Happy New Year! Because there was no newspaper published during the Christmas week I did not post. The following week, January 4th issue, was considered a "small paper" and indeed it was--no rural news, no Out of Our Past, no Development, and not much else either. It is a decision not made by the Citizen, but by those at the Herald Journal, the reason being that we did not have enough advertising to support a larger paper. That being said, I am including what I had written for the Mink Creek news for both the 4th and the 11th in this blog post. I figure that is why you read this, to learn what is going on in this little village.
The Syringa Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers met in Preston last month for their Christmas Social. Captain Mary Ann Jepsen reported that Julie Westerberg gave an inspiring lesson. In spite of the winter flu and colds that were circulating in the area eleven members were able to attend. LuJean Young filled the group with laughter with fun activities, befitting the season. A tasty lunch was catered by Leah Costley Gilbert and she knew just the foods that would hit the spot. The group donated money for the local Angel Tree program as a great way to wind up their 2022 year of activity.
Some of the children of Hugh and Bonnie Hansen gathered for a weekend at their Hansen House on the shores of Mink Creek where they grew up. Schedules and illness caused some cancellations. They were celebrating the 100th birthday of their father, Hugh Hansen.
The recreation hall of the Mink Creek church building was welcoming with subdued lighting for the Community Christmas Party. Beautifully decorated tables filled the room, just waiting for the diners. The menu was ham, scalloped potatoes, peas, and rolls. Cheesecake for dessert. Jared and Hollie Keller were in charge of this event. The Primary children portrayed the lyrics of “Picture a Christmas.” “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was illustrated by participants with appropriate props. Judy Wilde played a medley of Christmas songs on the piano. There were candy canes and the arrival of Santa who took the attention of the younger set on his entrance. The more mature group enjoyed memories shared from earlier years at this annual event of looking forward to a small brown paper sack, filled with an orange, ribbon candy, peanuts and a few chocolates.
The youth of the LDS Ward gathered at the Preston Elk’s Lodge to help assemble the Christmas Baskets for this season. Volunteers and donations are always needed for this worthy project. Jackie Anderson was in charge of this event and reported that they gave away 760 baskets this year.
Elder David Seamons reported on his mission to Argentina. He is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Seasmons. Due to the COVID restrictions of 2020 he began his service in the Alabama, Birmingham, Mission, and then in January of 2022 was transferred to the Argentina, Cordoba, Mission for his second year. A brother to David, Samuel Seamons and his wife AnaMae and their baby, have recently moved to Mink Creek. The couple has been living in the Philippines since their marriage. Their son was given a name and blessing in the Sunday meeting. He was named Elijah Jose Buenavista Seamons. Family and friends from out of town gathered here for these two events.
January 11-- Mary Jean Rasmussen is beyond happy with the educational pursuits accomplished in her family as this year closes. A granddaughter Courtney Carr, daughter of Terrie and Hays Carr of Centerville, UT, graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Elaine Rasmussen, Mary Jean’s daughter-in-law, wife of JR, completed her Master’s degree in Education. JR and Elaine live in Riverdale, UT.
The Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began the new year with some ordinations of young men. Hazen Baird and Conner Iverson were ordained to the office of priests. Hazen is the son of LaRon and Liesa Baird. Conner is the son of Kurt and Margret Iverson. Orrin Baird, a younger son of the Bairds was ordained a teacher. Danny Keller, the son of Jared and Hollie Keller was ordained to the office of a deacon. Their individual quorums are small in number and these are most anticipated additions.
LaMar and Claudine McKague had family with them for the holidays. Elsie McKague is now living in Mink Creek while she has a semester break from BYU/I. Sage and Nathan Ricks came down from Rexburg, where they are BYU/I students, Ethan McKague is in his last semester at BYU/Provo.
It is a time to be aware of the resident wildlife. Some may spend the cold months sleeping, but a goodly amount are out and about. Winter is hard on their survival. Cougars, deer, raccoon, elk, moose and more live among us. Eagles, owls, hawks, on a perch or flying, keep a sharp eye for possible treats that might be a household pet.
Candy Longhurst enjoyed having kids and grandkids together for the festivities. Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler and son Hudson were down from Boise. Justin and Cynthia Longhurst and their two little girls, Jake and Hollie and their two children were up from Cache Valley. McKinley and Skyler Stevens flew out from North Carolina and Emily Longhurst and Tony Viviano of Franklin –all made for a full house of fun and noise for Grandma Candy.
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