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
Yonezawa roundabout construction could start mid-2025
MOSES LAKE — A new roundabout could be coming to the intersection of Yonezawa Boulevard and State Route 17 sometime in 2025, the preliminary step to development of property on the east side of SR 17. Moses Lake city officials will apply for additional funding to help pay for the project later this year.
Some road projects done, others still in progress
VANTAGE — At midsummer, many road construction projects are winding down, done or almost done, while longer-term projects are in high gear.
Samaritan Healthcare in black for first half of 2024
MOSES LAKE — Even with the additional expense of construction, increased staff costs and additional bad debt, Samaritan Healthcare is in reasonable financial shape. Samaritan generated a profit of about $1.15 million in June, and for the first six months of 2024, Samaritan was $1.67 million in the black, according to hospital district staff.
Moses Lake council accepts sleep center grant
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will continue to operate the Open Doors Sleep Center, but Moses Lake City Council members want more information on the city’s options in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision issued last month. Council members voted 5-2 Tuesday to accept an emergency housing grant which will provide funding through July 2025. Council members Dustin Swartz and Victor Lombardi voted no.
Blankenship still has projects to see through, he says
RITZVILLE — Dan Blankenship said he decided to run for a second term as Adams County Commissioner because there’s still work he wants to do. “I’ve got some projects that I’ve gotten started that I just want to see through,” he said. “I think my skill set still applies to the job. I think we’re having some successes.”
Revisions proposed to Othello home-based business ordinance
OTHELLO — The Othello Planning Commission will have a public hearing Aug. 19 to take public comment on a proposal to revise the ordinance governing home businesses.
Weise looks at balancing needs, resources if reelected
RITZVILLE — Jay Weise said he planned to run for a second term as Adams County Commissioner when he was elected in 2020, because it takes a while to learn the job and do it effectively. “There’s a whole bunch of stuff you don’t know,” he said.
JR Simplot donates $50K to CAA
Students, parents and coaches turn out to show appreciation.
MOSES LAKE — The word went out from coaches and advisors - the JR Simplot company was stepping up to help out the Moses Lake School District extracurricular program with a $50,000 donation. The coaches and advisors suggested the students should turn out to show their appreciation.
Major upgrades coming to Westshore Drive next summer
MOSES LAKE — Drivers who use Westshore Drive can get an overview of the work planned for spring 2025 along Westshore Drive, and get their questions answered, at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Moses Lake Country Club, 1373 at Road F.2 NE.
Upgrades included in Quincy 6-year parks plan
QUINCY — New playground toys, more park benches and picnic areas in most Quincy parks, a new park on Sixth Avenue Northeast and new baseball and softball fields with lights are among the components of the city’s updated comprehensive parks, recreation and open space plan.