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
2023 operating loss at Ritzville hospital larger than reported
RITZVILLE — East Adams Rural Healthcare lost more money in 2023 than originally reported, according to an audit submitted to EARH commissioners Oct. 15. Joe Lodge, accountant for DZA, Spokane, said Ritzville hospital lost about $5.6 million in 2023. Lodge said the losses were related to higher expenses and revenue that remained relatively flat.
Voters to decide on possible Long Term Care Trust Fund changes
OLYMPIA — Washington voters will be asked to accept or reject a constitutional amendment to allow funds from a program designed to help pay for extended care services to be invested in different securities than what’s allowed now. Kristen Hyde, press secretary for the campaign in support of the amendment, said the proposal would leave most of the money in the current investment portfolio.
Othello voters considering $3.55M pool bond
OTHELLO — Othello voters will be asked to accept or reject a $3.55 million bond to pay for repairs to the Othello Community Pool, and renovations where needed. Othello City Council members voted in July to submit the proposal to voters, and Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said the money will pay for repairs, but few, if any, changes.
Co-responders provide behavioral health assistance, support
MOSES LAKE — Sometimes a disturbance or a welfare check that requires a law enforcement response is also a mental health crisis. Renew, Grant County’s behavioral health organization, the Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office are partnering on a program to make help available for people facing a crisis when it’s needed.
Roadwork to close SR 243 south of Mattawa starting Monday
MATTAWA — Drivers heading south of Mattawa can expect State Route 243 to be closed for a short stretch between Mattawa and Desert Aire, beginning Monday.
Moses Lake council, school board candidates discuss issues at forum
MOSES LAKE — Candidates for the Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School District discussed school and city finances, trust and water at a forum sponsored by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. Joel Graves, running for city council, said Moses Lake has some challenges to address. “These aren’t problems that we can keep kicking the can down the road on,” he said. Council candidates Deanna Martinez, Graves and Jeremy Davis, and school board candidate Mike Nordsten, answered questions submitted by the forum’s sponsors. Council candidate Jim Perez sent a statement, saying work commitments kept him from attending. Chamber Manager Debbie Doran-Martinez said school board candidate Lila Baker had declined to attend, citing her withdrawal from the race due to health reasons.
Ephrata looking for architect to remodel potential new city hall
EPHRATA — The final layout of a former business recently purchased by the city of Ephrata, and the ultimate fate of the existing Ephrata City Hall, are still to be determined. That will be part of the process of remodeling the old Rite-Aid building at 250 Basin St. SW. Ephrata City Administrator Ray Towry said the first step will be hiring an architect. “We’ll budget for a (request for proposals) for an architect to redesign that space for us next year,” Towry said. “Depending on how involved you want to be, and (how much) we want to involve the public in that design, will determine the length of time it takes.” The existing city hall and the possible uses of the old Rite-Aid building were among the items discussed at the regular meeting of the Ephrata City Council Wednesday. Council members also discussed revisions to a union contract and renaming two streets at the site of the new Grant County Jail.
Othello Hospital Commissioner Pos. 2: Lallas vs. Logan
OTHELLO — John Lallas and Martha Logan are running for Position 2 on the Othello Community Hospital Board. The position was left open in March, when former board member Shirley McCullough resigned. Lallas and Logan both applied for the open job, and Lallas was appointed to the board in June. The Columbia Basin Herald provided questions to both candidates, but Logan did not respond. Candidates had a word limit.
Port of Othello working to expand airport services
OTHELLO — Port of Othello commissioners are looking to expand services at the Othello Municipal Airport and have purchased a hangar with the potential to do that.
Annexation request denied by Othello council
OTHELLO — Othello City Council members voted 6-0 to decline a request to annex property south of State Route 26 along West Bench Road. The decision followed a third public comment session, some of it impassioned, on the proposal. Council member Angel Garza said he thought accepting the annexation proposal would move growth in the wrong direction.
Q&A sessions next week on ACFD 5 levy lid lift proposal
OTHELLO — Adams County Fire District 5 residents are being invited to two public meetings to learn about, and ask questions about, ACFD 5’s request for a levy lid lift. The meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 22 and 9 a.m. Oct. 25 at the ACFD station, 220 W. Broadway Ave., Othello. The proposal is on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Othello City Council Position 3: Carmona vs. Lopez
OTHELLO — Oscar Lopez and Alma Carmona are running for an open position on the Othello City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate, with a word limit; both responded.
Financially, 2025 best year yet for Moses Lake Airshow
MOSES LAKE — Attendance was down at the 2025 Moses Lake Airshow, but it was a very good year financially. Board member Micah Trautman said the airshow finished 2025 with a carryover for 2026.
Port of Moses Lake rail construction moving forward
MOSES LAKE — The request for bids to build new rail line and rehabilitate other sections of the line to the Port of Moses Lake should go out to bid in early January. Port commissioners approved a $1.2 million agreement with Central Terminals for the right of way at the regular meeting Monday.
Othello to host public hearing on large annexation request
OTHELLO — A public hearing to consider a request for annexation into Othello of property south of the existing city limits is scheduled to be reopened Monday. While the Othello City Council can make a decision on the proposal after the hearing, they don’t have to, said Othello Development director Anne Henning.
Officials analyze EMS in Quincy area
QUINCY — While there are challenges ahead, there are options to reinforce emergency medical response in the Quincy area. In some ways, the Quincy Valley is fortunate because EMS agencies are willing to – and do – work together. Those were the conclusions of a study commissioned by emergency response agencies and the city of Quincy. Grant County Fire District 3 Chief David Durfee said the results provided some options to help strengthen EMS services.
Salvation Army Moses Lake office to close Oct. 17
MOSES LAKE — The Salvation Army will be closing its Moses Lake office Oct. 17, but will still provide services in Grant County. Sara Beksinski, Northwest Division director of development, said the organization’s goal is to put more money into its services.
Wheeler Road intersection will stay in current configuration, for now
MOSES LAKE — Newly restriped streets at East Wheeler Road and Pioneer Way will remain in their current configuration, at least for now. Moses Lake City Council members voted to leave the street striping as it is at a special meeting Tuesday.
Construction scheduled for 2026 on new Grant Co. morgue
MOSES LAKE — County infrastructure includes a lot of different things, including attention to the end of life. To that end, a new county morgue is projected to be finished by late 2026 or early 2027.
Othello candidate forum lets voters explore options
OTHELLO — Fire services in the Othello area, the pros and cons of annexation, accessibility, the challenges facing the Othello, the Othello School District and Othello Community Hospital were among the topics discussed in a wide-ranging candidate forum in Othello Tuesday.
Assn. of Washington Businesses bus tour comes to Grant Co.
MOSES LAKE — Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson said the organization’s annual Manufacturing Week tour is designed to give participants a look at businesses – and job opportunities – they may not have known existed.
Improvements planned for Othello’s Kiwanis Park in spring 2026
OTHELLO — Construction of a new splash pad in Kiwanis Park is scheduled to start in spring 2026. Construction was planned for summer 2025, but Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said the need for state agency approval slowed down the project.
MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL 1: Martinez vs. Davis
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council incumbent Deanna Martinez is being challenged by Jeremy Davis for her position on the council. Both candidates were given identical questions, with a deadline. Martinez submitted her answers, which came in after the deadline, but the delay was due to miscommunication. Davis’s answers were printed Monday, and Martinez’s answers are below.
East Adams Rural Health lays off staff, looks to address finances
RITZVILLE — A special meeting of the East Adams Rural Healthcare commission is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 15. People who can’t make the meeting in person can join through a link on the district’s social media. The discussion follows further layoffs at the hospital, bringing the total of positions eliminated to 16; Chief Financial Officer Viola Babcock said none of the layoffs were in positions connected with patient care.
Quincy Renew office closed for remodeling beginning next week
QUINCY — The Quincy office of Renew, Grant County’s mental health provider, will be closed for most of October and all of November while the space is remodeled. “The Quincy building closure is temporary and part of a planned renovation to improve client experience and service delivery,” wrote Dayana Ruiz, Renew community relations manager, in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “The Quincy office has served the community for many years, and these updates will create a more welcoming, accessible, and efficient space for both clients and staff.” The Quincy facility is owned by Grant County, she said, and as a result Renew officials want to keep it in good condition.
Downtown improvements part of proposed 2026 Moses Lake city budget
MOSES LAKE — If it’s approved by the Moses Lake City Council, changes could be coming to Third Avenue and downtown in general to make it more appealing to residents and non-residents alike.
MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL 1 Q&A: Martinez vs. Davis
MOSES LAKE — Deanna Martinez and Jeremy Davis are running for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald sent identical questions to each candidate with a 150-word limit on the answers. Martinez did not respond by the deadline.
Budget cuts projected to reduce Moses Lake 2026 deficit
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake’s general fund is projected to have a smaller deficit than it did in 2025, but still to have a deficit. While spending in the general fund is projected to decrease, the city’s overall preliminary budget includes an increase in capital projects.
Chances for legislative cooperation slowly improving, legislators say
EPHRATA — Making progress in the Washington Legislature requires cooperation between Democrats and Republicans, and there some signs that more legislators are getting more interested in cooperating. That was one of the conclusions when Senator Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and Representatives Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, talking to Ephrata City Council members Wednesday
Roundabout proposed between Ephrata and Soap Lake
EPHRATA — A new roundabout will be coming to State Route 28 between Ephrata and Soap Lake, probably in 2028. The Washington Department of Transportation is looking for information and ideas from Ephrata-area residents while the project is still in design.
No deficiencies in 2024 Adams Co. audit
RITZVILLE — Adams County’s internal financial controls met the standards set by the Washington Auditor’s Office in 2024. The county’s financial procedures didn’t have any material weaknesses in 2024, according to an WSAO audit report issued Monday.
Othello candidate forum Oct. 7
OTHELLO — Othello-area voters will get a chance to listen to candidates for local offices at a forum Oct. 7 at The Showhouse, 130 N. Broadway Ave., Othello. Showhouse co-owner Tania Morales said the forum is the continuation of what its former and current owners consider a public service. “The previous owners, the Reicherts, actually have held several candidate forums here,” Morales said. “And community members have approached us and told us, ‘You guys should consider doing this.’” School board positions are among the races on the 2025 ballot, which makes it difficult to use school district locations, she said. “The Showhouse has a stage, and lights and sound and everything. This is where the Reicherts (sponsored) them. A lot of people came up to us and said, ‘Hey you guys should do this.’ And we (said), ‘We’ve never done it before,’ and then we just said, ‘Hey, why not?’ So, we decided to go for it,” she said.
Adams County public works director resigns for new job
RITZVILLE — Adams County Engineer Scott Yaeger will serve as the interim public works director while county officials search for new one. Longtime public works director Todd O’Brien resigned to take a job with the state County Road Administration Board. O’Brien said he has been employed by Adams County since a summer job in high school. “It’s been an honor and a pleasure to do what I’ve done for the last 35 years,” O’Brien said. Adams County Commissioner Jay Weise said the search is underway.
Samaritan Hospital opening scheduled for March 2026
MOSES LAKE — The projected opening day for the new Samaritan Hospital is about six months away. “We expect that we would get the temporary certificate of occupancy Dec. 12,” said Samaritan Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan. “And then the first patients March 7, 2026.” Construction has reached the stage of painting walls, installing doors, finishing installing lights and starting to install equipment. Crews were putting together some of the imaging equipment Tuesday morning.
Zolman retires from Quincy hospital commission after 20 years
QUINCY — Randy Zolman said he didn’t know much about the job when he joined the Quincy Valley Medical Center commission in 2005. “I had no idea,” he said. “I thought it would be interesting.” Zolman resigned earlier this month after 20 years as a QVMC commissioner; his term would have ended in December. Ronald Huxtable is running unopposed for the position and was appointed to the QVMC commission at its Sept. 22 meeting.
Gaines appointed Grant County Administrator
EPHRATA — Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines has been appointed as interim Grant County Administrator. Grant County Commissioner Cindy Carter said it’s something commissioners have been thinking about for a while, and advertised for applications about two months ago.
Quincy-area fire burns 350 acres
QUINCY — A fire in an area difficult to access about 11 miles north of Quincy Thursday eventually grew to about 350 acres and required crews to remain on the scene overnight. The fire was reported about noon Thursday and Bob Horst, assistant chief for Grant County Fire District 3, said the scene is near GCFD 3’s boundary.
Moses Lake parks plan includes new Longview park
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials want to make some changes to Sinkiuse Square and build a new park in the Longview neighborhood. Those were the projects included in the city’s capital projects improvement plan for parks.
ROAD REPORT: Construction season winding down
MOSES LAKE — Fall is officially here – chilly mornings, shorter days, pumpkin spice lattes, all the things. With fall’s arrival, the end of road construction season is in sight, but there are still projects underway throughout the Columbia Basin.
MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL: Martinez vs. Davis
MOSES LAKE — Jeremy Davis is challenging incumbent Deanna Martinez for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. Both candidates were sent identical questions with a 150-word limit.
Fire burns in rugged terrain north of Quincy
QUINCY — Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a brush fire about 11 miles north of Quincy around 1:45 p.m. Thursday. Air tankers were brought in to fight the fire as well.
Yakima man, woman arrested for suspected burglaries
MOSES LAKE — A Yakima man and woman were arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of residential burglary after alleged multiple robberies of a storage shed at a residence near Moses Lake.
Moses Lake gets $2.1M grant to resurface S. Pioneer Way
MOSES LAKE — Upgrades are coming to South Pioneer Way in 2027. Moses Lake City Council members voted to accept a $2.1 million grant to pay most of the cost of rebuilding the driving lanes of South Pioneer Way from Clover Drive to West Broadway. The grant was awarded through the Washington Department of Transportation.
New MLFD chief sworn in
MOSES LAKE — Art Perillo was introduced as the new Moses Lake Fire Department Chief during a short ceremony at the Moses Lake City Council meeting Tuesday.
QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 2: Spence vs. Madera
QUINCY — Incumbent Jeff Spence and challenger Rob Madera are running for Position 2 on the Quincy City Council. Both candidates were provided with identical questions that included a word limit. Madera did not respond after several requests for comment.
Royal City food truck ordinance under review, revision
ROYAL CITY — A vote is expected sometime in late October or during November on revisions to Royal City’s food truck ordinance. Royal City Mayor Michael Christensen said Royal City City Council members plan to ask residents for their opinions once there’s a final draft.
Changes to Medicaid spark controversy, confusion
MOSES LAKE — New requirements for applicants and recipients of Medicaid, scheduled to go into effect in 2027, have caused confusion and controversy. Who qualifies and how recipients maintain eligibility have been the subject of extensive discussion since HR 1, the bill that established them, was approved by Congress in July. Democrats have claimed the bill will devastate health care for Americans, while Republicans have boasted about the measure's savings and potential to reduce the national debt.
OTHELLO MAYOR: Logan vs. Johnson
OTHELLO — Two candidates are running for the job of Othello Mayor, Ken Johnson and incumbent Shawn Logan. Both were sent identical questions, with a 150-word limit. Johnson did not submit any answers.
QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 4 Q&A: Royer vs. Esparza
QUINCY — Andrew Royer, the incumbent, and Rey Esparza are running for Position 4 on the Quincy City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate, including a word limit. Esparza did not respond to several requests for comment.
Othello man injured in collision near Royal City
ROYAL CITY — An Othello man was seriously injured when the car he was driving was hit by another driver Sept. 19, about five miles east of Royal City.