News briefs

Cheney Youth Court members sought for coming year

Cheney’s Youth Court is looking for members to fill positions. The court is a teen peer-review court that hears civil infractions committed by youth within the court’s jurisdiction. Youth Court benefits both the offender and the community through a collaborative justice process.

Court begins Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. at Cheney Municipal Court, 611 Second St. in City Hall, and will be held every third Thursday throughout the school year. All positions on Youth Court are held by students selected through an application process. Students must be at least 13 years old and attend a local public school or be homeschooled.

For more information, and to volunteer for a judge or juror position, visit http://www.cityofcheney.org and find the Youth Court page under the Governmental heading.

West Plains Arts Academy receives Spokane arts grant

The Spokane Arts Fund announced it’s latest round of grants on Sept. 1. Among those chosen to receive money was Cheney-based West Plains Arts Academy (WPAA). 

In a Sept. 4 news release, WPAA president Debbie Gerber said the money received will help fund the organization’s “Painting with the Masters” art classes and cover the start-up costs for buying easels and supplies. Each of the classes focuses on a different master painter.

Students spend some time at the beginning of the class becoming acquainted with the artist and his/her paintings and techniques. The rest of the class is for students to experiment and explore using the master artist as inspiration.

The classes are taught by local artist Loredana Murphy, and are open to students age 8 to 108.    

Spokane Arts represents the joint efforts of the 501(c)(3) Spokane Arts Fund and the city of Spokane’s Arts Commission collaborating to make Spokane the cultural hub and catalyst for the Inland Northwest through arts, leadership, advocacy, networking and support.

West Plains Arts Academy was formed in the summer of 2016 by Gerber, Nancy Gasper and Heather Hubbard. It’s mission is to provide opportunities within the community to explore the arts in a safe, creative, uplifting and nurturing environment. Class schedules can be found at http://www.westplainsartsacademy.org. For more information please, email [email protected].

Residents urged to watch out for Hurricane Harvey relief scams

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman are urging residents to be aware of scam artists exploiting relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey, which recently struck the southeastern Texas coast. 

According to a news release from Wyman’s office, when there is a natural disaster, scam artists try to take advantage of people’s compassion. Scammers might try to persuade consumers to give money for Hurricane Harvey relief.

Resident’s are encouraged to check the “Charities Program” web page on the Secretary of State’s site when they come across charities related to relief efforts. 

Tips for wise and prudent gift-giving include suspicion of solicitors requesting immediate donations and watching out for high-pressure tactics. Pay with care, never give out credit card numbers over the phone and avoid cash donations. Write a check directly to the charity, not the fundraiser.

Be wary of “new” charities with unverifiable background or contact information.

Don’t be fooled by a name. Watch out for charities that use sympathetic-sounding names or names similar to well-known legitimate charities. Watch out for requests from fake “victims” or memorial social media accounts.

Be sure to take time to research the charity. Check out the organization’s registration status by going to the Charities Program web page or calling (800) 332-4483.