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
Judgment levies to impact Kootenai County property tax bills
When tax bills reach mailboxes across Kootenai County in the coming weeks, some levies may appear to be higher than expected due to judgment levies, county officials said.
Man bound over in Post Falls home demolition case
Suspect had a job laying pipe in development
The case against man accused of destroying an unoccupied Post Falls home with an excavator will proceed.
Matheson won't seek fourth term as treasurer
Kootenai County Treasurer Steve Matheson announced he won’t seek a fourth term in 2026.
Town hall battery case proceeds
The criminal cases against Paul Trouette, Russell Dunne, Christofer Berg and Jesse Jones are expected to proceed, with a trial set for next month.
DEC NIBJ: Dignity, hope and soap
Area nonprofits and businesses partner to give hygiene products to those in need
Food. Warm clothing. A safe place to stay. When it comes to helping people in need, those are some of the essentials that come to mind.
Post Falls man imprisoned for eighth lifetime DUI
A man received a prison sentence for his eighth lifetime conviction for driving under the influence, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
$1 million bail for teen charged in car chase, crash
A teen is being held on $1 million bail after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle that culminated in a crash Wednesday night, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Faster snowpack melt may impact aquifer
Meteorologist says things getting progressively warmer
Rising temperatures and faster melting is turning the snowpack into a “dwindling resource,” according to experts.
Cd’A Elks celebrate new elk
Members of Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge 1254 gathered this week to celebrate the addition of a statue of their namesake: a bugling elk with seven antler points on each side.
Building communities: Viking Construction marks 45 years
Viking Construction marks 45 years
When the man of the hour arrived, the Avondale Golf Club erupted into cheers and whistles. Dozens of friends, family and longtime colleagues and employees had gathered there in secret on a rainy Friday night for a surprise celebration of Wendell Olson and Viking Construction, the business he founded 45 years ago and still owns today.
Suffrage-era artifact to join display at Idaho Capitol
Suffrage-era artifact to join display at Idaho Capitol
An artifact from an era when a woman’s right to vote was not absolute will soon find a place in Idaho’s Capitol.
Man gets prison for sexual exploitation, voyeurism
A man who pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material will spend up to 20 years in prison, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
‘Flannel Fest’ warms hearts, supports Kroc Center
More than 200 people clad in flannel clothing, including a few onesies, filled the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn on Thursday night for the Kroc Center’s “Flannel Fest” Red Kettle Gala.
Man gets prison for rape, voyeurism
A man who repeatedly raped an unconscious woman will spend up to 30 years in prison, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Advocates seek to quell harmful wakes on Hayden Lake
Advocates seek to quell harmful wakes on Hayden Lake
The rising popularity of wakesurfing on Hayden Lake and other bodies of water in North Idaho has brought with it an economic boom, but lake health advocates warn that the activity comes with an environmental cost.
Post Falls killer gets life sentence
A man who fatally shot his ex’s boyfriend will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Election Day approaches
Several key races will be decided Tuesday
Election Day is almost here.
Man gets probation after violation, many DUIs
A man who pleaded guilty to numerous instances of driving under the influence was placed on probation after violating the terms of an earlier probation, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
NIC accreditation report: Sustainable progress
North Idaho College has made significant progress toward resolving the remaining issues identified by accreditors, according to a new report.
Campaign contributions roll in for local candidates
COEUR d’ALENE — With the Nov. 4 general election rapidly approaching, take a look at the contributions and expenditures in the most contested municipal races in Kootenai County.
Science Talk series launches at Innovation Den
A local scientist is aiming to foster a space where community members can pose questions and explore science while building connections.
Cd’A Tribal dancer named Fancy Dancer World Champion
When Jonathon Nomee was a child, meeting champion dancers at powwows felt like meeting NBA stars at a basketball game.
NOV NIBJ: Army veteran leverages skills in food truck business
For Jonathan Hubiak, his experiences in the Army instilled in him many of the qualities that have served him well as a business owner.
Candidate signs snatched, Hayden residents say
Residents of Strahorn Road said political signs disappeared from their yards Saturday, including several planted in the yard of a candidate for the Hayden City Council.
Post Falls man charged federally with child sexual abuse
COEUR d’ALENE — A federal grand jury indicted a Post Falls man on multiple charges related to creating child sexual abuse material, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.
Deadline for absentee requests, voting preregistration is Friday
Deadline for absentee requests, voting preregistration is Friday
Today is the deadline to request an absentee ballot and preregister to vote at VoteIdaho.gov ahead of the Nov. 4 local elections.
Coeur d'Alene man pleads guilty to supporting ISIS
Alexander S. Mercurio planned church attack last year
A man accused of planning to attack a local church on behalf of ISIS last year pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.
Nonprofit air unit may donate helicopter to Kootenai County
After insurance costs threatened to permanently ground the helicopter used by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, commissioners will consider a proposal to donate the helicopter to the county while a nonprofit arm continues to fund the program.
Veterans Treatment Court celebrates first graduates
Veterans Treatment Court celebrates first graduates
The mood in a courtroom is rarely celebratory, but when Joshua Lowery addressed the packed benches and full jury box on Tuesday, he had occasion to smile.
Community talks education tax credit at Cd’A town hall
Community talks education tax credit at Cd’A town hall
Proponents of Idaho’s new $50 million tax credit program for students not enrolled in public schools said they believe the program will allow parents to make the best educational choices for their children.
Early voting begins Monday in Kootenai County
Early voting begins next week in Kootenai County.
Idaho among three states to pass license plate reader laws this year
Idaho among three states to pass license plate reader laws this year
Idaho was one of just three states that enacted laws this session to establish or amend rules for law enforcement agencies using automated license plate readers.
Juvenile Justice Outreach program seeks volunteers to help at-risk youth
Juvenile Justice Outreach program seeks volunteers to help at-risk youth
Zach Ballard grew up in the juvenile justice system. From the ages of 12 to 17, he was in and out of Kootenai County’s Juvenile Detention Center. He had few positive adult influences on his life.
Lunceford Family Farm welcomes Winton students
Lunceford Family Farm welcomes Winton students
This October, for the first time, lifelong Coeur d’Alene resident Rob Lunceford opened a you-pick pumpkin patch on his family’s farm on Seltice Way — and on Monday morning, he opened it to more than one hundred kindergarten and first-grade students from Winton Elementary School.
Higher ed strong in Idaho, college presidents say
Enrollment continues to grow
The higher education landscape is changing, and even shrinking, nationwide. But not in Idaho.
Man imprisoned for meth trafficking, unlawful firearm possession
A man with multiple prior felony convictions will spend up to 20 years in prison after police located numerous firearms and drugs in his residence, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Former Cd’A School District trustee pleads guilty to second DUI
A former Coeur d’Alene School District trustee has pleaded guilty to two separate charges of driving under the influence.
Assessor plans to tax Post Falls-owned property
Kootenai County Assessor Bèla Kovacs said he intends to tax a tax-exempt property owned by the city of Post Falls.
Conference to showcase power of Idaho tourism
Travel spending in North Idaho grew from $833 million in 2020 to $1.25 billion in 2023
The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism is set for Oct. 20 – 22 in Idaho Falls.
After rare diagnosis, Cd’A girl beating the odds
After rare diagnosis, Cd’A girl beating the odds
Family fundraises for research into rare disease treatment
Trooper shortage prompts ISP to extend application deadline
Trooper shortage prompts ISP to extend application deadline
To strengthen staffing statewide amid a shortage of troopers, the Idaho State Police has extended the application deadline for its next trooper training academy.
Legalize Idaho to host cannabis education event Sunday in Coeur d'Alene
Legalize Idaho to host cannabis education event Sunday in Coeur d'Alene
Local cannabis advocates will field questions and share information with community members tomorrow. Legalize Idaho, a group that promotes legalizing cannabis, will host an informal open house 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.
Man imprisoned for threatening judge
A man who threatened a Kootenai County judge received a prison sentence.
OCT NIBJ: Working moms find balance between parenthood, business
For working moms, balancing professional goals and family life can feel like walking a tightrope.
Coeur d'Alene Charter grad turned marine biologist publishes memoir
Coeur d'Alene Charter grad turned marine biologist publishes memoir
Jordan’s memoir, “If the Ocean Has a Soul,” was published this summer by Tyndale House Publishers.
North Idaho educators welcomed by business community
North Idaho educators welcomed by business community
The annual reception provides an opportunity for educators who are new to the field or just new to North Idaho to network and get a warm welcome from the business community.
Cecil D. Andrus Symposium set for Oct. 4 at Coeur d'Alene Casino
Cecil D. Andrus Symposium set for Oct. 4 at Coeur d'Alene Casino
Next weekend, Idahoans will gather to celebrate the legacy of the state’s longest-serving governor and look ahead to Idaho’s future.
Insurance costs may ground KCSO helicopter
Insurance costs may permanently ground the helicopter used by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, which has not been used for law enforcement purposes in more than a year.
North Idaho students named National Merit semifinalists
Several outstanding Kootenai County students are Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
NIC instructor out after Kirk comments
The North Idaho College instructor accused of making insensitive remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is no longer employed by NIC, the Press confirmed.