October 25, 2023

 There are plans for our Trunk 'R Treat event, planning for Halloween night at the Mink Creek Ballpark.  There are also weather forecasts suggesting it may only be 16 degrees outdoors on that particular evening.  The future will tell. 

The vibrant colors of a rich fall are changing, becoming muted as the leaves dry and wait for some strong winds to sweep them up and scatter up and down the valley. Some leaves have already fallen and are crisp and crunchy underfoot to hikers and hunters. For the hiking set the crunches only add to the fun of being out and about in the canyons. The hunters find it a little more challenging to go about their business undetected.

Mink Creek provides many hiking areas. The Kerry and Lacey Christensen family took advantage of a long hike while the weather was pleasantly warm. The route took them from Liberty as a starting spot in Bear Lake County, and brought them through the mountains back home to Birch Creek in our village. This adventure created some fun, lasting memories.

Phee and Robert Crosland drove a lengthy road trip recently. First stops of any length were in Wisconsin and Minnesota to reconnect with members of Phee’s family where she grew up. Another highlight was in Kentucky, visiting the Ark that was constructed there. Their son Marco and his family live in Texas, another stop on the agenda, then on their way back to Idaho they swung over into Colorado for a few days with daughter Arianna and Ben Hostetter and their children. The Crosland’s enjoyed the scenery and new vistas, but were glad to return and settle back into their regular Mink Creek daily routine. “There’s No Place Like Home.”

Kent and Tammy Beardall drove to Spanish Fork, UT, to spend a weekend with their son Shawn and Callie Beardall’s family. This was a special occasion because Shawn has been called to serve as a counselor in the bishopric of their Spanish Fork LDS Ward.

The combined Young Men and Young women groups invited a few of our older citizens to a lovely dinner, served in the recreation hall of the LDS Ward. The objective of this event was to sharpen the social skills of the young in terms of table manners and being able to conduct pleasant conversations in a dining situation. There had been some previous instruction on these two items so this was a fitting way to practice what had been learned.

October 18, 2023

 Sorry about missing last week's version from the paper, so this week readers get a double dose of Mink Creek.  Sit back, relax, and catch up.  

 A good sized group of adventurous friends, most of them with Mink Creek connections, gathered together to ride the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in northern Idaho. There were many days of preparation and packing with excitement building the whole time. For some it was a repeat experience, for others the first time ever to run the river. Paul McKay and his son Cody, Lin and Sharla McKay, their son Payton Newby and his brother Josh Newby with wife Sarah and two sons Gage and Nash, Tony and Jill Hale and Shane and Kara Johnson—this group of thirteen drove to Challis and boarded a plane that dropped them off at a landing strip where they could descend to the Middle Fork to begin several days of soaking up nature along with lots of river water, and the beautiful surroundings as they navigated their run. They returned with satisfied smiles for the bucket list outing.

Caroline Anderson Jensen passed away on September 25, 2023. She has always had a beautiful yard full of colorful flowers. Caroline entertained the village children each Halloween when she would dress up as a witch to greet the trick r’ treaters coming to her door. She provided a special fun fright and many memories over the years. She is survived by her husband, Lynn Jensen and their children, LeAnn Sant and Michael Jensen. A private ceremony was held in the Mink Creek Cemetery.

We must report another passing. Denzil Bennet Baird grew up in this area, a son of Harold and Verla Baird. Most of his adult life was spent in Brigham City where he and his wife, Dorothy Atkinson raised their children. He passed away at age 93, September 28, 2023, and is buried in Brigham City Cemetery.

There have been at least one herd of sheep enjoying life in our nearby canyons these past warm months. With the changing weather and the frequent storms moving in it won’t be long before their owners and herders will take them back to their home ground in Utah.  

There was quite a crew from Mink Creek that went down to the Canning Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ogden, UT, to give some help with canning tomato soup. They were in two shifts. The early morning crew were Wynn and Cecelie Costley, Jeff and Barbara Olson, and Terry Westerberg. The afternoon helpers were LaMar and Claudine McKague, Wayne Olsen, and Garth and Robin Stevenson. The tasks required were varied, some with adding spices, some were mainly observing that none of the canning equipment malfunctioned, another checking for damaged cans, but each one required a person at their post. No one was peeling tomatoes.

The Syringa Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers held a fall meeting at the Mink Creek Church. They have twelve members and Mary Ann Jepsen serves as their captain. Julie Westerberg gave a fun lesson about the historic “Hole In the Rock” pioneers where the early settlers of Utah were sent to colonize to the south. In 1879, when the expedition of settlers were sent down into what is now San Juan county of Utah it was one of the most isolated parts of the nation.

Mary Jean Rasmussen had a fun visit from her daughter Terrie Carr of Centerville, UT. Terrie has just returned from a trip to Las Vegas and so there was lots of catching up to do.

Johnny and Jeannine Iverson’s daughters, Christine Clark of Roseville, CA, and Cherie Shellig from Virginia, met here to spend some time with their folks and enjoy the lovely colors of fall that surround us in this area. Earlier this summer Teresa Russon, another Iverson daughter, of Greeley, CO, came for some family time.

We express appreciation to the members of the county mosquito crew for their services during this past summer. The flashing red lights that announced their presence in the neighborhood during late hours were most welcome, due to the results produced from their efforts.

We have had some early morning fog lying in the bottom of our valley. It seems to just be waiting for the arrival of the sunrise and when the warmer rays of light come the fog slowly dissipates. The colors we have enjoyed this fall are hanging on but gradually fading.

October 3, 2023

 

Mink Creek has some young men participating in the Preston High School football program this year. Tommy Henderson, son of Brady and Shoni Henderson is a senior. Hazen Baird, son of LaRon and Liesa Baird is a sophomore, along with Conner Iverson, son of Kurt and Margret Iverson, also a sophomore. Tom was crowned Homecoming King at the Homecoming game. The boys are dedicated to the sport, learning much about teamwork and having fun. Cheers for the Indians!

Claudine and LaMar McKague drove to Lehi, UT, to witness the ordaining of their son Ethan McKague as he became the 1^st Counselor in the bishopric of the YSA Ward of the Lehi area. Ethan recently graduated from BYU in Provo and is now employed in Lehi.

Some of the Young Women of the community took on an early fall service project following a stormy event. They met at the home of Nate and Dana Olson on Station Creek to help gather debris that a strong wind storm had scattered about their yard. Pine cones and branches littered every where the wind could reach.

Bob and Claudia Erickson welcomed a visit from her nephew, Thane Perkins of Orem, UT, and his daughter Caitlyn who lives in Richmond. The Perkins duo were up in this direction for the wedding of Thane’s son, Michael Perkins, to Shelly Moosman of Banida, ID. The new Perkins couple will be living in the Preston area.

With official Fall season upon us some of our mountainsides are more orange than green. South Canyon is one of those, like a tub of orange leaves were spilled from the top then spread out as they fell to the canyon floor. Strawberry Canyon is dotted with bright reds among the yellow aspen and deep forest green of the evergreens. It is a beautiful place for an afternoon drive.

Several moose have put in an appearance in our canyons. Their dark color is such a contrast to the beautiful colors. Our deer are out and about, checking on anything that might be available in local gardens and orchards. There are reports of green beans and cucumbers still producing. Frost hasn’t hit everywhere so some are spared for a few more days.

September 26, 2023

 

The Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their annual ward conference this past weekend. Officers of the Preston North Stake were in attendance. Each member of the Stake Presidency spoke to the congregation, President Ronald Smellie and Counselors, Michael Romney and LaWrell Cook. In the second session the officers of the Stake Sunday School presented ways that the Come Follow Me program can enrich our lives and the Stake Relief Society gave members a copy of the proclamation, The Living Christ, and encouraged studying it in depth.

The conference was followed with a Linger Longer lunch of a potato bar with all the fixings, some salads and a variety of potluck desserts. The socializing was enjoyed by guests and local residents, a chance to become better acquainted.

The extended family of Keith and Karen Olson Tribett had a weekend family camp-out in Mink Creek. Karen and her siblings were raised in Mink Creek, daughters of John and Edith Olson. This gathering had all sorts of family fun, with games requiring physical activity as well as some for sitting around with plenty of good-natured competition. There were crafts and they had the whole baseball diamond at their disposal. A birthday party was a highlight for everyone. The dark nights full of starlight was a special treat where many of those attending live in lighted cities.

Brian and Jill Petersen have had some Utah family up to their ranch in Mink Creek. Jonia Jackson entertained her sisters, Julee and Jini, and her building project and various improvements are underway.

The LOTOJA bike race event chose a day of perfect weather for their ride up through Mink Creek and Strawberry Canyon and down into the Bear Lake Valley. Interested residents congregated at the side of the highway here and there to cheer the contestants on as they rode by.

The arrival of the first freeze put residents out to cover their squash, pumpkins, any growing item that might last a little longer. High on that list is the precious homegrown tomatoes. There is always hope of keeping the plants going as far into fall as possible.

September 19, 2023

 

The youth of the community were challenged at a recent activity. This was learning about repelling down sheer cliffs which they put into practice at the Paris ice caves. Those harnesses can look pretty flimsy when it comes time to step off the ledge. It is a wonderful lesson of trusting the person who is assisting in the descent. There ended up being a good sized group. Those participating were: Kurt Iverson, Bishop Paul McKay, Miles Erickson, Jacob and Jared Cheney, Devlyn Currie, LaRon, Orrin and Dallon Baird, Jared, Morgan and Danny Keller, Young Women Pres. Claudine McKague, and Jyllian and Greenlee Christensen. One of the Preston North Stake Young Men leaders also participated, Grant Conrad, who teaches Seminary at PHS. Some of the youth were unable to take part due to obligations at school and other activities. Bishop McKay had brought snacks and food to make a perfect outing.

The young men of the Deacon’s quorum were at a campout up the canyon on Williams Creek so they took advantage of their timing and joined the repelling group, then returned to finish up their camp.

Once a Mink Criker, always a Mink Criker—Bill Despain has made several recent visits here. He now lives in Fielding, UT, with his brother and wife, but is most welcome in many homes in Mink Creek. Bill even called on a few homes, and finding the house under new ownership, made new friends.

Eldon and Danita Wilcox have had children and grandchildren popping in and out these past few weeks. Perhaps they are taking turns. Brigham Wilcox and some of his children have been down from Idaho Falls, Ami Fenton and family were up from Tooele, UT. Elise and Jeff Hardy brought some of their family with when the came from North Ogden.

Two Jepsen sisters have stopped in. Marilyn and Bob Godfrey, up from Arizona, and JoAnn and Kevin Auger, who live in Woodland Hills, UT.

We have had some quick afternoon storms come rushing up the valley, accompanied by strong winds. Thunder and lightning have rattled a few homes, but no direct hits at this point, happy to report.

A few trees have shown some color changes, we hope there are a lot more to come.

September 12, 2023

 

Lana and Ivan McCracken have been throwing their doors wide for company lately. Eden McCracken, Ivan’s daughter, came up from California for a few days. Ivan’s brother, Samuel and his wife Robbie, left the smokey skies of Raymond, Alberta, Canada for a visit down to “the States.” Robbie is Filipino and she and our resident Filipino, Annavelyn Wilcox, enjoyed some conversations in their home language of Tagalog. More McCrackens, Aaron and J’lene of Manhattan, KS, stopped in for a visit while they were taking their oldest daughter to BYU/I in Rexburg.

Lana spent some time with her daughter, Maria, in Utah where Maria is recovering from a recent illness. Devin Flake, Maria’s husband, attended a Flake family gathering in the northwest to participate in the Hood to Coasts relay race where twelve team members traveled a route from Hood, OR, to the Pacific Coast.

There has been a summer motor home parked at the home of Cade and Leigha Nicholls. It is the summer home of Leigha’s parents, Ben and Seana Beckes, who call Springville, UT, their more permanent location. The Beckes enjoyed some fun time with little Peter Nicholls, their grandson.

The Hansen House has been well occupied over some of the recent weekends. Wes and Heather Hansen of Ogden hosted a family reunion for Heather’s side of their family. The Hansen Girls, now better known as the Hansen Grandmas have been in town---Pat, Roxane and Sandy. Sid and Geraldine Hansen, of Richmond, UT, were welcomed by Mink Creek friends. This couple have recently returned from serving a mission in Hawaii for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There are lots of “garden sharing” going on in Mink Creek. Reports on gardens are a big variety: totally wiped out by grasshoppers, just certain plants thriving while others wither, summer squash by the bushel, etc. This growing season has had extra challenges with the late spring and grasshopper invasion.

It has been stated that September is the month for recognizing our Constitution. We need to remember that it did not come about overnight, it took years before the final document would be accepted with many challenges along the way. Those men who met, discussed, argued, but stayed with it to its completion gave us a gift. Actually it was a gift for the whole world, as it would be an example to all nations in the many years following. Do some pondering on this gift this month, it deserves some thought and contemplation.

September 6, 2023

 

The community gathered to welcome the final return of Naomi Nelson Wilde to Mink Creek. The chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located within easy walking distance of her home, was full to the brim. The event will be recorded as a funeral, but Naomi had told her sons that she would rather have a party and the feeling of joy shared expressed that feeling. She had lived most of her 108 years in this little village, raising her family and being a “farmer wife” with her husband Merlin. Her son Dean said her work ethic was one of the key things she passed on. As an early teen, aged 13, Naomi had assumed the role of the lady of the house when her own mother died, helping her father raise her younger siblings. Her zest for living continued throughout her long days as she chose exciting things from her ‘bucket list’: riding in a helicopter, a motocycle ride through Pocatello, riding a camel and an elephant. Naomi had a life well-lived and she was loved by those who knew her.

A welcome home took Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson to Meridian, ID, when their grandson, Elder Charles Peterson returned from serving a mission for the LDS Church in the North Carolina, Raleigh, Mission. He is the eldest son of Dana and Charles Peterson and will now be starting his college education.

There is a brand new baby girl in the family of Jamie and Natalie Forbush. She was a little late in arriving, but was welcomed warmly on August 17. The Forbush family has been enjoying a visit from Elizabeth Bradley, one of Natalie’s friends who came to help out in these first few weeks of new baby in the house.

ReNea and Raphael Arnsworth enjoyed a weekend in Freedom, WY. They were attending a wedding for one of ReNea’s cousins and so it was a bit of family reunion time with beautiful surroundings.

Jonia Jackson has had frequent family visitors the last month. Her brother Tony and Diane Jackson and their daughter Miya came down from the area around Coeur d’Alene, ID. Jonia’s son John and his family flew over from Oahu, HA, and have had fun with family in the area.

Although much of the land here is still looking green thanks to excellent irrigation, the hillsides are tan and drying.  Up high there may be bits of leaves starting their fall costumes.  One can feel the change coming near,  grains being harvested,  last crops of hay.  Late nights, early mornings.  We have had some of the monsoon rains to perk things up a bit.  But we can hear the knocking of Fall at the door.