North Dakota Church Damaged By Vandals

PISEK, N.D. (AP) — Authorities are investigating vandalism at a historic church in northeastern North Dakota.

Walsh County Sheriff Ron Jurgens tells KFGO-AM fire extinguishers were sprayed throughout St. Johns Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pisek, which caused "a real mess."

The Rev. Prasad Marneni says the church has been closed since vandals struck about two weeks ago. He says a thin residue of white powder has covered everything from pews to carpeting.

Marneni says a 6-foot-by-10-foot oil painting oil painting done by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha in 1885 escaped serious damage. But he says it will need to be professionally restored.

Marneni says the church's doors had never been locked in the church's 135-year history. But he says that has changed now.