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
Changes coming to GCSO communication
EPHRATA — Staffing shortages and additional demands on department resources have led the Grant County Sheriff’s Office to make changes in the way GCSO communicates emergency information. Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said the program will be scaled back.
Two arrested, charged with murder in May shooting
SCHWANA — An East Wenatchee man and a Mattawa man have been booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of a man near Schwana May 28.
Moses Lake council approves homeless plan
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials will delay getting rid of buildings used at, or destined for, the now-closing Open Doors Sleep Center. Moses Lake City Council member David Skaug suggested looking for a local recipient first during a discussion on closing the sleep center at the regular council meeting Tuesday.
658-acre Othello annexation debate continued to July 14
OTHELLO — An overflow crowd and the Othello City Council asked a lot of questions about a proposal to annex property into the city of Othello during a lengthy public hearing at the regular meeting Monday. Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said the public hearing was, and will be, only to gather public reaction to the two annexation petitions. “Neither of the annexation requests are certified by the (Adams County) assessor in time for this meeting,” Logan said. “Therefore, no city council action is going to be taken tonight on either of these annexation requests.”
Ribbon-cutting celebrates Othello Walmart remodel
OTHELLO — Anthony Briceno, Othello Walmart store manager, was the designated cutter of the ribbon recognizing the store’s remodeling June 20. But he handed the scissors off to someone he wanted to recognize. “Long before I got here, and long after I leave, this lady will be making a lasting impression on the community,” Briceno said. “I would like her to do the honor of cutting the ribbon.”
Moses Lake council to consider homeless response tonight
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members will consider recommendations for the city’s response after the closing of the Open Doors sleep center tonight. Mayor Dustin Swartz said the city, if the council approves the draft plan, would focus on facilitation rather than providing direct services. “We understand that other agencies that operate both inside and outside Grant County are better equipped to deal with (providing services),” Swartz said.
Industrial development district to stretch from Warden to north of Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake commissioners voted unanimously Monday to establish a district designed to give port officials more flexibility when working on development projects. Commissioner Kent Jones said the new Industrial Development District will help meet the demands of current and future development in the district.
Break in Quincy canal closes road Saturday
WINCHESTER — A break in the wall of an irrigation canal closed a road for a few hours about four miles south of Winchester Saturday morning.
Sue’s Boutique owner announces retirement
MOSES LAKE — From the beginning, Sue’s Gift Boutique has been a true family business. “It was easy to work around with my kids,” said owner Sue Torrence. Her sons Brian and Brent grew up at the store, and at her late husband Les’s barbershop down the street – the barbershop her son Brent operates now.
Bids opened for Moses Lake downtown resurfacing project
MOSES LAKE — Some streets in Moses Lake’s downtown area that are now two lanes in each direction will be reconfigured to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane as part of a resurfacing project. The chip-seal project is tentatively scheduled to begin in July.
Washington State Patrol plans emphasis patrol around Gorge Amphitheater
QUINCY — The Washington State Patrol will be conducting additional patrols in the area around the Gorge Amphitheater this weekend, the first of a number of “High Visibility Enforcement” patrols scheduled over the summer. Jeremy Weber, WSP District 6 public information officer, said the goal is to ensure people get where they’re going and back home without incident.
Road reconstruction starts in Quincy, almost done on Westshore Drive
MOSES LAKE — There is an old saying in road construction that there are two seasons, winter and construction. It is officially construction season in Quincy; a six-month project to upgrade Second Avenue Southwest began this week.
Some progress for ag in 2025 legislative session, Dent says
MOSES LAKE — While some progress has been made on revising the state’s Climate Commitment Act to reduce its impact on farming, Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said there’s still work to do. A bill sponsored by Dent, HB 1912, makes the process of getting an exemption for some CCA fuel sanctions easier. The bill also added propane to the list of fuels eligible for exemption. But Dent said he couldn’t get his colleagues in the legislature to agree on other provisions that would be of help to farmers. “Some of my colleagues - they don’t understand what agriculture really means,” Dent said. “They said, ‘(The exemption) is just for farm use.’ and I said, ‘Here’s the thing. The baler breaks down and I jump in my diesel pickup and drive to town to buy parts. Is that not agriculture use?’ And (the reply was), ‘Oh, we didn’t think about that.’”
Quincy street plan subject of July 1 public hearing
QUINCY — The Quincy City Council will hold a hearing July 1 to solicit public opinion on the city’s six-year street improvement plan. It's scheduled for 6 p.m. during the regular council meeting at Quincy City Hall, 104 B St. SW. Some proposed street improvements are tied to development, and others, said Quincy Engineer Ariel Belino, are added because the streets in question need some work.
Food truck ordinance under review in Royal City
ROYAL CITY — Royal City residents will get further chances to comment on updates to the city’s ordinances for mobile food vendors, a subject that’s been under extensive discussion by Royal City City Council members. Finance Director Janice Flynn said revisions have become a topic as mobile food vendors have become more popular.
Positive audit result of hard work by Wahluke School District staff, superintendent says
MATTAWA — After a few years of audits that identified deficiencies, Washington state auditors found that the Wahluke School District didn’t have any new deficiencies and corrected previously identified problems. District Superintendent Andy Harlow said the audit findings are a reflection of staff members that are committed to Wahluke, many of them WSD alumni.
Ybarra bill designed to make it easier to fulfill demands for electricity, transmission
OLYMPIA — A bill co-sponsored by 13th District Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, will make it easier for public entities to enter into agreements with private or other public partners to develop energy generation and transmission facilities. Ybarra and Rep. Beth Doglio, D-Olympia, sponsored House Bill 1253, which passed the Washington House 94-1 and the Senate 49-0. Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on May 15 with an effective date of July 27, 2025. Ybarra said the new law is designed to address some of the challenges as state officials attempt to shift energy use to new sources. “We’re working both sides of the aisle to make this happen,” Ybarra said. “This isn’t a political thing for me, or an engineering thing. The physics book says, three laws of physics and this is how energy works. It’s not politics, it’s just physics and energy.”
Winds forecast to increase fire danger through Wednesday
MOSES LAKE — Summer officially starts Saturday, but really it’s already here, and elevated fire danger is one of the signs. It's been dry in Central Washington over the last 30 days, and winds are expected to increase ahead of a cool front forecast for the weekend. Daniel Butler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane, said the highest risk is Wednesday.
Applicants sought for Grant County Health Commission seat
MOSES LAKE — Applications are being accepted from qualified people for one commission position and two alternate positions on the Grant County Board of Health. Vice chair Matt Palach said the job involves overseeing an agency with wide-ranging responsibilities, from birth and death certificates to infectious disease investigations.
Books that are great for – well, define beach read
MOSES LAKE — Ah, summer. Long lazy evenings, vacation, perfect for chilling with a good book. Now, each person’s definition of a good summer read is going to be different. Maybe it’s a romantasy set in a faraway world. Or maybe, those long summer days, when the living is easy, are a good time to set up on that challenging stuff that’s just too grim for the cold and dark of winter. (Third volume of the Stalin biography, anyone?)
Former Port of Mattawa director under investigation for misuse of funds
MATTAWA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office that found former Port of Mattawa General Manager Lars Leland may have misappropriated port funds. Port commissioners said in a statement that some possible irregularities were discovered while port officials were preparing for an audit.
Some road projects close to completion, others scheduled for July
MOSES LAKE — Summer construction season does not always mean road construction. A section of a downtown Moses Lake street got a new sidewalk this week. Crews from McBoyz Construction, Moses Lake, were out on Thursday morning pouring and finishing new sidewalk at the intersection of West Third Avenue and South Balsam Street. The old sidewalk was removed from about half the block of West Third Avenue, along with the corner sections and about half the block along South Balsam Street.
Moses Lake Ace store closes
MOSES LAKE — Ag Supply Ace Hardware has ceased operation in Moses Lake after seven years in business. The closure was announced Tuesday.
Moses Lake response to homelessness still in development
MOSES LAKE — What follows the closure of the Open Doors Sleep Center at the end of the month, and the role of the city of Moses Lake, is still under discussion. Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz said the city is not the only one dealing with homelessness, and from his perspective, some of the government responses to the issue seem to be changing statewide. Moses Lake is looking at a new approach. “We’re proposing more of a treatment-first approach,” Swartz said Wednesday.
Memories, gratitude at Quincy graduation ceremony
QUINCY — Class speaker and Quincy High School teacher Wade Petersen had some praise and some advice for the QHS class of 2025. “You didn’t just buy through high school, you slayed it,” Petersen told the seniors. “You became young adults, ready to skibidi your way into the real world.” It won’t always be easy, though, Petersen said. “Whatever you choose, know this. Life’s not always going to be a dub. You’re going to take some L’s along the way,” he said.
Excitement, emotion at Wahluke 2025 graduation
MATTAWA — Standing in a packed hallway following the ceremony, new Wahluke High School graduate Juanairis Lopez said graduation was both exciting and disconcerting. “It feels awesome,” he said. “But it went by too fast, that’s for sure.”
Mattawa man drowns in irrigation canal
MATTAWA — The body of a Mattawa man was discovered late Tuesday after he apparently drowned in an irrigation canal.
Former Hatton town clerk-treasurer arrested for theft from town
RITZVILLE — The former Hatton clerk-treasurer and fire chief turned himself in to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office June 6 while under investigation for first-degree theft, first-degree possession of stolen property and seven counts of mail theft. Jared Potts, Lind, allegedly misappropriated town funds and kept town equipment at his home.
Othello park rental fee revision sparks heated discussion
OTHELLO — Park rental fees in Othello have been amended after some confusion led to an overcharge of the Othello Chamber of Commerce and a spirited discussion between Othello City Council members and city employees Monday.
Port of Moses Lake eyeing industrial development district
MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake officials will have a public hearing at 10 a.m. June 23 to get public reaction to a proposal to form an industrial development district. The port’s attorney, Frank Chmelik, said an industrial development district would give port officials more flexibility. “You pick up a few more powers for industrial development, is essentially what happens,” Chmelik said.
Fire burning near Royal City
ROYAL CITY — Grant County Fire District 10, state, federal and other local firefighters are battling a blaze about 14 miles northwest of Royal City as of 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Wanapum fire, near Beverly, burns about 370 acres
BEVERLY — A wildland fire closed a portion of state Route 243 north of Beverly Burke Road for about four and a half hours Saturday near Wanapum Dam and the Wanapum Village.
MLFD chief search presenting a challenge
MOSES LAKE — Applications will be accepted through June 22 for a new Moses Lake Fire Chief. It’s the second attempt to find a replacement for longtime Chief Brett Bastian, and Fire Administrator Mike Ganz said the process will be different the second time around.
Feasibility study to look at options for MLFD
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials will advertise for a consultant to conduct a feasibility study to determine what changes, if any, would be beneficial for the Moses Lake Fire Department. City officials have been looking at ways to reduce expenses, including a restructuring of the fire department, and Fire Administrator Mike Ganz told Moses Lake City Council members May 23 that his analysis determined the city had three options.
Fire near SR 243 has highway closed
WANAPUM VILLAGE – Drivers will have to look for alternate routes along State Route 243 between Beverly and the junction with State Route 26. The Washington Department of Transportation has issued an alert saying the road is closed due to a wildfire in the area.
ROAD REPORT: Bids opening July 2 for Adams Co. Schoonover Road project
OTHELLO — Bids will be opened July 2 for the first phase of the rebuilding of Schoonover Road, with construction tentatively scheduled for early August. The first phase is a section about eight miles north of Ritzville; among other things, Schoonover Road connects Ritzville and Odessa. “This is a reconstruction that is widening (the road), with a new subbase and surfacing with asphalt, drainage facilities and safety rail where needed,” said Adams County Engineer Scott Yaeger in an earlier interview.
Study may lead to redesign of Quincy fieldhouse project
QUINCY — Quincy Valley Regional Parks District officials may have to review the preliminary design following a feasibility study for the Quincy fieldhouse, called the Q-Plex, presented to commissioners Tuesday. Parks District Executive Director Pat Haley said the original design might not be able to accomplish the original objective.
Public’s help sought in Quincy homicide investigation
QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving a homicide in the southwest area of town on May 15.
Ideas, suggestions, challenges focus of homelessness forum
MOSES LAKE — About 100 people came to the Moses Lake Civic Center Tuesday to make suggestions and consider options for the way forward after the Open Doors Sleep Center closes at the end of the month.
Othello considering two annexations
OTHELLO — Othello residents are being invited to give their opinions on two proposals for petitions for annexation of two pieces of property into the city at a public hearing June 23. Anne Henning, community development director, said annexation, if the petitions are approved, would be the start of a different process. “Annexation would be the first step,” Henning said.
Partnership encourages businesses to come into Wahluke schools
MATTAWA — The Wahluke School District is inviting businesses in Mattawa, or any business outside of Mattawa that’s interested, to participate in a new initiative that will bring volunteers from those businesses to Wahluke classrooms. Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said “Partners in Educating Kids” is a way to increase connections between school and community.
Moses Lake receives state money for upgrades of two wells
MOSES LAKE — Two wells in Moses Lake will receive a combined $982,000 in rehabilitation and upgrades with the help of the state capital budget. Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz said it’s work that needs to be done.
Fire safety, preparation important in an RV
MOSES LAKE — Among many other things, summer is a good opportunity for a road trip – or road trips – in the trailer, maybe out in the woods or to the beach, maybe a multi-state adventure, maybe setting up camp at a family event. Unfortunately, fire does not respect road trips, and in some ways trailers or recreational vehicles present different hazards than a house does.
Moses Lake launches resource info site
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials are working on a new option for people looking for support services and help finding what they need. The “community resources page” is available on the city’s web page, and city officials hope to print a brochure with the information eventually.
Moses Lake to host homelessness forum
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will be asked for their ideas on how the city can help address homelessness following the impending closure of the Open Doors sleep center at a community forum beginning at 6:30 p.m. June 2.
Angled parking may come to more of downtown Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Additional angled parking may be coming to sections of Third and Fourth avenues in Moses Lake as part of the project to resurface downtown streets. City engineers presented some details to the Moses Lake City Council at a May 20 workshop, including a proposal for additional angled parking. Council members must approve any angled parking changes.
Ephrata man arrested in connection with Schwana murder
EPHRATA — An Ephrata man was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder and drive-by shooting Thursday following the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old man near Schwana late Wednesday night.
Back on the water
Volunteer time, labor and materials crucial to bringing fountain back to Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Around the Columbia Basin there are certain signs that summer is coming – crews start pumping water into local pools, “roadwork ahead” signs start popping up – and the fountain in Moses Lake has been a reliable sign of summer for decades. It’s also a sign, not as much fun, that winter is coming when the fountain is pulled out of the lake.
GALLERY: Lots of cool vehicles, different interests at Spring Festival car show
MOSES LAKE — Just as every recipe will be at least a little different depending on the cook, said Angel Mora, Moses Lake, so too is every truck – or car or tractor or motorcycle – different depending on the owner. “You can make it, but it won’t be the same as everybody else’s,” Angel Mora said.
Port of Moses Lake opens new maintenance facility
MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake commissioners cut the ribbon Monday on the new maintenance facility completed this spring.