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
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney sought in North Idaho
Will help combat drug trafficking
More than two years after the first talks about creating a Special Assistant U .S. Attorney position in North Idaho to help combat drug trafficking, candidates are applying for the job.
Hayden man gets prison for child abuse
A man who pleaded guilty to abusing a newborn, causing numerous fractures, will spend up to a decade in prison, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Suspected shooter’s North Idaho connections emerge
After two firefighters were killed in what police described as an ambush, details about the suspected shooter’s connections to North Idaho are emerging.
2 firefighters killed in shooting
Were responding to fire said to be intentionally set
Police: Suspected shooter found dead
Sheriff: Suspected shooter ambushed firefighters who asked him to move vehicle
The man suspected of ambushing the firefighters who responded to a blaze he set on Canfield Mountain, fatally shooting two and seriously wounding a third, did so after firefighters asked him to move his vehicle, authorities said Monday.
Health officials: Be wary of harmful algal blooms
Because summer is peak season for harmful algal blooms, public health authorities are reminding Idahoans to stay safe and protect their pets when recreating around water.
Cd’A man charged with lewd conduct, child sexual abuse
A man is facing felony charges after police said he engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl who appeared to have run away from home.
Cd’A Library trustees vote to dissolve regional library consortium
Express concerns with CLN policy for minor cardholders
Coeur d’Alene Public Library trustees voted Wednesday in favor of dissolving a regional library consortium, though a final decision in the matter won’t come until July at the earliest.
Man charged with battery after ‘Hands Off’ protest in Cd’A
City prosecutors charged a man with battery after witnesses said he sprayed water at protestors during an anti-Trump demonstration in April.
Prosecutors to seek death penalty for Post Falls murder suspect
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Jason Rook, who is accused of fatally shooting his ex’s boyfriend in February.
Athletes ready for 70.3 miles of swimming, biking, running in Coeur d'Alene
Athletes ready for 70.3 miles of swimming, biking, running in Coeur d'Alene
The steely waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene were choppy Friday morning, cut by cold winds, but the conditions didn’t stop a group of athletes from taking a swim ahead of Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene. “It takes a lot to scare us,” Paige Swenson said, smiling as she dried off after her swim.
Woman dies in Kootenai County jail, investigation ongoing
After a woman died while in custody at the Kootenai County jail last month, the cause of her death remains under investigation.
Juneteenth honored in Coeur d’Alene
Juneteenth honored in Coeur d’Alene
Juneteenth is a day of celebration for all Americans. Panelists shared that message with community members Thursday at the Human Rights Education Institute in downtown Coeur d’Alene during a discussion about the holiday and its impact.
Idaho to allocate $300K to transport inmates to ICE detention centers
135 people were booked into the Kootenai County jail on a border patrol or immigration hold between Jan. 1 and May 20
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced Wednesday that the state will spend up to $300,000 to pay for Idaho State Police to transport people who have been convicted of crimes and don’t have legal authorization to be in the United States to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers for deportation.
Two dead after crime spree near Washington-Idaho border
Police fatally shot suspect accused of killing good Samaritan
Police fatally shot suspect accused of killing good Samaritan
Gizmo summer camps offer hands-on learning
Gizmo-CDA is offering summer camp options to keep young people entertained and spark their imaginations.
‘No Kings’ protests planned in North Idaho Saturday
While protests over federal immigration enforcement actions continue nationwide, more cities are expected to see demonstrations later this week, including several in North Idaho.
A Car d’Lane dream comes true
Man will cruise Car d’Lane in honor of late dad
Man will cruise Car d’Lane in honor of late dad
KCSO proposes $54 million budget
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office outlined a proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 in a Tuesday meeting with county commissioners.
Former precinct committeeman objects to removal from KCRCC
A former member of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee said she was wrongly removed from her elected position, while GOP leadership contends that her removal was required under the group’s rules.
'So much bigger than us:' Coeur d'Alene celebrates Pride
North Idaho Pride Alliance executive director Dr. Sarah Lynch had simple, but powerful words to describe Saturday’s Pride in the Park.
Pride in the Park is Saturday in Coeur d’Alene
North Idaho Pride Alliance’s annual Pride in the Park celebration is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Coeur d’Alene City Park.
Spokane Valley man sentenced for vehicular manslaughter
Family forgives man found guilty of causing their father's death in crash
A Washington man who pleaded guilty to causing a fatal crash while under the influence of alcohol received a jail sentence this week after the victim’s family expressed their forgiveness.
Kootenai County jail medical costs rising
The cost of providing medical care to people who are held in the Kootenai County jail is rising, according to the sheriff’s office.
Judge dismisses defamation lawsuit against Kootenai County sheriff
Plaintiff may refile
Plaintiff may refile
Kootenai County begins FY2026 budget process
Kootenai County commissioners took a first look Monday at the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026.
Garden District celebrates National Register of Historic Places listing
More than 100 people gathered Sunday afternoon in Phippeny Park to celebrate the Garden District’s listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
After nasty note, veteran raises awareness of invisible disabilities
When Bethany Stanley returned to her car after shopping at a supermarket this week, the disabled veteran was surprised to see a bright orange card on her windshield that said she “sucks” at parking.
Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene announces $80K in charitable giving
Rotarians convened Friday at the Hagadone Event Center to announce a total of $80,000 in charitable awards. Since 2020, the club has raised and awarded nearly $250,000 to area nonprofits.
North Idaho College board eyes $58 million budget, tuition increase
North Idaho College trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday night to move forward with a budget for fiscal year 2026 that includes, for the first time in seven years, a tuition increase.
Police urge safety over Memorial Day weekend
Local authorities are hitting the streets and patrolling the waters of Kootenai County to help combat impaired driving during the Memorial Day weekend.
Relief in sight for Highway 53 commuters near Hauser Lake Road
For drivers experiencing delays amid construction on state Highway 53, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.
Bauman wins Community Library Network race
Victoria Bauman won the race for a seat on the Community Library Network Board of Trustees, garnering 10,002 votes throughout Kootenai County or 56% of the vote.
Post Falls, Lakeland levies pass
Ballot measures floated by two area school districts to replace supplemental levies that will expire after the close of the 2024-2025 school year received overwhelming support at the polls Tuesday.
Idaho's Election Day is here
It’s Election Day, North Idaho.
North Idaho College celebrates largest graduating class
Rainy weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of North Idaho College’s 2025 graduates as they celebrated their crowning achievements.
CLN trustees hint at litigation involving library consortium
While the region’s library consortium works toward a new joint powers agreement, Community Library Trustees alluded this week to possible litigation involving the consortium of which it is part.
Community Library Network trustee election approaches
Next week, Kootenai County voters will choose between a former communications director and a former Post Falls School Board trustee for an open seat on the Community Library Network Board of Trustees.
Private security guards plead not guilty to battery after Coeur d’Alene town hall dragging
The private security guards who dragged a Post Falls woman out of the Coeur d’Alene High School auditorium during a chaotic legislative town hall have pleaded not guilty to multiple misdemeanor charges, according to court records.
Candidates run for nonfunctional Kootenai Hospital District board
The winners of a race for three seats on the Kootenai Hospital District board of trustees will sit on a nonfunctional board with no assets or operations.
3Cs raise $75K for Kootenai County charities
3Cs raise $75K for Kootenai County charities
The 26th annual Cancer and Community Charities (3Cs) fashion show drew more than 300 attendees to the Coeur d’Alene Resort for a night of glitz, glamour and giving Thursday night.
Coeur d’Alene man gets prison after rider for voyeurism, sexual battery
A man who admitted to sexually assaulting and photographing a sleeping woman will serve the rest of his prison sentence after a judge declined to place him on probation following completion of a prison treatment program.
Coeur d’Alene man imprisoned for child sexual abuse
A man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a girl over a period of several years will spend up to a decade in prison.
Spirit Lake man charged with manslaughter after fatal crash
A Spirit Lake man is facing a manslaughter charge after a fatal crash.
Kootenai County commissioners approve tower support fee for Coeur d'Alene Airport
Kootenai County commissioners approved a landing fee to support the year-round air traffic control tower at the Coeur d’Alene Airport.
Post Falls man gets federal prison for aiming laser at helicopter
A man who aimed a laser pointer at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office helicopter last summer will spend almost three years in federal prison.
Coeur d’Alene students commemorate Law Day
Charter Academy eighth graders got firsthand experience with Kootenai County’s criminal justice system Thursday.
Commissioners talk growth, efficiency at town hall
Kootenai County Commissioners fielded questions from community members and shared their thoughts on growth, government efficiency and more during a Wednesday night town hall.
Rathdrum man charged with hate crime
A Rathdrum man is facing a hate crime charge after police said he pointed a gun at a Black man, called him racist slurs and threatened to kill him.
‘With love from Coeur d’Alene’
Bench honors Scott and Mary Lou Reed, saviors of Tubbs Hill
Bench honors Scott and Mary Lou Reed, saviors of Tubbs Hill