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
Mattawa Public Library to expand hours, add services
MATTAWA — North Central Washington Libraries officials will be expanding the hours at the Mattawa Public Library. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. four days a week, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It's open Wednesday morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Adams Co. Fire District 5 chief to retire
OTHELLO — Longtime Adams County Fire District 5 Chief Gary Lebacken has announced his retirement effective May 31. Lebacken will be replaced by GCFD 5 Assistant Chief Tom Salsbury. Lebacken has been ACFD 5 chief since 2008, but he started as a volunteer firefighter in 1982. He became a volunteer captain in 1989, an assistant chief as a volunteer in 1999, and was hired full-time in 2001.
Yakima man arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking
GRANT COUNTY — A Yakima man was arrested on possession of fentanyl and methamphetamines with intent to deliver during a traffic stop April 18.
Three injured in two separate collisions near Othello
OTHELLO — An Othello woman was injured and charges are pending against a Moses Lake man following a head-on collision near Othello Saturday evening. An Othello man was injured when his car was hit while he was directing traffic at the scene after the initial crash. According to a press release from the Washington State Patrol, Demetrio Robles, 19, of Moses Lake was driving north on State Route 17 about two miles north of Othello when he crossed the centerline and ran head-on into a vehicle driven by Nancy Cortes, 44. The collision occurred at about 8:30 p.m.
Quincy continues to consider downtown big rig restrictions
QUINCY — Semi-trucks, where they should and shouldn’t be on the streets of Quincy, is a subject of longstanding discussion, which continued during a public hearing April 15 on a proposed ordinance to change designated truck routes.
Moses Lake council votes to end support of sleep center
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will end its support of the Open Doors sleep center June 30. Moses Lake City Council members made the decision in a unanimous vote at a special meeting and workshop on homeless issues Friday.
Mattawa woman arrested for daughter’s overdose death
MATTAWA — A Mattawa woman was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of controlled substance homicide in connection with the death of her 16-year-old daughter in 2024. Ashley Perin Sandoval, 40, was arrested April 14 on suspicion of involving a minor in a drug transaction, distribution to people less than 18 years of age and endangerment with a controlled substance in addition to the homicide charge.
MLSD hires new transpo directors
MOSES LAKE — Longtime Moses Lake School District employee Dyan Ford has been named one of two people to lead MLSD’s transportation department. Ford will be the Director of Transportation,Personnel. Amiee Cook, currently director of transportation for the Prosser School District, will take over as Director of Transportation, Operations.
Moses Lake residents invited to chip and seal info night
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to an open house to discuss the city’s proposed 2025 seal coat project from 5 to 7 p.m. April 29 at the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St.
Transportation options focus of Grant Transit
MOSES LAKE — The Grant Transit Authority may be working on a pilot project to provide on-request bus service to senior citizens, starting in selected areas of Grant County. That was one of the possibilities discussed during the GTA board’s annual review Thursday.