New Year's Eve, 2014

Neighbor hood gifts have been delivered, the celebrating now is more relaxed and peaceful. We enjoyed the caroling of our youth throughout the village. We are hoping for snow. So far we have had frequent dustings in the mornings, but only higher elevations seem to have any staying power. As with the rest of the world we are waiting for the arrival of 2015.

The LDS Ward had a beautiful Christmas themed program for the Sunday before the holiday. Scriptures were read, the choir sang, there were string instrument offerings, our primary and youth participated. All under the direction of Jennifer Seamons, ward choir director and it left us with the true spirit of the season.

We have more residents to add to our medical list. Beverly Bruderer has undergone surgery recently, Dennis Clark has had serious shoulder problems, Bret Hall has been in the hospital, Warren Wilde is getting some help with his vision. I repeat from last week, there still may be some of whom I am unaware.

Ben and Amy James and family have moved to Mink Creek, temporarily. They come from West Jordan and are renting the George Rasmussen home on Bear Creek Road. They have four children: twins Patrick and Adelle, Helen, and Sarah, the youngest, age 3. Amy is the daughter of Drew and JoAnn Ford of Mink Creek and these grandparents are loving having them so close for good visits. The children are enjoying the wide open spaces that compare so favorably to their small city yard. Ben works for Rio Tinto Mining Company, formerly known as Kennicott.

Brooke Corbett, daughter of Shane and Sherrie, is having fun playing basketball on Preston High Girls' team. Only four more home games according to the schedule so there will be lots of traveling for away games before the end of the season in February. 

If you are a new reader and feel like you have already read some of this you must be getting the Preston Citizen  newspaper.  I write the first paragraphs for the weekly print, but usually I have more to say than is needed for the issues so  I extend my thoughts about our little village each week in this blog.  It appears that I only have a few members that read, yet from conversations in the grocery store or other places around town, even as far flung as  California, I know there are more of you who check this out.  Welcome, glad to have you on board.

It has been a long time between blogging for the Mink Creek News.  I was on a "medical vacation" for three months, staying in Utah, and not knowing enough about what was going on in Mink Creek to make it worth your reading.  I  managed to keep up with the comings and goings to write the weekly column for the Citizen.  Now I feel like we are "back", hope you will feel that way too.

Mink Creek has been spoiled by that long fall with warm weather, not even any stayable snow until Christmas morning.  We woke up to the gift of a very white Christmas,  sufficient to do some sledding.   Enough so the neighbor would clear the area he turns into a local skating rink. Now he can start laying down some ice.  This isn't a process that happens in just one night. It takes layers and good freezing weather.  A strong wind  a couple of nights past moved the snow around, but it also dropped the mercury.  The temperatures reported today are in the minus 0 category-----a -6, a -10, perfect for getting the skate pond ready for fun.  See you next week, hope you have a good New Year's Eve.

August 12,2014

       We were visited with a deluge of rain, thunder and lightning. It lasted for quite some time and gave growing crops a good pounding as well as a very long drink of water. One thing about the terrain of our community, most of the water runs down to the bottom of our valley. This storm left marked trails on the dirt roads where the waters descended. As far as I know there were no flooded basements in our homes.

       Two babies were blessed and named in the LDS Mink Creek Ward. Tiny Quinton Keller Jones traveled here all the way from Michigan with his parents, Chelsea and Stephen Jones. Chelsea is the daughter of Glade and Corinne Larsen. Jacob and RaNette Free drove over from Pinedale, WY, to name their new little girl, Zennedy Nayvi Free. Jacob and RaNette just relocated to Pinedale with a new job. He is the son of Richard and Vicki Free.

       The Varsity High Adventure for eight scouts was hiking and camping in Grand Teton National Park. The leaders were Paul McKay, Marco Crosland, Kerry Jepsen and Eldon Wilcox. They hiked to the Lower Saddle in the middle of the Tetons. They hiked four miles with full packs, had a beautiful campsite and got to play in the snow still tucked away about the camp. Those mountains have lots of depth and it was hard, but fun, with many learning experiences along the way. One of those was being able to look to the east, as the sun was going down and see the shadows of those huge mountains in front of you. One member of the troop, Chris Wilkerson, had his 16^th birthday during the trip and everyone celebrated with him. Chris was later ordained a priest in the LDS Ward.

        Wally and Kim Christensen have spent some of our hot July days in Canada. Wally was attending professional meetings as an optometrist. Kim got in her share of shopping and relaxing.

        Chokecherries and summer apples are ready for picking now. There seems to be chokecherries in abundance this year, both domestic and wild. The limbs of trees near our farm are touching the ground they are so heavy with the black clusters of berries. If they are on your summer wish list now is the time.

         This may be my last minkcreek blog for two or three weeks. I am heading down to Utah with some medical problems and I am thinking it will be 2-3 weeks before I am ready to blog. Just thought I had best give you a heads up so you weren't wondering what had become of me.

August 5, 2014

       Cecelie Costley is once again amongst us, after a year's work of teaching English in China. Family members were here to welcome her home. Landon and Amy Costley came up from the Salt Lake City area. Hannah and Spencer Singleton and their boys are having a summer break from the Arkansas humidity and heat. Wynn and Cecelie spoke in the LDS Ward about their Chinese experiences. Kate and Eric Drake and their family were here and then the whole family of seven siblings and children gathered at the Drake home in Plain City, UT, to celebrate Cecelie's birthday.

       It is certainly reunion time in Mink Creek. The family of Ada and Freeman Jepsen held a Brother/Sister Reunion. Three came to the home farm: Dan and Jean Jepsen of Bountiful,and JoAnn and Kevin Auger of Woodland Hills, UT, plus families ended up with 51 family members joining Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen and family for a fun time.

       The Allen/Pearl Christensen family gathered, totaling 96 in attendance. The reunion was hosted at Clare's  newly erected shop and they enjoyed a dinner, with breakfast and lunch the following day. Clare loves to cook! Family activities kept the group going over the two days. Clare and Linda Christensen live in Mink Creek, and children were Devin and Shaundeen Christensen and 5 children of Layton, UT, Tiffany and Lee Kinder with 3 children in Smithfield, UT and William and Janna Wolfley with 5 children of Preston. Another son, Royce and Lorraine Chrstensen, also of Mink Creek, had Colleen Carter and daughters of Preston, and Kevin Christensen and 3 children of Phoenix, AZ. Son, DeVirile and Elizabeth Christensen came over from Dayton. Jeanette Christesen, Donald's widow, and his daughter, Dawna and Jason Hall are all in Preston. Two daughters of the family,Verneal Lowry brought 3 of her children from Tooele, UT. And Clare's twin, Clarice and  husband, Jim Feichko, came from Farmington, UT.

      Katrina Noorda Hunter and her children have been here the biggest part of the past month. Her growing up summers were spent in Mink Creek and it is a habit she does not want to break. Katrina lives in Las Vegas and was visiting her parents, Katherine and Leon Noorda, part-time Mink Creek residents.

       George and Judy Rasmussen have moved from their home up Bear Creek. They have taken up residence in Utah, around Highland and Lehi, to be closer to their children.

       Laural and Jody Janke and their troop of six children took a four-day camping adventure to Yellowstone Park. Seen again, through the eyes of children this park takes on almost magical qualities with its geysers, pools, and other thermal action, beautiful scenery, animals, and tourists of various languages from all over the world.

July Wrap-up, 2014

       Marco Crosland, son of Robert and Phee, returned from his mission to Singapore. He keeps busy working here and there until time for college studies to resume. He recently spoke about his experiences in the LDS Ward. Family members made up 45 visitors: Two aunts; Carolyn and Mick Mitchi of Moroni, UT, and Marie and Ray Eads of American Fork, UT, both with families, then Marco's siblings; Jason and Malia Kunde and children  and Giovanni and Kristina Crosland and family, and various cousins.

       Others had Singapore connections, the family of Elder Hirshi, Marco's last companion, and the Mechams who met Marco in Singapore. The Mechams were in the area as part of a Stucki Reunion taking place in Preston and a whole bunch of about 50, came to hear Marco. Plus, friends from his days at Preston High. Yes, the chapel was overflowing!

      Joe and Kathy Jarvis have been enjoying a visit from their two granddaughters. All the rest of their grandchildren are boys. Shelby Erasmus is from Provo, UT, and Kirsi Jarvis is currently attending BYU in Provo.

      Our oldest Scouts took a fun high adventure trip earlier this summer. They traveled to southern Utah and soaked up the sights, hiking Zion's National Park. Some of them explored the slot canyons and rappelled on the cliffs. There was a feeling of being in “the middle of nowhere.” The leaders were Jake Longhurst, Paul McKay, Terry Westerberg, La Ron Baird, and Robert Crosland. It was a marvelous few days filled with new experiences.

      Summer is moving right along. Our grain fields are turning that lovely harvest color of various shades of amber, from tan to a nutty brown. Arcs of water sail across the fields that still require irrigation for yet another burst of growing power. The days are very hot, the nights cool down nicely for comfortable sleeptime.

      The community had an Athletic Night at our Ballpark. Not too many attended, but the little kids had a great time and the adults were able to catch up on neighborhood visiting.

      Connie and Vance Christensen came home for a few days. These two are currently living in Utah, after having spent several years as residents of Hawaii.

       We have been having some beautiful sunsets. Looking to the west down our little valley one can see all the way over to the west side mountains across northern Cache Valley. That is a good expanse of colored sky to enjoy.

July 22, 2014

      Cliff and LaDawn Jensen soaked up three weeks of teenage granddaughters staying at their home. Rebecca and Melissa Mackelprang, children of Mercedes and Darren Mackelprang, live in Statesboro, GA. The two southern ladies enjoyed visiting with cousins, seeing relatives in Cokeville, WY, and took a tour of the Utah State University giving Rebecca a taste of her college following her graduation from high school next spring.

       Four children of Bob and Claudia Erickson made trips home to Mink Creek over the last few weeks. First was the arrival of Drew and Hilary Erickson and their three children from Tempe, AZ. Next was Carla Nielsen and her two sons, of American Fork, UT. Claudine and LaMar McKague and five children drove down from Vancouver, WA. Their son, Jarin McKague, entered the MTC in Provo in mid July, preparatory to serving a mission in the Texas, Houston South, Spanish-speaking area. Kristin and Jay Collins and Claire are from Lakeview, OR and their daughter, Bailey, came up from Provo to join this extended family gathering. There was lots of fun and noise, with many hours spent cooling at the Erickson Pond.

       The family of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons has been on high alert for the last month. First their son Jacob had surgery at the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Just as Jacob was sufficiently recovered to come home, two other sons, Ben and David, were involved in an accident. Ben's injuries were taken care of at the Franklin County Medical Center, but David was Life Flighted to Primary Children's. Following David's surgery there were possibilities that he would be limited to a wheelchair for the next two months. His recovery has been amazing: two weeks with the wheelchair and is now being fitted with crutches. Jeff and Jennifer express their gratitude to all who have had concerns and prayers for their family. 

       Children of Karl and Marion Haws have been in and out of the Mink Creek family home.

California is the home for daughters and  most sons and their families , but they have a special place in their hearts for this little spot in Idaho.  All their growing up years have spent time on the shores of the creek.

       We are grateful to have water for irrigation purposes. The irrigation pipes are on the move and the big guns are sending out huge arcs of water, covering large areas as they creep across a field. Otherwise it has been dry with only a short burst of rain while the town was sleeping.

       The fields of grain are turning to harvest colors. Gone is the green and we now match the famous description of “amber waves of grain.” Harvest is still in the future, but in the meantime those who raise hay are bringing their second crop of the summer season in to the barns.

2 week combination---7/8-7/15

I was out of town for last week's blog and had my head wrapped around other things, in a very tight wrap.  So I will combine and edit for readers this week and hope you are all in a forgiving mood.

         Preston North Stake Girls Camp had a rather wet beginning, with rainy weather and super cold temperatures. Shepherded by camp director, Anna Beth Olson, our group left bright and early for the drive to the camp site, formerly known as Rattlesnake Gulch.  Now it is much improved. Setting up tents while all things, including campers, was soaking wet was a challenge. Ice forming was evidence of the cold. The setting was miserable, but attitudes remained positive and upbeat. A warm campfire helped boost spirits, added to comfort while they endeavored to do some crafts. Sun shone on the following days so hikes and skits were fun. Good food and new friendships  formed with girls from other camps brought out smiles to wrap up the camp.

          Mink Creek School Reunion took place in the recreation hall of the LDS Church, in spite of technicians working on the sound system of the building. Many surnames from early Mink Creek were present: Wilde, Keller, Jensen, Carver, Moosman, Baird, Westerberg, Jepsen, Rasmussen, Crane, Larsen, Erickson, and Olson. Potluck offerings were delicious. Mike Jepsen arranged for a musical program from the Wilde family with Judy Wilde on piano and son Christopher Wilde on cello. Paul Carver delighted the audience with selections of Cowboy Poetry. There were donated door prizes galore: books, jams and jellies, copies of the story of Mink Creek's haunted house, walking sticks, sculpture, some farm fresh eggs, loaves of healthy homemade bread, a carrier bag---a great variety! This year Glade and Corinne Larsen were in charge and they passed the privilege on to Nate and Dana Olson for the 2015 reunion.

          Wynn Costley is home from a lengthy stay in China. He is currently shuttling back and forth between Mink Creek and Fairview, helping to build a house for his daughter Leah and Davin Gilbert and family of Fairview. Cecelie Costley is still in China, finishing up their contract of teaching English at a university.

          The community and beyond gathered at the Mink Creek Ballpark to celebrate July Fourth in fine style. The cooking crew of Clare Christensen and Brent Sharp were on the spot early preparing Dutch Oven potatoes, roast beef, hamburgers, tossed salad, and rolls. Desserts were donated and also the results of a patriotic dessert contest. Activities enjoyed were softball, volleyball, soccer, face painting, hair wraps, a pinata, horseshoes and much visiting. Main events included a couple of greased pigs, the famous water slide, and money in the hay, all attracting crowds.  Everyone had tickets for a free sno-cone and the lines formed all afternoon.

        A program began with posting the colors by a squad of veterans under the direction of Glen Jepsen, USA  Air Force retired. Most fitting for the day! A ladies triple trio sang “God Bless America” and were ready with several patriotic songs, encouraging everyone to “sing along” on these familiar tunes.

         Matthew Westerberg, son of Terry and Wendy, has reported home. He left Mink Creek at the end of June to begin serving in the Peace Corp in Ethiopia.  They report he is assigned to a desert area of the country, the "adventure" is beginning.

         Christopher Egley, son of Jaren and Julie Egley was recently baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That makes him the newest member of the ward in Mink Creek.

          We have had lots of coming and going the past two weeks.  Here are just a few:

Travis and Amber Arnout brought their new baby son and the rest of the family for a few days with his parents, Mark and Karen Arnout.  George and Judy Rasmussen are enjoying a visit from their daughter Sarah Thomas and her children. The family lives in Las Vegas and like our “cooler” temperatures.   Katherine and Leon Noorda are spending some time at their digs in the Keller Apts., also known as the red brick schoolhouse. April and Don Gill brought their children up from the Ogden area to re-connect with Mink Creek friends. George and Bobbie Garr are back in town and their daughter Diane has been visiting. 

          Lately the days have been scorchers.  There has been rumblings of thunder and masses of black clouds but not much moisture has resulted.  A quick burst of hail hit one afternoon, just enough to dampen the top of the ground.

July 1, 2014

          When members of the congregation of the Mink Creek LDS Ward built their Meetinghouse back in the 1920's they would never have dreamed of the latest feature that has been added. There is now an elevator, simplifying the means of descending to the lower floor for anyone who might have difficulty with the stairs. It has taken several months with excavating, removing, adjusting, etc. of the building that was finished in 1929 to insert this “new-fangled contraption.” Those residents of the past would have appreciated this convenience just as much as those using it now.

            Michelle Wall and her children drove over from Grand Junction, CO. She is the daughter of Kent and Tammy Beardall and it is always great to have some reunion time with the rest of the Beardall family.

            Day Camp for Cub Scouts at Aspen Ridge is a big deal in our community, and rightfully so since Dawnell Greene is the overall director. This year's theme was Safari, much of the activities centered around wildlife and African games. The boys painted wooden snakes, made rattlesnake eggs, learned a bit about decoding, cooked over an open fire. They learned about animals that have become extinct in the 10 years since the boys were born. In the Webelos Boot Camp EMT's helped them with the “readyman” program, and they studied plants, rocks, and water erosion.

            Much of the staff was made up of our residents: Nearly the whole green family---Chad, Josh, Izac, Hannah, Tristen, and Travis. Avery Gomez, Lizzy Wallentine, Cole Jepsen, Chance and Dakota Hatch, Austin Straight, James and Dallon Baird, and Ty Beardall. This is a well trained crew. Five Cub Scouts attended: Bryce Egley, Keenan Janke, Bracken Christensen, William Currie and Chris Egley. The leaders were Lisa Christensen, Julie Egley, Liesa Baird and Marie Keller.

           The mowed hay that got a good soaking last week is drying in the sunshine. The windrows are being turned over so that more area gets the benefit of the heat of the day.

           A new month has started with a turn of the calendar this mornng. Already the schedule starts filling up with the community celebration for the Fourth of July at the ballpark. The plans sound like things will be rolling along from morning til evening. It is an exciting day for this little village and it is amazing how many people attend this event, from near and far. Happy Fourth of July, God bless America!

June 25, 2014

          We have had three days of gloom and rain. Most of the time the word “rain” would sufficiently describe the wetness, but there were occasions of lengthy deluge. Needless to say we have the allotment of nature's moisture for the month of June. However we still have a couple of weeks left so there is no guarantee we will not receive more.

          Accompanying this wet the temperature has been cold enough to be grateful for extra warmth. Tendrils of smoke could be seen rising out of our chimneys. There was concern about gardens getting frozen, just when they are showing a good start after planting. Snow crowned our mountain peaks.

          Two children of Chad and Dawnell Greene have had a milestone day recently. Hannah turned twelve years old and graduated from the LDS Primary and became the newest young lady in the Young Women group. She also earned her Faith in God award. Izac Greene, had his 14^th birthday and was ordained to office of a Teacher in the priesthood.

          A group of young men have been on a campout near Mink Creek. It was discovered they are a scout troop from the Las Vegas area, here to do a high adventure project. We don't normally think of Mink Creek in those terms.  Home, not high adventure.

          The family of James and Bessie Baird gathered at the Mink Creek Ballpark for a reunion. Four of Ronald and Lana Baird's children made it: Daniel and Heather Baird and children ,, down from Sugar City; Maria and Devin Flake from Saratoga Springs, UT, Tamra and Jason Taylor and three children of Woods Cross, UT, LaRon and Liesa Baird and family of Mink Creek. Mary Jean(Baird) and Sherman Lindhardt brought children and grandchildren for the occasion. All enjoyed fun and games, plus the food prepared by LaRon and Clare Christensen, a neighbor with chef instincts.

         Allergies are plaguing some of us. Swollen eyes, hacking coughs, bronchial disorders in general. Spring and summer are good times, but this time of year can certainly bring on some seasonal discomfort for those who suffer.

         One of our residents has reported having elk visiting their home. It is an off season for their presence and has caused some wondering about what might be up in the wildlife department.

           For those of you who might be interested, the annual July 4th festivities are coming up.  Lots of plans are being made for a fun day of varied activities, not to mention food.

June 17, 2014

         The first crop of hay harvest is underway. Swathing, raking, baling, in that order, is the agenda for days for residents who farm. The smell of newly mowed hay fills the air, and the stripes , parallel across the patches, by length or breadth, or diagonal, leave an artistic design in each field.

        The Relief Society held a Summer Girls Night Out at the Mink Creek Ballpark. Girls of all ages from 0 to 100 were invited. The theme of the evening was “You Are My Sunshine,” and Jyllian Christensen played a violin rendition of that long favored tune. Claire Jepsen sang a solo, “There are a Few of My Favorite Things.” The pavilion and stage were decorated in the colors of green and yellow. Some of the balloons were yellow smiley faces.

         Tammy Coleman was in charge of the event and got everyone involved in games. Me Too game ended up making a yarn web as participants exclaimed, “me too,” and tossed the yarn. More fun came with the Mother/Daughter version of the TV show Newlywed Game. Everyone had been instructed to be prepared to share something about themselves that others may be unaware. These were a few of our favorite things. Lacey Christensen assisted with the decorations and planning. Candy Longhurst and daughters served Sprite floats, with a choice of ice creams, and cookies.

          Connie Erickson, daughter of Layne and Karen Erickson, became the bride of Adam Westenskow, recently. All of her siblings and their families were here as well as aunts and uncles. It was a treat for the entire family to have Great Aunt Sarah Westerberg in attendance. She came up with her daughter Judy and Ervin Larsen of Cedar City.

         Jon and Portia Jepsen and family were in residence at their Mink Creek home for a few days. This Jepsen family lives in the Salt Lake area.

         The wail of sirens announced a head-on collision that happened at about milepost 8 on Highway 36 in the middle of our village. In addition to the law enforcement vehicles two ambulances and a fire truck were on the scene. Traffic was rerouted over the loop on Birch Creek Road and Capitol Hill Road while occupants were taken care of and the cleanup took place. More information was reported in the regular edition of the Preston Citizen.

         Along with the rest of this section of the Rocky Mountains, we have had a couple of days of cold and rain. It has left some snow on our mountaintops and caused some soggy situations in the lower levels. There has been a scare for frozen gardens, but I have not heard any reports along those lines.

June 10. 2014

          The yellow and copper rose bushes are full and blooming, making bright spots against the local greenery. Chokecherry trees are full of white clusters of blossoms, hanging from slender limbs.. A ride up into our nearby mountains reveals that the higher altitudes are about a month behind, just now the curly flowers dot the forest meadows and snow can still be seen in the shady shelter of the pine trees. With each warm day there is constant change.

           At the lower elevations the blue and purple lupine and yellow ladyslipper/cowslips climb their green stems and the golden mules ears cover whole fields. Even ferny yarrow is full of white flowers.

          Carrie Ann Melton and her two little boys, Kenny and Thomas, have been here spending some time with Carrie's parents, Lorraine and Royce Christensen. The Melton family lives in Lafayette, IN.  The boys had a good time playing with Idaho cousins.

         Mike Stenberg came to the Mink Creek Ward to present a scouting award to Kent Beardall. It was the District Award of Merit. Kent has been active in the scouting program, one way or another, for thirty years.

         The Mink Creek School Reunion is scheduled to take place on June 21^st in the recreation hall of th LDS Meetinghouse. The time is at noon. This year Glade and Corinne Larsen are the family in charge. With these two individuals their Mink Creek roots run deep.

          Our community is dealing with a mudslide this spring. The oozing, bulging earth is trying to make its way across a section of Capitol Hill Road and county road crews and equipment are doing their best to keep it contained. It is taking out trees and brush, shoving things aside as it makes its way downward.

       It is irrigating time in Mink Creek, both domestic and industrial needs. Some are using garden hoses, others irrigation pipes, still others the big water guns than can cover an entire field. Water in the creeks is still high but bound to be backing off soon as the snow melt ceases in our surrounding mountains.

        The snowmobile crowd have called it quits for another season. Now the motorcycles roar up and down our main thoroughfare, with an occasional boat on a trailer, most likely headed up the canyon to Bear Lake and its attractions.

 

June is busting out, all over!

    

         There was good weather for our semi-annual Road Cleanup by our community youth. They go the whole length of Highway 36 running through Mink Creek boundaries. It is an eye opener to see what people toss out the windows of their vehicles. Volunteers were served a dinner of sloppy joes, chips and brownies after those hours of search and find..

         Swallows are dive bombing entryways and any open space, hunting for spots to attach their mud nests. They are very busy, packing mud and straw to attach to eaves and walls, an empty corner is their perfect choice. Humans inhabitants try to discourage the feathered friends, knowing guests are not fond of being attacked by birds while ringing a doorbell, and droppings that accompany the live-in situation is not favored either.

          Memorial Day visitors to this small spot on the globe are many. Here are a few that connected over those few days. The Pearson place was full. The Haws house welcomed Aaron and Heather Haws of Meridian and their family, plus grandchildren and their friends. The Crane Cabin had a full parking lot. Judy Nelson, daughter of Burnell and Elmyra Baird came up from Logan. Lyndon, Kaylyn and Brent Rasmussen, brothers of Larry, came down from Washington. Jeremy and Crystal Christensen and their family visited with his folks, Wally and Kim.

            The spring gathering for Lewis and Clark Volunteers, a Mountain Man Rendezvous was held on Vernon Keller's farm. There was a little rain at the beginning of their stay, but it dried up and held for all their activities. The sound of muzzle loaders were echoing off our hillsides.

           The Kurt Iverson family was pleased to have a day of ordinations for two of their sons. Walter was ordained to the office of a Teacher, Johnny was ordained an Elder, in preparation for serving a mission to Japan this summer.

           Vernon Keller's family gathered for their annual Memorial Day BBQ. Vernon is a good man with a Dutch oven and his children and grandchildren consider this a day to come home for the feast. Two of the Keller kids live in Mink Creek, Kim Keller and Kristi Hall. Four live in Cache Valley or the Wasatch Front, Kelton Keller, Kaylee Hill, Karla Jensen and Karma Wood.

         It gives a nice historical feeling to watch the progress of restoration going on at the Yellow Brick Schoolhouse. Sam and Silvia Stanger are dedicated to this project and we welcome them.

Mink Creek is looking postcard perfect right now. We are as green as Ireland the entire length of the village and beyond. A nice gift of water this spring has spoken to every living thing.

  

Last of May, 2014

       The tributary creeks that empty into the Mink Creek waterway are running high with spring runoff. Mink Creek itself is high above the Twin Lakes diversion point, but of course with much of the water diverted into the canal, it is pretty low from there down to the mouth where Mink Creek blends in with Bear River. Twin Lakes appears well fed and ready for all the visitors it will receive over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

        Our community has five high school graduates: Morgan McKay, daughter of Paul and Terrie McKay, Nicole Beardall, daughter of Kent and Tammy Beardall, Justin Coleman, son of Nelson and Tammy Coleman, Joshua Greene, son of Chad and Dawnell Greene, and Johnny Iverson, son of Kurt and Margret Iverson.

        Fathers and sons of Mink Creek community gathered for a campout at the Mink Creek Ballpark. They were grateful for good weather that made the experience more enjoyable . On Friday evening all comers feasted on pork chop sandwiches and hamburgers, veggie trays, baked beans, cookies and homemade rootbeer. Good visiting followed during the cleanup and various games got underway: baseball, soccer, football, volleyball, and just relaxation in general.

        After a relatively peaceful night Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, perfect for the days activities. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, cocoa, and orange juice whetted appetites further for a much anticipated wheel and horseback ride.

       Those prepared came with motorcycles, racers, or 4-wheelers, and a few on horseback.  This is a great place with lots of scenery on every side. The route took in our radio tower, Crystal Mines, Oneida Narrows, Ant Hollow and some points beyond and in between.

        All through the village the scent of apple blossoms hangs in the air with both wild and domestic trees in bloom. Bees keep a constant buzz going as they work their way through the trees. Mink Creek has a  long standing reputation for its apple trees.

        It doesn't matter what the calendar says, summer has officially started around here. Even the temperature seem to agree on that point. For the last week of May it is a little warmer than usual. The roar of dirt bikes echoes off our hillsides. We have had campers taking advantage of our canyon campsites over the past weekend. People are thinking of fishing, swimming,  baseball and soccer, vacation get-aways, etc. The change of pace that comes with the end of the school year is upon us. Young minds now are tuned in to whatever has the possibility of being “fun.” All other activities are being looked upon as boring, but that doesn't eliminate the need for accomplishment. Most likely it is the same wherever my readers live. It only lasts three months, no matter how you view the “summer season.”

May 20, 2014

       With Mothers' Day just a week past there were several families anxiously awaiting the phone call, or the arranged Skype contact that would bring the voice of their missionary into their homes for a good visit. Some were in early morning hours, others scheduled off and on throughout the day. Mink Creek community has ten families who were looking forward to those few moments.

        Listing them alphabetically by family name are: Elder Mikel Beardall, son of Kent and Tammy , in Russia, Hermana Rebekah Christensen, daughter of Wally and Kim, in Uruguay. Robert and Phee Crosland have three sons scattered---Elder Marco Crosland in Singapore, Elder Mario Crosland in the Philippines, Elder Rico Crosland in New Zealand. Elder Tyson Hall, son of Brett and Kristi, in Chile. Sister Alexis Iverson, daughter of Kurt and Margret, in Texas. Sister Macy Jepsen, daughter of Kerry and Melinda , in Cambodia, Sister Tiffany Longhurst, daughter of Sheldon and Candy, in California, Elder Cody McKay, son of Paul and Terrie, in Alabama, Elder Joseph Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer, in Germany, and Elder Spencer Wilde, son of David and Judy, in Minnesota.

       Brigham and Jennifer Wilcox and their children spent the weekend with his parents, Eldon and Danita Wilcox. The young Wilcox family live in Pocatello while Brigham is going to school.

       Joe and Kathy Jarvis made an exciting announcement to the LDS congregation. They have been called to serve in the Johannesburg, Africa, Mission. They will be leaving in September and will be working in the LDS temple in the city of Johannesburg.

       Danny and Nicky Coleman and their family were up from Logan,UT for Mothers' Day. His parents, Tammy and Nelson Coleman, always enjoy the grandparent time with this sort of visit.

       It is the last week of school around here. The scholars of 2013-2014 academic year are looking forward to sleeping in, not scrambling to meet the bus in the early hours. There has been field trips, projects handed in, and , of course, final exams. Now they are looking at summer fun, plus such things as moving irrigation pipe, weeding gardens, summer employment, and getting 4H projects ready for the county fair.

  

May 13, 2014

          We are having more of soggy season, but it only enriches the color of green that surrounds us. Our mountaintops are staying white, below the snow line is all shades of green. Our chokecherry trees are about to burst into bloom and the apple trees are not far behind. The row of chokecherry trees lining the road to Dr. Jim Malouf's home on the Riverdale side of Bear River is already full of clusters of white flowers. Riverdale has been called the local “Banana Belt.”

           Johnny Iverson, eldest son of Kurt and Margret Iverson, has received a mission call from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, to be serving Kobe, Japan. He will be entering the Mission Training Center on August 20^th. This family has a daughter, Sister Alexis Iverson, now serving in the Texas, San Antonio, Mission.

            Patti Christensen has returned from a week of visiting her son Matt and his family in California.

           Karl and Marion Haws are up from Santa Barbara, CA, readying their Mink Creek home to host guests during the coming months. They have a pretty stead stream of family, close and extended, that enjoy Idaho recreational pursuits even in the winter.

           Travis and Amber Arnout and their children drove up from Utah to have a weekend with his parents, Mark and Karen Arnout.

           Jeannine and Johnny Iverson welcomed a visit from her brother, Allen and Vilma Pack. These Packs live in McKinney, TX. By total coincidence, they are close neighbors of Brenda Seamons, now Kemsley, who grew up in Mink Creek.

            Samuel Seamons, the son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, was awarded second place in the Idaho State Solo Competition. He played the double bass, a string instrument, and was accompanied by his mother. Congratulations, Sam, on a great performance!

             Finally, a day or two without rain. Instead the temperatures took a drop and we got a freeze last night. The growing fields of green were covered with white, and it gradually melted as the sun came up, if anything green was in shadow the white stayed until the sun was able to get to it. The bees were still busy in the apple blossoms today, hopefully they survived the frost.

            Any early garden sprouts in their tender stage, if uncovered, got zapped. It is very hard to cover a whole garden, but there is still time to start over if the need is there. Of course the weeds are doing very well, getting a head start on any plants of value.

            The US postal service had a food drive last weekend. Plastic bags of nonperishables, handing from the mailboxes, were picked up by the mailpersons as they delivered letters, bills, and occasional packages.  Being the day before Mothers' Day there were a few more of the latter than usual.

May 6, 2014

           Greening season is so restoring, for humans as well as the environment around us. Right now the wild plums and the cherry trees are in bloom. Apricots and peaches were blooming, and the nights were pretty cold so everyone is hoping some of those blossoms made it past freezing. Curly flowers were at their peak, along with bluebells and some purple blooms that come on a noxious weed. Now the pink and white mayflowers are popping up, the yellow lady slippers and golden mule ears. This is just our wild outdoor beauty. Tulips, narcissus and daffodils are gracing our yards.

           Brittany Durrant and her daughter now living in the Salt Lake City area , plus Tom and Ami Fenton and their children of Tooele, UT, spent a weekend with their parents, Eldon and Danita Wilcox. Lots of action going on with all those grandchildren.

           Tawni Hall, daughter of Brett and Kristi Hall, has been playing on the softball team of Preston High. Their season is drawing to a close with district play underway now.

           Layne and Karen Erickson spent a week in Woodland Hills, UT, at the home of Bryan and Shannon Erickson. They were there to support the Erickson boys while Bryan and Shannon took a vacation to Hawaii.

           Owls, Canadian geese, sandhill cranes, hawks are making their presence known. Some are very vocal. The flocks of geese can be heard chatting during both day and night hours. Owls talk on an individual basis, one on one, as soon as the sun goes down. Hawks are enjoying the updrafts of the breezes, soaring high above the valley floor. The cranes have a squawk that is all their own.

            It is water cress season in my neighborhood. So nice that it counts as healthy food, because around here it can be consumed three meals a day. Every waterway in Mink Creek is flowing high right now and that makes for good spots for the cress to flourish.

            It is also the time of year that the junior high science teachers are sending the students out to collect and identify plants of the region. The list is quite extensive. A lot of hours go into these projects. It certainly raises the awareness of the variety of plants in our environment.

           Election time is on its way.  Those running for offices are putting up signs all over the county, even in Mink Creek.  My front lawn, being close to a road intersection, is in demand during the weeks prior to voting.  Mowing the lawn around them takes a bit of maneuvering. a bit of spice to a routine activity.

April 30, 2014

       

      Lorraine Christensen spent more than a week at the home of her daughter Kim and Joe Tracey in Meridian, ID. Kim, recovering from surgery, needed assistance with her family of young children while getting back on her feet.

       We have had two sessions of needed rain. The first storm brought a nice gentle rain that lasted for several hours. Storm #2 blew in on a powerful wind that shook trees and caused a power outage of nearly two hours. It was one of those lack-of-preparation awareness moments. Both have been great for planted seeds just waiting to sprout.

       Haylee Hatch, daughter of Sam and Katie Hatch, was awarded her Young Womanhood Medallion recently in the LDS Ward. Her grandparents, Burnell and Darlene Hall of Fairview, ID, came to recognize this achievement in Haylee's life.

      Johnny Iverson and Morgan McKay, currently seniors at Preston High School, were released from callings as Mink Creek delegates for the Youth Council in Preston North Stake. Taking these positions for the coming year will be Justin Longhurst and River McKay.

       Juliana and Blaine Packer and their little girl were here over Easter weekend, livening up the home of her parents, LaRon and Liesa Baird. The Packers live in Henderson, NV.

      Family members gathered to welcome Elder Christopher Wilde home as he spoke in the LDS Ward. He shared some of his experiences from the Arizona, Tempe, Mission. Aunts and uncles were here: Dottie Casperson, Janet and Jolene Schenk, of Preston, John and Nancy Tippets of Bennington, ID.

       Three beautiful young ladies from our community participated in the Distinguished Young Woman Program recently. They are Brooke Corbett, daughter of Shane and Sherrie Corbett, Haylee Hatch, daughter of Sam and Katie Hatch, and Claire Jepsen, daughter of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen..Melinda's sister-in-law, Sandy Checketts and her daughter Lauren and Christopher Warne of Nampa, and Becky Jepsen and her girls of Pocatello, were here to see the production.

       Due to extremely damp weather, translated as rain for several days consecutively, the semi-annual cleanup of Highway 36 was canceled, or at least postponed. The youth of Mink Creek have done this service for years and it has often rained, but this season was wetter than usual. The plan was to also tidy up the Birch Creek parking lot. That too has been put on the back burner of planning.

       However, the weather for Easter weekend was perfect. Great for the family traditions of egg hunts, hikes, spring picnics to celebrate the coming of Spring. Also great for remembering the true meaning of the holiday.

    

April 22, 2014

       Nicole Beardall, daughter of Tammy and Kent Beardall, has earned her Young Womanhood Medallion in the Personal Progress program of the LDS Ward. She is a Senior at Preston High School.

        Marie Aupperlee enjoyed a visit from her daughter, Sandra Wylie, of Chilton, TX. They were able to catch up on their lives and do some shopping while Sandra was here. Sandra will be stopping to see her own daughter in Rock Springs, WY, before returning to Texas.

        Mink Creek's 'Yellow Brick School House' has found a buyer. Mainly used for hay storage since its closure as an elementary school many years ago, it was built in 1916. New owners, Sam and Silvia Stanger, have some Mink Creek connections with the Perry Pearson family. The Stangers currently live in South Weber, Utah, and will be part-time residents of Mink Creek.

        Elder Christopher Wilde returned home from his mission to the Arizona, Tempe, Mission. He is the son of Judy and David Wilde. This leaves the family with only one son still serving, Elder Spencer Wilde who is currently laboring in Bimidji, MN.

        Driving to his workplace in Utah, in the predawn hours of April 17^th, Gene Rasmussen ran into a black Angus cow on Highway 36. Hitting a deer is bad enough, but hitting a cow was a disaster. Gene is fortunate to be able to climb out of his smashed vehicle, amidst all the blood and muck, then hike to a nearby home, wake the resident (at 4am), and use their phone to report the accident, He escaped with multiple lacerations and an aching body, plus a totaled means of transportation. We are grateful for the response of the county emergency people and the skill of the staff at the Franklin County Medical Center in stitching him up.

        Our hillsides were a great place to view the eclipse of the moon recently, providing a person had the energy to stay up into the middle of the night for the observation. With the light of the full moon it was very evident that the shadow was crossing it's surface. We have the advantage of very limited artificial lighting in our community. City lights are pretty much non-existent.

        Turkeys seem to have headed for higher ground, more or less, with the warming weather. Deer fatalities are still very evident along the roadsides. Now we are seeing some of those animals who have been hibernating during the winter months making their appearance.

April 15, 2014

Betty Jo and Glen Jepsen took a two week “project vacation” to Canada to see their daughter Jill and Mark Neitz. It is quite a lengthy drive to Stettler, Alberta. They live on a ranch, and have four children. Jepsens report that temperatures were cold, in the single digits, definitely stay indoors type of weather. Glen helped the family paint the basement for a new look, contributing to the intended project.

Carla Nielsen and sons, Collin and Aidan, came from American Fork, UT, to spend spring break days in Mink Creek. Carla is one of Bob and Claudia Erickson's daughters. The Nielsens have done some fun genealogy activities while they have been here, enjoying family recipes, pictures from the long ago past and hearing family legends.

A true blue Mink Creeker, Leness Keller, passed away this past week at age 85. Born and raised here, he has loved his Mink Creek roots, even though living his adult life in Preston. He was never too far from home and loved sharing stories about “those good old days.” He will be missed by his many friends and family.

A near neighbor, Don Carter of Riverdale, also passed away after 93 years of living under the cowboy hat that was his distinguishing trademark. A mental picture of Don brings up a lean man astride a horse, wearing a hat with its personalized brim, a ready smile on his face. He, too, left his mark upon this area of the country.

Our teenagers who are engaged in ballroom dancing participated in the Gem State competition in Rexburg. In the Cabaret section Johnny Iverson and his partner Jacee Hammons placed 2^nd and Angelo Crosland with his partner Stephanie Oliverson placed 6^th. Individual competitors were Haylee Hatch, James Baird, Angelo and Celina Crosland, Jacobi Johnson, Ty and Nicole Beardall, River McKay, Shelby Larsen, Johnny Iverson, Andy McKay, and Claire and Clay Jepsen. There were team events as well. Lots of ribbons and medals were brought home.

Would you believe that we could use some rain now?!   The weather has been lovely for the last two weeks, but the farmers could use a bit of timely moisture after days of field work.  Mink Creek has a variety of soils, some of it is clay, others finer, all of it on hillsides of more or less slopes.  It is a beautiful place to live, but not without its challenges,

I must apologize for last week's blog,   Things are settling down in the computer department, but it all takes time to adjust, and at that point it was the first day of a new computer, matching up to a writing deadline.  It was awful, no question about it!  Hopefully this one will work correctly.

April 9, 2014

Anyone driving through our village might note some area blackened by recent  fires.  Most of those are due to homeowners burning off the dry weeds from the seasons past. The larger burn spots are indications of a fire  that got away, possibly needing assistance from the county fire dept. to get it under control.  We are grateful for their assistance.

Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson have been doing some serious traveling.  Their latest road trips have taken them to the homes of all of their children. They began with the plan to see Lydia and Jason Stucki and their family in Moscow, ID.  Another daughter, Peggy and Jon Flinders, and children live in Salmon,ID, and the road back down from northern Idaho took them to Meridian, the home of  Dana and Charlie Petersen and their children.  In a southerly direction from Mink Creek live the two Olson sons, Mike and  Anna Olson and family in Brigham City, UT,  and  Jerry and Christine Olson with their youngsters in St. George.


Mink Creek was pleased to have three of their young people qualify to play in the Bridgerland  Honor Band and  Orchestra Concert  held in Logan at USU's  Kent Concert Hall.  Abi  Janke,  daughter of Jody and Laural Janke, plays the trumpet and in the orchestra were two sons of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, Ben Seamons played the   viola and David Seamons played the violin.

Elder Jacob Longhurst spoke in the LDS Ward about his mission to  Guadalajara, Mexico.  His maternal grandparents, Earl and Barbara Craythorn came down from the Burley, ID, area.  There were Craythorn and Longhurst aunts, uncles, and cousins here in abundance. Two of Jake's past missionary companions were here to share his experiences.
  
After a "spring break" filled with snow and rain the outdoors has had some drying days and sunshine. Our school children, forced to indoor entertainment during their break by inclement weather, were happy to have warm recesses.  Local farmers have been able to get out on their fields and the tractors are rolling, up and down the valley.  Hints of spring green are becoming stronger each passing day.

I have been having computer problems, hopefully in the process of being solved 
with a new computer.  However, now my relearning begins.  Please bear with me 
while I work out the bumps.  This whole entry may read strangely.  Sorry.

April 1, 2014

Since the last edition of this column crazy spring has walked in, a little ahead of the official day.  On St. Patrick’s Day a snow storm moved in and did a good job of blanketing our valley in white.  It took a good part of the following day for some color to be restored. 

Justin Coleman, son of Tammy and Nelson Coleman, was awarded his Eagle Scout in Hyrum at a Court of Honor with his cousin.  The two young men have been together in the efforts so this was very appropriate.  Justin’s Eagle project was the iron sign that marks the entrance to the community of Mink Creek, located at the Bear River bridge.

Max Haws and his family have been here to enjoy some Idaho spring.  We use the word “enjoy” lightly, since the weather was a bit up and down. Most of them are from California, but college and Idaho roots  now bring them from diverse directions.  Now the gathering included spouses, grandchildren, friends and roommates.

Family members of Karen and Layne Erickson gathered at their home to celebrate a double birthday.  Karen and their daughter Terrie McKay were both born on March 23^rd.  Besides these two families, the Paul McKays, and Ericksons,  Todd and Julie Kunz and their two children came down from Idaho Falls for the event and Connie Erickson and her fiancé, Adam Westenskow of Logan  drove up.  The only one missing was Bryan Erickson, and he had been here a few days earlier, going for a work/fun day with Layne on the Snowcat.

The songs of meadowlarks have lightened the cloudy gloom of recent days. On March 27^th we had a real dose of fractious weather, sunshine, rain, snow,  and hail, all in one day.  Normal spring weather in this part of the country.

We have had three soggy snowstorms since I wrote the above five days ago.  They sweep in, blanket everything with large sodden flakes of white, stick around for awhile and then are gone. Silence reigns for a few moments as if time stopped, but not for long.   Some days it warms up enough to have all surfaces brown and new green  again within just a few hours.   We are expecting more as this week progresses.  All moisture is appreciated after our dry winter.

Even though we are without much moonlight the owl conversations are a night-time delight.  They are very communicative for some reason right now.  Generally the moonlight increases their talking   I may not understand owl, but I enjoy their jibber-jabber.  My current translation is that they are feeling the spring season all around  us.

Out like a lamb?, 2014

Eldon and  Danita Wilcox  and Royce and Lorraine Christensen took a family related road trip south.  First stop was Las Vegas, then on to Arizona where they spent time with LaMoyne (Danita’s sister) and Gary Jeppsen in Kingman.  Next was the Phoenix area to visit Royce and Lorraine’s son Kevin, and Eldon’s brother who also has a home there.  Heading west they traveled to San Diego, CA and met up with Omar Lopez, a former exchange student who stayed with the Wilcox family.

The Relief Society celebrated their March birthday with a party using a Hawaiian Cruise theme.  The decorations were tropical and there were leis for all, the food was Hawaiian haystacks and cupcakes.  A granddaughter of Tammy and Nelson Coleman, Baylee Cole,   provided the traditional hula dance and an Aloha game featured prizes for a night of fun.

The annual Blue and Gold Banquet was held for Cub Scouts and their families under the direction of  Cubmasters Marie Keller and Dawnell Greene.  Tables were decorated with  blue and gold covers and centerpieces of  miniature teepees and canoes. Placemats held a variety of scouting information that might interest those attending.  The menu was a taco salad with gel cups of assorted flavors for the choosing.  Cubs were presented awards they had earned recently.  Special entertainment from the Order of the Arrow was given by Max  Bartholomew, his son Craig, and James Baird, all three decked out in Indian attire and headdresses.  They performed an Indian dance, to the accompaniment of drums, beaten by four Cub volunteers.  All of the boys were invited to join in the dancing and drumming, providing lots of action and fun.

Cub Scout leaders are Liesa Baird and Elaine Larson, Ivan and Lana McCracken, Layne and Karen Erickson and James Baird.  The Primary presidency assisted in the banquet:  Sherrie Corbett, Julie Egley, Avery Gomez and Katie Hatch.

            Farm fields are being prepared. Machinery is in the shop, tuned up, repaired for the labors ahead. Tractors hauling equipment are disking, harrowing, hauling rocks.  Dust swirls around and rises into the sunlight.  Spring is an exciting, busy time in a farming community. The sound of the tractor motor is music.

          When this month started I indicated there were some lion tendencies in the weather.  On the whole it has been a very pleasant month in the weather department, with a bit of strong wind now and again.   We had one day and night of mild snow which was gone by the end of the following day.  Today was lovely, but the forecast for the next few days is talking rain and winds.  Hopefully we will let March go like a lamb, even if it is a lamb that is wet from the rain.

Happy belated St. Paddy's, 2014

The deer are still around, keep that in mind when traveling through our village.   They are enjoying the greening that is taking place in the fields, particularly in the lower ones near the Bear River.

Forrest and Patti Christensen took a few days and headed out to Kansas.  That is where Forrest’s son Zane Christensen and his family live.   The couple enjoyed some good grandparent time with Zane’s children.

The LDS Ward gathered together for the beginning of the year's Linger Longer.  Following their block of meetings the congregation met in the recreation hall to enjoy a huge variety of soups, crackers, rolls, with an assortment of cookies to round out the menu.   The food is great, but the relaxed visiting is the best part.

Matt Westerberg, son of Wendy and Terry Westerberg, has a new assignment in his efforts at the University of Wyoming, working towards a Masters Degree, in International Studies.   He has been selected as an Education Peace Corp Volunteer to work in Ethiopia and will be going there this coming June.  Matt says, “ I love being immersed in another culture…learning a new language and the ways of the people."

Elder Jake Longhurst is home from his LDS mission in Guadalajara, Mexico.   He has had recurring health problems during the last few months,  spending some time in the hospitals of that country.  Things just weren’t working out and his mission president made the decision to release Elder Longhurst a couple of months ahead of his normal release date.  He is the son on Sheldon and Candy Longhurst.  Our whole community welcomes him with open arms.

            Daylight savings time is upon us.  Some residents are pleased with its early arrival, others not so delighted.  There are the usual pros and cons, but it does seem that the “natural time” amount of days are getting less and less of the 365 alloted to a year, while the Daylight variety days are getting a bigger portion.   Those atomic clocks that are programmed to change automatically have no idea how to manage the changes.

Confusion for a few more weeks!

            The  Prom of 2014 has come and gone, with much finery and fun involved.  The planning that goes into the dates for this special evening is almost beyond imagination.  First there is creative asking, then creative responses, followed by many details to be attended prior to the major event.  As an observer on the sidelines, it all appears to be worth the doing in the long run.  This even applies to the parents of the young. people, the planning and all that goes into it.           

March 11, 2014

 We have indications of the approaching spring  season. Robins are flitting about. There are green shoots of various descriptions, pushing their way up through the accumulation of several months of debris. Nature-made speed bumps that have risen across Highway 36 during the past winter are reducing in size as the weather warms.  Wasps that have wintered in the upper reaches of the LDS meetinghouse are beginning to join the congregation on the main level.  It is all encouraging.

Three couples have recently returned from  a week of soaking up Hawaiian sunshine. 

Richard and Vickie Free, Wally and Kim Christensen, and Robert and Phee Crosland thoroughly enjoyed this winter break.  They stayed on the island of Kaui, the “garden Island.”  A boat excursion took them whale watching, and were treated to a great performance.  Up, up, in an airplane and they viewed the Grand Canyon of Hawaii, not accessible by road.  Snorkeling was fun, especially for biology teacher, Crosland, with the assortment of fish and all the underwater world.

Kathy Jarvis is down in Cedar City, recuperating from recent knee surgery.  Marie Aupperlee spent a few days in the Franklin County Medical Center with a bout of pneumonia.  She is now  in Mink creek, enjoying the comforts of her own home.

Two young men qualified for the state wrestling tournaments.   Justin Longhurst, son of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst,  and Samuel Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, both had a good time and did well during their stay in Boise.  They have had a good season this year.

The LDS Ward limited their past Sunday meetings to only Sacrament Meeting due to a lack of water in the building.  The community plumbing system in the Birch Creek area is experiencing problems.

The Preston North Stake basketball tournaments are in full swing.  The Mink Creek girls won their first game against one of the Clifton wards, in an overtime.  They move into their second game this week.  The young men lost their game, and were eliminated.

The season for Farm Auctions has begun with the month of March.  It is a favorite activity for farmers all around southeast Idaho.  Anyone with farming in their blood loves looking over farm machinery of all descriptions.  The parking area around the sites are fileed with farm pickups, quite a while before the bidding begins.