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
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.
$1M bail for man accused of child rape
A Spirit Lake man accused of raping a child to whom he had provided drugs could face the death penalty, prosecutors said.
Nelson resigns as Kootenai County undersheriff
Kootenai County Undersheriff Brett Nelson has resigned from his position, the sheriff's office confirmed Thursday afternoon.
Idaho leaders weigh in on grizzly plan
Conservation group says changes would weaken protection for endangered bears
Idaho officials and conservationists are weighing in this week, taking opposite stances on the federal government's plan to shift management responsibility for grizzly bear recovery to the state level, giving greater control to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
Assessor’s election challenge dismissed
A judge dismissed Kootenai County Assessor Béla Kovacs’ lawsuit challenging the results of the May 19 Republican primary that he lost, ruling Tuesday morning that Kovacs filed his complaint too late.
Man gets prison for child injury, sexual battery
A man who sexually battered seven different children received a lengthy prison sentence, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Mending hearts, one at a time
Kootenai Health nurse honored for inspiring hope in heart community
Kootenai Health nurse honored for inspiring hope in heart community
Cd’A, NIC leaders talk joint projects
Leaders from the city of Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho College convened this week for early talks on possible joint projects, including a concept for an arena that could accommodate large events and the future of the historic building that houses the Human Rights Education Institute.
Case continues for son charged with mother’s murder
A man accused of attacking and fatally injuring his elderly mother last September remains in jail on $3 million bail ahead of a six-week trial that could begin late this year.
Dismissal sought in Stateline murder case
A judge will weigh a request to dismiss a murder charge against a DoorDash driver accused of fatally shooting a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway.
Suspect dead, K-9 wounded after shootout
Appa, a Malinois commissioned by the sheriff’s office in 2022, sustained 'significant injuries'
A Bonner County man who allegedly pointed a gun at a deputy and shot a K-9, badly injuring the dog, is dead after exchanging gunfire with police Tuesday night, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Man gets prison for demolishing Post Falls home
Fred Kudrna will spend up to 15 years in prison with parole eligibility after five years
A man who carried out the “violent, unprovoked” destruction of an unoccupied home with an excavator last year received a lengthy prison sentence.