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
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.
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.
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.
How to build a wetland
Building a new wetland sometimes starts with moving dirt. Sometimes, it's a lot of dirt.
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.
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.
Royal City announces search for new police chief
Royal City officials will advertise for a new police chief.
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.
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 County Sheriff's Office seeks robbery suspects
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on two men who robbed a Royal City-area business at gunpoint Saturday.
COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Grant, Adams counties
The number of COVID-19 cases in Grant and Adams counties continues to rise.
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.
Royal City to begin dog licensing campaign
Royal City residents may face a citation if they don’t license their dogs in 2021.
Proposal to change Grant County Fire District 10 commission on Feb. 9 ballot
Voters in Grant County Fire District 10 will decide whether the number of fire district commissioners should change from three to five in the special election Feb. 9.
Cryptocurrency rates subject of Grant PUD commission discussion
Demand for electricity among cryptocurrency businesses in Grant County has fallen to the point where the industry no longer qualifies for its current Grant County PUD rate class. That has left PUD commissioners discussing what rates they should be charged.
Serve Moses Lake receives donation from Moses Lake Industries
Serve Moses Lake Director Brandon LaBonte called it a “unique surprise” when the charity received a $5,000 donation from Moses Lake Industries as an end of year gift.
At last, back to school at Othello High School
In usual times, it’s a normal scene. In fact, in any other school year, kids would probably be tired of decorating the bulletin boards that dot the halls of Othello High School by now.
Trees, bushes attract feathered friends in winter
Kurt Braunwart remembered how the cedar waxwings used to show up in the yard of his childhood home in Moses Lake.
Grant County Fire District 5 takes unusual approach to expanding fire truck fleet
Buying a new fire truck, or even a used one, can be an expensive proposition for a fire district.
Dano challenges Inslee to forgo salary until lockdowns end
A Grant County official announced he will not take his salary until restrictions on businesses are lifted by Gov. Jay Inslee, and challenged Inslee and other state officials to do the same.
Public libraries again close to in-person visits
The NCW Libraries system closed libraries to in-person use Wednesday afternoon, due to the state's pandemic-related limits.
Courthouse repairs part of Grant County capital budget
Repairs to the steps at the Grant County Courthouse and deferred maintenance and improvements at the Grant County Fairgrounds are among the projects in the county's capital budget for 2021.
Wahluke School District to vote on new levy
The Wahluke School District has a three-year, $4.5 million levy on the Feb. 9 ballot to pay for capital improvements and safety projects.
Othello Chamber of Commerce looking for new manager
Othello Chamber of Commerce directors are looking for a new manager, as current manager Sharon Skorick has announced her retirement, effective Feb. 28.
Othello High School video details rules for reopening
Sometimes it’s hard to direct or be in a video.
Othello High School adds graduation options
Students at Othello High School will have more options for getting their diplomas, following some changes to the district’s graduation requirements.
Car parade to honor retiring chief
Retiring Royal City Police Chief Darin Smith will be recognized with a car parade from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 29, starting at 445 Camelia St. N.E., but civilians can join anywhere on the route.
Royal City police seek information on theft suspects
Royal City Police Department officers are asking the public to help identify two people who attempted to break into a Royal City business earlier this month.
Royal City weighs options for new police chief
Royal City officials aren’t sure how they’re going to replace retiring Royal City Police Chief Darin Smith.
Othello hires grant writing administrator
Thalia Lemus DeLeon has been hired as the grant writing administrator for the city of Othello and started this week.
Grant County Fair for this year is being planned
The 2021 Grant County Fair will have a livestock show and sale, but what else will happen during fair week is still to be determined.
The dream goes on: Moses Lake march commemorates legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Between 85 and 90 people came on a sunny, but windy Monday, to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., with a march and the traditional rendition of King’s, “I Have a Dream,” speech on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Moses Lake marchers commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.
An estimated 85 to 90 people came out on a sunny, breezy afternoon to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday in Moses Lake.
Construction underway at Ephrata's Columbia Ridge Elementary
The foundation is going in for the new office and entryway, classrooms and second gym at Columbia Ridge Elementary, and a hallway in the existing building blocked off, with remodeling in the classrooms.
Defensive techniques subject of criminal justice class
Students in the criminal justice class at Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center got some training Friday on the proper use of techniques to subdue an unruly person.
Windstorm causes scattered power outages
Strong winds caused by a cold front led to scattered electrical outages around Grant County Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Othello schools to change emergency preparedness training
Emergency training for teachers and students in the Othello School District will change under the terms of a revised policy presented Monday to the Othello School Board, with no board action required.
Grant County sees considerable building permit activity
EPHRATA — The construction industry was booming in Grant County in late 2020, at least as evidenced by building permit applications in the unincorporated areas.
Mattawa budget includes new sidewalks, sewer treatment facility repairs
The city of Mattawa likely will spend about $7.035 million in 2021, with projected revenues of $6.195 million, and end the year with $3.39 million in reserve due to leftover money from 2020.
Adams County 2020 unemployment rate rises slightly from 2019
Unemployment in Adams County went up in November 2020, compared with November 2019. Unemployment also went up between October and November 2020.
Royal City to work on plans for water system, parks in 2021
Growth is coming to Royal City, and city officials are working on plans -- a set of New Year resolutions, in a way -- to accommodate that growth.
Class gives students look at the computer programming industry
High school student Andrew Pannullo said he’s learned more than the techniques of coding at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center.
Big Bend Electric Cooperative donates to local organizations
Operators of the Big Bend Electric Cooperative recently announced a number of donations to organizations and community service projects through its Caring Neighbors fund.
Ephrata School District voters to decide fate of four-year levy proposal
Ephrata School District voters will decide the fate of a four-year educational program and operation levy in a special election Feb. 9.