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
Moses Lake School Board election Q&A
MOSES LAKE — Two candidates are running for Position 3 on the Moses Lake School Board, the incumbent Susan Freeman and challenger Carla Urias...
CBHA receives grant to help youth access mental health care
OTHELLO — The Columbia Basin Health Association is the recipient of a $500,000 grant designed to help children and teens who need behavioral health care to get it more quickly. The CBHA was one of five winners nationwide in the “Community Health Entrepreneur Challenge.” ...
WARRIOR ROYALTY
MATTAWA — Wahluke High School seniors Christopher Gallardo, left, and Andrea Corrales, right, reigned as the Homecoming king and queen at the WHS homecoming game Sept. 22.
Final Quincy hospital contract consideration postponed
QUINCY — The approval of the last – and largest – contract for the construction of the new Quincy Valley Medical Center is scheduled for Oct. 30. Joe Kunkel, a consultant working with QVMC on the project, said Monday the hospital board originally was scheduled to approve the contract for the third phase of the project during Monday’s meeting. But waiting a month was determined to be the better option, he said. “We said, ‘Let’s take a little more time and let the market work on this.’ Because if we try to jam it through, we’ll get a lot of people not responding. And we need as many eyes as we can get on this thing,” Kunkel said.
WorkSource to hold Oct. 6 hiring fair
MOSES LAKE — More than 30 businesses will have opportunities for people looking for that next job at the fall Hiring and Resource Fair sponsored by WorkSource. It’s scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at WorkSource Central Basin, 309 E. Fifth Ave., Moses Lake.
Grant PUD eyeing multiple projects in ‘24 budget
EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District customers will be invited to review and comment on the 2024 budget at three public hearings Oct. 10 and 12. In-person hearings are scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 10 at the PUD commission hearing room at the main office in Ephrata, 30 C St. SW, and 6 p.m. Oct. 12 in the auditorium in the Moses Lake office, 312 W. Third Ave. A virtual hearing will be held Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. The link to the online meeting is available in a press release under the “News” tab on the PUD website, www.grantpud.org...
Bike safety, bike fun on agenda for Moses Lake bike rodeo
MOSES LAKE — All things bicycle will be the focus of the annual bike rodeo, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the ice rink and parking lot at the Larson Recreation Center, 2501 W. Broadway Ave. in Moses Lake. The bike rodeo has been a project of the Moses Lake Kiwanis and the Moses Lake Trail Planning Team since about 2019, with interruptions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time other sponsors have come on board. The bike rodeo was the brainchild of Kiwanis member Louis Logan, and he came up with the official name, “Bicycle Activities, Repairs, Giveaway and Skills.” It replaced a longtime Kiwanis project.
Two Quincy streets slated for improvements
QUINCY — Sections of Third Avenue SW and Sixth Avenue NE in Quincy are scheduled for improvements. Quincy City Council members approved bids for two separate road projects Sept. 19, with bid opening Sept. 28...
Bites 2 Go
Program aims to provide weekend food for Othello children
OTHELLO — Qualifying elementary students in the Othello School District will be getting food to tide them over the weekends with the help of a partnership between the Othello Food Bank, 2nd Harvest and the Othello School District. The first meals of the “Bites 2 Go” program were delivered Thursday. Food Bank Director Jose Garza said Bites 2 Go is the revival of a program that was a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s designed for children who may not have enough to eat when school is not in session. “It’s food to be taken home,” Garza said. “They will be getting food every weekend. If there’s no school on a Friday, they will get their bags on Thursdays.”
Operating hours may be reduced temporarily at Quincy Animal Shelter
QUINCY — The Quincy Animal Shelter hours may change temporarily as city officials work to add new staff. Municipal Services Director Carl Worley told Quincy City Council members Tuesday that it’s difficult for the existing staff to manage both the animals and the current hours. “The animal shelter is currently shorthanded until temporary employees are hired,” he said. “I think we’re down to pretty much two people at this point. So it’s sometimes difficult for them to meet the public at the door. Sometimes they’re in the back and don’t hear it.”
Elevate Othello
Community event looks at building opportunities and enjoying ice cream this Saturday
OTHELLO — Othello residents are invited for some ice cream and a wide-ranging discussion about increasing opportunities in town Saturday afternoon. Organizers of the “Elevate Othello” project will host an ice cream social from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Othello City Hall, 500 E. Main St., to talk about what they’ve learned so far, and where residents want to go from here.
Nonprofits connect with community at Care Fair
MOSES LAKE — Representatives from 15 local nonprofit organizations filled the Youth Dynamics building Saturday to raise awareness and recruit volunteers. The second annual Care Fair was sponsored by Care Moses Lake, and founder Michaelle Boetger said the goal is to help make connections. “Our mission is to help out other nonprofits in our community, and also promote giving back. That’s really what we’re trying to do here,” Boetger said...
Lions topple Eagles
MLCA/CCS defeats Soap Lake for third straight win of new football program
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy-Covenant Christian School Lions football team pushed their record to 3-0 with a 44-30 win over the Soap Lake Eagles Saturday at Lions Field. It was the third game ever for MLCA/CCS, and Coach Aaron Noble said his team met and overcame some challenges Saturday night...
Sip & Stroll draws wine, art, music lovers downtown
MOSES LAKE — A warm sunny day brought wine and spirit aficionados, art lovers, music lovers and shoppers to downtown Moses Lake Saturday. The annual Sip ‘n Stroll was sponsored by the Downtown Moses Lake Association. Association board president Denise Kinder said in midafternoon that participants had been arriving in a steady stream. “It’s been a really great turnout,” Kinder said...
Tattoo art both interesting, challenging, artist says
MOSES LAKE — Blaire Knox said she’s always loved and experimented with art. “I’ve been sort of an eclectic artist my whole life, mostly centered around drawing,” she said. “Just as a personal interest. Beyond drawing, I’ve done painting and working with clay for sculptures, sewing clothes. I’ve (worked) with 3D modeling and drawing comics, and working with Photoshop. I’m a jack of all trades, master of none.” ...
Road projects under consideration near The Gorge
QUINCY — Grant County officials are working on options to alleviate traffic congestion on Silica Road and around the Gorge Amphitheater. One project already has been approved by the Grant County Commissioners; two more are under discussion with the goal of making improvements next spring...
QVMC commissioners award materials contracts
QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center commissioners awarded about $4.57 million in contracts for materials for the new Quincy hospital in a special meeting Wednesday. It was the second of three contracts for construction. “The last approval that we’ll go through is for the full (guaranteed maximum price), and that is going to be next month,” said Kayla Van Lieshout of the Klosh Group, a consultant on the project. “We anticipate taking that to the Oct. 23 board meeting for approval.” ...
Samaritan board approves bond issuance
MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare commissioners approved the issuance of about $136.48 million in revenue bonds to pay for the construction of the new Samaritan Hospital Wednesday. “Wow,” said board chair Katherine Christian after the board voted to issue the bonds, and after the meeting she said it had been a long process...
Sip & Stroll, Care Fair set for Saturday in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Some wine, some art, information on volunteer opportunities – downtown Moses Lake will be full of events Saturday afternoon...
Getting musical
Central Basin Community Concert Association announced 2023-24 season
MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Community Concert Association will open its 69th season with a group featuring four-part harmony in four different musical genres. “The Suits” will perform in concert Oct. 12 at the Wallenstien Theater, 6528 26th Ave. NW, on the Big Bend Community College campus...
Tigers claw out a W in Battle of the Basin
Ephrata takes down Quincy in 35-12 gridiron bout Friday
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers pulled away in the second half to take the 2023 Battle of the Basin over the Quincy Jackrabbits, 35-12, Friday night in Ephrata...
‘We start today’
Groundbreaking signals start of Quincy Valley Medical Center project
QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center CEO Glenda Bishop characterized the new Quincy Valley Medical Center as a project about the past, present and future...
Stepping out for ag
Agriculture appreciation and fun emphasized at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day
QUINCY — The commemoration of Quincy’s past and future contributions to agriculture brought contemporary and antique farm machinery, dancing horses, pulling tractors and classic cars to town - and those were only some of the attractions at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Saturday...
Battle of the Basin
EPHRATA - Ephrata players show the Battle of the Basin trophy to the team and the crowd after the Tigers’ 35-12 win over the Quincy Jackrabbits in Ephrata on Friday night. Quincy led 12-7 at the half, but Ephrata scored 29 unanswered points in the second half to take the win. Full coverage of the game will be available in the Columbia Basin Herald later this week.
Quincy Animal Shelter supervision leads to staffing discussion
QUINCY — Quincy animal shelter administration will be shifted from the Quincy Police Department to the city’s public works department, a proposal that prompted a discussion about staffing by the Quincy City Council Sept. 5. “With the move over to public works, the (animal shelter) manager’s supervision is done by the maintenance supervisor, which also makes sense because he can then better address some of the facility issues that come up from time to time, (such as) equipment, building repair (and) utilities,” City Administrator Pat Haley said in answer to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald...
Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Saturday in Quincy
QUINCY — A parade down Central Avenue, dancing horses, three-on-three soccer, a car show, a tractor pull – all the good old events return to Quincy Saturday on Farmer Consumer Awareness Day. While technically it’s not part of FCAD, the B Street Block Party is an unofficial kickoff; it’s from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday. One block of B Street, from Central Avenue South to First Street Southwest, will host vendors serving food and wine, along with some merchandise. The Olson Brothers Band will be performing live. Saturday’s events start early and run all day. Signup forms, or links to signup forms, are available on the FCAD website, www.quincyfcad.org.
New Ephrata water tower construction planned
EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata will build a new water tower adjacent to an existing city well near Columbia Ridge Elementary School. Ephrata City Council members approved the termination of a lease between the city and the Ephrata School District at the regular council meeting Wednesday. The vote was 5-0. “That’s the chunk of land that’s – where, exactly?” asked council member Kathleen Allstot. “Right in front of the preschool,” said City Administrator Ray Towry. “That’s the property that we own.”
Activity starts on Samaritan Hospital construction site Monday
MOSES LAKE — Dirt will start moving Monday on the site of the new Samaritan Hospital, with construction fences going up the week after. “We are going to start mobilizing on Monday. You will see there’s going to be all kinds of earthworking equipment that will show up in the first week,” said Matt Pulick of Graham Construction, general contractors for the project. “They’re going to be moving dirt around to prepare for the site fencing that’s going to go up the following week.” After the fence goes up crews will install construction offices, temporary electricity and internet service, along with a water source crews will use to keep down the dust. A “progress camera” will be set up as part of the site preparation; it will take pictures of the site every 10 minutes throughout construction, Pulick said. “We’re all good to go,” he said.
India lifts tariffs on apples, peas, lentils
WASHINGTON D.C. — Tariffs on American apples, peas and lentils imposed by the Indian government in 2018 were lifted Wednesday, following an agreement between the U.S. and India announced in June. The 20% tariff was imposed on U.S. agricultural products in retaliation for tariffs on steel imposed by the then-Trump Administration. The U.S. tariffs on Indian steel were removed as well. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) said removing the tariffs required continuing effort from the state’s Congressional delegation, as well as changing political and market conditions.
Back on track
Construction expected in 2024 on Port of Moses Lake rail project
MOSES LAKE — Construction could start in 2024 on a long-delayed project to replace the railroad tracks running through downtown Moses Lake with a new line between Wheeler Road and the Port of Moses Lake. Milton Miller, director of port facilities, said about five miles of track will be built. The project also will include the rehabilitation of about 3.5 miles of existing track near Patton Boulevard leading to the port...
QVMC to break ground Saturday
QUINCY — Fences are going up and other site preparation should start in early October and the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Quincy Valley Medical Center is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The groundbreaking will be at the construction site behind the existing hospital, 908 10 Ave. SW. Kayla Van Lieshout, project manager for project managers the Klosh Group, said Graham Construction, the general contractor, has a construction schedule and a tentative start date...
Jacks lose season opener vs. East Valley
QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team started fast, but East Valley (Yakima) had more speed in the end and defeated the Jacks 42-14 Friday night in the season opener for both teams. “I think we just had trouble catching up to their speed,” said Quincy Coach Russ Elliott after the game. “They had some pretty good skill receivers out there. And they executed really well.” ...
Layered learning
Onion Field Day offers growers and academics a chance to learn and network.
MOSES LAKE — The onion varietal trial in a field near Moses Lake is nearing harvest, but even once it’s in storage it’s still a work in progress. Like all farming, raising onions is a continual process of adjustment, which was highlighted during Onion Field Day Thursday. Co-organizer Carrie Wohleb, WSU Grant-Adams County Extension, said scientists planted 52 different varieties of onions. Brian Haddon, one of the many industry professionals in attendance, said farmers and industry experts were examining the onions for quality as they came from the field...
Quincy man arrested after standoff
QUINCY — A Quincy man was arrested early Thursday afternoon after refusing to come out of an empty business building, leading to a standoff lasting about three hours...
Regional utility companies work to mitigate wildfire risks
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The interaction of electrical lines and the landscape around them, especially trees, often ends badly - it can cause power outages any time of year, but in the summer in particular it can cause fires. Keeping fires from happening requires close attention to power lines and the areas around them, and that’s not just a summer job. “Fire season is a condition that can exist at any time of year,” wrote JoDee Black of NorthWestern Energy, based in Missoula, Montana via email. “Each year’s weather conditions impact those situations differently: Early season rains encourage plant growth which fuels fires later in the growing season, and winters with little snow leave dry plant material available for late season fires.” ...
Quincy football sets goal of building on improvement
QUINCY — The 2022 football season saw some encouraging things happen for the Quincy High School Jackrabbits, and both Head Coach Russ Elliott and Jacks players want to build on that improvement.
After just missing in 2022, Wahluke football looking to make playoffs in 2023
MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School football team missed the first round of the 2022 playoffs by the smallest of margins, and Coach Anfernee Cortez said his team is looking to change that result in 2023.
Coulee Medical Center important resource in isolated area
GRAND COULEE — Coulee Medical Center is one of those places that highlights the challenges and opportunities of rural medicine. “We’re just really looking to see what can we do that makes sense. That’s financially viable, that meets our mission and the needs of the community,” said Chief Executive Officer (and Chief Nursing Officer) Roberta Hicks. One of the examples is the Grand Coulee-based hospital’s obstetrics department, the only one in the area with the exception of Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak. Hicks said it’s a necessary service. “If you can make it to Omak from here, it’s 58 miles,” she said.
Ephrata dismisses Parks and Rec director
EPHRATA — Ephrata city officials are considering options to replace Parks and Recreation Director Traci Bennet after her employment was terminated. Ephrata City Council members confirmed Bennet’s firing on a 6-0 vote at the regular meeting Aug. 16...
Ribbon cutting for new Almira school Thursday
ALMIRA — The new Almira Elementary School and Almira-Coulee/Hartline Middle School will be the center of attention at a ribbon-cutting and open house scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday. The building is located at 310 S. Third St. People can tour the new building after the ribbon is cut, said building Principal Kelsey Hoppe. “You’ll be able to walk around and check things out,” she said.
Radio-controlled aircraft show could be part of Moses Lake Airshow 2024
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Airshow may add a separate event for radio-controlled aircraft in 2024. That’s one possibility discussed by Port of Moses Lake commissioners during a presentation on the 2023 air show at the regular meeting Monday. Terry Quick of Entco International, Seattle, among the event promoters, said organizers are looking for sponsors for an RC component of the larger air show. Radio-controlled aircraft have been part of the airshow, but their part would be expanded. “If we manage to get enough sponsorship to do it the right way, we’ll be bringing in world-class pilots and planes,” Quick said. “There are a couple of world champions that we’re talking to.”
Car show, parade, tournaments part of Warden Community Days
WARDEN — A community dinner, a parade, a beanbag tournament and a show full of cool cars are among the events scheduled for Community Days, scheduled for Labor Day weekend in Warden. This is the second year for the revived Community Days, and events are spread throughout the weekend rather than concentrated on one day. The car show kicks off the weekend Saturday morning at Warden Volunteer Park, 300 E. Fourth St. Cars will be on display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Renay Jorgensen of the Community Days committee said car owners can register their rides from 8 to 10 a.m. Entry forms are available on the Warden Community Days webpage.
MLSD board approves 2023-24 budget
MOSES LAKE — The general fund budget for the Moses Lake School District will be $152.47 million for the 2023-24 school year. Moses Lake School Board members passed the budget without discussion at their regular meeting Thursday. The vote was 4-0. Board member Alana DeGooyer did not attend the meeting...
Port of Quincy to consider options for Bishop Rec Area
QUINCY — Port of Quincy commissioners will get an updated title for a piece of port-owned property south of town, which might - or might not - be the first step to declaring the land as surplus.
MLI donation will pay for new GCSO K-9
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office brought some of its coolest vehicles and all but one of its K-9s to Moses Lake Industries Thursday at lunchtime to thank the company for its donation. Chief Operating Officer Brent Hansen said MLI officials looked on the donation as a way to contribute to public safety and to thank law enforcement and first responders in general for what they do for Grant County...
Cost reduced for new Samaritan hospital construction
MOSES LAKE — The construction of a new Samaritan Hospital will cost about $2.1 million less than first projected. Construction will begin sooner than originally anticipated, with site preparation scheduled to begin in mid-September. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 6...
Enrollment projections drop in Othello School District
OTHELLO — Othello School District officials anticipate district enrollment for 2023-24 school year to be the equivalent of about 4,463 students, a decrease of seven students from actual enrollment in the 2022-23 school year. The preliminary budget was presented to Othello School Board members at the Aug. 14 meeting.
Ephrata boil-water advisory still in effect
EPHRATA — A boil-water advisory remains in effect in Ephrata, at least until city officials learn the results of tests on water samples taken Monday. Full test results are expected Wednesday morning. The advisory was issued for the northeast and southeast parts of town, wrote city Administrator Ray Towry in a Tuesday press release. It does not include the Grandview Heights neighborhood. The boil-water advisory was issued Monday afternoon following a malfunction of sensors that regulate the city’s water reservoir system. City officials expected some preliminary test results Tuesday night.
‘Very preliminary’ 2024 Grant PUD budget released
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD customers could see an overall 2.5% rate increase in 2024. The preliminary 2024 budget was released for the first review at the PUD commission meeting Aug. 8. John Mertlich, senior manager of financial planning and analysis, called it a “very preliminary” review. According to information presented to the commissioners, the Aug. 8 presentation meets a state-mandated requirement. Commissioners will approve a resolution to file a preliminary budget today, also meeting a state requirement. The budget will be presented for two public hearings in October, and commissioners will approve the final version in November.
Boil water advisory issued for Ephrata
EPHRATA — Ephrata residents in the southeast and northeast sections of town are being advised to boil city water before drinking it. The boil-water advisory was issued by city officials late Monday afternoon. Residents should bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and let it cool prior to using it, according to a press release from City Administrator Ray Towry. Samples of the water have been sent to a state-certified lab for testing, he wrote. “The test requires 24 hours in the lab. The city anticipates receiving results by Wednesday,” Towry wrote.