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
Priest Rapids Dam oil spill still in cleanup stage
MATTAWA — People downstream of Priest Rapids Dam are being asked to look for evidence of oil on the waters of the Columbia River following a spill of mineral oil at the dam Wednesday. Department of Ecology officials are asking boaters to stay off the river between Priest Rapids and …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 HOURS, 46 MINUTES AGO
Grant County announces snow removal and sanding guidelines
MATTAWA — People downstream of Priest Rapids Dam are being asked to look for evidence of oil on the waters of the Columbia River following a spill of mineral oil at the dam Wednesday. Department of Ecology officials are asking boaters to stay off the river between Priest Rapids and …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 HOURS, 45 MINUTES AGO
Royal SD voters to decide on educational programs and operations levy in February
ROYAL CITY — Royal School District voters will be asked to accept or reject a two-year educational programs and operations levy request in a special election Feb. 10. If it’s approved, it would replace the district’s existing levy approved by voters in 2024. Royal Superintendent Roger Trail said the levy …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 9 HOURS, 26 MINUTES AGO
Moses Lake resident interrupts burglary in her garage
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake resident came face to face with a burglar early Wednesday morning at her residence near the 100 block of South Division Avenue. Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely said in most cases, a burglar is looking for something that looks easy to steal.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 1 HOUR AGO
'We could use just about everything'
'We could use just about everything.'
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 8 HOURS AGO
Donations sought for Othello Christmas baskets
OTHELLO — Donations are being accepted for the annual Christmas basket distribution in Othello. Co-chair Ken Johnson said it’s the continuation of a longtime Othello tradition. “We’re at either 46 or 47 years. It can even be 48 (years),’ Johnson said.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 1 DAY, 23 HOURS AGO
GCFD 8 looking for assistant chief
MATTAWA — Applications will be accepted through Friday for the assistant chief job at Grant County Fire District 8, with the first round of interviews scheduled for Dec. 15. Barb Davis, GCFD 8 business manager, said the district hasn’t had an assistant chief for a long time. “It’s kind of …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
Controversy arises over oath for incoming Lind council members
LIND — Administering the oath of office to new members of the Lind Town Council dissolved into controversy during the Nov. 25 council meeting and led Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt to say her staff will not return to Lind. “I was super disgusted at the disrespect shown by the …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 11 HOURS AGO
Police presence, security firms, alertness help prevent crime in unincorporated areas
DESERT AIRE— Community involvement helps combat crime, especially in places where law enforcement officers have a lot of ground to cover. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said there are procedures people who live in locations like Desert Aire can do to make the area …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 23 HOURS AGO
Verify before responding to charitable requests
MOSES LAKE — Along with many other things, Christmas is the season of charity. But because scammers are still out there even during the Christmas season, the Washington Attorney General’s Office suggests that people verify before they donate. Othello Police Interim Chief Aaron Garza said a good way for people …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 23 HOURS AGO
Conservation key to extending use of existing Moses Lake water system
MOSES LAKE — There are water conservation measures that the city of Moses Lake can do now that will help it meet anticipated future demand, according to the city’s draft water system plan. Ryan Withers, consultant with RH2 Engineering, Richland, told Moses Lake City Council members that water conservation now …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 23 HOURS AGO
Moses Lake council approves $125.5M budget for 2026
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake is projected to spend about $125.5 million in 2026, with spending from the general fund budgeted accounting for about $39.55 million of that. The budget was approved on a 6-1 vote of the council Nov. 25. Council member Victor Lombardi voted no.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 2 HOURS AGO
Othello man injured in Dodson Road crash
EPHRATA — An Othello man was injured when he failed to negotiate a curve and rolled his semi-truck and trailer Friday morning at the intersection of Dodson Road and Interstate 90.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 9 HOURS AGO
Law, fire training scheduled Friday, Saturday in Moses Lake neighborhood
MOSES LAKE — Both the Moses Lake Police Department and Moses Lake Fire Department will be using houses near Samaritan Hospital for training exercises Nov. 28 and 29, with some of the activity possibly visible – and audible – in nearby neighborhoods.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 11 HOURS AGO
