Church Plans Missionary Housing Complex, Parking Garage for Nauvoo

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints won approval for a #3.8 million housing complex and a $2 million parking garage Tuesday, July 10th from the Nauvoo city council in one of its first actions under a new planning and zoning code. The 60-unit complex will serve as housing for missionaries working at the Church's historic sites in Nauvoo while the 200-space parking facility will accommodate visitor parking for the new Nauvoo Temple and the historic sites.

LDS Family's Adoption Hopes Dashed with Child's Murder

An LDS family's hopes to adopt a 20-month-old girl were shattered last week when the child's troubled biological mother murdered her in a busy park. The murder case has attracted heavy media attention in Portland, Oregon, including coverage of the child's funeral, Tuesday, at an LDS chapel in Troutdale, Oregon. Alexis Lopez was killed after the mother persuaded a Oregon state Office for Services to Children and Families to let her take a walk out of sight with the child.

Committee sets plan for advancing BYU-Idaho

As Ricks College transitions to BYU-Idaho, a committee of employees has been working on an advancement plan to explain the changes to various audiences, ranging from students, parents and church members to employees, alumni and the local community.

Local News Briefs

Renovation Started for Copenhagen Denmark Temple

The renovation of the Priorvej LDS Chapel started July 9th and demolition of the neighboring villa, once the mission office, began July 11th. Renovation of the building into a Temple, the second time the Church has taken that approach with a Temple, is expected to take 1 1/2 years. The building will include some unique features, including an underground baptismal font covered by a ground-level glass dome matching the dome that will sit on the raised copper roof over the third floor Celestial Room.

Neighbors Upset at Clear-Cutting for new LDS Chapel

Neighbors of an LDS Chapel under construction in Eagle River told a local news channel that they were upset that acres trees and shrubs on the property were clear-cut in preparation for construction of the building. City planners defended the action, saying that the Church's plans were 'excellent' and meets local building code and landscaping requirements. Still, local residents say they wish Church representatives had attended council meetings to get resident input on their plans.

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