Good morning, Rexburg.

Community members filled the Veterans of Foreign Wars building Tuesday, April 1 to watch a ribbon cutting for Rexburg’s first soup kitchen founded by Dave and Margo Merrill after years of working with food pantries and local agencies.

The kitchen will serve hot meals every Wednesday at noon starting today—along with weekly help on housing, medical care, mental health, and school supplies.

BYU-Idaho changed its facial hair policy to allow 'Brigham Beards' (full, neatly trimmed beards with a set length and no mustaches).

Student ambassador Jaxyn Phelps (who announced the change on Tuesday) said several students are excited to try the new style.

Starting Fall 2026, BYUI will offer a one-year Bio-Medical major that uses triple-length lectures, overnight anatomy labs, and online speed learning to prepare students for a new competency exam for hospital residency—students will also pay part of tuition with 10% of future earnings.

BYUI-Idaho officials announced plans to extend dress and grooming standards to Porter Park after noticing many students wore athletic or revealing clothing during warmer months—modesty officers will patrol the park and issue notices directing students to the Honor Office for violations.

Idaho Fish and Game reported that the illegal introduction of walleye into Ririe Reservoir led to a sudden increase in their numbers in 2023, with surveys in 2024 confirming that most were from strong 2021 and 2022 year classes—officials will monitor upcoming surveys to manage impacts on kokanee and trout. Anglers may help by harvesting walleye to support continued management efforts.

Orthopedic surgeon Jonathan Hancock, a former Division 1 football recruit and Idaho native, now works at Madison Orthopedics and Rigby Medical Center in Rexburg where he treats patients with careful, step-by-step care.

He explains that surgery is a last option and uses a cooperative approach to help patients choose the best treatment—giving them a clear path to recovery.

Local homeowners Dana and Darla Miller claim a nearby aquifer recharge project damaged their home—causing ceiling cracks, sand in their water, and nearly a 25% drop in value.

They have appealed to block further expansion and are set to address their concerns at a hearing at 1:30 p.m. today at the Bonneville County Courthouse.

Free Dental Sealants Clinic

8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — South Fork Elementary School — Free — Providing essential cavity prevention for local kids.

Easter Celebration

6 p.m. — Clark Music Foundation Concert Hall — Reserved seating available — Experience uplifting melodies from organ and pianos in joyful reflection of Easter's significance.