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
Local legislators, bipartisan politicians call for reason in wake of attempted assassination
MOSES LAKE — Seeking ways to reduce the political temperature in a presidential election year, how to apply lessons learned in other political forums, improving security during a presidential campaign are among the topics being discussed by federal and state legislators following the attempted assassination Saturday of former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
‘When will it end?’
Hot weather set to hang out across Columbia Basin this week.
MOSES LAKE — Yes, yes, it’s summer and hot weather is to be expected. And yes, hot sunny days are what everyone is thinking about in January when it’s 15 degrees and dark by noon, or so it seems. But still - at this point in the heat wave, there’s one question on everyone’s mind.
Crime trending down in Moses Lake, Ephrata
MOSES LAKE — Crime trends in Moses Lake and Ephrata seem to be following the rest of the state - they went down between 2022 and 2023. A report on crime trends throughout the state, including individual cities, was released last week by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
Work scheduled for SR 26 this week
OTHELLO — Drivers should plan for delays along State Route 26 between Interstate 90 and Othello for about a week beginning Tuesday.
Crime mostly down in Grant and Adams, report says
EPHRATA — While crime went up in some individual categories in the unincorporated areas of Grant and Adams counties between 2022 and 2023, overall it was on a downward trend, according to information released Tuesday by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
Ephrata intersection closed Tuesday for bridge work
EPHRATA — Drivers should plan alternate routes to get in and out of downtown Ephrata next Tuesday as Washington Department of Transportation crews work on the bridge over the railroad tracks at the intersection of state Route 282 and state Route 28.
Ephrata-Soap Lake Ag Boosters in need of donations
EPHRATA — Organizers of a fund to support 4-H, Grange and FFA participants from Ephrata and Soap Lake at the annual stock sale during the Grant County Fair said the fund needs donations.
Burgess says planning for growth part of Grant Co. Commission's job
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Commission candidate Kevin Burgess said county and city governments need to think ahead when planning for growth. Burgess is running for the seat in Commission District 1; Danny Stone, the incumbent, did not file for reelection.
Budget approved for first phase of new Othello animal shelter
OTHELLO — A new animal shelter is in the works for the city of Othello. The Othello City Council approved a $340,000 budget for the initial phase of the construction at its regular meeting Monday, after some discussion of options, landscaping, philosophy and cost.
Statewide crime mostly down, still higher than 2019
LACEY — While crime in most categories declined in Washington between 2022 and 2023, crime rates are still higher than they were in 2019. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs released crime data for 2023 Tuesday.
Nation’s birthday draws big crowd to Othello
OTHELLO — It was a good day for a birthday party. Othello residents and visitors turned out for the parade and filled Lions Park for the annual July 4 celebration - games, a car show, sports tournaments, food, live music, fireworks - sponsored by the Othello Chamber of Commerce.
Moses Lake council postpones EMS presentation
MOSES LAKE — A presentation by owners of Lifeline Ambulance to the Moses Lake City Council scheduled for tonight’s council meeting has been postponed. Mayor Dustin Swartz said Monday he didn’t know when it might be rescheduled. “(Lifeline representatives) have met and had conversations with staff,” Swartz said.
National Weather Service issues fire weather alerts
MOSES LAKE — Hot weather and windy conditions will lead to an increased potential for wildfires at least through Thursday, according to information from the National Weather Service Monday.
Contract awarded to clean up property south of Mattawa
MATTAWA — A piece of derelict property south of Desert Aire is scheduled for cleanup with the work to be completed by Aug. 23. Grant County Commissioners awarded a contract for $81,150 to Groat Brothers, Woodinville, to remove, among other things, tires and abandoned cars from the land, known as the Engle property.
Record-breaking heat this week
MOSES LAKE — The heat wave that was supposed to end by midweek is going to behave like an unwanted guest - stay around longer than first anticipated and leave very slowly.
One arrested for July 4 shooting near Othello, rest of Basin relatively quiet
OTHELLO — An Othello-area man was booked on suspicion of first-degree assault following a shooting July 4 near Othello.
July 4 celebration fills Othello park
July 4 celebration fills Othello park
Repairs, restoration of Grant Co. Courthouse exterior nearly done
EPHRATA — Repairs to the steps and sections of the exterior of the Grant County Courthouse are almost complete. Construction crews have been working on the terracotta panels on the ground floor exterior, the columns and portico, and the decorative elements around the top floor.
Road construction projects to resume Monday
SOAP LAKE — The slope stabilization project on State Route 17 north of Soap Lake is scheduled to be finished sometime between late August and early September. The project area is the section of SR 17 from Soap Lake to the Lake Lenore Caves, where the road runs between Soap Lake or Lake Lenore and the rock embankment. The idea is to stabilize the rock face.
Moses Lake likely eyeing contracted EMS services
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members may be considering eliminating the city-funded ambulance service and hiring a private contractor, according to a statement released by the Moses Lake Firefighters Local 1258.
Quincy’s Nancy Schanze retires after 32 years with the city
QUINCY — Nancy Schanze has deep roots in Quincy. “We moved there when I was five,” she said. “I was a 12-year senior. I raised my daughter there, and I have sisters that live there with their families. We’re a Quincy family.”
Triple-digit temps incoming
Summer heat to hit the Columbia Basin hard this weekend
MOSES LAKE — It’s to be expected, of course – it is summer, after all. What the National Weather Service is calling a “long-duration heat wave” is forecast to arrive Friday. Joey Clevenger, meteorologist with the NWS office in Spokane, said the heat will stick around at least through the beginning of next week.
Construction cost for new Grant Co. Jail finalized by late July
EPHRATA — The actual cost of the new Grant County Jail should be finalized around the end of July. County officials are forecasting it will come in below the guaranteed maximum price of $131.56 million.
Sidewalks, street rebuilds in Mattawa 6-year plan
MATTAWA — Improvements are planned to Mattawa’s Riverview Avenue in 2025, the first project in the city’s updated six-year street plan.
Suds 'N Sun by the lake
Annual Soap Lake festival to kick off this weekend
SOAP LAKE — A three-on-three tournament on the new basketball court, a car show, the Seattle Cossacks motorcycle drill team, a parade, the second annual Soap Box Derby and fireworks are among the attractions at the annual Suds ‘N Sun celebration in Soap Lake Saturday. It’s sponsored by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Unemployment rate creeps up in Grant, Adams in May
MOSES LAKE — Unemployment in Grant County in May was higher than in some neighboring counties but lower than in others. Adams County's unemployment was lower than most of its neighbors, according to data released by the Washington Employment Security Department last week.
MLSD seeking to sell two land parcels
Grant County interested in one of the two as it plans new morgue
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board will hold a public hearing at its July 25 meeting to take public comment on a resolution to declare two parcels of district property surplus. Board members approved the resolution at their regular meeting Thursday.
BOOM: Moses Lake ready to get patriotic for July 4
MOSES LAKE — The nation’s birthday will be celebrated with the sounds of the 133D Army National Guard Band and a fireworks display over Moses Lake July 3. “Red, White and Boom!” also will feature food vendors and the Moses Lake Recreation Department’s mobile recreation van in the park Wednesday evening.
Fireworks regulations vary around Columbia Basin
MOSES LAKE — Fireworks are a big part of celebrating the nation’s birthday. However, different towns, and Grant County, have different rules for setting off fireworks.
Sabin resigns, Lewis named interim MLSD super
MOSES LAKE — Acting Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis has been selected as the interim superintendent for the 2024-25 school year. Lewis was appointed to the position after Moses Lake School Board members accepted the resignation of former superintendent Monty Sabin.
Dementia at home
How to set up a house to be safe for those suffering from cognitive decline
MOSES LAKE — A dementia diagnosis is a tough thing to hear, and it changes things all around the patient. Those changes extend all the way to how a patient’s home is arranged. “Most homes are not designed with the needs of someone living with dementia in mind,” wrote Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Chip seal project will cause delays on Highway 97A
CHELAN — Drivers on US Highway 97A should be prepared for delays as construction crews work on chip-seal projects between Chelan and Wenatchee. Crews will be repairing sections where drivers have worn down the pavement, starting July 1 and 2, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation. After July 2 work will be suspended until July 8 and then will continue through the week of July 11. Crews will be chip-sealing from 7 a.m. to about 5 p.m.
STRENGTH: Gregg Fletcher
Focused on medical administration, provider success
MOSES LAKE — Gregg Fletcher said a career in medical technology, which eventually led to a career in medical administration, started with an interest in math and science and a conversation with a guidance counselor at Central Washington University.
Independence Day traditions take center stage in George July 4
GEORGE — July 4 being a day of tradition, the nation’s birthday will be celebrated in the traditional fashion at the annual celebration in George.
Moses Lake council, Fuhr express gratitude at his final meeting
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members, city staff and spectators gave City Manager Kevin Fuhr a standing ovation after accepting his retirement request during the regular council meeting Tuesday.
Transportation, health care focuses of S. Grant chamber
MATTAWA — Upgrades to State Route 243, expanded urgent care options and ways to make it easier to dispose of garbage are among the top areas of focus for the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, finishing its second year.
Bingo night to support nonprofits scheduled
MOSES LAKE — A classic game for a good cause - a whole list of good causes, in fact - will be the goal of a Bingo night sponsored by Care Moses Lake. Bingo is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 13
Adams Co. looks at jail improvements with available funding
RITZVILLE — Adams County officials have advertised for a consultant to conduct a study of the Adams County Jail, with the goal of suggesting options for refurbishing the facility with the available funds.
Conservation, alternate sources part of Quincy water plan
QUINCY — Like other cities in Grant County - cities throughout Central Washington, actually - Quincy officials are looking for ways to ensure an adequate water supply for the future as well as the present. As a result, Quincy city officials are reviving an old project and working on ways to encourage water conservation for businesses and residents.
Finances may impact use of MLSD facilities
MOSES LAKE — Looking for places to save money in light of a serious financial shortfall, Moses Lake School Board members will meet at 6 p.m. Monday to discuss water use, part of a larger discussion on the use of district facilities outside school hours. Recommendations include restrictions on use in the summer and facility rental fees for non-district activities and events.
Volunteer project brightens Larson Heights playground
MOSES LAKE — The playground toys at Larson Heights Elementary are still fun - after all, there’s nothing like some good climbing bars - and they’re durable, but they’re old. “The playground here is 60 years old,” said Art Brown, pastor of the Light of Larson church. Church members have been working with school administrators and the parent-teacher organization for about 10 years to make improvements, Brown said, and one of the current projects is raising money for new playground toys. But in the meantime there’s the existing equipment.
Furnishing outdoor space should reflect indoor space, at least a little
QUINCY — Summer is here, those long days and warm evenings tempting people to spend time outside. The question is how to make the most of that outdoor space, whatever it is. Sherri Van Diest, owner of Wild Willow Interiors in Quincy, said she tells her clients to take into account how the indoors looks to make the most of the outdoors.
Organization forming to support MLSD extracurriculars
MOSES LAKE — A group of Moses Lake School District patrons is in the process of forming a charitable organization to support the district’s extracurricular activities after the rejection of an educational programs and operations levy and financial challenges put them in jeopardy. The group tentatively is scheduled to discuss their ideas with the Moses Lake School Board at its regular meeting June 27.
Parker Horn Bridge to be paved this weekend
MOSES LAKE — Drivers using State Route 17 through Moses Lake should be ready for traffic delays this weekend, starting Friday, as road crews will be resurfacing the bridge over Parker Horn.
MLSD board examining funding priorities
MOSES LAKE — How to use the funding available to the Moses Lake School District, what programs or services should be supported and which can be deferred or cut, at least temporarily, was the subject of discussion at a special Moses Lake School Board meeting Tuesday.
New Iron Horse playground officially opens
OTHELLO — The brand-new Iron Horse playground in Othello’s Lions Park officially opened Friday afternoon with Mayor Shawn Logan and a supporting crew of Othello children cutting the ribbon.
Grant PUD revises non-union salary schedule
EPHRATA — Although it doesn’t change any salaries now, an updated salary scale for non-union Grant County PUD employees will increase salaries in the future.
Brent Reese Memorial Car Show raises $4K to fight ALS
MOSES LAKE — The first Brent Reese Memorial Car Show attracted old cars and new cars, muscle cars and street rods, tricked-out trucks and rat rods, and more than enough cars to fill the Scotty’s Auto Repair parking lot. The event gave locals an opportunity to enjoy cars while raising money to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
National issues have local impacts, Newhouse says
MOSES LAKE — There are issues that are important to Central Washington, but the region is not immune from national concerns, said U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse.
Rock blasting to close I-90 for brief period Thursday
ELLENSBURG — The first night of closing Interstate 90 near Easton for a short period to blast rocks is scheduled for Thursday.