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
Port of Moses Lake spending $2.8M for military training upgrades
MOSES LAKE — Upgrading the military training area at the Grant County International Airport, extending sections of the fire suppression system and changing runways designations are among the projects in Port of Moses Lake’s 2026 capital budget. But Kim DeTrolio, director of finance and administration, said the capital budget is subject to change.
Mom Helping Moms toy drive accepting donations
MOSES LAKE — With Thanksgiving and Christmas come the opportunity to help people in need, with a plethora of organizations providing plenty of options. The Moms Helping Moms charitable organization is looking for donations and volunteers to help with its seventh annual toy drive. Founder Jeannie Austin said Moms Helping Moms assisted more than 270 children in 20204, and based on the requests, the need is greater in 2025.
Quincy to pay Yakama Nation in civil settlement
QUINCY — The city of Quincy will make a $400,000 payment to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation for fisheries restoration along the Columbia River. The payment is part of the settlement of a civil lawsuit brought against the city by the organization Columbia Riverkeeper. Tom Elliot, Yakama Nation fisheries manager, said the money will be used to pay part of the cost of riverbank restoration.
Major work coming to Quincy’s A Street Northeast in 2026
QUINCY — People driving around Quincy will be encountering some roadwork next spring, with two projects along a major thoroughfare. City Engineer Ariel Belino told Quincy City Council members a third project will close a section of A Street Northeast.
Entire WA Congressional delegation votes to release Epstein files
WASHINGTON D.C. — After years of controversy over the files of the disgraced financier, the late Jeffrey Epstein, the US Congress voted Tuesday to publicly release the files. All members of the Washington Congressional delegation voted in favor of the release.
GCFD 3 to add new advanced life support vehicle
QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 will begin implementing the recommendations from a study that looked at ways to strengthen emergency medical services in the Quincy Valley. The district will add another vehicle for EMS calls to the district’s inventory. “The next step will be to add a fire-based advanced life support intercept unit in George,” said GCFD 3 Chief David Durfee. “It’s an important step for EMS in the Quincy Valley.”
Fire department, animal shelter funding allocated in Othello budget
OTHELLO — The city of Othello will keep funding in its 2026 budget for a separate city fire department and increase the funding for the city’s animal shelter facility. The 2026 budget will be considered by Othello City Council members by mid-December. Funding for the fire department and the animal shelter were among the items on a list of potential expenditures.
Moses Lake High School theater troupe to present ‘Mamma Mia!’
MOSES LAKE — The curtain goes up on a tale of lost love, family complications and a wedding on the beach as the Moses Lake High School Theatre troupe presents “Mamma Mia!,” opening Friday. Sharon Winningham, drama advisor and director, said the musical has established itself as a classic. “It is a beloved musical,” Winningham said. “The kids are excited. The parents are excited. There’s just something special about ‘Mamma Mia!,’” Winningham said. “‘Mamma Mia!’ is that show that they grew up on.” The 1999 play is based on the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA, whose songs were part of the soundtrack of the late 1970s. It’s the story of Sophie (Ruby Nishida in the MLHS production) who’s about to get married. It’s all good – her mom Donna (Calissa Dalton) approves of her choice – but there’s a little bit of a glitch.
Othello schools EP&O levy proposal on February ballot
OTHELLO — Othello School District voters will be asked to accept or reject an educational programs and operations levy in February 2026. The community committee formed to help determine an EP&O levy amount is also being asked to come up with a plan to look at OSD facility needs. “The first need is the levy,” said Othello Superintendent Pete Perez.
Port of Moses Lake commemorates 60th anniversary
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding with a reception at the terminal Nov. 13. “The port has served as a venue for remarkable historical moments,” said Dan Roach, port executive director. “It’s also been a catalyst for growth, supporting diverse industries from agriculture to aerospace., and fostering a thriving community.”
Grant PUD GM says electricity is indispensable
EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District General manager John Mertlich said electricity is not only crucial, but indispensable, in today’s world. “On the supply curve for everything, the first 5% is power, and the rest of the curve doesn’t happen without it,” Mertlich said.
REC Silicon sales decrease in third quarter
MOSES LAKE — REC Silicon has received another short-term loan from its largest shareholder for $13 million. According to REC’s third quarter report, released Nov. 4, company revenues were about $3 million less than the second quarter of the year.
New Royal City mayor focused on proactive management
ROYAL CITY — New Royal City mayor Ryan Piercy said the city has benefited from good leadership for the last couple of decades.
Moses Lake to host budget hearing
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will have a chance to register their opinions on the city’s 2026 budget at a public hearing during the Nov. 26 Moses Lake City Council meeting. The public hearing is being continued from Wednesday’s council meeting. Finance Director Madeline Prentice said that while the city’s projected general fund deficit should be smaller in 2026, there’s still a deficit.
New ordinance will allow some Moses Lake irrigation-only wells
MOSES LAKE — Public and semi-public organizations would be allowed to drill shallower-depth wells to help water their property under the terms of an ordinance reviewed by the Moses Lake City Council Wednesday. Water from those wells will be used for irrigation only. Mayor Dustin Swartz said the ordinance is designed to take some of the pressure off the city’s existing municipal water system.
Awareness helps protect people from increasingly sophisticated scammers
MOSES LAKE — A check of the records all the way back to Sumerian clay tablets shows that scammers are always looking for new ways to separate people from their money. Kyle Foreman, public information officer with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said scamming is a volume business.
Applications open for apple industry training program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Applications are open for a program designed to provide training and networking opportunities for young professionals in the apple industry. Recipients of the 2026 NextGen Apple Fellowship will be announced in February. The program is sponsored by USApple, the industry’s national trade organization.
Othello pool construction bond failing
OTHELLO — The fate of the Othello Community Pool, whether it will reopen and if so, how soon, will be in the hands of new Mayor Ken Johnson and a new Othello City Council. Johnson and the new council members will take office in January.
Donor support helps finance Othello museum upgrades
OTHELLO — The Othello Community Museum will be expanding its schedule with the help of donations and an Othello business. Steve’s Refrigeration & Heating started work Monday on repairs and upgrades to the museum’s heating and cooling systems.
American Legion offers veterans support
EPHRATA — Jane Montaney said the door is always open for military veterans at the American Legion. “The American Legion family is always there to welcome other veterans,” Montaney said.
$5.8M planned in capital projects at Port of Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake is projected to generate about $12 million in revenues and spend about $16.07 million in 2026. The preliminary budget was reviewed by commissioners Monday. “We’ve had some economic conditions – we're losing a tenant and a user of our wastewater, so port staff is working to fill those spaces,” said Kim DeTrolio, the port’s director of finance and administration.
Moses Lake library contract extended, but questions remain
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will maintain the existing funding level for the Moses Lake Public Library for 2026 and will not ask NCW Libraries for more money next year. City officials will be evaluating the building in 2026, and Mayor Dustin Swartz said city residents will be invited to be part of that process.
Othello mayor elect says a number of issues need attention
OTHELLO — Ken Johnson leads the race for Othello mayor in unofficial results updated Thursday afternoon, and said some issues require immediate attention if he wins. As of Thursday, Johnson had 478 votes to 398 for Logan.
ACFD 5 voters approving levy lid lift
OTHELLO — The “levy lid lift” approved by Adams County Fire District 5 voters will help fill the funding gap left when the city of Othello broke off contract negotiations in 2024, but ACFD 5 Chief Tom Salsbury said it won’t fill that gap completely. “It doesn’t come close to what we were getting,” Salsbury said.
Las Vegas attempted murder suspect arrested in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — A Las Vegas man was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder after he was arrested at a Moses Lake business at about 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Adams County General Election results 2025
RITZVILLE — Othello voters are choosing a mayor and deciding the fate of a bond to repair the Othello pool; Lind voters are choosing a new mayor. Adams County Fire District 5 is submitting a revenue request to its voters. Unofficial results from the 2025 general election are below. Updated numbers will be provided as mail-in ballots come in and are counted.
Grant County General Election results 2025
EPHRATA — Quincy, Ephrata and Soap Lake voters are picking a mayor, Columbia Basin Hospital district voters are considering a construction bond proposal and there are contested races for Quincy and Moses Lake city council seats. Unofficial results from the 2025 general election are below. Some ballots remain to be counted and updates will be provided as the County Auditor's Office completes tabulation in the days to come.
Educational programs and operations levy proposal goes to Wahluke voters Feb. 10
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a four-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election Feb. 10. If it’s approved, it would replace the four-year levy approved by voters in 2022. Property owners would pay an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, the same as the current levy. District superintendent Andy Harlow said that due to the way taxes are structured, the proposed rate can change as property values change.
Man dies at Grant County Jail
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Investigative Team will be investigating the death of an inmate found unresponsive in his cell at the Grant County Jail early Tuesday morning. The name of the victim, 54 years of age, has not been released.
Quincy celebrates Halloween
QUINCY — Cartoon characters, dinosaur wranglers, clowns and plenty of other creatures filled the streets of Quincy on the Trick or Treat walk Oct. 31 sponsored by the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Shutdown threatens Head Start funding for Family Services of Grant County
MOSES LAKE — The Head Start program operated by Family Services of Grant County will have to close after Nov. 14, at least temporarily, if federal funding is not restored. Executive Director Sally Gundry said the funding cycle for the Moses Lake facility meant its federal money stopped as of Nov. 1.
Important community elections to be decided tomorrow
EPHRATA — A $30 million bond proposal for Columbia Basin Hospital, a $3.55 million bond request for the Othello Community Pool, levy lid lift proposals for Mattawa Community Medical Clinic and Adams County Fire District 5 are among the issues on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Ballots must be returned by Nov. 4, either through the mail or a drop box, and mailed ballots must have a Nov. 4 postmark or earlier to be counted.
Local offices to be decided on Nov. 4 ballot
EPHRATA — Voters will be selecting people to fill a variety of local elected positions in Grant and Adams counties in tomorrow’s general election, everything from school boards to hospital district commissions to city councils. Most candidates are running unopposed, but some races attracted multiple candidates.
Man stabbed in early morning assault
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault and robbery after a man was stabbed and car stolen at a Moses Lake business early Saturday morning.
Bad debt, charity care expenses rising at Samaritan in 2026
MOSES LAKE — While bad debt and charity care expenses at Samaritan Hospital were lower than anticipated in September, they’re higher than projected for the first three quarters of the year. Chief Administrative Officer Alex Town said that’s a reflection of the way people are paying their bills, and that trend may continue in 2026. Town said Samaritan administrators have increased the amount of anticipated uncompensated care from the original 2026 budget projections.
USApple acts as industry advocate in Washington DC
WASHINGTON DC — Where there is information, there is misinformation, and one of the jobs of USApple is to combat misinformation that’s out there. Jim Bair, president and chief executive officer, cited the case of an applesauce recall over concerns about elevated levels of lead. “It was a cinnamon-flavored applesauce; the lead was coming from the cinnamon,” Bair said. “In fact, the applesauce was imported, as was the cinnamon. It wasn’t even a U.S. product. But consumers, all they hear is ‘applesauce is bad.’ So we try to provide information to make that messaging something that’s useful to the consumer,” Bair said. USApple is supported by growers, packers, processors and other groups in the apple industry to advocate for industry interests at the federal level, as well as working to provide accurate information about apples and apple production.
New Samaritan Hospital scheduled to open March 7
MOSES LAKE — The new Samaritan Hospital should officially become the property of the hospital district Dec. 12. Consultant Joe Kunkel said Tuesday the first day of operation has been determined. “From today we’re 129 days from seeing our first patient, on March 7,” Kunkel said Tuesday evening.
Tentative contract reached for MLFD study
MOSES LAKE — Whether or not to convert the Moses Lake Fire Department to a different operating model and if so, what it should be, will be the subject of a feasibility study due to start in November. Moses Lake Fire Chief Art Perillo said Tuesday that a proposed contract with Berk Consulting, Seattle, is under review.
Othello port, city considering need for Reynolds Road roundabout
OTHELLO — If, and how, a roundabout at State Route 26 and South Reynolds Road in Othello is built, and how to pay for it, prompted a sometimes-bitter debate that spilled over to the Othello City Council meeting Monday. That followed the rejection on Oct. 13 of a proposal for city officials to work with the Port of Othello to look for funding. Commissioner Deena Vietzke said port officials are interested in getting a roundabout at that intersection.
Work continuing on new Othello animal shelter
OTHELLO — Othello city officials will be advertising for bids for the new municipal animal shelter. “It’s still in development,” said Othello Mayor Shawn Logan Tuesday.
Port of Moses Lake looking for more water
MOSES LAKE — Getting enough water for future needs at the Port of Moses Lake, where to get it, and how much it might cost is the subject of an ongoing study. Commissioner Stroud Kunkel said the port needs more water, even though it could be an expensive proposition.
Moses Lake council, board eye cooperative efforts
MOSES LAKE — Facility use, working to give children alternatives and opportunity, improving partnerships that help students looking at careers were discussed as areas of cooperation at a joint meeting of the Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School Board. Mayor Dustin Swartz said the advantages of cooperation extended beyond making it easier for city and district residents.
Moses Lake council, school board discuss water use at joint meeting
MOSES LAKE — Water rates in Moses Lake will change as conditions change, and current Moses Lake City Council members do not intend to rely solely on water conservation by residents and businesses to alleviate the strain on the city’s water supply. Mayor Dustin Swartz said Thursday during a joint council meeting with the Moses Lake School Board that the city is looking at other options.
SNAP benefits uncertain after Nov. 1
MOSES LAKE — Whether or not benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program will be available to Washington residents after Nov. 1 is still to be determined and is dependent on events in Washington DC. Those events are still unfolding, said Matt Reed, communications director for Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse.
Grant Co. homeless plan update draft released
EPHRATA — Grant County residents are being invited to review a draft update to the county’s plan to address homeless issues. Part of the information county officials collected for the update included a survey, which Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones said highlighted one of the problems of dealing with the issues surrounding homelessness.
Quincy truck route revisions go into effect next week
QUINCY — Signs will be going up early next week alerting truck drivers to revisions of the allowable “heavy vehicle routes” throughout the city of Quincy. Some streets that could be used by trucks are now off-limits, a move that Quincy Engineer Ariel Belino said was prompted by growth and changes in traffic patterns.
Grant County PUD net expenses projected at $413.4 million in 2026
EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD is projected to spend about $413.4 million, when expenses and payments are added up, and end the year with about $251.9 million in carryover. R
Transmission upgrades, Priest Rapids repairs on 2026 Grant County PUD project list
EPHRATA — Repairs to Priest Rapids Dam and rebuilding a transmission line between Ancient Lakes and Frenchman Hills are among the Grant County PUD projects scheduled to begin in 2026. Tarrah Bicondova, the PUD’s budget and reporting manager, said the utility is projected to spend $322 million on capital projects in 2026, compared to an estimated $225.6 million in 2025. “The increase is really driven by major infrastructure improvements,” she said. Scheduled projects include the continuing work on upgrading electrical transmission to the Quincy area, upgrades at Priest Rapids Dam, the PUD’s new Ephrata maintenance shop, known as a service center, and a rebuilt electrical line between Royal City and Quincy. Three projects on the list eventually will be paid for by the customers, but they had to be included as expenses, Bicondova said. Christine Pratt, PUD public information officer, said most are multiyear projects, and the projected cost is for 2026 only.
Moses Lake council, school board to hold joint workshop
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School Board will be talking about water, partnerships and facilities at a workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday. Ryan Shannon, Moses Lake School District director of public relations, said MLSD officials proposed the workshop to talk about issues that affect both of them as well as the city as a whole.
Othello employee recognized for 20 years
OTHELLO — Public Works employee Felipe Martinez received a plaque recognizing 20 years with the city Oct. 13,