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
Report details effects of COVID-19 pandemic on Adams County economy
While the COVID-19 outbreak damaged Adams County’s economy, the impact wasn’t as great as in some other parts of the state, according to preliminary information released by the Washington Department of Employment Security.
Othello man arrested on firearms possession
An Othello man was booked into the Adams County Jail for alleged second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm following a traffic stop by the Othello Police Department Thursday.
New caution lights coming to Othello's Main Street
New caution lights to improve pedestrian safety will go in at two Main Street intersections, Fifth and Sixth streets, in Othello this spring.
Interview schedule for Wahluke superintendent candidates announced
Wahluke School District patrons can virtually meet the three finalists for district superintendent.
Othello business owners glad to get to Phase 2
Traditionally, the Pizza Factory is closed Monday, but manager Alfred Voorhies was in the shop, getting ready for Tuesday.
Steady flow of customers at local restaurants as second phase of reopening begins
Business looked brisk, at least as brisk as it could be, at local restaurants for lunch Sunday, after Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday Grant and Adams counties would move to the second phase of the state’s reopening plan.
Cardiac rehabilitation clinic helps patients regain independence
Jennifer Estep said she has a message for the patients entering the cardiac rehabilitation program at Samaritan Hospital on East Wheeler Road.
Vote totals updated for Feb. 9 special election
Ephrata School District voters so far approved an educational programs and operations levy, but voters in the Wahluke School District are rejecting a capital levy request in updated vote totals from the Feb. 9 special election.
Cold, snow forecast for weekend, early next week
It is true spring is approaching, but winter is not done.
Local business, government leaders welcome news of move to Phase 2
Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement Thursday Grant and Adams counties would move to Phase 2 of his Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan was good news to local business and government leaders.
Murder investigation presents emotional, fiscal challenges
Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said law enforcement officers know they'll face challenges, but it doesn't make things easier.
Valentine's Day celebration at Moses Lake Senior Center
The Moses Lake Senior Center will have a drive-up celebration for Valentine’s Day from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday at the senior center, 608 East Third Ave.
Expiring lease plays role in decision to close Tri-State Outfitters
An expiring lease played a role in the decision of the Tri-State Outfitter owners to close the Moses Lake store.
Moses Lake man jailed after police chase
A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail, after he and two passengers led Grant County Sheriff’s deputies on a chase in a vehicle early Tuesday morning.
First COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Royal City
Melissa Gonzalez told her patient the COVID-19 vaccine was a lot like a tetanus shot, as she received the first of the two-shot regimen.
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival goes virtual for 2021
The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival will return to Othello for 2021, at least in virtual form.
Betty Johansen Old Hotel Artist of the Month
Potter and clay sculptor Betty Johansen, of Othello, is the Artist of the Month for January and February at the Old Hotel Art Gallery, on East Larch Street, in Othello.
Othello man injured in accident near Pasco
An Othello man was injured, and could be charged with driving while under the influence of intoxicants and negligent driving, after he drove his car off the road and rolled it Saturday about 10 miles north of Pasco.
Othello man pleads not guilty in double murder
A man allegedly living illegally in the U.S. pleaded not guilty Friday in Adams County Superior Court in Ritzville to murdering two women Jan. 27 in their Othello home.
Booming construction helps alleviate some COVID-19 impacts in Grant County
A booming construction industry helped cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Grant County’s economy in 2020.
Othello man arrested for assault, K-9 helps catch second suspect
An Othello man was booked into the Adams County Jail on charges of second-degree assault and possession of a stolen vehicle after an incident near Othello Sunday afternoon.
Arson likely destroys toilet, shelter at Pelican Point's park
A portable toilet and its surrounding shelter in the park at the Pelican Point development was destroyed by fire early Monday morning.
Cold weather coming by week's end
It’s staying light a little later. There’s a little more sun during the day. Temperatures crept up ever so slightly for a couple of days.
Approval of site, selection of architect next steps in new Grant County Jail construction
The Grant County Commissioners will have an online hearing to gather public input on the proposed site of the new Grant County Jail.
Learning curve: Warren Small and family experimented their way to making good barbecue, pizza
Back in the beginning, Warren Small just wanted some good barbecue.
Othello man pleads not guilty in double murder; trial set for March
An Othello man in the U.S. illegally pleaded not guilty Friday in Adams County Superior Court in Ritzville to murdering two women in their Othello home Jan. 27.
Study to evaluate Mae Valley traffic impacts
A study to determine the impact of growth on traffic in the Mae Valley area of Moses Lake should be completed by June.
Pet-proofing helps reduce hazards
MOSES LAKE — It’s common knowledge - well, pretty common - that some things around the house can be dangerous for pets.
Arraignment rescheduled in Othello double murder
An Othello man, illegally in the U.S. and charged in the murders of two Othello women, will be arraigned at 11 a.m. Friday in Adams County Superior Court in Ritzville.
Public hearing planned on site recommended for Grant County Jail
The Grant County Commissioners announced Wednesday they will have a public hearing on the recommended location for the new Grant County Jail.
Grand Coulee man driving a stolen bus leads police on chase
A Grand Coulee man was booked into the Grant County Jail on charges of motor vehicle theft and felony eluding after he allegedly stole a Grant Transit Authority bus Wednesday morning.
County commissioners seek public comment on trash drop boxes
The Grant County commissioners are accepting public comment on a proposal to close trash collection facilities, known as drop boxes, in Coulee City and Mattawa.
Samaritan finances affected by COVID-19 outbreak
Samaritan Healthcare of Moses Lake made some money in November 2020, but the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect its finances.
Classroom construction begins in Royal School District construction project
Walls are rising on two classrooms at Royal Middle School, with roof trusses going up as early as this week.
Othello city janitorial contract comes with amendment
Othello City Council members on Jan. 25 approved a contract for a new janitorial service at Othello City Hall, with amendments, since the co-owner of the company awarded the contract already works at the city hall.
Wahluke capital levy, Fire District 10 commission change on Feb. 9 ballot
Voters in the Wahluke School District will decide the fate of a capital levy, and voters in Grant County Fire District 10 will be asked whether to approve a change in the number of district commissioners.
Drive-through retirement party for Royal City police chief
The bright yellow school buses lined up along Camelia Street Friday afternoon, horns honking, and each bus stopped long enough to drop off a package of posters and drawings with the same message for former Royal City Police Chief Darin Smith.
Arraignment set for Monday in Othello double murder
An Othello man illegally in the U.S. was charged Tuesday in connection with the murders of an Othello mother and daughter.
Othello man in jail on $1 million bail in connection to double murder
An Othello man is in the Adams County Jail on $1 million bail in connection with the murders of two Othello women.
How to build a wetland
Building a new wetland sometimes starts with moving dirt. Sometimes, it's a lot of dirt.
Othello man booked on murder charges
An Othello man was booked into the Adams County Jail on two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of removing or concealing a body.
Number of COVID-19 tests at Samaritan drops in January
The number of people taking COVID-19 tests at Samaritan Healthcare has dropped in January compared to December.
Temperature differences mean little snow in Moses Lake, more in Quincy
While snow fell throughout central Washington Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, not much of it landed in Moses Lake.
Seven more Grant County COVID-19 deaths reported
Seven more people died from COVID-19-associated illness, the Grant County Health District announced Wednesday evening, bringing the total county deaths to 105 since the pandemic began in 2020.
First local mass vaccination event scheduled for Saturday
The first mass COVID-19 vaccination event in Grant County is scheduled for Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds.
Adams County Commissioners delay interviews for economic development job
Adams County Commissioners said Monday they will delay interviewing candidates for Adams County Development Council director while commissioners decide whether to change the position.
Othello council discusses housing inspection ordinance
A proposal to require periodic inspections of rental housing will be back before the Othello City Council at its Feb. 1 meeting because a public hearing on the proposal was continued after extensive discussion at Monday's meeting.
Ironworks Cafe's historic door allows for indoor dining
Ironworks Cafe & Market owner Erika Rattray said she never thought the big, heavy sliding door dominating one wall of the cafe would be handy.
Grant Integrated Services to expand some youth mental health services in 2021
Grant Integrated Services will provide additional treatment for youths with acute mental health issues and their families.
Royal City to begin dog licensing campaign
Royal City residents may face a citation if they don’t license their dogs in 2021.