January 21, 2026

 

The family of Kurt and Margret Iverson made a trip to Provo, UT, to witness the sustaining of their son Charles Iverson as a counselor in his Provo ward bishopric of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All of a sudden Charles has taken on a new maturity, as it goes with this calling.

Mink Creek basketball fans are having fun attending the PHS boys games and cheering for two players with Mink Creek connections. Elliot Keller, son of Jesse and Shawna Keller is playing on the JV team. Porter Galloway, grandson of ReNae and the late Kent Egley, is a starter on the Varsity squad.

The youth of the LDS Ward and their adult leaders gathered at the Per and Cassie Danfors home in this month of January, 2026. It was a great way to start the new year with a testimony fireside.

Kent and Tammy Beardall drove down to Spanish Fork, UT. Grandson Kaysen Beardall, the son of Shawn and Callie  Beardall was being ordained to the office of a priest.

The Syringa Camp of the DUP met this month in Preston at the home of Linda Carlson. Nearly all members of the camp were able to start the new year together. Julie Westerberg gave a lesson on the Iron of Iron County in Utah and how the early pioneers had given some thought of mining in that area

The flu bug, new or old version, is not through with our village yet. There are others with serious health issues as well. Nate and Dana Olson went to Utah to be with family during the holidays. While there Nate suffered with a heart attack and they are still in Utah while he recuperates. Eldon Wilcox had some shoulder surgery and now, along with his sling he is wearing a heart monitor. We are happy to have him home.

It has been reported that people are hiking in this mid January dryness. Granted it is cold, but dressed appropriately for the outdoors, hiking is a warm activity. The scenery is still beautiful, the views amazing.

January 14, 2026

 

There is nothing like the holidays to having residents on the move. Wayne and Jackie Olsen drove down to Morgan, UT, for some good family time. Mike and MaryAnn Jepsen went to Coalville, UT, to be with their son and family. Jeremy Christensen and his children came home to Mink Creek to be with his parents, Wally and Kim Christensen

Steve and Terry Mainini  had their kids come home. Angelina and Iyar Koren and their two girls live in the Salt Lake City area. Tony Mainini came down from Pocatello where he is employed with his computer skills at Idaho State University.

Beverly and Doug Bruderer celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary in Hawaii recently. They came home with tanned complexions and loved soaking up the real warmth of the islands as opposed to the strange winter warm around here.

Adam and Camene Haws and family of SolVang, CA, were able to spend a couple of weeks at the Haws central home. Now that two Haws siblings, Kasey and Julia Haws and Lauren and Ken Nash, have relocated to Franklin County from California, this was a lengthy family reunion type holiday.

Phee and Robert Crosland went to Rigby, ID, to the home of their daughter Malia and Jason Kunde. Their daughter Kaylee Kunde was speaking in their LDS Ward, prior to her leaving to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic.

Four young men in the Mink Creek Ward of the LDS Church have recently been ordained to priesthood offices. Conner Iverson to the office of an Elder, Jared Cheney to the office of a Priest, Isaac Cheney as a Teacher, and Timber Christensen as a Deacon. Timber is the newest member of the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum.

We have been given enough snow to attract the snowmobiling enthusiasts and are receiving happy reports. One caution is to be careful of snow-covered lumps and humps—there could be boulders or tree stumps lying in wait for your machine.

Happy New Year, 2026

 

If a person has had a hard time getting in the spirit of the season, being part of the congregation on the Christmas Sunday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would bring it home. It was filled with Christmas songs and thoughts of Jesus Christ bringing Light to the World. A special program included a Christmas Choir, directed by Corey Nielson, singing “Little One” and “Still, Still, Still.” Jillian Iverson and Emma Shurtz combined for a duet of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Our Primary children rendered, “Sing for the King,” under the direction of Terrie McKay. Mink Creek ward is blessed with musical talents and four accompanists for these numbers were Judy Wilde, Terrie McKay, ReNae Egley and AnnaBeth Olson. Appropriate thoughts for the season were expressed by Emma Rasmussen, Casey Christensen, Erik Danfors, and Bishop Jared Keller.

Mink Creek community has enjoyed having two Christmas stars shining in the December darkness as one travels the main road. One is atop the Erickson/McKay grain silo, another graces the wall of the Danfors barn, they are different in design, but both meaningful. Reminders of the joy of the season.

Jim and Debbie Harrison have bee enjoying the lengthy fall weather of Mink Creek. The temperatures of St George have not been a sufficient temptation to transfer there for the the winter just yet.

We have had a seasonal illness making its way through our homes for several weeks. These circumstances do have a way of taking much of the enjoyment out of the holiday season when plans disappear for the endurance.

Wally and Kim Christensen always welcome a visit from a former neighbor, Sharon Moran, of Pocatello. Sharon reports recently that she is planning a trip east to North Carolina to visit her son Will Moran and his wife.

To say there has been no snow, it may seem strange to report the slick, icy, snowy road of Highway 36, over into Bear Lake County. Recently a large truck didn't make a curve, turned over and it took some time before the law enforcement and repair crews could get the road cleared for “normal winter travel.” Motorists going up to Copenhagen for some snowmobile activity drive very carefully, particularly if they are pulling a loaded trailer.

Two weeks worth, Mink Creek, Dec 17, 24,2025

 17th--Roxy and Mack Daniels and their three children have recently returned from a lengthy road trip. It covered thousands of miles as they visited eight different states. It was an exciting fun time with many things to see and discover.

DUP Syringa Camp enjoyed a Christmas party held in Preston. Mary Ann Jepsen is the captain of the camp. They considered the celebrations for the day from years ago and trials of getting the mail. Lorraine Christensen told of stories from early mail carriers, riding horseback or with a team and wagon, dealing with challenges along their routes. Leah Costley Gilbert of Fairview catered the group with a festive luncheon.

The youth of our community were invited to see The Forgotten Carols, at the Worm Creek theatre. They joined youth from other wards, including Glendale for this event. Activities are often combined for the young men and women since our numbers are few. Earlier they played miniature golf, indoor, in the basement classrooms and hallway of the meetinghouse. It makes for some interesting and careful maneuvers with golf clubs on the unusual “ golf course.”

Dallon Baird , son of LaRon and Liesa Baird, and Emily Waddoups, daughter of Jeff and Heidi Waddoups of Preston were married in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A reception followed that evening of Dec 10 at the Preston North Stake House.

Not long ago an accident in the Strawberry Canyon due to the icy road left behind a frightened dog named Olive. Olive could be heard barking by those that frequent the canyon for several days. Her owners were desperate to locate her. From all reports, after several days the task has been accomplished and Olive is once again warm and comfy where she belongs.

24th--Huxley Lyn Colleen Rynes, infant daughter of Whitney and Zach Rynes, was given a blessing with her name at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mink Creek. This was a five generation

occasion and celebrated with a family gathering. Great great grandparents, Warren and Colleen Wilde live in Mink Creek. Many last names of connected family were happy to witness this young lady's official naming: Rynes, Chatterton, Wilde, Carter, Ashbeaker, Bishop. Most were able to meet for lunch later at the Riverdale Resort.

The youth of the community, plus anyone who wanted, went Christmas caroling throughout the village. With this open invitation it turned out to be a good sized group. They had hot chocolate and cookies arranged for refreshments and some of the home visited offered hot chocolate or cider and treats as then made their way to various homes.

Brandi and Jake Allred and their family came down from Idaho Falls for a weekend with Brandi's parents, Jody and Bret Rasmussen. Kim and Sam Daines and daughters of Lehi spent some days with Kim's mother, Judy Clark.

Phee and Robert Crosland made the drive to Worland, WY recently. They were able to spend several days there with daughter Celina and Jesse Grosebeck and their little girls before home obligations sent them back to Mink Creek. They managed to slip through a gap in Wyoming storms as they traveled with the snow and winds making for difficulties.

The community Christmas Party was well attended, held in the cultural hall of the LDS Church. Beautifully decorated tables with evergreen boughs and sparkling ornaments done by Laurel Wilde, added much to the evening. A dinner of ham, cheesy potatoes, carrots and rolls with a serving of carrot cake for dessert was served by the youth. Lacey Christensen was in charge of the evening with Kim Christensen, Jonia Jackson, Vickie Free, Kaytlin Jackson and Sharon Moran sporting aprons in the kitchen. The youth presented a program reminding all of the Light of Christ in the season with carols and narration. Santa made a visit and all headed for home ready for the holiday.

 And... add to this that the editor of the Preston Citizen passed away from a massive stroke, which made for some questions about future issues, etc. for a bit.   That said, we did not have a New Year's Eve paper.    Hopefully we are now settled in with a new editor and our last two issues have been ten pages in length, rather than the dwindling six that we have had for some time.

The Citizen is also hopeful that residents will call us with upcoming events so we can cover things locally.  The new editor is also willing for residents to write up stories of local interest and submit to copy@prestoncitizen.com for possible publication.  We are hoping for more writers, we have been very limited in the past and one person can only cover so much mileage/places in any given week.  Help revitalize our local newspaper, the only one that really cares about Franklin County, Idaho.

I appreciate your concerns for me personally when no blog arrived.  I was a bit on overload, more than usual. Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!

December 10, 2025

 

Two babies, cousins, girls, were blessed and named in the same Sabbath meeting of the Mink Creek LDS Ward. The girls were so beautiful in their white blessing dresses. They were born about a month apart. The first was Ida Nielson, infant of Corey and Savannah Nielson. The second was Jackie Salem Jackson, daughter of Justin and Kaytlin Jackson. Both girls have siblings to welcome them and they share the grandparents of Per and Cassie Danfors and the rest of the Danfors family. Other family members were there to witness this special event.

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering for food, fun and reflections on the many blessings we have. Some residents traveled away, other invited and shared the magic of Mink Creek. Robert and Phee Crosland and other family members drove to the home of their daughter Malia and Jason Kunde in Rigby. Claudine and LaMar hosted an Erickson Thanksgiving with siblings and expanded branches spending several nights: Carla and Mark Nielsen of American Fork, UT, Kristin and Jay Collins of Mink Creek with three of their children, a brother of LaMar's, plus a friend, add Bob and Claudia Erickson, equals a houseful. Another Erickson family, that of Karen and Layne Erickson gathered in Station Creek at Paul and Terrie McKay' home.

End of fall and the holiday brought a Haws group together. Kasey and Julia Haws of Mink Creek, Ken and Lauren Nash and family of Glendale, ID, and California, plus Adam and Camene Haws and family of Sol Vang, CA.

Doug and Kathey Wilcox were up from Utah to their new Mink Creek home that is still full of newness from the days of construction. Julie Workman kept a couple of her grandchildren for an extended stay.

Eldon and Danita Wilcox were able to be up for a mission break. Jesse and Annavelynn Wilcox and son Desmond added to the family festivities. Brad and RaOne Stuart, Danita's sister, journeyed from Utah.

Although the canyon drivers are reporting snow and ice, generally speaking we don't have much staying snow. It continues to surprise us. Mink Creek residents plan on winters with snow. Those in the process of home construction are pushing to make the leak-proof.

December 3, 2025

 Already December?  With the warmth of this fall and no staying snow in our village, only on the mountains the change to December is almost a surprise that greeted as we turned the calendar at the end of the November.

There are some residents still managing to get in some hiking time before the weather makes it nearly impossible. Candy Longhurst and Jamie Stevens report on beautiful crisp mornings, sometimes mingled with wisps of fog, but still worth the effort and uplift of spirit.

Wynn and Cecelie Costley are home after a trip to Brazil. Cecelie had lived in Brazil as an exchange student during her teen years and she wanted to reconnect with her host family. She reported that it was so good to do, the mother of the family had passed away, but the siblings recalled the days with gladness.

The teachers and other workers of the Primary organization were honored with a Primary appreciation dinner recently. The place was the multi-purpose area of the Latter-day Saint meetinghouse. The food was prepared and served by the ward Bishopric members and their wives. There are challenges for those who fill callings with the primary age group that often get overlooked and this was a small way to express thanks..

Christmas thoughts came early for the women of the Relief Society. They gathered to share some ideas on keeping Christ as the important theme of our holiday. Some shared traditions from their past experiences, some ideas were new and original. There were displays of various Nativities, others of Christmas music, holiday themed quilts and personal traditions. The group had a selection of suitable appetizers that might be included in family gatherings, without taking days of preparation and allowing more time for being together with family and friends. Each lady that attended was given a quantity of baking clay with directions to sculpt their own personal nativity, bake it and enjoy the season.

November 26, 2025

 

There was much preparation and practicing for the annual program from the Primary children of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With the children in charge, assisted by Primary officers Kristin Collins, Anna Beth Olson, Laurel Wilde and Lindsey Ross and the Primary teachers, all went well. The Primary choir was under the direction of chorister Terrie McKay and Corey Nielson with ReNae Egley on the piano. It was both a delightful and spiritual program that bore witness of the love of Jesus Christ for all.

The Mink Creek community gathered at the Ballpark the evening of Halloween for their Trunk N Treat. The evening's events were under the direction of Lacey Christensen. Those attending brought a pot of soup or chili, to share. There were games for all ages, a costume parade, a carving pumpkin contest, Car Trunks were decorated and treats gathered from the parking lot. It could be called a “Spooky Good time,” best had for Halloween. The weather cooperated, adding to the fun of the evening.

There is a need to remember that our neighbor wildlife is also getting ready for the coming winter. One that is pretty noticeable is the presence of skunks out and about, whether a person is out for a late evening walk or a drive. Noted have been some fatalities on our highway with skunks and raccoons. The deer are taking on their winter coats, a slight color change. Late birds heading for warmer climates take to the skies.

The Syringa Camp of the DUP met this month in Preston at the home of Virginia Flippence. Virginia and Mary Ann Jepsen were the hostesses for November and eleven members were able to attend. Julie Westerberg presented a lesson discussing the last ten handcarts that crossed the plains coming into Utah in the pioneer days. Imagine being part of that group of ten carts and the welcome they received!

It is hard to believe that December is just days away and we have yet to get any staying snow for this year. The mountain tops stay white, the canyon road to Bear Lake is receiving frequent trips from the State Snow Plow crew to keep it open and hopefully safe. But our valley floor, the length of the village, is clear. Cold, but clear.