August 16, 2017

            Fremon and Ada Jepsen's family were gathered at their place on Bear Creek the last of July. Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen live in a home on the family homestead at the head of Bear Creek. The original Julius and Della Jepsen home, later that of Fremon and Ada, became the center of activity. Marilyn and Robert Godfrey arrived from Mesa, AZ along with some children and grandchildren, totaling 15. Add 8 more with  JoAnn and Keven Auger from Woodland Hills, UT, and their family. Dan and his wife,Jean Jepsen came from Bountiful, UT, bringing three more family units of 16.Glen and Betty Jo had two daughters, Jill Neitz from Alberta, Canada, and Jana Musgrave from Ogden and their children at their house. Kerry and Melinda Jepsen, Mink Creek residents, with their children added 22 to the happy gathering. Since more accommodations were required than the three Jepsen Mink Creek homes could provide, the family borrowed the house recently purchased by Larry and Lillian Hansen for extra beds and bathrooms, tents on the farmhouse lawn and pasture nearby.

           One night they enjoyed the use of the Mink Creek Ballpark. In a special activity willing members participated in what they call "The Speedy Creeker," a run from the homestead to the Glencoe road crossing, approximately 2 miles, albeit mostly downhill. This year the winner of the adult run was Clay Jepsen, who has been relentlessly training since being edged out last year. Their family service project was evidenced in paint-spattered individuals as they painted the picket fence around the original farmhouse. Saturday activities centered at the dam and the water of the Oneida Narrows. Sunday found the family reconnecting with community friends at the Mink Creek Ward before they all headed home in various directions to Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Canada, saying goodbye to Bear Creek for another season.

           The family of Mike and Jessie Morris and their daughter Ella relocated a few months ago and another family has already purchased their home. Julie and Jeff Workman come to us from Stansbury Park, UT, and are getting moved into the large home bit by bit, enjoying the feeling of life in the country.

          Our community had three weddings on August 5^th, perhaps setting a record. Morgan Mckay, daughter of Terrie and Paul McKay married Eli Curtis, a young man from Young Ward, Wellsville. Christoper Wilde, son of David and Judy Wilde, claimed Heidi Morgan, as his bride. Brody Carter, grandson of Warren and Colleen Wilde, tied the knot with Analise Barlow.

            There was a collision of some kind on Highway 36, between markers 2 and 3. The guard rails on both sides of the road are bent and smashed. Doubtful that it was just someone trying to avoid the meandering deer or other wildlife.

            This isn't the only evidence of collision. A totaled deer was in a barrow pit along this same roadway, plus a crumpled raccoon . One collision was evident from the scent, yep, a skunk.

           Not sure what it says about the approaching fall season, but my backyard squirrels are certainly busy shredding my pine cones and littering the ground below.

           The county fair is getting in high gear and the pace will only continute as the week slips by. There was a lot of judging today with ribbons distributed, other projects still coming in for display. Spectator time will be more official from Thursday on through Saturday night.