In brief: Verner will work for DNR in Olympia

Former Spokane Mayor Mary Verner has landed a new job at the state Department of Natural Resources.

She will start next month as the deputy supervisor of resource protection and administration, said department spokesman Matthew Randazzo. That is the lead position over the resource protection division, he said.

Soon after leaving office at the end of 2011, Verner took a job with the Spokane Tribe of Indians. She served as the CEO of Spokane Tribal Enterprises.

Verner will work in Olympia.

On her Facebook page, Verner wrote about her new job, adding: “Spokane will always be home.

“It was an honor to advance exciting opportunities for the Spokane Tribe. Now I look forward to serving Washington State, beginning in early June.”

Before entering politics, Verner’s career was focused on the environment and natural resources. She has a master’s degree in environmental studies from Yale University. She was the director of natural resources for Spokane Tribe for about 10 years. Immediately before becoming mayor she was the executive director of Upper Columbia United Tribes, which is focused largely on environmental issues.

Man stabbed at night on Centennial Trail

A man walking on the Centennial Trail on the north bank of the Spokane River was stabbed late Tuesday.

Scott McGuire, 47, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault, a news release from the Spokane Police Department said.

Police said the incident occurred near 201 W. North River Drive. The victim was stabbed in the back of the neck and taken to a local hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. His attacker ran up behind him while he was walking, police said.

The victim used his own knife to defend himself and injured his attacker, police said.

McGuire also was taken to a hospital. McGuire will be booked into jail following a medical release, police said.