News

Have the Conversation Before It's Too Late


Have the Conversation Before It’s Too Late
Losing a loved one is never easy, but taking the time to discuss end-of-life preparations can relieve some of the burden when that difficult time comes. One of the best gifts you can give your family is clarity—knowing your wishes and having key information ready for when it’s needed.
When a death occurs, funeral homes need some immediate details to serve the family efficiently:
✅ Full legal name of the decedent
✅ Date and place of birth
✅ Social Security number
✅ Veteran status and discharge papers (if applicable)
✅ Parents' names (including mother’s maiden name)
✅ Spouse’s name (if married)
✅ Prearranged funeral plans: How a decedent is prepared is important for what steps the funeral home takes next. A question you will be asked is if there are plans for burial or cremation. This is an important question as preparation is different and needs to be started right away.
In our community, we are fortunate to have Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot and Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley—both offering compassionate, professional services in times of loss. Their dedication ensures that families receive the care and respect they deserve. We should all be grateful for their commitment to helping us navigate these challenging moments with dignity and grace.
Take time today to talk to your loved ones. It’s a conversation that will bring peace of mind when it matters most. 

Water Safety in Bingham County


Water Safety in Bingham County: A Message from Coroner Jimmy Roberts
Every year, lives are lost in our rivers, reservoirs, and canals—tragedies that are often preventable. Idaho’s beautiful waterways are a source of fun, but they also carry hidden dangers. As the weather warms, we urge you to take water safety seriously.

Canal Safety: Stay Away, Stay Alive: Canals are NOT for swimming. 
The currents are stronger than they appear, and steep, slippery banks make escape nearly impossible. Even strong swimmers can be pulled under in seconds. If you see someone fall in, don’t jump in after them—call 911 immediately and try to reach them with a rope or pole.
Electrical Hazards: Water & Power Don't Mix
Power lines often run near irrigation ditches, irrigation pumps, docks, and marinas. Keep an eye out for overhead wires when using boats or fishing poles, and NEVER swim near docks with electrical connections—faulty wiring can turn the water into a deadly trap.
Lakes & Rivers: Respect the Water
Always wear a life jacket—even if you’re a strong swimmer.
Beware of cold shock—Idaho’s waters stay dangerously cold, even in summer.
Watch for hidden debris—logs and rocks can trap or injure you.
Never boat, swim, or float under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Protect Our Kids
Most drowning victims in Idaho were children. A few seconds of distraction can mean a lifetime of heartbreak. Always supervise kids near water—drowning is silent, not the thrashing struggle movies portray.
Each of these warnings comes from real losses in our community. No one ever thinks it will happen to them… until it does. Please, take water safety seriously. Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.
One preventable tragedy is one too many. Let’s work together to make this a safe summer.

Coroner 2024 Annual Report


Welcome to our Annual Report for the year 2024!

The Bingham County Coroner’s 2024 Annual Report serves as a comprehensive account of the activities, achievements, and critical findings of the Coroner's Office over the past year. This report is intended to inform the Board of Commissioners, the citizens of Bingham County, and relevant stakeholders about the essential services provided by the Coroner's Office in investigating and certifying deaths, enhancing public health and safety, and supporting community well-being.

The document highlights key statistics, such as the number and types of deaths investigated, trends in natural and unnatural causes, and emerging public health concerns. It also outlines the professional development of the office staff through advanced education and training and details ongoing collaborations with law enforcement, forensic agencies, and public health organizations.

A notable focus of the report is on the office’s efforts to maintain the highest standards of medicolegal death investigations. It underscores the role of these investigations in uncovering hazards, preventing future fatalities, and contributing to public safety policies. Furthermore, the report explores the office’s participation in suicide prevention initiatives, child fatality reviews, and professional education programs, which reflect its broader commitment to community service.

Through this report, the Coroner's Office reaffirms its dedication to transparency, professionalism, and excellence in service to the citizens of Bingham County.


Coroner 2024 Annual Report.pdf 


Let's Make 2025 the Year of Wellness


As we step into the new year, 2025 offers a fresh opportunity to prioritize what truly matters—our health, happiness, and well-being. Wellness is no longer just about physical fitness; it’s a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. This year, we invite you to embark on a journey of self-care, mindfulness, and growth, with the goal of creating a balanced and fulfilling life. 

With a focus on sustainable habits and the power of positive change, 2025 is your chance to embrace a wellness routine that fits your unique lifestyle. Whether through healthier nutrition, regular movement, mental clarity practices, or deeper connections with those around you, the possibilities for enhancing your well-being are endless. The Bingham County Coroner's Office is actively involved with various community outreach groups, coalitions, and committees to provide opportunities to improve the wellbeing of all members of the community. 

Let's make 2025 the year of wellness—a year where we prioritize the care of ourselves and others, forging paths toward a brighter, healthier future. 

Here are the upcoming events that are free and open to the public. We would love to see you there!

Upcoming Events for the Community

January 2025