Fraternal organization targeted by vandals

POST FALLS — Bjorn Handeen issued an invitation for those who tagged the Independent Order of Odd Fellows building with graffiti in Post Falls.

"Kids who would do something like that obviously are looking for something to do," said Handeen, president of the local Sons of Norway group that meets at the fraternal organization's building at 200 E. Railroad Ave.

"It's too bad that they didn't come over when we had a meeting. There's a lot of opportunity for creativity in our lodge instead of defacing property. We have Scandinavian baked goods and have traditional arts and crafts. We're looking for people to come on over. They don't need to go to the back of the building to paint because they can come in and paint."

The graffiti, which was reported on Wednesday, was on the back side of the building that faces railroad tracks and the Centennial Trail in the central part of the city. The damage was done in red and black paint.

The Sons of Norway and other community groups have been renting the IOOF building for regular meetings, activities and events for many years.

"The building holds so much history that not everybody understands," Handee said. "The other sad thing is that we have a lot of children who haven't seen such things that are vulgar in nature. It's a family venue."

It was the second time in recent days the building had been tagged.

"I'm stymied," said Sons of Norway's Margret Evenson of the vandalism. "I think it's very unfortunate, but these kinds of things can happen anywhere at anytime. I don't know what they proved by doing it."

No suspects have been determined.

Those with information are encouraged to call Post Falls Police at 773-3517 or a leave an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com.