February 28, 2023

 

It is feeling like “the old days” with this winter weather, such as we haven’t experienced for several years. There is concern for frozen water systems to our houses. One recently required a surface fire to thaw the earth sufficiently to be dug down to the frozen pipe. This winter is not an ‘easy season’ particularly for newer residents who may have lived all their lives within city boundaries and in warmer climates.

The Young Men of our village enjoyed a snowmobile outing. Their advisor, Bret Rasmussen, is professional in this area of expertise and the group always learn a great deal about safety and operating the machines. With the mountain location of Mink Creek the group traveled up Birch Creek canyon and over into St. Charles on the Bear Lake side of our mountains. LaRon Baird served as their quartermaster, trucking food and sleeping supplies over, then stayed overnight with the guys. The youth participating were Conner Iverson, Hazen Baird, Devlyn Currie and adult leaders assisting Bret were Bishop Paul McKay and Kurt Iverson. Jesse Wilcox and Trevor Rasmussen, leaders, made the ride but returned the same day.

Bill Despain drove over from his home in Fielding, UT, to check up on the Mink Creek situation. Bill and his wife, Myrna, lived in Mink Creek for many years and stays in contact with us.

The family of Stuart and Alona Ostler, plus some extensions, spent a few days in Las Vegas as they supported their daughter Davanie in the national cheer competition of the JAMZ Cheer and Dance organization. Davanie belongs to the Cheer Force team connected with the Black Magic gym in Logan and now, as a senior, she is in her last year. Cheer groups have to qualify in order to compete. Davanie’s group placed third in this competition. The Ostler family were part of the Tournament of Kings, and had fun while having a few days of warmth and sunshine.

This winter continues with many challenges. Those vehicles that we depend upon so much are getting stuck in the growing depths in drifted snow. Outdoor animals continue to need feed and care. The weight of the snow upon our roofs is causing concern and in some cases collapse. We have had nearly complete days of whiteout conditions. This is written for those readers who live a great distance from us, to give them the picture here, as compared to their current circumstances. It has been a very long time since such a season has been upon us.

February 21, 2023

 

Three couples took a break from the snow covered slopes of Mink Creek, seeking the sun and warmth of the island of Maui in Hawaii. Richard and Vickie Free, Robert and Phee Crosland, and Wally and Kim Christensen had the challenging situation of packing their belongings to go from sub zero temperatures at home in relative comfort to the balmy days and relaxation of the islands. It took some serious planning to be successful no matter the location. It also took a day or two to adjust to reality once they got back home.

The Valentine Dinner for the community was well attended, 9 tables with 8 people per table and there were few empty chairs. Since this was an adult party a nursery was provided with Annie Rasmussen, Alli Ostler, and Madelaine Erickson tending the children. Clare Christensen was in charge and as head chef had prepared the meat, both beef and chicken. Others helped in the preparation of the rest of the menu which was very satisfying. Assistants and servers were Steve and Amy Baldwin, Cliff and LaDawn Jensen, Jonia Jackson, Corrine Larsen, Margret Iverson, Niel Lemon, Dana Olson and others.

There were door prizes and more door prizes. Clare had invited Wynn Costley to help him with creating wooden bowls and they got a little carried away, a bonus for those attending. Nearly every household went home with a wooden bowl or plate of their choice. Sherry York and Kathy Roy did the beautiful decorating of the recreation hall and the tables in a Valentine theme. Sherry also gifted with boxes of chocolates, always a hit. The guest speaker was Bryan Winward from Clifton.

Emma Rasmussen and Kate Rasmussen have had fun being in the Fairy Tale Courtroom production at the Worm Creek Opera House. Emma played the part of Snow White and Kate was the Gretel part of Hansel and Gretel. A lot of work and time goes into these productions, but it is rewarding during the performances. They are the daughters of Trevor and April Rasmussen.

The Groundhog Day prediction is certainly playing out in this part of the country now. Just as things were showing some signs of a thaw a snowstorm moved in with vengeance in mind. The snow has come down heavily all day long and left inches of slush for shoveling and other means of removal. Underneath the white is the ice. All of this adds to the wish for ‘snow days’ at both school and employment.

Valentines Day, 2023

 

Bright sun, blue skies of Ground Hog Day in Mink Creek --- lifting to the spirits, but if the adage rings true about the varmint seeing his shadow we have more winter challenges ahead for some weeks. Thus far, nearly two weeks later, winter is still upon us, even when it is bright and sunny, the cold temperatures are gripping. No complaints being heard from those who frequent our canyons for snowmobiling.

There were some concerns about a misplaced snowmobile rider in the Birch Creek area recently. A command post was set up in the Birch Creek parking lot and it took some time, but the results were good. Gratitude is expressed for our County Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue organization and anyone else who assisted.

Timber Blake Christensen, the son of Kerry and Lacey Christensen, became the newest member of the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was baptized and confirmed a member of the church the morning of February 4^th at the Preston North Stake Center in Preston. He had lots of support from family and friends. Both sets of grandparents were able to be there. Beverly and Doug Bruderer live in Mink Creek. Timber’s fraternal grands, Forrest and Patti Christensen, came all the way from their home in Florida to celebrate this event.

Chris Egley participated in the Weber State Honor Band in Ogden, UT, recently. This is only his second year as a percussionist with the Preston High School Band and Chris has found that he and drums are a perfect match. His family, that of Jared and Juli Egley, were able to go down to Utah and offer support for Chris and enjoy a whole weekend of fun activities.

We still have at least one active cougar out and about in our village. There has been some tracking done and they cover a large area. There is no question as to whether or not the coyotes are active, they have choir practice frequently.

February 8, 2023

 

There has been one more reorganization of an auxiliary within the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Primary leaders are now President Annavelyn Wilcox, Counselor Vickie Free, Secretary Lisa Auger. Those released with thanks for their service were Brittnee Phillips, President; Wendy Westerberg, First Counselor; Linda Christensen, Second Counselor; and April Rasmussen, Secretary. Linda has been doubling as the pianist and will continue to her share her talent in that position.

Three residents have occupied rooms at the Franklin County Medical Center this past month, due to falling and breaking bones. Ivan McCracken and Scott Seamons have since been released and are home with recuperation efforts going forth. Karen Erickson broke her arms and will soon be leaving the hospital as well.

Candy Longhurst and ReNae Egley attended a convention in St. George, UT, this wintry season. They made new friends, and soaked up the warmer weather while enjoying the change of scenery: red rocks comparing to our white landscape.

An even bigger change of scenery is part of Rico Crosland’s situation. He is enjoying a vacation in Thailand, having been awarded this international trip from his employment. He is loving the warmth, the beauty, the greenery and this break from his studies at BYU/I in Rexburg where the temperatures are definitely on the minus side of zero.

The recent winter storms have not been sufficient to cancel any of our local activities. However some families found themselves snowed-in and needed assistance in clearing their driveways.

A number of our citizens have had small flocks of chickens for several years. With the recent spike in the price of eggs at the grocery stores their eggs have become even more beautiful and attractive, not to mention valuable.