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
Built-in technology helps put out Simplot fire Sunday
MOSES LAKE — Technology built into processing machinery at a Moses Lake business helped extinguish a fire before it could spread Sunday night. The fire at the Simplot – Columbia Basin processing facility, in the 2000 block of Road O Northeast, was reported at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Grant County Fire District 5 crews responded, but by the time they got there, the technology had done its work. “On our arrival, there was no smoke. The fire was out,” said Kyle Parker, captain with GCFD 5. Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski said the fire started in a fryer that had not been cleaned properly during its previous production cycle.
MLCA class of 2026 closes the door on high school
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Christian Academy salutatorian SanTahna Ferguson said graduation was the start of something new – something a little daunting, even. “We're adults now, the future of our generation. It’s kind of crazy to think that we're adults now – I mean, some of us still panic when ordering food over the phone,” she said. Ferguson was one of five seniors to receive her diploma during graduation ceremonies Saturday. She said one of the things she will take with her from high school is the friendship of her classmates.
Wenatchee Road fire briefly threatens nearby buildings
MOSES LAKE — A fire of about an acre threatened some homes and outbuildings but was extinguished within about 90 minutes by Grant County Fire District 5 and Moses Lake Fire Department crews late Sunday morning. The fire, in the 4000 block of Wenatchee Drive Northeast, was in an empty field between several residences, some with outbuildings. The fire was reported at about 11:30 a.m., said Kyle Parker, GCFD 5 captain. Crews contained the fire to the field, but one outbuilding was destroyed, Parker said.
Samaritan makes money in April
MOSES LAKE — While revenues for Samaritan Healthcare are running behind budget projections for the first four months of the year, the hospital and clinics were in the black for the month of April. However, Samaritan has lost money for the year to date through the end of April.
Wenatchee Road fire briefly threatens nearby buildings, but is contained
MOSES LAKE — A fire of about an acre threatened some homes and outbuildings but was extinguished within about 90 minutes by Grant County Fire District 5 and Moses Lake Fire Department crews late Sunday morning.
Storm of the decade
High winds toppled trees and left thousands county-wide without power
MOSES LAKE — Winds in excess of 60 miles per hour knocked out power, blew down trees and caused extensive damage as a powerful thunderstorm blew through Grant County Thursday night. “Winds at the Ephrata airport were 71 (miles per hour) at the peak,” said Dan Butler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane.
Othello man killed in accidental BB-gun discharge
OTHELLO — An Othello man died Wednesday when he was hit with an accidental discharge from a BB-gun-pellet-style firearm.
With warmer weather construction season shifts into high gear
QUINCY — School is almost out, summer is dead ahead, and the open road beckons – um, well, the open road beckons but drivers also know there are road projects, and delays, out there.
Cool cars take to the street at Spring Festival car show
MOSES LAKE — Warren Strader of Moses Lake said the sticker in the window of his 1961 Volkswagen was really a joke. He hasn’t really gone bankrupt working on cars. “I’ve got 10 more at home,” he said.
Town named new Samaritan Chief Executive Officer
MOSES LAKE — Alex Town has been named as the new chief executive officer of Samaritan Healthcare, effective May 22. Town replaces Theresa Sullivan, who retired earlier this month. Town was the chief administrative officer before becoming CEO. He has been working at Samaritan since 2017. “I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and community,” Town said in a Samaritan press release announcing the change. “Theresa’s leadership has helped build an extraordinary foundation for the future, and I’m excited to continue that momentum.”