Life as normal
Photo courtesy Terri Johnson The crew at Tesh is glad to be back after the nonprofit that provides rehabilitative services was closed for three days due to graffiti and threats.
COEUR d’ALENE — Following vandalism, graffiti and threats that forced Tesh, Inc. to close for three days and left staff fearful, life is returning to normal.
“We are back in businesses and it feels wonderful,” said Terri Johnson, Tesh vice president, on Tuesday.
She said even after staff and volunteers pitched in over several days to clean up the expletives and physical damage, there is still much to do.
“We have quite a few items that need to be fixed or replaced or redone,” Johnson said. “If it rains, the ugly words show back up again. But for the most part, everything is cleaned up.”
The nonprofit that offers rehabilitative services was the target of extensive graffiti and threatening voicemails over three days, most directed toward one employee.
Last Sunday night or early Monday, and again last Wednesday morning, someone spray painted profanities and threats of violence. They turned off power to the main building on Industrial Loop that resulted in some flooding damage.
Police said they interviewed an “investigative lead” in the case, but there have been no arrests in connection with the attacks, which have since stopped.
Johnson had high praise for police.
“We had such wonderful police support,” she said. “I could not be more impressed with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.”
Despite using high-pressure washers and lots of elbow grease, graffiti spray painted on walkways, doors, windows and cars has not entirely disappeared.
The buildings will need to be repainted, Johnson said. And when the person shut off the power, it caused flooding that ruined walls, and pipes must be replaced.
Johnson said they're still reviewing improved safety measures to protect property, staff and clients.
The recovery from the three days of destruction continues.
Tesh not only lost income from being closed for three days, it faces climbing costs to repair the damage.
If anyone wants to help, donations are the best way to do that, Johnson said.
“Financial help is huge for us right now,” she said.
She said the staff is feeling better now that things are back to their usual routine, and clients are happy Tesh has reopened.