Happy Pioneer Day, 2018, aka July 24

          No official holiday, bu still one felt by this community.  Some of those pioneers were our founding families and the surnames are still a part of our village a little less than 150 years after their arrival.  We are grateful for their courage and willingness to endure hard times.  Because of them we are blessed to have this little valley as home.

           There was a surprise family reunion for the siblings of the Lionel and Alna Keller family. All who are living came to Mink Creek's July 4^th celebration to support the grand daughters of their deceased brother Bob when the girls performed at the celebration as the 'Keller Sisters Band.' Caysi and Chey Keller, daughters of Charlie Keller, Bob's son, grew up in Pocatello, and have moved to the Salt Lake City area. This reunion was unintentional, but enjoyed by all of the siblings. Scot Keller now lives in Tell City, IN, Myrna and Ralph Criddle call Mesa, AZ home. The other two brothers, Kent and Ben, still live in Mink Creek. The youngest of the family, Kolette Bybee, has also passed away.

           The Mink Creek girls attended the Preston North Stake Girls Camp this summer in Camp Kolob, near Cleveland, ID. Camp leader was Melinda Jepsen, with assistance from Young Women leaders and some spouses: Wynn and Cecelie Costley, Terry and Wendy Westerberg, Terrie McKay and Bishop Kurt Iverson. Girls attending were Hannah Greene, Emily Longhurst, Tara Jepsen, Ella Jepsen, Liberty Stanworth, Celina Crosland, Davanie Ostler, Tia Hatch, and Shayleigh Forbush. They are a fun bunch of young ladies. Activities included: hiking, rock wall climbing, target practice in the shooting range and uplifting sessions with stake leaders, besides eating fun food and wading in the cooling waters of Cottonwood creek.

            Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson and their entire family: five children, their spouses and all the grandchildren spent several days on the Oregon coast. The beaches, the ocean, the ocean breezes, shells and all that is part of the experience kept them going. Throw in family fun, games and some tourist shopping. A wonderful change from the usual summer activities.

           A piano concert was offered to our community by CJ Madsen and his wife, Sam. CJ is the grandson of Larry and Lillian Hansen. The Madsens are students at BYU in Provo, with music their main pursuit. The two performed vocal duets, CJ accompanying, and had a repertoire of pieces that Cj had arranged. The Madsen's little daughters, Charlotte and Hollis provided entertainment of their own, with some original dance steps not intended for the program. Lillian offered refreshments of brownies and lemonade to wind up a lovely evening.

            Elder Angelo Crosland has returned from serving a mission in the Indiana, Indianapolis, Mission. He spoke of his experiences at the LDS Ward this past week. Friends and family filled the chapel and welcomed him home. He is the son of Robert and Phee Crosland.

            One evening this week brought some serious wind damage to a few residents. Strong bursts swept the canyon, ripping branches from unsuspecting trees, and moving loose garbage cans and any other unsuspecting item about. The forces were strong enough to drop several big trees. Russell and Kaylee Bair lost a lovely yard tree. Stuart and Alona Ostler's place had three trees uprooted completely with four more cracked and split, needing to be removed. There may have been more damage of which I am unaware but these were reported.

             End of July and grain fields are golden. Second crop hay is being baled and hauled off fields that are now thirsty for moisture. Cherry trees have been heavy laden this year, the birds could not keep up with the ripening fruit, the first time in years. In just a few days the pie cherries will be demanding attention.