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
Hundreds turn out for Timberlake High School homecoming parade
Hundreds turn out for Spirit Lake homecoming parade
Coeur d’Alene Charter students observe Idaho Supreme Court hearing
While Kootenai County’s newly-expanded Justice Building hosted the Idaho Supreme Court for the first time this week, Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy students had a chance to see the judiciary at work.
Hayden policing contract may go month-to-month
The contract for law enforcement services in the city of Hayden, which is set to expire at the end of September, is likely to continue on a month-to-month basis while Hayden and Kootenai County leaders finalize the terms of a new contract.
NIC instructor on leave after alleged Kirk comments
A North Idaho College instructor accused of making insensitive remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is on administrative leave while NIC fields “threatening” messages sparked by the instructor’s alleged comments.
Coeur d’Alene remembers 9/11 victims, fallen servicemembers
Coeur d’Alene remembers 9/11 victims, fallen servicemembers
Joseph Lowe enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. in May 2001, following in the footsteps of his father and brother.
Study: Kootenai County to see $4 billion in wealth transfer
Study: Kootenai County to see $4 billion in wealth transfer
Nonprofit leaders urge Idahoans to consider philanthropic giving
Rathdrum man charged with child sexual exploitation
A Rathdrum man is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material.
Hayden law enforcement funding debate continues
Discussions about how much the city of Hayden should pay for law enforcement services provided by the sheriff’s office are ongoing as the expiration date for the current contract approaches.
Assessor’s political policy draws concern from employees
Kootenai County Assessor Bèla Kovacs has implemented a policy that grants him the authority to fire employees who run for his position, as well as employees who “assist the candidacy” of Kovacs’ political rivals, leaving some employees fearful that they will lose their jobs.
Three people indicted for illegal killings of mountain lions, bobcats
Three people are charged with the alleged illegal killings of four mountain lions and eight bobcats in Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties.
Man seeks $2.5 million in damages for town hall removal
A man is seeking $2.5 million in damages from Kootenai County, alleging that Sheriff Bob Norris violated his constitutional rights by removing him from a legislative town hall and zip-tying his hands after he spoke against the actions of then-unidentified security personnel.
Former Coeur d'Alene School District employee arrested in Washington child exploitation sting
A former Coeur d’Alene School District employee was among a dozen people arrested last week in Battle Ground, Wash. on suspicion of being involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Protesters rally for ‘Workers over Billionaires’ in Coeur d’Alene
Under clear skies and blistering heat, about 200 people gathered along U.S. 95 on Monday to protest President Donald Trump and other billionaires who protesters believe are taking power away from the working class.
Experts warn of threats to Lake Coeur d’Alene
Experts warn of threats to Lake Coeur d’Alene
From the docks at Mowry State Park, a spot accessible by boat within the boundaries of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation, one can look out on Cave Bay and see dozens of structures on the shores of Coeur d’Alene Lake.
Vigil for Idahoans lost to overdose Sunday
The community is invited to remember, honor and hold space for those who were lost to overdose during a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. Sunday at Independence Point.
Hayden, KCSO eye contract
Cost of KCSO to provide law enforcement services in question
After Kootenai County commissioners moved funds that had been budgeted to cover law enforcement services in Hayden, city leaders said they’re working to resolve a dispute over how much Hayden pays for the sheriff’s office to police the city.
Kootenai County commissioners approve $144 million budget
Kootenai County commissioners voted Wednesday night to approve the county’s fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes levying 2.5% more taxes.
KCSO: North Hamlet Trail death was not homicide
The death of a man found with “traumatic injuries” at a home outside of Hayden two weeks ago was not a homicide, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Hayden approves $42 million budget
Budget does not include tax increase
Budget does not include tax increase
Cd’A man jailed for unlawfully killing trophy bull elk
A man who killed a “well-known” trophy-class bulk elk with a rifle during an archery-only season must spend time in jail and give up his hunting privileges for life, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
NIC prepares to launch Cardinal Classical Academy
North Idaho College is preparing to launch a new higher education track for students seeking a classical education, NIC President Nick Swayne announced this week.
Overcrowding increases at Kootenai County jail
Overcrowding increases at Kootenai County jail
Because of overcrowding in the Kootenai County jail, the sheriff’s office has requested that area law enforcement agencies “use discretion” when making arrests for misdemeanor offenses, the agency confirmed Wednesday.
Herding demo wows at North Idaho State Fair
Herding demo wows at North Idaho State Fair
While the sun beat down on the crowds at the North Idaho State Fair late Wednesday afternoon, nearly 100 people of all ages pressed close to a chain-link fence, their eyes glued to Piper, a 5-year-old border collie, and Rudy, a 14-year-old dog of the same breed.
Man indicted on child sexual abuse charges
A man accused of sexually abusing two children is in jail on $500,000 bail.
Fernan Hill Neighborhood Watch builds community
Fernan Hill Neighborhood Watch builds community
The Fernan Hill neighborhood that Cora Powers calls home is among the safest in the city. It didn’t happen by accident.
Heat advisory in effect
Temperatures climb into the 90s
North Idaho and much of the Inland Northwest are under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. tonight, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s.
KCSO helicopter grounded
Agency seeks new lease with county
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office helicopter has not been used for law enforcement purposes for almost a year, officials confirmed Thursday, though the county and sheriff’s office are working to resolve liability issues that have kept it grounded.
Cd’A boy, 11, to receive kidney donated by local pastor
More than a decade ago, Nita Robson asked her community at Family Worship Center in Hayden to pray for her newborn grandson, Liam Sturgis, who was hospitalized due to chronic kidney disease.
Western gray wolves wrongly denied protection, federal judge rules
Fish and Game working to reduce the state’s wolf population
A federal judge in Missoula ruled Tuesday that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wrongly denied Endangered Species Act protections to gray wolves in the West last year.
Man jailed on forgery charges
A man is facing felony charges after police said he forged checks worth more than $13,000.
Cd’A sisters soar at national Highland dance competition
Two sisters earned accolades at a national competition for Scottish Highland dance.
New regional library network forms
Community Library Network branches won’t be in new group
A new regional library network is emerging to serve patrons across North Idaho and Eastern Washington as the decades-old library consortium prepares to dissolve.
Legislators meet in Hayden to examine how family laws are applied
State legislators are examining how laws are applied in family law cases across Idaho.
Cd’A man gets probation for I-90 shooting incident
A man accused of firing more than 40 rounds along I-90 last December was placed on probation in what the judge called a “fair resolution” to an unusual case.
Commissioners cut sheriff’s license plate reader budget
Commissioners won’t continue to fund the automatic license plate reader software used by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Shoshone County man sentenced for threats against lawmaker
A Shoshone County man was placed on probation after threatening a North Idaho lawmaker, though the judge in the case warned that he will be kept on the “tightest of leashes” during the period of his probation.
Judge sentences Bryan Kohberger to life in prison for murdering four University of Idaho students
Family and friends of four slain University of Idaho students faced the man who murdered their loved ones on Wednesday morning, delivering powerful statements of love and grief in a Boise courtroom before the killer received a sentence of life in prison.
Rathdrum man sentenced after family dispute with gun
A man who prosecutors said pointed a gun at another man and called him racist slurs during a family dispute will not spend additional time in jail.
KCSO: Canfield Mountain shooter left writings foretelling attack
Writings and drawings left behind by the 20-year-old who shot firefighters on Canfield Mountain last month, killing two and grievously wounding a third, appeared to reveal a plan to ambush first responders, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Cd’A students attend Ronald Reagan leadership program
These leaders of tomorrow are applying what they’ve learned today.
Man gets suspended prison sentence for rape
A man who pleaded guilty to raping a teen girl received a suspended prison sentence this week.
Regional library consortium will dissolve
After Sept. 30, patrons won’t be able to check out material from libraries outside their taxing district
The regional library consortium that allowed libraries in North Idaho and Eastern Washington to share their collections will dissolve in September, ending more than 40 years of partnership.
Cd’A approves massage facility code changes
The city council voted unanimously Tuesday night to amend the municipal code applying to massage facilities, in a move that city staff said will make it harder for businesses to provide unlicensed massage and reflexology services.
ISP: Reported crime drops in Kootenai County
The number of reported crimes dropped statewide and in Kootenai County last year, according to the recently-published Idaho State Police uniform crime report.
Cd’A to consider massage facility code changes
Months after the city revoked the business licenses of five massage facilities due to allegations of illegal sexual activity, the Coeur d’Alene City Council will consider amending the municipal code applying to such facilities.
Expanded Justice Building opens
Represents 'timely justice for the people of North Idaho'
Dozens gathered Thursday afternoon at the Kootenai County Justice Building on Garden Avenue for the grand opening of the expanded courthouse.
Law enforcement funding debate continues in Hayden
Debate about how much the city of Hayden should pay the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services and how that figure should be calculated is poised to continue after a special meeting between city and county officials on Thursday.
Two St. Maries men charged after ‘poaching spree’
Two St. Maries men are facing felony charges for the alleged unlawful taking of seven mature white-tailed deer bucks in a “poaching spree” last fall, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Man pleads guilty to murder in Post Falls shooting
A man has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his ex’s boyfriend as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, according to court records.
Wounded Coeur d'Alene firefighter faces long road to recovery
Wounded Coeur d'Alene firefighter faces long road to recovery
When parents tell their children about firefighters, they could be describing Coeur d’Alene Fire Department engineer David Tysdal.