December 27, 2023

 

For the month of December, plus meeting in the Riverdale church, the Relief Society blended a lesson and activity, suitable for the month. There was much music. Danita Wilcox and Natalie Forbush performed a vocal duet, accompanied by Judy Wilde. A trio of Ericksons, Claudine E. McKague and Kristin E. Collins sang with Terrie E. McKay at the piano. The lesson was presented by Laura Cheney from the talk,“Love Is Spoken Here,” given by Elder Gerrit W. Gong at a recent church conference. Laura included a video of the song “And Can It Be?” done by BYU/Idaho University choirs and orchestra. With the “Be” in mind refreshments were some ‘’B” snacks: brownies, buttercups, blueberries, bananas, and each woman was given a container of bee honey labeled “Bee Kind.”

It is time for winter sports at Preston High School. Hazen Baird, son of LaRon and Liesa Baird is participating the wrestling program this year. This is an exciting step.

Like father, like son, Jared Egley is a pilot for Delta Airlines. Bryce Egley, son of Jared and Juli Egley, has been taking flying instruction. He is training with a school in St. George, UT. Bryce talks about his experience with a huge smile.

Raphael Arnsworth and ReNea Haddock , and his son Hawk, have recently returned from several days of the warmth and comfort of Costa Rica. Ocean, beaches, jungles, sunshine, ATV rides into beautiful country, the stuff dreams are made of. Then the return to Idaho and taking up the needed snow shovel, but glad to be home.

The neighborhood eagles are out and about, looking beautiful against the winter background and the clear winter skies. A nearby venison fatality on the highway has provided several meals and the local ravens wait for their turn “at the table.”

The last blog for 2023, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day of 2023 are part of the past. There has been quite a few people come “home for the holidays.” Some were hoping for more snow than was the case this year. Even sleighriding needs a few more inches.

December 18, 2023

 

The Rotarian’s annual Christmas concert was an event to bring in the season. Several Mink Creek residents have been attending the weekly practices since October, particularly Anna Beth Olson who was conducting the music for much of the concert.

There are encouraging reports on the progress of the repairs taking place in the meeting house for the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sheet rock has been installed and painting was planned for this past week. There is hope that the membership can be back in their building by the end of this month, with much appreciation to the Riverdale community for sharing their church house during these past weeks.

The Young Women of the village have done a couple of fun activities. They met at the Pop n’Pins bowling alley and competed in “skittles bowling” giving much laughter and possibly sticky fingers. The following week they were treated to a “breakfast for dinner—french toast, sausage, cocoa and cider” at the home of Claudine McKague, YW President. Activities were holiday decorating and sessions of ping-pong.

Due to the repairs underway, the community had considered canceling the annual Christmas Party, but opted instead to do a rather simple, spur of the moment gathering at the Riverdale Cultural Hall. It was fun and being together is important during this season. A variety of carols were sung, a skit using “Twas the Night Before Christmas” as the basic script—in a variety of languages brought out that the holiday was celebrated worldwide. Primary children portrayed the Nativity, with no pre-rehearsals. The three wise men, in costume, Jimmie Olson, Eldon Wilcox and Mike Jepsen dispensed treats. The evenings refreshment was a slice of delicious cheesecake. The last offering was the viewing a video of a silhouette Nativity, the reason for the season that brought the group together.

Highway 36 between Mink Creek and Bear Lake was closed to traffic for some time. Snow slides across the roadway in Emigration Canyon blocked any passage and time was needed to clear the road.

We are seeing small groups of deer, five or a few more, crossing the highway. Perhaps there is more safety in numbers. One report was of around 25 claiming their right-of-way and holding up traffic—this in broad daylight.

December 13. 2023

 

The McKagues, Claudine and LaMar, took a quick trip to Idaho Falls to see their most recent grandson, born to their son Jarin and Brynlee McKague. This makes two for this family. Within not very many more days they drove north again, this time to help a daughter, Sage and Nathan Ricks, move into a new apartment. Sage has recently completed her studies at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg.

Reed Swann and his daughter Penny went to Donnelly, ID, for the holidays. Reed’s son, Charles and Sarah Swann and their children live in that area. Gathering of family made the holiday complete.

Judy and David Wilde flew out to Maryland to spend time with their son Spencer and his family. The distance is great but getting acquainted with the Wilde’s grandchild is a top priority.

Cindy Hanson used the holiday time for a trip to Kansas and a visit with her brother. While in the vicinity she was able to tour Church History sites around Independence, MO.

For the past month our nearby canyons have been invaded by those in quest of the perfect Christmas tree. It would be impossible to estimate how many trees have been cut and hauled out, sometimes more than one at a time. Various methods of hauling: on top of a car, back of a pickup, on trailers, roped to a mobile home, probably some on horseback. There have been a few that needed a remount when the tree fell off, as seen on the side of the highway.

The Christmas season is beginning to be more visual in our community as the outdoors gets festooned with lights of celebration. Street lights are nearly zero and that only adds to specialty of the lights popping up on roofs and doorways. There is a star, high atop Bishop Paul McKay’s silo, announcing the reason for the season, to anyone driving along Highway 36. Our snowy terrain serves to accent the season.

The flu and Covid are still among us. Recently we have had some residents needing hospitalization. We are so glad to have a hospital within easy reach of a few minutes.

December 6, 2023

 

Terrence Olson, a cousin of the Olson family in Station Creek, came up from Provo to speak at the fall meeting sponsored by the Franklin County Historical Society. The topic of the presentation went along with Veteran’s Day, considering some of our local heroes from past wars. Olson’s father, Stanley Olson, was a pilot in WWII who lost his life in a bombing run, but saved the lives of his crew. The attendance of the event was good and several of the Olson family from out-of-town came to listen and share memories. Terry Olson spent many summers of his young life with the Olson family in Mink Creek because his mother wanted him to have that connection with his father’s past.

Mink Creek is happy to have two babies born the last part of November. Kaci Baldwin had a little girl to add to her family. Cade and Leigha Nicholls brought a little sister to go with their son Peter.

Another grandchild announcement. Layne and Karen Erickson are beyond pleased to have a tiny girl joined their family ranks. She is the daughter of Connie and Adam Westenskow of Logan. She decided to come a bit more than a month early, but is doing well. She is the first child for the Westenskows.

ReNae Egley has been traveling with her friends, Jill Baird Hobbs and Lelan Daines, this time to Portugal and included just one day in Salamanca, Spain. They found castle ruins, statues of Portuguese heroes, high rock walls, ornate buildings built long ago. The beautiful countryside, green and lush, lots of vineyards and gorgeous gardens. The Douro River Cruise was a great way to see Portugal. We are glad to have her home.

Up here in the mountains we see beautiful sunsets that stretch to the west side. Yet, each night we wonder if we will wake up to snow on top of the daily morning frost.

Bill Despain has driven over from his place in Fielding, UT, for a visit with us. He lived in Mink Creek for a lot of years and became a close member of the community. He keeps a close check on how we are doing.

November 27, 2023

 

Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox and son have been on a lengthy vacation to her homeland in the Philippines. Her family there having more time to get acquainted more thoroughly with little Desmond Wilcox who has celebrated his third birthday this October. When they left our countryside was still fairly green in surroundings, they come home to the crunching leaves and dry colors, not to mention the lowering temperatures.

Candy Longhurst is announcing the arrival of two grandbabies. These two arrived nearly at the same time, but miles apart. Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler welcomed a little girl to add to their family in Boise. Jake and Holly Longhurst were in Logan when their infant son Owen arrived. There were some complications with his birth and Owen was life-flighted to Primary Childrens’ hospital in Salt Lake City. The unexpected situation was diagnosed and treated and the Longhurst family is now home in Franklin, ID.

The youth of the Mink Creek Ward have been planning a trip to the Rescue Mission and homeless shelter in Ogden, UT, for some time. To be of further help the Young Women group has been collecting new and gently used winter wear and blankets to leave with the shelter. They gathered coats, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and when the date arrived for the planned visit the girls were all under the weather themselves and unable to participate. The truckload resulting from this Winter Clothing Drive went down to Ogden with the Young Mens’ group who were sufficiently healthy to be the means of delivery as well as to help out at the shelter in whatever tasks were needed at that time.

Lorraine Christensen has been on grandmother duty recently. She has been in Layton, tending the children of Carrie and Ken Melton, while the couple attended a work related meeting for Ken. Fun for kids, fun for grandma.

Thanksgiving weekend was a busy one, but the many guests have returned to their scattered homes after enjoying a cold, but dry day in Mink Creek. Family traditions abounded, and lots of good food was served. There has been a search for recipes to use up Thanksgiving leftovers in an appetizing dish.

November 21, 2023

 

The Relief Society of the Mink Creek Ward enjoyed a yummy activity, very befitting for the month of November. It was that of making pies, lots of different pies, crusts, etc. Kathy Barber gave a demonstration on the art of baking pies, the melt in your mouth variety. A variety of cream pies, fruit pies, pumpkin pie. There were samples to go with the instruction and our Thanksgiving tables should benefit from this fun affair.

For the month of November the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been assigned to assist in Preston at the Legacy 3 Branch, part of the Heritage Homes.

Mike and Anna Olson and some of their family of Brigham City, UT and CJ Peterson of Meridian, ID, spent a weekend in Station Creek on the Olson farm. Mike is the son of Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson. CJ is a grandson, belonging to Dana and Charles Peterson.

It is a time for winter preparations and service projects are often part of the agenda. A group of men from the community got together to help Sue and Wendy Hawkes clear out a garage and a shed to accommodate some better storage for the coming months. Both the Hawkes sisters and the animals they care for will benefit from these work hours given.

Rita Warburton Cargill has been back at the Warburton/Jepsen home place for several weeks. She and her husband Richard have plans to move from their current place in California back to Idaho to enjoy retirement. An extra plus to this arrangement is that of being closer to family.

The COVID bug it making itself known among our residents, sorry to say. More visible bugs are very active now as well: box elder bugs, crickets, etc., all seeking warmer quarters as they anticipate the coming season, much as we humans are.

Woke up to being snow-covered and that silence it brings the other morning. Beautiful , but it disappeared as the day warmed. It jogged memories of how white this country can be for months at a time.

November 15, 2023

 

Halloween night there was a community Trunk R Treat at the Mink Creek Ballpark. Warmth on the chilly evening was provided by a fire in the pit, plus three space heaters at strategic locations. Dinner was sloppy joes, chips and salads. The parade of costumes showed a lot of creativity on the parts of both parents and kids. Trunks full of goodies were a main attraction, and decorated for the occasion.

Jamie and Natalie Robbins Forbush and their extended family gathered at the Mink Creek Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the naming and blessing of their baby daughter. The name they selected was Edith Emeril Forbush and she was named by her father.

LaMar and Claudine McKague spent a week in Vancouver, WA, with their son Sam and Sierra McKague. Besides reconnecting with old friends in that area of the northwest, the main objective of this visit was to help Sam and Sierra with a remodeling project of their home. Many hands lighten the work.

Andy McKay and Brittany Miller were honored at a wedding reception in the Mink Creek Church. The couple had been married earlier that day in the Logan Temple. Andy is the son of Paul and Terrie McKay of Mink Creek, Brittany is the daughter of Brad and Paula Miller of Preston. Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends for both of them were able to come and celebrate together. Brittany’s grandfather, Elmer Oliverson, was raised in Mink Creek so she already has some connections in place. The new McKays will make their home in Logan where both are employed.

Fall fog has hampered night and early hour driving. It is a joy to have the sun come smiling up the east side of our village to chase that white mist away. It is a surprise to have it clear in Mink Creek and driving south, drop into Riverdale to find it enshrouded.

We keep expecting a weather change, but it continues to be a beautiful fall. Jackets needed, yes, but not more than that. Turkeys have returned from their summer roosts. The deer have never left and I have recently noted two large smears of blood on the highway into town, indication of some wildlife collisions during the night-time hours as traffic doesn’t cease on our main dray during the dark.

November 7, 2023

 

The fall winds are conducting music for the leaves in our valley to perform their final dance. They are going to and fro, up and over, throughout the yards and open fields of our community. What was once red, bright green and yellow are all in shades of rust and tan. It has been a beautiful fall. Snow has arrived, staying in the high ups, but gracefully melting in the warmer sun rays of morning on the areas lower down. Bit by bit the white line descends toward our valley floor. It feels like a normal year so far.

In most of the orchards of the community there has been a prime apple crop. A group of residents gathered at the shop of Clare Christensen to bring the bounty and press the fruit into cider, much of which was used at the community Harvest Social this past weekend.

The Harvest Social and Emergency Preparedness Fair was well attended on a cold October evening. The assignment was to bring a food dish that had been prepared from food from our storage. There was an interesting variety and plenty to go around. Foods brought were: pulled pork in a small roll, Dutch-oven potatoes, apple crisp, pumpkin cake, a black bean casserole of some sort, a meat mixture on a baguette slice, cooked squash, pressed apple cider, a potato soup, cornmeal muffins, mashed potatoes with beef gravy, and others.

Elders’ Quorum President, Bret Rasmussen introduced the rest of the evening with stories from Mink Creek’s early years. They served to illustrate how life could be, living off the grid without many of the luxuries we think necessary in our modern world. The program was to be 15 minute break sessions in various rooms for topics: What to do if the electricity goes out from Brint Philliips, freeze drying from Clare Christensen, 72-96 hour kit updates with Kim Christensen’s handout, making syrup from local maple and box elder trees from Extension Agent Bracken Henderson, drying meat from Ben Keller and Steve Baldwin. Good stuff! The entertainment was great—a team of BYU Folk dancers put on a show. Two of the girls are married to our Iverson boys, Walter and Andrew. They did several numbers: something Australian, an Indian hoop dance, etc. and wound up inviting everyone for the Virginia Reel. It was a night well planned and well carried out.

The weather change brought some snow to join that which has lasted in the mountain tops. Nothing low yet, but reminding us that winter preparations are in order. Living where there are four seasons is great, but full of challenges that go with each of those seasons.

Halloween, 2023

 

Hunting season is about done. There have been several reports of successful hunts and for some families that will mean meat in the freezers and the likelihood of venison jerky. It also means winter weather is fast approaching.

Brad and RaOne Stuart of Bountiful, UT, are spending some time at their Mink Creek home in Mink Creek. They are in a perfect setting for this year’s fall with nature abounding

The recent program of the Primary children brought a number of grandparents and other family members to enjoy the time. Eric and RexAnne Nielsen came up from Lewiston and Kelly and Teresa Rasmussen and their daughter Kjerstin of Preston , both sets of grandparents of the children of Trevor and April Rasmussen. Cindy Erickson of Bear Lake came to watch granddaughters, Maddie and Molly, of the Miles and Jasmine Erickson family. Other grandparents live within the local boundaries.

Karen and Layne Erickson and Colleen and Warren Wilde attended the Search and Rescue Sheriff’s Auxiliary’s Fall banquet at the Robinson Building in Preston. Layne and Warren have been members of this group for many years.

Candy Longhurst flew back to North Carolina to spend some time with her daughter McKinley and Skyler Stevens. The couple live in Raleigh and this was the perfect time of year for beautiful scenery in the eastern part of our country. She was able to take in a trip to a museum, and a highlight was a visit to the North Carolina Renaissance Festival where there were appropriate activities and displays to fit that time period.

Kristin Collins was able to spend a few days with their daughter Claire Collins om Caldwell, ID. Claire teaches in the elementary school and was happy to have her mother’s extra pair of hands during a testing time for the students.

Hearing of the beautiful fall weather we have been having in Idaho prompted Lori Muldner to phone, expressing some pangs of homesickness. Lori now lives in west Texas, but spent several years living in Mink Creek. The warmth now in Texas made her remember the beauty and coolness of an Idaho fall.

It will be a crisp night for the ghosts and goblins out tonight. Just be glad there isn’t snow to have to deal with, only the treats and eats and having fun. Happy Halloween.

October 25, 2023

 There are plans for our Trunk 'R Treat event, planning for Halloween night at the Mink Creek Ballpark.  There are also weather forecasts suggesting it may only be 16 degrees outdoors on that particular evening.  The future will tell. 

The vibrant colors of a rich fall are changing, becoming muted as the leaves dry and wait for some strong winds to sweep them up and scatter up and down the valley. Some leaves have already fallen and are crisp and crunchy underfoot to hikers and hunters. For the hiking set the crunches only add to the fun of being out and about in the canyons. The hunters find it a little more challenging to go about their business undetected.

Mink Creek provides many hiking areas. The Kerry and Lacey Christensen family took advantage of a long hike while the weather was pleasantly warm. The route took them from Liberty as a starting spot in Bear Lake County, and brought them through the mountains back home to Birch Creek in our village. This adventure created some fun, lasting memories.

Phee and Robert Crosland drove a lengthy road trip recently. First stops of any length were in Wisconsin and Minnesota to reconnect with members of Phee’s family where she grew up. Another highlight was in Kentucky, visiting the Ark that was constructed there. Their son Marco and his family live in Texas, another stop on the agenda, then on their way back to Idaho they swung over into Colorado for a few days with daughter Arianna and Ben Hostetter and their children. The Crosland’s enjoyed the scenery and new vistas, but were glad to return and settle back into their regular Mink Creek daily routine. “There’s No Place Like Home.”

Kent and Tammy Beardall drove to Spanish Fork, UT, to spend a weekend with their son Shawn and Callie Beardall’s family. This was a special occasion because Shawn has been called to serve as a counselor in the bishopric of their Spanish Fork LDS Ward.

The combined Young Men and Young women groups invited a few of our older citizens to a lovely dinner, served in the recreation hall of the LDS Ward. The objective of this event was to sharpen the social skills of the young in terms of table manners and being able to conduct pleasant conversations in a dining situation. There had been some previous instruction on these two items so this was a fitting way to practice what had been learned.

October 18, 2023

 Sorry about missing last week's version from the paper, so this week readers get a double dose of Mink Creek.  Sit back, relax, and catch up.  

 A good sized group of adventurous friends, most of them with Mink Creek connections, gathered together to ride the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in northern Idaho. There were many days of preparation and packing with excitement building the whole time. For some it was a repeat experience, for others the first time ever to run the river. Paul McKay and his son Cody, Lin and Sharla McKay, their son Payton Newby and his brother Josh Newby with wife Sarah and two sons Gage and Nash, Tony and Jill Hale and Shane and Kara Johnson—this group of thirteen drove to Challis and boarded a plane that dropped them off at a landing strip where they could descend to the Middle Fork to begin several days of soaking up nature along with lots of river water, and the beautiful surroundings as they navigated their run. They returned with satisfied smiles for the bucket list outing.

Caroline Anderson Jensen passed away on September 25, 2023. She has always had a beautiful yard full of colorful flowers. Caroline entertained the village children each Halloween when she would dress up as a witch to greet the trick r’ treaters coming to her door. She provided a special fun fright and many memories over the years. She is survived by her husband, Lynn Jensen and their children, LeAnn Sant and Michael Jensen. A private ceremony was held in the Mink Creek Cemetery.

We must report another passing. Denzil Bennet Baird grew up in this area, a son of Harold and Verla Baird. Most of his adult life was spent in Brigham City where he and his wife, Dorothy Atkinson raised their children. He passed away at age 93, September 28, 2023, and is buried in Brigham City Cemetery.

There have been at least one herd of sheep enjoying life in our nearby canyons these past warm months. With the changing weather and the frequent storms moving in it won’t be long before their owners and herders will take them back to their home ground in Utah.  

There was quite a crew from Mink Creek that went down to the Canning Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ogden, UT, to give some help with canning tomato soup. They were in two shifts. The early morning crew were Wynn and Cecelie Costley, Jeff and Barbara Olson, and Terry Westerberg. The afternoon helpers were LaMar and Claudine McKague, Wayne Olsen, and Garth and Robin Stevenson. The tasks required were varied, some with adding spices, some were mainly observing that none of the canning equipment malfunctioned, another checking for damaged cans, but each one required a person at their post. No one was peeling tomatoes.

The Syringa Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers held a fall meeting at the Mink Creek Church. They have twelve members and Mary Ann Jepsen serves as their captain. Julie Westerberg gave a fun lesson about the historic “Hole In the Rock” pioneers where the early settlers of Utah were sent to colonize to the south. In 1879, when the expedition of settlers were sent down into what is now San Juan county of Utah it was one of the most isolated parts of the nation.

Mary Jean Rasmussen had a fun visit from her daughter Terrie Carr of Centerville, UT. Terrie has just returned from a trip to Las Vegas and so there was lots of catching up to do.

Johnny and Jeannine Iverson’s daughters, Christine Clark of Roseville, CA, and Cherie Shellig from Virginia, met here to spend some time with their folks and enjoy the lovely colors of fall that surround us in this area. Earlier this summer Teresa Russon, another Iverson daughter, of Greeley, CO, came for some family time.

We express appreciation to the members of the county mosquito crew for their services during this past summer. The flashing red lights that announced their presence in the neighborhood during late hours were most welcome, due to the results produced from their efforts.

We have had some early morning fog lying in the bottom of our valley. It seems to just be waiting for the arrival of the sunrise and when the warmer rays of light come the fog slowly dissipates. The colors we have enjoyed this fall are hanging on but gradually fading.

October 3, 2023

 

Mink Creek has some young men participating in the Preston High School football program this year. Tommy Henderson, son of Brady and Shoni Henderson is a senior. Hazen Baird, son of LaRon and Liesa Baird is a sophomore, along with Conner Iverson, son of Kurt and Margret Iverson, also a sophomore. Tom was crowned Homecoming King at the Homecoming game. The boys are dedicated to the sport, learning much about teamwork and having fun. Cheers for the Indians!

Claudine and LaMar McKague drove to Lehi, UT, to witness the ordaining of their son Ethan McKague as he became the 1^st Counselor in the bishopric of the YSA Ward of the Lehi area. Ethan recently graduated from BYU in Provo and is now employed in Lehi.

Some of the Young Women of the community took on an early fall service project following a stormy event. They met at the home of Nate and Dana Olson on Station Creek to help gather debris that a strong wind storm had scattered about their yard. Pine cones and branches littered every where the wind could reach.

Bob and Claudia Erickson welcomed a visit from her nephew, Thane Perkins of Orem, UT, and his daughter Caitlyn who lives in Richmond. The Perkins duo were up in this direction for the wedding of Thane’s son, Michael Perkins, to Shelly Moosman of Banida, ID. The new Perkins couple will be living in the Preston area.

With official Fall season upon us some of our mountainsides are more orange than green. South Canyon is one of those, like a tub of orange leaves were spilled from the top then spread out as they fell to the canyon floor. Strawberry Canyon is dotted with bright reds among the yellow aspen and deep forest green of the evergreens. It is a beautiful place for an afternoon drive.

Several moose have put in an appearance in our canyons. Their dark color is such a contrast to the beautiful colors. Our deer are out and about, checking on anything that might be available in local gardens and orchards. There are reports of green beans and cucumbers still producing. Frost hasn’t hit everywhere so some are spared for a few more days.

September 26, 2023

 

The Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their annual ward conference this past weekend. Officers of the Preston North Stake were in attendance. Each member of the Stake Presidency spoke to the congregation, President Ronald Smellie and Counselors, Michael Romney and LaWrell Cook. In the second session the officers of the Stake Sunday School presented ways that the Come Follow Me program can enrich our lives and the Stake Relief Society gave members a copy of the proclamation, The Living Christ, and encouraged studying it in depth.

The conference was followed with a Linger Longer lunch of a potato bar with all the fixings, some salads and a variety of potluck desserts. The socializing was enjoyed by guests and local residents, a chance to become better acquainted.

The extended family of Keith and Karen Olson Tribett had a weekend family camp-out in Mink Creek. Karen and her siblings were raised in Mink Creek, daughters of John and Edith Olson. This gathering had all sorts of family fun, with games requiring physical activity as well as some for sitting around with plenty of good-natured competition. There were crafts and they had the whole baseball diamond at their disposal. A birthday party was a highlight for everyone. The dark nights full of starlight was a special treat where many of those attending live in lighted cities.

Brian and Jill Petersen have had some Utah family up to their ranch in Mink Creek. Jonia Jackson entertained her sisters, Julee and Jini, and her building project and various improvements are underway.

The LOTOJA bike race event chose a day of perfect weather for their ride up through Mink Creek and Strawberry Canyon and down into the Bear Lake Valley. Interested residents congregated at the side of the highway here and there to cheer the contestants on as they rode by.

The arrival of the first freeze put residents out to cover their squash, pumpkins, any growing item that might last a little longer. High on that list is the precious homegrown tomatoes. There is always hope of keeping the plants going as far into fall as possible.

September 19, 2023

 

The youth of the community were challenged at a recent activity. This was learning about repelling down sheer cliffs which they put into practice at the Paris ice caves. Those harnesses can look pretty flimsy when it comes time to step off the ledge. It is a wonderful lesson of trusting the person who is assisting in the descent. There ended up being a good sized group. Those participating were: Kurt Iverson, Bishop Paul McKay, Miles Erickson, Jacob and Jared Cheney, Devlyn Currie, LaRon, Orrin and Dallon Baird, Jared, Morgan and Danny Keller, Young Women Pres. Claudine McKague, and Jyllian and Greenlee Christensen. One of the Preston North Stake Young Men leaders also participated, Grant Conrad, who teaches Seminary at PHS. Some of the youth were unable to take part due to obligations at school and other activities. Bishop McKay had brought snacks and food to make a perfect outing.

The young men of the Deacon’s quorum were at a campout up the canyon on Williams Creek so they took advantage of their timing and joined the repelling group, then returned to finish up their camp.

Once a Mink Criker, always a Mink Criker—Bill Despain has made several recent visits here. He now lives in Fielding, UT, with his brother and wife, but is most welcome in many homes in Mink Creek. Bill even called on a few homes, and finding the house under new ownership, made new friends.

Eldon and Danita Wilcox have had children and grandchildren popping in and out these past few weeks. Perhaps they are taking turns. Brigham Wilcox and some of his children have been down from Idaho Falls, Ami Fenton and family were up from Tooele, UT. Elise and Jeff Hardy brought some of their family with when the came from North Ogden.

Two Jepsen sisters have stopped in. Marilyn and Bob Godfrey, up from Arizona, and JoAnn and Kevin Auger, who live in Woodland Hills, UT.

We have had some quick afternoon storms come rushing up the valley, accompanied by strong winds. Thunder and lightning have rattled a few homes, but no direct hits at this point, happy to report.

A few trees have shown some color changes, we hope there are a lot more to come.

September 12, 2023

 

Lana and Ivan McCracken have been throwing their doors wide for company lately. Eden McCracken, Ivan’s daughter, came up from California for a few days. Ivan’s brother, Samuel and his wife Robbie, left the smokey skies of Raymond, Alberta, Canada for a visit down to “the States.” Robbie is Filipino and she and our resident Filipino, Annavelyn Wilcox, enjoyed some conversations in their home language of Tagalog. More McCrackens, Aaron and J’lene of Manhattan, KS, stopped in for a visit while they were taking their oldest daughter to BYU/I in Rexburg.

Lana spent some time with her daughter, Maria, in Utah where Maria is recovering from a recent illness. Devin Flake, Maria’s husband, attended a Flake family gathering in the northwest to participate in the Hood to Coasts relay race where twelve team members traveled a route from Hood, OR, to the Pacific Coast.

There has been a summer motor home parked at the home of Cade and Leigha Nicholls. It is the summer home of Leigha’s parents, Ben and Seana Beckes, who call Springville, UT, their more permanent location. The Beckes enjoyed some fun time with little Peter Nicholls, their grandson.

The Hansen House has been well occupied over some of the recent weekends. Wes and Heather Hansen of Ogden hosted a family reunion for Heather’s side of their family. The Hansen Girls, now better known as the Hansen Grandmas have been in town---Pat, Roxane and Sandy. Sid and Geraldine Hansen, of Richmond, UT, were welcomed by Mink Creek friends. This couple have recently returned from serving a mission in Hawaii for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There are lots of “garden sharing” going on in Mink Creek. Reports on gardens are a big variety: totally wiped out by grasshoppers, just certain plants thriving while others wither, summer squash by the bushel, etc. This growing season has had extra challenges with the late spring and grasshopper invasion.

It has been stated that September is the month for recognizing our Constitution. We need to remember that it did not come about overnight, it took years before the final document would be accepted with many challenges along the way. Those men who met, discussed, argued, but stayed with it to its completion gave us a gift. Actually it was a gift for the whole world, as it would be an example to all nations in the many years following. Do some pondering on this gift this month, it deserves some thought and contemplation.

September 6, 2023

 

The community gathered to welcome the final return of Naomi Nelson Wilde to Mink Creek. The chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located within easy walking distance of her home, was full to the brim. The event will be recorded as a funeral, but Naomi had told her sons that she would rather have a party and the feeling of joy shared expressed that feeling. She had lived most of her 108 years in this little village, raising her family and being a “farmer wife” with her husband Merlin. Her son Dean said her work ethic was one of the key things she passed on. As an early teen, aged 13, Naomi had assumed the role of the lady of the house when her own mother died, helping her father raise her younger siblings. Her zest for living continued throughout her long days as she chose exciting things from her ‘bucket list’: riding in a helicopter, a motocycle ride through Pocatello, riding a camel and an elephant. Naomi had a life well-lived and she was loved by those who knew her.

A welcome home took Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson to Meridian, ID, when their grandson, Elder Charles Peterson returned from serving a mission for the LDS Church in the North Carolina, Raleigh, Mission. He is the eldest son of Dana and Charles Peterson and will now be starting his college education.

There is a brand new baby girl in the family of Jamie and Natalie Forbush. She was a little late in arriving, but was welcomed warmly on August 17. The Forbush family has been enjoying a visit from Elizabeth Bradley, one of Natalie’s friends who came to help out in these first few weeks of new baby in the house.

ReNea and Raphael Arnsworth enjoyed a weekend in Freedom, WY. They were attending a wedding for one of ReNea’s cousins and so it was a bit of family reunion time with beautiful surroundings.

Jonia Jackson has had frequent family visitors the last month. Her brother Tony and Diane Jackson and their daughter Miya came down from the area around Coeur d’Alene, ID. Jonia’s son John and his family flew over from Oahu, HA, and have had fun with family in the area.

Although much of the land here is still looking green thanks to excellent irrigation, the hillsides are tan and drying.  Up high there may be bits of leaves starting their fall costumes.  One can feel the change coming near,  grains being harvested,  last crops of hay.  Late nights, early mornings.  We have had some of the monsoon rains to perk things up a bit.  But we can hear the knocking of Fall at the door.

August 28, 2023

 It has been a crazy week, but things are settling down, it is that time of year.

School has started, for our Preston School District, but for all over the nation. This event brings families visiting one more time before their routine changes in their own locations. Kent and Tammy Beardall enjoyed some time with ttwo of their daughters. Michelle and Gary Wall and children drove up from Grand Junction, CO, Nicole and Nathan Denny timed it right to join the group, coming down from Idaho Falls with their children.

Julie and Kasey Haws and extended family were here from their California home. As empty-nesters Julie and Kasey can come and go to suit themselves, but bringing family often affects the choice of spending time in Idaho. It is a beautiful time of year.

James and Rebekah Baird and their two littles. Ruth and Reuben, came down to his parents, LaRon and Liesa Baird for a few days. They live in Heyburn. ID. The senior Bairds were baby sitting while James and Bekah celebrated an anniversary. LaRon had volunteered for some grandparenting time.

We have a new family living in the center of Mink Creek. Carl and Jenny Osborn have purchased the former home of Ramona Lower Hatchett and are getting acquainted within the community.

Stuart and Stetson Ostler, a father/son team, traveled to Alaska to do a roofing job for friends. Stetson has worked in Alaska in the past. This was combined with some fun fishing, so it wasn’t all about pounding nails.

The Relief Society enjoyed a fun end-of-summer activity this month, kayaking on the Bear River. Husband were invited and some took the ladies up on it. They drove up the Narrows and gathered at Red Point, using that spot as their headquarters. Along with the water fun some of the people went as observers and had some moments to visit, play board games, and catch-up on each others lives, comparing notes as to how the summer months are going. Of course there were refreshments, all part of the party.

The sounds of harvesting permeate the area. Third crop hay, baled and either hauled and stacked on the farm or being hauled to a buyer down the road. Grain combines are busy collecting the kernels and shaking out the straw from golden fields. To match the summer’s finish for our farmers, the kids are off to school and reconnecting with teachers and friends. Those doing home-school are getting their individual curriculum lined out and underway.

The grass hoppers are constant. Some residents report that their gardens have been totally consumed. “They have even eaten the green tops of the carrots, that I hope still exist.” If a person is outdoors doing a task that requires standing in one place, such as picking green beans, or picking berries, they soon get the feeling of attack, that pebbles are being thrown randomly at them as the hoppers come from every direction.

August 16, 2023

 

The family of Angelo and Karissa Crosland gathered at the home of his parents, Robert and Phee Crosland to celebrate the blessing of Angelo and Karissa’s first baby. This daughter was named Elsie Ann Crosland. All together there were 45 family members present, coming from Utah, Idaho, Colorado and Washington, D. C. Armando is the brother employed back east he has since returned after a couple of weeks of vacation time in Idaho.

With school days rapidly approaching nationwide, it has been a time for family connections, cousin play time, before going back to studies. Such was the case for Wynn and Cecelie Costley. Their bunch came together to celebrate a birthday for Cecelie and to have one last session with Hannah Costley Singleton and her sons, Grey and Samuel, before they returned to El Dorado, AR.

Kim and Sam Daines have been up from Lehi, UT, to spend some days with her mother, Judy Clark and other family members.  Judy may now live in Preston, but Mink Creek is still 'home.'

Drew Erickson spent the rodeo weekend with his parents, Bob and Claudia Erickson. He enjoyed the “cooler temperatures” of Idaho, compared to his current home in Tempe, AZ. Rodeo weekend is the time for many Preston High class reunions and this was the 30^th year for the Class of 1993, Erickson’s graduating class. From all reports it was well attended and it was fun reconnecting.

Kurt and Margret Iverson took their family to Mexico for a late summer get-away, timing it beofre fall sports practices kicked in for their son Conner at PHS. The Iversons have been gathering around as well. Walter and Andrew and their wives will be heading back to college soon at BYU in Provo, UT. Alexis and her husband are still located in Colorado. Johnny and Gabby are in the Rexburg area. That covers the family except for Elder Charles who is serving a mission in the Philippines.

There are reports of moose and elk showing up for spectators in our canyons. This doesn’t mean that deer aren’t seen, those sightings are on a more regular basis and cause less excitement.

4H projects are in their final stages as participants wind things up to present at the Franklin County Fair in the next few days. Kids, animals and other projects are down to the final stages.

The countryside is taking on that look and feel of Fall---tan fields that just a short time ago were green, chokecherries and huckleberries ready for picking, the meteor showers that fill the night hours. People talking about school shopping and going to the county fair. It is nice to live where the season changes.

August 9, 2023

 

It has been rodeo time in more places than Preston. Kerry and Lacey Christensen took their children, Jyllian, Greenlee, Kassidy and Timber to Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, WY. This rodeo is known as the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and runs for several days. With the Christensen girls competing in rodeo royalty in this corner of Idaho, this was a learning experience as well as fun.

Brooke and Josh Reichman will be moving to Ohio. The couple have been hoping for and putting in the hours to achieve a goal, that of Josh being accepted to further his studies at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. It has happened! Brooke is the daughter of Shane Corbett and Sherrie Golightly. Congratulations to the Reichmans!

Mink Creek youth went to Logan Canyon for an overnighter of both camp experiences and some service projects. It was scheduled for a busy weekend so the group was small, a result of many activities within the county. There were only nine youth, total, and their leaders, all under the direction of Bishop Paul McKay. They did some canoeing in the lake at Tony’s Grove, throwing in some swimming and water fun. This was old-fashioned camping, tent-style, but they managed to watch the movie Cars on a big screen. A hike from Tony’s Grove to White Pine Lake was a challenging 8-mile climb. After collecting wild flowers for identification the girls used the blooms and leaves for a craft, pressing the flowers into picture frames to decorate and serve as a memory.The young men helped build and repair fence , clean up brush, etc. for the camping area.

The descendants of the Hannah and Perry Pearson family gathered for a reunion at the Pearson home in Mink Creek. According to the report of granddaughter Melanie Hawkes Evans there were 86 in attendance. The family of Roy Pearson was in charge this year. Preston’s rodeo provided a highlight for the group. A favorite item was the coolness of the night-time hours during this stretched out heat wave.

Gardens are doing sufficiently well that it might pay to take an inventory of how many zucchini you are able to deal with at one time due to neighbor sharing. It is pretty easy to suddenly find a stack of green at your doorstep.

There was a wreck up Strawberry Canyon a few days ago. Emergency vehicles with sirens announcing their journey kept residents alert, but there have been no results made public. That road can be dangerous, and curves don’t respond well with excessive speed.

Already, August 1, 2023

 Recent winds have brought in the next month.  It almost feels like a surprise. Won't be long before school starts.

The spring green of our valley is taking on the heat of this summer and anything not irrigated has a dried, tan appearance. Grasshoppers are invading every space available and they are eating vegetation with a vengeance. It brings to mind the pioneer stories of crickets wiping out crops and seagulls coming to the rescue.

Trek has become a summer-time word. Our Primary age children, along with some parents and leaders, took their own version of trekking last month. The group had one handcart to push as they went along, containing supplies needed for this outing and on occasion a child might be a passenger in the cart. With Anna Beth Olson as their guide they started at the Olson home on Station Creek, designated as “Iowa City” and stopped in “Nebraska,” the Olson Cabin. This was the perfect place to learn about pioneers building cabins. From here, they crossed into “Wyoming” and walked all the way to Bishop Paul McKay’s campground. A learning activity was making butter with some heavy cream in a well-shaken container, the shaking taking place while they walked. Once arriving at the campground they had lunch, using the butter on slices of bread, then played some pioneer games, danced and sang pioneer songs. The return trip took them to “Independence Rock” with some scratching of letters on sandstone, crossing the “Sweetwater”(small creek on Olson farm) and getting to the “Salt Lake valley” where they celebrated with ice cream and heard some stories of Brigham Young and the challenges faced by the pioneers. Around 30 people participated in this fun event.

Tammy Beardall had several days of fun while helping her son Shawn Beardall “hold down the fort” in Spanish Fork with his five children. Shawn’s wife, Callie, and her sister Kamey, had scheduled a sisters’ retreat so Tammy helped out.

The Worm Creek Opera House recently featured the original play, “Seeing People,” authored by Mink Creek resident, April Rasmussen. It was her first undertaking of this side of theatrical endeavor and it proved very successful. Others from the community involved in the production were April’s daughters, Emma, Kate and Annie and Hazen and Dallon Baird. The play was written as a project, part of Rasmussen’s college class.

Spotty storms have swept up our valley and canyons this past week. Some strong winds have dropped branches from some aged trees in our area. The poplar trees, thick with dry branches, got an unexpected thinning out.

Rodeo weekend brought a lot of folks ‘home’ for the tradition. More will be covered on that next week.

July 26, 2023

 

It is July and that means that Hannah Costley Singleton and her sons, Gray and Samuel are here for their annual summer stay in Idaho. Wynn and Cecelie Costley are her parents and several of her siblings live within an hour or two of driving, or less, so a lot of reunion and cousin time takes place. It is a time of rejoicing.

The combined families of Jacob and Christy Cheney and Ken and Jean Ross have had extended family visitors this summer. Extra aunts, uncles and cousins have added to the fun of living in the country and experiencing country chores and surroundings not part of their daily more citified, routines.

Recently Jared Keller was released from his calling as the clerk for the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Steve Baldwin will now be serving in that office with the Mink Creek Ward Bishopric.

The youth of the community enjoyed an evening of obstacles that was presented on a ninja course in the backyard of Kurt and Margret Iverson’s home. Various skills were needed for this activity and both strengths and weaknesses were explored. There were some aching muscles as a result but nothing serious. They also had some challenges with boxes and beams that took teamwork to solve within a limited time. Amazing what teamwork can accomplish! All of this provided learning experiences and building confidence.

Hats off to Elizabeth Greene! She has achieved a Masters Degree of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from the Western Governors University. This will only serve to make her an even better teacher for the youth of this area.

Joseph and Rebecca Jones came up from Herriman, UT, to spend some time with his aunt and uncle, Vicki and Richard Free at their ranch. Extra hands can lighten up the summer work load.

Our gardens are doing well, after having such a late start with the up and down spring. The hope now is that this growing can be maintained without the local deer gobbling produce up before it is ready to harvest. Their food of choice seems to be anything edible. Then add the winged creatures called grasshoppers. 

The grasshoppers are voracious. Beautiful landscaping is disappearing , one can almost hear the munch, munch as they crunch, crunch. They even find their way indoors, so a person doesn’t  dare stand chatting with a friend in an open doorway.

July 18, 2023

 

ReNae Egley has returned from a trip to the Orient—Japan, to be more exact—with her friends Jill Baird Hobbs and Lelan Daines. They saw so many beautiful things along with having more of those “once in a lifetime” items. To name a few: cruise on a lake, with a ride on a gondola to an active volcano, rice paddies and beautiful Japanese gardens everywhere one looked, an ancient 16^th Century building, riding in a bullet train, wearing kimonos, Tokyo, Koyoto, new and different food offerings. She has commented it was good to find a pizza place every so often. Home, safe and sound, and more than welcomed home from this adventure.

Jay and Kristin Collins have made their long anticipated move to Mink Creek. They purchased land here several years ago and will now begin construction on a home. They come from Lakeview, OR. Kristin is the daughter of Bob and Claudia Erickson and is pleased to be able to be “back home.”

July and Mink Creek go together as a summer vacation destination for many families. Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, plus Jon and Jacob, and older siblings came down from Caldwell, ID, spending time with grandparents, Cathy and Scott Seamons and Kathy and Joe Jarvis. Peter and Gretchen Haws and family escaped the warmth of Solvang, CA for more than a week to soak up some Idaho time. David and Melanie Law are in and out of their place on the shores of Mink Creek and Julie and Jeff Workman spend as much time as possible here, with employment still calling them to Utah.

St. George claims Jim and Debbie Harrison and Sam and Sylvia Stanger during the winter months, but home is really in Mink Creek. The Harrison’s place received much damage from the snow slides and their repair work is ongoing.  The Stangers hop right in to civic activities when they are here.

The afternoon rainstorms have played havoc with the first hay crop. The lightning streaks have put on a nature fireworks show to match the rolling thunder as it echoes off the mountainsides. South Canyon is a perfect backdrop.

An afternoon storm blew through Mink Creek with force today. That wind was forceful, but didn’t push any cooling air ahead of the few drops of rain. It rattled everything in its path. I hope no trees lost their branches or were tipped over during the intensity.

A much anticipated driller of water wells arrived in Mink Creek. There are several families hoping to be on his list of accomplishments in the near future.

July 11, 2023

 

The barn swallows have returned in force. They are looking for insects with much swooping about. They are also packing mud and straw for nest building to anyplace that looks like it might adhere, often right above an entryway, which threatens the comfort and cleanliness for anyone who might approach a home.

Clifford and LaDawn Jensen just celebrated their Golden Anniversary, 50 years. All of their children came home to celebrate with them. Mercedes Mackelprang and her daughter Rachel of Statesborough, GA, Kristine and John Gore from Vienna, VA, and Jeremy and Heidi Jensen and their children of Preston. Extended family gathered in Mink Creek for lots of catching up on July 3^rd. The together time extended into the July 4^th activities at Mink Creek’s ballpark for even more fun.

Mink Creek’s July 4^th Celebration was a day for memories. With our huge national flag flying on the eastern side, our ballpark filled early with families coming to claim a spot that was in the shade as their headquarters for the day, with tables, pop up shelters, chairs, blankets. The airplane candy drop delivered several times with a group of children zigzagging from one drop off rto the next gathering the sweets. This activity is always a highlight for the day. Other activities were an ongoing Ultimate Frisbee under Conner Iverson’s direction, a popup Obstacle course with double slides, face painting, and a coin hunt in a small mountain of sawdust.

Jesse Wilcox was in charge of the patriotic program. Kurt Iverson was the master of ceremonies and the national anthem was sung by Ty Jepsen, Wally Christensen, Kerry Jepsen, Eldon Wilcox, LaMar McKague, and Mike Jepsen. They did well and set the stage for three speakers of patriotic thoughts: Warren Wilde, Clare Christensen and Mike Jepsen.

Many volunteers lighten the load and preparing food for around 350 people is no small task. Just preparing lemonade and homemade rootbeer is a bit daunting. Those in charge were: Clare Christensen, meat; Relief Society, tossed salad; Jody Rasmussen, baked beans; Jan and Necia Seamons, Dutch oven potatoes; Kim Christensen, rolls; Cecelie Costley, the gigantic cake. Just prior to being dismissed for the meal, Bishop Paul McKay reminded us of a past resident, Hugh Hansen, then a Marine in World War II, located just off of Iwo Jima, eating a basic diet of sardines for two months. It left a worthy image of gratitude for our free land of today.

For a time it felt like the melt-off of the winter’s snow would continue all summer long. It has backed off and streams are more normal. We’ve been getting frequent afternoon rain showers, nothing that lasts very long, but enough to be discouraging for those who are trying to harvest a hay crop and get it moved into a stack or barn, all the while with the next crop growing around the drying windrows.

July 5, 2023

  I will save the report on the community's July 4th for next week and the newspaper, but rest assured the event took place and was well attended.  You were missed.

The lush green scenery of Mink Creek has been attracting visitors. Larry and Lillian Hansen had quite a group of family about their place. Peyton and Judith Newby and their children were up from Utah to spend some time with his parents, Sharla and Lin McKay. This is perfect weather for outdoor fun, not too hot and, if chilly, an easy fix with a jacket. Jeff and Barbara Olson enjoyed a visit from his daughter, Liz. LaMar McKague’s cousin Richard White, his wife Leigha, and their three girls drove up from Hobble Creek, UT, to check on the progress of the McKague house construction.

The Young Women’s group spent a fun evening holding a “Sing-along” at the Heritage Home Legacy First Branch. The girls, their leaders, and the residents enjoyed recalling old songs from the past that stirred memories for the residents. They shared songs from John Denver to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and even “Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree.”

With warm weather and school out it is 4-H time in our community. Several of youth have been attending the 4-H Horse Camp held recently on the Franklin County Fairgrounds. This was a three-day camp and their reports are that the activities increased their confidence as well as their knowledge of handling horses. Our Allie Ostler belongs to a club in Fairview, led by Erin Seamons. Lacey Christensen is Mink Creek’s club leader and those attending from this club were Jyllian Christensen, Greenlee Christensen, Kassidy Christensen, Jancy Henderson and Lilly Nicholls. This is a great time for youth to get training and instruction if they love horses.

Jyllian and Greenlee had to leave the Camp early in order to participate in the Bear Lake Rodeo Royalty competition in Montpelier. They did well. Jyllian was awarded the Rodeo Queen and Greenlee won the Teen Queen and had plus points that earned her a new saddle. Congratulations to these equestrian ladies!

These beautiful days make for mirror reflections in windows that our flying feathered friends often mistake for wide open spaces. The creatures fly into a pane of glass and are lucky if they just get a good bump and nothing broken---the window or the bird.

We continue to get hit by a rain shower now and again. Usually they are brief, but with such intensity that it may be mistaken for a hail storm. Of course, we have residents who are dealing with the harvest of their hay crop.

There is a home in Mink Creek, soon to be on the market. It is the Reed Swann home and they are getting ready for a move to be closer to his son Charles. There is also a home for rent, it now belongs to Jeff and Jennifer Seamons who live in Caldwell. Formerly it was the home of Basil and Mollie Crane.

June 27, 2023

 

Linda Shewmaker and Sheryl May, sisters of Bruce Crane, from the area around Burley, spent a few days here with Bruce and his wife Shauna roaming the hills and remembering their childhoods years in Mink Creek. Their parents are Rex and Brucia Crane. No matter where they might live the love of home in Mink Creek is strong. They managed to pick some of the warmer days and avoid the recent storms.

The Crosland family has had multiple gatherings during the last month. Parents, Robert and Phee spent a few days in Moroni, UT, Robert’s hometown, during the Memorial Day weekend. Nearly the whole family were able to get together a week later to support Angelo and Karissa Crosland as they were sealed in the Rexburg Temple. Celina and Jesse Groesbeck came down from Boise for the naming and blessing of their newest daughter, giving her the name Willow Groesbeck. Mario and Amanda Crosland of Smithfield, UT, Arianna and Ben Hostetter of Peyton, CO, Armando Crosland of Arlington, VA, Rico Crosland of Portland OR, Jason and Malia Kunde of Rigby, ID, Giovanni and Kristina Crosland of Franklin, ID, were all able to celebrate with the family. It isn’t often they can schedule things to all be together.

The Young Women group enjoyed a fitting activity connected with horses. Several of the girls participate in various rodeo events and, in this way, those who don’t rodeo had a better chance to understand their love of the sport. They were assisted and instructed by one of the fathers, Kerry Christensen, who has three girls that rodeo.

Terrie Carr and her daughter Courtney were up for a weekend with Mary Jean Rasmussen, Terrie’s mom and Terrie’s brother Kim Rasmussen. The Carr family lives in Centerville, UT.

The wild grasses are already long, and that is a good thing when it is the pasture for cows. Not such a good thing when the high grass blocks the view of drivers as they turn from our side roads onto Highway 36, the main route through our village.

That first day of summer has come and gone, and still our outdoor temperatures are reasonable, even chilly now and again. But the first hay crop is in the process. Some has gotten rained on, so the raking, drying system had to be put in place. It is always a sigh of relief to get those bales finished up, and even in the barn or stack.

June 20, 2023

 

Friends and the family of Marion Jenny Engels Haws gathered in Mink Creek for her graveside service in the Mink Creek Cemetery. Her husband Karl and their seven children, spouses and grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in the services with song and memories shared. The Engel/Haws family have always had more than one place of residence: California and Mink Creek, Idaho, for nearly sixty years. Now the descendants are a little more scattered, California still, some in Utah and some living year-round in Idaho.

Three young women participated in the High School Rodeo event held a few weeks ago in Preston. They were Ella Jepsen, daughter of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen, and two sisters, Annie and Josie Christensen, daughters of Dan and Casey Christensen. Josie placed 3^rd in the Jr. High Division and qualified to participate in the National Jr. High Rodeo held in Georgia. Annie competed again at the Idaho State high school rodeo in Pocatello.

Spring, for real, brought Hansen siblings and their spouses home for a weekend at the Hansen House on the banks of the roaring Mink Creek. Wes Hansen is from Ogden, Roxanne Beutler lives in Dayton and Pat Bowles lives in Fairview. It was a time of many memories, laughter and fun.

The Trek to the Seller’s Ranch by members of the Preston Idaho North Stake was one of much anticipation and it didn’t disappoint. The countryside and camp offered a mix of pushingand pulling of handcarts, lots of walking. Mud, snow on the ground, rain and sunshine were part of their days, but somehow the heavy wet weather that had been forecast skirted their area. Mink Creek had two handcart families. Trevor and April Rasmussen were the parents of one cart, Claudine and LaMar McKague parenting the second one. The fourteen youth on the Trek were Emma and Kate Rasmussen, Conner Iverson, Morgan and Danny Keller, Clara Jones, Devlyn and Larien Currie, Jared Cheney, Jyllian and Greenlee Christensen, Orrin and Hazen Baird, and Emma Rydalch. Other adults accompanying the group were Bishop Paul and Terrie McKay, Dallon Baird and Jesse Wilcox.

You’ve all heard “make hay while the sun shines”, when this is applied to a hay crop it is the major wish. We have recently had some sunshine and acres of hay were mown. Just a couple of days following the cold and the rains hit. The hay is at a stage where there are two choices, cut and risk the rain, or let it grow and have the weevil infestation devour the hay leaves. “Life on the farm.”