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
Replacing electrical system components requires care
MOSES LAKE — It didn’t end well for that power pole – that tends to happen when they get hit by a vehicle. Sometimes it’s a relatively minor incident, like the pole on Gumwood Street in Moses Lake that lost a four-foot section to a garbage truck Dec. 27. Sometimes it’s more serious, like the one on Road 26 Southwest that took out a distribution pole and cut power to about 1,020 customers Dec. 31. Or the lines that went down southwest of Quincy Dec. 26.
Adams commissioners approve $60.7M budget
RITZVILLE — Adams County commissioners have approved a budget of about $60.73 million for 2025. The county’s general fund was budgeted at about $14.71 million. The current expense carryover at the end of 2025 is projected to be about $1.65 million, a decrease from 2024, when the carryover is projected to be about $2.52 million.
Mattawa man cited for hit and run after damaging power pole
MATTAWA — A Mattawa man was cited for hit and run after he hit a power pole near Mattawa early Tuesday morning.
REC Silicon announces closure of Moses Lake operation
MOSES LAKE — Owners of REC Silicon have announced the company will end production at its Moses Lake facility, beginning immediately, according to a press release issued Monday. The shutdown is expected to take about three months.
Fire department, pool, animal shelter among projects in 2025 Othello budget
OTHELLO — The city of Othello is projected to spend about $28.6 million in 2025. Of that, about $9.6 million will be from the city’s general fund.
Drivers who plan to drink on New Year’s Eve urged to plan ahead
MOSES LAKE — One of the many traditions of the holiday season is ringing in the New Year. The key to truly enjoying the ringing-in thing is making it convivial, not one of those occasions that’s remembered for going horribly wrong – that night, for instance, that somebody got arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
Distribution expansion, new construction on Grant PUD 2025 agenda
EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District will be working on the construction of new transmission lines, upgrading its generating capacity and planning a new maintenance center in Ephrata in 2025. Those are some of the projects included in the PUD’s capital budget for next year.
Respiratory virus season is here, GCHD says
MOSES LAKE — Winter is here – as of Dec. 21 it was official - and so is one of its faithful companions, flu season. The Grant County Health District announced the beginning of “respiratory virus” season Friday. It’s the respiratory virus season because there’s more than just flu out there, according to the GCHD press release. There are benchmarks that indicate when respiratory virus season actually arrives.
Water, streets, sewer, parks included in Quincy capital budget
QUINCY — Between sewer system upgrades and repairs, street work and water system improvements – among many other possible projects – 2025 is going to be a busy year in Quincy. Quincy City Council members approved a list of possible capital projects for 2025 at a special council meeting Dec. 23.
Snowy weather in the travel forecast
MOSES LAKE — It may be Dec. 27, but there are still a few days of holiday left, and a few days of holiday travel back and forth over the mountains. Drivers should check the weather and road conditions before they leave, since it’s still going to be raining and snowing out there all weekend.
Quincy hospital officials announce new QVMC opening date
QUINCY — The new Quincy Valley Medical Center is scheduled to start admitting patients for treatment May 21, 2025. Glenda Bishop, QVMC chief executive officer, made the announcement Monday during the regular hospital board meeting. “There may be some staggering for some of our outpatient services, but our go live date is May 21,” she said.
GALLERY: Celebration of holiday season in Mattawa
MATTAWA — Children and parents filled the Wahluke High School cafeteria to make ornaments and color pictures, take pictures with Santa, try to eat a doughnut without any hands and play other games at the annual Winter Festival in Mattawa.
Mattawa churches come together to tell the Christmas story
MATTAWA — Almost two dozen Mattawa churches came together to tell the Christmas story in a Living Nativity pageant recently.
Mattawa council approves 2025 budget
MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa is projected to spend about $6.8 million in 2025 for city operations. The city will be required to use some reserve funds next year, which prompted council member Tony Acosta to vote against passage of the budget at the Dec. 19 council meeting.
Christmas driving looking hazardous
Checking road conditions, especially in passes, recommended
MOSES LAKE — What with Christmas, it’s a busy travel week – over the river and through the woods and all that – but drivers planning to head out are advised to check road and weather conditions. There’s plenty of precipitation in the forecast and while the valley forecast is for rain, there could be some traffic-snarling snow through the mountains.
Ybarra expects ‘twists and turns’ in 2025 WA session
QUINCY — State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, said the Washington Legislature has some big decisions to make, which he expects will result in a turbulent legislative session. “I think it’s going to be a big fight over there. I think there are going to be a lot of twists and turns,” Ybarra said. “But it’s going to be really, really interesting.”
Grant PUD commissioners approve new rate policy
EPHRATA — After extensive discussion, multiple community and customer meetings and analysis of different proposals, Grant County Public Utility District commissioners adopted a new rate policy Dec. 10.
Increase proposed in Grant PUD large load application fees
EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District commissioners will decide in early 2025 whether to raise the application fee for new large load customers. New clients will need to pay significantly more than they have historically under the new rules. The current application fee is $2,500 for customers asking for one-half to two megawatts, wrote Christine Pratt, PUD public information officer. Customers asking for two to 10 megawatts pay $6,500, the10 to 20 megawatts fee is $15,000. Customers asking for up to 40 megawatts pay $52,000.
Water, sewer rates to increase in Quincy
QUINCY — Fees will increase for building permits, water, sewer and garbage services in Quncy in 2025. Quincy City Council members approved the increases at the regular meeting Tuesday. Finance Director Carrie Lnenicka said the city has tried to keep rates low, but the water and sewer systems both need upgrades.
Children go around Ritzville to shop with cops, first responders
RITZVILLE — The children and their escorts fanned out around Ritzville Saturday – checking their budgets, evaluating their options, carefully making their selections. Their escorts pushed the carts, helped the children make decisions and occasionally turned on the police car or fire truck lights. Shop with a Cop (and other first responders) provided local children with a shopping buddy, a sweet ride and a chance to pick out gifts for their families.
Attendance, readiness addressed by Othello SD
OTHELLO — Keeping children in school and getting them back in school when they’ve stopped attending were among the topics of an extensive discussion at the Othello School Board meeting Dec. 9.
Grant PUD rates to increase in 2025
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD customers will be paying more for electricity in 2025, although not all customers will see the same increase. Utility district commissioners approved the 2025 budget with a 3% overall rate increase at their regular meeting Dec. 10.
Moses Lake boosts funding for GCAO
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach will receive additional funding for 2024 from the city of Moses Lake and will get an increase in its funding from the city in 2025 and 2026. The additional money for 2025 was included in the budget passed by the Moses Lake City Council Dec. 10.
Grant PUD 2025 budget approved
EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District is projected to spend about $312.2 million in 2025, when all income and expenses are added up. Utility district commissioners approved the 2025 budget Dec. 10. The PUD is projected to end 2025 with about $237.8 million in carryover.
Moses Lake to reopen city manager application process
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members have decided to reopen the application process for city manager candidates. Council members interviewed two candidates Dec. 12 but decided against hiring either of them. The candidates, Blaine Oborn and Aaron Palmquist, met with community members as well as the council Dec. 11 and 12. Mayor Dustin Swartz said council members decided in the end to reopen the application process. “We will continue to look,” Swartz said.
City council approves 2025 Moses Lake budget
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake is projected to spend about $117.2 million in 2025, which will require using about $6.7 million from the city’s reserves. Moses Lake City Council members approved the 2025 budget at their regular meeting Tuesday. That’s a decrease from the preliminary budget, which was about $119.62 million. Council members held a workshop after the preliminary budget was presented in November and made some changes.
Candidates interviewed for Moses Lake city manager
MOSES LAKE — Two candidates for Moses Lake city manager answered questions from city residents and municipal staff in an informal session Wednesday. That was followed by a day of interviews with Moses Lake City Council members and residents Thursday.
Adams Co. Commission workshop addresses Othello homeless camp
OTHELLO — Adams County officials didn’t come to any conclusions about ways to address the challenges presented by a homeless encampment west of Othello in a discussion Wednesday afternoon. But Adams County Commissioner Jay Weise said the meeting was a start toward finding answers, not the end.
Newhouse provides ‘toolkit’ for people fighting fentanyl
YAKIMA — U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Fourth District) has published a list for people looking for resources to help them deal with fentanyl use. “The fentanyl crisis touches every corner of our communities, and we must work together to prevent opioid overdose,” Newhouse wrote in a release announcing what he called the “fentanyl resource toolkit.”
GALLERY: Moses Lake heritage commemorated at 2024 Ag Parade
MOSES LAKE — Tractors, horses, cars, trucks, work trucks and people took to the streets of Moses Lake Dec. 6 decked out in lights and costumes for the annual Ag Parade.
Christmas lights, music, fireworks at Othello celebration
OTHELLO — Othello celebrated the coming of the Christmas season with a day of games, food, fireworks and a parade full of twinkling lights, costumes and candy Dec. 7.
Better year in 2024 for apples, cherries — not so much for pears
YAKIMA — After two years of bumpy weather and bumpy harvests, the 2024 apple and cherry harvests were closer to average. Pear growers were not so lucky.
Trails, pedestrian access fruits of first 20 years of multimodal system
MOSES LAKE — Almost two decades after Moses Lake residents started building a walking trail system, some work is done, some is still left to do, and some projects have been abandoned. Participants in planning the “multimodal” system conducted a review of the project and will present their report to the Moses Lake City Council Tuesday.
Better training recommended for Moses Lake accounting staff in audit finding
MOSES LAKE — Auditors with the Washington Auditor’s Office recommended that Moses Lake city officials provide more training for staff after finding some money was allocated to the wrong funds in a review of the city’s financial statements for 2021.
Quincy aquatic center, indoor sports arena design coming in 2025
QUINCY — Quincy Parks and Recreation District residents will get a chance to see the designs for the new Quincy Aquatic Center and the indoor sports facility, called the Q-Plex, in 2025. Quincy City Administrator Pat Haley said the two projects are at different stages of design.
Levy Q&A center stage at MLSD forum
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District voters will be asked to accept or reject a four-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election Feb. 11. If it’s approved, the maximum collectible amount would be $11.21 million in the first year, $12.56 million in the second year, $13.37 million in the third year and $14.24 million in the fourth year.
Prince looking fur a comfy castle
Prince is looking for a loving family for the holidays. The chocolate Rottweiler mix is 8 years old and neutered. He has an adoption fee of $250 and is in the care of Grant County Animal Shelter in Moses Lake. For those interested in taking home the royal boy visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.com or call 509-762-9616.
Ag Parade glitter
An Ag Parade participant enjoys the ride down West Third Avenue in Moses Lake Friday night. The parade drew farm equipment, trucks, work trucks, cars, horses and people, walking and riding the route and mostly decked out in Christmas lights. Full coverage of the parade will be in the Columbia Basin Herald next week.
Questions, answers, discussion at MLSD community forum
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis answered questions about school operations in the wake of severe budget cuts, technology, teachers responding to challenges in the classroom and billing during a wide-ranging question and answer forum Thursday.
Moses Lake city manager candidates to meet with residents Wednesday
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to meet the three finalists for the position of city manager from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St.
Quincy preliminary budget projected at $113M
QUINCY — The city of Quincy is projected to spend about $113.49 million in 2025, according to its preliminary budget. Being a preliminary budget it’s still subject to changes, and Finance Director Carrie Lnenicka said some changes are in the works.
Grant PUD projected to finish 2024 in the black
EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District was in the black at the end of the third quarter of 2024. The third quarter results were presented to the PUD commissioners at their Nov. 26 meeting.
Two Othello roundabouts scheduled for 2025 construction
OTHELLO — While the timelines haven’t been determined yet, two new roundabouts are planned for spring and summer 2025 around Othello. One on State Route 17 will impact travelers who may ordinarily bypass the city.
Othello residents invited to weigh in on parking regs
OTHELLO — Othello residents are being asked for their suggestions for some off-street parking regulations. Othello Planning Commission members are reviewing regulations for RVs and other vehicles, providing adequate sight distance at intersections, and some regulations governing alley parking. Their recommendations will go to the Othello City Council for consideration.
Grant PUD reduces budgeted spending, increases income
EPHRATA — An unexpected contract to sell a portion of its dam-generated power and the need to clarify details on capital projects resulted in adjustments to the Grant County Public Utility District’s budget by about $55.6 million.
Attendance, readiness addressed by Othello SD
OTHELLO — Keeping children in school and getting them back in school when they’ve stopped attending were among the topics of an extensive discussion at the Othello School Board meeting Dec. 9. Attendance and getting children ready for school was one part of a review of the Othello School District strategic plan, but John Weisman, instructional improvement director, said education starts with attendance.
REC Silicon reports lower third-quarter earnings
MOSES LAKE — A delay in shipping polysilicon materials led to a delay in production, which led to a drop in earnings for REC Silicon in the third quarter of the year. The company announced a few days after releasing its third quarter earnings report that some of the obstacles delaying delivery were cleared. The company cut back some operations at its Moses Lake facility as a result of the decreased earnings, according to its quarterly earnings report.
HopeSource officer says homelessness a community issue
MOSES LAKE — HopeSource Chief Operating Officer John Raymond said the work his organization does helps people find stable housing. But ultimately, he said, the homelessness problem is about more than money. Raymond gave an overview of HopeSource’s programs in Grant County to the Moses Lake City Council Nov. 26. During that discussion Mayor Dustin Swartz asked Raymond about the future.
Caring for animals, and the cost, discussed at Moses Lake council meeting
MOSES LAKE — A request from Grant County Animal Outreach for additional funding from the city of Moses Lake led to a discussion of animal welfare and its cost at the regular Moses Lake City Council meeting Nov. 26. Sara Thompson Tweedy, president of GCAO’s board of directors, requested that the city increase its funding to $181,000 in 2025. Mayor Dustin Swartz said that might be difficult. “We have challenges of our own,” Swartz said.
Port of Othello focused on large and small business development
OTHELLO — The Port of Othello’s mission can be summed up in one sentence. “The port is here to bring jobs and build Adams County and the Othello area,” said Executive Director Chris Faix.