officers promoted
MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake Fire Department officers were recognized for recent promotions with a longstanding fire service tradition at the Moses Lake City Council meeting Tuesday. Newly promoted Captain Lynn Dodd and Lieutenant Mike Miner each received the badges for their new offices from members of their families.
Confluence opens new facility for pre-surgical patients
WENATCHEE — A new clinic designed to make it easier for patients to get all the tests they need prior to surgery at Central Washington Hospital was celebrated with a ribbon cutting Tuesday.
Repair, replacement under consideration for Hansen bridge
MOSES LAKE — The Hansen Road overpass could be closed for a maximum of about 24 months. Chris Keifenheim, North Central Region administrator for the Washington Department of Transportation, said Tuesday that DOT officials are considering repairing it or replacing it, but would prefer to replace it. Either solution, he said, will keep the bridge closed for a while.
Adams County Auditor will not seek reelection in 2026
RITZVILLE — Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt announced Tuesday she would not be running for fourth term. “It’s just a good time to step aside,” Hunt said.
Othello to ask for extension of ACFD 5 contract
OTHELLO — Othello city officials plan to restart conversations with Adams County Fire District 5 on a possible contract to provide fire service for the city. Mayor Ken Johnson said he and Othello City Council members met with ACFD 5 commissioners earlier this month.
New facility to support military coming to Port of Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake has been awarded a $1.2 million loan from the state Community Aviation Revitalization Board to help pay for upgrades to the area used for military exercises. Kim DeTrolio, the port’s director of finance and administration, said the upgrades will include a building for use by military units on site.
Hansen overpass timeline still undetermined
MOSES LAKE — The timeline and cost for repair – or replacement of the Hansen Road overpass west of Moses Lake will depend, in part, on whether the Washington State Department of Transportation decides to repair or replace it. Either way, said Chris Kiefenheim, administrator for WSDOT’s North Central Region, the overpass will be closed for a while.
Watershed music festival canceled for 2026
GEORGE — The three-day Watershed country music festival, one of the major events at the Gorge Amphitheater near George, has been canceled for 2026. The venue is owned by Live Nation, and its owners said during a November presentation on company earnings that at least for now, amphitheaters aren’t as popular as some other venues.