Idaho
Police investigate after a dead infant is found in a baby box at an Idaho hospital
BLACKFOOT, Idaho — Police are investigating after the body of a baby girl was found at a southeastern Idaho hospital in a box meant for people to anonymously give up a newborn, officials said Monday.
Police officers in Blackfoot, Idaho, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) east of Boise, responded Oct. 13 to a report of a deceased infant left in the Safe Haven Baby Box at Grove Creek Medical Center, news outlets reported.
Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said in a social media post Monday that hospital staff responded within one minute to an alarm indicating a baby was in the box, which was installed earlier this year. The staff quickly realized that the infant had died before being placed inside.
“We are heartbroken,” Kelsey said. “Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed.”
Idaho law only allows for the surrender of an infant who is unharmed and healthy.
The organization and hospital staff are working with police investigators, officials said. The baby had been wrapped in a blanket, and the placenta was still attached, Kelsey said.
Grove Creek Medical Center officials said in a social media post Monday that staff members “gave their all in a heartbreaking situation.”
Kelsey, who herself was abandoned after birth in 1973, launched Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Indiana in 2016. The boxes equipped at fire departments and hospitals are meant to provide a safe and anonymous way to surrender a newborn.
The medical-grade boxes are installed in the exterior wall of the building. An exterior door automatically locks when a newborn is placed inside, and a medical staff member opens an interior door to secure the baby.
Boxes are available in more than a dozen states. Since 2017, 52 infants have been surrendered at the organization’s baby box locations, Kelsey said.
She said Safe Haven Baby Boxes will continue to educate people about how the program works.
REXBURG, Idaho — In 2030, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will commemorate the bicentennial of the organization of the Church. It will also commemorate the beginning of the Savior’s mortal ministry 2,000 years ago.
“This convergence will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” noted Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught in October 2024 general conference, “These events will result in extraordinary opportunities to serve, to unite with members and friends and to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to more people than ever before.”
To thousands of BYU–Idaho students gathered in the I–Center auditorium on Sunday, June 14, Elder Caussé issued a simple invitation: “Be prepared.”
To read the full story, visit TheChurchNews.com.
James “Jim” Franklin Arehart, 91, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away June 12, 2026, at Turtle and Crane Assisted Living Center.
Jim was born June 11, 1935, in Coltman, Idaho, to Joseph Howard Arehart and Lena Idoma Hunsaker. He married Afton Wilson on May 28, 1953, in Montana.
Jim worked for the City of Idaho Falls in the Streets and Sanitation Department, where he served as a foreman. He lived most of his adult life in Idaho Falls and Roberts, Idaho.
Jim enjoyed stock car racing, bronc riding, and boxing with the Pal Club. He was also a horse trainer and loved cutter and flat track racing. He loved, loved, loved hunting and spending time with his family. He coached baseball and enjoyed being involved in the lives of others through sports and community activities.
He is survived by his children: Roxie Anne Steele (Gordon) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Tony Jim Arehart (Kim) of Meridian, Idaho; Byron Todd Arehart (Scott) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Timothy Joe Arehart (Karlene) of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Afton Arehart, and 16 brothers and sisters.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Grant Central Cemetery, 154 N 3300 E, Rigby, Idaho. The family will meet with friends prior to the graveside from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West main Street, Rigby, Idaho.
IDAHO FALLS — Temperatures in the 80s and dry conditions are in store for east Idaho this week.
That’s the outlook from the National Weather Service in Pocatello. Meteorologist Dan Valle tells EastIdahoNews.com daytime temperatures will be in the 80s most of the week.
“There is a couple days where it’s warmer — we’ll probably hit 90 (degrees),” Valle says. “Those days will be Tuesday, and we’ll come close on Friday.”
No rain or thunderstorms are expected as of Sunday afternoon.
Valle says Monday is one of the rare occasions when there will be no wind, but it will pick up again on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the Pocatello area, wind speeds will approach advisory levels, with gusts between 35 and 45 mph.
“Down towards Burley, it could be a little stronger in the 40 to 50 mph range,” he says.
Breezy conditions will continue on Thursday and Friday.
For the latest weather conditions and a complete seven-day forecast in your community, click here.
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