May 1, 2024

 Happy May Day, Everyone!  In all the researching of the past that I do I have found that at the beginning of the 20th Century and for years beyond May Day was a time of big celebrations, at least in the farming areas.  They had a May pole, colorful streamers, danced around it.  Families gathered for a day of fun.  My guess is that it was a welcome day to take a break from the hard physical labor they put forth daily in order to survive and progress  with their neighbors.  

The last few nights have been beautiful with the full moon and a few cloud strips to serve as reflectors. Recently several of our residents were able to travel to an area in the United Stated where it was possible to observe the total eclipse of the sun with that same moon. Wynn and Cecelie Costley timed a visit to El Dorado, AR, and the home of their daughter Hannah and Spencer Singleton. The Kent and Tammy Beardall family made a trip to Oklahoma. Robert and Phee Crosland drove down to Texas, current home of their son Marco Crosland and his family. Most of our community enjoyed getting a smaller percentage of the eclipse here at home.

Emma Rasmussen, daughter of Trevor and April Rasmussen performed in the Bennett Cup vocal competition at Preston High School. She sang “It Might As Well Be Spring” and was accompanied by Judy Wilde. There was quite an “Emma Rasmussen Fan Club” in attendance that night to offer support and cheer. Congratulation on a performance well done!

Layne and Karen Erickson and their daughter Terrie McKay went to Logan for the blessing of the Erickson’s granddaughter. This tiny girl is the first child of Connie and Adam Westenskow. She was given the name of Emma Lynn Westenskow. Emma started her life as a preemie and it has taken a few months to be ready for this occasion.

Leon Loveland passed away in a motorcycle accident and his funeral was held in Mink Creek on April 20. He was buried in the Mink Creek Cemetery. His son Mike and a niece, Jamie  Osborne are residents.

There are blossoms on the apricot, peach and cherry trees, and wild plums. It makes for a fruity perfume in the outdoors. There are also sniffles and sneezes, as allergy season kicks into gear. With the snow receding there are more trails sufficiently dry for good hiking. We are hearing the roar of motorcycles rather than that of snowmobiles.

April 24, 2024

 

Some of our residents are getting ahead of the garden game. Those who own small greenhouses are enjoying the fun of watching for sprouted seeds. Some have devised ways of indoor planting without the greenhouse, and are looking forward to when the weather will be favorable to actually dig in the ground. It is that time of year. This includes getting lawnmowers ready for the ongoing task, checking on weed killer, lawn fertilizer and all the various activities that abound with warm weather.

It is also the time of year for our spring Roadside Cleanup morning. On the 13^th of April volunteers gathered at the Mink Creek Ballpark at 8 a.m for instructions and a supply of orange pickup bags, then headed to their assigned areas to search out debris that had been deposited, mainly by passing motorists, along the sides of Highway 36, that also happens to be the main drag of our village. Task completed, the workers gathered back to the ballpark to share a breakfast that had been created by Clare and Linda Christensen and their crew of helpers. The weather was perfect for the activity, a factor that always figures in on the success.

Syringa Camp of the DUP met this month at the home of Virginia Flippence in Preston, with nine ladies attending. The members were able to finalize their various assignments for the coming year. They are: Captain Mary Ann Jepsen, 1^st Vice Captain Linda Christensen, 2^nd Vice Captain LuJean Young, Secretary/Treasurer/Historian Ramona Lower, Registrar Linda Carlson, Chaplain Angie Griffeth, Lesson Leaders Julie Westerberg and Lorraine Christensen, Music Leader Mary Ann Jepsen, Parliamentarian Karen Erickson, Artifact Leader Mary Jean Rasmussen, and Museum Leader Virginia Flippence. Their historic lesson for this month was “Down and Back,” the church ‘train system’ of helping the pioneers with wagons and handcarts to travel the distance from the Midwest to Utah by having outfitting stations along the trail to help with difficulties and supplies.

Several days of spring beauty add sunshine for the soul as well as for our surroundings. The lacey pattern of new leaves on the bare winter branches is beautiful. It won’t be long, even with some storms along the way, before Mink Creek community’s main color will be green, in a variety of shades.

April 16, 2024

 

Eldon and Danita Wilcox enjoyed a reunion with a former exchange student who lived in the Wilcox home while attending Preston High. It has been 22 years since Omar Lopez lived in Mink Creek. Omar brought his wife and two children to share past memories of his life in Idaho. Living in Tijuana, Mexico, the kids were particularly interested in seeing snow. The group went up into our canyons in order to find enough to get in some sledding activity. MaKenzie Gunter and Brigham Wilcox were part of the Wilcox household when Omar was a teen and they came home to reconnect with Omar and meet his family.

Jay and Kristin Collins spent Easter weekend with their daughter Claire Collins in the Boise area. One of the objectives of their visit was helping Claire move to a new apartment, always a daunting task and extra hands help to lighten the load.

Doug and Kathy Wilcox have been building a lovely home on a spot of land they have owned for a number of years. They were up from Utah recently and brought some family as well, Steve and Brooke Wilcox and Darin and Maddie Wilcox. Mink Creek is a great place for a second home, especially during the warm, green months of the year.

Robert and Phee Crosland have recently returned from a long anticipated trip to New Zealand, in the company of two of their sons, Rico and Armando Crosland. Rico Crosland served as the organizer, planner and tour guide for this venture, having served in New Zealand for two years as a missionary. They loved the beautiful scenery, enjoyed a visit to the Hamilton, New Zealand, Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and survived a flat tire with no spare.

We have had a respiratory bug making the rounds with the coming of spring. Several of our citizens have reported three weeks of dealing with a congestion, head aches, etc. that simply will not leave. It is more than the annual “Spring cold” with the sniffles.

April 10, 2024

 

Easter in Mink Creek this year dawned with snow, sleet, and slush, all depending on where you were located in terms of elevation. That is how it works in the community. But it was a great weekend for people coming home and being together.

Kim and Sam Daines and their daughters were up from Lehi, UT, soaking up some village time and adding joy to the day of Kim’s mother, Judy Clark. Devin and Maria Flake and son Jude expanded the ranks of the Baird family, particularly with Lana McCracken and Nathan Baird, but stretching out to LaRon and Liesa Baird’s family.

Dane and Rebecca Jones and Clara made a long trip from Washougal, WA, for some time with her parents, Johnny and Jeannine Iverson. The Jones family lived for a year in Mink Creek so even without Mink Creek roots, this was a homecoming for them.

Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler of Parma, ID, brought their children, Hudson and Charlotte, home to grandmother Candy Longhurst so she could introduce them to the fun of farm chores and animals.

Mink Creek will always be home for Wes and Heather Hansen of Ogden. The Hansen House near the mouth of Mink Creek is a frequent host of Hansen siblings.

Ami Fenton and her family shared Easter traditions with her parents, Eldon and Danita Wilcox.

Easter activities combined with birthdays for some celebrating for Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson’s bunch. Jerry and Christine Olson and daughters came up from Santa Clara, UT. C J Peterson, a grandson, joined the group.

LaMar and Claudine McKague are enjoying living closer to three of their children. They had Sage and Nathan Ricks down from Rexburg, Ethan McKague from Lehi, UT, and Jarin and Brynlee McKague and sons from Idaho Falls, visit on separate weekends recently.

David and Melanie Law, part-time residents with one foot in Utah, the other in Mink Creek, brought a good group of family to spend these special days.

As the holiday weekend approached many residents wondered how to make plans with the regularly changing weather. As reported it appears there was a good mix of both indoor and outdoor plans made, always with some flexibility.

The youth of the Mink Creek ward made a trip to Pocatello, ID, for a visit to the Pocatello Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After their activities there they enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls produced from the kitchens of their local leaders. It was a sweet experience for all connected, in all aspects.

April 3, 2024

 

Spring Break from school means a variety of daily changes for those few days. So much of it depends upon the weather received during that time. There have been plans for aerating of lawns, cleaning out sheds, getting rid of the proverbial ‘junk.’ Even thoughts of planting might “dance in our heads.” Unless it snows and rains for that week, which pretty much describes how it has been for this break.

The Kasey and Julia Haws family made an early spring trip up from California, with a number of their family in tow. The weather they met in Mink Creek was fairly decent and they were able to combine some fun with spring preparations.

Kurt and Margret Iverson and their son Conner were able to head to the eastern part of the country and tour various historical sites of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some were around Palmyra, N Y, others in Nauvoo, IL and Kirtland, OH. That covers a considerable amount of miles, but such was the case in the history of the church.

The family of Chiara Crosland gathered in Mink Creek in a memorial service, honoring her life. She passed away at age 42 on February 19 in Safford, AZ. Chiara grew up in Mink Creek, her parents are Robert and Phee Crosland. Her children, her siblings and extended family came together to share memories.

The Young Women’s organization discovered that there are multiple types of toppings for freshly made scones. Prior to the main activity they indulged in frying the dough and topping the creations with butter, cinnamon sugar, various icings, various jams. Then they met at the home of one of their leaders, Casey Christensen, to learn the art of assembling silk flowers into lasting corsages or boutonnieres. The outcome was as many different designs as there were girls, plus the fun of creativity.

I don’t know about you, but I am still adjusting to the Daylight Saving Time shift. The last meal of my day is late because my brain doesn’t realize it is time to get hustling up food. Even my cat’s inner timer is off-kilter.

These last few days have felt like spring, and not just “Idaho spring.” Even though we are expecting another storm in a day or two, it has been great to have the feeling of moving forward.  It really is April!

March 28, 2024

 

The bird population is exploding with the more definite coming of spring. Trumpeter swans have stopped by for a few days rest. The little twittery birds are scratching about in yards looking for any leftover morsels to eat as they check out nest building materials that will be needed before long. The local owls are enjoying the warmer night time hours for longer chatting sessions, echoing across our valley. Nearly every year I have lived here we have a flock of Evening Grosbeaks that visit for a few days, checking out the pine cones in our yard and any dried chokecherries that might be on the top branches of our tree. 

Several of our residents have undertaken the making of maple syrup from the local maple and box elder trees. The activity has been one encouraged by County Agent, Brackin Henderson and it has proven interesting. It takes gallons of the sap from the trees to boil down into usable, small containers of the sweet stuff, but the challenge has been inviting. It is no easy task.

The family of Stuart and Alona Ostler have taken a spring trip to San Carlos, Mexico, for a week’s worth of ocean-fishing and fun. The weather was perfect this year. Stuart and Alona took their whole family and then some more. Alona’s parents, Brent and Jody Sharp, went along and this was a first time for Brent.

March Madness and a love of basketball took Kim Rasmussen along with some other family to the bright lights of Las Vegas for the tournaments. It is an annual event for Kim.

The Relief Society held a social to celebrate the anniversary of the organization. It was a brunch held in the recreation hall entitled “Aren’t We Lucky!” There was meet and greet and some fun games. Decorations spoke of spring, mixed with some St. Patrick’s luck, created by Hollie Keller and Kim Christensen. The theme was that of having an Attitude of Gratitude, for blessings received. The food committee members were Barbara Olson, Kristin Collins, Lorraine Christensen and Robin Stephenson and they served French Toast Strata with blueberry syrup, bacon and sausage with ample amounts of fresh fruit and a festive punch.

It appears we are going to have a rather wet Easter weekend.  Get ready for egg hunts in the house and some good indoor games for entertainment.  Hiking and picnics outdoors likely won't be an option.   Don't forget to have some thoughts of the real reason we celebrate Easter, Christ's resurrection, and those things we receive because of Him.  

March 20, 2024, a day late

 I thought February was a short month, but this one is zipping by even faster it seems.  We've had the official first day of spring, according to this Leap Year calendar, and it has been measuring up to Spring.  People talking about planting gardens,  daffodil shoots pushing up through the earth.  And the weather talking about possible snow storms in a day or two.  That does sound like spring, hoping to avoid the freezing of the green.

Wynn and Cecelie Costley were able to go to Utah to witness the ordination of a grandson. He is the son of McKay and Lynsey Costley.

Lana Baird McCracken was surrounded by immediate family and friends for the funeral of her husband, Ivan. Her oldest son, LaRon and his family live in Mink Creek, as does Nathan Baird. Daniel and Heather Baird and family came down from Sugar City, ID. Maria and Devin Flake live in Saratoga Springs, UT, Tamara Taylor is in Woods Cross, UT. Twins, Owen and Brian Baird, are both Utah residents. Lana’s sister Loretta Goodwin and much of her family came down from the Downey area. Lana’s brothers, Arlon Bennett of Garland, UT, and Clell Bennett and his daughter Laurinda of Pocatallo joined the group. The Baird/Lindhardt family was represented by Mike, Paul and Barbara.

The Syringa Camp of the DUP met this month at the home of Terrie McKay on Station Creek. Lorraine Christensen gave a lesson about the families of the Mormon Battalion. Karen Erickson shared the history of her great grandfather, Elijah Knapp Fuller, a pioneer of Nauvoo who made the trek to the Rocky Mountains. The ladies elected officers for the coming year. Refreshments were served to the ladies by Terrie McKay and Kristin Collins.

The funeral of Lyla Ann Christensen Dettmer of Preston, was held at the Preston North Stake Center and she was interred in the Mink Creek Cemetery. Lyla grew up in Mink Creek, the second daughter of Lyle and Ruth Ann Christensen. Her sister, Julie Cooper lives in town and her brothers, Phil and Brian, are Mink Creek residents. A number of Christensen relatives were here for that memorial.

This weather that flips on a weekly basis is stirring up the wildlife. Perhaps you have had occasion to notice that the skunks are coming out of hibernation and making themselves known. Perhaps you are fortunate enough that you haven’t had reason to be aware of that seasonal outing.

March 12, 2024

 Happy St Patrick's Day, in a few.  I would bet that most of you who read this will claim a bit of Irish blood in your  inheritance.

Joe and Kathy Jarvis have returned from a lengthy vacation to St George, UT. Ancitiapating an early Idaho spring they were a little disappointed to find wind, snow and other Arctic weather awaiting in Mink Creek.

Another couple seeking warmer climes were Richard and Vickie Free. They have recently spent some time in Hawaii, soaking up sunshine and some down time after the ups and downs of winter and health.

Abigail Janke and her fiancé, Austin Leas, took a couple of days from school at BYU/I in Rexburg to spend some time with her grandparents, Bob and Claudia Erickson. The grandparents thoroughly enjoyed a great dinner produced by these two in the family kitchen.

The family of Marshall Clyde of South Jordan, UT, stopped in Mink Creek to view the art work of Clyde’s grandfather, Harold Helgesen, the Norwegian artist who painted several murals in the building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that was built in 1929. Helgesen shared his talents in several other churches in Franklin county as well as some businesses before moving to the St. Anthony area where he was commissioned for murals in a private hospital.

With the anticipation of approaching Spring the Thursday night Pickleball and Exercise activity will no longer be scheduled. With Daylight Saving Time and plans for gardens and yards, leisure hour activities will be shifted.

Sundance and Anna Watts and their children were up from Layton, UT. They are former residents and were here to see his brother, Shade and Brittany Watts.

The youth of the Mink Creek LDS Ward have joined with those of the Riverdale wards in an activity entitled, “Become A Missionary.” It takes a portion of each day to get a small idea of a few things that go into a missionary’s life. More details are given in the Riverdale rural column.

Deer are pleased to be finding some bare hills for browsing. Of course that condition also raises the chances of their being hit in the nighttime traffic as they move about. Also we have a cougar that has been sighted in our village. Of course with the warmer weather the skunks are making their presence known.

March 5, 2024

 

Claudine and LaMar McKague and their daughter Elsie drove to Salt Lake to take in a Utah Grizzlies Hockey game. They were meeting their son Ethan who lives in Lehi. It turned out to be a family weekend, back in Mink Creek for these four when another daughter, Sage Ricks joined them from Idaho Falls.

Jared and Julianna Egley and sons Christopher and Ryan have moved from their beautiful home in Mink Creek to another beautiful home near the Preston Golf Course. This switch will put Jared a little closer to his job as a pilot flying out of Salt Lake City.

When Bill Despain heard that his friends, Jeff and Barbara Olson, were speaking in the Sunday meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he drove over from Fielding, UT, to spend the day in Mink Creek among friends and neighbors. If he could split his time between his family in Fielding and Mink Creek, it would be good for everyone.

One of our residents, Ivan McCracken, passed away recently in a traffic accident on Highway 91 near Swan Lake. He had taken a trip to visit a brother who lives in Burley, ID. He is the husband of Lana Baird McCracken. The funeral will be March 7 in Mink Creek.  He will be buried in Blue Water, New Mexico.

Roxy and Mack DeVries felt privileged to be co-hosts for a Regency Ball, “a ‘Lady Danbury’ soiree,” with Chloe K. James of Smithfield featured at the Bullen Center in Logan. Roxy has a flare for design and loves creating costumes and floral pieces. Chloe is an author and they spot-lighted eight other authors. The theme centered around the Regency Era and how fun it was to be taken back in time with costumes of that day, live music from a Logan stringed quartet for dances suitable to the elegance of the occasion. Roxy provided refreshments and decorations and Jessica Pickering was available for photographs. The dance caller was Stephanie Wright Carstens, who helped to make the night a success. The group hopes to have workshops on poetry, writing, sewing, embroidery and other early 1800’s lady activities this coming summer.

A cougar has been out and about in our community. It is finding empty barns here and there as suitable resting places. Be alert for household pets and their safety.

Snow Moon, Feb 27, 2024

 

The community Valentine’s Day Dinner was a resounding success and well attended, all tables full. The tables decorated in red and white, held candy and favors, wooden crafts from the lathe in the shop of Clare and Linda Christensen. Clare claims the shop is his mental therapy. The menu for the evening was smoked pork tenderloin, baked potatoes and tossed green salad, both with all the trimmings, plus a dinner roll. The follow up was a pink frosted cinnamon roll. The cooks had some assistance from Amy Baldwin and the Relief Society. After the feast a relay game was entertaining. Teams were challenged in building a cup pyramid, wrapping old-fashioned curlers, and doing the “chicken dance” in a costume that was provided. Hilarious in the actions , lack of expertise and observation. The evening was conducted by Bret Rasmussen, Elders Quorum President.

Sharon Moran was back for a visit. She reported that her son Will and his wife live back east and are doing well. It has been years since she moved from Mink Creek, but her absence is still felt.

Cody McKay came up from his home in Queen Creek, AZ for some days with his parents, Paul and Terrie McKay. They were able to have some winter fun and a few snowmobile trips before he went back to the warm country.

The Syringa Camp of the DUP met this month at the home of Ramona Lower Hatchett in the Narrows Estates. Julie Westerberg gave a lesson and they had an enjoyable afternoon.

Candy Longhurst drove to Parma, ID, to witness the blessing and naming of her newest grandchild. The tiny girl is the daughter of Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler and was given the name Charlotte Elaine Wheeler. She is adored by a big brother, Hudson.

The Young Women’s group gathered to create some offerings for a night of “heat attacks” . After getting their messages whipped up they had fun delivering them ding-dong-ditch style around the community, being as sneaky as girls can be.

  The Snow Moon has been beautiful on clear nights. This moon was also called the Hunger Moon by some Native tribes, because they had used up their supplies set aside in the fall for the winter and food was dwindling, wild animals still in hibernation, or hard to find. Landscape hard to move about.   

February 21, 2024

 

No matter who won that football game, Reba’s rendition of the national anthem was a highlight! There were multiple gatherings around the community to share the SuperBowl, not to mention the snacks and sociability that go along with it.

RaeOne Stuart brought some family up from Utah to enjoy the hospitality of the Stuart/Christensen home and the beauties of winter in Mink Creek.

We have two sets of grandparents announcing mission calls for a grandchild. Clare and Linda Christensen are pleased that Sister Brittianna Wolfley, will be serving in the Ohio, Cincinatti Mission. She is the daughter of Janna Wolfley Small and the late William Wolfley. Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson’s grandson, Jaxon Peterson, son of Charles and Dana Peterson of Meridian, ID, will be going to England, Leeds Mission in July. This just happens to be the same mission where the Olsons served a few years ago.

The combined Young Women and Young Men organizations had an evening of fun competition and learning at the raquetball court at the home of Wynn and Cecelie Costley. The youth were playing walliball, a first time for many of them, or they were enjoying the activity from the observation post above the court. Adult leaders had as much fun as the kids.

Dr. Kerry and Melinda Jepsen are home from a trip to warmer climates, even warmer than the thawing temperature we have had.

Mink Creek has some bald eagles that are loving the winter skies. They keep a close watch on the earthly activities. One activity they cater to is that of feeding time at a resident’s feedlot for his cattle. The eagles wait their turn, along with a host of smaller birds that cling to an electric wire high on the posts. They also are helpful in cleaning up the deer carcasses after collisions during the nights.

A couple of good moisture laden snow storms have moved in the last week. It is warm enough to snow during the daylight hours, but when the frigid night temperatures descend the roads can became mighty slippery.  Black ice and a fog combination are a bad deal.

Valentines Day, tomorrow, 2024

 

Kasey and Julie Haws have made a mid-winter visit to Mink Creek. Now that the Haws/Engel family has grown up and expanded with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren interested in reliving memories of times spent in Idaho at the Haws home there is need for more frequent evaluations of readiness for the next occupants. Much of the Haws family are now dealing with that atmospheric river that is soaking up southern California according to weather reports.

Elliott Keller, the son of Jesse and Shauna Keller, is part of the C Team in the Preston High basketball program. Elliott is a Freshman. Keller is a long-standing name in this village and Jesse has ancestral roots from way back. This Keller family are fairly new residents in Mink Creek and are living in a home fondly referred to as “Aunt Ethel’s house” although it has gone through several occupants since that of Aunt Ethel Baird.

There is a list of residents that have taken advantage of these last few month to have surgery. New knees, mended backs, replaced shoulders and new hips have all been on the medical roster. It is hard to imagine the number of physical therapy hours that have accompanied these operations.

Dried green grass is not the choice of landscaping in mid February. Nor is the dryness of some of our hillsides. With a ‘main street’ that is several miles in length our village is experiencing rainy wet weather at the lower end of the community and snow banks at the upper end, north near Strawberry Canyon.

Snowmobiles are still having fun, but the area has to be selective. Winter hikers have to be a bit picky as well, avoiding paths that are more muddy than others. I refuse to call this ‘mud season’ because it is just too early to have that condition. I hope you all agree with me. Storms are still coming in—and going out. We still need the snowpack in our mountains, and it doesn’t take very many too warm days for it to be reduced.

Happy Valentines Day! Celebrate it whatever way works best for you---treats, cards, parties, etc. but whatever it is, feel the smile inwardly and outwardly. There are not many people who don’t need that feeling of acceptance and approval. Thanks for the reading!

February 7, 2024

 Groundhog Day came and went with little chance of any shadows.  The day was overcast through the daylight hours.  No sightings reported on any creature even remotely related to the famed groundhog.

Some months ago Ramona Hatchett d into her new home in Riverdale on the Narrows Estate. Her home in the center of Mink Creek was purchased by Jamie and Carl Osborne. They have two children, Shyla and Carl Jr. The Osbornes also own a small house on their property, often referred to locally as “little house” and it has been occupied occasionally by Carl’s uncle or other relatives. The family is welcomed to the community.

Devin and Maria Flake and their son Jude were up from Orem, UT, to celebrate Maria’s birthday with her mother Lana and Ivan McCracken. Maria had some health issues some months ago and is doing well, one more reason for celebration.

Jesse and Annavelynn Wilcox and their son Desmond have recently returned from a winter vacation to Central America. Besides the warmth and the beauty there were all sorts of things for a little boy to investigate that were completely different from his backyard in Mink Creek: insects, animals, jungle growth, oceans, even shopping and new foods. All of this made for a wonderful time in Costa Rica and Honduras for these three.

To help battle the winter-time blues, or blahs, each Thursday evening, starting at 5 p.m. there will be the opportunity for residents to gather at the recreation hall of the LDS Meetinghouse for some activities. A carpeted area will be available for yoga, pilates, mobility and balance strengthening moves. Participants should feel free to bring a mat if they prefer. All are welcome and all levels of fitness are welcome. There is the social side of just attending. The gymnasium floor will be set up as a pickle ball court. Again, all are welcome. The earlier hour will be reserved for beginners and anyone wanting to learn the game. Competition is not the aim of this activity, fun and friendship is the goal.

With the warmer temperatures sleigh-riding and snowmobile activities are being canceled. There must still be sufficient snow in the canyons because there is plenty of weekend snowmobile traffic regularly.

January 30, 2024

 

Graveside services at the Mink Creek Cemetery for Elmer James Call on January 20 brought many of his family back to Mink Creek. There were military rites for Jim, with several of his grandsons officiating. A winter burial is always cold and the family had arranged to meet in the LDS recreation hall following the services to warm up with a cup of cocoa and have a chance to visit with friends and old neighbors of the community.

Since the meeting house of the Mink Creek Ward members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently had some repair work done on the ceiling the leaders felt it might be appropriate to learn about the history of the building, built in 1929. In a Sunday meeting Bruce Crane, of Logan, a recognized authority on most things pertaining to the whole village, presented a faith-based historical account. His grandfather, William Crane, had been the bishop of the ward at the time of the building’s construction. Jimmie Olson, the bishop at the time of a remodeling project about fifty years later, share with the congregation some of the challenges with the more “recent” addition that added several rooms and office space.

There were interesting tidbits mentioned in this historical account. The women of the community in 1928-9 painted the walls of the building, one brush stroke at a time, with no roller devices in those days. They also varnished all of the woodwork, benches and pews. One of the aisles was widened in the remodeling to facilitate the entry and removal of caskets for the funeral proceedings that take place in the building.

More Crane family drove over from the area around Jerome, ID, to spend some time with Bruce and his wife Shawna. His sisters, Linda Crane Shewmaker and Sheryl and Bob May made the early morning drive in spite of the disagreeable weather.

Jane Malouf, granddaughter of Jeff Olson of Mink Creek and Jim and Donna Malouf of Riverdale, has qualified for Junior Nationals in ski jumping. Jane is the daughter of Erica and Matt Malouf of Anchorage, AK. This is an exciting accomplishment for the teenager.

The Chinook arrived in January this year, which we consider normal for winter seasons. Last year this was not the case. Now everything is thawing and there is the rhythmic plop, plop, plop cadence, heard no matter where or when in the outdoors.

January 23, 2024

 This is the Mink Creek rural news column that should be in this week's Preston Citizen--but it won't be. Difficulties in the assembling of the paper this week and nothing turned out right.  So I am still going to post it on this blog, because next week it will be old stuff.

In spite of the combined winter snow storm and winds presenting whiteout conditions, filling roads and driveways with 2-3 feet of snow, the members of the Mink Creek LDS Ward were able to hold their Sunday meeting this past week. Early that morning volunteers arrived to clear the sidewalks and the parking lot. Residents who have snowplows on their pickups went about opening up the side roads to connect with the main roads. Driveways were up to the individual households. Attendance was a bit limited for this reason, but the congregation welcomed three stake visitors, Tom Madsen and Jay and Nancy Jensen, who have recently returned from a Senior mission to Georgia.

Candy Longhyrst and ReNae Egley enjoyed a few warm days in the St. George area with friends. Fun activities and a break from the ice and snow that has descended in this month of January.

Three young men of the Mink Creek ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were ordained to various priesthood offices this month. Issac Cheney was ordained to the office of a deacon, his brother, Jared Cheney, to the office of a teacher. Both are the sons of Jacob and Christy Cheney. Morgan Keller, son of Jared and Hollie Keller, was ordained a priest.

The Primary organization honored Issac Cheney, Annie Rasmussen and Kassidy Christensen as they graduated from Primary to become part of the Young Men and Young Women programs. Annie is the daughter of Trevor and April Rasmussen and Kassidy is the daughter of Lacey and Kerry Christensen.

Jeff and Julie Workman of Stansbury Park, UT, have been here for a good sized visit and were able to be part of the community and being able to meet the challenges of winter in our mountains.

The closure of the highway 36 over to Bear Lake on several days has done much to limit the traffic passing through. It makes us realize how much this road is traveled from our neighboring county and across the border into Wyoming.

If you want to read the  column "Out of Our Past for January 24, 2024" it won't be in the paper version of the Citizen, but it will be on the Citizen Facebook site.  The same applies for the Development column, historical info---this week's is about the early days of owning and driving one of those new-fangled contraptions called an automobile after being dependent on a team of horses for every move.  There were no service stations and a tire for an auto was completely different from that for a carriage or farm wagon.

January 16, 2024

 

The annual Mink Creek Ski party took place at Beaver Mountain Ski Resort on January 5. All ages and levels of ability are able to enjoy this night on the cold slopes with skiing, snow boarding and sleigh riding. It has served as a time of learning and gaining experience for many years. Some people go to just observe from the warmth of the lodge. The energy level is sustained from the potluck offerings of those participating.

Hannah Singleton and her sons, Samuel and Grey, of El Dorado, AR, chose to have a white Christmas this year with Hannah’s parents, Wynn and Cecelie Costley. Most of the Costley siblings that live within easy driving distance joined the group scattered through the holiday.

The family of Laural and Jody Janke of Teton, ID, spent several days of their Christmas break with grandparents, Bob and Claudia Erickson and other family members. There were lots of late night games and some hours spent sleigh-riding in the moonlight.

The Syringa Camp of the DUP met this month in Preston. Linda Carlson, second in command of this group, was in charge for January. Lorraine Christensen presented a lesson about the ladies that had written pioneer songs.

Royce and Lorraine Christensen spent the holidays in warmer locations. They were down in Gilbert, AZ, with their son Kevin. This trip included a drive into New Mexico, with the holiday lights as part of the changing scenery.

Elmer James Call passed away in Perry, UT, on January 9. He was 90 years of age, and living with his son Preston Call. The blended family of Verdell Pace and Jim Call lived and farmed in Mink Creek for many years, with nine children in the combined family. With retirement the couple moved to Perry. After a funeral in Utah on January 20, Jim will be buried in the Mink Creek Cemetery.

Several days worth of snow storms left Mink Creek with several feet of snow. A number of our residents have plow-trucks(pickups with snow blades attached) and some of them quickly opened up our side roads to the Highway 36, at least for one way movement, knowing that the county crews would arrive later, but giving us access to the main street of our community.

January 9, 2024

 

Visitors came for parts of the holiday, Christmas and New Years. Some were able to enjoy the Mink Creek spirit for nearly a whole week, others came just for a day or two.

Some of the family of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons came ‘home’ for part of the holidays. They now live in Caldwell. Both sets of grandparents live in Mink Creek, Kathy and Joe Jarvis and Cathy and Scot Seamons.

Jim and Debbie Harrison left their home in the St. George area and the warmer temperatures to have Christmas in the cold of Mink Creek and memories with friends and neighbors.

Andy and Brittany McKay and son Crew came up from Logan to enjoy family time with his parents, Paul and Terrie McKay and grandparents, Layne and Karen Erickson. Morgan and Eli Curtis from Bountiful, UT were part of the family gathering.

Several grown children graced the home of Kurt and Margret Iverson. Walter and Andrew Iverson and their wives had a break from classes in Provo at BYU. Their only daughter, Alexis Strong , her husband and family came over from their home in Colorado.

The new home of Claudine and LaMar McKague celebrated its first Christmas by having all five of the McKague children gathered together. Sam and Sierra McKague from Washington state, Ethan McKague from Lehi, UT, and the others from around the Idaho Falls area, Sage and Nathan Ricks, Jarin and Brynlee McKague and their boys, and Elsie McKague, now on break from studies at BYU/I, and home for a few months.

Drew and Hilary Erickson and their family arrived at the Bob Erickson household shortly after Christmas day, all primed for a day of skiing. This family live in Tempe, AZ, but they love to ski. This year they managed a day on the slopes at Beaver Ski resort before they returned to the warmer climates.

This afternoon/evening we had a fierce storm move in. Wild wind, snow and much trashing about. It was a whiteout for quite awhile, leaving extra winter in its wake. There seems to be a promise of more tomorrow. Anyone who wondered when real winter was coming now realizes it is here.

Happy New Year, 2024

 A flip of the calendar, or the touch of our phone, and the new year has arrived.  Cold and clear, but with hopes of a storm by the end of the week.

The Mink Creek ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had more than one reason to feel joyous this Christmas eve. They were able to hold their Sunday meetings in their own building, in their own chapel, and it was good. The ceiling repaired, was beautiful, and feeling unchanged, although there are photos of the process that prove it had taken place. Once again, gratitude was expressed to the Riverdale Wards for sharing their building while the improvements were being made.

On this special Christmas eve Sunday there was a baby to be named and blessed. The infant son of Jarin and Brynlee McKague was given the name Preacher J Hardy McKague. Grandparents LaMar and Claudine McKague of Mink Creek and Robert and Melissa Fehrenbacher of Idaho Falls were there to witness the occasion along with other family members and friends.

There has been much exchanging of neighbor gifts during this season. Treats, sweets, service, kindness has appeared in many forms, walks shoveled. All things good, and it has carried over past the official day.

Adam and Camene Haws and family came up from Sol Vang, CA for a white Idaho Christmas at the Haws home in Mink Creek. There was less snow than they had hoped for. No one expected an early melt near the end of December. A plus for the LDS ward, Adam was a soloist singing “Gesu Bambino” for the Christmas Eve meeting.

Laura Cheney and Cindy Hanson are taking a break, not exactly a vacation, in Utah. Their current employment status requires then to be in the Ogden area for a few months.

Even though we don’t have much snow depth there is plenty of evidence of wildlife in our midst. Some of those are the tracks of various animals as they find their way around the community. The deer trails run through the orchards, various birds and smaller animals make frequent visit to the feeding stations of our pets, and others nearly line up beside the livestock during feeding times.

I wouldn’t say we had a “green Christmas,” it was mostly white, but with a little rust around the edges. The snowmobile crowd seem to find sufficient amount to spend time in the canyons on weekends.