National Day of Prayer is Thursday

COEUR d'ALENE - The local annual National Day of Prayer ceremony is scheduled noon Thursday outside Coeur d'Alene City Hall.

Fourteen pastors and three professional musicians will lead the one-hour event. It will include prayer, special music and Bible readings.

The event lasts about an hour and attracts about 100 people.

The forecast is calling for a high of 60 with a chance of rain on Thursday.

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday

The Friends of the Community Library Network is partnering with Lightning Comics to offer free comics on Saturday.

Swing by libraries in Athol, Coeur d'Alene, Harrison, Hayden, Pinehurst, Post Falls, Rathdrum or Spirit Lake and pick up a comic book.

Titles include Captain America, Thor, Avengers, Spider-Man, Justice League, Batman, and several others.

While at the library get a coupon for another free comic at Lighting Comics, 411 W. Haycraft Ave.

Information: 772-5612, ext. 120.

Fencers to test blades at tourney

COEUR d'ALENE -

Sweat, courage and a quick hand will determine the best with a blade at the Pacific Northwest Sectionals tournament at the Coeur d'Alene Kroc Center this weekend.

More than 50 fencers from six states will compete in foil, saber and epee events Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The top eight fencers in each event will earn qualification for Summer Nationals, July 1-10, in Reno, Nev. Part of the United States Fencing Association, the Pacific Northwest Section includes all fencers from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah and Alaska.

This is the first time the tournament will take place in Coeur d'Alene. Members from Spokane Fencers Unlimited in Spokane and Coeur d'Escrime Fencing Club in Coeur d'Alene will take part in the tournament. The two clubs will serve as hosts.

The competition is free and open to the public.

Stamper elected

to veterans post

COEUR d'ALENE - Dale Stamper of Hayden was recently elected to Chapter Commander of Fort Sherman Chapter No. 9, Disabled American Veterans.

Stamper, who was blinded in combat in Vietnam while serving as a combat engineer, was elected to lead the 545 members of the chapter. Membership is limited to those who have been wounded, gassed or injured in time of war.

Stamper, 62, currently serves as the marriage mentor coordinator for Real Life Ministries and serves as an officer in the National Blinded Veterans Association with responsibilities for 11 western states.

"It is expected that he will bring a unique perspective to his duties and lead the membership for the next year to new accomplishments," according to a press release. "His disability has been and continues to be an example of determination and service."

Stamper and his wife, Cora, will head up the chapter delegation to the annual state DAV Convention in Idaho Falls from May 5-7.