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
Good neighbors: Rotary projects support community in many ways
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Rotary Club members penciled in an hour to set up the cafeteria at Chief Moses Middle School for the annual Coats 4 Kids distribution, but they didn’t need it. It only took about 30 minutes to sort and lay out an estimated 800 coats.
Grant County officials make suicide prevention information easier to find
EPHRATA — It’s at the top of Grant County’s website.
Grant County unemployment declines, as do job openings
MOSES LAKE — Grant County’s economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s a little uneven, according to recent information from the Washington Employment Security Department. Grant County’s unemployment rate dropped between September 2020 and September 2021, but the number of people in the county’s workforce declined.
A piece of the past: Token tells story of century-old Quincy business
QUINCY — So that small object in a frame on the wall at the Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum, the coin-like thing – is that really a coin? After all, the way a coin often ends up on the wall of a museum is if it’s dug out of an archeological site.
Quincy, Mattawa mayors maintain lead in updated election numbers
The mayors of Mattawa and Quincy have maintained leads against their challengers, but Quincy School Board and Wahluke School Board incumbents are losing their races in the updated results Thursday for the Nov. 2 general election.
Yonezawa Boulevard project delayed, awaiting growth plan
MOSES LAKE — Revisions of the intersection at Yonezawa Boulevard and Pioneer Way were postponed in 2021, and might not happen in 2022, due to a study recommended in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
Othello sewer rates to stay the same in 2022
OTHELLO — Othello residents will not see an increase in their sewer rates until at least 2026.
‘More than a tribute’: Columbia Basin Allied Arts brings audiences back with A.J. Croce performance
MOSES LAKE — Singer-songwriter A.J. Croce will feature his interpretation of the music of his dad Jim Croce when he performs in concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Moses Lake High School theater, 803 E. Sharon Ave. The concert is sponsored by the Columbia Basin Allied Arts.
Counting cars: Moses Lake traffic study moves into second phase, rates traffic in Mae Valley area
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials have started the second phase of a study to determine how to address traffic issues at intersections along Hansen Road.
Grant County seeks input on proposal for redrawing commissioner districts
EPHRATA — The Grant County commissioners will take public comment at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 on proposed changes to the boundaries of county commission districts and voter precincts.
Slowing down: Traffic circle experiment begins in Othello
OTHELLO — An experiment to determine the effectiveness of traffic circles in reducing collisions in a residential area is underway, as drivers in the neighborhood might already know.
New Adams County assessor settles into the job
RITZVILLE — Veronica Rodriguez said the first 30 days as Adams County assessor have been pretty busy.
Othello approves accessory dwelling unit rules
OTHELLO — After almost two and a half years of discussion, Othello City Council members passed an ordinance allowing homeowners to build accessory dwelling units in some residential areas.
Right angling: Quincy man says fly fishing more than just catching fish
QUINCY — Joshua Shew said for him, fly fishing is not so much about catching fish as getting to know nature.
Gigliotti sworn in: First woman steps in as Grant County Superior Court judge
EPHRATA — Anna Gigliotti was sworn in Friday as the newest Grant County Superior Court judge.
Story teller: Interest in people and their lives attracts Miles King to communications
MOSES LAKE — Miles King said the attraction of his current job at Samaritan Healthcare is similar to his old job at the Quincy Valley Post-Register, the chance to tell tales.
A gift with heart
Columbia Basin Eagles Auxiliary president Diane Engleberg, left, presents a check for $2,352 to Jennifer Estep, the lead physiologist at Samaritan Healthcare’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation department.
The mind’s eye: Imagination, adventure, discovery part of art’s appeal for Angela Hunt
MOSES LAKE — Angela Hunt’s characters have a story to tell, and it’s up to the people looking at her paintings and drawings to decide what the story is.
A career of caring: Retiring DSHS employee will miss his clients
MOSES LAKE — Now that he’s retiring, David Plassman said he had something he wanted to say to the clients he’s worked with during 22 years with the Department of Social and Health Services.
Volunteers to collect donations for Serve Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Volunteers from a group of local churches will collect money, warm clothes and other items Saturday, which will be donated to Serve Moses Lake to help shelterless people during the winter.
Goblins and giggles
Homeowners in a Moses Lake neighborhood put on Halloween displays to the delight of visitors.
Voters to choose mayors, school board, city council members
EPHRATA — Voters will choose a Mattawa mayor, as well as certain Royal City City Council and Wahluke School Board members in the general election Tuesday.
Halloween activities abound this weekend
MATTAWA — Ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties will be out this weekend as local municipalities and organizations provide events to celebrate Halloween and harvest.
Winning by losing: Medical diagnosis prompts diet changes, leads to a state TOPS award for Moses Lake woman
MOSES LAKE — Cathy Kenny worked to lose weight, but – as with a lot of other people – it didn’t stay off.
Winter Riding Program to start at GC fairgrounds
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds will offer an option for horse owners who want to keep riding through the winter, but not in wintry conditions.
Mattawa council member, incumbent running for mayor
MATTAWA — Incumbent Mayor Maria Celaya is facing a challenge from city council member Sun Hwang in the general election Tuesday for Mattawa mayor.
Xi Beta Xi has fundraiser for food bank
OTHELLO — The Xi Beta Xi sorority donated more than $2,500 to the Othello Food Bank and a late donation raised that amount to more than $3,000.
‘The door is open’: Interim Mattawa police chief invites residents to talk
MATTAWA — Estevan Araguz, interim police chief for Mattawa and chief of the Granger Police Department, knows what appeals to him in law enforcement.
Mattawa approves agreement with Granger for interim chief
MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council on Thursday approved an interlocal agreement with Granger to pay Granger $50 per hour for its police chief, Estevan Araguz, to be Mattawa’s interim chief for six months.
Two face off for Quincy mayor
QUINCY — Incumbent Paul Worley and Luke Garrison, running for the four-year term as Quincy mayor, both said they like the direction the town is going, and want to keep up the momentum.
Gigliotti named to Superior Court
EPHRATA — Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday the appointment of Grant County District Court commissioner Anna Gigliotti to the Grant County Superior Court.
Future farmers?: Kids get hands-on at First Grade Farm Day
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District first-graders ran their own barrel racing course, stuffed paper honey into a paper honeycomb, drew pictures of ice cream cones, and ate popcorn and french fries.
Commissioners continue public hearing on site for new jail
EPHRATA — Grant County commissioners on Tuesday continued a public hearing to Nov. 10 on a proposed budget extension for the possible purchase of land for a new Grant County Jail.
Fear for fun: Othello Straw Maze scares through October
OTHELLO — Lily McIndoe knew exactly what she wanted to be Friday night, and she gave careful instructions to Stephanie Carl, who was painting her face.
Old Hotel Art Gallery to return to in-person fundraiser Saturday
OTHELLO — After a year’s hiatus, the Old Hotel Art Gallery will hold its annual fundraising dinner and auction in person Saturday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish at 616 E. Juniper St. The silent auction starts at 6 p.m. and the live auction at 7 p.m.
Wahluke wins cross-country individual boys title; girls take team title
MATTAWA — Wahluke High School sophomore Angel Vazquez was first across the finish line in the boys race at the cross-country meet Thursday at the South Central Athletic Conference meet against Wapato, Zillah, Kiona-Benton and La Salle high schools.
Royal Slope seniors to host soup luncheon
ROYAL CITY — The Royal Slope Senior Center will sponsor a free soup luncheon at noon Oct. 27 in the community center at the Royal City Golf Course and RV Park at 13702 Dodson Road.
Othello wants ideas on spending COVID-19 relief funds
OTHELLO — A second public hearing has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 to take comments and ideas from Othello residents on the best use of about $2.3 million the town has or will have as part of federal COVID-19 relief funding.
Commission to take public comment on redistricting
EPHRATA — The Grant County commissioners will have a public comment session to get reactions on proposed changes in commissioner districts at a date and time yet to be determined.
Resources available for people facing mental health challenges
MOSES LAKE — While discussions about, and awareness of, mental health are more common than they used to be, much may remain unknown.
Gourd riddance: Moses Lake FFA holds extra sale for pumpkin surplus
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School FFA’s pumpkin patch survived the summer well enough the FFA had to sponsor an emergency pumpkin sale.
Grant PUD board selects commissioner to fill vacant position
EPHRATA — Terry Pyle, of Moses Lake, was selected Tuesday as the new Grant Public Utility District commissioner.
Fees at Grant County Fairgrounds to increase
MOSES LAKE — Grant County commissioners on Tuesday approved a request to increase some fairgrounds fees, including an increase in admission to the Grant County Fair in 2022.
Hearing set on land purchase for new jail
EPHRATA — Grant County commissioners will have a public hearing at 3:10 p.m. Oct. 19 for reaction to a proposed budget extension to allow the purchase of 86.9 acres of land – which includes the Ephrata Raceway Park – as the tentative site of the new Grant County Jail.
Royal City street to have no parking on one side
ROYAL CITY — Parking will be prohibited on the north side of Poplar Street Northeast under a new ordinance passed Oct. 5 by the Royal City City Council.
Wildfire burns about 75 acres near Mattawa
MATTAWA — An afternoon wildfire burned about 75 acres two miles north of Mattawa Sunday.
Old Hotel Art Gallery features Cyber Art 509
OTHELLO — Paintings and sculptures from the Cyber Art 509 art cooperative are on display for the month of October at the Old Hotel Art Gallery at 33 Larch St. in Othello. Entry is free.
Flu shots recommended by end of October
MOSES LAKE — It may have been overlooked so far, but flu season is approaching. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults get vaccinated against flu soon.
Fundraising for Fido: Activities, whipped cream, dog treats abound at Adams County Pet Rescue fundraiser
OTHELLO — It was a hectic and profitable four hours Friday for Adams County Pet Rescue.
A better reading place: Public libraries in Grant County to receive upgrades in district project
WENATCHEE — Libraries throughout the NCW Libraries system will get upgrades as part of a three- to five-year project recently announced by system directors. The upgrades will involve 28 of the system’s 30 facilities, including all libraries in Grant County.