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
Body was moved, blood spatter expert says
Kendy Howard’s body was “significantly moved” after her death, a blood spatter expert said in court.
Body camera footage shown in murder trial
The night his wife died, Daniel Howard told police he believed she shot herself because he wanted a home she planned to buy in her hometown to be liquidated as part of their impending divorce.
Experts testify in Howard murder trial
Daniel Howard’s DNA wasn’t found on the gun that shot his wife three years ago, a forensic scientist testified.
Doctor: Death scene was staged
Kendy Howard’s death “bears the hallmarks of a staged crime scene,” doctors said in court Friday.
Murder trial continues for ex-ISP trooper
Kendy Howard was a loving mother and grandmother.
Athol woman didn’t die from gunshot, medical examiner says
Police and death investigators said Kendy Howard’s death appeared suspicious from the beginning.
‘She was scared to death’: Friends testify in murder trial
People close to the late Kendy Howard told jurors she was scared of her husband but looking forward to a new life without him in the days before her death.
Murder trial for former ISP trooper begins
A former Idaho State Police trooper is on trial for allegedly killing his wife three years ago.
Trump wins Idaho Republican caucuses
Kootenai County Republicans voted overwhelmingly for Trump
Kootenai County Republicans voted overwhelmingly for Trump
NIC remains on show-cause status
North Idaho College remains accredited, though it will continue to operate under a show-cause sanction until spring 2025.
Prosecutor comments on Spirit Lake shooting
The blind Spirit Lake woman fatally shot by police after firing her own weapon last year sustained nine gunshot wounds, according to a news released published Thursday by Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen.
Assessor to correct errors
Commissioners directed Kootenai County Assessor Béla Kovacs to correct more than 100 parcels whose property owners were undercharged on their taxes due to an assessor’s office error.
Assessor seeks to correct property roll errors
Kootenai County Assessor Béla has asked commissioners to correct errors on the property roll before a statutory deadline.
Mandatory minimums for fentanyl trafficking become law
North Idaho lawmakers were split on bill
Cd’A Tribe makes 10-year deal with feds
Agreement will address salmon recovery
Rumpler sues North Idaho College, trustees
Laura Rumpler, North Idaho College’s former chief communications officer, is suing the college, alleging trustees violated the terms of her employment contract and Idaho’s employment laws and deprived her of due process rights.
Cd’A man gets prison for sexual abuse
A Coeur d’Alene man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child will spend up to 25 years in prison.
Judge to consider attorney fees in Swayne case
For the second time, a judge will decide how much North Idaho College will pay NIC President Nick Swayen in attorney fees.
Ready, aim, fire
Winter league underway at Cd'A Skeet and Trap Club
Maddy John hefted a shotgun on a cold, clear Friday morning, tucked the stock against her shoulder and took aim at a clay bird wheeling across the cobalt sky. She pulled the trigger and the target broke into pieces.
Kootenai County authorities talk 'illegal immigration'
Authorities dispelled rumors and shared facts about illegal immigration in Kootenai County during a town hall discussion Thursday night.
Swayne faces state budget writers
North Idaho College President Nick Swayne touted growing enrollment and appealed to budget writers to support increasing employee compensation when he addressed the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee in Boise.
Cd’A Airport may get temporary traffic control tower
The Coeur d’Alene Airport could see a temporary air traffic control tower.
W-I-N-N-E-R
Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy student wins regional spelling bee
Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy student wins regional spelling bee
Republican presidential caucus March 2: What to expect
Instead of voting in a presidential primary election this year, Idaho voters will choose their political party’s nominee via presidential nominating caucuses.
Tax commission won’t investigate Kootenai County complaint
The Idaho State Tax Commission said it lacks authority to investigate a complaint about Kootenai County’s failure to provide “accurate and timely” property value information.
Prosecutor deems Spirit Lake shooting justified
The Spirit Lake police officer who fatally shot a woman in her apartment while conducting a welfare check on her last year committed no crimes, Kootenai County prosecuting attorney Stan Mortensen announced Friday.
Bedke: Education is top priority
As Idaho continues to grow, it’s incumbent on state and local leaders to “keep the wheels on the wagon.”
Shallbetter sentenced for dumping water on Banducci
A former North Idaho College instructor who dumped a bucket of soapy water on Trustee Todd Banducci last year will spend three days in jail.
Details emerge, but remain murky in Spirit Lake shooting
Though a coroner’s report has revealed that a Spirit Lake woman died by homicide amid an “officer-involved shooting” in November 2023, questions about her death remain.
Lewiston man arrested after standoff
Police arrested a Lewiston man after a standoff Sunday.
Veterans: Don’t feed the ‘claim sharks’
Sharks are circling local veterans. They’re not out for blood, but for a cut of disability compensation benefits.
Man gets life without parole for child sexual abuse
A man will spend the rest of his life in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child.
Water damage cleanup underway at Fernan Elementary
After a boiler failure at Fernan Elementary School caused water lines to freeze and burst two weeks ago, approximately one third of the school remains damaged, officials said Monday.
NIC enrollment picture brightening; South contract to end
North Idaho College trustees won’t renew former interim president Greg South’s contract when it ends in June.
Sheriff talks immigration, fentanyl over coffee
Dozens of community members gathered Wednesday morning to chat over coffee about issues affecting Kootenai County with Sheriff Bob Norris and members of his administration.
South’s NIC contract to end in June
North Idaho College trustees won’t renew former interim president Greg South’s contract when it ends in June.
Kootenai County sued over Potlatch Hill cell tower denial
Kootenai County is facing a federal lawsuit from AT&T after it nixed a proposed cell tower off Potlatch Hill Road.
Commissioners approve price tag for Justice Building expansion
Kootenai County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a guaranteed maximum price amendment of $30.4 million for the ongoing Justice Center expansion project.
NIC ordered to turn over Swayne report
A judge ordered North Idaho College to turn over an investigative report to college president Nick Swayne by 5 p.m. Monday.
Judge orders NIC to provide Swayne report today
A judge has ordered North Idaho College to turn over an investigative report to college president Nick Swayne by 5 p.m. today.
Post Falls family loses home to fire
After a fire left their Post Falls home uninhabitable last week, the Rodriguez family is starting over from scratch.
Swayne wins public records lawsuit
A judge has ordered North Idaho College to allow college president Nick Swayne to see an investigative report that has been at the center of debate on the board of trustees.
Complaint sheds light on errors, delays within assessor’s office
A complaint to the Idaho State Tax Commission about Kootenai County’s failure to provide “accurate and timely” property value information has shed light on work processes in the assessor’s office that led to a $53 million valuation error and delayed the distribution of tax notices.
Kootenai County officials talk legal system
For the first time since he took office in early 2021, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said his agency is adequately staffed.
Man sentenced to prison for ‘up skirt’ photos
A Florida man received a prison sentence after pleading guilty to taking photos under the skirts of teen girls without their knowledge.
Cold out, snow in
Storm expected to roll into North Idaho late tonight, last through Thursday
'Snow will continue into Wednesday and Wednesday Night over much of the region'
Kootenai County commissioners deny cell tower
Kootenai County commissioners nixed a proposed cell tower adjacent to I-90.
Treasurer talks assessor’s recordings, new Kootenai Health CEO
Treasurer talks assessor’s recordings, new Kootenai Health CEO
Commissioners sign off on medical clinic lease
A medical clinic for Kootenai County employees has a home.
Man charged with incest
A man who is in jail awaiting sentencing for child sexual abuse is now accused of additional sexual offenses.