August 16, 2022

 

Residents report several sightings of rattlesnakes on their property. One was close to a pet’s feeding station, where the reptile was likely hunting a drink for himself. This is an indication of the hot, dry weather we are experiencing. It is also a reminder to stay alert to the wildlife around us.

The heavy rains of a few nights ago found us with mixed feelings. The need for moisture is constant, but the timing might present problems. Some had freshly mowed hay lying in windrows in the fields, others had barely gotten their bales into the barn. Still others were in the middle of grain harvest and the rain put a quick stop to that. It is all part of the risks of farming, and recognized as such. The lightning and thunder got everyone’s attention.

Katharine (Keller) and Leon Noorda are soaking up some time at the Keller Apartments. Their daughter Katrina has been with them, along with some grandchildren. Keller family summers in Mink Creek have been a tradition for many years.

During the August Testimony Meeting, Madelaine Erickson, age 8, daughter of Jasmine and Miles Erickson, was welcomed as the newest member of the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had been baptized and confirmed the day before at the Preston North Stake Center.

Elder Wynn Costley and Sister Cecelie Costley spoke in the Mink Creek Ward, reporting on their experiences while serving in the Salt lake City Temple Square Mission. Those serving in that particular mission are young ladies from around the world, adept at foreign languages, to speak with visitors to Temple Square. The Costley’s children and grandchildren were all able to gather for this homecoming. The timing was perfect for their daughter Hannah Singleton and her two sons who are visiting in Mink Creek for their annual summer month in Idaho. The Singletons live in Arkansas.

There is a new headstone in the Mink Creek Cemetery, recognizing a death long past. During this summer reunion of the Mink Creek Originals, the project of a headstone for Engeborg Glysing was presented. Bruce Crane, unofficial Mink Creek history authority, told the story of the Glysing family.

In the early days of the settlement Sister Glysing came from Denmark—a widow with six children. Their name was anglicized to be Gleason. In the cemetery records Crane had discovered the burial of two Gleason sons, George and Gideon, who had drowned. Their primary classmates had raised money for a headstone for the boys. In the records Crane found another sister buried beside the boys, but with no marker. The Originals donated money for a stone for the sister. The effort came to completion recently in a small ceremony on a beautiful day. Engeborg Mary Dores Gleason is not forgotten.

I just read a writeup done by someone seeking to sell their place in Mink Creek. It describes us as nearly heaven. I think they are correct. And on that point, why would you want to sell? Outside influences makes for difficult decisions.