Staff Writer
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.
ARTICLES BY CHERYL SCHWEIZER
Voters to weigh Wahluke capital levy
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a three-year capital projects levy request in a special election Feb. 11. If the levy is approved, it would raise $2.58 million over the three years. The levy will allow the district to be more proactive, says Superintendent Andy …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 HOURS, 30 MINUTES AGO
Othello Public Works set for a busy 2025
OTHELLO — Some long-term projects in Othello reached completion in 2024, and there’s a whole list of new projects planned for 2025. Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen summed it up. “There’s a lot going on,” she said. Summer 2024 saw the completion of a project that was first considered in …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 HOURS, 45 MINUTES AGO
Construction coming on new Quincy Aquatic Center
QUINCY — Residents could see work beginning on a new Quincy Aquatic Center by late spring. “Our architects are working on getting all the documents finalized,” said Russ Harrington, Quincy Parks and Recreation director. “They’re still tweaking things to make sure everything will fit.”
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 10 HOURS AGO
Priest Rapids Dam passes major safety inspection
MATTAWA — A comprehensive safety assessment of the structure at Preist Rapids Dam determined the dam met standards that will allow it to keep operating safely. That was the conclusion of a report released by Grant County Public Utility District officials.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 11 HOURS AGO
Construction, repair projects starting at GC International Airport
MOSES LAKE — Construction and repair projects will be starting soon at the Grant County International Airport. Airport Director Rich Mueller said contractors are working on preparations for the reconstruction of the apron – a type of aircraft shelter – on the west taxiway, a project started in 2024.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 12 HOURS AGO
Basin law enforcement, schools address immigration concerns
MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement and schools will continue following state law regarding immigration enforcement, according to statements made by those organizations. The announcements come in response to rumors that began circulating last week after various immigration-related executive orders from President Donald Trump.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
Fed. Judge issues order delaying stop on birthright citizenship
OLYMPIA — A Seattle-based federal judge granted a request from the Washington Attorney General’s Office for a temporary restraining order to delay an executive order that could reinterpret the rules of birthright citizenship issued by President Donald Trump. U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour issued the restraining order Thursday, two …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 11 HOURS AGO
4 officers join Quincy PD
4 officers join Quncy PD
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 11 HOURS AGO
REC Silicon job fair and support events planned
MOSES LAKE — Former REC Silicon employees laid off due to the closure of the Moses Lake facility can learn about available benefits and reemployment assistance at a “rapid response event” Friday. Two sessions are scheduled, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the WorkSource Central Basin office, 309 E. Fifth …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
Karlinsey hired as new Moses Lake city manager
MOSES LAKE — Robert Karlinsey, currently the city manager of Kenmore, Washington, has been hired as the new Moses Lake city manager. Moses Lake City Council members hired Karlinsey on a unanimous vote in a special meeting Jan. 21. Karlinsey will replace Mike Jackson, who had been the acting city …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
AC commissioner says county may get monetary help for mandated services, or not
RITZVILLE — Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship said one of Adams County’s biggest challenges is finding the money to fund all the services it’s required to provide. Nor is Adams County alone, which is why county officials from throughout the state are looking to the 2025 Washington Legislature for some …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Informational meeting on Wahluke capital levy Jan. 28
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District officials will be available to answer questions on the district’s capital levy request at an 11:30 a.m. presentation on Jan. 28 at the Sagebrush Senior Center, 23 Desert Aire Drive SW, Desert Aire. The levy’s purpose is to pay off debt and and upgrade safety …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
WA car insurance rates up more than 15% in 2025
MOSES LAKE — Like pretty much everything else, the cost of car insurance is going up – and in Washington, it’s going up by a hefty percentage. Divya Sangam, insurance specialist for LendingTree.com, said in a press release that car insurance rates in Washington are going up by an average …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO
Pillar Rock Fitness opens in Othello
OTHELLO — The owners of Pillar Fitness, the first business in a long-vacant building on Othello’s Main Street, cut the ribbon Friday and immediately got to work. “We’ll be open today after this ribbon cutting – you can come and work out,” said Jesse Dominguez, one of the owners.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS AGO
