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
Hayden lights up for holidays
Holiday cheer was in the air Saturday night as hundreds braved the cold to watch the Hayden lights parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Among them was Shelley Hickox of Hayden, whose 4-year-old daughter basked in the sights and sounds of her first holiday parade — particularly the fire trucks. “It was really fun,” Hickox said.
Has Kootenai Health outgrown the hospital district model?
Hospital releases white paper, plans forum on possible conversion to a nonprofit
Kootenai Health’s leadership is poised to decide whether the hospital district should transition from being government-owned to a nonprofit organization. But some feel the decision may be too hasty.
Cd’A man charged with child sexual abuse
A man is in jail on $100,000 bail after he allegedly confessed to having sexual contact with a minor.
P&Z recommends massive Cougar Gulch rezone
The Kootenai County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended Tuesday that the county rezone most of Cougar Gulch, a move residents hope will help protect the area’s water supply.
Crashes pile up on snowy roads
Local law enforcement agencies were slammed Wednesday as a snowstorm blanketed North Idaho and motorists faced treacherous road conditions. Amid the storm, the Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management urged drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Kootenai County responds to skeet club complaint
Kootenai County commissioners have disputed claims that the county is in violation of its federal grant obligations by allowing the Coeur d’Alene Skeet and Trap Club to pay around $1,000 annually to rent land at the Coeur d’Alene Airport. A complaint filed anonymously in October with the Federal Aviation Administration alleges that the skeet club’s lease violates multiple obligations, including one that requires airports to maintain a fee and rental structure for facilities and services that will make the airports as self-sustaining as possible.
Patriot Front member pleads guilty to disturbing the peace
A man accused of planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park will serve no jail time after pleading guilty to disturbing the peace. Alexander N. Sisenstein, 27, of Midvale, Utah, entered a written guilty plea Monday to the misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. He was originally charged with conspiracy to riot, also a misdemeanor.
Lyons resigns as North Idaho College attorney
After 23 years of service, Marc Lyons has resigned as the attorney for North Idaho College. Lyons tendered his resignation Friday, effective when accepted by NIC President Nick Swayne and the board of trustees.
Rathdrum Lions Club to provide community dinner
The Rathdrum Lions Club invites the community to a free meal and to learn more about the organization Monday. The spaghetti dinner is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Lions clubhouse at the corner of Highway 53 and Meyer Road in Rathdrum. After dinner, the public can stick around for a short meeting. Lions Club International is a service organization with more than 46,000 local clubs worldwide. The Rathdrum club is one of several chapters in North Idaho.
Kootenai County passes election audit
Kootenai County was one of the eight counties randomly chosen for an election audit by the Idaho Secretary of State. New this year, the audits were created after the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 349 and Senate Bill 1274, which created a post-election audit after each primary and general election.
Fugitive with California gang ties arrested after traffic stop
A recent traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a man wanted on a federal warrant for murder, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy stopped Richie W. Michelson, 39, for allegedly speeding Sunday in Dalton Gardens. Police then discovered that Michelson had a full extradition warrant related to a murder that occurred in California.
Tax bills on the way
Kootenai County property owners will soon receive their 2022 tax bills.
Tackling growth together
Cities, county, builders, employers and citizens unite to find housing solutions
There’s no silver bullet to fix the issues of growth and housing that face Kootenai County residents. “There’s not one thing,” Coeur d’Alene City Council member and affordable housing advocate Kiki Miller told a crowd this week. “There’s a bunch of different things we have to try to deploy.” Around 40 people gathered Thursday night at the Harding Family Center in Coeur d’Alene to hear a forum discussion focused on the role of cities, counties and builders presented by DART, a nonpartisan group.
Pair charged in bowling alley robbery waive hearings
Two Spokane residents charged with staging a robbery at Sunset Bowling Center have waived their right to a preliminary hearing. Brett C. Sears, 38, is charged with burglary, grand theft, eluding and criminal conspiracy, all felonies. Prosecutors also filed a habitual offender enhancement. Sears is expected to formally enter a plea next week. Lindsey A. Little, 36, is charged with criminal conspiracy, grand theft, compounding a felony and possession of a controlled substance, all felonies. Her arraignment is scheduled for December.
Community mourns U of I students
By candlelight, in bitter cold, the friends and neighbors of four slain University of Idaho students wept and held one another. They also smiled through their tears as they reminisced about their lost loved ones. More than 200 people gathered Wednesday night at Independence Point to honor Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d’Alene; Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Conway, Wash.
Kootenai Health not for sale
Kootenai Health leadership shut down speculation this week that another entity is preparing to buy the hospital. “There are no discussions with any health care organization to purchase Kootenai Health,” hospital CEO Jon Ness said Tuesday. Readers have reached out to The Press asking for clarity on rumors circulating about a potential purchase. Meanwhile, local blogs have alluded to Kootenai Health’s partnership with MultiCare Health System, a not-for-profit health care organization based in Tacoma, Wash.
Police: ‘Edged weapon’ killed U of I students
An “edged weapon, such as a knife” was used in the homicide deaths of four University of Idaho students, Moscow police said Tuesday morning.
U of I students found dead, three from Kootenai County
Moscow police have released few details about the deaths, which are being investigated as homicides. Authorities do not believe there is an active threat to the community. No suspects were in custody Monday afternoon. Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum, was a senior majoring in general studies. She graduated from Lake City High School in 2019. Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d’Alene, was a senior majoring in marketing. She was also a 2019 Lake City High School graduate. Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls, was a junior majoring in marketing and a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She graduated from Post Falls High School in 2020, where she played volleyball and ran track. Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Wash., was a freshman majoring in recreation, sport and tourism management and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Shooting club's future in jeopardy
Rent issue could force Cd'A Skeet and Trap to close its doors
Generations of North Idahoans know the thrill of holding a shotgun, stock tucked into shoulder, as they raise the barrel, squeeze the trigger and shoot a clay target flying away like a pigeon or grouse. And for decades, they’ve done it at Coeur d’Alene Skeet and Trap Club, a range near the Coeur d’Alene Airport in Hayden. A small nonprofit incorporated in 1946 at Hayden Lake, the club moved to its location on Miles Avenue in 1965. Now a debate over the club’s annual rent could force it to close permanently.
Hayden honors Cold War veteran
Harold “Hal” Donahue was just eight years old when World War II broke out. As he listened to the war news each night, he would turn a globe and stick pins wherever battles were happening. “I remember feeling disappointed and angry that I wasn’t old enough to fight,” he said. The time for Donahue to serve his country came later, when he enlisted in the Navy at 19. He was as a sonar operator in the 1950s. The City of Hayden named Donahue the 2022 Distinguished Veteran of the Year. More than 100 people gathered Friday morning at McIntire Family Park for the ceremony where he was honored.
Split results in NIC trustee races
The contentious battle over three seats on North Idaho College’s board of trustees resulted in a split victory for one slate of candidates.
Embattled assessor retains office
Incumbent Duncan wins only contested commissioner race
After an election cycle marked by sharp criticism from his staff, an unprecedented pay cut and a lawsuit, Kootenai County Assessor Béla Kovacs appeared victorious Wednesday in his bid to retain his office over write-in candidate Bob Scott. Meanwhile, Republican incumbent Leslie Duncan won the county’s only contested commissioner rac
Election night results incomplete for NIC trustee races
College’s accreditation at center of campaigns
The nonpartisan but hotly-contested races for three seats on North Idaho College’s Board of Trustees remained undecided late Tuesday, with only about 5,300 ballots counted at press time.
Assessor race continues
The race between embattled Kootenai County Assessor Béla Kovacs and write-in candidate Bob Scott remained up in the air late Tuesday night.
Kootenai County commissioner race undecided
Republican incumbent Leslie Duncan was well ahead of Democratic candidate Ruben Miranda late Tuesday in the county’s only contested commissioner race, based on early voting results.
Kootenai County election staff addresses rule violation
After a poll watcher allegedly violated a rule on Monday meant to protect voting information, Kootenai County election staff said they addressed the matter quickly.
Oak Crest residents band together
“Hope for $1.” Those words are written on the outside of a binder, beside a map of Oak Crest, a mobile home community in Coeur d’Alene where almost half of the nearly 500 residents have agreed to form a cooperative in hopes of one day buying the park. The initial joining fee is just $1.
PAC power: Most local campaign spending from PACs
Candidates for contested county races and the North Idaho College board of trustees have raised more than $75,000 since the May primary election and spent around $48,000.
Empowering women: Local ladies honored at milestone Soroptimist event
Ashlee Aurora puts other people first. A resident care manager at Children’s Village in Coeur d’Alene, she works tirelessly behind the scenes for some of the most vulnerable children in this community. But all eyes were on her Friday at the 40th annual Women of Distinction luncheon, where local women were honored by peers for their achievements and dedication to community service. More than 150 people gathered at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn for the ceremony.
Gozzer expansion approved
Kootenai County commissioners voted Thursday to approve the expansion of a planned unit development owned by Gozzer Ranch Gold and Lake Club.
Kootenai County signs off on impact fees for fire, EMS
Kootenai County commissioners adopted a resolution this week authorizing the county to collect impact fees meant to help fire districts and emergency medical services keep pace with growth.
Kootenai County approves new employee medical benefits
Kootenai County employees will be able to choose additional medical benefits for major procedures beginning Jan. 1. Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an agreement with Edison Healthcare, which provides coverage for “medical tourism” for complex procedures like transplants and spinal surgeries at certain facilities.
NIC to mull plans for Military Drive homes
North Idaho College may soon explore long-term plans for what to do with the residential properties it owns along Military Drive.
Not a fighter, but a survivor
Local woman reflects on cancer treatment journey
Breast cancer has changed Elizabeth, a retired teacher in her mid-60s. But not in a bad way. “It is what it is, but it becomes what you make of it,” she said. In September 2020, Elizabeth saw her doctor for her yearly physical exam. She was only supposed to get her cholesterol checked. But she’d noticed pain in her breast since her last mammogram and brought it up.
Idaho nonprofits pinched by inflation
Giving to Idaho nonprofits is up, according to a new report from the Idaho Nonprofit Center. But nonprofits are still feeling the squeeze of inflation.
Extension granted in defamation lawsuit
A North Idaho blogger sued for defamation after falsely accusing a drag performer of indecent exposure has not yet filed a response with the court. Kootenai County resident Eric Posey performed June 11 at the Pride in the Park celebration in Coeur d’Alene. The next day, blogger Summer Bushnell published an edited video of Posey’s performance on her Facebook page, The Bushnell Report. Posey’s pelvic area is blurred out in the edited video, implying nudity.
Kootenai County to request new judge
Kootenai County will request an additional district court judge for fiscal year 2025.
County responds to assessor’s suit
Commissioners assert pay cut was lawful
Kootenai County has responded to a court appeal filed by Assessor Bela Kovacs over commissioners’ decision to cut his pay, asking the court to dismiss the petition with prejudice.
NIC trustees approve property purchase
North Idaho College trustees voted 3-2 Monday night to approve the $620,000 purchase of a residential home on Military Drive as part of the college’s long-range planning efforts. The home is located at 737 N. Military Drive.
Food insecurity on the rise
Help fill food bank shelves; food drive today in Cd'A
A food drive from noon to 1 p.m. today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2801 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene, will benefit the Community Action Partnership food bank.
NIC experts weigh in
Amid a contentious race for three open seats on the North Idaho College Board of Trustees, former trustees and executive staff shed light on the roles and responsibilities of those elected to the board. Around 50 people gathered Thursday night at the Harding Family Center in Coeur d’Alene for the panel discussion, presented by the nonpartisan group DART.
Free genealogy event Saturday
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Hayden Lake Family History Center will present a free family history Discovery Day tomorrow.
Man charged in alleged knife attack
A judge denied a motion Thursday to release a man accused of attempting to carjack a woman at knifepoint.
Conflict attorneys get raise
Kootenai County commissioners voted unanimously this week to raise wages for the attorneys who step in when public defenders can’t take a case. A conflict attorney is a private attorney assigned to handle the case of an indigent defendant who can’t be represented by the public defender due to conflict of interest or due to the public defender’s excessive caseload.
Indoctrination narrative unsubstantiated
NIC trustee candidates' claims regarding pro-abortion essay requirement appear false
Claims shared by two candidates for the North Idaho College Board of Trustees that an instructor forced students to write a pro-abortion essay appear to be false.
Bedke aims for Idaho’s No. 2 spot
A little more than 20 years ago, when Scott Bedke was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Idaho Legislature, he left his family’s ranch in Oakley with one thought at the forefront of his mind. “If I’m going to leave that to go to the Legislature, I’ve got to make a difference,” he said Monday in a sit-down interview with The Press. Bedke believes he’s done just that, having served at times on the budget, Revenue & Taxation, Resources & Conservation and transportation committees. He’s mediated “really ticklish” water issues in southern Idaho and worked to “drought-proof” the growing state.
Former teacher sentenced to life for sexual abuse
A former teacher received a life sentence for the “horrific” sexual abuse of two children. Ronald D. Stone, 64, was convicted in June of two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16. First District Judge Cynthia Meyer sentenced Stone on Thursday to life in prison, the maximum penalty. He will be eligible for parole in 30 years, when he is 94 years old.
Former teacher gets life sentence for sexual abuse
A former teacher convicted of sexually abusing two children received a life sentence. Ronald D. Stone, 64, was convicted in June of two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16.
Spokane pair staged robbery, police say
Two Washington residents are facing felony charges after they allegedly staged a robbery at Sunset Bowling Center earlier this month. Brett C. Sears, 38, of Spokane, is charged with burglary, grand theft, eluding and criminal conspiracy. Prosecutors also filed a habitual offender enhancement. Lindsey A. Little, 36, of Spokane Valley, is charged with criminal conspiracy, grand theft, compounding a felony and possession of a controlled substance, all felonies.
A green light for impact fees for fire and EMS
Commissioners approve recommendation
Kootenai County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to approve a recommendation to impose impact fees supporting the county’s fire districts and emergency medical services.