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
Othello School District patrons to vote on capital levy proposal in February
OTHELLO — Othello School District patrons will be asked to accept or reject a six-year capital levy request in a special election in February 2027. Othello School Board members voted 4-0 to submit the proposal to voters at the regular meeting Monday. Board chair Lindsy Prows was absent. If it's approved, property owners would pay an estimated 97 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of property worth $350,000 would pay $339.50 in taxes. Ballots would be due by Feb. 9. Because it's a levy proposal, it would require a bare majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass.
Mattawa council considering annexation ordinance
MATTAWA — With discussions about development increasing, Mattawa City Council members will consider adding an annexation procedure to existing city regulations. Council members discussed the options at the regular meeting Nov. 5.
Erickson new ECBID assistant manager of development
OTHELLO — Jon Erickson has been named the assistant manager of development for the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District. Erickson previously was the district's development coordinator.
Port of Quincy energy project update at Nov. 19 open house
QUINCY — Quincy-area residents are being invited to get an update on, and ask questions about, a project to build standalone energy generation, a joint venture between the Port of Quincy and Colusa Indian Energy. A town hall meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Quincy Business and Events Center, 115 F St. SW.
City and Ephrata Police Department officers reach agreement on new contract
EPHRATA — The union representing Ephrata Police Department officers has come to an agreement with city officials on a new collective bargaining agreement.
First phase of Royal City's Apple Avenue construction complete
ROYAL CITY — The first phase of improvements to Royal City's Apple Avenue is complete, and city officials are working on an application for second-phase funding.
Income and priorities subject of Ephrata budget discussion
EPHRATA — Balancing requests and revenues, what can and should be done in 2027 and what can wait was the subject of a budget discussion at the Ephrata City Council meeting Wednesday.
Power lines, dam upgrades headline Grant PUD capital plans
QUINCY — The Grant County Public Utility District is projected to spend about $118.6 million on a multi-year project to build additional transmission lines from Wanapum Dam to Quincy, about $103.3 million to finish a new maintenance facility in Ephrata. Those are the two largest projects outlined in the PUD's proposed 2027 budget.
GCFD 8 firefighter sustains minor injuries when hit by car
MATTAWA — A Grant County Fire District 8 officer sustained minor injuries Wednesday when he was hit by a driver subsequently arrested for DUI. Battalion Chief Doug Anderson and GCFD 8 crews were on the scene of a non-injury collision at about 10:30 p.m. when a car drove through the crash scene, according to a media release from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. The driver, Jorge Ramirez Suarez, 33, Mattawa, allegedly drove through the crash scene, hit Anderson in the leg, and kept going without stopping, according to the GCSO. He was subsequently booked into the Grant County Adult Correctional Facility on suspicion of DUI, vehicular assault and hit-and-run. Anderson was treated at the scene. He joined GCFD 8 in 1998 as a volunteer firefighter, said Barb Davis, the district's business manager, and is still a volunteer. He has served as a GCFD 8 captain, assistant chief and interim chief, as well as battalion chief.
Port of Quincy Commissioner Patric Connelly retires after 30-year career
QUINCY — Patric Connelly said working on economic development sounded interesting, and he thought diversification would be good for Quincy. He decided to apply for a vacancy on the Port of Quincy commission as a result. "I've been involved with a lot of things community-wise. I've been a chamber president. I've been a Lions Club president, a few other things – I've been on ag advisory committees. It really came kind of out of the blue when one commissioner resigned, and I was approached and asked if I would be interested in doing it." Connelly said. "At that time, it wasn't as involved as it is now, and so I thought it would be an interesting thing to watch in the community. I've been in agriculture most of my life, or at least after I got out west, and I always thought Quincy is an ag town, but it needed some diversity too."
Comment period still open for 2027 Grant PUD budget
EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District customers can still submit their opinions on the proposed 2027 budget in writing on the PUD website until the budget is adopted. Utility district commissioners are scheduled to vote on the final budget Nov. 24. The PUD is projected to spend $738.1 million in 2027, according to a presentation at the budget hearing Oct. 27. That's about a 5% increase over the 2026 budget. Some of those expenses will be offset by money the PUD gets from its customers and from selling power to outside customers. That's projected to be about $224.6 million.
Two hospitalized after collision near Othello
OTHELLO — Two people were injured and hospitalized when a car collided with a semitruck about 12 miles west of Othello Wednesday morning. According to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol, Leslie Villalobos, 23, was driving south on Road D Southeast at about 8:15 a.m. when she failed to slow down at the intersection. Rigoberto Pruneda, 41, Othello, was driving west on SR 26 when Villalobos's car entered the intersection, the WSP memo said. Trooper Jeremy Weber, WSP District 6 public information officer, said Pruneda attempted to steer out of the way of her vehicle, which is difficult to do in a semitruck.
State Route 26 closed due to collision
UPDATE: As of 12:30 p.m. SR 26 has been reopened. OTHELLO — State Route 26 is closed about 12 miles west of Othello due to a serious two-vehicle collision, according to a media alert from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. The highway is closed in both directions, according to a release from the Washington Department of Transportation. The closure is at the intersection of SR 26 and Road D Southeast, according to the GCSO release. There is a detour in place, the WSDOT release said. As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, there was no estimated time for reopening, the WSDOT release said. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Othello city officials warn residents to beware of invoice scam
OTHELLO — Othello city officials are warning residents to pay careful attention if they receive what looks like an invoice from the city after a resident reported an attempted scam using information from city records. Community Development Director Anne Henning said the scammer was thorough. "They used our seal, our watermark; they had detailed information," she said. The scam email claimed to be from the city's building and planning department, looking for payment for a building permit. Henning said the city does send out invoices for some services, including building and planning services like building permits, as well as plan reviews, application fees and related services.
Othello School Board to consider capital levy next week
OTHELLO — Othello School Board members will decide Nov. 9 whether or not to ask Othello School District patrons for a capital levy in a special election in February 2027. If school board members approve the proposal, voters would be asked to consider a six-year levy. If the levy were approved, property owners would pay 97 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value per year. District Superintendent Pete Perez said a capital levy is new to Othello, and that the money, if it's approved, would be spent for specific projects. Othello Assistant Superintendent Josh Meek said all the proposed projects that have been identified are included in the information that will be sent to district patrons.
GC Public Utility District proposed rates subject of Nov. 10 hearing
EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District customers are being invited to submit their reactions to proposed 2027 electrical rates at a hearing at 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in the PUD commission meeting room, 30 C St. SW, Ephrata. There's also a virtual option for people who can't attend the meeting in person; the link is under the "2027 rates" tab on the PUD website, grantpud.org.
Samaritan hospital use up from 2025, but below 2026 budget expectations
MOSES LAKE — While Samaritan Hospital is a little busier in 2026 than 2025, patient utilization is less than projected in 2026 budget through the first three quarters of the year. Chief Financial Officer Darryl Wolfe said inpatient revenue was about 6% below the budget projection for the year to date, and about 12% below the projected revenue for September. Revenues were higher than budget projections in May, June and August, but lower than projections during the rest of the year. As of the end of September, Samaritan had a net loss of about $3.4 million for the year. The 2026 budget projected a year-to-date loss of about $456,700 through September.
Lodging tax money to be used to upgrade Larson, Lauzier playfields and other projects
MOSES LAKE — Fields in Lauzier Park and some at the Larson Playfields will get upgrades with money generated by the city's lodging tax. Those were at the top of a list of projects recommended by the city's lodging tax committee and approved by the Moses Lake City Council Oct. 27.
Conservation district receives $9.23 million grant for OGWRP project
MOSES LAKE — Construction will start sometime this winter on a project to convert additional acreage from groundwater irrigation to surface water in a section of Grant County.
Moses Lake men arrested after chase through neighborhood
MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested following a chase Tuesday that included driving through the yard of a residence in an attempt to get away.
Options detailed for Othello Community Pool repairs, upgrades
OTHELLO — Othello residents may be asked to approve or reject a construction bond for a new Othello Community Pool, but when, and for how much, is still to be determined.
Othello animal shelter still in progress
OTHELLO — The fence has been installed for a new animal shelter in Othello, but a date for final completion is still to be determined. Othello city officials allocated money for a new shelter in 2024, but city officials are still working on it, said Mayor Ken Johnson. "The project kind of got stalled," Johnson said. "There were a lot of little factors that took place." The city has a contract with Hands 'n Paws Animal Assistance, Othello, to assume ownership of stray animals picked up in Othello, an arrangement that started in October 2024. Hands 'n Paws founder Carmon Derting delivered the group's annual 2025-26 report to the Othello City Council Monday.
Port of Moses Lake awards $31.7 million rail contract
MOSES LAKE — After 20 years of planning a route, obtaining funding and getting rights-of-way, construction on the railway connection between the Port of Moses Lake and the Columbia Basin Railroad should start before the end of the year. "On or about 1 December is when I expect to break ground," said Anne Reese of Rock Project Management, Renton. "The contractor is hoping to mobilize prior to Thanksgiving, but worst case, it'll be right after Thanksgiving."
Stoke Space looking for first launch in 2027
MOSES LAKE — The owners of Stoke Space Technologies are planning the first launch of the company's reusable space vehicles in 2027. "As early as we can do it next year," said Stoke Space Chief Executive Officer Andy Lapsa. Lapsa and Chief Operations Officer Jonathan Lund attended the Port of Moses Lake commission meeting Monday to update commissioners on the company's progress, and to thank port officials and commissioners for the support they've received since they arrived in Moses Lake in 2021.
Moses Lake man arrested for allegedly selling stolen property
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested and booked on suspicion of selling stolen property and possessing a stolen vehicle after Grant County Sheriff's deputies interrupted the sale of a stolen pickup Friday. Joseph Vela, 39, was also arrested on an outstanding felony warrant, said Kyle Foreman, GCSO public information officer. Who actually stole the truck is still under investigation, Foreman said. Deputies received a report of a stolen vehicle at about 6:30 p.m. Friday, Foreman said. They found a truck, a 2004 Ford F-150, being hauled on a trailer in the 2000 block of Road L Northeast. The truck was confirmed stolen.
Moses Lake 2027 proposed parks budget includes expense cuts
MOSES LAKE — The process to shift operations of the Larson Recreation Center to an outside organization and implement a new funding model for the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center is underway, but the transitions won't happen for a couple years.
Ephrata sees one-time revenue boost, but sales tax under budget projection
EPHRATA — Three-quarters of the way through the year, the city of Ephrata is spending slightly less than projected in its 2026 budget, but Finance Director Kristen McDonnell said that may change.
Ten injured in Mattawa-area bus collision
MATTAWA — Ten people were injured, with nine transported to local hospitals, after a bus driver allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign and hit a semi pulling two trailers east of Mattawa early Thursday morning. Rene Ortiz Baez, 55, Yakima, was driving the bus east on Road 24 Southwest at about 6:40 a.m. Thursday when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of SR 24, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. The bus hit a semi pulling two trailers driven by David Ramos-Leal, 28, Moses Lake. The collision occurred about 12 miles east of Mattawa.
Quincy council discusses tax income, outgo
QUINCY — A public hearing on a potential increase in Quincy's property tax assessment prompted a discussion of income and expenses at the regular Quincy City Council meeting Tuesday. All Washington cities have the option to raise property taxes on a portion of the city's total assessed valuation. Quincy Finance Director Carrie Lnenicka estimated that about $5.6 million was eligible to be taxed. The city is allowed to raise its property tax on that amount by up to 1%, which Lnenicka estimated would generate about $56,580. That's the maximum the city can collect, she said. Because of that, the actual tax levy rate will decrease if property valuations increase.
Warden man injured in tractor-trailer collision with train
BRUCE — A Warden man was transported to an out-of-area hospital after the tractor-trailer he was driving was hit by a train near Bruce at about noon Tuesday. "The extent of the driver's injuries is not known at this time," wrote Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner in a media release. "Preliminary information indicates the semi-truck was traveling above the speed limit and failed to obey posted requiring traffic to yield at the railroad crossing. The train was traveling at a slow speed," Wagner said. "He was moving. He wasn't stuck on the tracks," he said in an earlier interview.
Othello man arrested for Moses Lake attempted burglary
MOSES LAKE — An Othello man jumped into Moses Lake in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid Moses Lake Police Department officers last Friday. An MLPD media release issued Wednesday said Fernando Lira, 36, was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary in connection with the incident. Lira allegedly attempted to burglarize a business in the 600 block of East Broadway Friday morning. The business owner discovered him and chased him off the property, the release said.
Higher revenues, expenses projected in preliminary Moses Lake city budget
MOSES LAKE — While Moses Lake city officials have reduced expenses and revenues are projected to increase by about 7.9% in the city's preliminary budget, proposed expenditures are projected to go up by about 9.5%. Assistant City Manager James Richmond emphasized the preliminary budget presented earlier this month is not cast in stone. "The projected figures are not finalized. They are requests from departments based on projected 2027 operational costs. Largely, the figures are based on guidance from the city council during the financial sustainability plan analysis," Richmond wrote in answer to questions from the Columbia Basin Herald.
Moses Lake Classic Car Club donates to Moravida Festival trunk or treat
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Classic Car Club members came up with a novel way to raise a little money for a good cause. "At our last club meeting we painted pumpkins and then auctioned them off," said club president Mason Utter. "That was fun. It was funner than I thought it would be," said Jerry Fisher, club treasurer. The money was donated to the organizers of a Trunk or Treat scheduled for the Moravida Festival at the Grant County Fairgrounds on Halloween. Paul Brumly, who's part of the Moravida organizing committee, said it's greatly appreciated.
Wahluke Community Coalition works to reduce substance use
MATTAWA — The Wahluke Community Coalition starts with the premise that local problems are best solved with local solutions. Gigi Calaway, student support services director for the Wahluke School District, said Mattawa's size and location make it more difficult to provide services for people affected by substance abuse. As a result, the coalition is working on ways to keep everybody, especially children, from using substances in the first place. "Our school has to be a hub of education, even for our parents," she said.
Paving scheduled for next week on Royal City's Apple Avenue
ROYAL CITY — The first phase of upgrades to Apple Avenue Northeast is reaching the finish line as the construction season winds down.
Driver injured when truck hit by train
BRUCE — An unidentified truck driver sustained unspecified injuries when his tractor trailer was hit by an oncoming train Tuesday morning near Bruce.
Adams, Hiawatha road bridges scheduled for spring 2027 replacement
QUINCY — Washington Department of Transportation officials haven't made a definite schedule for replacement of the overpasses at Adams and Hiawatha roads, but they do have one in mind. "According to our project manager, we are looking at spring (2027) for both," said Summer Derrey, public information officer for the WSDOT North Central region. Derrey said any timeline would be subject to change, but spring 2027 for both is the goal.
Collision closes Vernita Bridge most of the day Monday
MATTAWA — A Desert Aire man was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center Monday after the car he was driving was hit by a car coming in the opposite direction. The collision closed the Vernita Bridge, which remained out of service for most of the day. Rogelio Cardenas, 40, was driving north on SR 24 about two to three miles from the Vernita Bridge at about 5:40 a.m., according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. Cardenas' car was hit by a car driven by Zachary Holder, 42, Richland, who crossed the centerline. Cardenas's car ran into a truck and trailer driven by Lwin Maung, 45, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Detours on I-90 in early November for Hansen Road overpass work
MOSES LAKE — While not much was visible above ground, work on the Hansen Road overpass has progressed to the point where detours on Interstate 90 will be required during the first week of November.
Possibilities for dressing up ML's West Third Avenue discussed at workshop
MOSES LAKE — Consultants hired by the city of Moses Lake to come up with some affordable options for dressing up downtown will be presenting some of their conclusions to residents, the Moses Lake City Council and city officials in December.
Port of Moses Lake officials help family get answers to 75-year-old questions
MOSES LAKE — Carol Hawk said she does not know what prompted her to try to contact the Grant County International Airport. "I made a call a couple of weeks before we met with them, and I don't know why in the world I made that call. No clue what sent me in that direction or anything," she said. "I knew what I was still looking for. But I didn't know why I went that direction." Michael and Carol Hawk were looking for information about Michael's father Leonard, a family story that both did and didn't have an ending. His wife and two children, and eventually his grandchildren, knew that Leonard Hawk died July 20, 1950, when his plane crashed at Larson Air Force Base.
Adams County Commissioner candidate answers questions about objectives
RITZVILLE — Incumbent Adams County Commissioner Miguel "Mike" Garza is being challenged for his position by Eleanor Brodahl, Othello. Both candidates were sent identical questions about their ideas and positions.
Adams County Sheriff candidates discuss issues, ideas
RITZVILLE — Incumbent Dale Wagner is being challenged by Matthew Carlson, Ritzville, for the office of Adams County Sheriff. The Columbia Basin Herald gave each candidate a set of identical questions about their candidacy. Their answers are below.
Othello council vote clears way for fire district annexation vote next year
OTHELLO — Othello residents will be asked to accept or reject a proposal to annex the city into Adams County Fire District 5 in April 2027. Othello City Council members approved an ordinance Monday affirming the city’s intent to annex into the fire district and committing the city to an April 2027 vote. The subject of annexation has been under discussion since late 2025, but the ordinance commits the city to putting the proposal on the special election ballot. “This is our commitment to go along with the process,” said Othello Mayor Ken Johnson.
Bischoff named next ECBID secretary-manager
OTHELLO — Bobby Bischoff, the assistant manager of operations and maintenance for the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, has been selected as the next secretary-manager. Bischoff will take over the job June 1, 2027. Bischoff will replace Craig Simpson, who was selected as secretary-manager in 2007. "Bobby has served the district well in each of the positions he's held, and I'm excited to see the district flourish under his leadership," Simpson said in an ECBID press release. "This promotion is well-deserved."
Adams County Assessor candidates discuss qualifications, duties
RITZVILLE — Veronica Rodriguez and Curtis Templin are running for the office of Adams County Assessor. Each candidate was asked the same questions by the Columbia Basin Herald, and their answers are below. What prompted you to run for assessor? Rodriguez: I have been part of the assessor’s office since 2015, when I began as the administrative assistant. Over the years, I worked in different areas of the office, gaining firsthand experience and a thorough understanding of its responsibilities and the many programs we administer. When the prior assessor retired, I applied to fill the vacant position. I was selected for the appointment, and that opportunity allowed me to put my years of experience and knowledge of the office to work in a leadership role. I have continued serving as assessor and I am proud of the work we have accomplished.
Quincy port approves contract award for intermodal expansion
QUINCY — Construction crews will be working this winter on the first phase of expansion of the Port of Quincy’s intermodal facility. Port commissioners approved awarding a $4.62 million contract to Active Construction, Tacoma, for the project Monday. The vote was 3-0. Port commission chair Curt Morris said the first phase will be focused inside the existing facility. “We’re basically adding a mile of track inside the intermodal,” Morris said. “We're preparing to cross Road O (Northwest), but we’re not going to put track across Road O.”
Moses Lake residents asked for their practical downtown ideas at Thursday workshop
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will get a chance to discuss their ideas – their affordable and practical ideas – for enhancing Third Avenue and adjoining streets in a pair of community workshops Thursday.
Qualifications, duties focus of Adams County Assessor candidate forum
OTHELLO — Qualifications for office, correcting inaccuracies and appealing assessments were among the topics discussed by the candidates running for Adams County Assessor.
Adams County Auditor candidates discuss ballot security, office operations
RITZVILLE — Adams County voters will be choosing a new auditor in the November general election, and two current employees, Jacque Laird and Courtney Fanning, are running for the position.