July 31, 2019

           A restful Sunday picked up speed with the announcement of “Fire on the Hill.” Sirens punctuated the stillness of the hot afternoon. At least 6 brush trucks arrived on the scene and went to work. The hill in question was just south of what locals call Telluride Road, and that path was the best trail to reach the blaze. The land belongs to Richard Free, a plus is that the fire was nearly surrounded on all sides by green fields rimming the base of the hill. When this village has a fire we are glad to see Kent Egley on his bulldozer. The county Fire Department, Forest Service and BLM gave several hours of hot work from their crews, even some overnight ones. Thanks.

           Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen traveled to Canada to celebrate the high school graduation of their grandson Carson Neitz He is the son of Mark and Jill Jepsen Neitz and they have a ranch near Stettler, Alberta. In their traveling about the Jepsens managed to visit three LDS temples over the northern border in Cardston, Calgary and Edmonton.

           Jared and Hollie Keller have recently moved into our community. Jared's Keller roots go way back to the early days of Mink Creek. He is the great grandson of Urias and Annie Keller, in fact        Jared and Hollie are living in the Urias Keller home, totally remodeled and restored. They have two children, Morgan and Danny. Jared deals in commercial real estate. It isn't just welcome to Mink Creek, it is welcome back.

           Sherry and Ernie York, plus grandson Brayden York, spent the early part of July in Dillon, MT.

They stay at the Southside RV Park each time they go, claiming it is one of the best camping places they have encountered in their traveling about. This trip up they hunted for crystals in a spot west of Dillon, visited Bannack which was the first Territorial Capitol of Montana and part of the Bannack Historic State Park, then did some relaxing at the Hotel Metlin in Dillon, hearing about the ghost stories that go with that establishment.

           We have had a visit from the Garr family. George and Bobbie Garr have a home in Mink Creek, now occupied by their grandson, Richie Hurst. George and Bobbie escaped to Idaho from Long Beach, CA and brought Richie's mother, Diane Hurst along for a few days. Struggles with health issues enforces the need to be in California most of their days this summer.

          Second crop hay is in the process for our farmers. Depending on location , some are just mowing, while others have already baled and hauled the bales, either to a stack of on a semi-load for a more distant destination.

            There have been lots of river runners on the Bear River lately. These hot days bring people and their tubes to jump in and ease the heat. It looked like a flotilla the other day, with lots of shouting from the participants.

July 24, 2019, Pioneer Day

          If you are a night owl, like me, it isn't quite July 24, there is still a hour before that, but the mood is on to think of Mink Creek's pioneers  and how pleased I am that they chose this lovely little corner of what became Idaho.  It is a beautiful place that appeals to the aesthetic senses, nearly all year long.  Mud season is the most discouraging--not much in the way of color and even the black and whiteness gets a bit blurry.  It is a short season and there is the anticipation of the spring greens that carry us through.

          It is a joy to hear the county mosquito abatement trucks come patrolling our entire community, dirt roads, paved roads, they hit all the places that might be spots where the bad guys may lurk We appreciate their efforts on our behalf.

          A trio of young ladies have moved into our village. Laura Cheney, Cindy Hanson and Amanda Sidwell are renting a home from Richard Free, establishing community connections while anticipating the building of a home to be constructed on the western slopes of Strawberry Creek.

         It is so good to have Mary Jean Rasmussen back home. After the death of her husband Larry, she spent some time in the northwest with Larry's brothers and their families. Her daughter Terry Carr and granddaughter Courtney Carr traveled with her. They had fun at a surprise birthday party for Brent Ramussen in Deer Park, WA. Courtney Carr has been in the Mission Training Center in Provo, UT and will soon be on her way to serving a mission in Ohio. Mary, with her son Kim and Terry recently went to Sacramento, CA, to attend the funeral of a great aunt. While there they were reconnected with twelve cousins. Traveling is good, but it is nice to be home.

          Jared and Juli Egley took some time off and celebrated their 20^th wedding anniversary with a trip to Isla Murjes, Mexico and its coast and beaches. It was timed just right before Jared would be caught up in the production of hay with his parents, Kent and ReNae and brother Matt at Egley Farms.

         The Bill and Marie Aupperlee home has been purchased by Roxy and Mac DeVries, formerly of Franklin, ID. They are the parents of a little girl, Adalyn, and the proud owners of two dogs. Mac drives a big rig semi and Roxy is employed in Smithfield, UT.

         As usual our community is host to multiple summer visitors, some with a quick overnight stay, others visiting relatives and soaking up life in these green mountains.

          Hot and dry days and the big gun sprinklers are in action, as are pipe lines and wheel moves. Anything that can deliver water to needed crops are being used, but I haven't heard of anyone going back to the use of a shovel on an irrigation ditch.

          Both our young men and our young ladies have just returned from Summer Adventure trips and they had a great time. More about that next week.

July 16, 2019

         The annual Mink Creek July 4^th was a resounding success. Activities got underway around 10:30 a.m with paper rockets, Frisbee golf, bubble blowing, gaga ball, and goldfish toss. When the sound of the approaching airplane, piloted by John Kezley, was heard the activities ceased and the drop area (also known as the baseball diamond) was cleared of people. The candy drop is always a favorite. John made three drops, kids scrambling for the candy after each, but clearing out as he circled to come in again. The flag ceremony was conducted by Glen Jepsen, retired Air Force, and any vets in attendance as the national flag was hoisted and the Pledge of Allegiance recited by all.

         “Lunch” had been in the makings for hours by various volunteer cooks. Many hands were involved. The menu was beef brisket or roast chicken, Dutch -oven potatoes, rolls, tossed salad with lemonade or root beer for the beverage. Dessert came in the form of a variety of brownies and servings from the patriotic decorated desserts that were entered in a contest of the same.

          Clouds moved in during the lunch hour and there was fear that the beloved water slide would be so cold it would be canceled. The water troops were elated when the sun came back in time to set things up on the back slope and the wet fun got underway. Another afternoon activity was Bingo for the more sedate. It was a great day and well attended.Appreciation is expressed to the many volunteers who made this event possible.

         The children of Carl and Lenna Christensen gathered for a family reunion during June. Not everyone was able to make it. Some of those descendants still live here in Mink Creek with their families: Danita Wilcox, Phillip Christensen, Bryan Christensen, Jesse Wilcox, Forrest Christensen, Kerry Christensen. The group hosted a relative from far away Norway, Carl Top and family.

          For travelers on Highway 34 north of Preston, it is one of the times of year to thank Pete and Mary Bennett for their patriotic display of flags near their home in Riverdale. The colors of red, white and blue flying in the breeze serve as a strong reminder for gratitude forour citizenship in this nation.

           Irrigation systems, individual for each land owner, are in full swing. Both grain fields and hay fields are needing the moisture. We did have a couple of intense rain storms whip through one day and were anxious that it might develop into hail. This time it did not, however we understand that the Preston area was hard hit with hail.

July 9, 2019

           There is a building going up in the west end of our community, not far from the Bear River. The descendants of Hugh and Bonnie Hansen are erecting a structure on their home farm

that will become their reunion retreat. In my mind it is the “Hansen Hall.” The family has gathered in this same spot for several years at festive times and this indicates plans for years into the future.

          Steve and Amy Baldwin have moved to a home with a hillside perch and a beautiful view in Mink Creek.Some years past the Baldwins lived in Riverdale and Steve worked with supervising the Deseret Industries. Still employed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they were transferred to St. George, UT, for further training. Promotions brought Steve and Amy back to Franklin County and we are happy to have them living within the Mink Creek boundaries.

           Emily Longhurst enjoyed a spring trip to Samoa, traveling with her friend Ashlynn Sparks and her family. The sun, the beach, the ocean, the blue, blue sky the relaxed atmosphere was a luxury in unexpected ways. Here she was while Idaho was experiencing cold temperatures. She was not fond of the insects, particularly the mosquitoes. Emily was willing to try different foods and loved the coca rice. The highlight of her trip was getting to know the people, the smiling, happy Samoans.

         Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox and Eldon and Danita Wilcox have been on a cruise, along with all the other Wilcox children and families, totaling 34 members. Only MaKenzie stayed in Idaho with he new baby. Included in one of the ports of call was Ensenada, Mexico, where Wilcoxs reconnected with Omar Lopez. Omar had been an exchange student at PHS from several years ago who lived with the Wilcox family. The grown up Omar and his family, two children and he works for Toyota. He was most helpful setting up a bus and tour guide for this family group. They threw in some ziplineing and swimming for fun activities.

          Nearly a year ago the Mink Creek community banded together in order to plant a field of garlic at the Sheldon Longhurst farm. Sheldon was battling leukemia in the Portneuf Hospital in Pocatello but his wife, Candy, and their family were trying to fulfill his dream of raising garlic. His college degree had been in horticulture. Sheldon lost his battle, but the field had been planted. Recently the growing crop of garlic needed some extra care in the way of trimming the scape from the plants so that the underground bulbs would be encouraged to grow in size. Over twenty neighbors, armed with scissors and buckets met at the fields one Saturday morning to accomplish the task. It was successful before the day warmed up too much and the group celebrated with a feast of cool watermelon.

          This year there are plenty of robins in Mink Creek. I think most of them are now concentrating on any cherry trees that are grown in our community. The fruit is not ripe, just with a slight rose tint, but the birds are gobbling them up well before they have a chance to ripen.

          A couple of heavy rain squalls pushed through here, but we didn't get the hail that clobbered the Preston flats area. Our fields, gardens, yards all got a good soaking.

July 3, 2019

          The Mink Creek Ward of THE Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a new Bishopric On June 23, the Presidency of the the Preston North Stake met with the congregation in Mink Creek and announced these changes. Those being released from their callings were Kurt Iverson, Bishop; Kerry Jepsen, 1^st Counselor; Joe Jarvis, 2^nd Counselor; Miles Erickson, Executive Secretary; Clifford Jensen, Financial Clerk; and Jesse Wilcox, Ward Clerk. Bishop Kurt Iverson has served since 2014. Also released were two Aaronic Priesthood assistants to the bishop, Andrew Iverson and David Seamons. Those men who are now filling the Bishopsric positions are Paul McKay, Bishop; Trevor Rasmussen, 1st Counselor; LaRon Baird, 2^nd Counselor; Wallace Christensen, Executive Secretary; Kerry Christensen, Financial Clerk; and Jared Keller, Ward Clerk.

          Angelo Crosland and Gracie Higginson were married on June 22. They were honored in a reception held at the LDS Recreation Hall, weather cancelling the plans to host it outdoors at the Crosland residence. Gracie is from Eagle, ID, and they will have an open house in Eagle before they return to begin their life together in Mink Creek.

           Devin and Shawndeen Christensen and their children came up from Layton, UT. Robin and Joseph Francom and their family now live in the Midwest, in Illinois. Robin and Devin are children of Clare Christensen and were here to celebrate Fathers' Day, also a time to reconnect the cousins.

            Millie Mower of American Falls, ID and ReNae Mellor of Boise, sisters, dropped down to visit their Mink Creek brothers: Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson, Nate Olson an Dana Olson, and Jeff Olson, all located on the Olson farm on Station Creek.

           Dawnell Greene is now a college graduate and working at the West Side School District. She has earned her degree with dual studies, one in Education for Kindergarten through Grade 6 and another for Special Education for Kindergarten through Grade 12. She will be attending commencement exercises in Salt Lake City at the Western Governors' University. This is a great accomplishment for this mother of six and now a grandmother. Congratulations are in order.

           What a spring season this has been in 2019! The beginning of July is upon us and our creeks are still running high, no casual wading is encouraged lest a person get swept off their feet and into the current.

           The community is gearing up for our annual July 4^th celebration to be held at our ballpark It takes a lot of volunteers to pull off a big event like this and we hope at the end of the day that they all feel it was worth it. Mink Creek 4ths are an indelible part of many memories and bring families home just as much as does Memorial Day.