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
Open house showcases new Quincy Aquatic Center
QUINCY — The new Quincy Aquatic Center is scheduled to open June 26.
Roadwork coming to Ephrata, Quincy, Moses Lake
EPHRATA — Drivers in Ephrata should be prepared for delays next week as construction crews work on chip-sealing streets around town. Ephrata City Clerk Rob Miller said crews will be working from June 29 to July 2.
Code enforcement, related issues discussed at Moses Lake town hall
MOSES LAKE — As Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz phrased it, code enforcement “isn’t exactly glamorous all the time,” but a discussion of code enforcement issues drew a crowd to the Moses Lake Civic Center Tuesday. “I greatly appreciate your comments; complaints are probably warranted in some cases,” Swartz said. “We are here also to hear all of your suggestions.”
Minor injuries in Moses Lake collision
MOSES LAKE — There were minor injuries in a collision Wednesday morning at the intersection of East Nelson Road and South Division Street.
New Othello PD chief says he encourages officers to be out in the community
OTHELLO — New Othello Police Chief Brent McFarlane said he wants to emphasize the teamwork that makes law enforcement more effective. But it’s also important to keep a focus on individual officers.
Othello man arrested for suspicion of assault, burglary
OTHELLO — At around 4 p.m. Saturday, Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 600 block of South Paddle Road for a reported domestic violence assault in progress, according to a statement from ACSO.
Herman Road construction scheduled for July
OTHELLO — The intersection of West Herman Road and State Route 17 will be getting some safety upgrades later this summer. The Adams County Commissioners awarded a $1.6 million contract for upgrades to the intersection Tuesday.
Vehicle crash ignites wildfire south of Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — Charges are pending against a Soap Lake man whose rollover crash sparked a brush fire about five miles south of Soap Lake early Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.
Job provides Othello city administrator more opportunities to serve his hometown
OTHELLO — Aaron Garza applied for the job of city administrator, because, he said, it gave him more opportunity to help his hometown. “I love Othello, and I thought to myself, ‘f anybody can hold the city administrator position with passion and with dedication, and can continue the city of Othello moving forward, and in the positive trajectory that it has been going for years, and I would want to be a part of that,’” he said. “That was my biggest reason. This city is amazing, it's getting better and better every year, and I wanted to continue to serve in an even greater capacity.”
REC Silicon to be converted from public to private company
MOSES LAKE — The owners of REC Silicon will be acquiring all the outstanding public shares of the company and removing it from the Euronext Oslo Borse. “As the company will apply for a de-listing of its shares from the Euronext Oslo Borse, it is considered appropriate to transform the company from a public limited liability company to a private limited liability company,” according to the minutes of a board meeting held Monday.
Moses Lake town hall to discuss code enforcement, beautification
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to talk about code enforcement, nuisance regulations, city code compliance and community beautification at a town hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St.
Public safety sales tax proposal to go to Moses Lake voters in November
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will be asked to accept or reject a proposal to increase the city’s sales tax by one-tenth of one percent to pay for additional public safety services. The “public safety sales and use tax” proposal will be on the November general election ballot. Moses Lake City Council members approved the proposal unanimously at the June 9 council meeting. The vote was 7-0.
Moses Lake SD Digital graduates celebrate accomplishment
MOSES LAKE — With her Moses Lake School District Digital Learning Center diploma in hand, Anahi Zamora said it had been a challenge. “I thought I wasn’t going to make it,” Zamora said. “But I did it.”
Future of aviation discussed at Flightpath presentation
MOSES LAKE — Central Washington has a lot to offer aviation and aerospace businesses, but workforce development and the state’s business climate are causing some challenges. The future of aviation in Washington and the Columbia Basin in particular was one of the topics of discussion at a daylong aviation presentation at the Port of Moses Lake.
Twelve, a Moses Lake based company, commemorates start of second phase
MOSES LAKE — The co-founders of Twelve, a company experimenting with a new process for manufacturing jet fuel, held a ribbon cutting event at their new facility in Moses Lake Wednesday, almost three years after their groundbreaking ceremony. The company’s co-founders Nicholas Flanders, Kendra Kuhl and Etosha Cave were joined by Gov. Bob Ferguson and other notable guests, including Washington state Sen. Judy Warnick and state Rep. Tom Dent, for the ribbon cutting.
Brent McFarlane hired as Othello Police Chief
OTHELLO — Brent McFarlane has been hired as the permanent Othello Police Chief. Othello City Council members approved the appointment Monday on a unanimous vote. City Administrator Aaron Garza said in a separate interview that city officials thought McFarlane would be the right fit.
Othello residents to vote on fire district annexation next spring
OTHELLO — Othello residents will be voting in spring 2027 on a proposal to annex the city into Adams County Fire District 5. City administrator Aaron Garza said Othello residents would receive a letter outlining some of the details of the proposed annexation in July. Residents will not only be asked to decide about annexation, but also about a possible increase in the assessment for fire services.
Citation issued in Rocky Ford fire
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was cited for second-degree reckless burning after sparks from some work he was doing allegedly started a fire about 13 miles north of Moses Lake Monday morning. Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplowski said the man and a friend were doing some metalwork and started a small fire, which they extinguished. The friend expressed concern about continuing to work and left, but the man decided to keep working, he said.
Port of Moses Lake power project about to enter second phase
MOSES LAKE — The next phase of a project to build electrical generation facilities at the Port of Moses Lake should be a follow-up study to determine what’s economically, technically and legally feasible. That was the recommendation of a report delivered to port commissioners on Monday.
Soap Lake class of 2026 ends high school at graduation ceremony
SOAP LAKE — Staff speaker Lee Levell gave some advice to the Soap Lake High School class of 2026 during graduation ceremonies Saturday. “There will be uncertainties no one can prepare you for. You will be forced to tackle them head-on,” Leavell said. “Life can be hard. However, life is also a gift that we must not take for granted or take too seriously. That is why, when you are faced with these challenges that you just think won’t end, it is important to remember to remember that you must find a way to enjoy yourself, because it is later than you think.
Energy report forecasts challenges without more energy sources, policy changes
EPHRATA — More demand for electricity, changing demand for electricity, constraints on the existing supply and other factors will lead to an energy shortage without some changes to Washington state goals and more flexibility in energy supply, according to a report commissioned by regional power providers. The report was reviewed by Grant County Public Utility District Commissioners May 26.
Wahluke seniors graduate amid excitement, emotion
MATTAWA — High school graduation is a milestone, and one of many. That was how seniors in the Wahluke High School class of 2026 looked at it.
Demolition of Hansen Road overpass to begin in early July
MOSES LAKE — Demolition should begin in early July on the Hansen Road overpass on Interstate 90 near Moses Lake.
New Quincy park opens, splash pad to come
QUINCY — The playground, basketball court and cement bowl are all open at the new park on Sixth Avenue Northeast in Quincy, with a splash pad due to open before the end of June. “That park has been talked about for a lot of years, so it’s really cool to see it (open),” said Quincy City Council member Andrew Royer during the June 2 regular meeting. Quincy Recreation Director Russ Harrington said the splash pad must be inspected by the Washington Department of Health before it can be used, and that’s scheduled for the week of June 15. City employees also need some training on its use before it can open, he said, and that’s scheduled for the week of the inspection.
Othello Housing Authority donates $25,000 to Othello Food Bank
OTHELLO — The new Othello Housing Authority apartment complex not only benefited its residents, but also the Othello Food Bank. The food bank received a $25,000 donation from the OHA, which Jose Garza, executive director of the food bank, said will be welcome.
Applications open for some additional surface water in OGWRP area
OTHELLO — Landowners with farmland within the area covered by the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project are eligible to apply for surface irrigation water to replace groundwater. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 22.
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.”
Samaritan Foundation raising money for residency program
MOSES LAKE — The Samaritan Foundation will be working to raise at least $2 million for a physician residence program currently under development by Samaritan Healthcare and the new Washington State University medical school.
Veterans, family members and friends remembered on Memorial Day
MOSES LAKE — Family members stood in a semicircle and recited a prayer at one end of Pioneer Memorial Cemetery Monday, while at the other end the Veterans of Foreign Wars remembered veterans with a Memorial Day prayer, “Taps” and a rifle salute.
Othello man arrested after attempting to flee traffic stop, crashes car
OTHELLO — Charges of DUI, felony eluding and possession of a firearm are pending against an Othello man after he crashed his car while allegedly attempting to flee from a Washington State Patrol traffic stop late Monday night.
Crosswalks, railroad crossings focus of Quincy street plan discussion
QUINCY — The annual review of Quincy’s six-year transportation plan also prompted a discussion of crosswalks and pedestrian safety by Quincy City Council members May 19.
QPlex design going through revisions
QUINCY — With groundbreaking scheduled for 2027, Quincy Valley Parks District board members are working on finalizing a design for the Quincy QPlex.
All Vantage Bridge lanes open for holiday travel – but expect delays
VANTAGE — The good news for Memorial Day weekend is that most road construction has been suspended from Friday through Tuesday morning. On the other hand, the weather forecast is for sunny skies, it’s a three-day weekend and it’s going to be busy out there.
No deficiencies in Wahluke School District audit
MATTAWA — An audit of the Wahluke School District didn’t find any deficiencies in the district’s federal program management or its financial reporting. It was the second straight deficiency-free audit for the district. Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said that was due to WSD’s financial staff. “I continue to be impressed with (Gabriela) Chacon, our finance director, and her team’s hard work, growth and commitment to implementing and sustaining fiscal systems,” Harlow wrote in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald
Tentative opening date set for new Quincy Aquatic Center
QUINCY — Not only a new swimming pool but a new splash pad will be coming to Quincy this summer. Russ Harrington, Quincy parks and recreation director, said there are tentative opening dates for the new Quincy Aquatic Center and the park that includes the splash pad, although it may not be ready at the same time as the park. “We’re getting close,” Harrington said. The splash pad is one of the amenities in the new park at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and E Street Northeast. The park’s playground toys have been installed; Harrington said ground cover is the last piece for those toys, and it’s scheduled for installation within the next few days. The playground toys should be ready for use by June 1.
Mobile home destroyed in early-morning fire
MOSES LAKE — A mobile home north of Moses Lake was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning. Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Sean Killion said the fire was reported at about 4:20 a.m. on Broad Street Northeast, off Airway Drive Northeast. “It was vacant,” Killion said, and no one was injured. The trailer was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, but no nearby structures were damaged, he said. The trailer was a total loss. Firefighters were on the scene about 90 minutes, he said. “The cause of the fire is undetermined, per the fire marshal,” Killion said.
Quincy vandalism incidents under investigation
QUINCY — While the Quincy Police Department has identified some persons of interest in a recent rash of graffiti incidents in the city, they’re still under investigation. Captain Jorge Trujillo said the number of incidents has declined over the last two weeks.
ML council discusses grant applications, unintended consequences
MOSES LAKE — A request to apply for a grant kicked off a discussion about road projects, how to pay for them and unintended consequences.
New summer program coming to Wahluke School District
MATTAWA — Registration is open for a new summer program for Wahluke School District elementary and middle school students, designed to mix reading and math with experiments, sports, crafts, games and art, among many other activities. The DiscoverWorks program is free for participants. Bethany Martinez, Wahluke director of migrant and multilingual services, said it’s prompted a lot of interest among students and their families. “We actually are at capacity in almost every grade, and are starting a wait list, so it’s definitely something the community is excited for,” Martinez said. “Especially junior high – those kids were (saying), ‘No, Mom, I want to go.’ And seventh grade was our first grade to fill up, which is pretty exciting.”
‘Whimsy in the Park’ in Smokiam Park May 30
SOAP LAKE — People are being invited to let their inner Victorian croquet player – or Alice in Wonderland croquet player, or court of Henry VIII croquet player – pick up a mallet at the first “Whimsy in the Park” in Soap Lake.
Contract for Hansen Road overpass to be awarded next week
MOSES LAKE — The Washington Department of Transportation expects to award the contract for replacement of the Hansen Road overpass next week. That in turn will help answer the question of a construction schedule.