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
Cities reject county request to withhold building permits
Kootenai County has asked 12 cities to withhold building permits for new construction unless cities receive proof of payment for proposed county impact fees supporting the sheriff’s office, jail and parks and waterways.
Dalton Gardens considers 2024 budget
The Dalton Gardens City Council is considering a $1.2 million budget for fiscal year 2024.
‘This isn’t the end’
Fire chief tells story of coming to grips with diagnosis, making plan to win
Multiple sclerosis community education event Tuesday
Hayden woman charged with rape
Police arrested a Hayden woman who they said groomed and raped a teen boy.
Man jailed for child sexual exploitation
A man is in jail on $100,000 bail after police said he downloaded and distributed child sexual abuse material via the internet.
Kootenai County to float $50M open spaces bond
Kootenai County voters will decide in November whether to approve a $50 million bond meant to secure public open space on the Rathdrum Prairie and other parts of the county.
Cd’A man charged with sexual abuse
A man who was previously charged with sexually assaulting a minor has been jailed again for alleged sexual abuse.
Patriot Front members jailed, banned from downtown Cd'A
A Kootenai County judge sent five members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front to jail Friday and banned them from the city's downtown area for a year, following their conviction for conspiracy to riot, a misdemeanor.
Patriot Front members convicted
A jury has convicted five Patriot Front members of the misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to riot by disturbing the public peace.
Police testify in Patriot Front trial
The lead detective who investigated the 31 members of Patriot Front found crammed into a U-Haul truck on their way to a 2022 Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene testified he doesn’t think the group planned to commit violence.
Patriot Front trial continues
Free speech is at the heart of the trial of five Patriot Front members accused of planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park in June 2022.
Taxing districts win lawsuit over late fees
Kootenai County treasurer may appeal
A judge has ordered Kootenai County to distribute a proportional share of penalties and interest collected from property taxpayers to the taxing districts where the fees were generated, but the dispute over who gets to keep the funds may not be over.
Patriot Front trial starts today
Five members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front are expected to stand trial this week for allegedly planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park.
Kootenai County weighs proposed Cd'A Tribe rezone
Kootenai County commissioners are considering a proposal to rezone approximately 25,000 acres located within the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s reservation boundaries.
Aurora dazzles North Idaho sky-gazers
For thousands of years, the aurora borealis has fascinated sky gazers. This week, North Idahoans have had a rare chance to see it.
Traffic management center plan scrutinized
With a decision about a potential regional traffic management center on the horizon, Kootenai County residents continue to weigh in.
Man gets prison for sexual relationship with minor
A man received a prison sentence for a sexual relationship with a minor.
Cd’A man charged with Alaskan cold-case murder
A local man who was recently sentenced to prison for shooting at his wife and child has been charged with a cold-case murder out of Alaska.
Soaking up the sun
After Monday's short but fierce rainstorm broke the heatwave in North Idaho, Tuesday brought fairer weather and a high around 80.
Man charged with trafficking in prostitution
A Washington man is in jail after police said he brought a woman across state lines for prostitution and threatened her.
Rathdrum toddler dies in hot car
Idaho State Police are investigating the death of a 2-year-old boy who was found in a hot car outside a Rathdrum home.
NIC remains accredited
Accreditor extends show cause sanction
North Idaho College remains accredited though it will continue to operate under a show cause sanction.
After drowning death, police urge water safety
After a man drowned in the Spokane River near North Idaho College last weekend, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to be safe on the water.
Post Falls man charged with infant’s murder
A Post Falls man is being held without bail after he was charged with killing a 2-month-old infant.
Property value assessment appeals plummet
Significantly fewer Kootenai County property owners have appealed their 2023 value assessments than last year, when a flood of appeals forced the county to ask the state for more time to complete
North Idaho College remains under show cause
North Idaho College remains accredited for the time being, though its show cause status has been extended and the college will remain under “heightened monitoring.”
Kootenai Health on track for nonprofit conversion
Kootenai Health is on track to complete its conversion to a nonprofit by the end of the year, officials said Wednesday.
Cd’A leaders affirm support for North Idaho College
As the community waits to find out if North Idaho College will retain accreditation, the city of Coeur d’Alene has expressed support for the college and urged trustees to protect it.
Patriot Front trials set for July
More than a year after their arrest for allegedly planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park, six members of white nationalist hate group Patriot Front are expected to stand trial.
Kootenai County commissioners approve title fee changes
Kootenai County commissioners have approved changes to vehicle licensing title fees.
Man charged with kidnapping
A man is in jail after police said he held a woman in his vehicle against her will and interfered with her 911 call.
NIC radiography technology program placed on probation
North Idaho College’s radiography technology program is on probation — not because of its quality, but because of the college’s ongoing accreditation woes.
Man convicted for buying illegally taken wildlife
A man who purchased illegally taken wildlife, including a golden eagle and mountain lion kittens, could face prison time.
Justice Building construction plan takes shape
Kootenai County commissioners agreed this week to adopt a three-phase approach to the Justice Building expansion.
Strong as iron
Krista Lapan believes anyone can be an Ironman. She would know. The Coeur d’Alene woman completed her 16th Ironman in 11 hours, 31 minutes and 49 seconds. She was the first local woman to finish Sunday.
North Idaho College awaits accreditation decision
The fate of North Idaho College is in the hands of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities as the commission deliberates whether NIC will retain accreditation.
Kootenai County judge placed on leave
A Kootenai County magistrate judge has been on administrative leave since last month for unclear reasons.
Kootenai County commissioners consider on-call pay
Amid ongoing budget talks, Kootenai County commissioners discussed additional pay for some county employees while they are working on call.
Local students win big in civics contest
Local students earned top awards in a statewide civics contest.
NIC attorney candidate pleaded guilty to DUI
One of the finalists North Idaho College trustees are considering hiring as the college’s attorney was arrested in November for driving under the influence.
NIC, Macomber ask judge to dismiss lawsuit
North Idaho College and attorney Art Macomber have asked the court to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges fraud.
Property assessment notices cause confusion
As the 2023 property value assessment notices hit mailboxes, a note has reportedly caused confusion for many Kootenai County property owners.
County considers capital expenses
Kootenai County commissioners took a closer look Friday at capital expense request for fiscal year 2024.
NIC board adopts 2024 budget
North Idaho College trustees voted Wednesday night to adopt the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 but are leaving open the possibility of amending it further.
NIC board adopts 2024 budget
North Idaho College trustees voted Wednesday night to adopt the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 but are leaving open the possibility of amending it further.
Man pleads guilty to Hauser Lake murder
The man charged with fatally shooting a Hauser Lake resident in 2022 will be sentenced for murder in the fall.
NIC board meets Wednesday
North Idaho College trustees are expected to take action Wednesday on the 2024 budget, the college’s legal counsel and more.
Pride and joy
Thousands attend City Park event
Thousands gather for Pride in the Park celebration
Swayne wins reinstatement lawsuit
North Idaho College President Nick Swayne won permanent reinstatement Friday.
Man arrested after bar shooting
Victim remains hospitalized, in critical condition
A man is being held on $100,000 bail after police said he “pistol whipped” and shot another man twice outside a bar Monday night.