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
Proposed Grant County Jail site discussed at public hearing
The Grant County Commissioners will vote next week on a recommendation for the site of the new Grant County Jail and had a public hearing Monday to take public comment.
Arrest leads to brief lockdown at Desert Oasis High School
A man arrested on a parole violation across the street from Desert Oasis High School led to a 10-minute "modified lockdown" Feb. 17.
Bakery expands step-by-step in pandemic
Janice Baginski started her business by taking custom orders and, in just more than a year, expanded to a part-time location and hours.
Othello establishes rental property inspections
Rental housing in Othello will be subject to periodic inspections under the terms of a new ordinance, which started Monday, and addresses substandard housing.
Andy Harlow named Wahluke School District superintendent
Andy Harlow was voted as the new Wahluke School District superintendent by Wahluke School District Board members 3-2 at a special meeting Thursday.
Sand Scorpions give to Moses Lake food bank construction
The Sand Scorpions ORV Group's donation to Community Services of Moses Lake for CSML's new building is worth double the money thanks to a grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.
Former Soap Lake Police reserve officer released from jail after DUI arrest
A former Soap Lake Police Department reserve officer who was arrested Thursday for allegedly driving under the influence while using a SLPD vehicle for unauthorized travel has been released from the Franklin County Jail.
Soap Lake reserve officer fired following DUI arrest
A reserve officer with the Soap Lake Police Department was fired after he allegedly was driving under the influence while using a department vehicle for unauthorized travel.
Moses Lake woman stranded in Texas gets help from strangers
While the trip didn’t go as planned, Dana said it was an example of friends connecting and some stranded travelers helped by strangers.
In-person instruction makes difference at Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center
Professional medical careers students at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center were working on a model of the digestive system Thursday, using pipe insulation and vent hoses.
Travel stop project raises concerns in neighborhood
The proposal to build a new truck stop off the south side of Interstate 90's milepost 174 generated a lot of conversation and questions among residents and with city officials.
County construction on Stratford, Valley roads rescheduled for 2021
Projects on Stratford Road and Valley Road, both near Moses Lake, were delayed due to funding concerns in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Finalists announced for Wahluke School District superintendent
Wahluke School Board members announced the finalists for school superintendent.
Wahluke School District officials consider options after apparent capital levy rejection
Wahluke School Board members and district officials will decide how to react following the rejection so far of a capital levy proposal that would have paid for repairs and upgrades to district buildings.
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.
Othello School District to sell property
The school district bought the 81.14 acres in 2016 for $2.43 million.
Cooking class teaches more than cooking
Isabel Duran just wasn’t sure about the lemon curd.
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.
Interview schedule for Wahluke superintendent candidates announced
Wahluke School District patrons can virtually meet the three finalists for district superintendent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.