November 19, 2024

 

The October meeting of the Syringa Camp of the DUP was hosted by Lorraine Christensen and Mary Jean Rasmussen. The ladies met at the church in Mink Creek for a nice afternoon, learning about ancestors and pioneers. November’s camp was held in Preston at the home of Virginia Flippence. Twelve members were able to attend. Virginia and Mary Ann Jepsen served the camp members a delicious old-fashioned set jelled salad with homemade rolls. Lorraine Christensen presented this month’s lesson. Virginia shared a history of one of her ancestors. The camp had a visitor this month from the Company Board, Beverly Morris.

California visitors Kasey and Julia Haws are always welcome, we think of them as half-residents. This trip was their coming up to prepare the Haws House for the coming winter, with visitors or without. Winter always takes some extra effort.

We are happy to recognize that Chet Jensen has moved back to Mink Creek. He is the adult son of Kalee Bair and the late Shawn Jensen, has grown up in these mountains . He is living in the former Merlin McKay home on Bear Creek.

During a recent Sunday meeting there was a reorganization of the Mink Creek Ward Elders Quorum Presidency. Bret Rasmussen will remain the President. The following were released: Wynn Costley as the 1^st Counselor, Jesse Wilcox, the 2^nd Counselor and Jeff E. Olson , the secretary. Accepting callings to these positions were Kerry Christensen as 1^st Counselor, Per Danfors as 2^nd Counselor and Danny Christensen, as secretary. Kerry Christensen was released as the Financial Clerk of the Mink Creek Ward and Miles Erickson was sustained to that calling. In the same meeting Barbara Olson was released as the Young Women’s secretary and Kalee Bair was sustained the new secretary.

Wildlife in Mink Creek is still very active. Deer, pheasant, turkeys. Sighting of moose in the canyons. The few snow storms we have had are already attracting the snowmobile crowd.

November 12, 2024

  I hope you have thought about Veterans' Day, or Armistice Day, its original name.  Just considering how the whole world thought of that day in 1918, the signing of the treaty of the Germans, to be the end of war,  with no idea how many more small and great  conflicts would still be in the future.  It is a day worth remembering, and considering what we can do to be more peaceful in an individual way.  There are no 'small conflicts' to those involved.

The community had a fun Trunk n’ Treat on Halloween night, held at the recreation hall of the LDS Church. The event had been planned as an outdoor party with a bonfire, but the weather turned too cold and wet. There were lots of costumes, lots of candy, good visiting and games. There were doughnuts and hot chocolate for one and all.

The first day of snow didn’t send more than a skiff, and just rained at our lower levels, October 29. Cold, windy, wet. Not sure that it should be designated as the First day of the season Our canyons were all sparkling and pretty, and made for dangerous driving. More snow has arrived since then with greater staying power. The tops of the mountains have retained their whiteness however and it always serves as a measurement of the progress of the seasons.

Reed Swann and his daughter Penny are home from visiting with Charley and Sarah Swann and children in Donnelly, ID. They had arranged to be there for the special occasion of Reed’s granddaughter, Gwen, being baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Election Day was cold and clear and the polls were open from 8 to 8. According to the election board of this year there was a good turnout and they kept busy during the whole shift. Those serving this year were Danita Wilcox, Lana McCracken, Lorraine Christensen and Vickie Free.

The family of Robert and Phee Crosland gathered at their place on Birch Creek to have an early Thanksgiving holiday, scheduling it when the largest majority of their scattered children could attend. Of course the cousin time is always priceless for the younger set and the siblings never run out of memories and projects. A relatively new item for this gathering was the bell tower built into the Crosland home that rings out joyous music for the surrounding area.

If the green summer growth wasn’t frozen earlier now it has been in the last few nights. For our farmers the fall plowing has been on the list of chores.

November 6, 2024

 

Kurt Iverson of the Mink Creek Ward has been called to serve as the Stake Clerk for the Preston East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Trevor Rasmussen will continue serving as a Stake Media Specialist for the new stake.

Brigham Wilcox and his family came down from Idaho Falls for a weekend with his parents, Danita and Eldon Wilcox. A couple of days in the country is always nice.

The youth of the community gathered at the church gymnasium to enjoy a broadcast entitled, Celebration of Light. The Young Women supplied various candies and snacks while the Young Men provided drinks: – chocolate milk, makings for lime rickeys and a blue lemonade. It made for a variety of choices.

Annie Christensen, daughter of Casey and Dan Christensen, married Mac Lowe on October 16 in the Logan LDS Temple. They celebrated this event with a reception that evening in Garland, UT, sharing joy with friends and relatives.

Jasmine and Miles Erickson have welcomed their third child. This tiny boy was born October 21^st, and has two ‘big’ sisters that will have the fun and challenges of a new baby in their family.

The Primary organization of the Mink Creek Ward put on their annual program. This one portrayed the various things they have learned about the Book of Mormon during their year’s activities and studies. It was a combination of short thoughts from the children and the Primary choir singing children’s songs. All was done by the children with the direction of chorister Terrie McKay and pianist ReNae Egley. Add to this the smiles and waves to the congregation and it was a delightful Sunday morning.

With temperatures dipping down and winds picking up, the leaves are starting to fall off the trees and cover the earth. In areas where there is no irrigation the leaves underfoot are crisp and crunchy, making silent approaches for deer hunters nearly impossible. Snow is just beginning in our mountaintops.

Jay and Kristin Collins have completed construction of their new Mink Creek home and moved in. For the past year, plus a bit, they have been renting the Merlin McKay house on Bear Creek while the new house has taken shape.

October 29, 2024

 

There was a Christensen Cousins’ Reunion for descendants of the Henry and Serena Christensen family. It was held at the home and workshop of Clare and Linda Christensen. They gathered about 30 cousins for the occasion, reliving childhood memories of their lives together.

The youth of the community had a last activity before the cold weather would come, one more repelling trip with Bishop Paul McKay helping them to overcome the possible fears and learn how strong and courageous they can be. Both boys and girls and leaders learn from this activity

ReNae and Kent Egley had always hoped to make a trip to Switzerland, home of the first Egley family to come to Mink Creek many years ago. Although Kent passed away before they could do that Renae was recently able to fulfill their dream. She traveled with Jill Baird Hobbs and Lelan Daines and exploring the world is becoming a habit with this trio. They started with Gruyeres Village and it was postcard perfect. Cobblestone streets, beautiful old homes, fountains. There was a ride on the Matterhorn Railway to the glorious mountains, and snow. They were glad to have winter clothing in this fall season. A highlight was a visit to a chocolate factory. Included was a quick short trip to neighboring Italy but most of their time was in Switzerland. ReNae was particularly pleased to spend time in Lucern, home of Kent’s ancestors.

This is particularly for readers of the Citizen that live far from home. Sometimes cemeteries are busy places. It has been the case this past month for the Mink Creek Cemetery. Both graveside services were for individuals who grew up in Mink Creek, but have not been residents for many years. Sherrie Oliverson Jensen was the daughter of Willis and Bertha Oliverson. Douglas Keller was the son of Glenn and Geralynn Keller.

 Happy Halloween week.  It is going to be a more than chilly eve for the treating, or the tricking.  There are plans for an outdoor party at the ballpark, with the "in case of inclement weather" phrase that follows.  So glad for the comfort of the gymnasium on these evenings. The feeling of winter blew in from the north today along with rain and heavy dark clouds. The night-time hours had left a covering of snow making its way down our surrounding mountains.

October 22, 2024

 

Danita Wilcox and most of her daughters did way more than ”a girls’ night out” activity. They went to Paris, France. Some had been to France previously, for others it was a first time event. There was so much to see and do, new foods to try. They took in the sights of Paris, some famous like the Eiffel Tower, others just as wonderful. After the visit to France they took a train to London, England, and spent some time in Wales, visiting castles, soaking up history, and found there is more than the English language spoken in the British Isles. It was a great family sharing time.

The Haws sisters, Lauren and Andrea, brought their husbands to the Haws home for some reunion time and relaxation. Mink Creek has provides peace and outdoor beauty to the Haws families for years. Lauren and Ken Nash are at home in California, Andrea and Jim Harper live in Highland, UT.

Granddaughters of Barbara Olson came up from Utah homes to liven things up at the home of Barbara and Jeff Olson on Station Creek. They found all sorts of activities were possible in this beautiful spot that has claimed Barbara.

Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson had a great weekend in Meridian, ID, with the family of Charles and Dana Olson Peterson. The occasion was the wedding of their grandson, CJ Peterson, at the Meridian Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plus the photography sessions and fun activities that were part of the celebration.

Turkey are back in town and making themselves known as they traipse through neighborhoods, acting as if they owned the territory. They are wrong! These creatures were not native to the area and their ancestors were brought in by Fish and Game Department about 25 years ago.

Mink Creek has the perfect night sky for observations of the rare comet as well as the late versions of the Northern Lights. All depending on no gathering of clouds in the darkened heavens. Residents report some special sightings this past month.

October 15, 2024

 

Apples were not going to go to waste this season in Mink Creek. There was a gathering of apples all over the village, wild and domesticated. These were to contribute to the goal of an apple pressing party on the agenda of the Elders Quorum. On the designated evening the party began and the crop was put through the apple pressing equipment at Clare Christensen’s workshop. Snacks were available. Interested members of the community brought their own containers for filling with the juice, which could be frozen for future use or consumed soon. Reports are that over 70 gallons of cider were pressed and taken home for enjoyment. People could bring more apples to contribute but it wasn’t a qualifier for anyone who wanted some fresh cider. It was under the direction of the Elders Quorum with Bret Rasmussen as the chief gatherer with his equipment that could reach high branches.

Fall has brought a regular stream of part-time residents home for a few days to Mink Creek. Melanie and David Law were up from Utah. Larry and Lillian Hansen with their daughter Carol and Richard Wall spent some time at their place on Bear Creek Rd. Doug and Kathy Wilcox are getting comfortable with frequent visits to their recently constructed home.

Leon and Katherine Noorda spent a month at the Keller Apartments, a tradition of years. Sam and Sylvia Stanger are becoming regulars in Mink Creek again, but the weather change will take them south before long.

Jonathan Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons of Caldwell, ID, has been living here this summer with his grandparents while working locally to finance his coming mission to Brazil. He was ordained an Elder over the conference weekend and his family gathered to witness this special event.

When we heard about Hurricane Helene and the devastation we were glad to get the report from Patti and Forrest Christensen who now live in Florida that their power was restored after some time without.  Now they are helping neighbors with restoring their surroundings after the storm.

Deer hunting season has begun and one can hear the echo of gunfire as it bounces off our mountainsides. Camouflage duds and binoculars are part of the acceptable equipment. Some past residents come home to hunt familiar territory.

October 8, 2024

 I am hopeful that the paper version of part of this blog will soon match with what I write here.  Hang in there with the Citizen staff as we struggle to make adjustments with a new editor.  I will try not to be redundant, but because I don't know what he will choose to run before I put this out to you online readers you may get repeats now and then.  My apologies, but beyond my control.  

Phee and Robert Crosland drove east over to Colorado on a bit of a whim. They were visiting at the home of their daughter Arianna and Ben Hostetter in Peyton. They arrived to find several home projects underway and were able to lend both new ideas and helping hands. Time with the Hostetter grandchildren was a bonus.

Jay and Kristin Collins, LaMar and Claudine McKague, Paul and Terrie McKay, and children and spouses of the McKays gathered together in southern Utah for a brief vacation before the onset of cold weather. They did some lengthy hiking, soaked up the scenery change, attended a theater, ate good food and enjoyed each other’s company.

ReNae Egley took a few days of family time when she drove up to Idaho Falls to celebrate daughter Erin’s birthday. Fun with grandsons, but the crowning activity of the visit was attending a Wynonna Judd concert. Not your “every-year birthday!”

Our colorful hills are starting to fade in brilliance. The bright red of the maples is now orange, the yellow aspen leaning toward tan. It is drying season for Mother Nature. Only irrigated lands still show green. This is perfect hiking weather and the view is great regardless of which trail or climb a person might take.