A fundraiser to salute

POST FALLS - That was easy.

A few hours after a Press story on a community fundraiser to replace five stolen military emblems at Q'emiln Park hit the streets Thursday, organizers called the newspaper requesting a follow-up to shut off the donation spigot.

Mission accomplished.

Kerri Thoreson, a city council member who organized the campaign, said she received several calls within minutes of each other Thursday morning from folks offering to help.

"I was stunned," Thoreson said. "I figured it would take two weeks. I've long known and witnessed the incredible generosity of our community, but the swift response to replacing the stolen military branch of service emblems at Q'emiln Park was astounding."

A total of $1,400 was needed to replace the metal emblems that were pried from a stand below a flag at the park last October.

Joe Dobson, Bennett and Georgia Fuller, Jim and Andi Fehling and Joni Clevenger brought in checks on Thursday, Thoreson said. Nancy Lyon of Athol called to say she would underwrite three of the five emblems for family members who have served in the Army, Marines and Air Force. Tom and Teresa Capone and Community 1st Bank committed to cover whatever amount remained to reach the goal.

"We'll order the emblems and hopefully have them installed in a couple of weeks," Thoreson said. "Thanks to all who contributed and those who planned to do so. And, to the thieves who stole the emblems, let it be known that you didn't win this one."

Thoreson said it was important to replace the emblems before the busy summer begins at the park.

City council member Skip Hissong and his company, Summit Equipment, will donate labor and materials to upgrade the existing display to thwart future thefts once the new emblems are in place.

A Post Falls Police investigation into the theft continues.