KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College.
Recent Stories
Stepmother arrested in Rathdrum child abuse case
Woman failed to report what happened, police said
Police arrested the wife of a man who is accused of brutally beating his 11-year-old daughter with a belt and then denying her medical care to hide the abuse.
Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter
Prosecutors originally charged Edsel Johnson with first-degree murder
A DoorDash driver who fatally shot a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, though whether a judge will accept the pretrial settlement offer in the case remains to be seen.
Kootenai County history revealed
Community members get close-up look at time capsule contents
Liz Boutin is no stranger to historical artifacts. A museum professional and fine artist, Boutin said she's handled Egyptian and Greek items that date back to antiquity. But she had a new experience this summer, after local historical preservationists retrieved a 100-year time capsule from inside the outer wall of the old Kootenai County courthouse.
Kootenai County voters face Citylink advisory question
Commissioner says 'no' vote could have major implications
In November, Kootenai County voters will answer a question that could shape Citylink's future.
Gizmo pottery fundraiser set for Oct. 24
Will feature demos, 'throwdown'
Community members are invited to go "bowl-istic" next Saturday at Gizmo-CDA.
New 100-year time capsule interred at Kootenai County courthouse
After retrieving a 100-year-old time capsule from inside the outer wall of the old Kootenai County courthouse this summer, local historical preservationists have interred a new one to be opened in 100 years.
Cd'A man charged with child sexual exploitation
A man remains in jail after police said he possessed and traded child sexual abuse material, including an "AI generated" video, according to court records.
Hayden law enforcement negotiations continue
Three key issues emerge in talks
As negotiations for a new law enforcement services contract continue between the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and the city of Hayden, municipal leaders continue to call for transparency in how costs are calculated and accountability for how city dollars are used.
Cd'A woman imprisoned for stealing $1M from employer
Prosecutors said Tahnya Hyung Shafer used multiple fraudulent schemes
A Coeur d'Alene woman prosecutors said stole more than $1 million from her former employer and gambled away most of the funds received a nearly three-year prison sentence for the crime.
A journey through Kootenai County history
New courthouse exhibit tells region's story
New courthouse exhibit tells region's story
$100K bail for aggravated assault suspect
A man accused of entering a family member's home in Rathdrum and brandishing a gun is facing felony charges.
Prosecutors: Son killed elderly mother over money
Parties debate evidence in Cd'A murder case
Kootenai County prosecutors said money was the motive behind an alleged matricide that occurred in Coeur d'Alene last September.
PHD leader outlines vision for health
Would like to see study on whether alternative care delivers better outcomes
The interim director of Panhandle Health District told community members this week that he wants to conduct a five-year study on the quality and cost of "functional medicine" compared to "conventional medicine."
Trial approaches for Stateline shooting suspect
Food delivery driver is charged with murder
A DoorDash driver accused of fatally shooting a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway is expected to stand trial this month.
DART, League of Women voters to host ballot initiative forum
Community members are invited to a conversation about Idaho's ballot initiative process and how a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot this November could impact the process in the future.
Man gets prison for eluding, drug possession
A man who was released from prison just three months before fleeing Coeur d'Alene police in a vehicle and then on foot after crashing has received a new prison sentence, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
OCT NIBJ: Maggie Lyons: A leader in business and nonprofits
Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight
After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.
No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.
KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
Details under wraps after lengthy meeting
In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.
Grizzly spotted in Cd'A National Forest
Wildlife officials urge bear awareness
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game confirmed a grizzly bear sighting in the Coeur d'Alene National Forest.
'Swatting' incident prompts lockdown at Lake City High School
Anonymous caller claimed assailant on campus, but no threats found
An anonymous caller claimed an assailant on campus, but no threats were found
Idaho Supreme Court rejects appeal in drag defamation case
Justices uphold $1.1 million judgment against Summer Bushnell
The Idaho Supreme Court upheld a $1.1 million civil judgement against Summer Bushnell, a Post Falls blogger who falsely claimed a drag performer exposed himself to a crowd that included children at a Pride event in 2022.
Rathdrum man gets prison for eluding, DUI
A man who prosecutors said led police on a high-speed chase while driving drunk in December 2025 will spend up to 15 years in prison, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Kootenai County commissioner proposes billing cities for law enforcement services
Leaders push back on ‘double tax’ for policing
City leaders push back on ‘double tax’ for policing.
Democratic candidate for Idaho AG promises professionalism
Lori Hickman, the Democratic candidate for Idaho attorney general, said she’s taking an independent approach to a partisan race, focusing on professionalism and ethical governance ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
FAST FIVE: Lindsey Beacham: Bringing together science and community
Meet Lindsey Beacham, a communications strategist with the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute.
KCRCC subcommittee investigates Prop 1 signers
Republicans face scrutiny after backing initiative for abortion rights measure
The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee is investigating members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.
Centennial Trail section to close for construction
Project will replace asphalt trail surface
A portion of the Centennial Trail will be closed for construction from Sept. 23 to Oct. 14, according to the Kootenai County Department of Parks and Waterways.
Moody’s revises North Idaho College outlook
Moody’s Ratings revised North Idaho College’s outlook from stable to positive while affirming the college’s Baa1 issuer and revenue bond ratings, according to NIC.
Former Spokane police chief named Kootenai County undersheriff
Craig Meidl, the former chief of the Spokane Police Department, will serve as undersheriff of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release.
Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5K honors 9/11 victims, benefits first responder families
Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5K honors 9/11 victims, benefits first responder families
When Jeff Snell ran along the Centennial Trail early Saturday morning, an American flag balanced on his shoulder, people out for a stroll in McEuen Park or along the lake paused as he passed, hands over their hearts.
25 years later, Kootenai County remembers 9/11
25 years later, Kootenai County remembers 9/11
Never forget. That was the promise Americans made after the Sept. 11 attacks. But 25 years later, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Pete Holley said memories of the attacks appear to be fading in many communities, including some in Idaho.
Senate candidate Todd Achilles talks breaking up the two-party system
Achilles, an independent U.S. Senate candidate and former state legislator, said he’s held more than 250 events across Idaho’s 44 counties since launching his campaign last summer.
Turning grief into mourning
Renowned grief counselor shares insights at Hospice of North Idaho
Renowned grief counselor shares insights at Hospice of North Idaho
Rathdrum man pleads not guilty to injuring child
A Rathdrum man accused of brutally beating his 11-year-old daughter with a belt and then denying her medical care to hide the abuse is expected to stand trial in early 2027.
Touching Hearts at Home celebrates new Hayden location
In Kootenai County, where people aged 60 and over make up almost 30% of residents, the need for senior care is growing as the population grows.
Rural education takes center stage in North Idaho
National Education Association leaders, nation's largest labor union, meet with local educators
National Education Association leaders, the nation's largest labor union, meet with local educators
Free grief workshop Sept. 9 at Hospice of North Idaho
Next week, Hospice of North Idaho is hosting two grief workshops with one of the top specialists in the U.S., Dr. Alan Wolfelt.
Man imprisoned for sexual exploitation of children
A man who possessed thousands of images depicting child sexual abuse received a prison sentence, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
St. Maries family sentenced in poaching case
Father, son imprisoned for conspiracy to hide evidence
A judge sentenced a St. Maries family convicted of conspiring to hide evidence of an illegal kill, sending a father and son to prison and placing a third family member on probation without hunting privileges.
North Idaho College enrollment grows
Could eclipse 2019 numbers
Total enrollment at North Idaho College increased 6.2% over last year, according to data provided by NIC, marking seven straight semesters of growth.
Kootenai County, NIC candidates file for Nov. 3 election
The deadline to file for the Nov. 3 general election has passed.
Man gets prison for stalking, aggravated assault
A man who pleaded guilty to stalking and attacking an ex will spend up to 20 years in prison.
Kootenai County commissioners approve $146 million budget
In a split vote, Kootenai County commissioners voted Wednesday night to approve the county's fiscal year 2027 budget, which includes levying 3% more taxes.
Butterfly Haven enchants at North Idaho State Fair
Butterfly Haven enchants at North Idaho State Fair
Hundreds of butterflies drifted and floated about inside the large enclosure, sometimes resting on the walls, which are made of netting, on brightly-colored flowers or even on the visitors who had a chance to feed them. Unlike some of the human visitors, Reed said the butterflies didn't mind the hot temperatures.
State upholds Knapp's homestead exemption
Kootenai County assessor had challenged political rival's residency
Kootenai County assessor had challenged political rival's residency.
Man charged with trafficking fentanyl
Charge carries mandatory minimums in Idaho
A man accused of trafficking fentanyl is facing felony charges.
SEPT NIBJ: ‘Don’t age alone’: Demand for geriatric healthcare grows
Center for New Directions empowers community
When Danette Hanson became a displaced homemaker, she faced the daunting task of returning to the workforce and the opportunity to consider what she really wanted to do with her life.