Thursday, November 05, 2026
37.0°F

Fire district races still in contention

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years 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

November 4, 2026 1 a.m.

Republican incumbents sweep legislative races

Incumbent Republican state legislators swept eight contested races Tuesday night.

Kootenai County voters reject Citylink management
November 4, 2026 1:08 a.m.

Kootenai County voters reject Citylink management

Voters came out against Kootenai County managing Citylink on Tuesday night, a decision that could greatly impact the bus system's future

Election Day is here
November 3, 2026 1:07 a.m.

Election Day is here

High voter turnout expected

Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. New voters can register at the polls; they’ll need a current photo ID, as well as proof of residence.