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
Port of Othello breaks ground for new water tower
OTHELLO — It took a few years, but Port of Othello commissioners broke ground on a second water reservoir on port property in Bruce Thursday morning. Port Commissioner Gary Weaver said the new reservoir will mean more business opportunities in the Othello area. “The main reason we really needed the water here is so we can expand,” Weaver said. “We're kind of locked here because of our water – we had to have more water storage in order to develop this. And it's a big deal for Othello, because this gives the opportunity to bring businesses here, not just little business, but businesses with good paying jobs (and) benefits.” The new water tower will be on the east side of Booker Road and will hold about 200,000 gallons. The port received a combination of a $3.75 million low-interest loan and a $1.25 million grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board to pay for the project.
Bill expanding military, veteran benefits passes WA Senate
OLYMPIA — A bill that would extend access to state benefits and other opportunities for veterans, military spouses and other uniformed personnel has passed the Washington Senate and is pending in the Washington House of Representatives.
Young Lind-Ritzville team looks to place wrestlers on the podium
RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville Head Coach Jason Hilzer said he’s optimistic that the Broncos can get some wrestlers on the Mat Classic 2026 podium in what has been a year of growth. “We’re young. The increase in the skill level from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is huge for the freshmen and sophomores,” Hilzer said. “That’s what I’m really pleased about.”
Experience big factor for Royal boys at Mat Classic
ROYAL CITY — Royal High School boys wrestling coach Darrin Miller said his team’s experience should help them when they get to the Tacoma Dome. “We have a large group of seniors this year, so I think the consistency of showing up to practice every day for four straight years for a lot of these kids, as well as the underclassmen learning from some of those upperclassmen,” Miller said. “Everybody has just been really committed up to this point, which is what it really takes in the sport to be successful.”
Royal girls wrestlers rise to the challenge, have high hopes for state tournament
ROYAL CITY — They’ve had a lot of success on the mat, but it’s still been a tough year for the Royal High School girls wrestling team. Their coach Seth Weeks said the girls have risen to meet the challenge. Jesus Carlos Villa, the head coach who led the Knights to a second-place finish at the 2025 Mat Classic, suddenly passed in a car accident in July 2025. Coach Carlos has been missed, Weeks said.
Grant Co. solar projects moving forward
COULEE CITY — A new solar electrical generation facility near Coulee City has received a conditional use permit from Grant County officials. When it goes into operation, Dry Falls Solar is projected to generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity, said Grant County Planning Director Jim Anderson-Cook.
Wahluke qualifies two wrestlers for Mat Classic
MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School girls wrestling team advanced two wrestlers to Mat Classic 2026 in what coach Windy Lovejoy said was a learning year. “We have primarily freshmen on the team,” Lovejoy said. “There were three upperclassmen.” Her team adapted to a pretty steep learning curve, however.
Othello High next focus with EP&O levy passing
OTHELLO — Voters in the Othello School District are approving a four-year educational programs and operations levy in updated vote totals from the Feb. 10 special election released Friday. The levy proposal had 794 yes votes and 434 no votes, about 64.7% approving. Because it was a school levy, it needed a bare majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass.
Haley resigns as Quincy city administrator
QUINCY — Quincy City Administrator Pat Haley announced his resignation, effective immediately, in a press release issued by the city Tuesday morning. Danielle Marchant, the city’s attorney, declined to specify the reason for Haley’s resignation. “As a matter of policy and out of respect for his privacy, the city will not be commenting on this matter,” Marchant said.
Local REC Silicon plant remains closed as more stock issued
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake REC Silicon facility will remain closed, at least for now, as its owners announced an issuance of new stock to raise money for continuing operations and pay off debt.