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
Two key county employees resign
Staff say county assessor is reason for high turnover
Staff say county assessor is reason for high turnover
Man convicted of first-degree murder
It took a jury about three hours on Wednesday to find a Bonners Ferry man guilty of killing his girlfriend.
Electioneering trial postponed
Poll worker fires attorney
Woman charged with electioneering fired her lawyer
Residents question recent county vote
Some residents say the Board of County Commissioners didn’t follow proper procedure during a recent hearing to consider a request to expand a planned unit development.
Man charged with sex crime posts $1 million bail
A man accused of posing as a teen boy in order to solicit sexually explicit photos from minors has been released from jail on $1 million bail.
Fire commissioner works for free
Duncan isn't drawing pay or receiving benefits
A Northern Lakes Fire Commissioner reportedly hasn’t accepted the wages that come with his position.
Judge denies NIC trustee lawsuit
Banducci, McKenzie sued to block appointment of new trustees
Banducci, McKenzie sued to block appointment of new trustees
Candidates face off in virtual forum
Candidates in four contested county races squared off Monday night in a live Virtual Town Hall Forum.
Local Dems stronger after attempted takeover
Local Dems gather ahead of primary
Critic of ‘fake Republicans’ is running as Democrat
But man concludes that coexisting is possible
A man who decried a group of Republicans not affiliated with the local GOP as “fake Republicans” is running for a Democratic precinct captain position.
Murder trial starts next week
Case involves woman shot in head while driving
A man accused of shooting his girlfriend in the head while she was driving, killing her, will stand trial Monday.
The big tent is now open
New GOP group forms to offset extremism
Former state reps, sheriffs, community leaders form new Republican group
County to consider levy
Could provide funds to bolster sheriff's office, jail
County leaders will consider whether to let the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office ask voters for additional funding.
Woman pleads guilty to abusing infant
One half of a couple accused of grievously harming a 7-week-old infant has pleaded guilty to her role in the abuse.
You be the judge
All area voters will have a say in rare contested judicial race
Incumbent judge, prosecutor vie for seat
Mattare accused of 'doxxing'
Commissioner candidate posted photo of critic’s yard
Commissioner candidate posted photo of critic’s yard
Howard draws heat for comment
Some want him removed from NIC presidential search group
Trustee says comments misinterpreted
Crime spree suspect ruled unfit to stand trial
A judge ruled Thursday that a man who allegedly tried to escape the county jail earlier this month is unfit to stand trial.
Man charged with distributing child porn
A man accused of posing as a teen boy in order to solicit sexually explicit photos from minors is being held on $1 million bail.
Jail staff getting a raise
Bump of $2.06/hour effective next pay period
County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to approve a raise for detention deputies at the county jail.
Optional Forms struggle looks dead
Matter likely won’t go to voters
Matter likely won’t go to voters
Employees criticize county assessor
County staff make vote of no confidence
Search continues for NIC’s next president
Application deadline is Monday
Application window closing Monday
Barron pleads guilty to disturbing the peace
A former legislative candidate previously accused of fondling a child and raping a woman has pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
NIC trustees Wood and Howard resign
State will now step in, appoint 3 trustees
Two longtime North Idaho College trustees say they’re walking away from the organization in order to save it.
Commissioner candidates square off
The candidates in Kootenai County’s only contested primary race for commissioner squared off Friday night in a public forum.
Commissioners consider ARPA funds
Task force submits recommendation for $32 million in rescue funds
Commissioners will soon decide how to spend federal funds for COVID-19 relief — or whether to use the money at all.
County officials look ahead
Commissioners speak at State of the County discussion
Commissioners speak at State of the County discussion
Search for NIC trustee continues
With votes split, Zone 5 seat remains vacant
The North Idaho College board of trustees failed to select a fifth trustee to fill the vacancy in Zone 5 at a special meeting Wednesday night.
Man gets prison for child sexual abuse
A man who sexually abused a child will spend up to 20 years behind bars.
JAILBREAK
Man jailed after multi-state crime spree attempts escape
Man jailed after multi-state crime spree attempts escape
NIC leadership addresses warning
Another hearing tonight
North Idaho College will stay in good standing, so long as it heeds the warning from its accrediting organization.
Man convicted of possessing child porn
Prosecutors will seek prison sentence
Wrongful termination suit settled
Kootenai County quietly settled a federal lawsuit with a former sheriff’s captain who said he was pushed out of the agency after exposing misappropriation of drug forfeiture money.
Commissioners face complaint
Open meeting violation alleged; target is form of government group
Resident accuses study commission of violating open meeting law
Police: TikTok challenge leads to criminal charges
Teens cited for shooting people with gel beads
At least five area teens are reportedly facing criminal charges after participating in a social media trend.
Anonymous no longer
Local conservative speaks out on alleged GOP plot
Local conservative speaks out on alleged GOP plot
Trial set for accused shooter
Man allegedly shot at fleeing ex after fight
A man accused of trying to shoot his ex is expected to stand trial this summer, after a plea deal fell through.
Trial scheduled for accused Post Falls shooter
Man still in jail on $2M bond
A man who allegedly shot two people at a Post Falls gas station before going on a crime spree is expected to stand trial in June.
The gift of life
Post Falls man killed in crash lives on through organ donation
Post Falls man killed in crash lives on through organ donation
Idaho to receive maximum opioid settlement funds
$119 million allotted to Gem State
The first opioid settlement funds could arrive in Idaho next month.
Cd’A PD offers ‘citizen’s police academy’
CDA PD to offer citizen’s police academy
Community battles over Banducci
Sparks fly at NIC Board of Trustees meeting
Sparks fly at NIC Board of Trustees meeting
Man pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughter
A man admitted to causing a deadly crash while drunk last year.
Man dies after semi crash
A man injured in a crash last week has died, according to Idaho State Police.
Spirit Lake man pleads guilty to murder
Spirit Lake man pleads guilty to killing girlfriend
Banducci, Gookin have heated exchange
Cd’A City Councilman filed police report
Two dead in murder-suicide
Two people died over the weekend in an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Pair bound over on abuse charges
The case of a couple accused of grievously harming a 7-week-old infant has been referred to the district court for further action.
Man gets prison for lewd conduct with child
A man who sexually abused a 12-year-old child will spend up to 30 years behind bars.