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
Blankenship ends Election Day with strong lead
RITZVILLE — Incumbent Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship is leading challenger David Lobe in the race for the District 1 seat. In unofficial results released Tuesday night, Blankenship has 1,624 votes (61.52%) to 985 (36.55%) for Lobe.
Work on Adams Co. bridge widening underway
MOSES LAKE — Design and engineering analysis is underway on the first of six bridges in Adams County that are being widened across the East Low Canal. Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship provided an update on the progress of the bridge work at the annual meeting of the Columbia Basin Development League Oct. 29.
Voters helped at Adams Co. service center on Election Day
OTHELLO — People asked questions, answered a few, showed identification, picked up a voter pamphlet. A steady stream of voters kept Adams County election workers busy at the service center at the SkillSource office in Othello on Election Day.
Weird and wonderful creatures in downtown Quincy Halloween night
QUINCY — Ninja turtles, walking coffee cups, elf princesses, dinosaurs, firefighters, walking tequila and lime, staff from Hogwarts and all kinds of creatures filled Quincy’s main street Halloween night for the Downtown Trick or Treat.
WA gas prices dropping, but still above national average
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices in Washington dropped over the last week and have been dropping over the last month, according to a report from the online gas price tracker GasBuddy. Washington gas prices remain substantially above the national average, however.
Outreach part of removing homeless encampment
MOSES LAKE — The removal of a homeless camp in Moses Lake was preceded by about a month of contact and outreach with its residents. The camp was located on private property on North Block Street. Moses Lake Police Captain Jeff Sursely said it was removed at the request of the landowners, Maiers Enterprises LLC.
Local food banks asking for Thanksgiving support
MOSES LAKE — Thanksgiving is not quite a month away, and local food banks are taking donations of food to go in the baskets they will distribute for the holiday.
Person hospitalized after climbing over bridge railing
MOSES LAKE — An unidentified person was hospitalized after the person was reported possibly trying to jump off the bridge at the intersection of State Route 17 and Stratford Road Thursday.
QVMC examines 2025 prelim budget
QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center is projected to finish 2025 with a carryover of about $275,400, according to the 2025 preliminary budget reviewed by QVMC commissioners Monday. Both expenses and net revenues are projected to increase in 2025 as QVMC moves into a new facility.
Change in Moses Lake parks rules affects activity trails
MOSES LAKE — Bad behavior on the activity trails in Moses Lake can get people prohibited from their use under a revised ordinance approved by the Moses Lake City Council last week. The ordinance already applied to city parks.
Evolution, adaptation discussed at CBDL meeting
MOSES LAKE — Integrating and upgrading technology and how the Columbia Basin Project is evolving were the topics of discussion at a panel of irrigation district directors during the Columbia Basin Development League annual meeting Tuesday.
Royal School District updating phone policy
ROYAL CITY — An updated cell phone use policy will be reviewed and possibly approved by the Royal School Board at its November meeting. Royal School District Superintendent Roger Trail said the updated policy will place restrictions on cell phone use.
'If you're not improving, you need to retire'
Interim Ritzville PD chief focused on bettering department, community connections.
RITZVILLE — Interim Ritzville Police Department Chief Bill Benner said he thought the department’s biggest strength is its connection with the community. Benner was sworn in as the interim in early October. “They know a lot of the community members. You get help from the community when you least expect it. So that’s a positive,” Benner said.
Licensing requirements added to Othello home business ordinance
OTHELLO — Home-based businesses will be required to obtain a license under the provisions of a revised ordinance considered Monday by the Othello City Council.
Grant PUD considering new rate class for agriculture
EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District is researching a new rate class for agriculture uses other than irrigation. If it’s approved by PUD commissioners, the “agriculture service” rate would go into effect in April 2025. Julio Aguirre, PUD program manager of rates and pricing, said it would give ag customers another option that might lower their costs. “Our intent is to have a specific rate that is dedicated to this activity,” Aguirre said. “It’s really to be able to isolate the (rate) class, understand their usage, their behavior, and be able to offer a rate that is more favorable for that activity.”
Voters to decide fate of four initiatives in November
OLYMPIA — Washington voters will be considering ballot measures to repeal two specific taxes and allow Washington residents to opt out of a third in the Nov. 5 general election. A fourth initiative would prohibit banning natural gas as an option for Washington residents.
Traffic light work in Moses Lake, Quincy this week
MOSES LAKE — Contractors for the Washington Department of Transportation will be working on signal lights along State Route 17 in Moses Lake and Quincy this week.
Nominations, donations sought for Quincy PD holiday charity
QUINCY — Quincy Police Department officers are looking for both nominations and donations for their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas charitable projects. Quincy Detective Jazzlyn Silva, who’s in charge of the Cops Kids Christmas and Thanksgiving, said officers want to expand the program for 2024.
Water rate study planned for Quincy
QUINCY — Quincy City Council members will be asked to commission a study of the city’s water rates and rate structure as part of a long term project to upgrade its water system.
Wanapum unveil new mobile museum
EPHRATA — An upgraded mobile museum that tells the story of the Wanapum Band of the Priest Rapids Indians was unveiled to Grant County Public Utility District commissioners Tuesday. Commissioners got a tour of the new Native American Discovery Unit, which replaced a vehicle that had seen better days. There’s still some work to be done, but when it’s finished the mobile museum will visit schools and other events around the region, according to a PUD press release.
Port of Othello reservoir scheduled for 2025 construction
OTHELLO — A project to build a second water reservoir at the Port of Othello facility in Bruce is scheduled to go out to bid in early 2025. Port commissioner Homer Montemayor told Adams County Commissioners Tuesday that design for the $6.25 million project is approaching 90% completion. Executive Director Chris Faix said Wednesday that 90% completion is required before the project can be advertised for bid.
Henderson addresses commissioner election issues
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Commission candidate David Henderson said he would support streamlining regulatory requirements for infrastructure projects. He also would support reopening the county’s work release center.
Threat closes Lind-Ritzville schools
RITZVILLE — A 14-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday and Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools were closed for the day after a threat was made against Lind-Ritzville High School.
New Othello Public Works Director says job requires attention to detail
OTHELLO — New Othello Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen said it’s her department’s job to make sure city services are running smoothly. That takes, she said, a lot of attention to detail.
Moses Lake Classic Car Club recognized for 50 years
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Classic Car Club members went cruising to Lynnwood last month to accept special recognition from the Washington State Hot Rod Hall of Fame.
Consultants review recommendations for Moses Lake traffic
MOSES LAKE — Another crossing across Moses Lake, or more than one, extending the lakeshore at Neppel Landing behind West Broadway Avenue and additional crossings of State Route 17. Those were among the suggestions from a planning firm asked to recommend ways to improve transportation options in Moses Lake.
Kiehn appointed to Quincy School Board
QUINCY — Kacey Kiehn said the biggest challenge he sees facing the Quincy School District is accommodating the community’s substantial growth. Kiehn was appointed to the Quincy School Board earlier this month. Kiehn replaces Tricia Lubach, who resigned to take a job as executive director of the Washington State School Directors Association. The school board seat will be on the ballot in November 2025.
Gubernatorial candidates address crime, law enforcement
OLYMPIA — Whether law enforcement in Washington is where it should be, addressing juvenile crime and the role of the Washington Legislature in law enforcement were among the topics addressed by gubernatorial candidates Dave Reichert and Bob Ferguson in separate recorded interviews with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
Incumbent commissioner discusses county issues
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Commission candidate Rob Jones discussed infrastructure, the commissioners’ role in funding county departments and the work release center in a candidate forum Oct. 7.
Regional construction wrapping up for 2024
QUINCY — if one of the signs of spring is the appearance of big machines to grind pavement and rebuild roadbeds – road construction, in short – one of the signs of winter is the disappearance of all those machines and the end of all those projects. And halfway through October, most of those projects are done for 2024.
Changes to Moses Lake roads considered at public meeting
MOSES LAKE — Alternative ways to cross Moses Lake, better lake access and reducing traffic congestion at key intersections were among the suggestions from a meeting Monday looking at the future of traffic design in Moses Lake.
Grant County PUD buys land for new service center in Moses Lake
EPHRATA — A section of farmland near Moses Lake was attractive to the Grant County Public Utility District in part because it allowed the PUD to avoid what might have been expensive environmental mitigation.
City denies parking variance for proposed Mattawa business
MATTAWA — A request for a variance in parking rules submitted by a developer interested in building a convenience store in Mattawa has been denied. The denial was issued Sept. 30.
Othello PD investigating Friday shooting
OTHELLO — Othello Police Department officers are asking for the public’s help as part of their investigation of an Oct. 11 shooting. “Two gunshot victims have been identified,” said Othello Police Chief Dave Rehaume Tuesday. “We are in contact with the people involved.
Substance abuse, retaining health care priorities for 9th District incumbent
RITZVILLE — Republican Joe Schmick said he wants to focus on combating substance abuse and maintaining health care access in the Ninth District if he’s reelected. He said he would support a review of budget priorities in the 2025 legislative session. Schmick, the incumbent, is being challenged by Democrat Pam Kohlmeier.
Mental health, connectivity focus for 9th District candidate
RITZVILLE — Dr. Pam Kohlmeier said her focus, if she was elected to the Washington House of Representatives, would be on health care. Kohlmeier is running for one of two House of Representative seats in the Ninth District. Kohlmeier, a Democrat, is running against Republican incumbent Joe Schmick. “I am really focused on improving access to mental health,” she said.
Ribbon cut for Port of Moses Lake water upgrades
MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake commissioners cut ribbons Monday for two upgrades to the port’s wastewater reuse system. Total cost of both projects was about $8 million combined.
Moses Lake port about halfway to railroad right-of-way acquisition
MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake officials hope to go out to bid in early 2025 on a project to rebuild railway connections to port property. Commissioners approved the purchase of two parcels at their regular meeting Monday.
Mavs defeat Post Falls
MOSES LAKE -- The Moses Lake Mavericks took advantage of three Post Falls (Idaho) turnovers in the first five minutes of the game to build a 21-0 lead en route to a 69-20 win over the Vikings Friday at Lions Field.
New Moses Lake ordinance regulates animal sales
MOSES LAKE — Sales of animals on public property and on private property open to the public will be prohibited under the terms of a new ordinance approved by the Moses Lake City Council Oct. 8. Council member Victor Lombardi said he has received numerous complaints from constituents about the practice of selling animals in high-traffic areas around town, notably along Stratford Road. “I would say this particular issue has been in the top four,” Lombardi said.
Dent to focus on water, rural mental health, aviation, child care
MOSES LAKE — Representative Tom Dent said water and water conservation, rural mental health and improving child care options will be among his top areas of focus during the 2025 Washington Legislative session. Dent is running for his sixth term as one of two representatives for the 13th District. “Probably the biggest issue we have in the district is water,” Dent said. The aquifer that supplies water to cities throughout the Columbia Basin is under pressure, in part from farm operations that can’t access the existing irrigation canal network and are drawing water from the aquifer.
Boeing announces coming job cuts, third-quarter loss
MOSES LAKE — Boeing plans to cut its workforce by about 10%, according to an announcement Friday from CEO Kelly Ortberg. Ortberg did not give a timeline for the job cuts, saying only that they would be instituted “over the coming months.” “Our business is in a difficult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together,” Ortberg wrote in the announcement. “Beyond navigating our current environment, restoring our company requires tough decisions and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term.” How the cuts will affect the company’s operation in Moses Lake, which employs about 800 people, isn’t yet clear, said Boeing spokesperson Bobbie Egan.
Post-secondary training, education key to filling jobs in future, report says
OLYMPIA — Washington’s economy will need a lot of workers in the next decade, and both business and government will have to figure out ways to train them, according to a report from the Washington Partnership for Learning and the Washington Roundtable. The report was released Wednesday. The partners commissioned a study of projected job growth, industries where that growth will happen and what kind of qualifications those jobs will require. Marc Casale of Kinetics West, which conducted the study, said Washington has enjoyed job growth that beat the national average over the last decade, and that’s expected to continue in the next decade. The challenge, Casale said, will be filling those jobs.
Public invited to discuss Stratford Road traffic
MOSES LAKE — Residents of Moses Lake and drivers using state Route 17 are being invited to a series of meetings to discuss future transportation options in the area around SR 17 and Stratford Road. The weeklong process, called a charrette, will start at 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Levi Bisnett, design engineer for the city, said the goal is to examine the current and future traffic needs around Stratford Road. “We know we have concerns with our SR 17 and Stratford interchange,” he said on the STUDIO BASIN podcast. “And we reached out to the state via a grant application program to get funds to discuss and design some solutions for the three-foot sidewalks that cross the interchange there. With that award, we were able to expand our footprint to not just focus on that part of town, but a one-mile radius around that location.”
Food bank needs change with seasons
MOSES LAKE — With the arrival of October and the holiday season dead ahead, Moses Lake Food Bank Operations Manager Peny Archer said the needs of its customers are changing with the seasons and donations are always welcome.
Grant PUD budget reviewed at public hearing
EPHRATA — After all expenses are paid the Grant County Public Utility District is projected to end 2025 at about $192.25 million in the black. The proposed 2025 budget was presented at two public hearings Tuesday. Expenses for 2025 are projected at $367.8 million; projected expenses for 2024 were about $347.2 million.
Grant commission candidates discuss issues
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Commission candidates Amador Castro and Kevin Burgess both described themselves as hard workers and said they would be committed to doing the job during a Moses Lake forum Monday.
'Once you’ve dealt with bees, it gets in your blood'
Barbara Caylor’s lifelong dedication to community and bees
OTHELLO — Barbara Caylor said her late husband Ken was the kind of guy who didn’t have much time for leisure. “He was interested in being involved in something to keep him busy,” Barbara Caylor said. “He was a man who never sat around idle very long – he was always doing something.”
Grant PUD budget hearings Tuesday
EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District will hold two public hearings Tuesday to discuss the proposed PUD budget for 2025. Hearings are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., both at the commission hearing room at the Ephrata headquarters, 30 C St. SW. A virtual option is available; information on joining is available on the PUD website, www.grantpud.org.
Isaacson challenging District 16 incumbent
WALLA WALLA — Kari Isaacson said the most important issues facing the 16th Legislative District are infrastructure and managing growth. Isaacson is running for the district’s Senate seat. A Democrat, she’s challenging Perry Dozier, the Republican incumbent.