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
McFarlane named interim Othello Police Chief
OTHELLO — Brent McFarlane has been appointed as the interim chief of the Othello Police Department. McFarlane has been working as assistant chief since late February. Mayor Ken Johnson said McFarlane’s appointment will be in effect until city officials determine what they want to do. “We’re still undecided as to the direction we want to take,” Johnson said. McFarlane replaces Aaron Garza, who took over the job full-time in January. Garza was hired as the Othello city administrator in April and started his new job May 1.
After lengthy discussion, Royal City food truck ordinance approved
ROYAL CITY — After more than a year of discussion, Royal City has a revised ordinance governing food trucks. “Times have changed since we did the first one 40 years ago,” said Mayor Ryan Piercy. The revisions removed a section that caused a lot of discussion and debate when the ordinance was first reviewed in spring 2025. “We did away with some of the distance restrictions we had before,” Piercy said. The original ordinance prohibited a food truck from operating within a designated distance of a restaurant serving a similar menu. But because Royal City’s business district is not that big, former Mayor Michael Christensen said in an earlier interview that the restrictions limited the area where food trucks could operate. It also only applied to food trucks, so two restaurants serving similar food could operate next to each other without restrictions.
Port of Moses Lake power generation project moving forward
MOSES LAKE — Some existing Port of Moses Lake customers are considering expansion, and potential customers are looking at Moses Lake as an option. But, said Shannon Souza of Sol Coast Consulting, there are some roadblocks.
Energy and energy alternatives discussed at Newhouse summit
MOSES LAKE — Representatives of industry, government and power generation spent Monday discussing the present and future of power production at an Energy Summit hosted by Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse. Newhouse said the goal was to talk about solutions as well as challenges. “(The summit) focused on – well, a lot of different aspects of energy,” Newhouse said. “Tremendous need, that’s probably the best word for it. A shortage, which is not allowing our potential to be realized here in Central Washington. How do we address that? How do we increase the amount of energy production in a timeline that makes sense? We can’t wait years and years; we need to get things done as quickly as possible. How do we do that at a cost we can afford?”
BBCC student information not hacked during computer shutdown
MOSES LAKE — Personal information of Big Bend Community College students was not compromised as the result of a cyberattack against a company that provides system management software. Matt Killebrew, BBCC director of communications, said the college does use the Canvas system, which allows students to access class and financial information, and communicate with instructors, among other things. The company that owns the Canvas system was hacked in early May, according to information on the Wired website. “We still don’t know who did it, but we do know no important information was accessed,” Killebrew said.
No injuries reported in aircraft emergency landing
WILSON CREEK — No injuries were reported in the emergency landing of an aircraft along Road P.5 Northeast about 11 miles south of Wilson Creek Friday morning.
Road closure starts Monday near Othello
OTHELLO — Drivers should prepare for delays on State Route 17 at the intersection with West Cunningham Road in Othello as construction of a new roundabout gets to the cutting-pavement and construction stage.
Quincy man sentenced in controlled substance homicide
EPHRATA — A Quincy man was sentenced to two years in prison in connection after he pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter Tuesday. Abraham Florez Velazquez pleaded guilty and was sentenced in connection with the December 2024 death of Ariel Armas Flores, 27, Quincy. “An autopsy concluded Armas died from an overdose of fentanyl that investigators say was furnished by Florez,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a media release. In a separate interview, Foreman said that Florez was charged with a controlled substance homicide. Those are cases where the victim dies from using controlled substances furnished by the defendant.
Cause of Mattawa-area fire still under investigation
MATTAWA — The cause of a fire that destroyed a Mattawa-area wine production facility Tuesday is still being determined. “I’d say it’s still under investigation at this time,” said Derek Beach, deputy fire marshal for Grant County, Wednesday. Fire crews were briefly called back to Central Washington Wine Production Group facility and tasting room Wednesday. The fire that destroyed the facility about three miles north of Mattawa was originally reported at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Crews were on the scene for most of Tuesday evening.
Scam victim hopes to keep others from falling victim
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman lost thousands of dollars to a scammer earlier this week, a story that Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said was all too familiar. “The scammer’s career is based on the fact they’re very, very good at convincing people they’re legitimate,” Foreman said. “The contacts are meant to be convincing.” The victim declined to give her name, but said the scammers had what seemed like legitimate answers to the questions she asked. She was concerned that other people would become victims of the same scam. She also wanted people to know what it took to protect herself after she became aware of the scam.
Othello SD classes dismissed early Friday to accommodate memorial service
OTHELLO — Classes at Othello High School and McFarland Middle School will be dismissed at 11 a.m. Friday to allow the OHS gym to be used during the afternoon for a community service for three students who were killed in a collision April 25.
Othello man pleads not guilty to vehicular homicide charges
RITZVILLE — An Othello man has pleaded not guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a collision that killed three 15-year-old girls last week. Presiliano Perez-Pineda, 19, entered a not guilty plea at an Adams County Superior Court Monday morning. He is being held on $1 million bail. The trial was set for June 16, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for June 8. Perez-Pineda also was charged with leaving the scene of a collision. The charges stem from the collision about noon on April 26 on West Bench Road about one mile south of Othello.
Hermiston man sentenced in 2022 murder of Moses Lake woman
EPHRATA — A Hermiston, Oregon man has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison following his guilty plea in the March 2022 murder of a Moses Lake woman.
Delays anticipated at Othello intersection as roundabout construction begins
OTHELLO — Construction begins Monday on a new roundabout near Othello, which will mean the start of flagger-controlled traffic at the intersection of State Route 17 and West Cunningham Road.
Retiring Samaritan CEO recognized at last board meeting
MOSES LAKE — The recognition of Samaritan Healthcare commissioners didn’t go as Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan thought it would. What Sullivan thought would be recognition of the commissioners also was recognition for her.
Road Report: Road construction starting to ramp up
MOSES LAKE — It turns out that building a more pedestrian-friendly crosswalk involves digging. A lot of digging.
Moses Lake council approves fiscal sustainability plan
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members approved a fiscal sustainability plan Tuesday, but City Manager Rob Karlinsey cautioned that the work is just beginning. “In short, as hard as this might have been to adopt the plan and get here, this is the easy part. Actually implementing it goes into much greater detail and is a much heavier lift,” Karlinsey said. Council members approved the plan with a 7-0 vote. City officials will use the plan for direction when working on the 2027 budget, a process that begins in the summer. Council members started discussing a sustainability plan late last year while working on this year’s budget. The city’s General Fund, which pays for most city operations – from the Moses Lake Fire Department to the Larson Ice Rink – was combined with the street budget. Both are funded through taxes and fees.
Molahiettes bring home another state championship
MOSES LAKE — Win or lose, state championship or not, the goal of the Molahiettes dance team is always the same – do the best routine possible. The 2026 team believed they had achieved that goal with their state-winning military dance routine.
Garza hired as Othello city administrator
OTHELLO — Aaron Garza, currently Othello Police Chief, has been hired as Othello’s new city administrator. Othello Mayor Ken Johnson said Garza, an Othello native, will help with continuity in city administration. “We’re going to have him for the long term,” Johnson said. Garza is committed to Othello, Johnson said, and has education and training in public administration. Garza has administrative experience from his OPD career, Johnson said, and has support from Othello residents. “There are a lot of good qualities there,” Johnson said.
Seven arrested in MLPD, Safeway undercover operation
MOSES LAKE — Eight people were arrested Monday during an undercover operation designed to catch shoplifters and thieves at the Moses Lake Safeway, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department. “This was a special request,” said MLPD Captain Jeff Sursely in a separate interview. The investigation was conducted by the MLPD’s street crimes unit. The operation lasted four hours. “By conducting the targeted operation, MLPD and Safeway are hoping to see a visible reduction of criminal activity in the store and in the area,” the release said.
Othello Museum opens for 2026 with new, refurbished exhibits
OTHELLO — One of the newest Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce members cut the ribbon at its upgraded facility Saturday. The Othello Museum opened its doors for the summer season. “It really has a new look and new feel,” said Molly Popchock, museum board secretary. The revived museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, with museum officials hoping to extend the season to October. As befits a museum, it’s one of the oldest buildings in town, originally the Othello Methodist Church built in 1908. It opened as a museum in 1972, but a lack of heating and cooling in the building limited its use in recent years.
Rocks close one lane of SR 17 over weekend
SOAP LAKE — One lane of state Route 17 was closed for most of the weekend while Washington State Department of Transportation crews removed rocks from the cliff. The road originally was closed Friday evening and stayed closed until Sunday afternoon. “Someone driving by noticed a rock leaning out of a bluff and contacted us,” wrote Sebastian Moraga, WSDOT communications consultant, in answer to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “Our WSDOT geotechnical experts assessed the situation, (then) our contractors scaled it.” The northbound lane was closed at 5 p.m. Friday one mile north of Soap Lake, with drivers encountering alternating traffic, flaggers, slowdowns and delays. The lane was reopened at 1 p.m. Sunday. “We trimmed it first, knocked down the loose rock and then had it hauled away,” Moraga said.
Othello man booked on three counts of vehicular homicide
OTHELLO — An Othello man is being held on $1 million bail on suspicion of three counts of vehicular homicide following a crash that killed three teen girls Sunday afternoon near Othello. One of the charges will include a domestic violence enhancement, according to Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner.
Adams Road overpass will require replacement, remains closed
GEORGE — The Adams Road bridge over Interstate 90 is still closed to traffic and could be closed for some time.
Parking part of discussion on new Moses Lake development standards
MOSES LAKE — A substantial discussion among Moses Lake City Council members about street widths in new residential developments also was a discussion about residential parking and stormwater collection.
Othello roundabout construction to start May 4
OTHELLO — There was one false start, but there’s an official date for the start of construction of a roundabout at the intersection of West Cunningham Road and State Route 17.
‘Hard decisions’ part of fiscal sustainability plan process
MOSES LAKE — How to provide city services – possibly raising taxes, possibly reducing some of those services, or both, or looking for other options – was the subject of a sometimes-contentious Moses Lake City Council special meeting Tuesday. Council members are considering service cuts and asking residents to approve or reject possible tax proposals, or find other places to cut, or find other ways to raise money or shift operation of some city services to other entities, in light of deficits in the city’s general fund. It pays for many city operations, from the Moses Lake Police Department to the Larson Recreation Center. Council Member Joel Graves said it’s a challenging situation regardless. “We can’t complain, because we signed up for this, but these are hard decisions that we have to make,” Graves said.
GC Fire District 3, Columbia EMS reach agreement on new contract
QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 and Columbia EMS have reached agreement to amend the existing contract for emergency medical services. Fire District 3 Chief David Durfee said the one-year contract includes a 20% increase in the contract price.
Construction to begin this spring on Royal City road project
ROYAL CITY — The first phase of improvements to Apple Avenue Northeast is scheduled to begin this spring. Royal City City Council members voted on a contract for the project Tuesday. Public Works Director Mauricio Romero said construction is scheduled to begin either in late May or the first week of June. Council members voted on awarding the construction contract, about $903,300, to Wheeler Excavation, Benton City. Council members also voted on a $135,000 construction engineering contract with Anderson Perry, La Grande, project engineers.
Interlocal agreement could advance lake crossing study
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will take the lead in obtaining funding for an environmental impact study of a possible second crossing of Moses Lake. Moses Lake City Council members approved an interlocal agreement with Grant County April 14, and it’s scheduled for a vote of the Grant County Commissioners Tuesday. Moses Lake City Manager Rob Karlinsey told council members it’s a first step toward fulfilling one of the council’s top goals, which is to at least start studying the possibility of a second lake crossing. “We have applied for federal funding to help us study that. For us to receive that funding, we need to have an interlocal agreement with the county, because the likely locations of that lake crossing are going to be in (the) unincorporated county,” Karlinsey said.
Moses Lake Grange to sponsor candidate forum
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Grange No. 1151 will sponsor a forum where people can listen to candidates for the Fourth Congressional District from 3 to 5 p.m. May 9 at the Grange building, 14724 Road 3 SE.
Ephrata to consider impact fees for new development
EPHRATA — The possibility of adding transportation and parks impact fees for new development will be under consideration by the Ephrata City Council, starting with a discussion April 29. Community Development Director Ron Sell said development fees would be a new thing for Ephrata. “Currently we don’t have any impact fees in place. We do have a parks mitigation fee in place,” Sell said.
Surveys of Moses Lake residents show attitudes toward service cuts, sales tax increase
MOSES LAKE — About 49% of Moses Lake residents contacted as part of a survey of community attitudes and priorities said they were satisfied with the direction of the city, with about 42% saying they thought the city was on the wrong track. The biggest concerns of survey respondents centered around homelessness and public safety. The survey was part of a larger project to get public input on possible revisions to city programs due to a deficit in the general fund. “We’re trying to understand how voters look at their values and what kinds of things you might have the opportunity to do in the future as you’re thinking about corralling this budget. Where are the opportunities, where will you find resistance and (where) will you find more agreement among voters?” said Ian Stewart, of Fulcrum Strategy group, which conducted the survey.
Paving begins Monday night on I-90 from Vantage to George
VANTAGE — Drivers traveling between George and the Vantage Bridge should plan for single-lane travel and reduced speeds at night as road crews repave the section of Interstate 90 between George and the bridge beginning Monday. Sebastian Moraga, communications consultant with the Washington Department of Transportation, said in a press release that crews will be working through approximately mid-August. “Work will occur primarily at night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday each week,” Moraga said. “Contractors will repave and restripe approximately 11 miles of I-90 to extend the service life of the pavement.”
Royal City to consider rules for new soccer field
ROYAL CITY — Usage schedules for the new soccer field in Royal City’s Lions Park will be on the agenda for discussion by the Royal City City Council next Tuesday. City Finance Director Janice Flynn said the project was built with the help of a grant, which means there are some conditions for its use. The soccer field was built to provide a place for children and teens to play, Flynn said. “Because it is a youth soccer field, the youth will be given priority there,” she said.
ML Council looks at tax increases, program cuts
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members discussed what city services they wanted to keep and which ones they might decide to cut, or turn over to other operators, for three hours Tuesday, then adjourned with more discussion to come. Council members will convene a special meeting April 21 for that additional discussion. “Hopefully, (council members) can give us direction, then we can take that, put it in writing and bring it back to you on (April) 28), hopefully for adoption,” said City Manager Rob Karlinsey. The goal is to have priorities established that will be used to prepare the 2027 city budget, a process that starts in July, Karlinsey said
Othello council approves fire contract extension, commits to annexation vote
OTHELLO — After a year and a half of discussion and controversy, Othello City Council members approved a short-term extension to the city’s contract with Adams County Fire District 5 at its Monday meeting. Fire District 5 commissioners considered the contract at their meeting Tuesday night. The contract was approved by the council on a 7-0 vote. Council member Angel Garza said it’s time the two sides reached a deal. “We have to make a decision and move forward and get something done,” Garza said.
Data centers, including Sabey, play crucial role
QUINCY — A lot of work and thought has gone into making online access as easy as possible for consumers. Pick up the phone or open the computer, and it’s possible to connect with anyone almost anywhere in the world. It seems easy. In reality – as anyone knows who’s dealt with a tech failure knows – it’s a complex network of connections and reconnections that must move fast and without interruption. At the base of it all is the machine that coordinates all of that electronic activity. Ryan Beebout, western vice-president for Sabey Data Centers, said the servers that power the system are the equivalent of the electrical grid. “Almost everything you do on your phone runs through a data center,” Beebout said. “People want their phones to be small and lightweight, and they want their batteries to last a really long time. A lot of the things that you do are very computationally intensive. You can’t do that on a device like (a cell phone).”
ID still pending on body found along Crab Creek
BEVERLY — An autopsy is pending to help determine the identity of a dead person found along Crab Creek Saturday night and recovered late Sunday afternoon. “A kayaker found the body in the water Saturday evening about 3.5 miles east of state Route 243 near Beverly in southwestern Grant County,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a release issued Sunday night. “Deputies used a drone to pinpoint the body. For safety reasons, they returned at dawn on Sunday to begin the recovery. Access to the remote site was hindered by dense overgrowth.”
Autopsy pending on body found along Crab Creek
BEVERLY — An autopsy is pending to help determine the identity of a dead person found along Crab Creek Saturday night and recovered late Sunday afternoon.
Road 2 SW haystack fire unlikely to reignite but will smolder
MOSES LAKE — Drivers near the intersection of state Route 17 and Road 2 Southeast may continue to see smoke – and possibly flames – from a haystack fire that closed a section of Road 2 for two days.
Myers announces candidacy for 13th District House position
MOSES LAKE — Don Myers, Moses Lake deputy mayor, has announced his candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives. Myers will be running for the position left vacant when current Representative Alex Ybarra announced he would run for the 13th District Washington Senate position. Myers will be the third candidate in the race. Ellensburg business owner Jeff Leichleiter and former Moses Lake City Council member Deanna Martinez announced their candidacies April 3. Myers said he’s been on the Moses Lake council about 10 years, and his experience there influenced his decision to run for the legislative seat.
One roundabout completed, another starting by month’s end
EPHRATA — The last phase of construction at the roundabout at Nat Washington Way and State Route 282 should be done today, at least Grant County’s portion of it. “If not Friday morning, then Friday afternoon,” said Grant County Administrator Tom Gaines Thursday. The roundabout was closed for the week so crews could replace the temporary lights installed in fall 2025 with new permanent poles and lights. It was built as part of the construction of the new Grant County Jail, which is scheduled to open this summer. The actual roundabout was built last fall, but delivery of the lights was delayed, Gaines said. Detour signs installed by the county remained in place over the winter, although they were covered. But they’re no longer needed.
Section of Road 2 Southeast closed following haystack fire
MOSES LAKE — A section of Road 2 Southeast between Road N Southeast and Road O Southeast has been closed to traffic due to a haystack fire next to the road, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Othello residents asked to fill out comprehensive plan survey
OTHELLO — The comprehensive plan currently being prepared by Othello city officials is designed to answer some questions about the city’s future. Othello is growing, but where should that growth be directed? What kind of housing will be needed in town? What kind of industries should the city be working to attract? What kind of jobs? Is it important that Othello in 2047 has the same atmosphere as Othello in 2026? Residents are being asked for their opinions on those and other topics in a resident survey that will be open for responses through May 10. The comprehensive plan is one component that determines future growth, but Anne Henning, Othello community development director, said it’s an important one.
Seven arrested in Othello sex trafficking investigation
OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department arrested seven men for involvement in prostitution following a two-day investigation last week. Othello Police Chief Aaron Garza said combating human sex trafficking is an ongoing focus for the department. “We don’t believe human beings are for sale,” Garza said. “We conduct these operations quite regularly here. It’s really starting to get traction – people actually know not to come to Othello and try to buy sex.” The OPD has been conducting sex trafficking investigations for a few years, he said, a practice that started when OPD detectives expressed an interest in trying to fight it.
Representative Tom Dent announces reelection bid
MOSES LAKE — Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, has announced he will run for reelection in 2026. It would be Dent’s seventh term in the Washington House of Representatives if he’s reelected. Dent said he’s third in seniority in the House Republican Caucus and about 15th in seniority in the entire House. That does and will make a difference, he said. “Seniority is everything in the legislature. When you have seniority, you get so much more done,” he said. “Every year it gets a little easier.”
Martinez announces candidacy for state House seat
MOSES LAKE — Former Moses Lake City Council member Deanna Martinez has announced her candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives. Martinez is running for the position left vacant when Rep. Alex Ybarra announced he was running for Washington State Senate. Martinez is one of two candidates for the position so far. Business owner Jeff Leichleiter, Ellensburg, announced Friday he was in the race. Martinez said she has identified some areas she wants to focus on if she’s elected, starting with public safety.
Cost of Hansen Road bridge to impact on other WSDOT projects
MOSES LAKE — Closing the overpass on Hansen Road was inconvenient to a lot of Moses Lake residents and travelers passing through town, not to mention the Washington Department of Transportation. Chris Keifenheim, North Central Regional administrator, estimated the cost would be $15 to $17 million to demolish the old bridge and build a new one, coming at a time when most of DOT’s money for repairs in the 2025-27 budget was already allocated.
Mattawa Council considering stray animal concerns
MATTAWA — Mattawa city officials will continue to pick up stray dogs and house them temporarily at the municipal maintenance facility. Mattawa City Council members reaffirmed support for city policy after a social media post claimed dogs were being mistreated.