2014, 1st edition

Hawks and eagles are keeping watch over the valley proceedings from their perch high in the branches of our stark, bare trees.  They are doing a great job cleaning up the local roadkill, including deer and raccoons.

The community Christmas party was a great success with dinner being served to three  tables running the full length of the hall, plus some extras in corners. The main chefs were Clare and Linda Christensen.  Nate and Dana Olson were in charge and had assistance from Terrie McKay and Melinda Jepsen decorating the stage, Terry Westerberg and helpers setting up tables, Kim Christensen adorning the tables with festive paper and ribbons, and Jennifer Seamons and Judy Wilde in charge of the program.   Kurt and Margret Iverson’s family told the story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, with visual assistance by Johnny Iverson(Kurt’s father) in the role of the Grinch, green skin and all.  Jillian Christensen played the part of Cindy Lou Who with a beautiful violin solo.  After this story seasonal piano numbers were played by Tara, Clay, and Macy Jepsen, and Walter and Andrew Iverson.   The Primary children portrayed the Nativity, narrated by Kurt Iverson.

The Young Women in Excellence evening was enjoyed by girls and families.  A guest speaker, Holly Hull, spoke on the theme, “Beautiful To Him.”  A video of the girls’ activities for the past year renewed fun memories.  Each young woman chose one of her individual interests to display. Petite cheesecakes and cream puffs, with a light punch, were served.

 Two of the Haws brothers and their families enjoyed some Christmas time in Mink Creek.  Adam and Camene Haws and their four had hoped for a little more snow when they left home in Solvang, CA, but they managed to adjust nicely.  Aaron and Heather Haws and their children live in the Boise area and knew what to expect.  The fun was just being together, regardless of the weather.

Brrr, it’s cold here. The Twin Lakes Canal spillway leaves a zigzag of frozen ice slashed down the red rock cliff above the Bear River located at the lower end of our community.  It isn’t going anywhere, solid in place until there is sufficient warmth to send it down to the river below.

I am searching for written histories of  Mink Creek. If you know of any please let me know---by FaceBook, by email, phone or snailmail.  You can even send a note to, or phone the Citizen office and they will make me aware.  I have two at the present time, the one written by Viola Larsen  in the 70's and one by John Olson., when he was ward clerk.  As much as I have come to love this little village I am still an import and so, am dependent on others for the information.  If your genealogical lines are rooted here I hope you might be able, and willing,  to help me.

On a totally different note, if you get the printed version of the Citizen you may know that I am involved in the producing of a book about the early years of Preston, along with Necia Seamons and Myrna Fuller.   We are in need of photos of the early years to become the main part of the book, plus information about the picture.  Contact can be made in the same manner as the histories.