Saturday, September 26, 2026
41.0°F

Fire district races still in contention

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 10 months AGO
by 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. | November 3, 2021 1:00 AM

Several fire commissioner races were too close to call at press time Tuesday night.

Michael Pearce led John Horn by just seven points in the race for Northern Lakes Fire District Commissioner, Subdistrict 1, with 32% of precincts reported.

Meanwhile, Dennis Amende had 65% of the vote in Subdistrict 3. Opponent Marc Ghirarduzzi garnered 34% of the vote at press time.

In Subdistrict 5, Doug Duncan had an 11-point lead over Terry Thompson.

Votes for Timberlake Fire Protection District Subdistrict 5 were split 50-50 between Sam Rick Conner and Todd Amende, with 25% of precincts reported.

Three races for Kootenai County Fire & Rescue commissioner seats were undecided at press time, with about 45% of precincts reported.

Andy Boyle and Shawn Smidt were neck and neck at press time, with 51% and 48% of the vote respectively for Subdistrict 3.

Keith “Hutch” Hutcheson had a 21-point lead over opponent Paul R. Wagner, with 60% of the vote for Subdistrict 4.

Michael Hunt had 69% of the vote for Subdistrict 5 around midnight, while Gerald Johnson had about 30%.

ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH

Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
September 26, 2026 1:09 a.m.

Prosecutor condemns threatening comments

After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight

After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.

No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
September 25, 2026 3:23 p.m.

No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage

No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.

KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
September 25, 2026 1:09 a.m.

KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers

Details under wraps after lengthy meeting

In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.