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
Coeur d'Alene revokes five business licenses over alleged illegal sexual activity
The city of Coeur d’Alene has revoked the business licenses of five massage facilities, citing allegations of illegal sexual activity, though no criminal charges have been filed.
No fatalities on Kootenai County waterways in 2024
There were no fatalities on Kootenai County waterways last year, according to the sheriff’s office.
Car exchange program keeps families on the road
Car exchange program keeps families on the road
Transportation is a critical need for low-income individuals and families in Kootenai County, but many people lack the resources to buy a reliable vehicle.
Medicaid expansion bill sparks debate on future of Idaho health care
By a single vote, and after overwhelmingly negative public testimony, the Idaho House and Welfare Committee advanced a bill that could end Medicaid expansion.
No-phones policy will play out in Coeur d'Alene schools
School district leaders agreed to take a wait-and-see approach with newly-implemented procedures surrounding the use of cell phones in schools.
Heritage Health lays off 10% of employees
Heritage Health will lay off 40 employees, about 10% of its workforce, as a preemptive measure ahead of possible funding cuts, according to the nonprofit.
Hayden man jailed for stalking
A Hayden man who pleaded guilty to peering through a woman’s bedroom window will spend a month in jail.
Kootenai County commissioners put off approval for Citylink grant
Kootenai County commissioners have again put off a decision about whether to accept federal grant money to replace paratransit vehicles nearing the end of their useful life.
Swayne faces lawmakers, touts rising enrollment
North Idaho College President Nick Swayne touted the school’s growing enrollment Wednesday when he addressed the Idaho House and Senate education committees in Boise.
Idaho Supreme Court vacates child porn conviction over unconstitutional search
The Idaho Supreme Court has vacated a Post Falls man’s conviction for possessing child sexual abuse material because police obtained key evidence against him by unconstitutionally impounding his car.
North Idaho College awaits accreditation decision
After two years of uncertainty, North Idaho College awaits the final decision as to whether it will retain accreditation.
Kootenai County jail sees surge in immigration holds
The number of people booked into the Kootenai County jail on “border patrol hold” is increasing after President Donald Trump issued a slew of executive orders on immigration, while the sheriff’s office promised to continue to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Idaho agencies await answers amid federal funding freeze
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s order to halt federal grants and loans while the Republican administration determines whether the spending complies with a flurry of recent executive orders, federal grant recipients in North Idaho are waiting for answers about how their programs will be affected.
Fernwood woman injured in crash
A Fernwood woman is hospitalized with severe injuries after a single-vehicle crash over the weekend.
Surgeon pleads guilty to voyeurism
An orthopedic surgeon pleaded guilty to hiding a camera in a bathroom at his medical office and secretly recording employees and their children.
NIC prepares to go before accreditors
North Idaho College leaders will travel to Seattle next week for a meeting that will determine whether NIC remains accredited.
KCRCC’s defamation lawsuit against Gookin continues
If the Kootenai County GOP’s defamation lawsuit against one of its own goes to trial, it won’t happen before October, about two years after the suit was initially filed.
Hayden man faces multiple felonies
A man is facing multiple felony charges after police said he sexually assaulted a woman.
Cold, dry weather expected to hold in North Idaho
North Idahoans may want to hunker down as cold conditions hold through next week.
Rape sentencing set for February
A St. Maries man who pleaded guilty to raping a teen girl and faces similar charges in another county will be sentenced next month.
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office moves to Hayden
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office will conduct most operations out of a newly-renovated facility in Hayden, dubbed Kootenai North.
Man held on $200K bail after alleged auto burglary
A man who allegedly stole a wallet out of an unlocked car while wanted for multiple crimes in another state is being held on $200,000 bail.
Kootenai County officials sworn in
Residents will see the same faces in Kootenai County government for the time being, save one.
Spokane man jailed after skipping sentencing for burglary, forgery
A man who pleaded guilty to forging a check worth more than $6,400 and later skipped out on his sentencing is back in jail.
Coeur d'Alene man charged with I-90 shooting
Police arrested a man Wednesday night who allegedly shot another vehicle while driving under the influence.
Rathdrum homeowner prevails in tax appeal
The case of a Rathdrum man who prevailed in an occupancy tax appeal hearing Wednesday highlighted how Kootenai County handles proration required by Idaho law.
Outgoing Kootenai County commissioner says farewell
Outgoing county commissioner says farewell
Outgoing county commissioner says farewell
Little proposes $50 million for private school expenses
Idaho Gov. Brad Little kicked off the state’s 2025 legislative session Monday by proposing new tax cuts, increased funding for public schools and spending taxpayer dollars on tuition at private schools.
Court rules on exemptions in drag defamation case
The Post Falls drag performer who won a defamation lawsuit against a local blogger may soon begin collecting the $1.1 million judgement.
ACLU files emergency motion with Idaho Supreme Court over public defense reform
Idaho’s new public defense system is “headed for a disaster” unless the Idaho Supreme Court intervenes, the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho said in new court filings.
Man gets supervised probation after attempted kidnapping, mental health crisis
A man who pleaded guilty to trying to kidnap a girl during a mental health crisis will receive treatment while on supervised probation.
Post Falls man sentenced for stalking, voyeurism
A man who pleaded guilty to stalking his ex and sharing intimate photos of her will spend up to four years in prison.
Kootenai County commissioners offer insights
Commissioners outline priorities for 2025
Man gets prison for drug trafficking
A man who pleaded guilty to trafficking drugs and who police said possessed more than 1,000 fentanyl pills will spend up to a decade in prison.
Man jailed for ‘grooming’ texts
A man who prosecutors said “groomed” a teen girl through sexual text messages will spend up to eight years in prison.
NIC to launch new apprenticeship program
North Idaho College will launch a new apprenticeship program in summer 2025 that is expected to increase the number of heavy equipment operators in the area.
Kootenai County commissioners approve license plate reader contract
Kootenai County commissioners approved a one-year contract with Motorola for automatic license plate reader software to be used in 48 sheriff’s office patrol vehicles.
‘Incredible hearts’
Community honors homeless who died this year
On the darkest night of the year, Chris Green shared the story of a man who changed his perspective during his first week working with the homeless in Coeur d’Alene, some 15 years ago.
NIC to cut athletics budget by $1.8 million
On top of eliminating the men’s and women’s golf teams, North Idaho College will cut the budgets of all remaining sports programs in an effort to reduce athletics spending by about $1.8 million over the next two years.
Sheriff: License plate readers don’t collect personal data
License plate readers don’t violate personal privacy. That was the message Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris shared with more than 50 people Tuesday night during a town hall meeting about license plate readers and related technology.
Washington man pleads guilty to child enticement
A Washington man faces up to 15 years in prison after authorities said he sent explicit messages and made plans to meet someone he believed to be a teen girl but who was really an undercover police officer.
PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Community gift keeps twins safe
Anyone who has cared for small children knows how fast they can be. Athol couple Megan and Derek Quaid experienced this firsthand in 2020 when they welcomed twins.
PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Donations break down barriers for GED seekers
The Adult Education Center at North Idaho College is a place for fresh starts.
PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: In recovery, single mom ‘grateful to be alive’
For years, while she was in the throes of addiction to alcohol, Sunnie Helling and her daughters lived with whoever would take them in. That changed after she entered the women’s recovery program at the Union Gospel Mission.
NIC Patrol Academy celebrates 22 graduates
In his 31 years in law enforcement, Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee has witnessed some of the most gruesome and distressing things that exist in society.
Man gets prison for rape of teen
A man convicted of raping a teen girl will spend up to 25 years in prison.
Man gets prison after hitting detective with vehicle in Post Falls
A man who had a standoff with police after crashing into a patrol vehicle last summer will spend up to 20 years in prison.
$500K bail for accused I-90 shooter
A man who allegedly fired more than 40 rounds at vehicles traveling along I-90 near Post Falls Monday night is in jail on $500,000 bail.
Hayden man gets prison for child sexual exploitation
A Hayden man will spend up to 15 years in prison for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Continuous Composites sued for $7 million
3D manufacturer denies allegation of unpaid legal bills
3D manufacturer denies allegation of unpaid legal bills