July 17, 2018

          The smoke from the Treasureton Hills fires has been rolling through our heavens for most of this day. As the sky clears it brings gratitude that those fighting the blazes have once more tamed the monster down. This has been an area of frequent summer fires over the past several years.

           A group of 30 girls and their Young Women leaders from an American Fork, UT, LDS ward enjoyed a fabulous Girls' Camp with the Mink Creek Ballpark as their base and headquarters. Their camp director, Carla Erickson Nielsen, grew up here and she knew what the area could offer to these young ladies. They toured Minnetonka Cave, rappelled at the Paris Ice Caves, swam in a local farm pond, and had fun in general, eating great food and sleeping in tents, all without access to electronic devices.

           Royce and Lorraine Christensen have had a busy week or two. Fred and Victoria Christensen and their daughter Pearl were up from Orem,UT, to spend some time with his parents. Grandparenting is always good. Then Royce and Lorraine drove out to Lafayette, IN, to help their daughter Carrie and Ken Melton move their family to Layton, UT. This includes a new job, a new house and other major changes.

           Hannah Costley Singleton and her sons, Samuel and Grey, are here for their annual month of sharing time and memories with her parents, Wynn and Cecelie Costley. They come from Arkansas and welcome our cooler temperatures. Yes, it is hot here, but compared to the south, not so bad, and it does cool off of an evening.

            Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen have been having a grandchildren 'retreat.” Cousins of near ages hang out with their grandparents and are thoroughly entertained with horses and various outdoor activities.

           Things were humming at the home of Bob and Claudia Erickson when three children and their families gathered to celebrate July 4^th, Mink Creek style. Kristin and Jay Collins came from Lakeview, OR, and their daughter Claire drove down from BYU/I in Rexburg to join them. Carla and Mark Nielsen and son Aidan came up from American Fork, UT, getting here in time for Aidan to run in the 5K race in Lewiston, UT, festivities. A day later, Drew and Hilary Erickson arrived with children Spencer and Paige, taking a break from their overly warm lives in Tempe, AZ.

           We had some severe wind storm gusts move through our valley last evening. They did some damage, trees down, garbage cans on the march, limbs of trees deposited. Sudden and unexpected.

Cleanup ahead for some of us.

           Summer is moving along. With summer comes highway road construction and we are getting our share. The crews have refinished Hwy 34 between Preston and Thatcher, and now the work on our Hwy 36 has begun. Lots of sitting in hot cars waiting for the pilot car to guide the lines.

July 11, 2018, what a week!

              With the big day of the 4^th this is a lengthy post. One can hardly talk about July 4^th in the middle of August, it must be now. Please bear that in mind.

             Shout for joy! We have another new family in our boundaries. This is Brint and Brittnee Phillips and their three children Henry, Clayton and Abigail. They come to us from Buckley, WA, and are building a home on our slopes.

            The LDS Ward sustained a new Sunday School Presidency recently. Pedro Gomez is the President with Royce Christensen as his 1^st Counselor and Ivan McCracken as the 2^nd counselor.

          Melissa Colvin, daughter of JoAnn and Drew Ford, flew in from her home in Iowa to be with family for the funeral of JoAnn's mother in Bountiful, UT, and Melissa was able to be here a few days following. She is hopeful of a little longer visit not too far in the future.

           George and Bobby Garr are at home in Mink Creek. Those days in California have gotten too warm and the cool nights of Idaho were beckoning. Their son John, who also has a home in Mink Creek, is glad to have them a little closer for a while.

           Two Mink Creek couple have been traveling abroad recently. Rico Crosland has been planning this trip to Italy with his parents Robert and Phee Crosland for at least a year. The longer Rico planned the more activities he threw into the itinerary. Another son, Mario, joined them for the first two weeks and then he returned. This trip across the pond took them to England, Austria, Italy and in between. They covered 12 countries, in the month plus that they were gone. Beautiful sights, interesting and educational. Imagine biking in Paris, France. Imagine all the German castles, the British Isles in all their greenery. Imagine Robert and Phee, tired and ready to come home, and so they are back. Recuperating but with memories of great things.

           Patti and Forrest Christensen had a lengthy vacation spending time in their favorite spots on earth, Portugal and Spain. The couple takes this trip quite reguarly to visi relatives and friends formed over the years of their traveling. Patti's ancestral roots lead her back to villages in Portugal.

          Thee family of Kent and Tammy Beardall gathered around at the passing of Tammy's mother, Doreen Wells. All of their children were able to attend the services, Michelle Wall and family from Colorado, Shawn and Callie Beardall and children from Spanish Fork, UT, Kyle Beardall of Logan, Heather Beardall and Ty Beardall of Mink Creek and Nicole Denney of California and Mikel and Rebecca Beardall of Preston.

           One might say that July 4^th went off with a bang, its usual style in our village. The cooking crew got an early start including Clare and Linda Christensen and her son , Glade Larsen, Ross and Judy Young, Brent Sharp, Stuart and Stetson Ostler, Kent and Tammy Beardall, Royce and Lorraine Christensen and Jesse Christensen. They were brewing Dutch oven potatoes, chicken, roast beef, tossed salad, western beans, all that went with fresh rolls, followed by a piece of 'birthday ' cake from a beautifully decorated American flag cake. By the end of the day ticket dispenser, Wally Christensen, had tallied 275 partakers of this great meal.

           In the morning hours a plane flew over with a candy drop. The first drop was an announcement as it rattled down the roof of the pavilion and through the nearby trees. The other passes scattered the goodies across the ball diamond and park and the rush was on for those gathering. It was great, thank you, John Kezele. There were all sorts of activities offered: horseshoes, gaga ball, paint ball, games tailored for the younger kids, swimming pool/kick ball and of course the favored water slide in the afternoon.

            A patriotic program began with the raising of the flag by veterans of our village. The audience closely as our newest American citizen, Pedro Gomez, described his path to American citizenship. The crowd retired to the pavilion for a presentation of the veterans that enlightened all on the 13 folds in the flag as it is retired plus the significance of each fold, narrated by Warren Wilde. Following this a swinging musical duo,dubbed the “Keller Sisters' Band” kept the feet thumping with patriotic music from Caysi and Chey Keller, whose ancestral roots go back to Mink Creek's founder, James Morgan Keller.

           Eldon and Danita Wilcox headed up this celebration and kept the enthusiasm high with prizes and interest throughout the day. Decorations enhanced the whole area provided by Sherry York and her assistants, TK Bullock and Brittnee Phillips. Nearly 300 people enjoyed this day together at the beautiful Mink Creek Ballpark.

          A neighborhood deer has discovered the cherry tree in our yard and is visiting regularly. He keeps an eye on the activities within the house through our patio door. I am hoping he gets a belly ache from the green apples that he consumes. But he is beautiful, that lovely color they have this time of year and his antlers in velvet. Living amidst the wild critters has a price, and sometimes it is the fruit and vegetable you are hoping to harvest.

July 4, 2018

           Yes, it has been a day for celebration and you will get a more complete description next week when it hits the newspaper publication date. Suffice it to say, very nice indeed.

           The annual Mink Creek School Reunion was held this past month at the recreation hall of the LDS Meetinghouse. The event was potluck, well, assigned potluck depending on where your name came in the alphabet. This year's hosts were Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson. The agenda included great visiting time, prizes awarded, and recalling fond memories with historic pictures of past years in Mink Creek.The planning baton for next year's party has been passed to Gary and Sharen Erickson of Chubbuck, ID.

          Kathryn Wilde McCarrel spent a weekend with her brother Jay Wilde at his Mink Creek home. Katharine brought her granddaughter, Whitney Trapp, with her. Both live in Lehi, UT.

           Exciting news in the family of Dick and LaDawn Jensen. Their grandson, Braydon Arhens, the son of Shirley and Kevin Arhens, leaves for the MTC and will be serving in the Ecuador, Quito North Mission, Spanish-speaking. The LDS farewell meeting was held at the Ahrens' home ward in Chubbuck, ID.

           The newest members of the Mink Creek LDS Ward are Lisa Blackmon and Sidney Whitehouse. This couple came from the area around Sacramento, CA, to this Idaho village about three years ago, looking for a place to build a home and they have been in and out of our lives ever since. They were baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during a Saturday afternoon meeting and confirmed member the following day in the Mink Creek Ward. Now they are busy putting down long-term roots.

           Lana McCracken traveled to Salt Lake City to celebrate the wedding of her son, Owen Baird, to Heidi King in the Bountiful LDS Temple. Heidi's parents came from their home in Manchester, England for the occasion. A reception was held at the Smoot Park in Centerville, UT, following the proceedings. All of Owen's siblings were together for this event to wish the new Mr. and Mrs. Baird the best.

          It is getting dry enough that the kittentail flowers aren't blooming, unless they are in someone's yard.

           The annual Mink Creek July 4^th celebration was absolutely fine. Things going on all day by the nearly 300 who attended. A mid-week 4^th always brings a few less than those on the weekends. More details will be published next week Hope your day has been one to reflect on the blessings of our nations independence.

June 26, 2018

         The cottonwood trees are dispensing their seasonal 'fluff.' It is floating through the air and kicking up allergy reactions for many. Yellow and copper rose bushes are full of colorful blooms, favorites among the settlers of northern Cache Valley. A rose bush blooming iin a field may indicate there was once a home at that spot.

            Karl and Marion Haws are at home in their house on the shores of Mink Creek. It is a good time for them to have a lengthy break from life in Santa Barbara, CA. Their son, Aaron Haws, came down from Meridian, ID to spend Father's Day with his folks and enjoy the Demolition Derby held that weekend.

           The community held their annual Father and Sons outing at the Mink Creek Ballpark. The menu for the night was a steak sandwich and tossed salad, followed by a program. After a hearty breakfast the next morning the group took a 4-wheel trail ride around our beautiful mountains.

           The Relief Society women took on the service project of planting the outdoor flowers at the house of Jeannine and Johnny Iverson. This bit of landscaping done, the Iverson's can look forward to bits of beauty all around their home.

            Kathy and Joe Jarvis traveled to Draper, UT, to hear the report of a grandson, Elder Erasmus, who has recently returned from serving a mission in India. The family of their daughter Jennifer and Jeff Seamons also were in attendance for the occasion.

           Our area was pounded by a fierce storm last week. It sent marble sized hail throughout the village, shredding plants and flowers. Gardens and hay crops were victims of the onslaught. Rain came down in torrents, washing dirt from driveways out into the adjoining roads, and forming small ditches on the way. The storm didn't loosen its grip quickly as the black clouds hovered over our mountains much of the morning.

            The family of Kurt and Margret Iverson took an end-of-school trip to the east coast. They enjoyed the sights of New York City, LDS Church historical sites and other national sites of historical significance. The stop at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia was impressive.

            Our days are very warm but we are fortunate to have cool nights, usually with a bit of a breeze. Nights are sufficiently calm that the county mosquito abatement crew can come through and do their job which greatly enhances living conditions in our outdoors.

          The orchard cherry trees are ripening quickly, but no quicker than the robins and other winged predators can eat them. There is much activity in the cherry trees and it isn't from human pickers. We could label it feeding the environment.

June 19, 2018

          Those heated afternoon winds are drying things out. That helps to dry out the hay lying in windrows waiting to be baled, but it zaps the green out of the unwatered areas of our village.

           The community gathered at the Ballpark Pavilion on a warm June evening for dinner and a program. The menu consisted of salads and deserts furnished in 'potluck style' to accompany a great Philly cheese steak on a bun, all chased down with homemade rootbeer.

          The group were then treated to hearing about the experiences of Eldon and Danita Wilcox and Sam and Sylvia Stanger in connection with their time spent in recent mission callings. The Wilcox couple served in the Philippines, Quezon City Mission, located fairly close to Manila. They learned about unusual foods, methods of travel, new customs, to name just a few things. They were able to visit the U.S. Cemetery near Manila and told how closely it compared to the cemetery in Arlington, VA.

           The Stangers labored in St. Cloud, FL on the Deseret Cattle and Citrus Ranch, that covers 458 square miles. It is a cattle/calf operation. They survived a hurricane and came out unscathed. There were frequent occasions for service and 'paying it forward.” They worked among the homeless, the aged and at a baby center besides the ranch and served with five other senior missionary couples.

          Bob and Claudia Erickson took a few days to visit children and grandchildren in Utah. Carla Nielsen and Danalee and Gene Abernethy joined the family of Laural and Jody Janke as they were involved in a baseball tournament in Alpine, UT. After a session of swimming at the Abernethy's following the games, the Ericksons and the Jankes drove to Richfield and enjoyed some time there at the Janke home. A bonus was a day spent in Bryce Canyon National Park viewing the artistry of Mother Nature.

          Rain seems to go with haying season. We have had a couple of storms go through that have done some damage. Farmers stay tuned to the weather channel, but it only gives marginal advice.

Wind can rearrange a straight windrow in short order, requiring a redo before being able to bale.

          The annual barn swallow invasion is upon us and the birds sail into every spot they think likely for a protected nest. They particularly like garages or porches up under the eaves. Their mess makes entryways much less inviting. They are hard to discourage and have one-tract minds. I have had to stuff something above my outside door light because it must offer the perfect spot to roost.

           Happy Summer Solstice, let it officially begin!

Mid June 2018

          Can't believe it is the middle of June already and summer solstice will soon be upon us.I have been out of town and so am behind on the weekly reporting. Readers will get a double dose of the newspaper column this time around.

June 1st

           Mink Creek Boy Scouts held an Eagle Court of Honor with Kerry Christensen the master of ceremonies. Three young men received merit badges: Charles Iverson, Bryce Egley and Jonathan Seamons. Dallon Baird was presented with the Eagle Pin by his brother James Baird of Rexburg, ID. It was challenged by Johnny Iverson, then Charles Iverson, then Wynn Costley. The challenges were met with Dallon receiving the award. Pins were also presented to his parents, LaRon and Liesa Baird and to his grandparents, Terry and LeAnn Orton of Preston and Lana and Ivan McCracken of Mink Creek. Blaine Packer led the Eagle Charge. Kent Egley presented three Palms to Dallon. It takes five merit badges, over and beyond the requirements for the Eagle to earn a Palm. Other family members present for this occasion were Julianna Baird and her children from Heyburn, ID and Dallon's younger brothers and sister, Katiana.

          Graduating from high school is a big deal and it is an honor to recognize these individuals from our community. Ladies before gentlemen; Celina Crosland, daugher of Robert and Phee Crosland, McKinley Longhurst, daughter of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst, Whitney Chatterton, daughter of Heidi and Erik Chatterton. Then, Chance and Dakota Hatch, twin sons of Sam and Katie Hatch; Austin Straight, son of Avery and Pedro Gomez; Ben Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons.

Congratulation to all! The future unfolds.

           Reed Swann and his daughter Penny spent Mothers' Day with his son Charlie and Sarah Swann and their children in Utah. Those kids provide hours of fun.

           Jyllian Christensen, daughter of Kerry and Lacey Christensen, was chosen to be the Cache County Fair and Rodeo Jr. Princess for this coming season. The competition added to the excitement for Jyllian. She has loved horses all her life and this just fuels her passion..

            Kent and ReNae Egley were able to attend the military graduation of their grandson Conner Nielsen from basic training in Lawton, OK. He is the son of Tara and Jeff Nielsen of Preston.

            The Mink Creek Cemetery was beautiful and ready for the many visitors over Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to the sexton who takes care of this lovely spot. The field beyond that stretches to the mountains was full of golden blooms from the Mule's Ears plants that seem to cover every open mountain slope in this vicinity. 

June 8th

           Mike and MaryAnn Jepsen have been entertaining grandchildren recently. Grandsons Jared and Mike Jepsen were up from Salt Lake. Sydney Earl, currently at student in Provo, UT, spent a long weekend in Mink Creek. She has recently returned from a mission to Japan.

            Tiffany Longhurst Wheeler was back at her parents for a few days, the home of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst. Friends gathered one day for a baby shower for Tif anticipating the coming of her first child this summer. She and Spencer live in Parma, ID.

            Things were busy on the Olson acres on Station Creek Road. Jon and Peggy Flinders and their little troop came down from Rigby for some Creek time with her parents, Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson.

              Jeff and Deborah Olson enjoyed a visit from his daughter Lesli and Jared and their baby Anna. It is a great season to soak up nature's beauty anywhere in the Mink Creek.

Sam and Sylvia Stanger are at home in their restored yellow school house. They have been serving a mission in Florida and we are glad to have them back among the mountains.

            Although she is now living in Pocatello we are happy to report that our Naomi Wilde celebrated her 103^rd birthday on June 6^th in true “Naomi style.” Family and friends celebrated with her and all three of her sons were able to come: Ross, Van, and Dean.

          Family and friends gathered for the funeral of Dennis Clark. The eldest daughter of Judy and Denny, Kimberly and Sam Daines and their family live in New York. Brenda and Greg Belew now live in St. Anthony, ID. Justin Clark is in Layton, UT and Casey and Constance Clark live in Dayton.

          The local wildflowers splash our slopes with color. There are sheets of golden Mule's Ears still in bloom and scattered here are there are the bright yellow lady slippers, purple and blue lupine and the ever present Yarrow with those tight white clusters. Little patches of phlox , so low to the gound often go unnoticed with all this taller color in abundance. The weeds that have blossom add their bit, though often not so welcome.

          Time marches on. With the hotter days places that are not watered are getting a bit dried out. Mink Creek is situated with several sources of water and residents keep their acreage irrigated. I think it was one of the main things that attracted our first settlers in the mid-1800's. It is haying season for our farmers and the pressure of “putting up the crop” is on---sweathers, rakes and balers in action. The hauling process follows and then the growing cycle repeats for “second crop.”

May 29, 2018

         The shift in seasons seems to bring more visitors to Mink Creek, some for a weekend, others a more extended stay. Morgan and Eli Curtis of Logan,spent a day with her parents, Paul and Terrie McKay at their home on Station Creek. Connie and Adam Westenskow had a weekend with her parents, Karen and Layne Erickson, driving up from Woods Cross, UT.

          Bret and Jody Rasmussen enjoyed the company of two daughters. Brandi Allred and her children Eliza, Jet and Ezra came up from West Bountiful, UT. Cheyenne and her husband Kaden Lloyd of Fairview, ID, joined in the family get-together. .

           River McKay has completed two years of studies at Utah State University and has now been accepted into the Outdoor Product Design and Development program. She will be headed to the northwest in the fall. In the meantime she has moved to Rexburg, ID, for summer work where she is employed at Klim as a technical developer. Life is movin' on for River. She is the daughter of Lin and Sharla McKay

          Two young women of our community have invested some time and energy in the business classes offered by the Self Reliance program of the Preston North Stake. Both Annavelyn Wilcox and Jasmine Erickson feel it has been very worthwhile for their individual situations.

           Lana and Ivan McCracken made a quick trip to his home area in Canada, visiting a friend in Raymond, Alberta. Ivan extended his stay while taking care of some business matters.

           Larry and Lillian Hansen are back in town on a semi-permanent basis. They are expecting to have family members coming in and out of their home on Bear Creek with the onslaught of warm weather and outdoor fun.

            Funeral services were held in Mink Creek for Nyala “Sam” Crane Maldeney, age 72, on May 25^th. She is is the daughter of Molly and Basil Crane. “Sam “ has had a long battle with cancer. With Basil's job as a forest ranger the family spent the growing up years wherever was his current assignment, but Mink Creek has always had the sound of 'home.' The Crane family and friends gathered for “Sam's” burial in the Mink Creek Cemetery, near her parents.

           As we herald the presence of spring, we are forced to deal with the reality of flattened bugs on the windshields. Any trip down through the river bottoms is a reminder of that population being again a force in our lives.

           At this posting we are grieved by the death of long-time resident, Dennis Clark. He died in a traffic accident while driving for a hunting trip with his grandson-in-law Bracken Atkinson. Bracken has been in the hospital in Idaho Falls and we are hopeful of his being released to come home this week.