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.

October 1, 2024

 

It was a Sunday for a historical First—there was a reorganization of the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the first time as part of the new Preston East Stake. Those who are called to fill the positions of leadership are: Jared Keller as the Bishop; LaMar McKague as First Counselor; Jesse Wilcox as Second Counselor; Wynn Costley as Executive Secretary; Jacob Cheney as Ward Clerk. These men were set apart by the presidency of the Preston East Stake: President Michael Romney; Counselors Nathan Hess and David Larsen, and Cliff Keller, the high councilman assigned to the Mink Creek Ward. Jacob Cheney was also ordained to the office of a high priest. Those released from having served in these offices were Bishop Paul McKay; Counselors Miles Erickson and LaRon Baird; secretary Wallace Christensen; clerk Jay Collins.

The children our community, ages 8 to 11 held an Art Fair. It was planned to be at the Mink Creek ballpark but due to inclement weather they moved inside at the LDS Recreation Hall. The kids have been learning about creativity under the encouragement of the Activities Director, Jody Rasmussen. There were displays of paintings, tie-dyed T shirts, home grown flower arrangements and more. Here were also culinary creations: cookies, popcorn balls, various goodies. Some items were for sale. The group is planning a field trip to the grounds of the Smithfield Temple and are raising funds to finance some pizza and ice cream treats before coming home to Mink Creek. The Art Fair was well attended, supported and the idea has become part of their future plans before the weather changes.

The opening social for the Syringa Camp of the DUP was exciting and unusual. The members went to the Thomas Merc in Swan Lake. Perfect for their luncheon with choices like Merc burgers, taco salads and BLTs. Lorraine Christensen gave their lesson and then Kaarin, the owner of the Merc shared the history of Thomas Mercantile. It has been owned by 3 generations of the Thomas family and is a bit of a landmark for this part of our state. Ten DUP daughters and a guest, JoAnn Steele, enjoyed this afternoon.

If you receive the Preston Citizen newspaper, either the printed version or the online issue I am sure you are aware that we are dealing with some editor and work up difficulties.   The rural news may have made this weeks paper, or not. At the Citizen office there are complaints being made regularly and any solution is out of our hands since we are under the umbrella of the Herald Journal.

 Much of the weekly Citizen is filled with Logan news, often already covered in the Herald Journal a few days before the Citizen is published, or it might have stuff about USU, or ISU, or Montpelier, etc.   This does not mean news about Franklin County has not been submitted, just not chosen.  It is possible that any, or all, of you could send an email to the current editor, Timothy Epperson, at tepperson@hjnews.com and let him know that you would prefer items connected with Franklin County.   He is also the Managing Editor of the Herald Journal and his boss has assigned the task of the Preston Citizen to his desk. I am sure he must be feeling overwhelmed.   It is my understanding that he would like feedback from our readers. 

September 25. 2024

 

The opening social for the Syringa Camp of the DUP was exciting and unusual. The members went to the Thomas Merc in Swan Lake. Perfect for their luncheon with choices like Merc burgers, taco salads and BLTs. Lorraine Christensen gave their lesson and then Kaarin, the owner of the Merc shared the history of Thomas Mercantile. It has been owned by 3 generations of the Thomas family and is a bit of a landmark for this part of our state. Ten DUP daughters and a guest, JoAnn Steele, enjoyed this afternoon.

The evening of observing that day of 9/11 was certainly a mixed bag for our community. It was a day of smoky air, but there was still an effort made to do the semi-annual roadside cleanup of our highway, particularly following the LOTOJA bike race that had recently passed through. About 30 volunteers offered their services. Along with the murkiness of the air, a storm moved in, providing rain and thunder and lightning. A tree on Thatcher Hill attracted a lightning bolt and set it afire. Vehicles with county firefighters arrived, but evidently felt it was beyond their reach. There was observation of the tree and its lightning trail, which lasted about an hour. The fire did not reach any of the homes or outbuildings in that area, we are happy to report.

The newest member of the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Derek Ross Greene, the son of Robert and Taniesha Greene. Family and friends were happy to witness this event. He was baptized by his grandfather, Chad Greene at the Preston East Stake Center on September 14^th.

Craig Larsen is now living with his daughter Cheryl and Mitchell Cowgill and their family in Rupert, ID. His health has improved, all his life has been in Mink Creek on the shores of Birch Creek and no doubt he will be missing these slopes as hunting season nears.

The leaves are getting a good start on telling us it is harvest time. Yellows, reds, bright greens on the trees mixed in with our evergreens is soul food. There is constant talk about bottling peaches and pears and applesauce. It is a working, but happy time of year.