The Spokesman-Review announced Friday the creation of a Web publications department to oversee the continued development of the newspaper’s Web site, www.spokesmanreview.com. The department will be headed by Ken Sands, who has been promoted to the newly created position of online publisher.

Sands has been with The Spokesman-Review since 1981 and most recently held the position of managing editor-online and new media.

As online publisher, Sands will direct The Spokesman-Review’s online strategies and Web alliances, said Shaun O’L. Higgins, the newspaper’s director of sales and marketing.

Also named to the new Web publications department is Merrell Ligons, as online business manager. Ligons, who has been with The Spokesman-Review for four years, will be responsible for developing new sources of revenue for spokesmanreview.com.

Higgins also announced two promotions Friday.

Consumer Marketing Manager Kathleen Coleman will take on the additional title and duties of assistant director of sales and marketing. Her responsibilities will include “building the company’s capabilities in database marketing, e-marketing and advertorial section development,” Higgins said in an announcement. Coleman has worked at The Spokesman-Review since 1997.

Additionally, Diane Bobiak has been named real estate and contract classified manager for the newspaper, reflecting the addition of new responsibilities overseeing real estate classifieds. Bobiak has worked for The Spokesman-Review for 18 years.

Bobiak also has been named to the advertising department’s management team.