November 12, 2024

  I hope you have thought about Veterans' Day, or Armistice Day, its original name.  Just considering how the whole world thought of that day in 1918, the signing of the treaty of the Germans, to be the end of war,  with no idea how many more small and great  conflicts would still be in the future.  It is a day worth remembering, and considering what we can do to be more peaceful in an individual way.  There are no 'small conflicts' to those involved.

The community had a fun Trunk n’ Treat on Halloween night, held at the recreation hall of the LDS Church. The event had been planned as an outdoor party with a bonfire, but the weather turned too cold and wet. There were lots of costumes, lots of candy, good visiting and games. There were doughnuts and hot chocolate for one and all.

The first day of snow didn’t send more than a skiff, and just rained at our lower levels, October 29. Cold, windy, wet. Not sure that it should be designated as the First day of the season Our canyons were all sparkling and pretty, and made for dangerous driving. More snow has arrived since then with greater staying power. The tops of the mountains have retained their whiteness however and it always serves as a measurement of the progress of the seasons.

Reed Swann and his daughter Penny are home from visiting with Charley and Sarah Swann and children in Donnelly, ID. They had arranged to be there for the special occasion of Reed’s granddaughter, Gwen, being baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Election Day was cold and clear and the polls were open from 8 to 8. According to the election board of this year there was a good turnout and they kept busy during the whole shift. Those serving this year were Danita Wilcox, Lana McCracken, Lorraine Christensen and Vickie Free.

The family of Robert and Phee Crosland gathered at their place on Birch Creek to have an early Thanksgiving holiday, scheduling it when the largest majority of their scattered children could attend. Of course the cousin time is always priceless for the younger set and the siblings never run out of memories and projects. A relatively new item for this gathering was the bell tower built into the Crosland home that rings out joyous music for the surrounding area.

If the green summer growth wasn’t frozen earlier now it has been in the last few nights. For our farmers the fall plowing has been on the list of chores.

November 6, 2024

 

Kurt Iverson of the Mink Creek Ward has been called to serve as the Stake Clerk for the Preston East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Trevor Rasmussen will continue serving as a Stake Media Specialist for the new stake.

Brigham Wilcox and his family came down from Idaho Falls for a weekend with his parents, Danita and Eldon Wilcox. A couple of days in the country is always nice.

The youth of the community gathered at the church gymnasium to enjoy a broadcast entitled, Celebration of Light. The Young Women supplied various candies and snacks while the Young Men provided drinks: – chocolate milk, makings for lime rickeys and a blue lemonade. It made for a variety of choices.

Annie Christensen, daughter of Casey and Dan Christensen, married Mac Lowe on October 16 in the Logan LDS Temple. They celebrated this event with a reception that evening in Garland, UT, sharing joy with friends and relatives.

Jasmine and Miles Erickson have welcomed their third child. This tiny boy was born October 21^st, and has two ‘big’ sisters that will have the fun and challenges of a new baby in their family.

The Primary organization of the Mink Creek Ward put on their annual program. This one portrayed the various things they have learned about the Book of Mormon during their year’s activities and studies. It was a combination of short thoughts from the children and the Primary choir singing children’s songs. All was done by the children with the direction of chorister Terrie McKay and pianist ReNae Egley. Add to this the smiles and waves to the congregation and it was a delightful Sunday morning.

With temperatures dipping down and winds picking up, the leaves are starting to fall off the trees and cover the earth. In areas where there is no irrigation the leaves underfoot are crisp and crunchy, making silent approaches for deer hunters nearly impossible. Snow is just beginning in our mountaintops.

Jay and Kristin Collins have completed construction of their new Mink Creek home and moved in. For the past year, plus a bit, they have been renting the Merlin McKay house on Bear Creek while the new house has taken shape.

October 29, 2024

 

There was a Christensen Cousins’ Reunion for descendants of the Henry and Serena Christensen family. It was held at the home and workshop of Clare and Linda Christensen. They gathered about 30 cousins for the occasion, reliving childhood memories of their lives together.

The youth of the community had a last activity before the cold weather would come, one more repelling trip with Bishop Paul McKay helping them to overcome the possible fears and learn how strong and courageous they can be. Both boys and girls and leaders learn from this activity

ReNae and Kent Egley had always hoped to make a trip to Switzerland, home of the first Egley family to come to Mink Creek many years ago. Although Kent passed away before they could do that Renae was recently able to fulfill their dream. She traveled with Jill Baird Hobbs and Lelan Daines and exploring the world is becoming a habit with this trio. They started with Gruyeres Village and it was postcard perfect. Cobblestone streets, beautiful old homes, fountains. There was a ride on the Matterhorn Railway to the glorious mountains, and snow. They were glad to have winter clothing in this fall season. A highlight was a visit to a chocolate factory. Included was a quick short trip to neighboring Italy but most of their time was in Switzerland. ReNae was particularly pleased to spend time in Lucern, home of Kent’s ancestors.

This is particularly for readers of the Citizen that live far from home. Sometimes cemeteries are busy places. It has been the case this past month for the Mink Creek Cemetery. Both graveside services were for individuals who grew up in Mink Creek, but have not been residents for many years. Sherrie Oliverson Jensen was the daughter of Willis and Bertha Oliverson. Douglas Keller was the son of Glenn and Geralynn Keller.

 Happy Halloween week.  It is going to be a more than chilly eve for the treating, or the tricking.  There are plans for an outdoor party at the ballpark, with the "in case of inclement weather" phrase that follows.  So glad for the comfort of the gymnasium on these evenings. The feeling of winter blew in from the north today along with rain and heavy dark clouds. The night-time hours had left a covering of snow making its way down our surrounding mountains.

October 22, 2024

 

Danita Wilcox and most of her daughters did way more than ”a girls’ night out” activity. They went to Paris, France. Some had been to France previously, for others it was a first time event. There was so much to see and do, new foods to try. They took in the sights of Paris, some famous like the Eiffel Tower, others just as wonderful. After the visit to France they took a train to London, England, and spent some time in Wales, visiting castles, soaking up history, and found there is more than the English language spoken in the British Isles. It was a great family sharing time.

The Haws sisters, Lauren and Andrea, brought their husbands to the Haws home for some reunion time and relaxation. Mink Creek has provides peace and outdoor beauty to the Haws families for years. Lauren and Ken Nash are at home in California, Andrea and Jim Harper live in Highland, UT.

Granddaughters of Barbara Olson came up from Utah homes to liven things up at the home of Barbara and Jeff Olson on Station Creek. They found all sorts of activities were possible in this beautiful spot that has claimed Barbara.

Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson had a great weekend in Meridian, ID, with the family of Charles and Dana Olson Peterson. The occasion was the wedding of their grandson, CJ Peterson, at the Meridian Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plus the photography sessions and fun activities that were part of the celebration.

Turkey are back in town and making themselves known as they traipse through neighborhoods, acting as if they owned the territory. They are wrong! These creatures were not native to the area and their ancestors were brought in by Fish and Game Department about 25 years ago.

Mink Creek has the perfect night sky for observations of the rare comet as well as the late versions of the Northern Lights. All depending on no gathering of clouds in the darkened heavens. Residents report some special sightings this past month.

October 15, 2024

 

Apples were not going to go to waste this season in Mink Creek. There was a gathering of apples all over the village, wild and domesticated. These were to contribute to the goal of an apple pressing party on the agenda of the Elders Quorum. On the designated evening the party began and the crop was put through the apple pressing equipment at Clare Christensen’s workshop. Snacks were available. Interested members of the community brought their own containers for filling with the juice, which could be frozen for future use or consumed soon. Reports are that over 70 gallons of cider were pressed and taken home for enjoyment. People could bring more apples to contribute but it wasn’t a qualifier for anyone who wanted some fresh cider. It was under the direction of the Elders Quorum with Bret Rasmussen as the chief gatherer with his equipment that could reach high branches.

Fall has brought a regular stream of part-time residents home for a few days to Mink Creek. Melanie and David Law were up from Utah. Larry and Lillian Hansen with their daughter Carol and Richard Wall spent some time at their place on Bear Creek Rd. Doug and Kathy Wilcox are getting comfortable with frequent visits to their recently constructed home.

Leon and Katherine Noorda spent a month at the Keller Apartments, a tradition of years. Sam and Sylvia Stanger are becoming regulars in Mink Creek again, but the weather change will take them south before long.

Jonathan Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons of Caldwell, ID, has been living here this summer with his grandparents while working locally to finance his coming mission to Brazil. He was ordained an Elder over the conference weekend and his family gathered to witness this special event.

When we heard about Hurricane Helene and the devastation we were glad to get the report from Patti and Forrest Christensen who now live in Florida that their power was restored after some time without.  Now they are helping neighbors with restoring their surroundings after the storm.

Deer hunting season has begun and one can hear the echo of gunfire as it bounces off our mountainsides. Camouflage duds and binoculars are part of the acceptable equipment. Some past residents come home to hunt familiar territory.

October 8, 2024

 I am hopeful that the paper version of part of this blog will soon match with what I write here.  Hang in there with the Citizen staff as we struggle to make adjustments with a new editor.  I will try not to be redundant, but because I don't know what he will choose to run before I put this out to you online readers you may get repeats now and then.  My apologies, but beyond my control.  

Phee and Robert Crosland drove east over to Colorado on a bit of a whim. They were visiting at the home of their daughter Arianna and Ben Hostetter in Peyton. They arrived to find several home projects underway and were able to lend both new ideas and helping hands. Time with the Hostetter grandchildren was a bonus.

Jay and Kristin Collins, LaMar and Claudine McKague, Paul and Terrie McKay, and children and spouses of the McKays gathered together in southern Utah for a brief vacation before the onset of cold weather. They did some lengthy hiking, soaked up the scenery change, attended a theater, ate good food and enjoyed each other’s company.

ReNae Egley took a few days of family time when she drove up to Idaho Falls to celebrate daughter Erin’s birthday. Fun with grandsons, but the crowning activity of the visit was attending a Wynonna Judd concert. Not your “every-year birthday!”

Our colorful hills are starting to fade in brilliance. The bright red of the maples is now orange, the yellow aspen leaning toward tan. It is drying season for Mother Nature. Only irrigated lands still show green. This is perfect hiking weather and the view is great regardless of which trail or climb a person might take.

October 1, 2024

 

It was a Sunday for a historical First—there was a reorganization of the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the first time as part of the new Preston East Stake. Those who are called to fill the positions of leadership are: Jared Keller as the Bishop; LaMar McKague as First Counselor; Jesse Wilcox as Second Counselor; Wynn Costley as Executive Secretary; Jacob Cheney as Ward Clerk. These men were set apart by the presidency of the Preston East Stake: President Michael Romney; Counselors Nathan Hess and David Larsen, and Cliff Keller, the high councilman assigned to the Mink Creek Ward. Jacob Cheney was also ordained to the office of a high priest. Those released from having served in these offices were Bishop Paul McKay; Counselors Miles Erickson and LaRon Baird; secretary Wallace Christensen; clerk Jay Collins.

The children our community, ages 8 to 11 held an Art Fair. It was planned to be at the Mink Creek ballpark but due to inclement weather they moved inside at the LDS Recreation Hall. The kids have been learning about creativity under the encouragement of the Activities Director, Jody Rasmussen. There were displays of paintings, tie-dyed T shirts, home grown flower arrangements and more. Here were also culinary creations: cookies, popcorn balls, various goodies. Some items were for sale. The group is planning a field trip to the grounds of the Smithfield Temple and are raising funds to finance some pizza and ice cream treats before coming home to Mink Creek. The Art Fair was well attended, supported and the idea has become part of their future plans before the weather changes.

The opening social for the Syringa Camp of the DUP was exciting and unusual. The members went to the Thomas Merc in Swan Lake. Perfect for their luncheon with choices like Merc burgers, taco salads and BLTs. Lorraine Christensen gave their lesson and then Kaarin, the owner of the Merc shared the history of Thomas Mercantile. It has been owned by 3 generations of the Thomas family and is a bit of a landmark for this part of our state. Ten DUP daughters and a guest, JoAnn Steele, enjoyed this afternoon.

If you receive the Preston Citizen newspaper, either the printed version or the online issue I am sure you are aware that we are dealing with some editor and work up difficulties.   The rural news may have made this weeks paper, or not. At the Citizen office there are complaints being made regularly and any solution is out of our hands since we are under the umbrella of the Herald Journal.

 Much of the weekly Citizen is filled with Logan news, often already covered in the Herald Journal a few days before the Citizen is published, or it might have stuff about USU, or ISU, or Montpelier, etc.   This does not mean news about Franklin County has not been submitted, just not chosen.  It is possible that any, or all, of you could send an email to the current editor, Timothy Epperson, at tepperson@hjnews.com and let him know that you would prefer items connected with Franklin County.   He is also the Managing Editor of the Herald Journal and his boss has assigned the task of the Preston Citizen to his desk. I am sure he must be feeling overwhelmed.   It is my understanding that he would like feedback from our readers. 

September 25. 2024

 

The opening social for the Syringa Camp of the DUP was exciting and unusual. The members went to the Thomas Merc in Swan Lake. Perfect for their luncheon with choices like Merc burgers, taco salads and BLTs. Lorraine Christensen gave their lesson and then Kaarin, the owner of the Merc shared the history of Thomas Mercantile. It has been owned by 3 generations of the Thomas family and is a bit of a landmark for this part of our state. Ten DUP daughters and a guest, JoAnn Steele, enjoyed this afternoon.

The evening of observing that day of 9/11 was certainly a mixed bag for our community. It was a day of smoky air, but there was still an effort made to do the semi-annual roadside cleanup of our highway, particularly following the LOTOJA bike race that had recently passed through. About 30 volunteers offered their services. Along with the murkiness of the air, a storm moved in, providing rain and thunder and lightning. A tree on Thatcher Hill attracted a lightning bolt and set it afire. Vehicles with county firefighters arrived, but evidently felt it was beyond their reach. There was observation of the tree and its lightning trail, which lasted about an hour. The fire did not reach any of the homes or outbuildings in that area, we are happy to report.

The newest member of the Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Derek Ross Greene, the son of Robert and Taniesha Greene. Family and friends were happy to witness this event. He was baptized by his grandfather, Chad Greene at the Preston East Stake Center on September 14^th.

Craig Larsen is now living with his daughter Cheryl and Mitchell Cowgill and their family in Rupert, ID. His health has improved, all his life has been in Mink Creek on the shores of Birch Creek and no doubt he will be missing these slopes as hunting season nears.

The leaves are getting a good start on telling us it is harvest time. Yellows, reds, bright greens on the trees mixed in with our evergreens is soul food. There is constant talk about bottling peaches and pears and applesauce. It is a working, but happy time of year.

September 17, 2024

 

Vickie and Richard Free have returned from an Alaskan cruise enjoying the summer of the north for a few days. They had planned on a European cruise but various challenges got in the way, so they opted for Alaska. Their nephew, Alex Huxford has come to Mink Creek several times as the summer months are closing.

Once again the LOTOJA bicycle race has made its way through our community on the Saturday morning of September 7. As the days get closer to this event there are always some bikers that are getting in a practice run ahead of time. On the day of the race the cyclists are scattered out, some individuals, alone, others in packs, all speeding with wheels spinning.

Jon and Peggy Flinders and their girls of Rigby, ID, spent Labor Day weekend with Peggy’s parents, Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson at their Station Creek home.

Per and Cassie Danfors, the new owners of the Egley Farms, are now in residence. Besides Justin and Kaytlin Jackson and their children who came earlier, there are four more brothers. Kalle Danfors has recently returned from serving a mission in the Sweden, Stockholm Mission. Erik and Kjell are missionaries at this time, Erik in Dares Salaam Tanzania and Kjell in Louisiana, Baton Rouge. The youngest, Kriste, is at home. Welcome to the Danfors family.

Hansen House, or ‘the cabin’ was occupied by Hansen’s for the holiday. Wes and Heather Hansen were up from Ogden, Roxann and Wes Beutler from Dayton, and Pat and Dirk Bowles from Fairview. It is a great place for sibling gatherings.

Patti and Forrest Christensen, now living in Florida, have survived the recent southern hurricanes and were home in Mink Creek for some summer time with family and friends. It is great to get at least an annual visit since they have relocated.

The youth of the community met at the Egley-Danfors Park for an outdoor movie party. It was a perfect night with no wind and all were glad for electricity and electronics to be working.

The weather has taken a rather sudden shift. Warnings going out to cover up our gardens. People thinking about getting in a wood supply, if that is the source of winter fuel. Lightning, thunder, lots of rain, and asking the question, “Are we ready for this? It could be an early winter, or just a wet end of summer.”

September 11, 2024

 

A large group of motorcyclists and other vehicles passed through Mink Creek on August 24 as they remembered and honored fallen veterans from world conflicts. This Ride For the Fallen started in Elk Ridge Park in North Logan, went through Preston up Strawberry Canyon. Their goal was to noon in Paris, ID, for a break, then rode through Logan Canyon, back to the park. Most of the bikes included driver and passenger there were others participating in following cars.

The family of Dana and Charles Peterson of Meridian came down for a weekend to her parents, Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson. Their oldest son, CJ, was introducing his fiance to Mink Creek family and friends.

Robert and Phee Crosland took a road trip to Worland, WY, to spend a few days with their daughter Celina and Jesse Groesbeck and their little girls. Grandparenting is a fun activity. They discovered how beautiful that area is and had family fun. On their way home they stopped in Thermopolis and did some exploring.

The Fall Social for the community was enjoyed by nearly 200 people. It was held at the Mink Creek Ballpark and featured a tasty dinner of tri-tip and brisket, accompanied by Dutch-oven potatoes, beans, green salad and rolls. Clare Christensen and his crew and Stuart Ostler’s bunch were the main cooks for the evening. There was live musical entertainment--a duo called “Carter Junction” that are located in May, ID, an area close to Challis. The Carters are a young married couple that have three little boys who contribute in their own way to the Carter’s performance. After several disruptions to their presentation Clinton Carter asked if there was anyone in the audience that might be willing to entertain the boys for a bit while they finished up. Elsie McKague jumped at the chance and off to the playground they went. She had a great time with the trio, and Clinton and Sarah, on guitar and harp, finished up the evening in grand style.

Our backyard squirrel is having a busy time gathering summer apples and stashing them high in a tree in the yard.  This creature makes for entertainment in his endeavors and so far seems to have avoided any serious  meetings with our cat.  I have heard some squirrel 'cursing' when the cat is too inquisitive, but so far both are enjoying the freedom of the orchard.  Time will tell.

September 4. 2024

 I have always loved the month of September, even the way the word sounds.  I love the shift in the daily routine, school coming up, school supplies in the stores, harvests going on, winding down of hot days.  Getting ready for hunting season--I was raised in a hunting family, getting the hunting license and daydreams of a successful hunt. 

Enough about me,  I feel you should have an explanation as to why the usual Mink Creek news column isn't here this week.  We had another foul-up in the production of the Citizen.  Our editor took a trip,  articles had been sent to his email and I understand he had made arrangements to print a day later than usual with the company in Montana that sets up the paper.  However  the head honcho in this area, bypassed that and assigned the Pocatello paper editor to put it together---all well and good, except he didn't have access to our editor's email.  As a result nothing that the Citizen staff/writers had reported made the paper this week---the paper this week is filled with stuff from other locations, etc.---only our sports editor who became alerted to the situation as it was happening and she could send her stuff, raising a little dust as she did it, to include a bit about Franklin County, which is what we strive for.

This being the case the Mink Creek weekly news from this week will make print in the Sept. 11 edition, so I should not include it here.  I could give you the Out of Our Past column for this week, because, being dated, this is when it fits and it won't work for the following week.  I don't know if any of you readers are even interested in the historical columns I write.  Maybe you think history is boring...or something we can somehow change.

I just didn't want you to feel frustrated with nothing for today.  Hence you get the workings of my mind.

Feel free to make comments,  I always wonder who is reading and only a few of you claim to be signed up for the blog.  Thanks for the read.  Next week will be more "newsy."

August 27, 2024

 

Gardens are producing, a little erratic in their timing. But it has been that kind of growing season, the beginning started off with night freezes that knocked things askew and caused replanting, with hopes of no more freezes. There was a cloudburst or two that washed up planted seeds. Now we are saying welcome to the corn, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, etc. anything that made it through the gauntlet.

It has been Crane reunion time again in Mink Creek. Linda Shewmaker, Sheryl May, with a cousin, Lynette LaSan, gathered at the Mink Creek home of Bruce and Shauna Crane to remember childhood days together in this beautiful village.

Jeff and Barbara Olson enjoyed children visits from Andy Olson, his wife and their family from South Carolina. Jeff’s daughter Erica Olson came down from Alaska, getting in some time before the beginning of school at their homes far away.

With approaching fall Lin and Sharla McKay might be having less summer road trips and outdoor fun. They have been up in the Wallace, ID, they have made several river runs and not all on the same river, they have visited historic spots and had fun family outings.

The yellow school buses are rolling, filled with kids and drivers who are adjusting to new hours and new plans to extend into the next several months of their lives. This also includes the adults of our community who are connected with the school district in any way and the arrival of school days doesn’t make anything easier. There are still chores to be done and summer not quite over.

There are still reports of the wandering moose in Strawberry Canyon and around Copenhagen. Recently a buck deer collided with a vehicle one night on Highway 36. The creature received bruises and a broken jaw, at least, but he made it to a nearby resident's yard, away from the road, before collapsing and passing away a few days later.

If you are a fan of chokecherries it is time to be on alert. Some are getting ready for picking and the bird population works hard at getting their fill.

August 20, 2024

 

Jonathan Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons of Caldwell, ID, has been living in Mink Creek this summer, working a summer job to earn money anticipating a call to serve an LDS Mission. He has been called to serve in Brazil, Manaus North Mission, leaving in December. He will be speaking Portuguese. Both sets of his grandparents live in Mink Creek, Scott and Cathy Seamons and Joe and Kathy Jarvis.

Roxann and Wes Beutler of Dayton spent a few days here in the Hansen House. They felt this would be a good place for Wes’ s recuperation from recent knee surgery. Judging from their parking lot with additional vehicles, they had plenty of visitors for entertainment.

The family of Jody and Laural Janke drove down from Teton, ID, to spend a few days together having fun before the call of educational pursuits pull some of them elsewhere. Their son Keenan Janke had barely returned from serving a mission to the Barbados, Bridgetown, Mission, where he had been speaking French for the last two years. The family had a day at Lagoon, soaked up the festivities for the Famous Preston Night Rodeo, and enjoyed remembering when they lived in Mink Creek and were close to Bear Lake. Keenan will soon be headed to BYU in Provo and their daughter, Abi, will be in Salt Lake City with an extension of her nursing classes at BYU/I.

Elise and Jeff Hardy and their family, of North Ogden, came up for some days with her parents, Danita and Eldon Wilcox. Families visiting in the fall months seems to announce a change in the weather and the coming changes in family routines.

The frequent short, but intense, storms that have been popping up are causing some stress. Particularly for those who have houses under construction, or reconstruction. An open roof doesn’t shed much rain. Grain harvest struggles with dampness as well.

August 14, 2024

 

Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen spent a few days in southern Utah with family. They have been grateful for air-conditioned buildings in the triple digit heat. It has been some good recuperation time for Mike following some surgery.

Some of the visiting Haws family stayed in Idaho to take in the rodeo weekend. Kasey and Julie Haws were joined by Adam and Camene Haws and their family from Sol Vang. The Haws children have been busy in California with their 4H projects and things are winding up, ready for school to begin.

Carla and Mark Nielsen and Aidan and Victoria Nielsen enjoyed family time with Claudine and LaMar McKague. They came up from American Fork, UT, to attend the Famous Preston Night Rodeo, meeting up with their friends, the Adam Haws family.

Walter Iverson and his wife Jillian are temporary residents of Mink Creek in an unusual situation. Walter is studying dentistry and has been doing an internship the last several months in the office of Dr. Kurt Iverson, a local dentist, who happens to be Walter’s father. If it were possible we would keep these two young people, but educational pursuits will call them elsewhere.

The youth and their leaders enjoyed a night of floating the Bear River in the Oneida Narrows. Kim Rasmussen and Jared Keller drove shuttle service for the trips back upriver. Kim also cooked up yummy hamburgers with all the fixings, he has a chef reputation to keep up with the guys. Bishop McKay had chips, drinks and licorice enough for all. Cookies were dessert on the menu, thanks to the girls’ leaders.

Clifford and LaDawn Jensen’s life recently has been a bit of a whirlwind. Their granddaughter, Murial Jensen was married on July 16, the rites taking place in Boise, the reception in Pocatello a few days later. Mercedes Mackelprang, the Jensen’s daughter, and aunt to Murial, came for the occasion , all the way from Statesboro, GA. With Mercedes was her daughter Melissa who lives in Boston and a friend, Domitille, who is from France. Idaho was certainly new territory for these girls and there was much to be seen and done during the family visit.

The fall version of COVID-19 has arrived in Mink Creek. There are several residents suffering from the malady, some feeling wiped out, others managing to keep plugging along. Often in a farming operation there is not much choice. People are doing the testing with this round and there is the usual irregularity.

August 6, 2024

 

We have had lightning, we have had rain, big gulps of it, we have had loss of power several times. The dryness has perked up a bit with the gift of the rain.

Elder Charles Iverson returned from serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Philippines, Bacolod area. He spoke to the Mink Creek Ward of his experiences and testimony. He included moments of typhoons and long hikes. Charles is the son of Kurt and Margret Iverson and all of his siblings were able to attend as well as grandparents, Johnny and Jeannine Iverson of Mink Creek and Sharon Knapp of Mapleton. Relatives on both the Iverson and Knapp sides of the family gathered for the occasion.

The Allen and Pearl Christensen Family Reunion was held at the Mink Creek Ballpark. Robin and Joseph Francom of North Carolina combined attending the reunion with the graduation of their daughter from BYU/I in Rexburg. Dorothy and Larry Shears came from Denver, CO. With shorter distances of travel were Devin and Shaundeen Christensen from Layton, UT, Verneal Lowry from Tooele, UT, and Janna and Rod Small from Preston. A stormy wind with rain caused them to move from the park to the workshop of Clare and Linda Christensen for a more pleasant, drier gathering.

Jeff and Barbara Olson have received a mission call to the California, Oakland/ San Francisco Mission. They will be leaving in January and serving at the Visitors’ Center of the Oakland Temple.

Judy Wilde and Anna Beth Olson are called to serve in the Preston East Stake to use their musical talents. Anna Beth is the Music Specialist, and Judy, the Music Adviser.

RoZann and Tom Baker from Salt Lake City enjoyed a few days in Mink Creek’s relative coolness. RoZann grew up in Mink Creek, the daughter of Keith and Ramona Crane, on what is now known as the Two-Creek Ranch.

It has been rodeo weekend in the county and it is amazing how many people come home for this three day extravaganza. Parades every night,  the carnival, the hamburgers from the Rotary and Kiwanis service clubs, all part of the event. There are class reunions often held during this time, perfect since so many return for the fun and memories.

July 30, 2024

 

Carol and Richard Wall are settling in to enjoy her parent’s home, that of Larry and Lillian Hansen, while the Hansen take a trip to Scandinavia to explore their Danish roots. The Walls live in Salt Lake and enjoy the peace of the Mink Creek surroundings.

Mink Creek is welcoming another new family. James and Sydney Bowen and their three children Alex, Elliot, and Sydney. They are moving into the Two Creek Ranch House.

Matt Westerberg and his wife have spent some relaxing days at the home of his parents Terry and Wendy Westerberg. The beauties of Station Creek are perfect at this time of year and it is a different pace than their lives in the big city on the east coast.

Emalina Colvin, a daughter of JoAnn and Drew Ford, is here staying with her parents, assisting as they prepare to move and getting the Ford home ready to be placed on the market.

There are three other Mink Creek homes now looking for buyers. They are the Steve and Amy Baldwin home, the Reed and Penny Swann home, and the Kaci Baldwin home.

The Haws children brought their Dad, Karl Haws, up from California for a week of remembering his Mink Creek home. Their earlier years were spent in the Santa Barbara area, now several of the siblings live in Sol Vang. The plan was for the siblings to gather and, at last count, four of them had reported.

It seems fitting to have Cliff Keller to be the first high councilman assigned to the Mink Creek Ward since the organization of the new Preston East Stake. Cliff’s ancestral roots go back to the founding family of Mink Creek, that of James Morgan and Karen Valentine Keller. Teresa, Cliff’s wife, is a bonus to this calling.

We have had three power outages during this past week.  The first big lighting bang must have taken something out, or brought something in. The outages were various lengths of time, but it sure served as a reminder to update batteries in the lanterns that were feeble.  It always pays to have the old-fashioned candle, even the scentsy type break up the darkness.

July 23, 2024

 

The Young Women’s Girls’ Camp was really out of this world, at least the Mink Creek world, taking place at Island park at a “cabin” belonging to President Michael and Nicole Romney of the new Preston East Stake. As the group drove up they stopped by at the temple grounds in Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Rexburg. Camp activities included crafts, games, sing-a-longs. For water play activities they had both a lake and river nearby. A short drive took them to the top of Sawtelle Peak where they could view the world below, 360 degrees, all sides with a feeling of the vastness of creation. Their theme for the year has been Christ being the Light and a devotional where they were able to float lighted lanterns capped off one evening. Both leaders and young women experienced some time of enrichment and rest from the challenges of daily life.

We have had Sid and Lisa Whitehouse back among us for a bit of summer. They are Crickers at heart, but live in South Carolina when they aren’t traveling about. They brought a grandson with them, who had a great time riding horses and bikes, hiking the territory and just having summer fun Idaho-style.

Hannah and Spencer Singleton of El Dorado, AR, are spending their annual month with Hannah’s parents, Wynn and Cecelie Costley. The two Singleton sons, Samuel and Grey, are extra blond this month, having lost a family wager and have bleached their already blond hair and given both a buzz cut. Memories are made.

Robert Greenlee and Corrie Wallace were married June 22, 2024.They live in the former Jewel Christensen home on Mink Creek Road. It was a Mountain Man themed wedding, performed by Corrie’s brother T. J. Wallace. The couple was decked out in Mountain Man attire. The celebration was held at neighbor Clare Christensen’s front yard and garden with approximately 80 friends and family attending. Decorations were provided by Mandy and Dan Durham, “Moments to Memories Event Decorating.” A reception/dinner followed, hosted by the family and Clare Christensen. The food followed the theme, mountain-man flavor and style.

Things are hot and dry and we are so glad the state highway crew did a round trip to canyons and back with their mowing equipment. The roadside grasses were quite high and serve as cover, especially at night, for deer, and other wildlife to come suddenly into the road for a collision. Of course this doesn’t eliminate the problem, but it does cut down on fatalities.

July 16, 2024

 

I promised information about the 4th, and didn't realize it would be lengthy.  The day was wonderful, a special feeling about it somehow, being the middle of the week and yet so many wanting to be at the doings.  If you have visited in the past you know the ballpark is a lovely place.  It has been a part of Mink Creek for many, many years and only improved over time.

Mink Creek community’s annual July 4^th was a great day that filled the local ballpark with people of all ages. Lounge chairs, blankets, tables, shade pop-ups filled the area. The huge national flag billowed out in the breezes at the eastern edge of the park. The temperature of the day was “just right.” A flag ceremony was conducted by our veterans with a patriotic talk from Warren Wilde and the official raising of the flag by Royce Christensen, Layne Erickson and Bob Erickson. AnnaBeth Olson had put together a program for the occasion with Ethan McKague playing a trumpet solo of our National Anthem and a vocal group, Kristin and Jay Collins, Claudine and LaMar McKague, Sage Ricks, and Elsie McKague singing a rendition of “God Bless America.”

In trying to notice who were wearing aprons some of the food committee may have been missed, apologies from this writer. Dutch Oven potatoes from the Stuart Ostler and Brent Sharp family. Chicken and beef from the Clare Christensen crew. Tossed salad, rolls. Drinks by Brint Phillips: water, root beer and lemonade. Others in aprons: Bret Rasmussen, Wynn and Ceclie Costley, L.D. Larkins, Jan Seamons. And many willing, helpful servers when it came time to serve up the grub. Dessert was ice cream sandwiches and a piece of a huge cake decorated in the great style of Cecelie Costley and Leah Gilbert. \

By tallying tickets sold for the celebration dinner there were 420 attending, but that doesn’t include the children who didn’t require a lunch ticket. Live music from John Dahle entertained while food was being prepared and again later in the day. After the much anticipated candy drop from several swoops from a visiting airplane, there was a variety of activities available: a rope constructed monkey bridge, a short slack line, wading pool, bounce house and slide, corn hole, volleyball, face painting, ultimate frisbee , a treasure ball hunt, an obstacle course and high on the list always, is the water slide in the afternoon, taking advantage of our sloping countryside adorned with irrigation water and suitable slide materials. Bret Rasmussen brought his oil can train for afternoon rides.

There was happiness for living in the USA.

July 9, 2024

 

Idaho State Highway crews have been hauling many truckloads of gravel to improve some of the parking areas off of Strawberry Road, aka State Highway 36, as it winds up Strawberry Canyon on its way to the Copenhagen Parking lot. This will be a big improvement for the snowmobile crowd during the winter months.

Kasey and Julie Haws and Lauren and Ken Nash and family members have started the summer run of Haws family visitors, most of whom come from California, throughout the whole year, but mainly the months of more reasonable weather. This group likely was laying the groundwork for others as they choose to spend days in the Idaho summer.

Marilyn (Jepsen) and Bob Godfrey have managed to stay here for a few weeks recently. Marilyn is the first daughter of the Freemon and Ada Jepsen family, growing up on Bear Creek Rd. The Godfreys live in Arizona.

With the recent formation of the Preston East Stake there are frequent callings being made in the eight wards making up the membership of the stake. Thus far two of the Mink Creek members in stake positions are Steve Baldwin as a High Councilor and Robert Crosland as the 1^st Counselor to Tom Madsen in the East Stake Sunday School presidency.

Dr. Kurt and Margret Iverson , their son Conner, and an Iverson cousin, recently returned from a vacation trip to Scotland. The countries of Great Britain are just as green and beautiful as our own Mink Creek is at this time of year.

Our smaller creeks that flow into the Mink Creek waterway have dwindled in quantity of water with the recent hot temperatures. Most of them have shrunk with the snow pack meltdown a thing of the past.

People continue to report on spotting the Momma moose and her calf on their drives through Strawberry Canyon over to Bear Lake. She must be considering our forest as her home ground for now.

The Mink Creek July 4^th was fun day, lots of people, particularly for a middle of the week holiday. More on that next week.

July 2, 20242

 

Family members of Elder Jesse Erickson gathered together in Wellsville to welcome him as he returned from his mission. He is the son of Bryan and Shannon Erickson. His grandparents, Layne and Karen Erickson and aunt Terrie McKay drove down from Mink Creek for the occasion. Jesse served the first part of his mission in the India, New Delhi, Mission and then received a transfer to the Washington, D. C., South, Mission, serving much of that time in northern Virginia.

Some new arrivals have come to the community. This time it is Whitt and Ellie Smith. She is the daughter of Dan and Casey Christensen and the couple will be living in Mink Creek while their future plans take shape.

Robert and Phee Crosland attended a Crosland Family Reunion in Moroni, UT. This is where ‘the Cros’ grew up surrounded by siblings in a large family. As is often the case with these gatherings, there were relatives in attendance that they hadn’t seen in years.

Alex Huxford was here for a weekend, visiting and assisting the family of Richard and Vickie Free. Alex is a nephew and spent summers on the Free ranch as a teenager.

The family of Vance and Connie Christensen have been here visiting with family. There was much sharing of memories of when they lived among us in their growing up years.

Fierce winds have been causing some havoc for those who grow hay in our village. The strong gusts rearrange the windrows of hay that were so nicely laid out in our farmers’ fields as the crop was mowed. Haying season keeps the landowner on alert, needing to be weather-watchers affected by heat, rain, wind around the clock, at the mercy of nature. It all affects the nutrient quality of the hay. And then there is the breakdown of the equipment, another item that always surfaces as the summer months move along.

There is no question as to it being summer in Mink Creek. A drive past the Mink Creek Ballpark on a weekend finds the place full of visitors enjoying a Family Reunion, the next weekend, same scene, different family. Farm machinery wake up fairly early, along with the operating farmer, to catch the cooler temperature, or get involved in some phase of irrigating for the next crop. It is a beautiful time of year.

June 25, 2024

 

Laura Cheney and Cindy Hanson have returned to Mink Creek. Employment and health issues have taken them to Utah for several months and they have been missed.

Robert and Phee Crosland were able to witness the blessing and naming of a grandson recently. Mario and Amanda Crosland, of Smithfield have chosen the name of Courtland Mario Crosland for their little boy. Another Crosland son, Armando, has been at home in Mink Creek for a couple of weeks, taking a break from his job in Washington, D. C. before he was assigned to go to Vienna.

The welcome mat has rolled out for Justin and Kaytlin Jackson and their children, Sloan, Murphy and Moab who have moved to Mink Creek. They live in the home built by Jared and Juliana Egley and are members of the family that purchased the Egley Farms.

The Young Women of the LDS ward enjoyed an activity at the Heritage Senior Living Center in Preston. They were there to call the numbers for a Bingo game activity. There was a lot of laughter and friendship shared at this event. It was a fun evening, well spent.

The family and friends of Johnny and Jeannine Iverson gathered at their home on Glencoe Road to help them celebrate their 70^th wedding anniversary. Family came from Washington, Texas, Utah, Idaho, the Iverson children and even some siblings, all ages were present.

We have had chokecherry trees blooming and some random horse chestnut trees The recent winds have ripped off blossoms from any that were left on the many chokecherry trees that are scattered through our village. Horse chestnut and any tree with a flower quickly had their petals flying in the onslaught.

The sight of motorcycle groups on Highway 36 has replaced that of outfits pulling trailers loaded with snowmobiles. The cycles range from singles, to several, to fifty or so as they streak by with the accompanying roar of the motors. Another sign of summer.

June 18, 2024

 

The Mink Creek Ward Relief Society started off the hot weather season with a barbeque dinner at the ballpark. It was advertised as an SOS get together, which might describe the emotions as the growing season gets underway. However the SOS stood for Sisters Only Social. The menu was chicken, prepared by Cecelie Costley, Dutch-oven potatoes by Robin Stephenson, tossed salad by Jonia Jackson and homemade huckleberry ice cream with rhubarb/strawberry pie by Margret Iverson. These women make up the Relief Society presidency. “Entertainment” for the evening was getting a chance to visit and the sharing of “food flops” that have been experienced in our own kitchens. Most of the flops were from the early years as brides, but flops can occur anytime and always provide humor with the proper attitude in hindsight. It was a perfect evening, About two dozen sisters attended.

The family of Clayton and Wendy Currie have moved to Honeyville, UT. They have three sons: William, Devlyn and Larien. A nephew, Christopher Wilkinson, may stay in the area.

Celina Crosland Groesbeck, her husband Jesse and their two daughters have moved to Worland, WY, Jesse’s hometown. The couple have been employed in the Boise area over the last year and a job opening close to family has given them this new direction.

The Crane trio, siblings, Bruce, Linda and Sheryl, were here for their annual greeting of spring in their hometown. Bruce has a Mink Creek home, the sisters live around Jerome. They share memories, hike the hills and soak up family connections and it is always of source of recharging tor the months ahead.

With summer months comes the awareness of rodeo activities in rural America. It is extra exciting for the Kerry and Lacey Christensen family this year. At the recent contest for rodeo royalty for the Famous Preston Night Rodeo that will be in a few months their daughters excelled. It was tough competitions. Jyllian Christensen was chosen as the Queen of the Rodeo and her sister, Greenlee was chosen as the Junior Queen. Congratulations, and a dream come true!

We are alerted to the likelihood of freezing temperatures for a couple of nights. It is one of those times when gardening becomes questionable. The big question being, “How do we cover the whole garden, just when things are getting a good start?”

June 11, 2024

 

A definite marker of the month of June is that the local crops of hay are being mowed and arranged in those lovely parallel lines, designing each field with some uniqueness. The machines that accomplish have changed over time, but the basic process remains the same as the hay goes from the field to storage in a barn or stack awaiting the time needed by animals or to be sold. It is a great season.

There is evidence of some earth slides on some of our slopes, an indication that we have received more moisture than “normal.” These slides are scattered through our village so it hasn’t been only one geological flaw.

Our temporary population is growing, a yearly occurrence when those owners with summer homes return for a few months, before fleeing from winter’s usual onslaught. Bryce and Terry Stromberg are here. Sam and Sylvia Stanger have their beacon on the hillside. Jim and Debbie Harrison are keeping an eye open for possible overflowing canals that did some extensive damage to their place last year. Jeff and Julie Workman spend more and more time in Mink Creek as they work towards permanent residence.

The family of Matthew and Chelsey Rhees are officially members of our local LDS Ward. Their names were announced in May, along with the names of their children, Payton, Brody, Kason, Bridger and Ty. Some time ago the family purchased the land that had belonged to Ron and Mary Norris. Since then the old home was demolished and the Rhees’ have built a new home. This is a farm of long standing in the community, old-timers think of it as the William and Jemima Crane place. Crane was the Bishop of the ward at the time of the construction of the current meetinghouse, dedicated in 1929.

The storms that often hit this time of year are providing lots of entertainment in the way of noisy lightning strikes and the thunder rumble that accompanies. Some of these are even colorful, hitting about the time of sunset with pinks and purples. The rain can be a deluge, but covering a limited area. Quoting one of our farmer residents, “this sort of rain doesn’t benefit much, a short soak of a crop, but it can ruin the hay that is down.”

June 4, 2024

 

The cemetery was beautiful on Memorial Day and was filled with decorated resting spots. The work given by the Cemetery Committee is appreciated. For several years it has become a time to place a photograph of those who are deceased near their headstones and much of the history of both the community and individuals becomes shared in this undertaking. Some families made an extra effort to arrive as a group at the gravesites of loved ones to take family pictures.

There was a good turnout for the recent voting in the primary Elections. The women on the Election Board this year were Danita Wilcox, Lorraine Christensen and Lana Baird McCracken. All was in readiness for the arrival of voters.

The Hansen House was full of Hansens for the holiday. Wes and Heather Hansen were up from Ogden, UT, Dirk and Patricia Bowles and their son Robert and family from Fairview, ID. Perhaps more that escaped my notice.

The holiday weekend brought the Lewis and Clark Volunteers, Mountain Men group, for their traditional encampment at the Vernon Keller farm on the banks of Mink Creek. There was a full group this year with campers filling the open area. Some of the Keller family also came up from Utah to enjoy this event, Kelton and Denise Keller, Kaylene and Jeff Hill, Karla Jensen. Kim and Dianna Keller live on the Mink Creek farm.

A neighbor recently reported that she had “a fox in the hen house.” Literally,.  Of course, the results were not good for those hens or the neighbor. Living among wildlife has extra challenges. Another creature that has appeared on the local scene is a beaver who has been busy trying to build a dam in one of the irrigation ditches.

Joseph and Rebecca Jones were up from Herriman, UT, visiting our area. He grew up here, is the nephew of Vickie and Richard Free. His parents, Austin and Kathy Jones now live in Grace, but Joseph manages to come and share memories every so often.

Wildflowers are coloring up our slopes. Yellow lady slippers and Mules Earss, Purple and blue lupines, golden curly lilies. Of course there is the controversial dandelion. It is a pretty season. Noticeable as well is the evil Dyer’s Woad, an aggressive weed that has the capacity to spread like a fire.

May 29, 2024

 

What a season this is! Everyone is checking their outdoor thermometers regularly. Our village boundaries are long, about ten miles, and comparatively narrow. While it is cold and raining in the southwestern part of our community it will be cold and snowing at the northern end. It does keep things interesting, but perhaps not comfortable.

Long-time friends, Jeff Olson and Steven Westerberg, are local hikers and as they wander around mountains and canyons lately they have enjoyed both the bursting greenery and the remaining snow tucked up high.

Vickie Free joined her sister Kathy Jones and husband Austin Jones of Grace, ID, and some of the Jones kids for a family trip to the Orlando, FL, country. Good fun, some relaxation and shopping made for a good break before the growing and gardening season takes off with those demands.

Mink Creek is proud of their high school graduates for this year. Tom Henderson, graduating from Preston High is the son of Brady and Shoni Henderson. Tehya Nicholls, grand-daughter of Tom and Donna Nicholls, and Liberty Stanworth, daughter of Kaci Baldwin, graduated from Franklin County High School, all this past week. Congratulations are in order for these young adults.

Devin and Maria Flake and their son Jude came up from Utah to celebrate Devin’s birthday. Coming to see Maria’s mother, Lana Baird McCracken, is a continuing treat for the Flake family, particularly for Jude.

Our Young Women’s group had a great activity this month. They gathered at Bishop Paul McKay’s home for some lessons on car maintenance from one who had chosen that as his career. They played a game entitled, "Guess What the Indicator Light Means" and then learned first hand how to check for fluids. Another item for the evening was that of changing a flat tire, figuring out where the spare tire and the jack were, how to operate a car that wasn’t equipped with push buttons. It was a great hands-on car class.

A cloudburst visited Mink Creek on Saturday that went right along with the first paragraph. It hit in the middle of the village. Literally a torrent of water poured down and swept mud, rocks, planted seeds, etc with it as it headed to the base of our valley. On the ends of the valley the storm was less intense.

May 22, 2024

 

Skyler and McKinley Longhurst Stevens are back home in Franklin County. They have finished their educational pursuits in Raleigh, North Carolina and are now checking out opportunities for future plans. It is nice to be on their home turf. It has been a year of learning a new culture in the east as well as the schooling.

These two did some “house sitting”, along with Emily Longhurst and Tony Viviano, for their mother Candy Longhurst while she was on a trip to the British Isles. Candy is a hiker of our green mountains and she loved hiking in Scotland and Ireland, that are equally green right now. She spent two weeks roaming the spring beauty with friends. They took in Inverness and its history in Scotland, loved the beauty of the lochs (lakes). Then there was Dublin in Ireland and the Blarney Castle and gardens. Candy was able to kiss the famous Blarney stone.

LaMar and Claudine McKague drove down to Lehi, UT, to attend a surprise farewell party at Thanksgiving Point that was honoring Jeff and Christine Waddoups Rich. Jeff, Christine and Claudine grew up together, best friends during their high school days at Preston High School. They were joined by another classmate, Kim Clark. It will be President and Sister Rich this coming summer as the couple depart to serve in Thailand as the Missionary President and wife for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in that area. Jeff is the son of Larry and Dorothy Rich and Christine is the daughter of Jerry and Caroline Waddoups.

We are saddened to write of the death of Elaine Mikesell Larsen, the wife of Craig Larsen. She had recently spent some days in the hospital and was happy to be going home. She has lived in Mink Creek for nearly fifteen years and will be missed by many. A graveside service took place on May 17^th, at the Fairview Cemetery.

We hear of the “wind sweeping down the hills,” but this week we had the wind roaring up into our mountains. Local amateur weathermen recorded it at 32 mph steadily, with gusts at over 37 miles per hour. At least one barn roof was damaged and multiple loose outdoor garbage cans and furniture went rolling to new locations. The downpour of rain that was part of the blitz gave us a good soaking.

We got an unexpected freeze last night. Ice on the sprinklers this morning and any unprotected garden plants likely taken out. Around here the general rule is don’t plant until after Mothers’ Day—that was 10 days ago.

May 14, 2024

 

Ballroom dancing has taken the front stage for two of our families recently. Mink Creek had three young performers participating in Dancing With the Stars event at Preston High School. Jyllian and Greenlee Christensen are daughters of Lacey and Kerry Christensen. Hazen Baird is the son of Liesa and LaRon Baird. Greenlee and her partner, Dr. Hansen, were awarded 3^rd place for their fast-stepped dance. Beautiful gowns, dancing music and performers, what a great show!

Eldon and Danita Wilcox enjoyed a warm trip to Cloverdale, CA to reconnect with friends made while serving in Pennsylvania on their mission. While down that way they visited four new Latter-day Saint temples. Then they drove up the coast to Kennewick, WA, and the Tri-Cities to spend time with Eldon’s brother. On the trip home they managed two more temples, Twin Falls and Meridian.

Lorraine Christensen spent some time in Layton, UT, with daughter, Carrie and Ken Melton and their family. The occasion was that of Carrie receiving her Masters Degree from Weber State in Ogden. Later they were able to take in a tour of the open house at the Layton Temple, along with the Melton grandchildren.

ReNae Egley recently joined her friends Jill Hobbs and LeLan Daines for another trip abroad. This time it was back to parts of Europe: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania. It was a mixture of scenery, architecture, statues, new foods and all sorts of long ago history. Monasteries, castles, the Danube River, multiple lakes, rose gardens, ancient Roman ruins and artifacts, museums, cities large and small. It was an amazing adventure for this traveling trio.

There are reports, with pictures, of moose moving around in Strawberry Canyon. It is amazing how those big creatures can pop out of the forest while crossing the highway in front of a vehicle.

Long before I had any idea I would spend most of life in Mink Creek, Idaho, a friend's father who had passed through this valley many times going from Star Valley to Utah  described it as an "apple valley." He had memories of smelling the blossoms on the trees as they drove thru in the spring, and again a more mature scent of the trees filled with apples in the fall trip.  Now it is the spring apple valley time in Mink Creek. Breathe it in.

May 8, 2024

 

Bob and Claudia Erickson and LaMar and Claudine McKague drove up to Newdale, ID, to take part in the celebration of the marriage of Abigail Janke to Austin Leas. These two met while attending classes at BYU/ Idaho in Rexburg. It was an outdoor party, blessed with lovely weather and plenty of space for the games, visiting, and dancing that had been planned. Abi grew up in Mink Creek and is part of the nursing program at BYU/Idaho. The family of Jody and Laural Janke now live in Teton, ID.

Courtney Carr was here for a few days with her grandmother, Mary Jean Rasmussen and her uncle, Kim Rasmussen. Courtney is finishing her first year in the graduate program at Utah State University.

Andy Olson, son of Jeff Olson, spent a few days with his father and Barbara Olson at their home near Station Creek. Andy has now retired from his career in the military where he has been headquartered in Ft. Collins, CO. He and his family are currently living in South Carolina.

Congratulations to Brooke Corbett Reichman on her graduation from Utah Valley University in the College of Health and Public Service. Now a Registered Nurse with the desired degrees she is looking forward to a new chapter in her life, as her husband Josh readies for more medical school. She was home to spend some time with her Dad, Shane Corbett and brother Austin.

It is always fun to see the high school prom attire and the floral arrangements that come out the morning after the Prom. Guys look just as great as the girls.

Jonia Jackson is the new water master for the Mink Creek area. She is assuming the position after the retirement of Reed Swann last fall. Jonia has recently had her sisters Julie and Jennie arrive for some fun family time.

The return of semi-winter days and temperatures is a bit discouraging, but we know it will not last. The blooming tulips look beautiful in a light blanket of snow. The winds have been pretty rough on any fruit tree that is in the blossoming phase, but it is part of Idaho spring. In the seed catalogs we are not listed in the balmy regions for a reason.