Nov 14, 2012

It isn’t just our strip of highway that holds hazards for deer population.  In a recent trip between Smithfield, UT and Franklin, ID,  I counted a total of seven recent deer fatalities, in groups of three, two and two.  In our area the collisions are generally only with one animal. Can’t help but wonder if the change from Daylight Saving Time had anything  to do with such a large number---crossing  the road at a time of unexpected heavier traffic?  Just guessing!

The days are a bit lighter when the school buses roll through our community in the mornings.  For the last week or so children have been picked up while it was still quite dark.

No matter the results of the recent election there is a feeling of relief in the air. Election tension has dissolved, and with it, the wearing affect on one and all.  Mail delivery can get back to normal. No more phone calls soliciting either funds or votes.  No more verbal bashing on the TV channels.  The voting turnout in Mink Creek District was very good.  Although our community and surrounding area are not over-populated there was at least an 87% of registered voters that cast their ballots in this election, 2012.  Great participation!

Marie Aupperlee is the newest member of the LDS Ward, baptized  and confirmed last weekend.  Her daughter Mona and Darren Bryson and their son Zack drove over from Rock Springs, WY, to witness the occasion.  Other special friends from beyond our boundaries were members of the Hugh Hansen family:  Bonnie Hansen of Preston, Dirk and Pat Bowles , Fairview; Roxann Beutler, Dayton; Sid and Geraldine Hansen, Richmond, UT.  The Hansen and Aupperlee families have been close friends for many years.

Lyle Christensen passed away on Nov 4^th. He was hospitalized only a short time, but has been suffering long-term.  His sons live here in Mink Creek, Phillip and Krysta Christensen and Bryan Christensen.  His two daughters live in Preston, Julie and Jim Cooper and Lyla Dettmer.

Lyle was only 70 years old and leaves behind many extended family members.  The Christensen family name goes back to some of Mink Creek's early  Scandinavian settlers.

            Another evidence of  the arrival of snow and colder weather is the return of the turkey flocks.  One can find bunches roaming up and down the length of Mink Creek.  They even frequent the Mink Creek church parking lot for some reason.  No food on that new pavement, but they show up there nevertheless.

            Weather wise we have had more snow, mornings usually greet us with a casting of white.  The sun  warms up the earth and things are dry by noon.  It feels like winter is being held off at arms length, few are ready to welcome it, still much to be done.  The canyons are already attracting the die-hard snowmobile set, but there isn’t much depth of snow as yet.  Speaking of that activity, Warren Wilde and Layne Erickson attended the Idaho State Snowmobile Convention in Boise recently.