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
Regional parks district approves first-ever budget
QUINCY — The Quincy Valley Regional Parks District is projected to generate about $4.5 million in revenue and spend about $2.08 million in 2025. District commissioners approved the district’s 2025 budget Tuesday. All the district’s income in 2025 will be its property taxes. Commissioners also approved a resolution authorizing the collection of property taxes for 2025. Property owners will pay 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to the district.
Moses Lake man pleads not guilty to murdering grandfather
EPHRATA — A Moses Lake man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder (domestic violence) in the killing of his grandfather in Moses Lake.
Othello sewer rates to increase
OTHELLO — Othello residents will see their sewer rates increase by one-half of one percent each year over the next three years. The rates became part of a discussion of current and future needs during the Othello City Council meeting Nov. 12. The rate for 2025 will be $65.42 per month for a single-family residence in the city limits. Owners of a single-tenant commercial building will pay $65.42 for the first 1,000 cubic feet of wastewater, and $2.64 for every 100 cubic feet of water in excess of that.
Consultant to be hired to examine Othello pool
OTHELLO — Othello city officials will hire a consultant to make a detailed examination of the city’s swimming pool to give city residents some options in repairing or replacing it. Othello City Council members allocated up to $150,000 in the 2025 budget to pay for an evaluation at the regular meeting Nov. 12.
Fentanyl report shows drug's impact on Central WA
Task force examines possible ways to address illicit drug that kills daily
YAKIMA — Congressman Dan Newhouse, R–Wash., said he wanted to learn more about fentanyl and its impact in Central Washington after a conversation with a constituent. “There’s an individual in my district, actually from Yakima, who called my office with a very compelling story about his family. He had two sons that, within a short amount of time, passed away because of fentanyl overdoses,” Newhouse said. “He came to the realization that something needs to be done.”
Snow, wind and rain forecast for Basin
MOSES LAKE — All things considered, it might just be best to stay home Tuesday night and add a little time to any travel plans Wednesday morning, even if it’s just to work. Snow is coming – not a lot of snow is forecast for Moses Lake and points south, but wind is coming along with the snow.
Grant PUD fiber project at the finish line
A quarter century of effort to ensure connectivity in the Basin
EPHRATA — A Grant County Public Utility District project that has been in the works since 2000 is about five miles from the finish. The last piece of the PUD fiber optic buildout is projected for completion by early December. The last section under construction is along Johnson Road Northwest, west of Soap Lake. Completion of the project will mean all PUD customers will have access to the utility’s fiber network, wrote Christine Pratt, utility public affairs officer, in a press release.
Initial review of Moses Lake city manager candidates underway
MOSES LAKE — Consultants hired to assist with the search for a new Moses Lake city manager are conducting an initial review of candidates.
Vantage Bridge to drop to single lanes in each direction
VANTAGE — Drivers should be prepared for single-lane traffic across the Vantage Bridge through Nov. 22. Crews are working on patching the bridge deck and making repairs to the guardrails, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation.
Applications sought for GCFD 8 commissioner
MATTAWA — Applications are being accepted through Dec. 6 for an open seat on the Grant County Fire District 8 commission. The goal is to appoint a new commissioner at the Dec. 9 meeting.