August 15, 2012

Twelve of our young ladies enjoyed Girls’ Camp this summer. They spent a few days at the Preston North Stake Campground with their leaders: Camp Director, Hilary Checketts, assisted by Macy Jepsen; Young Women leaders, Sherrie Corbett and Kristi Hall.  The theme for this year was Tropical Islands and Mink Creek was assigned an island off the coast of Japan, one they couldn’t pronounce.  Even so they learned about the island.  One evening they performed skits and were joined by Bishop Kent Egley in an acting role.  Lots of fun!

We have an engagement announcement.  RoZann Crane is engaged to marry Tom Baker.

RoZann brought Tom to Mink Creek recently to get him acquainted with her early years.  RoZann is the daughter of Keith and Ramona Crane, presently of Burley, but RoZann spent her pre-high school years here, living on the Two Creek ranch.  The Crane family in this area goes back several generations to the founding fathers of Mink Creek.  RoZann now lives and works in Los Angeles, Tom is located in the Salt Lake City area.  Their wedding is scheduled for November.   To her surprise, RoZann discovered that she still knew quite a few people living in Mink Creek.

            Some of the adult children, plus their children, of Johnny and Jeannine Iverson participated in a family hike of the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. At least two generations were involved. This has become an annual outing for all of the Iverson bunch who are willing and able to participate   .  They come from as far as Texas and Virginia.

Nate and Dana Olson welcomed a group of California friends at their home on Station Creek. The Olsons lived in Highland, CA, before moving to Mink Creek and were happy to introduce this group to Idaho, including the Preston Rodeo for entertainment.

The smoke from fires in Utah and Idaho continues to hang down into our valleys.  In the evenings the horizon is blurred with shades of grey, blue and orange ascending as the sun goes down, the mountain peaks hazy.  Some days it is noticeably present in the afternoon hours.  These fires aren’t even close to us in terms of distance.  Imagine all the gunk in the air, as well as the distinctive aroma.  As the sun rises in the morning it is like a pink ball, trying to peek through the gloom.

4H projects are due this week.  It is Fair Time in Franklin County.  I noticed a pickup loaded with hay, pulling a horse trailer, on its way to town today.  The weeks of tension and endeavor have reached their peak and now it is time for some relaxation and fun.  Both leaders and youth should have a sense of accomplishment, no matter what color ribbon adorns the projects they have worked so hard to complete.

Aug 8, 2012

Two weeks ago Mink Creek held a Court of Honor for those involved in scouting.

Rank advancements and merit badges were delivered on this night.  This was a special one for Johnny Iverson receiving his Eagle rank, presented to him by his father, Kurt Iverson.  Johnny’s Eagle project was that of constructing soccer goals to be used at the local ballpark.

Mikel Beardall, son of Tammy and Kent Beardall, received his LDS mission call.  He will be serving in Russia, Novosibirsk, Mission, headed that way this fall.  The Beardall family has other news to announce.  A granddaughter was born to Michelle and Gary Wall, of Grand Junction, CO, and Tammy has been  doing some grand-mothering there.

The Varsity Scouts took a three day trip to Yellowstone Park. Young men able to go were Johnny Iverson, Rico Crosland, Josh Greene, and Justin Coleman, accompanied by leaders: Wynn Costley, Kent Egley and Nelson Coleman.  Besides visiting some tourist highlights they took a swim in the Firehole River and rafted down the Snake River.

Kurt Torfin, of Waco, TX, arrived in Mink Creek just right to wish his mother, Sallee Keller, “Happy Birthday!”  It had been 12 years since they have had this much visiting time. Kurt's siblings, Casey Torfin of Nibley and Kristi Hall of Mink Creek, enjoyed reliving some of the "old days" when they were all kids. They took a memory trip to Grace where Kurt had grown up.

Progress of some description is taking place at the parking lot, the only paved one in our community.  There are huge piles of debris, a mix of pavement and earth, machinery is present indicating that work is going forward, in spite of difficulties.

Rodeo time brings many residents home.  Some I noticed were: Jim and Debbie Harrison from St. George; children and grandchildren of Eldon and Danita Wilcox; Peggy Flinders and Dana Petersen, the twin daughters of Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson; children of Austin and Kathy Jones; some Pearson family; relatives at the Crane Cabin.   No doubt there were many I did not see. 

“When the rodeo is over it is the end of summer,” is heard up and down the valley.  There seems to be some truth in that feeling.  School shopping is a big item right now, along with meetings at the various schools.  Kindergarteners are probably the most excited age---at least for a few more weeks.  The youth in this community are expecting that big yellow school bus to arrive on August 22^nd.  Another indication of the summer season closing is that of the combines in the fields, reaping those golden grains that have been carefully tended for months.

Bug season is in full swing. Trying to keep ahead of the box elder bugs that have arrived.  Earwigs are plentiful as well.  There are enough grasshoppers to cloud the sky, thank goodness they are scattered about.

The winged creatures seem to increase about the same time that our grains get ready for harvest.  When one looks in the storage bin on a combine there are many kernels, but also lots of hopping going on.  Grasshoppers make good fish bait, maybe there is a possibility of a crop we hadn’t considered.

Aug 1, 2012

Sorry for the late post this week, I have been out of town.  I hope you will check again tomorrow to see if I finally arrived with this week's news and the additional blibs.

After last week’s comments about the parking lot the need for retraction is great.  The project is still in the works, will take about six weeks and, in the meantime, people had better be mindful of where they choose to park. 

Marco Crosland is now at the MTC in Provo.  When he spoke to the LDS Ward prior to departure and many of his friends and relatives were present.  He will be studying the Malay language, preparing to serve in the Singapore, Malaysia, Mission.

Nicki Straight, lovely daughter of Avery and Pedro Gomez, was chosen to be the Downy Rodeo Queen in a competition a few weeks ago where she demonstrated her equestrian skills. The Downey Rodeo is scheduled for August 10^th and 11^th.

Some of us may have seen the Grand Canyon, but not many would claim to have seen it from a raft, coursing down the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Mead.  This was a recent experience of Sharon Moran and her son, Willie.  They spent 16 days going the 226 miles with 16 other people and plenty of white water to keep them alert.  Along the route were hikes into the side canyons and all the wildlife that inhabit that area, some familiar, but more herons, and even endangered condors.  Vermillion Cliffs lived up to their fame.  They enjoyed diverse weather from sun to rainbows.  Covering such a distance even the drop in elevation was evident.

River trips attracts many in hot weather.  A group from this area, made up of Smith cousins:  Smiths, McKays, Westerbergs, McGregors; with some children and friends, took a five day ride on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.  They entered the river at Boundary Creek, near Stanley, ID, and climbed out near Salmon with reports of much fun, lots of good food and possible plans for a repeat.

Dry weather continues, keeping things a bit on edge, in this area of the state.  Every time there is the slightest chance of needed rain, there is also the threat of lightning strikes that might ignite the tinderbox dry undergrowth of weeds and bramble, not to mention the grain fields that are shortly to be harvested.

When there is a report of a fire it raises no surprise, the question is always, “where?”  The sound of rain on the roof waking a person at night is not totally comforting  given these situations.

4H projects are priority items on home agendas as August begins.  The Franklin County Fair and that day of reckoning is fast approaching.  Young people and their leaders are on the homestretch whether the project is cooking, sewing, horseback riding, babysitting, on and on with the big variety of choices offered.

July 25, 2012

This is certainly the season of family reunions.  It is in high gear in our community.  The family of Allen and Pearl Christensen filled our Mink Creek Ballpark recently.  Seven of their children, plus a nephew were able to be there:  Don and Jeanette Christensen of Whitney,  DeeVirile and Elizabeth Christensen of Dayton, Wayne and Verneal Lowry of Tooele, Clarice Cox and her husband Jim of Farmington, UT, Dorothy and Larry Sheard of Littleton, CO, and Dan and Sandy Aldrich of West Jordan, UT.  All these, in addition to extended families that enlarged the genealogical pedigree charts.

Johnny and Jeannine Iverson have nine children, those nine have children.  All were here at Iverson’s except for one daughter, Christine, from California, and she had been visiting only a week or so prior to the reunion.  Cherie and Ted Shillig came all the way from Virginia,  Steven and Jessie Iverson from Texas, Teresa and Virg Russom of Colorado, Rebecca and Dane Jones from Washington state,  three from Utah:  Gregory and Vickie Iverson and David and Shari Iverson both of Highland, and Michael and Susan Iverson of Brigham City, last, but not least, Kurt and Margret Iverson of Mink Creek.

Hannah and Spencer Singleton and their two children have been spending a summer vacation with her parents, Wynn and Cecelie Costley.  Spencer had to return a bit early to their home in El Dorado, AR.  Several of Hannah’s siblings who live within close driving range traveled to join in the family fun at the Costley home.

The parking lot of the LDS Ward building will be getting a facelift, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say a complete makeover.  All those well known cracks and tarred repairs will be a thing of the past with this resurfacing.  A well done parking area is a wondrous thing.  The project was scheduled for this past week, then some major timing changes took place and the process will take approximately six weeks to complete.  Anyone using the premises needs to keep their eyes open for appropriate spots for parking while this is underway.

Every so often Jim and Debbie Harrison return home for a few days, getting away from the heat and jobs in St. George.  Another off-and-on residence that is very busy during summer months is the Crane Cabin.  A variety of cars fill the parking places bordering that home.

            There are many people enjoying a river run down the Bear River Narrows and beyond.  Between fishermen and river riders, the parking area, near the mouth of Mink Creek where it empties into the Bear, is a popular spot.

            Life on the farm has been full of bumps  and bruises lately.  We have had two herds of cows visiting our place, uninvited.  One batch invaded the orchard, later a different bunch were enjoying our growing hay crop.  The bees in this area have been buzzing, they have also been sucking the sweet juices from raspberry and strawberry patches, reducing the yield for the grower considerably.  A neighbor reports frequent sightings of rattlesnakes as they go to irrigate.  It appears the serpents are in greater need of water than usual.  “Summertime, and the living is easy,” somewhere.

July 17, 2012

Two beautiful babies were recently named and blessed in the Mink Creek LDS Ward.

The family of Kerry and Lacey Christensen presented their third little girl, all frilly in white ruffles, naming her Kassidy Kate Christensen.  Aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents were here for this occasion.

Jacob and Renette Free of Rexburg brought their firstborn, a son, to be named Denim General Free.  Jacob’s roots are in Mink Creek, the son of Richard Free.  Grandparents and relatives of both sides of this new family were in attendance.  Richard and Vicki Free are busy planning the wedding of their daughter Heidi.  She is getting married in August to Brenden Brown, a young man from Missoula, MT.

George and Judy Rasmussen had a house full to overflowing. Their daughter, Sarah Thomas and five of her children came from Las Vegas.  Their son, Neil Rasmussen of Highland, UT, , brought his six children to join the cousins.  The cousin magnet was so strong that Laelle Pack and family of American Fork, UT, added to the mix.   There is nothing quite like a bunch of grandchildren on the scene to liven up a household. Sleeping arrangements were scattered throughout the home.  A good time was had by all, we hope.

The Same Bundy Family Reunion, Claudia Erickson’s parents and descendants, held every other year, commenced at the Erickson Pond.  The family that began with four members in the 1940’s now numbers over one hundred.  Half of the families involved live in Alpine, UT, and the wildfires in that location had them evacuated from their homes and there was some question as to whether this reunion would dissolve.  The rains came, those families pulled into the park a day late and fun began.  Cousins, siblings, grandparents were from Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Oregon, Wyoming and Florida.

The family of Richard Free has had multiple visitors---Brandon   and Heather Hodge and children up from Utah, Colleen Jensen and her family of Preston,  Bonnie Baldwin, with a daughter, of Logan,  two long time friend of Jacob Free: Justin Krogue and Gary Hansen,  Jacob’s mother, Susan and Wayne Iversen and  brother, Joshua Free from the St. George area.

Kasey and Julie Haws  and two sons have been up from California.  We think it is hot in Idaho, but CA is warmer, all in one’s perspective.

            We have had a family relocate.  Erin and Chevy Gilbert ant their two small sons have left us and headed back north to the area around Ammon, ID.  They had lived in Driggs earlier and found that part of the country a good spot for the needs of their youngsters.  We do miss those smiling faces and exuberant giggles.        

            We have had some of those quick fast winds tear through our little village.  Microburst is a good title.  The burst carries lots of power.  There have been trampolines upended and tossed, clothes zipped off the lines, kiddie pools carried off.  These  winds come with little warning and are choosy about their victims---anything with the ability to create something similar to a sail gets caught up and moved along.

July 11, 2012

There were a number of Mink Creek youth in the recent production of Mulan. Total count fifteen:  Brooke Checketts; Celina Crosland; Haylee, Dakota and Chance Hatch; Abigail and Keenan Janke; Clay, Claire, Ella, Ty and Tara Jepsen; River McKay; Ben and David Seamons. This turns into many hours spent by both kids and parents with practices and transportation to Preston.  It was well done, a good experience for the youth, thanks going to  directors Stephanie Buttars and Katie Smith.

Brooke Checketts, daughter of Hilary and Tim Checketts, is  now a member of Young Women in the LDS Ward, recently graduating from Primary. Michael Hawkes, son of Robert and Elizabeth Hawkes, is the newest member of the Ward, baptized and confirmed June 30^th.

Mink Creek enjoyed the annual traditional July 4^th gathering at the ballpark.  Activities going on throughout the day were softball, the ever-popular water slide, paintball target practice, rocket launching, even some backgammon and other board games and a pie-eating contest.  The official beginning started in the morning with the raising of our national flag by the Scout troop led by Johnny and Jeannine Iverson.  Mountainaire vocal group sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”   A children’s choral group under the direction of Jennifer Seamons voiced patriotic numbers. Glen Jepsen, retired Air Force, favored the audience with his feelings about our nation.  Later, Paul Carver of Soda Springs ( but raised in Mink Creek), entertained us with cowboy poetry.

The crew of cooks were:  Clare Christensen, Kent Beardall, Paul McKay, Richard Free, Stuart Ostler and Brent Sharp, resulting in a feast of Dutch Oven potatoes (of course), a choice of hamburgers, hot dogs, pork loin or beef brisket, corn on the cob, rolls, with a selection of drinks.  Dessert came by selecting from the entries of “best Dessert contest,” winners posted online.  Ice cream was also available.  Many hands went into the production of this yearly event.

            Those willing souls were Nate and Dana Olson, Eldon Wilcox, Dawnell Greene, Joe Jarvis, Glade and Corinne Larsen, Bryce and Terry Stromberg.

            Winners of the sweet tooth offerings were:    Adults: Best Tasting, 1^st Macy and McKenna Jepsen, 2^nd Royce Christensen, 3^rd Ramona Hatchett.  Most Patriotic, 1^st Ceclie Costley with a gigantic stars and stripes cake in the shape of the USA,  2^nd Sherry York with stars and stripes strawberries, and 3^rd Danita Wilcox, a flag waving offering. 

            In the Youth division:  Best tasting;  1^st, Ty Jepsen, 2^nd Henry Jones, 3^rd Jeanine Jones,

Most Patriotic:  1^st Claire Jepsen, 2^nd Celina Crosland, 3^rd Morgan McKay.  Most Creative:  1^st Carter Hadley, 2^ndTara and Ella Jepsen, 3^rd Talon Johnson.

            It is high time there was mention of the Mink Creek School Reunion, held here in June.  It was a great day, with lots of yummy food and the best of company.  Terry and Wendy Westerberg were in charge of the event this year., with some assistance from friends.  An effort had been made in the gathering of memories and historical pictures from Mink Creek’s past adorned the walls and tables.  Some fun was part of guessing who was who in the long ago photos, after all, the participants have all grown older.  The Seamons Five, children of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons, presented a fun string program, both fiddling and classical violin selections.

            For those of you readers now many miles distant, yes, it is very hot in Mink Creek right now.  Several days have broken the three digit numbers and all growing things are wanting water, daily, if at all possible.  Often it is not possible and things start looking a bit parched.  We are ever alert to the possibility of fires being started.  We are a long way from the end of "fire season."

July 3 or 4, 2012

Fire #2 has already happened in Mink Creek.  You read about the first one in last week’s Citizen.  This one apparently was caused by a spark flicked off a passing vehicle, possibly by the garbage truck as it departed.  At least the beginning of the fire was traced to the base of the empty trash container.   Of course, it may have been that cigarette butt hastily tossed out the window with the hot ash still intact.  At any rate, the blaze was spreading rapidly toward the home of LaRon and Liesa Baird when their neighbor, Karen Arnout, began spraying water from her hose.  Just passing by, Ben Keller, added his efforts with rake and shovel.  They managed to stop the progress before it got to the Baird house. The Baird family were not at home on this day.

Mario Crosland, son of Robert and Phee Crosland, has received his mission call.  He will be serving in the Bacolod, Philippines, Mission.  One can imagine the activities at the Crosland home, preparing twin sons to soon leave for missions, both foreign, totally different languages and customs.  Croslands have enjoyed having their son Giovanni and Kristina Crosland and children home for a bit of a vacation.  Gio and Kris now live in Kirksville, Mo, while Gio is in medical school.

Girls’ Camp definitely took an unusual twist this year.  Girls and fathers traveled down to Zion’s slot canyons in southern Utah. Laurel Wilde went along as the Young Women advisor.  According to reports from the girls, besides the hiking, climbing and swimming, they endured lizards, potholes, crickets and cockroaches.  Their connections with their dads were enriched, learning to trust being a major thing.  They had to trust each other, their equipment, and the knowledge and skill of others besides themselves.  One father described these few days as a “spectacular experience,” including opportunities, accomplishments and the beauty of the landscape they encountered.  All participants learned more than anticipated.

We will be singing patriotic songs this week and one verse speaks of waving fields of grain.  The grain is amber in the song, but for now they are still green.  With the winds that seem to be blowing with daylight hours we can see the ripples go across the surface of a grain field.  It is just one of those  nature things that is dear to a farmer’s heart.

The community has enjoyed its last Sports Night of the summer.  For several weeks we have met at our lovely ballpark for fun, good conversation, and games;  softball, horseshoes, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee.  There has even been food provided, varying each week:  pancakes drowned in syrup,  watermelon slices,  Dutchoven fruit cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, hot carrot cake with similar treatment.  It is a long tradition in Mink Creek for a bit of relaxation in the busy, work-laden summer months.

The hay crop this year, 2012, is on the skimpy side.  Even the best fields are showing a yield of about a third of what would be considered a “good year.”  Still the process  of growing it and harvesting goes on.  At this point the process of haying is in various stages up and down the length of our village, some are still in the field, some in bales, some in the barns.

We are looking forward to our annual July 4^th celebration at the ballpark and hope it lives up to our anticipation.