News Briefs

County democrats elect 2025 leaders

SPOKANE — The Spokane County Democratic Central Committee elected new leadership for 2025.

In a Dec. 19 release, Democrats nammed Naida Spencer as chairwoman, Kris Neely as vice chairwoman, Bettie Kibala as deputy vice chairwoman, and Bernadine Bank and Schade Maghan as state committee members.

“I believe in uniting the diverse perspectives within our party and empowering committees to drive decision-making,” Spencer said in the announcement. “Together, we will champion core Democratic principles, enhance professionalism, and prepare for a resilient future.”

School board moves to update policy changes

MEDICAL LAKE – The school board addressed policy issues that needed to be changed according to the Department of Education on civil rights issues during their 20 minute meeting on Dec. 17.

The school board moved each policy forward after unanimously approving the first reading and move it forward to the next meeting for second reading.

According to school district superintendent, Kimberly Headrick, “All four of these (policy sections) are somewhat interrelated. They are all related to expectations of needs to Title IX regulations put out by the U.S. Department of Education as well as the state.”

Headrick explained to the board that they had to conduct a review over all their policies to make sure they all follow both state and federal laws.

The four policies that were changed and approved first reading were sex discrimination and sex-based harassment of students, pregnant and parenting students, sex discrimination and sex-based harassment of district staff and parental, family or marital status and pregnancy or related conditions of staff.

Safety Alliance becomes nonprofit

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The West Plains Safety Alliance (WPSA) is now officially a nonprofit, Director Alise Mnati announced during the Dec. 19 meeting.

The designation, granted by the IRS on Dec. 16, allows the organization to accept donations and issue receipts. WPSA’s new status as a nonprofit should reinforce its ability to fund community programs.

“This will help us expand our initiatives and better support the West Plains,” Mnati said.

WPSA has also established a bank account to manage funds and plans to seek more grants to support its mission.

WHEN provides safe space for victims

MEDICAL LAKE – The Women’s Healing and Empowerment Network (WHEN) is launching a transitional safehouse apartment in Medical Lake to support survivors of domestic violence. The space, secured through a generous one-year donation by a local landlord, will serve as temporary housing while survivors work toward more permanent solutions.

The donation of the safehouse was announced by Mabel Dunbar, founder of WHEN, at the West Plains Safety Alliance (WPSA) meeting on Dec. 19.

“It’ll be used for victims of domestic violence who need transitional housing while we are able to secure permanent housing for them,” confirmed Alise Mnati, director and founder of the WPSA.

Chief Brad Richmond of the Airway Heights Police Department praised the collaboration.

“We’ve got to develop our victim support services,” he said, noting that the majority of police resources are directed at criminal justice. “We owe them (victims) at least as much effort as we put into holding criminals accountable.”

The apartment will accommodate survivors for up to a month. It will offer a safe environment where they can access resources, seek professional help, and begin planning their next steps.

Grant funds new victim services role

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The West Plains Safety Alliance (WPSA) announced plans to hire a Victim Services Advocate, a new role at the Airway Heights Police department, designed to assist survivors of domestic violence and other crimes at the Dec. 19 meeting.

The role, funded by a $545,464 grant from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, will pay an annual $78,000. The advocate will collaborate with law enforcement and social services to ensure victims receive comprehensive care.

“This is about more than just accountability for perpetrators,” said Chief Brad Richmond of the Airway Heights Police Department. “It’s about ensuring victims are supported every step of the way.”

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, or at least ten years of relevant experience. Candidates will need to undergo an integrity interview, polygraph, background investigation, and provide a personal history statement. The hiring process is expected to begin soon, with the advocate contributing to victim services by 2025.