North Idaho Briefs May 4, 2012

Voice of the Martyrs event is Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - "Bound With Them" is the theme of The Voice of the Martyrs regional conference on Saturday at Candlelight Christian Fellowship church.

According to a press release, VOM "serves the persecuted church through practical and spiritual assistance while leading Christians in the free world into fellowship with them."

Registration is at 8 a.m., with the conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Speakers include "Sarah" Liu from China, Getaneh Getaneh from Ethiopia and Darcie Gill, VOM staff member.

Liu and Getaneh were both arrested in their countries and tortured for their faith, the release said.

The conference is free. Donations will be accepted.

Info: www.vommeetings.com

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Fundraiser to benefit American Cancer Society

COEUR d'ALENE - Team INB-Banking on a Cure and Crickets Bar and Grill will present the Tips for a Cure fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on Tuesday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Crickets, 424 Sherman Ave.

Inland Northwest Bank staff and the bank's Relay for Life team members will be waiters for the evening. Any tips made will go toward the Relay for Life fundraiser.

There will be drink specials, raffle items, door prizes and karaoke.

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Shoshone County sheriff's deputy suspended

WALLACE - A Shoshone County Sheriff's Office deputy has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of an Idaho Department of Fish and Game investigation.

Louie Ochoa, who has been employed with the county since March 2009, was charged with taking or possessing migratory bird(s) on April 12 and failure to validate or attach tags to a carcass April 19. He was placed on leave April 20.

"Our office does not condone anything illegal in nature," said Sheriff Mitch Alexander.

The sheriff's office is working with the county prosecuting attorney and other attorneys to determine what action will be taken against Ochoa pending the outcome of the investigation.