Tuesday, September 15, 2026
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STAFF REPORT

Staff Report

Recent Stories

Conservation deal protects Lake Creek, 700 acres of forest
September 8, 2026 1:06 a.m.

Conservation deal protects Lake Creek, 700 acres of forest

Protected area includes important native trout streams

Nearly 9,000 feet of Lake Creek and 700 acres of family-owned forest and farmland in North Idaho and eastern Washington are permanently protected, the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy announced.

Ring the bell: Fire department helps with first day of school
September 7, 2026 1:09 a.m.

Ring the bell: Fire department helps with first day of school

Coeur d'Alene firefighters to assist with traffic visibility and remind motorists that children are returning
Coeur d'Alene authorities seek help in arson investigation
September 2, 2026 4:50 p.m.

Coeur d'Alene authorities seek help in arson investigation

Coeur d'Alene police and firefighters are seeking the public's help as they investigate two fires they believe were intentionally set during the early hours of Aug. 15.

September 1, 2026 1 a.m.

Three arrested after drug investigation

Local and state law enforcement arrested three men and seized "nearly a quarter pound of methamphetamine" last week after a lengthy investigation, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

August 22, 2026 1 a.m.

Comprehensive plan input sought at fair

Kootenai County Community Development will be at the North Idaho State Fair to connect with residents and gather public input on the comprehensive plan update and the parks and waterways plan.

Become a youth representative for Coeur d'Alene
August 6, 2026 1 a.m.

Become a youth representative for Coeur d'Alene

Young Coeur d’Alene residents are being encouraged to become student representatives on city committees. The City of Coeur d’Alene is seeking youth representation on City Commissions, Boards, and Committees. Service on these boards gives high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 an unprecedented opportunity to learn about city government, special projects, and to become involved in the community.

New Jitterz Sit & Sip Cafe opens in Rathdrum
July 25, 2026 1 a.m.

New Jitterz Sit & Sip Cafe opens in Rathdrum

There’s more than just drive-through coffee stands brewing for Jitterz Espresso. Jitterz, which was established in 2006 by owners Laura and Jason Quast and currently has 11 coffee stands around Kootenai County, can now say it has its first ever sit-down cafe in the region.

Hayden Days returns July 24 - 25
July 18, 2026 1 a.m.

Hayden Days returns July 24 - 25

The annual Hayden Days celebration returns to McIntire Family Park on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25.

Rathdrum father charged with attempted murder of child
July 11, 2026 4:57 p.m.

Rathdrum father charged with attempted murder of child

Police arrested a Rathdrum man Friday night who allegedly admitted to abusing his child, causing serious injuries and leaving her in critical condition, according to the Rathdrum Police Department.

May 30, 2026 1 a.m.

Man gets 40 years in prison for child sexual abuse

A man who sexually abused two children will spend decades in pri

May 21, 2026 1 a.m.

Man imprisoned for attempted child sexual abuse

A man who exposed himself to an 11-year-old child received a prison sentence this week, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

May 13, 2026 11:55 a.m.

Man arrested in Philippines on Kootenai County rape charges

Authorities arrested a man this week who they said fled to the Philippines amid an investigation into allegations that he drugged and raped multiple people nearly a decade ago, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

May 9, 2026 1 a.m.

Man gets probation for DUI probation violation

A man who violated the terms of his probation for driving under the influence received a new term of probation this week, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Hayden Creek restoration set for Saturday
May 7, 2026 1 a.m.

Hayden Creek restoration set for Saturday

Volunteers needed to help plant, stake and protect up to 200 large seedlings

Volunteers are invited to take part in the second annual “Healthy Hayden Creek” restoration event on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Absentee ballot request deadline is Friday
May 6, 2026 1:06 a.m.

Absentee ballot request deadline is Friday

Idaho voters have until 5 p.m. Friday to pre-register to vote or request an absentee ballot online at VoteIdaho.gov ahead of the May 19 primary election.

ITD warns of scam texts
April 30, 2026 1:50 p.m.

ITD warns of scam texts

A new wave of fraudulent text messages impersonating courts, law enforcement and the DMV is hitting Idahoans, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

April 29, 2026 5 p.m.

Cd'A woman arrested for hit-and-run crashes

A woman is facing a felony charge after police said she hit two vehicles, injuring multiple people, and fled the scene.

April 28, 2026 1 a.m.

Free law clinic Friday

Community members with questions about family law, wills and power of attorney and other legal matters can get free advice from local attorneys this Friday at a Law Day clinic.

Woman charged with trespassing at Skyway Elementary School
April 20, 2026 5:29 p.m.

Woman charged with trespassing at Skyway Elementary School

A woman who had been trespassed from Skyway Elementary School scaled a fence and entered school property Monday afternoon, triggering a brief lockdown, according to the Coeur d'Alene Police Department.

April 20, 2026 2:20 p.m.

Kootenai County Judge Robert Caldwell dies

Kootenai County Magistrate Judge Robert Caldwell died April 14 at age 59, the Idaho Supreme Court confirmed.

April 19, 2026 1 a.m.

Free trees and more at Arbor Day celebrations

The City of Coeur d'Alene will hold its annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 24 at City Park from 10 am to noon

Son charged in fatal attack of elderly woman
April 17, 2026 10:19 a.m.

Son charged in fatal attack of elderly woman

Police have arrested a man accused of attacking his elderly mother in her home last September, causing fatal injuries, apprehending the suspect as he prepared to fly to China, according to the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

Youth learn during 4-H small animal clinic
April 17, 2026 1:05 a.m.

Youth learn during 4-H small animal clinic

Community members learned about showing and raising chickens, rabbits and goats last weekend during a public clinic hosted by the Kootenai/Shoshone 4-H Small Animal Council held a public clinic at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

April 17, 2026 1 a.m.

Library celebrates Earth Day

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is hosting several Earth Day community events on Saturday, April 18.

Fired up for the Fourth already
April 15, 2026 1:08 a.m.

Fired up for the Fourth already

Independence Day festivities coming together for Coeur d'Alene

The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber invites the community to celebrate Independence Day 2026 with a full day of festivities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Kootenai County airport director appointed to state board
April 10, 2026 1 a.m.

Kootenai County airport director appointed to state board

Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Kootenai County Airport Director to serve on the Aeronautics Advisory Board.

April 8, 2026 11 a.m.

Coeur d’Alene offers free compost this weekend

The City of Coeur d’Alene will be hosting its 9th annual “Free Compost Weekend” this weekend, April 11-12.

April 5, 2026 1 a.m.

Post Falls man jailed for terroristic threats

Police arrested a Post Falls man accused of making threats against law enforcement and smashing windows at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office early Saturday evening.

Post Falls church, school fire deemed accidental
March 24, 2026 3:04 p.m.

Post Falls church, school fire deemed accidental

The fire that damaged the River Church and Little Explorers preschool in Post Falls was accidental, according to the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Lakeland Joint School District superintendent on paid leave
March 24, 2026 11:13 a.m.

Lakeland Joint School District superintendent on paid leave

Lakeland Joint School District trustees have placed Superintendent Rusty Taylor on paid administrative leave for the rest of his contract, effective Monday, according to an email sent to district families, staff and community members.

‘Accidental lockdown’ lifted at Hayden Meadows Elementary
March 23, 2026 12:03 p.m.

‘Accidental lockdown’ lifted at Hayden Meadows Elementary

A “mechanical issue” triggered an accidental lockdown at Hayden Meadows Elementary around 8:30 a.m. Monday, according to the Coeur d’Alene School District.

March 20, 2026 1 a.m.

North Idaho Pride Alliance launches scholarship

The North Idaho Pride Alliance is launching a scholarship for local high school seniors.

March 19, 2026 1 a.m.

Post Falls man imprisoned for attempted strangulation

A man who choked a woman and attempted to influence her testimony in the case will spend up to 15 years in prison.

Hazel announces bid for legislative seat
March 13, 2026 1 a.m.

Hazel announces bid for legislative seat

Christa Hazel has announced her candidacy for the Idaho House of Representatives seat for Legislative District 4B, challenging incumbent Rep. Elaine Price, R-Coeur d’Alene, in the May Republican primary.

FBI seeks Canadian wanted in Kootenai County child sex abuse case
March 9, 2026 5:05 p.m.

FBI seeks Canadian wanted in Kootenai County child sex abuse case

$5,000 reward offered for info leading to arrest

Donald Steven Lang, 62, was charged last April with three counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16 and a single count of sexual battery of a minor, according to a bulletin published by the FBI.

Couple charged with drug-induced homicide
March 6, 2026 11:07 a.m.

Couple charged with drug-induced homicide

A husband and wife are facing murder charges after police said they sold drugs to a man who subsequently died from an overdose.

March 6, 2026 1 a.m.

Post Falls man gets prison after third DUI

A Post Falls man will spend up to a decade in prison for driving under the influence.

March 6, 2026 1 a.m.

Post Falls man gets prison for child enticement

A Post Falls man with a history of sexual offenses will spend up to 15 years in prison after police caught him in a sting operation.

Rathdrum man imprisoned for sexually exploitative material
February 20, 2026 1 a.m.

Rathdrum man imprisoned for sexually exploitative material

A Rathdrum man who pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material received a prison sentence.

Cd’A man imprisoned for child sexual abuse material
February 20, 2026 1 a.m.

Cd’A man imprisoned for child sexual abuse material

A Coeur d’Alene man will spend up to a decade in prison for accessing child sexual abuse material.

NIC special meeting tonight
February 9, 2026 1:07 a.m.

NIC special meeting tonight

Three years after North Idaho College received a show-cause sanction from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the community will learn once and for all whether NIC will retain accreditation.

January 29, 2026 4:55 p.m.

Explosives found in Cd’A residence

Cd’A police, Spokane bomb squad disposed of blasting caps

Authorities disposed of explosives found in a basement Thursday, according to the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

Fire department reorganization on City Council agenda
January 5, 2026 1:07 a.m.

Fire department reorganization on City Council agenda

Mayor, councilors to take Oath of Office on Tuesday

During its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 6, the Coeur d’ Alene City Council will consider approving amendments to the city’s Firefighters Local No. 710 IAFF Agreement that would re-establish a Division Chief position and reorganize the fire department.

January 2, 2026 1 a.m.

Post Falls man gets prison for eighth lifetime DUI

After his eighth lifetime DUI, Post Falls resident Jeffrey A. Jeske received a prison sentence, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Three people make short list for council seat
December 30, 2025 1:06 a.m.

Three people make short list for council seat

Tonya Coppedge, Dan Sheckler and Todd Tondee have made the final cut to fill the upcoming vacancy of Coeur d’Alene Council Seat 3.

Active shooter reported at Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office
December 26, 2025 3:21 p.m.

Active shooter reported at Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office

Law enforcement is responding to a reported active shooter at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

December 11, 2025 2:15 p.m.

Saint Maries woman dies in crash

A 55-year-old Saint Maries woman died early Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 3, according to the Idaho State Police.

December 5, 2025 1 a.m.

Cd’A man gets prison for child sexual abuse, illegal material

Matthew W. Cash will spend up to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing a child and possessing illegal images, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

December 5, 2025 1 a.m.

Cd’A man imprisoned for child sexual abuse, battery

Gregory D. Chase will spend up to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing and battering a teen, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Cd’A police seek jewelry theft suspects
December 3, 2025 4:46 p.m.

Cd’A police seek jewelry theft suspects

Police are seeking three suspects in a grand theft that occurred last month at Cisco’s Gallery on Fourth Street, according to a news release.