June 2, 2020

         Sherrie and Ernie York are back in town after having a great time in warmer climes the past few months. For these two retirees from Hill Air Force Base they were located in a spot with many things relating to their interests, near Bouse, AZ. It was close to where General Patton had a training camp for his soldiers during World War II. The Yorks took side by side rides to ghost mining towns. They learned about navigational aides for women pilots ferrying planes during the war. They are glad to be home in Mink Creek, but miss the new friends that they made down south. In some areas a welcome mat is red, but in Mink Creek it is certainly green during this time of year and that is welcoming the Yorks.

          Maria and Devin Flake and son Jude were up from Utah to spend some time just being 'home.' They all needed some time with Maria's mother, Lana, and Ivan McCracken and the open spaces of the surrounding mountains.

            A new tiny girl has arrived in Mink Creek. She was born to Cynthia and Justin Longhurst on May 14. Tiny is the right word for her, weighing in at 5 pounds and only 18 inches long, but round and doing well, bringing much happiness with her.

           Elder Walter Iverson is now back in the mission field. He is the son of Kurt and Margret Iverson. He was the first missionary to be reassigned from the Preston North Stake and is now serving in the Alabama, Birmingham, Mission. He flew there on May 15^th. Elder Iverson had been serving in the Dominican Republic and now needed a few changes made in supplies, clothing, etc. that he would need in this new location. He particularly needed new shoes, which is a positive sign for a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had been speaking Spanish in the Dominican Republic and that may, or may not, be part of this new assignment. Depending on the COVID-19 situation there is still the possibility of his return to his first field of labor, as he continues to serve. He got home on March 24, and self-isolated for two weeks with his family. Prior to that he had been quarantined for six days before his flight home. On May 14 he was set-apart for his new assignment.

          Parents, children and teachers are welcoming the release from their online school situation. It has been a learning experience for one and all. They are all looking forward to the change of pace that comes with summer, including nice weather.

         Warm days have arrived, along with active ants, pill bugs, renewed box elder bugs, and other tormentors for the average human. Air conditioning is appreciated already. Have yet to hear the activities of the county mosquito controllers, but hopefully they will be active again this summer. Irrigation in all forms is a top priority, whether it be for the lawn of field.

        We are still under the COVID-19 rules, but rumor has it that things will be loosening up soon. People are hungry for a bit of social interaction.